Half-year Report

RNS Number : 1169H
Land Securities Group PLC
13 November 2018
 

Forward-looking statements

These half-yearly results, the latest Annual Report and Landsec's website may contain certain "forward-looking statements" with respect to Land Securities Group PLC (the Company) and the Group's financial condition, results of its operations and business, and certain plans, strategy, objectives, goals and expectations with respect to these items and the economies and markets in which the Group operates.

Forward-looking statements are sometimes, but not always, identified by their use of a date in the future or such words as "anticipates", "aims", "due", "could", "may", "should", "expects", "believes", "intends", "plans", "targets", "goal" or "estimates" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. By their very nature forward-looking statements are inherently unpredictable, speculative and involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Many of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Group's ability to control or estimate precisely. There are a number of such factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the political conditions, economies and markets in which the Group operates (including the outcome of the negotiations to leave the EU); changes in the legal, regulatory and competition frameworks in which the Group operates; changes in the markets from which the Group raises finance; the impact of legal or other proceedings against or which affect the Group; changes in accounting practices and interpretation of accounting standards under IFRS, and changes in interest and exchange rates.

Any forward-looking statements made in these half-yearly results, the latest Annual Report or Landsec's website, or made subsequently, which are attributable to the Company or any other member of the Group, or persons acting on their behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the factors referred to above. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made. Except as required by its legal or statutory obligations, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements.

Nothing contained in these half-yearly results, the latest Annual Report or Landsec's website should be construed as a profit forecast or an invitation to deal in the securities of the Company.

 

Half-yearly results for the six months ended 30 September 2018

13 November 2018

Developing future opportunities from a position of strength

Robust performance

-   Revenue profit(1)(2) up 10.3% to £224m with net rental income up and costs down

-   Profit for the period of £42m (2017: £34m)

-   Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)(2) up 17.9% to 30.3p

-   First half dividend up 14.7% to 22.6p

-   EPRA net assets per share(1) down 1.4% to 1,384p

-   Combined Portfolio(1)(2) valued at £14.0bn, with a valuation deficit(1)(2) of £188m or 1.4%

¾    London offices up 0.2%; central London shops down 2.9%

¾    Shopping centres and shops down 2.9% with outlets flat; retail parks down 4.5%; leisure and hotels down 0.2%

-   High occupancy with like-for-like voids(3) down to 1.9% (31 March 2018: 2.2%)

-   Ungeared total property return(3) 0.8%

¾    London Portfolio 1.6% (IPD Quarterly Universe 2.8%)

¾    Retail Portfolio (0.2)% (IPD Quarterly Universe (1.3)%)

-   Total business return(1) 0.4%

Healthy financial position

-   Group LTV ratio(1)(2) at 26.2% (31 March 2018: 25.8%)

-   Adjusted net debt(1)(2) of £3.7bn (31 March 2018: £3.7bn)

-   Weighted average cost of debt at 2.6% (31 March 2018: 2.6%)

-   Weighted average maturity of debt at 12.6 years (31 March 2018: 13.1 years)

-   Cash and available facilities(2) of £1.1bn

Increased development pipeline and new concepts

-    London office development pipeline increased to 2 million sq ft with an estimated cost of £2bn

¾    Good progress on site at 21 Moorfields, EC2, with test piling completed successfully

¾    Portland House, SW1 added to existing opportunities at Nova East, SW1, 1 Sherwood St, W1, Sumner St, SE1 and Red Lion Court, SE1

-    Mixed use development pipeline being worked up at suburban London retail locations

¾    In design at Finchley Road, NW3 and Shepherd's Bush, W12, at an estimated cost of £1bn and including over 1,700 new homes

¾    Longer term opportunity at Lewisham town centre, SE13

-    Flexible office product to be launched in the new year at 123 Victoria Street, SW1

Environmental and social leadership

-     Ranked first in the UK among our peer group in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving a Five Star rating and 90% score

-     Ranked first in the UK in the property sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), scoring 73 compared with an industry average of 37

-     Aerial window cleaning training academy opened at HM Prison Isis in south east London augmenting our Community Employment Programme

 

Chief Executive Robert Noel said:

"Landsec has delivered a robust performance in an uncertain market. With healthy growth in earnings per share and a strong financial position, we are looking forward with confidence, introducing new concepts and growing our pipeline of development opportunities.

 

"In Retail, our focus on vibrant destinations that offer the most engaging experiences for retailers and consumers has served us well in tough market conditions. We have made good progress on plans for mixed use development at several of our suburban London assets and will be submitting planning applications which will include over 1,700 homes in two of these locations.

 

"In London, we've expanded our pipeline of office development opportunities to £2bn and will be launching a new flexible office product in the new year, catering for increasing customer demand for flexible, serviced solutions.

 

"We remain alert to market risks but are confident in our current positioning and excited about the future."

 

 

Results summary

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2018

Six months ended 30 September 2017(4)

Change

Revenue profit(1)(2)

£224m

£203m

Up 10.3%

Valuation deficit(1)(2)

£(188)m

£(19)m

Down 1.4%(5)

Profit before tax

£42m

£34m

 

Basic earnings per share

5.9p

4.2p

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)(2)

30.3p

25.7p

Up 17.9%

Dividend per share

22.6p

19.7p

Up 14.7%

 

30 September 2018

31 March 2018(4)

 

Net assets per share

1,385p

1,404p

Down 1.4%

EPRA net assets per share(1)

1,384p

1,403p

Down 1.4%

Group LTV ratio(1)(2)

26.2%

25.8%

 

 

1.    An alternative performance measure. The Group uses a number of financial measures to assess and explain its performance, some of which are considered to be alternative performance measures as they are not defined under IFRS. For further details, see the Financial review and table 15 in the Business analysis section.

2.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Financial review.

3.    For further details, see the Business analysis section.

4.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

5.    The % change for the valuation deficit represents the fall in value of the Combined Portfolio over the six month period, adjusted for net investment.

 

Chief Executive's statement

Landsec delivered a robust performance in the first half. We have benefitted from our excellent levels of leasing activity last year, high quality assets and good operational performance against a backdrop of near-term political uncertainty and tough retail markets. We've added substantial office and mixed use projects to our development pipeline and are expanding our customer offer in London.

 

Our strategy to create buildings and destinations that deliver a great experience has ensured continued high occupancy. Combined with the effect of refinancing some bonds in the last financial year, this has led to a rise in revenue profit of 10.3% compared with the same period last year, despite us being net sellers in the year to 31 March 2018. Adjusted diluted earnings per share are up 17.9% due to the increase in revenue profit combined with the effect of the capital return and share consolidation last year.

 

Asset values declined by 1.4% in aggregate over the six month period, reflecting negative sentiment in the retail sector, and this has led to a 1.4% reduction in EPRA net asset value per share to 1,384p. With our portfolio valued at £14.0bn and adjusted net debt at £3.7bn, our loan-to-value is 26.2%. This low gearing, combined with our AA rating, enables us to invest in our growing development pipeline and other opportunities as they arise.

Responding to changing needs

We continue to develop and test new concepts at Landsec Lab, our collaborative centre in Southwark, originally set up to develop our residential concepts in Victoria and our own office environment. Moving forward with new approaches that ensure our space and services meet changing customer expectations and reflect new patterns of work, we're set to launch a new flexible office product early next year, starting with 36,000 sq ft of space at 123 Victoria Street, SW1. This will provide customers with direct access to contemporary serviced space on flexible, all-inclusive terms. At both 80 Victoria Street, SW1 and 20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2, our Landsec Lounge concept has been a great success. This café space enables employees of all occupiers to connect, work, eat, socialise and relax within the building. It's been a popular addition that has helped us re-let space quickly at strong rental levels, and we're now working on introducing lounges elsewhere.

 

Structural and cyclical challenges have combined to create tough conditions for retailers. We're not immune but have been more resilient than the general market due to diversified income from dominant centres, outlet destinations, affordable retail parks, leisure assets and hotels. With consumer behaviour continuing to evolve, we're keeping a sharp focus on anticipating and meeting customers' changing needs and enhancing the experience we provide. We are very active asset managers in retail, and that includes developing alternative use strategies where we see potential to create value.

Growing the pipeline

Confident in the long-term future of London, we're growing our office-led development pipeline. We have

2 million sq ft either on site, in design, or in feasibility, representing a total development cost of around £2bn. 21 Moorfields, EC2 is on schedule to complete in 2021 when it will be handed over to Deutsche Bank for their new UK headquarters. We're working on revised plans for the development of Nova East, SW1 and are in pre-planning for the redevelopment of Portland House, SW1 underlining our strong belief in Victoria. And we are assessing new sites for the next generation of London developments.

 

In addition, we are working up plans for significant mixed use developments, including more than 4,000 homes on our suburban London retail sites. At two of these, Finchley Road, NW3 and Shepherd's Bush, W12, we intend to submit planning applications in the first half of 2019 with a total development cost of around £1bn. We also see excellent potential for a new town centre at Lewisham, with our ownership of Lewisham Shopping Centre, SE13 forming the core of a potential 8.3 acre mixed use destination. In addition to this, we are exploring the potential at other locations in London.

Leading on environmental and social issues

We are conscious of the broader impact of our business on our customers, communities, employees and partners. For the second consecutive year, we lead the UK listed real estate sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and in September we were named leader in both the UK Listed Company and UK Diversified (Office/Retail) categories in the 2018 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark. Recognition in these benchmarking schemes reflects how we're constantly pushing ourselves to achieve more in terms of creating jobs and opportunities; efficient use of natural resources; and sustainable design and innovation. This requires us to take long-term action on both environmental and social issues. For example, in September, we opened the UK's first aerial window cleaning training academy at a prison, HMP Isis. This adds to our existing initiatives enabling prisoners to train in dry lining, scaffolding, hospitality and customer service, all of which help address the UK skills shortage and reduce reoffending.

Looking ahead with confidence

There are a number of potential outcomes to the UK's exit from the EU on 29 March 2019. We approach this date with an appropriate balance of low current risk and exciting future growth prospects. In the second half of the year, we will keep working on our development pipeline and bring more customer experience-led innovation to market.

 

 

 

Robert Noel

Chief Executive

Financial review

Overview

Table 1: Highlights

 

Six months ended

30 September 2018

Six months ended

30 September 2017(1)

Revenue profit(2)

£224m

£203m

Valuation deficit(2)

£(188)m

£(19)m

Profit before tax

£42m

£34m

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

5.9p

4.2p

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(2)

30.3p

25.7p

Dividend per share

22.6p

19.7p

 

 

 

 

30 September 2018

31 March 2018(1)

Combined Portfolio(2)

£14.0bn

£14.1bn

 

 

 

Net assets per share

1,385p

1,404p

EPRA net assets per share

1,384p

1,403p

 

 

 

Adjusted net debt(2)

£3.7bn

£3.7bn

Group LTV ratio(2)

26.2%

25.8%

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

2.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information below.

 

Revenue profit for the six months to 30 September 2018 was £224m, up 10.3% from £203m. The increase in revenue profit was driven by higher net rental income and reduced costs, in particular interest expense. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were up 17.9% at 30.3p due to the increased revenue profit and a reduction in the number of shares in issue following the return of capital and share consolidation in September 2017. Over the six month period, our assets declined in value by 1.4% or £188m (including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures) compared with a £19m decline in the same period last year. This decline in the value of our assets is behind the reduction in our EPRA net assets per share in the period, down 1.4% to 1,384p.

Presentation of financial information

Our property portfolio is a combination of properties that are wholly owned by the Group, part owned through joint arrangements and those owned by the Group but where a third party holds a non-controlling interest. Internally, management reviews the results of the Group on a basis that adjusts for these forms of ownership to present a proportionate share. The Combined Portfolio, with assets totalling £14.0bn, is an example of this approach, reflecting the economic interest we have in our properties regardless of our ownership structure. We consider this presentation provides a better explanation to stakeholders of the activities and performance of the Group, as it aggregates the results of all of the Group's property interests which under IFRS are required to be presented across a number of line items in the statutory financial statements.

 

The same principle is applied to many of the other measures we discuss and, accordingly, a number of our financial measures include the results of our joint ventures and subsidiaries on a proportionate basis. Measures that are described as being presented on a proportionate basis include the Group's share of joint ventures on a line-by-line basis, but exclude the non-owned elements of our subsidiaries. This is in contrast to the Group's statutory financial statements, where the Group's interest in joint ventures is presented as one line on the income statement and balance sheet, and all subsidiaries are consolidated at 100% with any non-owned element being adjusted as a non-controlling interest or redemption liability, as appropriate. Our joint operations are presented on a proportionate basis in all financial measures.

 

As set out in the 2018 Annual Report, the Group amended its accounting policy for debt refinancing with effect from 1 April 2018. This change in accounting policy has resulted in the debt refinancing exercise completed on 3 November 2004 being treated as an extinguishment of the original debt, and therefore the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment previously reported is no longer required. As a consequence of this change, the Group's adjusted diluted net assets per share measure is now aligned with the EPRA definition. Adjusted net assets per share is therefore no longer reported separately in the Group's financial statements. While there is also now no difference between our adjusted earnings measure and the EPRA earnings definition, we have continued to report adjusted earnings as there may be occasions in the future when these diverge. The change in accounting policy has been applied retrospectively and comparatives restated accordingly. The revised policy and the impact of the change in accounting policy on the consolidated interim financial information is detailed in note 17 of the financial statements. There has been no change to our previously reported adjusted earnings and adjusted net assets per share as a result of the restatement of comparative figures.

 

Measures presented on a proportionate basis are alternative performance measures as they are not defined under IFRS. Where appropriate, many of the measures we use are based on best practice reporting recommendations published by EPRA. For further details see table 15 in the Business analysis section.

 

Income statement

 

Our income statement has two key components: the income we generate from leasing our investment properties net of associated costs (including finance expense), which we refer to as revenue profit, and items not directly related to the underlying rental business, principally valuation changes, profits or losses on the disposal of properties and finance charges related to the bond repurchases, which we call Capital and other items.

 

We present two measures of earnings per share; the IFRS measure of basic earnings per share, which is derived from the total profit for the period attributable to shareholders, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which is based on tax-adjusted revenue profit, referred to as adjusted earnings.

 

Table 2: Income statement

 

 

Six months ended

30 September 2018

Six months ended

30 September 2017(1)

 

Table

£m

£m

Revenue profit

3

224

203

Capital and other items

6

(182)

(169)

Profit before tax

 

42

34

Taxation

 

2

(1)

Profit attributable to shareholders

 

44

33

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

5.9p

4.2p

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

 

30.3p

25.7p

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

 

Our profit before tax was £42m, compared with £34m in the same period in the prior year, due to higher net rental income and lower costs, primarily net finance expense. Capital and other items recorded a higher loss due to a larger valuation deficit, although in the prior period we incurred costs associated with the redemption of some of our bonds. The higher profit before tax drives a 1.7p increase in earnings per share from 4.2p in the comparative period to 5.9p in the six months ended 30 September 2018. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 17.9%, from 25.7p to 30.3p this period, as a result of the increase in revenue profit from £203m to £224m and a reduction in the weighted average number of shares in issue. There is no difference between our adjusted diluted earnings per share and the EPRA measure.

 

The reasons behind the movements in revenue profit and Capital and other items are discussed in more detail below.

Revenue profit

Revenue profit is our measure of underlying pre-tax profit, presented on a proportionate basis. A full definition of revenue profit is given in the Glossary. The main components of revenue profit, including the contributions from London and Retail, are presented in the table below.

 

Table 3: Revenue profit

 

 

Six months ended

30 September 2018

Six months ended

30 September 2017

 

 

 

 

Retail Portfolio

London Portfolio

Total

Retail

Portfolio

London Portfolio

Total

 

Change

 

Table

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

£m

Gross rental income(1)

 

175

160

335

171

154

325

 

10

Net service charge expense

 

(6)

1

(5)

(5)

-

(5)

 

-

Net direct property expenditure

 

(16)

(6)

(22)

(7)

(10)

(17)

 

(5)

Net rental income

4

153

155

308

159

144

303

 

5

Indirect costs

 

(10)

(8)

(18)

(11)

(9)

(20)

 

2

Segment profit before finance expense

 

143

147

290

148

135

283

 

7

Net unallocated expenses

 

 

 

(17)

 

 

(19)

 

2

Net finance expense

5

 

 

(49)

 

 

(61)

 

12

Revenue profit

 

 

 

224

 

 

203

 

21

 

1.    Includes finance lease interest, after rents payable.

 

Revenue profit increased by £21m to £224m for the six months ended 30 September 2018 (2017: £203m). This was the result of a £5m increase in net rental income for the period as well as lower net finance expenses and net indirect expenses. The increase in net rental income was driven by a £10m increase in gross rental income but this was partly offset by £5m of higher direct property expenditure, principally provisions against a number of retail tenant incentive balances. The movements are explained in more detail below.

Net rental income

Table 4: Net rental income(1)

 

 

£m

Net rental income for the six months ended 30 September 2017

 

303

Net rental income movement in the period:

 

 

Like-for-like investment properties

 

8

Proposed developments

 

-

Development programme

 

-

Completed developments

 

10

Acquisitions since 1 April 2017

 

2

Sales since 1 April 2017

 

(13)

Non-property related income

 

(2)

 

 

5

Net rental income for the six months ended 30 September 2018

 

308

 

1.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

 

Net rental income increased by £5m in the six months ended 30 September 2018 as rental income growth from our like-for-like portfolio, completed developments and acquisitions was only partly offset by the impact of properties sold since 1 April 2017 and a small decline in non-property related income. Significant disposals included 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 and Ibis, Euston, both sold in the prior year. Our completed developments generated £10m of additional net rental income following the completion of Westgate Oxford and Nova, Victoria and further lettings at The Zig Zag Building, SW1. Like-for-like net rental income increased by £8m driven by rent reviews in London and higher rental income at Piccadilly Lights, W1, which was under refurbishment for part of the comparative period, partly offset by an increase in provisions against tenant incentives in retail.

 

Further information on the net rental income performance of the London and Retail portfolios is given in the respective business reviews.

Net indirect expenses

The indirect costs of the London and Retail portfolios and net unallocated expenses should be considered together as collectively they represent the net indirect expenses of the Group including joint ventures. In total, net indirect expenses were £35m (2017: £39m). The £4m decrease is primarily the result of lower share-based payment charges as long-term incentives did not vest in the period resulting in a credit to the income statement.

Net finance expense (included in revenue profit)

Table 5: Net finance expense(1)

 

£m

Net finance expense for the six months ended 30 September 2017

61

Impact of:

 

Refinancing

(14)

Lower capitalised interest

2

Net finance expense for the six months ended 30 September 2018

49

 

1.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

 

Our net finance expense has decreased by £12m to £49m, primarily due to interest savings following the refinancing of medium term notes and the redemption of the £273m Queen Anne's Gate (QAG) Bond in the prior year.

Capital and other items

 

Table 6: Capital and other items(1)

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2018

Six months ended
 30 September 2017(2)

 

Table

£m

£m

Valuation and profits on disposals

 

 

 

Valuation deficit

7

(188)

(19)

Movement in impairment of trading properties

 

-

(1)

(Loss)/profit on disposal of investment properties

 

(4)

2

Profit on disposal of trading properties

 

1

16

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

 

-

66

Fair value movement prior to acquisition of non-owned element of a joint venture

 

9

-

Profit from long-term development contracts

 

3

-

Net finance expense

8

(2)

(233)

Other

 

(1)

-

Capital and other items

 

(182)

(169)

 

1.     Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

2.     Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

An explanation of the main Capital and other items is given below.

Valuation of investment properties

Our Combined Portfolio declined in value by 1.4% or £188m compared with a decrease in the comparative period of £19m. A breakdown of valuation movements by category is shown in table 7.

 

Table 7: Valuation analysis

 

Market value

30 September 2018

Valuation movement

Rental value change(1)

Net initial
 yield

Equivalent
 yield

Movement in equivalent yield

 

£m

%

%

%

%

bps

Shopping centres and shops

3,451

(3.2)

(1.7)

4.5

4.9

4

Retail parks

720

(4.5)

(1.3)

5.5

5.6

14

Leisure and hotels

1,301

(0.2)

(0.4)

5.1

5.4

-

London offices

5,285

0.4

1.2

4.0

4.5

2

Central London shops

1,297

(2.7)

(0.2)

3.7

4.2

8

Other (Retail and London)

48

(4.6)

1.3

1.9

3.6

15

Total like-for-like portfolio

12,102

(1.4)

(0.2)

4.3

4.8

4

Proposed developments

92

(1.4)

n/a

0.5

n/a

n/a

Development programme

203

4.2

n/a

-

4.4

n/a

Completed developments

1,199

(2.2)

(0.5)

2.7

4.3

7

Acquisitions

368

(0.8)

n/a

5.2

5.5

n/a

Total Combined Portfolio

13,964

(1.4)

(0.2)

4.1

4.7

-

 

1.    Rental value change excludes units materially altered during the six month period.

 

Our Combined Portfolio fell in value by 1.4%, with a small increase in the value of our London Offices offset by a decline in retail asset valuations in challenging market conditions. Within the like-for-like portfolio, shopping centres and shops were down 3.2% as rental values declined by 1.7% and equivalent yields moved out by 4 basis points on average, with some yields unchanged and others moving out by up to 15 basis points. The value of our retail parks was down by 4.5% due to a combination of rental value decline and a 14 basis points outward movement in yields. In leisure and hotels, our hotel values were virtually unchanged while our leisure assets reduced in value by 0.4% as rents reduced due to units in administration. In London, our office values were up marginally, driven by rent review settlements in Mid-town, partly offset by a small outward yield shift in Victoria, SW1. Our central London shops declined in value by 2.7%, primarily due to Piccadilly Lights, W1 where there was a reduction in the anticipated income from short-term lettings.

 

Outside the like-for-like portfolio, our only asset in the development programme is 21 Moorfields, EC2 which saw a 4.2% increase in value while completed developments were down 2.2% due to small outward yield movements at Westgate Oxford and The Zig Zag Building, SW1.

Profits on disposals

Profits on disposals relate to the sale of investment properties, trading properties, joint ventures and other investments. We made a total net loss on disposals of £3m (2017: net profit of £84m). The £4m loss on disposal of investment properties is largely due to the sale of Almondvale South Retail Park in Livingston. The profit on disposal of trading properties of £1m relates to the sale of residential units.

Fair value movement prior to acquisition of non-owned element of a joint venture

The £9m fair value movement relates to a previously unrealised profit being recognised upon our acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in The Oriana Limited Partnership.

Net finance expense (included in Capital and other items)

In the six months ended 30 September 2018, we incurred £2m of net finance expense which is excluded from revenue profit.

 

Table 8: Net finance expense(1)

 

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(2)

 

£m

£m

 

 

 

Premium and fees on redemption of medium term notes (MTNs)

(2)

(173)

Premium and fees on QAG Bond redemption

-

(62)

Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps

1

5

Other

(1)

(3)

Total

(2)

(233)

 

1.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

2.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

 

The decrease over the prior period in this element of our net finance expense is due to the lower level of debt management activity.

Taxation

As a REIT, our income and capital gains from qualifying activities are exempt from corporation tax. 90% of this income must be distributed as a Property Income Distribution, and is taxed at the shareholder level to give a similar tax position to direct property ownership. Non-qualifying activities, such as property trading or sales of companies, are subject to corporation tax. In the six months ended 30 September 2018, there was a tax credit of £2m (2017: charge £1m) as a result of movements in deferred tax.

Balance sheet

Table 9: Balance sheet

 

30 September 2018

31 March 2018(1)

 

£m

£m

Combined Portfolio

13,964

14,103

Adjusted net debt

(3,675)

(3,652)

Other net assets

(45)

(71)

EPRA net assets

10,244

10,380

Fair value of interest-rate swaps

7

6

Net assets

10,251

10,386

 

 

 

Net assets per share

1,385p

1,404p

EPRA net assets per share

1,384p

1,403p

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

 

Our net assets principally comprise the Combined Portfolio less net debt. Following the change in accounting policy outlined in note 17 to the financial statements, the EPRA measure of net assets now aligns with our calculation of an appropriate adjusted measure of net assets. It is also much more closely aligned with the IFRS measure, which now no longer includes the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment. The only difference between the two is the fair value of interest-rate swaps which is excluded from the calculation of EPRA net assets. Both IFRS net assets and EPRA net assets declined over the six months ended 30 September 2018 due to the reduction in the value of our investment properties.

 

At 30 September 2018, our net assets per share were 1,385p, a decrease of 19p or 1.4% from 31 March 2018. EPRA net assets per share were 1,384p, a decrease of 19p or 1.4%.

 

Table 10 summarises the key components of the £136m decrease in our EPRA net assets over the six month period.

 

Table 10: Movement in EPRA net assets(1)

 

 

Diluted per share

 

£m

pence

EPRA net assets at 31 March 2018(2)

10,380

1,403

Revenue profit

224

30

Valuation deficit

(188)

(25)

Net loss on disposals

(3)

-

Dividends

(181)

(25)

Other

12

1

EPRA net assets at 30 September 2018

10,244

1,384

 

1.     Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

2.     Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

Net debt and gearing

Table 11: Net debt and gearing

 

30 September 2018

31 March 2018(1)

 

 

 

Net debt

£3,692m

£3,654m

Adjusted net debt(2)

£3,675m

£3,652m

 

 

 

Gearing

36.0%

35.2%

Adjusted gearing(3)

35.9%

35.2%

 

 

 

Group LTV(2)

26.2%

25.8%

Security Group LTV

27.5%

27.2%

Weighted average cost of debt(2)

2.6%

2.6%

 

1.    Figures for the prior period have been restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 to the financial statements for details.

2.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

3.    Adjusted net debt divided by EPRA net assets.

 

Over the six month period, our net debt increased by £38m to £3,692m. The main elements behind this increase are set out in our statement of cash flows and note 14 to the financial statements.

 

Adjusted net debt was up £23m to £3,675m. For a reconciliation of net debt to adjusted net debt, see note 13 to the financial statements. Table 12 sets out the main movements behind the increase in our adjusted net debt.

 

Table 12: Movement in adjusted net debt(1)

 

£m

Adjusted net debt at 31 March 2018

3,652

Operating cash inflow

(163)

Dividends paid

168

Acquisitions

46

Development/other capital expenditure

64

Disposals

(96)

Redemption of medium term notes

2

Other

2

Adjusted net debt at 30 September 2018

3,675

 

1.    Including our proportionate share of subsidiaries and joint ventures, as explained in the Presentation of financial information above.

 

 

Net operating cash inflow was £163m, offset by dividend payments of £168m. Capital expenditure was £64m (£61m on investment properties and £3m on trading properties), largely spent on our development programme, and cash outflow for acquisitions was £46m. Net cash flows from disposals totalled £96m; £61m from the disposal of investment properties and £35m from the disposal of trading properties. We incurred an additional £2m to repurchase medium term notes.

 

The most widely used gearing measure in our industry is loan-to-value (LTV). We focus most on Group LTV, presented on a proportionate basis, which increased from 25.8% at 31 March 2018 to 26.2% at 30 September 2018, primarily due to the decline in the value of our assets. Our Security Group LTV increased from 27.2% to 27.5% for the same reason.

Financing

At 30 September 2018, our committed revolving facilities totalled £2,115m (31 March 2018: £2,090m). The pricing of our facilities which fall due in more than one year range from LIBOR +65 basis points to LIBOR +80 basis points. Borrowings under our commercial paper programme typically have a maturity of less than three months, currently carry a weighted average interest rate of LIBOR +23 basis points and are unsecured. The total amount drawn under the syndicated bank debt and commercial paper programme was £1,106m (31 March 2018: £1,100m).

 

During the six months ended 30 September 2018, the Group conducted a limited tender exercise which resulted in us buying back £8m (nominal value) of medium term notes (MTNs) for a premium of £2m. This, in conjunction with the larger debt refinancing exercises carried out in the year ended 31 March 2018, has resulted in a reduction in interest costs of £14m in the six months ended 30 September 2018.

 

The Group's debt (on a proportionate basis) has a weighted average maturity of 12.6 years (down from 13.1 years at 31 March 2018), a weighted average cost of 2.6% (in line with 2.6% at 31 March 2018) and 82% is at fixed interest rates (excluding finance leases). At 30 September 2018, we had £1.1bn of cash and available facilities. This gives the business considerable flexibility to deploy capital quickly when investment opportunities arise.

Changes in accounting policy

The Group adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments on 1 April 2018. While some accounting policies have been amended on adoption of the standard, none have required the Group's income statement or balance sheet to be adjusted. The new accounting policies are set out in note 17 of the financial statements.

 

The Group has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers on 1 April 2018. As a result of adopting the standard, service charge income and expense have been presented on a net basis for those properties where the property management activities are performed by a third party (see note 17 of the financial statements for further details). The Group has elected to apply the standard on a full retrospective basis as permitted by IFRS 15. The service charge income and expense for the six months ended 30 September 2017 have both reduced by £11m as a result of adopting this standard. There has been no change in net service charge, revenue profit, profit attributable to shareholders or the Group's balance sheet.

 

As detailed in the Presentation of financial information above, the Group has amended its accounting policy for debt refinancing from 1 April 2018. The revised policy and the impact of the change in accounting policy on the consolidated interim financial information is detailed in note 17 of the financial statements.

Dividend

We will be paying a second quarterly dividend of 11.3p per share on 4 January 2019 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 30 November 2018. This will be paid wholly as a Property Income Distribution. Taken together with the first quarterly dividend of 11.3p per share, paid wholly as a Property Income Distribution on 5 October 2018, our first half dividend will be 22.6p per share (six months ended 30 September 2017: 19.7p), representing an increase of 14.7% and a total payment of £167m (six months ended 30 September 2017: £151m).

 

 

 

Martin Greenslade

Chief Financial Officer

London Portfolio

At a glance

-   Valuation deficit of 0.4%(1)

-   Ungeared total property return of 1.6%

-   The portfolio underperformed the IPD Quarterly Universe at 2.8%

-   £5m of investment lettings and £1m of development lettings

-   Like-for-like voids: 0.7% (31 March 2018: 1.8%)

Our strategy

Our London strategy continues to focus on delivering our customers the spaces and experiences they need for their businesses to thrive. We do this by working in partnership with our customers to address their future needs and challenges. Our business growth will be through investment and development activities.

Our market

Central London office take-up and development completions are both slightly above the long-term rolling average. The levels of pre-let activity and take-up of serviced office space have been strong. Demand for second hand space is below average and has been for several quarters now, increasing the proportion of available space that is not meeting the requirements of today's occupiers. These dynamics have kept vacancy rates and rental levels relatively stable. Development starts to date have slowed compared with the same period over the last two years.

 

Investment volumes remain above the long-term average and the market remains dominated by capital inflows from Asia. Yields and values have remained broadly stable.

Our portfolio - innovating best in class assets

As new patterns of work emerge, requiring increased focus on service and flexibility, we are expanding our flexible office approach. In addition to the offer already provided through third party operators, we will be introducing our own flexible office product early next year. Initially at 123 Victoria Street, SW1, this will provide customers with direct access to contemporary serviced and customisable space on flexible terms. And following the great response to our Landsec Lounge concept at 80 Victoria Street, SW1 and 20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2, we plan to roll out this café-style communal space at Dashwood House, EC2, 6 New Street Square, EC4, 62 Buckingham Gate, SW1 and One New Change, EC4.

 

The quality, resilience and relevance of our portfolio is reflected in our 99% occupancy and long average lease term. During the period, we completed £5m of lettings and £20m of rent reviews at 19% above passing rent.

 

At Nova, SW1 we let our last retail unit to a leisure operator as part of our ongoing placemaking, mixing retail, restaurants and leisure into an attractive combination for residents, occupiers and visitors. Sales of residential apartments continue to complete and we now have just five apartments remaining unsold.

 

At Piccadilly Lights, W1, we have now seen a full six months of activity following refurbishment of the screen, which is divided into six lettable areas. Three of these are committed for the medium term with the remainder available for shorter lettings, providing greater variety, but reducing the certainty of income.

 

Our like-for-like void rate was 0.7% at 30 September 2018 down from 1.8% at 31 March 2018 primarily driven by lettings at 10 Eastbourne Terrace, W2, 6 New Street Square, EC4 and 16 Palace Street, SW1.

Our pipeline - growing our current and future programme to 2 million sq ft

We are applying new approaches to design, procurement and construction including the use of advanced 3D modelling and offsite manufacturing. These approaches save time, reduce cost, waste and environmental impact and are just two examples of the work that has come out of Landsec Lab, our collaborative workspace where we and other businesses test new ideas.

 

During the period, we added to our pipeline of development opportunities and now have 2 million sq ft either on site, in design or in feasibility, representing a total development cost of £2bn.

 

In the City, we are pleased with progress at 21 Moorfields, EC2. Our pre-let to Deutsche Bank is now unconditional, we've successfully completed our test piles for building over the railway and have appointed our main contractor.

 

At Nova East in Victoria, we have improved the potential return on the scheme by simplifying the structure and design at this technically challenging site, thereby increasing the consented floor area by 19%. We now have the site back from TfL and are working towards a start on site in April next year.

 

At 1 Sherwood Street, W1, we have made good progress with our plans for a 144,000 sq ft mixed use scheme behind Piccadilly Lights. We have extinguished all third party rights and acquired nearby 116-126 Wardour Street, W1 to provide the affordable residential requirement which enables us to utilise space more efficiently on the site. The scheme will comprise offices, retail units and a roof-top restaurant together with a Landsec Lounge offering on the first floor. We are working towards a start on site in April next year.

 

South of the river in Southwark, we have two schemes: 105 Sumner Street and Red Lion Court. At Sumner Street we have consent for two buildings totalling 135,000 sq ft and we are working towards a start on site in October 2019. At Red Lion Court, we've just finalised feasibility for a 324,000 sq ft office building and plan to submit a planning application in summer 2019.

 

Finally, back in Victoria at Portland House, we're working on the feasibility of a new 530,000 sq ft building. The uplift in floor area will require affordable housing and we have secured a planning resolution for 86 units at nearby Castle Lane. We intend to submit a planning application next year.

Net rental income

Table 13: Net rental income(1)

 

30 September 2018

30 September 2017

Change

 

£m

£m

£m

Like-for-like investment properties

136

122

14

Proposed developments

1

1

-

Development programme

-

-

-

Completed developments

17

11

6

Acquisitions since 1 April 2017

-

-

-

Sales since 1 April 2017

-

8

(8)

Non-property related income

1

2

(1)

Net rental income

155

144

11

 

1.    On a proportionate basis.

 

Net rental income for the London Portfolio increased by £11m to £155m, with additional income from the like-for-like portfolio and developments more than offsetting lost income following the disposal of 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3.

 

Approximately half of the £14m growth in income from the like-for-like portfolio is due to the refurbished screen at Piccadilly Lights, W1 being switched back on in October last year. The completion of rent reviews and the letting of void space also contributed to the increase. Further lettings at our completed developments, principally Nova and The Zig Zag Building, both SW1, contributed an additional £6m. This was offset, however, by £8m of income lost as a result of the disposal of 20 Fenchurch St, EC3.

Our outlook

We remain confident in our view that London is a global city with strong long-term prospects. Occupational demand and pre-letting activity have remained steady, and we expect a continued flight to quality. This trend may put pressure on second hand space and we will continue to monitor the market for opportunities to deploy capital.

 

We have added to our development opportunities and are deploying innovative ways of building more quickly and cost effectively. The location and the nature of the product in our pipeline means it is likely we will develop speculatively, although timing will depend on market conditions.

Retail Portfolio

At a glance

-     Valuation deficit of 2.5%(1)

-     Ungeared total property return of (0.2)%

-     The portfolio outperformed the IPD Quarterly Universe at (1.3)%

-     £6m of investment lettings and £1m of development lettings

-     Like-for-like voids: 3.0% (31 March 2018: 2.7%) and units in administration: 0.7% (31 March 2018: 0.7%)

-     Footfall in our regional shopping centres and outlets was down 2.3% (national benchmark down 3.0%)

-     Same centre sales, taking into account new lettings and occupier changes, were down 1.4% (national benchmark down 2.1%; including online, up 0.1%)

Our strategy

Our retail strategy is to focus on vibrant, resilient destinations which offer the most engaging experiences for retailers and consumers. Our diversified portfolio, including outlets, leisure and hotels, is performing well relative to the market in a difficult trading environment. We are introducing innovative concepts into the portfolio and are progressing plans for mixed use development at a number of our suburban London assets.

Our market

Retailers are facing tough conditions, with online sales continuing to grow, increasing costs and pressure on consumer spend. A number of retailers have entered into Company Voluntary Arrangements, or CVAs, with the aim of curtailing leases or reducing rents. This has impacted demand for space and increased voids in locations where these retailers are performing less well. Investment volumes are low and pricing has softened, reflecting cautious investor sentiment towards this sector.

Our portfolio - diversified by sector, focused on the customer

The diversity of our portfolio and customer base means we are less reliant on retailer demand, with our hotel, leisure and outlet assets performing better than shopping centres and retail parks.

 

Physical stores in the best locations continue to be important to retailers, and our portfolio of great destinations continues to attract occupiers, maintains high occupancy levels and is relatively less impacted by CVAs than the wider market. Our like-for-like portfolio voids are 3.0% and we secured £7m of lettings during the period.

 

At Bluewater, Kent, Primark is currently fitting out its new 60,000 sq ft store. JD Sports will double its floorspace before Christmas as demand for athleisure continues to grow. Apple's new upsized store has further strengthened the brand proposition at the centre. And BMW has opened its first BMW Urban store, enabling customers to combine digital and physical retailing in one experience. At Trinity Leeds, Timberland opened their new store in the summer, while at White Rose, Leeds, River Island completed a major upsize to create a new flagship store.

 

At Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, we reconfigured a former restaurant, creating four retail units and more than doubling the total rental value. At the outlets we acquired last year, our relationships with retailers and our experience of managing retail outlets is enabling us to enhance the offer, including welcoming Polo Ralph Lauren to Braintree.

 

Cinemas provide a great experience for our customers and this is reflected in healthy attendance and growing spend. We recently extended the cinema leases at Ashford and Xscape Milton Keynes, bringing the number of lease extensions over the last 12 months to seven. At White Rose, Leeds, we also installed Screen X, the world's first multi-projection immersive cinema auditorium offering a 270-degree viewing experience.

 

Hotel revenues tend to be closely related to GDP growth, and our 29 hotels, of which 21 are let to Accor, have consistently produced steady and resilient net rental income for us. The investment value of our hotels is typically less than their vacant possession values, demonstrating the underlying site value and potential of these assets.

 

We continue to innovate at our centres to enhance the experience for our customers and improve sustainability. We will soon be launching Black Box Revolution in Trinity Leeds. This concept aims to lower the barriers to entry for brands to trade in physical space by providing units ready for occupation in an experience-rich environment on short-term leases. Later this month, we will be launching an initiative to provide retailers with relevant, actionable feedback about their customers and their shopping behaviours. This will enable retailers to tailor product suggestions, offers and other information to their customers thereby improving the shopper experience. At White Rose, the 2,903 solar panels installed last year now produce 22% of the centre's annual communal energy requirement.

 

Westgate Oxford celebrated its first birthday in October and has firmly established itself as the retail destination of Oxford. It attracted just over 19m visitors during its first year of trading. Zara, Urban Outfitters and Flannels complete the line-up of aspirational retailers at the centre.

 

In June, the Harvest Partnership, a joint venture with Sainsbury's, forward-sold the Selly Oak retail park for a headline price of £94m (100%). Having de-risked the scheme with a 91% pre-let, this sale enabled us to crystallise value on the development, which has transformed a contaminated industrial site in this part of Birmingham. During the period, we also sold Almondvale South Retail Park in Livingston for £30m.

Our pipeline - exploring additional uses

A number of our suburban London retail assets have low site coverage, are in locations with good transport links and offer great potential for mixed use development. We intend to submit two planning applications at existing retail locations in the first half of 2019: one will include more than 1,000 homes at Finchley Road, NW3; and the second around 700 homes in Shepherd's Bush, W12. We have more sites with longer term potential including Lewisham Shopping Centre, SE13 which forms the core of a potential 8.3 acre mixed use destination. These locations are all in vibrant neighbourhoods where people want to live.

Net rental income

Table 14: Net rental income(1)

 

30 September 2018

30 September 2017

Change

 

£m

£m

£m

Like-for-like investment properties

134

140

(6)

Proposed developments

-

-

-

Development programme

-

-

-

Completed developments

5

1

4

Acquisitions since 1 April 2017

11

9

2

Sales since 1 April 2017

-

5

(5)

Non-property related income

3

4

(1)

Net rental income

153

159

(6)

 

1.    On a proportionate basis.

 

Net rental income for the Retail Portfolio has decreased by £6m to £153m. This is driven by our like-for-like properties and disposals, partly offset by completed developments and acquisitions. The £6m reduction in our like-for-like properties is driven by higher bad debts, primarily provisions of £4m against tenant incentive balances, and void and re-letting costs. Asset disposals account for a further £5m reduction in net rental income. These include Ibis, Euston and Greyhound Retail Park, Chester, both sold in the second half of last year and Almondvale South Retail Park, Livingston sold earlier this year. These reductions were partly offset by the completion and opening of Westgate Oxford in October 2017, which contributed £4m, and the acquisition of three outlet centres in May last year which contributed a further £2m.

Our outlook

We are not immune from the challenges facing the retail sector, but the diversity of our portfolio means we are resilient relative to the wider market. Over the last six months, we have attracted strong brands to our destinations, further reduced our exposure to retail parks and progressed our plans for alternative use at some of our suburban London assets. Going forward, we'll continue to focus on delivering the space, service and experience that our customers demand, while continuing to explore the development and alternative use potential within our portfolio.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks of the business are set out on pages 54-57 of the 2018 Annual Report alongside their potential impact and related mitigations. These risks fall into eight categories: customers; market cyclicality; disruption; people and skills; major health, safety and security incident; information security and cyber threat; sustainability; and investment and development strategy.

 

The Board has reviewed the principal risks in the context of the second half of the current financial year. The Board believes there has been no material change to the risk categories outlined in the 2018 Annual Report and that the existing mitigation actions remain appropriate to manage them. However, the Board notes an increase in the market cyclicality risk due to greater uncertainty regarding the outcome of Brexit negotiations and an increase in customer risk reflecting the tougher retail trading environment.

 

The Board has assessed risks to the business that may result from the UK leaving the EU, including under a 'no deal' Brexit, by reference to three distinct workstreams: construction, operations and portfolio management. In construction, the risks identified included the potential impact of tariffs on imported goods, workforce labour and skills shortages, delayed delivery of products and foreign exchange exposure. On operations, the risks included the availability of imported goods required to keep our buildings open and providing a safe and secure environment for our customers. The portfolio risks were more general and assessed as having limited impact on the Group. In consultation with its customers and suppliers, the Group has contingency plans to mitigate the risks identified within each workstream.

 

The Board is actively monitoring events and will continue to assess the broader economic uncertainties, and any consequential impact on the Group, that may result from leaving the EU. At this stage, although the Board recognises the health of our business is closely linked to the health of the UK economy, it does not believe that the UK's exit from the EU presents a threat to the business model, nor does it pose a material risk to our committed developments or existing operations.

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions appear below, confirm to the best of their knowledge that the condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as issued by the IASB and adopted by the European Union and that the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR), namely:

 

-     DTR 4.2.7 (R): an indication of important events that have occurred during the six month period ended 30 September 2018 and their impact on the condensed interim financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and
 

-     DTR 4.2.8 (R): any related party transactions in the six month period ended 30 September 2018 that have materially affected, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the 2018 Annual Report that could materially affect, the financial position or performance of the enterprise during that period.

 

The Directors of Land Securities Group PLC as at the date of this announcement are as set out below:

 

-   Cressida Hogg, Chairman*

-   Robert Noel, Chief Executive

-   Martin Greenslade, Chief Financial Officer

-   Colette O'Shea, Managing Director, London Portfolio

-   Scott Parsons, Managing Director, Retail Portfolio

-   Edward Bonham Carter, Senior Independent Director*

-   Chris Bartram*

-   Nicholas Cadbury*

-   Simon Palley*

-   Stacey Rauch*

 

*Non-executive Directors

 

A list of the current Directors is maintained on the Land Securities Group PLC website at: landsec.com.

 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial information differs from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

By order of the Board

 

 

 

Tim Ashby

Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

12 November 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Independent review report to Land Securities Group PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2018 which comprises the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes to the financial statements 1 to 18. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

 

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP

London

12 November 2018

 

Financial statements

Unaudited income statement

 

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Six months ended

30 September 2017(1)

 

 

Revenue
profit

 Capital and other items

Total

Revenue
 profit

Capital and other items

Total

 

Notes

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Revenue

5

371

7

378

355

30

385

Costs

6

(119)

(7)

(126)

(112)

(22)

(134)

 

 

252

-

252

243

8

251

Share of post-tax profit/(loss) from joint ventures

12

11

(25)

(14)

5

18

23

(Loss)/profit on disposal of investment properties

 

-

(2)

(2)

-

1

1

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

 

-

-

-

-

66

66

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

10

-

(153)

(153)

-

(29)

(29)

Operating profit/(loss)

 

263

(180)

83

248

64

312

Finance income

7

10

1

11

19

5

24

Finance expense

7

(49)

(3)

(52)

(64)

(238)

(302)

Profit/(loss) before tax

 

224

(182)

42

203

(169)

34

Taxation

 

 

 

2

 

 

(1)

Profit attributable to shareholders

 

 

 

44

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

4

 

 

5.9p

 

 

4.2p

Diluted earnings per share

4

 

 

5.9p

 

 

4.2p

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

 

Unaudited statement of comprehensive income

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Six months ended

30 September 2017(1)

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

 

£m

 

 

£m

Profit attributable to shareholders

 

44

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value movement on cash flow hedges arising during the period

 

-

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to the income statement:

 

 

 

 

 

Net re-measurement gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension scheme

 

4

 

 

(1)

Deferred tax credit on re-measurement above

 

(1)

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income attributable to shareholders

 

3

 

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders

 

47

 

 

51

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

 

Unaudited balance sheet

 

30 September

31 March

 

 

2018

2018(1)

 

Notes

£m

£m

Non-current assets

 

 

 

Investment properties

10

12,236

12,336

Intangible assets

 

32

34

Net investment in finance leases

 

161

162

Investments in joint ventures

12

1,131

1,151

Trade and other receivables

 

168

165

Other non-current assets

 

41

49

Total non-current assets

 

13,769

13,897

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

Trading properties

11

23

24

Trade and other receivables

 

481

471

Monies held in restricted accounts and deposits

 

28

15

Cash and cash equivalents

 

8

62

Other current assets

 

12

-

Total current assets

 

552

572

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

14,321

14,469

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Borrowings

14

(881)

(872)

Trade and other payables

 

(280)

(294)

Other current liabilities

 

(15)

(14)

Total current liabilities

 

(1,176)

(1,180)

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

Borrowings

14

(2,848)

(2,858)

Trade and other payables

 

(3)

-

Other non-current liabilities

 

(6)

(8)

Redemption liability

 

(37)

(37)

Total non-current liabilities

 

(2,894)

(2,903)

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

(4,070)

(4,083)

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

10,251

10,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders

 

 

 

Ordinary shares

 

80

80

Share premium

15

317

317

Other reserves

 

24

26

Retained earnings

 

9,830

9,963

Total equity

 

10,251

10,386

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

The financial statements on pages 23 to 46 were approved by the Board of Directors on 12 November 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

 

R M Noel

M F Greenslade

Directors

 

 

 

Unaudited statement of changes in equity

Attributable to shareholders

 

 

 

Ordinary shares

Share premium

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total
equity

 

 

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

At 1 April 2017(1)

 

 

80

791

30

10,301

11,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the financial period(1)

 

 

-

-

-

51

51

Transactions with shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payments

 

 

-

1

4

1

6

Capital distribution

 

 

-

(475)

-

-

(475)

Dividends paid to shareholders

 

 

-

-

-

(163)

(163)

Acquisition of own shares

 

 

-

-

(5)

-

(5)

Total transactions with shareholders

 

 

-

(474)

(1)

(162)

(637)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 September 2017(1)

 

 

80

317

29

10,190

10,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the financial period(1)

 

 

-

-

-

(77)

(77)

Transactions with shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payments

 

 

-

-

2

1

3

Dividends paid to shareholders

 

 

-

-

-

(151)

(151)

Acquisition of own shares

 

 

-

-

(5)

-

(5)

Total transactions with shareholders

 

 

-

-

(3)

(150)

(153)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 March 2018(1)

 

 

80

317

26

9,963

10,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the financial period

 

 

-

-

-

47

47

Transactions with shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payments

 

 

-

-

(2)

1

(1)

Dividends paid to shareholders

 

 

-

-

-

(181)

(181)

Total transactions with shareholders

 

 

-

-

(2)

(180)

(182)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 September 2018

 

 

80

317

24

9,830

10,251

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

 

Unaudited statement of cash flows

 

Six months ended

30 September

 

 

2018

2017

 

Notes

£m

£m

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operations

9

223

159

Interest received

 

2

11

Interest paid

 

(58)

(68)

Capital expenditure on trading properties

 

(1)

(12)

Disposal of trading properties

 

16

55

Other operating cash flows

 

(2)

(3)

Net cash inflow from operating activities

 

180

142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

Investment property development expenditure

 

(28)

-

Acquisition of investment properties

 

(42)

(331)

Other investment property related expenditure

 

(20)

(49)

Disposal of investment properties

 

38

24

Disposal of investment in joint venture

 

-

633

Cash contributed to joint ventures

12

(26)

(67)

Loan advances to joint ventures

 

-

(72)

Cash distributions from joint ventures

12

30

146

Other investing cash flows

 

(1)

-

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

 

(49)

284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

Proceeds from new borrowings (net of finance fees)

 

-

23

Repayment of borrowings

14

(9)

(151)

Redemption of medium term notes

14

(8)

(502)

Premium paid on redemption of medium term notes

14

(2)

(171)

Redemption of QAG Bond

 

-

(273)

Premium paid on redemption of QAG Bond

 

-

(61)

Issue of medium term notes (net of finance fees)

 

-

988

Net cash inflow from derivative financial instruments

 

15

38

Dividends paid to shareholders

8

(168)

(150)

(Increase)/decrease in monies held in restricted accounts and deposits

 

(14)

12

Other financing cash flows

 

1

(4)

Net cash outflow from financing activities

 

(185)

(251)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents for the period

 

(54)

175

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

 

62

30

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

 

8

205

 

 

Notes to the financial statements

1. Basis of preparation and consolidation

 

Basis of preparation

This condensed consolidated interim financial information (financial statements) for the six months ended 30 September 2018 has been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union (EU). In order to satisfy themselves that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, the Directors have reviewed an 18-month cash flow forecast extracted from the Group's current five-year plan, which includes assumptions about future trading performance and debt requirements, and an assessment of the potential impact of significant changes to those cash flows. This, together with available market information and experience of the Group's property portfolio and markets, has given the Directors sufficient confidence to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial information does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018, presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (IFRS), were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 May 2018 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed consolidated interim financial information has been reviewed, not audited, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.

 

This condensed consolidated interim financial information was approved for issue on 12 November 2018.

Presentation of results

The Group income statement is presented in a columnar format, split into those items that relate to revenue profit and Capital and other items. The Total column represents the Group's results presented in accordance with IFRS; the other columns provide additional information. This is intended to reflect the way in which the Group's senior management review the results of the business and to aid reconciliation to the segmental information. The Group's share of post-tax profit from joint ventures has been included in Operating profit on the face of the income statement in the half-yearly financial statements, to better reflect the way in which the Group's senior management view the results of joint ventures. The presentation of the comparative income statement has also been amended to reflect this change.

 

A number of the financial measures used internally by the Group to measure performance include the results of partly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures on a proportionate basis. Measures that are described as being on a proportionate basis include the Group's share of joint ventures on a line-by-line basis and are adjusted to exclude the non-owned elements of our subsidiaries. These measures are non-GAAP measures and therefore not presented in accordance with IFRS. This is in contrast to the condensed consolidated interim financial information presented in these half-yearly results, where the Group applies equity accounting to its interest in joint ventures, presenting its interest as one line on the income statement and balance sheet, and consolidating all subsidiaries at 100% with any non-owned element being adjusted as a non-controlling interest or redemption liability, as appropriate. Our joint operations are presented on a proportionate basis in all financial measures used internally by the Group.

 

Revenue profit is the Group's measure of underlying pre-tax profit. It excludes all items of a capital nature, such as valuation movements and profits and losses on the disposal of investment properties, as well as exceptional items. The Group believes that revenue profit better represents the results of the Group's operational performance to shareholders and other stakeholder groups. A full definition of revenue profit is given in the Glossary. The components of revenue profit are presented on a proportionate basis in note 3. Revenue profit is a non-GAAP measure.

 

 

2. Significant accounting policies

 

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies, significant judgements, key assumptions and estimates as set out in the notes to the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018, as amended where relevant to reflect the new standards, amendments and interpretations which became effective in the period. The impact of adopting these new standards and accounting policies is outlined below and in note 17.

 

Changes in accounting policy

 

The Group has adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments on 1 April 2018. While some accounting policies have been amended on adoption of the standard, there have been no adjustments to the Group's income statement or balance sheet. The new accounting policies are set out in note 17. 

 

The Group has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers on 1 April 2018. The Group has elected to apply the standard on a full retrospective basis as permitted by IFRS 15. Certain elements of service charge income and expense are now presented on a net basis as a result of adopting this standard. See note 17 for further details.

 

The Group has amended its accounting policy for debt refinancing from 1 April 2018 such that it no longer carries a bond exchange de-recognition adjustment on its balance sheet. The revised policy and the impact of the change in accounting policy on the consolidated interim financial information is detailed in note 17.

 

Amendments to IFRS

 

A number of new standards and amendments to standards have been issued but are not yet effective for the Group. The most significant of these is IFRS 16 Leases (effective for the Group from 1 April 2019). The Group continues to assess the impact of this standard. Based on the initial impact assessment, the Group expects to report separately service charge income for leases where a single payment is received to cover both rent and service charge. The total payment received is currently reported as rental income, but upon adoption of the standard, the service charge component will be separated and reported as service charge income in the notes to the financial statements. In the six months ended 30 September 2018, the amount reported in rental income which would be separated and reported as service charge income was £6m. There will be no net impact on profit attributable to shareholders or the Group's balance sheet.

 

 

3. Segmental information

 

 

The Group's operations are organised into two operating segments, being the London Portfolio and the Retail Portfolio. The London Portfolio includes all our London offices and central London shops and the Retail Portfolio includes all our shopping centres and shops (excluding central London shops), hotel and leisure assets and retail parks. All of the Group's operations are in the UK.

 

Management has determined the Group's operating segments based on the information reviewed by senior management to make strategic decisions. During the period, the chief operating decision maker was the Executive Committee (ExecCom), which comprised the Executive Directors, the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, the Group HR Director and the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director. The information presented to ExecCom includes reports from all functions of the business as well as strategy, financial planning, succession planning, organisational development and Group-wide policies.

 

The Group's primary measure of underlying profit before tax is revenue profit. However, segment profit is the lowest level to which the profit arising from the on-going operations of the Group is analysed between the two segments. The Group manages its financing structure, with the exception of joint ventures, on a pooled basis and, as such, debt facilities and finance expenses (other than those relating to joint ventures) are not specific to a particular segment. Unallocated income and expenses (Group Services) are items incurred centrally which are neither directly attributable nor can be reasonably allocated to individual segments.

 

All items in the segmental information note are presented on a proportionate basis. A reconciliation from the Group income statement to the information presented in the segmental information note is included in table 23.

 

Revenue profit

 Six months ended

30 September 2018

Six months ended
 30 September 2017(1)

 

Retail

Portfolio

London

 Portfolio

Total

Retail

Portfolio

London

Portfolio

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Rental income

180

157

337

176

151

327

Finance lease interest

-

4

4

-

4

4

Gross rental income (before rents payable)

180

161

341

176

155

331

Rents payable(2)

(5)

(1)

(6)

(5)

(1)

(6)

Gross rental income (after rents payable)

175

160

335

171

154

325

Service charge income

20

25

45

15

23

38

Service charge expense

(26)

(24)

(50)

(20)

(23)

(43)

Net service charge expense

(6)

1

(5)

(5)

-

(5)

Other property related income

9

8

17

10

8

18

Direct property expenditure

(25)

(14)

(39)

(17)

(18)

(35)

Net rental income

153

155

308

159

144

303

Indirect property expenditure

(9)

(8)

(17)

(11)

(8)

(19)

Depreciation

(1)

-

(1)

-

(1)

(1)

Segment profit before finance expense

143

147

290

148

135

283

Joint venture finance expense

(2)

(8)

(10)

(4)

(12)

(16)

Segment profit

141

139

280

144

123

267

Group Services - other income

 

 

2

 

 

1

                         - expense

 

 

(19)

 

 

(20)

Finance income

 

 

10

 

 

19

Finance expense

 

 

(49)

 

 

(64)

Revenue profit

 

 

224

 

 

203

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    Included within rents payable is finance lease interest payable of £1m (2017: £1m) for the London Portfolio.

 

Reconciliation of revenue profit to profit before tax

Six months ended
30 September 2018

 

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

 

£m

 

 

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue profit

 

224

 

 

203

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and other items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation and profits on disposals

 

 

 

 

 

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

 

(188)

 

 

(19)

(Loss)/profit on disposal of investment properties

 

(4)

 

 

2

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

 

-

 

 

66

Profit on disposal of trading properties

 

1

 

 

16

Fair value movement prior to acquisition of non-owned element of a joint venture

 

9

 

 

-

Movement in impairment of trading properties

 

-

 

 

(1)

Profit from long-term development contracts

 

3

 

 

-

 

 

(179)

 

 

64

Net finance expense

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps

 

1

 

 

5

Premium and fees on redemption of medium term notes (MTNs)(2)

 

(2)

 

 

(173)

Premium and fees on redemption of QAG Bond(2)

 

-

 

 

(62)

Other

 

(1)

 

 

(3)

 

 

(2)

 

 

(233)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

(1)

 

 

-

Profit before tax

 

42

 

 

34

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    Previously included within Exceptional items. The cost of redeeming medium term notes and the QAG Bond have been reclassified to Net finance expense within Capital and other items as a result of the increased frequency of these types of transactions. The comparative disclosures have been restated accordingly. There is no impact on IFRS, EPRA or adjusted earnings per share as a result of this change.

 

 

4. Performance measures

 

 

Three of the Group's key financial performance measures are adjusted diluted earnings per share, EPRA net assets per share and total business return. In the tables below we present earnings per share and net assets per share calculated in accordance with IFRS, together with our own adjusted measure and certain measures defined by EPRA, which have been included to assist comparison between European property companies. We also present the calculation of total business return.

 

Adjusted earnings, which is a tax adjusted measure of revenue profit, is the basis for the calculation of adjusted earnings per share. We believe adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share better represent the results of the Group's operational performance to stakeholders as they focus on the rental income performance of the business and exclude Capital and other items which can vary significantly from period to period.

 

Total business return is calculated as the cash dividends paid in the period plus the change in EPRA net assets per share, divided by the opening EPRA net assets per share. We consider this to be a useful measure for shareholders as it gives an indication of the total return on investment over the period.

 

Earnings per share

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

Profit for the financial period

EPRA earnings

Adjusted earnings

Profit for the financial period

EPRA earnings

Adjusted

 earnings

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Profit attributable to shareholders

44

44

44

33

33

33

Taxation

-

(2)

(2)

-

1

1

Valuation and profits on disposal

-

179

179

-

(64)

(64)

Net finance expense(2)        

-

2

2

-

233

233

Other

-

1

1

-

-

-

Profit used in per share calculation

44

224

224

33

203

203

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IFRS

EPRA

Adjusted

IFRS

EPRA

Adjusted

Basic earnings per share

5.9p

30.3p

30.3p

4.2p

25.7p

25.7p

Diluted earnings per share

5.9p

30.3p

30.3p

4.2p

25.7p

25.7p

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    Net finance expense now includes the cost of redeeming MTNs and the QAG Bond. These items were previously included within Exceptional items.

 

Net assets per share

30 September 2018

31 March 2018(1)

 

Net assets

EPRA triple net assets

EPRA net assets

Net assets

EPRA triple net assets

EPRA net assets

 

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

Net assets attributable to shareholders

10,251

10,251

10,251

10,386

10,386

10,386

 

Fair value of interest-rate swaps

-

-

(7)

-

-

(6)

 

Deferred tax liability on intangible asset

-

-

4

-

-

4

 

Goodwill on deferred tax liability

-

(4)

(4)

-

(4)

(4)

 

Excess of fair value of debt over book value (note 14)

-

(132)

-

-

(217)

-

 

Net assets used in per share calculation

10,251

10,115

10,244

10,386

10,165

10,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IFRS

EPRA triple

EPRA

IFRS

EPRA triple

EPRA

 

Net assets per share

1,385p

n/a

n/a

1,404p

n/a

n/a

 

Diluted net assets per share

1,385p

1,367p

1,384p

1,404p

1,374p

1,403p

 

 

1.     Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

Number of shares

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Weighted average

30 September 2018

Six months ended
 30 September 2017(1)

Weighted average

31 March 2018

 

million

million

million

million

Ordinary shares

751

751

800

751

Treasury shares

(10)

(10)

(10)

(10)

Own shares

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

Number of shares - basic

740

740

789

740

Dilutive effect of share options

-

-

1

-

Number of shares - diluted

740

740

790

740

 

1.      Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies (see note 17 for details of the change) which means that the earnings used in the earnings per share calculation is a profit, rather than a loss, for the six months ended 30 September 2017. The share options are therefore dilutive to earnings per share for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

 

Total business return

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

pence

pence

(Decrease)/increase in EPRA net assets per share

(19)

15

Dividend paid per share in the period (note 8)

25

21

Total return (a)

6

36

EPRA net assets per share at the beginning of the period (b)

1,403

1,417

Total business return (a/b)

0.4%

2.5%

 

1.     Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

 

5. Revenue

 

 

All revenue is classified within the 'Revenue profit' column of the income statement, with the exception of proceeds from the sale of trading properties, income from long-term development contracts and the non-owned element of the Group's subsidiaries which are presented in the 'Capital and other items' column.

 

 

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

Revenue
 profit

Capital and other items

Total

Revenue
profit

Capital and other items

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Rental income (excluding adjustment for lease incentives)

306

1

307

282

1

283

Adjustment for lease incentives

3

-

3

17

-

17

Rental income

309

1

310

299

1

300

Service charge income

40

-

40

35

-

35

Other property related income

16

-

16

16

-

16

Trading property sales proceeds

-

6

6

-

29

29

Finance lease interest

4

-

4

4

-

4

Other income

2

-

2

1

-

1

Revenue per the income statement

371

7

378

355

30

385

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

The following table reconciles revenue per the income statement to the individual components of revenue presented in note 3.

 

 

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

Group

Joint ventures

Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries(2)

Total

Group

Joint
 ventures

Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries(2)

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Rental income

310

28

(1)

337

300

28

(1)

327

Service charge income

40

5

-

45

35

3

-

38

Other property related income

16

1

-

17

16

2

-

18

Trading property sales proceeds

6

17

-

23

29

56

-

85

Finance lease interest

4

-

-

4

4

-

-

4

Long-term development contract income

-

16

-

16

-

-

-

-

Other income

2

-

-

2

1

-

-

1

Revenue in the segmental information note

378

67

(1)

444

385

89

(1)

473

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    This represents the interest in X-Leisure which we do not own, but which is consolidated in the Group numbers.

 

 

6. Costs

 

 

All costs are classified within the Revenue profit column of the income statement, with the exception of the cost of sale of trading properties, costs arising on long-term development contracts, amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations and the non-owned element of the Group's subsidiaries which are presented in the 'Capital and other items' column.

 

 

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

Revenue
 profit

Capital and other items

Total

Revenue
 profit

Capital and other items

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Rents payable

5

-

5

5

-

5

Service charge expense

44

-

44

38

-

38

Direct property expenditure

34

-

34

30

-

30

Indirect property expenditure

36

-

36

39

-

39

Cost of trading property disposals

-

6

6

-

22

22

Movement in impairment of trading properties(2)

-

-

-

-

(1)

(1)

Amortisation of intangible asset

-

1

1

-

1

1

Costs per the income statement

119

7

126

112

22

134

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    The movement in impairment of trading properties in the six months ended 30 September 2017 relates to the reversal of previous impairment charges related to residential land, where the valuer's assessment of net realisable value increased over the period.

 

The following table reconciles costs per the income statement to the individual components of costs presented in note 3.

 

 

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

Group

Joint ventures

Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries(2)

Total

Group

Joint
 ventures

Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries(2)

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Rents payable

5

1

-

6

5

1

-

6

Service charge expense

44

6

-

50

38

5

-

43

Direct property expenditure

34

5

-

39

30

5

-

35

Indirect property expenditure

36

1

-

37

39

1

-

40

Cost of trading property disposals

6

16

-

22

22

47

-

69

Movement in impairment of trading properties

-

-

-

-

(1)

2

-

1

Long-term development contract expenditure

-

13

-

13

-

-

-

-

Amortisation of intangible asset

1

-

-

1

1

-

-

1

Costs in the segmental information note

126

42

-

168

134

61

-

195

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    This represents the interest in X-Leisure which we do not own, but which is consolidated in the Group numbers.

 

The Group's costs include employee costs for the period of £29m (2017: £31m), of which £4m (2017: £3m) is within service charge expense and £25m (2017: £28m) is within indirect property expenditure, of which £10m relates to Group Services (2017: £13m).

 

 

7. Net finance expense

 

 

Six months ended
 30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017(1)

 

Revenue

profit

Capital and other items

 

Total

Revenue

profit

Capital and other items

 

Total

 

 £m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Finance income

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable from joint ventures

10

-

10

19

-

19

Fair value movement on interest-rate swaps

-

1

1

-

5

5

 

10

1

11

19

5

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bond and debenture debt

(41)

-

(41)

(57)

-

(57)

Bank and other short-term borrowings

(10)

-

(10)

(7)

-

(7)

Fair value movement on other derivatives

-

(1)

(1)

-

-

-

Redemption of medium term notes(2)

-

(2)

(2)

-

(173)

(173)

Redemption of QAG Bond(2)

-

-

-

-

(62)

(62)

Revaluation of redemption liabilities

-

-

-

-

(1)

(1)

Other interest payable

-

-

-

(1)

(2)

(3)

 

(51)

(3)

(54)

(65)

(238)

(303)

Interest capitalised in relation to properties under development

2

-

2

1

-

1

 

(49)

(3)

(52)

(64)

(238)

(302)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net finance expense

(39)

(2)

(41)

(45)

(233)

(278)

Joint venture net finance expense

(10)

 

 

(16)

 

 

Net finance expense included in revenue profit

(49)

 

 

(61)

 

 

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    In the six months ended 30 September 2017, the Group redeemed the QAG Bond in its entirety and repurchased £502m of medium term notes.

 

Finance lease interest payable of £1m (2017: £1m) is included within rents payable as detailed in note 3.

 

 

8. Dividends

 

Ordinary dividends paid

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

 

Pence per share

2018

2017

 

Payment date

PID

Non-PID

Total

£m

£m

For the year ended 31 March 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third interim

7 April 2017

8.95

-

8.95

 

71

Final

27 July 2017

11.70

-

11.70

 

92

For the year ended 31 March 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third interim

6 April 2018

9.85

-

9.85

73

 

Final

27 July 2018

14.65

-

14.65

108

 

Gross dividends

 

 

 

 

181

163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends in statement of changes in equity

 

 

 

 

181

163

Timing difference on payment of withholding tax

 

 

 

 

(13)

(13)

Dividends in the statement of cash flows

 

 

 

 

168

150

 

On 5 October 2018, the Company paid a first interim dividend in respect of the current financial year of 11.3p per ordinary share, wholly as a Property Income Distribution (PID), representing £84m in total (2017: 9.85p or £78m in total).

 

The Board has declared a second interim dividend of 11.3p per ordinary share to be payable wholly as a PID (2017: 9.85p) on 4 January 2019 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 30 November 2018.

 

A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) has been available in respect of all dividends paid during the period. The last day for DRIP elections for the second interim dividend is close of business on 11 December 2018.

 

 

9. Net cash generated from operations

 

Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash generated from operations

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017

 

£m

£m

 

 

 

Operating profit

83

312

 

 

 

Adjustments for:

 

 

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

153

29

Movement in impairment of trading properties

-

(1)

Profit on disposal of trading properties

-

(7)

Loss/(profit) on disposal of investment properties

2

(1)

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

-

(66)

Share of loss/(profit) from joint ventures

14

(23)

Share-based payment charge

1

4

Other

5

4

 

258

251

Changes in working capital:

 

 

Increase in receivables

(24)

(75)

Decrease in payables and provisions

(11)

(17)

Net cash generated from operations

223

159

       

 

 

10. Investment properties

 

 

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Six months ended
31 March 2018

Six months ended
30 September 2017

 

£m

£m

£m

Net book value at the beginning of the period

12,336

12,503

12,144

Acquisitions

42

3

348

Transfer from trading properties

-

-

1

Capital expenditure

42

37

55

Capitalised interest

2

2

1

Disposals

(33)

(140)

(17)

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

(153)

(69)

(29)

Net book value at the end of the period

12,236

12,336

12,503

 

The fair value of investment properties at 30 September 2018 was determined by the Group's external valuer, CBRE. The valuations are in line with RICS standards and were arrived at by reference to market evidence of transactions for similar properties. The valuations performed by the independent valuer are reviewed internally by senior management and relevant people within the business. This includes discussions of the assumptions used by the external valuer, as well as a review of the resulting valuations. Discussions about the valuation process and results are held between senior management, the Audit Committee and the external valuer on a half-yearly basis.

 

The market value of the Group's investment properties, as determined by the Group's external valuer, differs from the net book value presented in the balance sheet due to the Group presenting lease incentives, tenant finance leases and head leases separately. The following table reconciles the net book value of the investment properties to the market value.

 

 

 

 

30 September 2018

 

 

31 March 2018

 

Group
(excl. joint ventures)

Joint ventures(1)

Adjustment for proportionate share(2)

Combined Portfolio

Group
 (excl. joint ventures)

Joint
ventures(1)

Adjustment for proportionate share(2)

Combined Portfolio

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Net book value

12,236

1,188

(35)

13,389

12,336

1,235

(35)

13,536

Plus: tenant lease incentives

339

36

-

375

337

30

(1)

366

Less: head leases capitalised

(31)

(8)

-

(39)

(31)

(8)

-

(39)

Plus: properties treated as finance leases

240

-

(1)

239

241

-

(1)

240

Market value

12,784

1,216

(36)

13,964

12,883

1,257

(37)

14,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (deficit)/surplus on revaluation of investment properties

(153)

(35)

-

(188)

(98)

7

-

(91)

 

1.    Refer to note 12 for a breakdown of this amount by entity.

2.    This represents the interest in X-Leisure which we do not own, but which is consolidated in the Group numbers.

 

 

11. Trading properties

 

 

Development land and infrastructure

Residential

 

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

At 1 April 2017

108

14

122

Capital expenditure

12

(1)

11

Disposals

(15)

(7)

(22)

Transfer to investment properties

-

(1)

(1)

Movement in impairment

1

-

1

30 September 2017

106

5

111

Capital expenditure

5

(1)

4

Disposals

(89)

(1)

(90)

Movement in impairment

(1)

-

(1)

31 March 2018

21

3

24

Acquisitions

-

3

3

Capital expenditure

1

1

2

Disposals

-

(6)

(6)

At 30 September 2018

22

1

23

         

 

The cumulative impairment provision at 30 September 2018 in respect of Development land and infrastructure was £nil (31 March 2018: £nil); and in respect of Residential was £nil (31 March 2018: £1m).

 

 

12. Joint arrangements

 

 

The Group's joint arrangements are described below:

 

Joint ventures

Percentage   owned & voting rights

Business
segment

Year end date(1)

Joint venture partner

Held at 30 September 2018

Nova, Victoria(2)

50%

London

31 March

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board

Southside Limited Partnership(3)

50%

Retail

31 March

Invesco Real Estate European Fund

St. David's Limited Partnership

50%

Retail

31 December

Intu Properties plc

Westgate Oxford Alliance Limited Partnership

50%

Retail

31 March

The Crown Estate Commissioners

Harvest(4)(5)

50%

Retail

31 March

J Sainsbury plc

The Ebbsfleet Limited Partnership(4)

50%

London

31 March

Ebbsfleet Property Limited

West India Quay Unit Trust(4)(6)

50%

Retail

31 March

Schroder Exempt Property Unit Trust

 

 

 

 

 

Joint operation

Ownership  interest

Business
segment

 

Joint operation partners

Bluewater, Kent

30%

Retail

 

M&G Real Estate and GIC

Lend Lease Retail Partnership

Royal London Asset Management

Aberdeen Asset Management

 

The Group acquired the remaining 50% interest in the following joint arrangement in the six months ended 30 September 2018:

 

Joint venture

Ownership  interest

Business segment

 

Joint venture partner

The Oriana Limited Partnership(4)(7)

50%

London

31 March

Frogmore Real Estate Partners Limited Partnership

 

1.    The year end date shown is the accounting reference date of the joint venture. In all cases, the Group's accounting is performed using financial information for the Group's own reporting period and reporting date.

2.    Nova, Victoria includes the Victoria Circle Limited Partnership, Nova Residential Limited Partnership and Victoria Circle Developer Limited.

3.    On 13 April 2017, Metro Shopping Fund Limited Partnership (Metro) completed the sale of one of its assets to DV4 (a fund advised by Delancey Real Estate Asset Management Limited (Delancey)). On the same date, Delancey sold its stake in Metro to Invesco Real Estate European Fund. The partnership was subsequently renamed Southside Limited Partnership.

4.    Included within Other in subsequent tables.

5.    Harvest includes Harvest 2 Limited Partnership, Harvest Development Management Limited, Harvest 2 Selly Oak Limited, Harvest 2 GP Limited and Harvest GP Limited.

6.    West India Quay Unit Trust is held in the X-Leisure Unit Trust (X-Leisure) in which the Group holds a 95% share.

7.    On 12 April 2018, the Group purchased the remaining 50% interest in The Oriana Limited Partnership which it did not already own for consideration of £4m. The Group therefore owns 100% of the share capital at 30 September 2018.

 

All of the Group's joint arrangements have their principal place of business in the United Kingdom. All of the Group's joint arrangements own and operate investment property, with the exception of The Ebbsfleet Limited Partnership which holds development land as a trading property. The Westgate Oxford Alliance Limited Partnership, Nova, Victoria and The Oriana Limited Partnership are also engaged in the development of investment and trading properties. The activities of all the Group's joint arrangements are therefore strategically important to the business activities of the Group.

 

All joint ventures are registered in England and Wales with the exception of Southside Limited Partnership and West India Quay Unit Trust which are registered in Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2018

Joint ventures

Nova,

Victoria

Southside Limited Partnership

St. David's Limited Partnership

Westgate Oxford Alliance Partnership

Other

Total

Total

Comprehensive income statement

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue(1)

49

7

22

21

34

133

67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross rental income (after rents payable)

15

7

17

13

2

54

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net rental income

13

5

14

10

2

44

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment profit before finance expense

12

5

13

10

2

42

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance expense

(17)

(3)

-

-

-

(20)

(10)

Net finance expense

(17)

(3)

-

-

-

(20)

(10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue (loss)/profit

(5)

2

13

10

2

22

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and other items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (deficit)/surplus on revaluation of investment properties

(11)

1

(47)

(14)

-

(71)

(35)

Loss on disposal of investment properties

-

-

-

-

(4)

(4)

(2)

Fair value movement prior to acquisition of non-owned element of a joint venture

-

-

-

-

17

17

9

Profit on disposal of trading properties

-

-

-

1

1

2

1

Profit on long-term development contracts

-

-

-

-

6

6

3

Other

(1)

-

-

-

-

(1)

(1)

(Loss)/profit before tax

(17)

3

(34)

(3)

22

(29)

(14)

Post-tax (loss)/profit

(17)

3

(34)

(3)

22

(29)

(14)

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

(17)

3

(34)

(3)

22

(29)

(14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

 

Group share of (loss)/profit before tax

(8)

2

(17)

(2)

11

(14)

(14)

Group share of post-tax (loss)/profit

(8)

2

(17)

(2)

11

(14)

(14)

Group share of total comprehensive (loss)/income

(8)

2

(17)

(2)

11

(14)

(14)

 

1.    Revenue includes gross rental income (before rents payable), service charge income, other property related income, trading properties disposal proceeds and income from long-term development contracts.

 

Six months ended 30 September 2017(1)

Joint ventures

20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership(2)

Nova,
Victoria

Southside Limited Partnership

St. David's Limited Partnership

Westgate Oxford Alliance Partnership

Other

Total

Total

Comprehensive income statement

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue(3)

21

123

7

21

4

2

178

89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross rental income (after rents payable)

16

9

7

17

3

2

54

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net rental income

16

5

6

13

2

2

44

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment profit before finance expense

16

4

6

13

2

1

42

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance expense

(8)

(16)

(3)

-

(10)

-

(37)

(19)

Capitalised interest

-

-

-

-

5

-

5

3

Net finance expense

(8)

(16)

(3)

-

(5)

-

(32)

(16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue profit/(loss)

8

(12)

3

13

(3)

1

10

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and other items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net surplus/(deficit) on revaluation of investment properties

-

16

2

(19)

12

9

20

10

Impairment of trading properties

-

(4)

-

-

-

-

(4)

(2)

Profit on disposal of investment properties

-

-

-

-

-

2

2

1

Profit on disposal of trading properties

-

18

-

-

-

-

18

9

Profit/(loss) before tax

8

18

5

(6)

9

12

46

23

Post-tax profit/(loss)

8

18

5

(6)

9

12

46

23

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

8

18

5

(6)

9

12

46

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

 

Group share of profit/(loss) before tax

4

9

3

(3)

4

6

23

23

Group share of post-tax profit/(loss)

4

9

3

(3)

4

6

23

23

Group share of total comprehensive income/(loss)

4

9

3

(3)

4

6

23

23

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    The Group disposed of its interest in 20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership on 24 August 2017.

3.    Revenue includes gross rental income (before rents payable), service charge income, other property related income and trading properties disposal proceeds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 September 2018

Joint ventures

Nova, Victoria

Southside Limited Partnership

St. David's Limited Partnership

Westgate Oxford Alliance Partnership

Other

Total

Total

Balance sheet

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Investment properties(1)

842

296

617

551

71

2,377

1,188

Non-current assets

842

296

617

551

71

2,377

1,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

7

2

4

29

23

65

32

Other current assets

86

9

18

25

85

223

112

Current assets

93

11

22

54

108

288

144

Total assets

935

307

639

605

179

2,665

1,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables and provisions

(14)

(7)

(12)

(22)

(28)

(83)

(41)

Current liabilities

(14)

(7)

(12)

(22)

(28)

(83)

(41)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

(161)

(143)

(16)

-

-

(320)

(160)

Non-current liabilities

(161)

(143)

(16)

-

-

(320)

(160)

Total liabilities

(175)

(150)

(28)

(22)

(28)

(403)

(201)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

760

157

611

583

151

2,262

1,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market value of investment properties(1)

882

298

613

567

72

2,432

1,216

Net cash/(debt)

7

2

(13)

29

23

48

24

 

 

 

31 March 2018

Joint ventures

Nova, Victoria

Southside Limited Partnership

St. David's Limited Partnership

Westgate Oxford Alliance Partnership

Other

Total

Total

Balance sheet

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group share

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Investment properties(1)

845

295

664

549

117

2,470

1,235

Non-current assets

845

295

664

549

117

2,470

1,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

7

2

2

10

12

33

16

Other current assets

101

8

18

21

39

187

94

Current assets

108

10

20

31

51

220

110

Total assets

953

305

684

580

168

2,690

1,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables and provisions

(24)

(5)

(12)

(15)

(10)

(66)

(33)

Current liabilities

(24)

(5)

(12)

(15)

(10)

(66)

(33)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current financial liabilities

(144)

(143)

(16)

-

(18)

(321)

(161)

Non-current liabilities

(144)

(143)

(16)

-

(18)

(321)

(161)

Total liabilities

(168)

(148)

(28)

(15)

(28)

(387)

(194)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

785

157

656

565

140

2,303

1,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market value of investment properties(1)

874

298

661

562

118

2,513

1,257

Net cash/(debt)

7

1

(15)

10

12

15

8

 

1.    The difference between the book value and the market value of investment properties is the amount recognised in respect of lease incentives, head leases capitalised and properties treated as finance leases, where applicable.

 

Joint ventures

20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership(1)

Nova,

Victoria

Southside Limited Partnership

St. David's Limited Partnership

Westgate Oxford Alliance Partnership

Other

Total

Net investment

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

Group share

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

At 1 April 2017

527

437

104

352

203

111

1,734

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

4

9

3

(3)

4

6

23

Cash contributed

-

13

-

-

46

8

67

Cash distributions

-

(65)

(27)

(7)

-

(47)

(146)

Disposal of investment

(531)

-

-

-

-

-

(531)

At 30 September 2017

-

394

80

342

253

78

1,147

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

-

(3)

-

(6)

8

5

4

Cash contributed

-

7

-

-

33

4

44

Cash distributions

-

(5)

(2)

(8)

(12)

(17)

(44)

At 31 March 2018

-

393

78

328

282

70

1,151

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

-

(8)

2

(17)

(2)

11

(14)

Cash contributed

-

10

-

-

14

2

26

Cash distributions

-

(15)

(2)

(6)

(2)

(5)

(30)

Disposal of investment

-

-

-

-

-

(2)

(2)

At 30 September 2018

-

380

78

305

292

76

1,131

 

1.    On 24 August 2017, the Group disposed of its interest in 20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership for £633m, realising a profit of £66m, after settling outstanding interest receivable of £36m.

 

 

13. Capital structure

 

 

30 September 2018

31 March 2018(1)

 

Group

Joint ventures

Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries(2)

Combined

Group

Joint
 ventures

Adjustment for non-wholly owned subsidiaries(2)

Combined

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Property portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market value of investment properties

12,784

1,216

(36)

13,964

12,883

1,257

(37)

14,103

Trading properties and long-term contracts

23

32

-

55

24

50

-

74

Total property portfolio (a)

12,807

1,248

(36)

14,019

12,907

1,307

(37)

14,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

3,729

8

-

3,737

3,730

8

-

3,738

Monies held in restricted accounts and deposits

(28)

-

-

(28)

(15)

-

-

(15)

Cash and cash equivalents

(8)

(32)

-

(40)

(62)

(16)

-

(78)

Fair value of interest-rate swaps

(7)

-

-

(7)

(6)

-

-

(6)

Fair value of foreign exchange swaps and forwards

6

-

-

6

7

-

-

7

Net debt (b)

3,692

(24)

-

3,668

3,654

(8)

-

3,646

Less: Fair value of interest-rate swaps

7

-

-

7

6

-

-

6

Adjusted net debt (c)

3,699

(24)

-

3,675

3,660

(8)

-

3,652

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted total equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity (d)

10,251

-

-

10,251

10,386

-

-

10,386

Fair value of interest-rate swaps

(7)

-

-

(7)

(6)

-

-

(6)

Adjusted total equity (e)

10,244

-

-

10,244

10,380

-

-

10,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gearing (b/d)

36.0%

 

 

35.8%

35.2%

 

 

35.1%

Adjusted gearing (c/e)

36.1%

 

 

35.9%

35.3%

 

 

35.2%

Group LTV (c/a)

28.9%

 

 

26.2%

28.4%

 

 

25.8%

Security Group LTV

27.5%

 

 

 

27.2%

 

 

 

Weighted average cost of debt

2.6%

 

 

2.6%

2.6%

 

 

2.6%

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

2.    This represents the interest in X-Leisure which we do not own, but which is consolidated in the Group numbers.

 

 

14. Borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

30 September 2018

31 March 2018

 

Secured/
unsecured

Fixed/
floating

Effective
interest rate

%

Nominal/ notional value

£m

Fair
value

£m

Book value

£m

Nominal/ notional value

£m

Fair
value

£m

Book value(1)

£m

Current borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sterling

Unsecured

Floating

LIBOR + margin

3

3

3

-

-

-

Euro

Unsecured

Floating

LIBOR + margin

730

730

730

833

833

833

US Dollar

Unsecured

Floating

LIBOR + margin

148

148

148

39

39

39

Total current borrowings

 

 

 

881

881

881

872

872

872

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sterling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A3    5.425% MTN due 2022

Secured

Fixed

5.5

46

49

46

46

50

46

A10  4.875% MTN due 2025

Secured

Fixed

5.0

14

15

14

14

16

14

A12  1.974% MTN due 2026

Secured

Fixed

2.0

400

399

399

400

401

399

A4    5.391% MTN due 2026

Secured

Fixed

5.4

25

30

25

25

30

25

A5    5.391% MTN due 2027

Secured

Fixed

5.4

186

222

186

186

229

186

A6    5.376% MTN due 2029

Secured

Fixed

5.4

77

95

77

84

107

84

A16  2.375% MTN due 2029

Secured

Fixed

2.5

350

350

347

350

352

347

A13  2.399% MTN due 2031

Secured

Fixed

2.4

300

298

299

300

300

299

A7    5.396% MTN due 2032

Secured

Fixed

5.4

156

201

155

156

210

156

A11  5.125% MTN due 2036

Secured

Fixed

5.1

56

74

56

56

78

56

A14  2.625% MTN due 2039

Secured

Fixed

2.6

500

483

493

500

498

493

A15  2.750% MTN due 2059

Secured

Fixed

2.8

500

475

495

500

512

494

 

 

 

 

2,610

2,691

2,592

2,617

2,783

2,599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Syndicated bank debt

Secured

Floating

LIBOR + margin

225

225

225

228

228

228

Amounts payable under finance leases

Unsecured

Fixed

5.7

31

64

31

31

64

31

Total non-current borrowings

 

 

 

2,866

2,980

2,848

2,876

3,075

2,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total borrowings

 

 

 

3,747

3,861

3,729

3,748

3,947

3,730

                     

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

Reconciliation of the movement in borrowings

Six months ended
30 September 2018

Year ended
31 March 2018(1)

 

£m

£m

At the beginning of the period

3,730

3,263

Proceeds from new borrowings

-

632

Repayment of borrowings

(9)

-

Redemption of MTNs

(8)

(1,256)

Redemption of QAG Bond

-

(273)

Issue of MTNs (net of finance fees)

-

1,334

Foreign exchange movement on non-Sterling borrowings

16

26

Other

-

4

At the end of the period

3,729

3,730

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

 

Reconciliation of movements in liabilities arising from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2018

 

 

 

Non-cash changes

 

 

 

At the beginning of the period

Cash flows

Changes in fair values

Other changes

At the end of the period

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Borrowings

3,730

(17)

-

16

3,729

Derivative financial instruments

1

15

(17)

-

(1)

 

3,731

(2)

(17)

16

3,728

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 March 2018(1)

Borrowings

3,263

437

-

30

3,730

Derivative financial instruments

7

31

(53)

16

1

 

3,270

468

(53)

46

3,731

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 for details.

Medium term notes

The MTNs are secured on the fixed and floating pool of assets of the Security Group. The Security Group includes investment properties, development properties and the Group's investment in the X-Leisure fund, Westgate Oxford Alliance Limited Partnership, Nova, Victoria, St. David's Limited Partnership and Southside Limited Partnership, in total valued at £13.5bn at 30 September 2018 (31 March 2018: £13.7bn). The secured debt structure has a tiered operating covenant regime which gives the Group substantial flexibility when the loan-to-value and interest cover in the Security Group are less than 65% and more than 1.45 respectively. If these limits are exceeded, the operating environment becomes more restrictive with provisions to encourage a reduction in gearing. The interest rate of each MTN is fixed until the expected maturity, being two years before the legal maturity date of the MTN, whereupon the interest rate for the last two years may either become floating on a LIBOR basis plus an increased margin (relative to that at the time of issue), or subject to a fixed coupon uplift, depending on the terms and conditions of the specific notes.

 

The effective interest rate is based on the coupon paid and includes the amortisation of issue costs. The MTNs are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and their fair values are based on their respective market prices.

 

During the period, the Group conducted tender exercises and purchased £8m of MTNs for a total premium of £2m. Details of the purchases and associated premium by series are as follows:

 

MTN purchases

30 September 2018

31 March 2018

 

Purchases

£m

Premium

£m

Purchases

£m

Premium

£m

A10  4.875% MTN due 2025

-

-

15

3

A4    5.391% MTN due 2026

-

-

2

-

A5    5.391% MTN due 2027

-

-

398

90

A6    5.376% MTN due 2029

7

2

233

73

A7    5.396% MTN due 2032

1

-

164

57

A11  5.125% MTN due 2036

-

-

444

162

 

8

2

1,256

385

 

In conjunction with tender exercises, in September 2017, the Group issued a £500m 2.625% MTN due 2039 and a £500m 2.750% MTN due 2059 and, in March 2018, the Group issued a £350m 2.375% MTN due 2029.

 

Syndicated and bilateral bank debt

Maturity as at
30 Sept 2018

Authorised

Drawn

Undrawn

 

30 Sept

2018

 

31 March 2018

30 Sept

2018

 

31 March 2018

30 Sept

2018

 

31 March 2018

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Syndicated debt

2023-24

1,990

1,965

100

103

1,890

1,862

Bilateral debt

2022

125

125

125

125

-

-

 

 

2,115

2,090

225

228

1,890

1,862

 

At 30 September 2018, the Group's committed revolving facilities totalled £2,115m (31 March 2018: £2,090m). The £25m increase in committed facilities is the result of an increase in the syndicated debt facility arranged on 9 August 2018.

 

All syndicated and bilateral facilities are committed and secured on the assets of the Security Group. During the period ended 30 September 2018, the amounts drawn under the Group's facilities decreased by £3m.

 

The terms of the Security Group funding arrangements require undrawn facilities to be reserved where syndicated and bilateral facilities mature within one year, or where commercial paper has been issued. Accordingly, the Group's available undrawn facilities at 30 September 2018 were £1,009m (31 March 2018: £990m), compared with undrawn facilities of £1,890m (31 March 2018: £1,862m).

Queen Anne's Gate Bond

In two tranches, on 25 April 2017 and 9 May 2017, the Group repurchased and redeemed the £273m QAG Bond in its entirety for a total premium to nominal value of £61m, with associated costs of £1m.

Fair values

The fair values of any floating rate financial liabilities are assumed to be equal to their nominal value. The fair values of the MTNs fall within Level 1, the syndicated and bilateral facilities, commercial paper, interest-rate swaps and foreign exchange swaps fall within Level 2, and the amounts payable under finance leases fall within Level 3, as defined by IFRS 13. The fair value of the amounts payable under finance leases is determined using a discount rate of 2.6% (31 March 2018: 2.6%).

 

 

15. Capital distribution

 

 

On 27 September 2017, the Group's shareholders approved a return of capital to shareholders of £475m through the issue of new B shares, which the Group then redeemed in order to return 60p per ordinary share to shareholders, reducing the Group's share premium account. The capital distribution was paid on 13 October 2017.

 

Following the redemption of the B shares, there was a share consolidation in the ratio of 15 ordinary shares for every 16 existing shares. The share consolidation did not result in a change in the carrying value of the Group's share capital, but reduced the number of ordinary shares in issue by 50,085,104 of which 655,946 were held in Treasury.

 

 

16. Related party transactions

 

 

There have been no related party transactions during the period that require disclosure under Section 4.2.8 (R) of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules or under IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

 

 

17. Changes in accounting policies

 

 

IFRS 9 Financial instruments

 

The Group has adopted IFRS 9 with effect from 1 April 2018. IFRS 9 replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, de-recognition of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. While some accounting policies have been amended on adoption of the standard, there have been no adjustments required to the Group's income statement or balance sheet. The new accounting policies are set out below.

 

On 1 April 2018 (the date of initial application of IFRS 9), the Group has assessed whether it intends to hold its financial assets to collect the contractual cash flows, or whether it intends to sell them before maturity and has classified its financial instruments into the appropriate IFRS 9 categories. There is no net impact on the income statement or balance sheet as a result of these changes.

 

Classification - IAS 39

Classification - IFRS 9

Measurement

Trade and other receivables

 

 

 

Trade receivables

Loans and receivables

Financial assets at amortised cost

Amortised cost

Property sales debtors

Loans and receivables

Financial assets at amortised cost

Amortised cost

Amounts due from joint ventures

Loans and receivables

Financial assets at amortised cost

Amortised cost

 

 

 

 

Net investment in finance lease

Loans and receivables

Financial assets at amortised cost

Amortised cost

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

Amortised cost

Financial assets at amortised cost

Amortised cost

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

 

 

Equity investments

Available for sale

Financial assets at fair value through Other comprehensive income (without recycling)

Fair value, with changes recognised in Other comprehensive income

 

The Group's financial assets are subject to the standard's new expected credit loss model for assessing impairment. The Group applies the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables, the net investment in finance leases and contract assets. There has been no adjustment to the loss allowance on 1 April 2018 as the impact of adopting the revised accounting policy is not material.

 

IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers

 

The Group has also adopted IFRS 15 with effect from 1 April 2018, which is applicable to service charge income, other property related income, trading property sales proceeds and proceeds from the sale of investment properties, but not rental income. As a result of adopting this standard, the service charge income and expenses for those properties where the property management activities are performed by a third party are now presented on a net basis. For these properties, the Group considers the third party performing the activities to be the principal delivering the service. The impact of this change on the Group's income statement is shown in the tables on page 46. There is no impact on the Group's balance sheet.

 

Borrowings

 

With effect from 1 April 2018, the Group has amended its accounting policy on determining whether an existing liability has been extinguished when carrying out a debt refinancing transaction. Under the Group's previous accounting policy, the result of the quantitative '10% test', as described in IAS 39, was the key criterion considered to determine whether an existing liability had been extinguished. Under the revised policy, greater weight is given to qualitative factors when assessing the appropriate treatment.

 

The revised accounting policy provides more relevant and reliable information by more accurately reflecting the Group's current net asset position, and the carrying value of its borrowings. The Group previously reported this position using alternative performance measures which adjusted net assets and net debt. Under the revised accounting policy, the Group no longer reports the adjusted net assets per share performance measures, as the calculation is now consistent with that for EPRA net assets per share.

 

The change in accounting policy has been applied retrospectively in accordance with the requirements of IAS 8 - Changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors. The impact of this change on the Group's comparative income statement and balance sheet is shown in the tables on page 46.

 

Accounting policies

 

The Group's revised accounting policies are outlined below.

 

Trade receivables

 

Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value, subsequently at amortised cost and, where relevant, adjusted for the time value of money. The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its trade receivables. A provision for impairment is made for the lifetime expected credit losses on initial recognition of the receivable. If collection is expected in more than one year, the balance is presented within non-current assets.

 

Revenue

 

Rental income, including fixed rental uplifts, is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives being offered to occupiers to enter into a lease, such as an initial rent-free period or a cash contribution to fit out or similar costs, are an integral part of the net consideration for the use of the property and are therefore recognised on the same straight-line basis. Contingent rents, being lease payments that are not fixed at the inception of a lease, for example turnover rents, are variable consideration and are recorded as income in the periods in which they are earned.

 

The Group's revenue from contracts with customers, as defined in IFRS 15 includes service charge income, other property related income, trading property sales proceeds and long-term development contract income.

 

Service charge income and management fees are recorded as income over time in the period in which the services are rendered. Revenue is recognised over time because the tenants benefit from the services as soon as they are rendered by the Group. The actual service provided during each reporting period is determined using cost incurred as the input method.

 

Other property related income includes development and asset management fees. These fees are recognised over time, using time elapsed as the input method which measures the benefit simultaneously received and consumed by the customer, over the period the development or asset management services are provided.

 

Proceeds received on the sale of trading properties are recognised when control of the property transfers to the buyer, i.e. the buyer has the ability to direct the use of the property and the right to the cash inflows and outflows generated by it. This generally occurs on unconditional exchange or on completion. If completion is expected to occur significantly after exchange or if the Group has significant outstanding obligations between exchange and completion, the Group assesses whether there are multiple performance obligations in the contract and recognises revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied.

 

When property is let under a finance lease, the Group recognises a receivable equal to the net investment in the lease at inception of the lease. Rentals received are accounted for as repayments of principal and finance income as appropriate. Finance income is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining net investment in the finance lease and is recognised within revenue.

 

Revenue on long-term development contracts is recognised over time over the period of the contract as the Group creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls. Progress towards completion of the development, by reference to the value of work completed using the costs incurred to date as a proportion of total costs expected to be incurred over the term of the contract is used as the input method.

 

Significant accounting judgement

 

For those properties where the property management activities are performed by a third party, the Group considers the third party to be the principal delivering the service. The key factors considered by the Group when making this judgement include the following responsibilities of the third party:

-       selecting suppliers and ensuring all services are delivered

-       establishing prices and seeking efficiencies

-       risk management and compliance

 

In addition, the residual rights residing with the Group are generally protective in nature.

 

Borrowings

 

Borrowings, other than bank overdrafts, are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between the amount initially recognised and the redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest method.

 

When debt refinancing exercises are carried out, existing liabilities will be treated as being extinguished when the new liability is substantially different from the existing liability. In making this assessment, the Group will consider the transaction as a whole, taking into account both qualitative and quantitative characteristics.

 

Impact on the financial statements

 

The following tables show the adjustments made to previously reported results for each individual line item. Line items in the balance sheet that were not affected by the changes have not been shown separately.

 

Income statement

Six months ended 30 September 2017

 

Reported

Adjustments

Restated

 

 

£m

£m

£m

 

Revenue(1)

396

(11)

385

 

Costs(1)

(145)

11

(134)

 

 

251

-

251

 

Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures

23

-

23

 

Profit on disposal of investment properties

1

-

1

 

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

66

-

66

 

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

(29)

-

(29)

 

Operating profit

312

-

312

 

Finance income

24

-

24

 

Finance expense(2)

(369)

67

(302)

 

(Loss)/profit before tax

(33)

67

34

 

Taxation

(1)

-

(1)

 

(Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders

(34)

67

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share

(4.3)p

8.5p

4.2p

 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share

(4.3)p

8.5p

4.2p

 

 

1.    Adjustment to present service charge income and expense on a net basis, for those properties managed by a third party.

2.    Adjustment to remove amortisation of the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment.

 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 March

 

31 March

1 April

 

1 April

 

2018

 

2018

2017

 

2017

 

Reported

Adjustments

Restated

Reported

Adjustments

Restated

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

14,469

-

14,469

14,844

-

14,844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

(1,180)

-

(1,180)

(713)

-

(713)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings(1)

(2,752)

(106)

(2,858)

(2,545)

(314)

(2,859)

Other non-current liabilities

(45)

-

(45)

(70)

-

(70)

Total non-current liabilities

(2,797)

(106)

(2,903)

(2,615)

(314)

(2,929)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

(3,977)

(106)

(4,083)

(3,328)

(314)

(3,642)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

10,492

(106)

10,386

11,516

(314)

11,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings(1)

10,069

(106)

9,963

10,615

(314)

10,301

Other components of equity

423

-

423

901

-

901

Total equity

10,492

(106)

10,386

11,516

(314)

11,202

 

1.    Adjustment to remove the bond exchange de-recognition adjustment.

 

 

18. Events after the reporting period

 

 

There were no significant events occurring after the reporting period, but before the publication of this report.

Business analysis

Table 15: Alternative performance measures

The Group has applied the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) 'Guidelines on Alternative Performance Measures' in these results. In the context of these results, an alternative performance measure (APM) is a financial measure of historical or future financial performance, position or cash flows of the Group which is not a measure defined or specified in IFRS.

 

The table below summarises the APMs included in these results, where the definitions and reconciliations of these measures can be found and where further discussion is included. The definitions of all APMs are included in the Glossary and further discussion of these measures can be found in the Financial review.

 

 

 

Nearest IFRS measure

 

Reconciliation

Revenue profit

Profit before tax

Note 3

Adjusted earnings

Profit attributable to shareholders

Note 4

Adjusted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Note 4

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Note 4

EPRA net assets

Net assets attributable to shareholders

Note 4

EPRA net assets per share

Net assets attributable to shareholders

Note 4

Total business return

n/a

Note 4

Combined Portfolio

Investment properties

Note 10

Adjusted net debt

Borrowings

Note 13

Group LTV

n/a

Note 13

 

 

Table 16: EPRA performance measures

 

 

 

30 September 2018

 

 

Definition for EPRA measure

Notes

Landsec

measure

EPRA

measure

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings

Recurring earnings from core operational activity

4

£224m

£224m

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per weighted number of ordinary shares

4

30.3p

30.3p

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Adjusted diluted earnings per weighted number of ordinary
shares

4

30.3p

30.3p

EPRA net assets

Net assets adjusted to exclude the fair value of interest-rate swaps

4

£10,244m

£10,244m

EPRA net assets per share

Diluted net assets per share adjusted to exclude the fair value of interest-rate swaps

4

1,384p

1,384p

EPRA triple net assets

Net assets adjusted to include the fair value of financial instruments and debt

4

£10,115m

£10,115m

EPRA triple net assets per share

Diluted triple net assets per share

4

1,367p

1,367p

Net initial yield (NIY)

Annualised rental income less non-recoverable costs as a % of market value plus assumed purchasers' costs(1)

 

4.1%

4.3%

Topped-up NIY

NIY adjusted for rent free periods(1)

 

4.5%

4.6%

Voids/vacancy rate

ERV of vacant space as a % of ERV of Combined Portfolio excluding the development programme(2)

 

1.9%

1.9%

Cost ratio

Total costs as a percentage of gross rental income (including direct vacancy costs)(3)

 

17.0%

17.4%

 

Total costs as a percentage of gross rental income (excluding direct vacancy costs)(3)

 

n/a

14.9%

 

1.    Our NIY and Topped-up NIY relate to the Combined Portfolio, excluding properties in the development programme that have not yet reached practical completion, and are calculated by our external valuer. EPRA NIY and EPRA Topped-up NIY calculations are consistent with ours, but exclude all developments. Topped-up NIY reflects an adjustment of £50m for rent free periods and other incentives for both the Landsec measure and EPRA measures.

2.    Our measure reflects voids in our like-for-like portfolio only. The EPRA measure reflects voids in the Combined Portfolio excluding only the development programme.

3.    The EPRA cost ratio is calculated based on gross rental income after rents payable and excluding costs recovered through rents but not separately invoiced, whereas our measure is based on gross rental income before rents payable and excluding costs recovered through rents but not separately invoiced. We do not calculate a cost ratio excluding direct vacancy costs as we do not consider this to be helpful.

 

 

Table 17: Top 12 occupiers at 30 September 2018

 

% of Group rent(1)

Deloitte

5.5

Central Government

5.2

Accor

4.2

Mizuho Bank

1.7

Boots

1.5

Cineworld

1.2

Taylor Wessing

1.2

K&L Gates

1.1

Next

1.1

Equinix (formerly known as Telecity)

1.1

Deutsche Bank

1.1

H&M

1.1

 

26.0

 

1.    On a proportionate basis.

 

 

Table 18: Development pipeline at 30 September 2018

Development pipeline

Property

Description
of use

Ownership
interest
%

Size

 sq ft

Letting
status
%

Market value
£m

Net income/ ERV

£m

Actual/ estimated completion
date

Total development costs to date

£m

Forecast total development cost

 £m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developments approved or in progress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 Moorfields, EC2

Office

100

564,000

83(1)

203

38

Nov 2021

144

581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed developments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nova East, SW1

Office

50

166,000

n/a

n/a

n/a

Feb 2022

n/a

n/a

105 Sumner St, SE1

Office

100

135,000

n/a

n/a

n/a

Apr 2022

n/a

n/a

1 Sherwood St, W1

Office

100

111,000

n/a

n/a

n/a

May 2022

n/a

n/a

 

Retail

 

30,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

3,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developments let and transferred or sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Zig Zag Building, SW1(2)

Office

100

192,700

100

n/a(3)

17

Nov 2015

182

182

Retail

 

38,700

100

 

 

 

 

 

Nova, SW1

Office

50

481,400

98

n/a(3)

19

Apr 2017

266

266

Retail

 

79,200

100

 

 

 

 

 

20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2

Office

100

92,800

100

n/a(3)

6

May 2017

67

67

Westgate Oxford

Retail

50

800,000

96

n/a(3)

14

Oct 2017

214

218

Oriana, W1 - Phase II(4)

Retail

50

30,700

100

n/a(3)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Selly Oak, Birmingham(5)

Retail

50

190,000

91

n/a(3)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 

1.    We have entered into an agreement for lease with Deutsche Bank for between 469,000 and 564,000 sq ft at 21 Moorfields, EC2. The letting status of 83% represents a letting of 469,000 sq ft.

2.    Includes retail within Kings Gate, SW1.

3.    Once properties are transferred from the development pipeline, we do not report on their individual value.

4.    This represents the disposal of 28-32 Oxford Street, W1.

5.    This represents the forward sale of the Selly Oak retail park.

 

Where the property is not 100% owned, floor areas and letting status shown above represent the full scheme whereas all other figures represent our proportionate share. Letting % is measured by ERV and shows letting status at 30 September 2018. Trading property development schemes are excluded from the development pipeline.

 

Total development cost

Refer to the Glossary for definition. Of the properties in the development pipeline at 30 September 2018, the only property on which interest was capitalised on the land cost was 21 Moorfields, EC2.

 

Net income/ERV

Net income/ERV represents headline annual rent on let units plus ERV at 30 September 2018 on unlet units, both after rents payable.

 

 

Table 19: Combined Portfolio value by location at 30 September 2018

 

Shopping centres and shops

Retail parks

Offices

Hotels, leisure, residential
& other

Total

 

%

%

%

%

%

Central, inner and outer London

14.0

0.2

45.9

3.4

63.5

South East and East

11.6

3.4

-

2.9

17.9

Midlands

-

0.6

-

0.6

1.2

Wales and South West

3.2

0.4

-

0.6

4.2

North, North West, Yorkshire and Humberside

7.5

0.5

0.1

1.7

9.8

Scotland and Northern Ireland

2.6

-

-

0.8

3.4

Total

38.9

5.1

46.0

10.0

100.0

% figures calculated by reference to the Combined Portfolio value of £14.0bn.

 

For a full list of the Group's properties please refer to the website landsec.com.

 

 

Table 20: Combined Portfolio performance relative to IPD

Total property returns - six months ended 30 September 2018

 

Landsec

 

IPD

(1)

 

%

 

%

 

Retail - Shopping centres

(0.7)

 

(1.5)

 

          - Retail parks

(1.7)

 

-

(2)

Central London shops

(2.2)

 

2.4

 

Central London offices

2.3

 

2.8

 

Total

0.8

(3)

3.3

 

 

1.    IPD Quarterly Universe.

2.    IPD Retail Warehouses Quarterly Universe.

3.    Includes leisure, hotel portfolio and other.

 

 

Table 21: Combined Portfolio analysis

Like-for-like segmental analysis

 

Market value(1)

Valuation
movement(1)

Rental income(1)

Annualised rental income(2)

Annualised net

rent(3)

Net estimated rental value(4)

 

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

Surplus/ (deficit)

Surplus/ (deficit)

30
September
2018

30
September
2017

30
September
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

 

£m

£m

£m

%

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Retail Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping centres and shops

3,451

3,559

(114)

(3.2%)

96

97

183

179

180

193

196

Retail parks

720

752

(33)

(4.5%)

22

22

43

43

45

44

44

Leisure and hotels

1,301

1,304

(3)

(0.2%)

39

38

77

76

75

78

78

Other

16

16

-

0.3%

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

Total Retail Portfolio

5,488

5,631

(150)

(2.7%)

158

158

304

299

301

317

320

London Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West End

2,350

2,369

(23)

(1.0%)

54

53

108

110

108

117

116

City

1,223

1,223

4

0.3%

25

25

50

55

52

62

62

Mid-town

1,392

1,347

40

3.2%

30

27

59

47

45

69

66

Inner London

320

320

-

0.2%

7

7

14

14

14

16

16

Total London offices

5,285

5,259

21

0.4%

116

112

231

226

219

264

260

Central London shops

1,297

1,332

(36)

(2.7%)

27

20

49

49

49

57

60

Other

32

34

(2)

(6.8%)

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Total London Portfolio

6,614

6,625

(17)

(0.3%)

144

133

281

276

269

322

321

Like-for-like portfolio(8)

12,102

12,256

(167)

(1.4%)

302

291

585

575

570

639

641

Proposed developments(1)

92

81

(1)

(1.4%)

1

1

2

2

2

4

3

Development programme(9)

203

166

8

4.2%

-

-

-

-

-

38

37

Completed developments(10)

1,199

1,203

(25)

(2.2%)

22

15

49

35

25

55

57

Acquisitions(11)

368

340

(3)

(0.8%)

15

11

24

24

24

26

24

Sales(12)

-

57

-

-

1

13

-

-

2

-

4

Combined Portfolio

13,964

14,103

(188)

(1.4%)

341

331

660

636

623

762

766

Properties treated as finance leases

 

 

 

 

(4)

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Portfolio

13,964

14,103

(188)

(1.4%)

337

327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total portfolio analysis

 

Market value(1)

Valuation
movement(1)

Rental income(1)

Annualised rental income(2)

Annualised net

rent(3)

Net estimated rental value(4)

 

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

Surplus/ (deficit)

Surplus/ (deficit)

30
September
2018

30
September
2017

30
September
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

 

£m

£m

£m

%

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Retail Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping centres and shops

4,047

4,152

(121)

(2.9%)

116

109

217

211

210

231

233

Retail parks

720

809

(33)

(4.5%)

23

26

43

43

47

44

48

Leisure and hotels

1,306

1,309

(3)

(0.2%)

40

40

78

76

75

78

79

Other

16

16

-

0.3%

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

Total Retail Portfolio

6,089

6,286

(157)

(2.5%)

180

176

339

331

333

355

362

London Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West End

3,251

3,235

(40)

(1.3%)

69

66

141

134

124

156

155

City

1,426

1,388

12

0.9%

25

32

50

55

52

100

99

Mid-town

1,392

1,347

40

3.2%

30

27

60

47

45

69

66

Inner London

338

324

1

0.8%

7

7

14

15

15

17

17

Total London offices

6,407

6,294

13

0.2%

131

132

265

251

236

342

337

Central London shops

1,431

1,480

(42)

(2.9%)

29

22

55

53

53

64

66

Other

37

43

(2)

(5.2%)

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Total London Portfolio

7,875

7,817

(31)

(0.4%)

161

155

321

305

290

407

404

Combined Portfolio

13,964

14,103

(188)

(1.4%)

341

331

660

636

623

762

766

Properties treated as finance leases

 

 

 

 

(4)

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Portfolio

13,964

14,103

(188)

(1.4%)

337

327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Represented by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio

12,750

12,848

(153)

(1.2%)

309

299

605

595

587

699

701

Share of joint ventures

1,214

1,255

(35)

(2.9%)

28

28

55

41

36

63

65

Combined Portfolio

13,964

14,103

(188)

(1.4%)

337

327

660

636

623

762

766

 

 

Table 21: Combined Portfolio analysis continued

Like-for-like segmental analysis

 

 

Gross estimated
rental value(5)

Net initial yield(6)

Equivalent yield(7)

Voids (by ERV)(1)

 

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

30
September
2018

31
March
2018

 

£m

£m

%

%

%

%

%

%

Retail Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping centres and shops

201

204

4.5%

4.4%

4.9%

4.9%

3.9%

3.6%

Retail parks

44

45

5.5%

5.3%

5.6%

5.5%

-

-

Leisure and hotels

78

79

5.1%

5.1%

5.4%

5.4%

1.4%

0.8%

Other

2

2

3.0%

0.9%

8.4%

8.5%

40.9%

40.9%

Total Retail Portfolio

325

330

4.8%

4.7%

5.1%

5.1%

3.0%

2.7%

London Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West End

117

116

4.4%

4.3%

4.6%

4.5%

1.2%

3.4%

City

63

63

4.2%

4.1%

4.5%

4.5%

-

0.2%

Mid-town

71

68

3.3%

3.3%

4.5%

4.4%

-

0.4%

Inner London

16

16

4.2%

4.2%

5.0%

4.9%

-

0.6%

Total London offices

267

263

4.0%

4.0%

4.5%

4.5%

0.5%

1.7%

Central London shops

58

60

3.7%

3.2%

4.2%

4.1%

1.4%

2.2%

Other

1

1

1.3%

1.3%

1.2%

1.1%

20.0%

20.0%

Total London Portfolio

326

324

3.9%

3.8%

4.5%

4.4%

0.7%

1.8%

Like-for-like portfolio(8)

651

654

4.3%

4.2%

4.8%

4.7%

1.9%

2.2%

Proposed developments(1)

4

3

0.5%

2.2%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Development programme(9)

40

38

-

-

4.4%

4.4%

n/a

n/a

Completed developments(10)

57

57

2.7%

1.7%

4.3%

4.3%

n/a

n/a

Acquisitions(11)

26

24

5.2%

5.7%

5.5%

n/a

n/a

n/a

Sales(12)

-

4

-

3.6%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Combined Portfolio

778

780

4.1%

4.0%

4.7%

n/a

n/a

n/a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total portfolio analysis                                                                       Notes:

 


Gross estimated
rental value(5)

Net initial yield(6)

 

30 September

2018

31 March 2018

30 September

2018

31 March 2018

 

£m

£m

%

%

Retail Portfolio

 

 

 

 

Shopping centres and shops

240

243

4.5%

4.3%

Retail parks

44

49

5.4%

5.1%

Leisure and hotels

79

79

5.1%

5.1%

Other

2

2

3.0%

1.3%

Total Retail Portfolio

365

373

4.8%

4.6%

London Portfolio

 

 

 

 

West End

156

154

3.8%

3.6%

City

103

101

3.6%

3.6%

Mid-town

71

68

3.3%

3.3%

Inner London

17

17

4.1%

4.2%

Total London offices

347

340

3.7%

3.6%

Central London shops

65

66

3.5%

3.1%

Other

1

1

1.5%

1.3%

Total London Portfolio

413

407

3.6%

3.5%

Combined Portfolio

778

780

4.1%

4.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Represented by:

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio

713

714

4.2%

4.1%

Share of joint ventures

65

66

2.9%

2.3%

Combined Portfolio

778

780

4.1%

4.0%

 

1.   Refer to Glossary for definition.

2.   Annualised rental income is annual 'rental income' (as defined in the Glossary) at the balance sheet date, except that car park and commercialisation income are included on a net basis (after deduction for operational outgoings). Annualised rental income includes temporary lettings.

3.   Annualised net rent is annual cash rent, after the deduction of rent payable, as at the balance sheet date. It is calculated with the same methodology as annualised rental income but is stated net of rent payable and before SIC 15 adjustments.

4.   Net estimated rental value is gross estimated rental value, as defined in the Glossary, after deducting expected rent payable.

5.   Gross estimated rental value (ERV) - refer to Glossary for definition. The figure for proposed developments relates to the existing buildings and not the schemes proposed.

6.   Net initial yield - refer to Glossary for definition. This calculation includes all properties including those sites with no income.

7.   Equivalent yield - refer to Glossary for definition. Proposed developments are excluded from the calculation of equivalent yield on the Combined Portfolio.

8.   The like-for-like portfolio - refer to Glossary for definition. Capital expenditure on refurbishments, acquisitions of head leases and similar capital expenditure has been allocated to the like-for-like portfolio in preparing this table.

9.   The development programme - refer to Glossary for definition. Net initial yield figures are only calculated for properties in the development programme that have reached practical completion.

10. Completed developments - refer to Glossary for definition. Comprises The Zig Zag Building, SW1, Nova, SW1, 20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2 and Westgate Oxford.

11.  Includes all properties acquired since 1 April 2017.

12.  Includes all properties sold since 1 April 2017.

 

Table 22: Lease lengths

 

Weighted average unexpired lease term at 30 September 2018

 

Like-for-like portfolio

Like-for-like portfolio, completed developments and acquisitions

 

Mean(1)

Mean(1)

 

Years

Years

Retail Portfolio

 

 

Shopping centres and shops

5.9

5.7

Retail parks

6.3

6.3

Leisure and hotels

12.1

12.1

Other

2.3

2.3

Total Retail Portfolio

7.5

7.2

 

 

 

London Portfolio

 

 

West End

7.2

8.3

City

8.2

8.2

Mid-town

10.6

10.6

Inner London

14.5

14.5

Total London offices

8.7

9.1

Central London shops

6.4

7.0

Other

5.2

5.2

Total London Portfolio

8.4

8.8

 

 

 

Combined Portfolio

8.0

8.1

 

1.    Mean is the rent weighted average of the unexpired lease term across all leases (excluding short-term leases). Term is defined as the earlier of tenant break or expiry.

 

 

Table 23: Reconciliation of segmental information note to statutory reporting

 

The table below reconciles the Group's income statement to the segmental information note (note 3 to the financial statements). The Group's income statement is prepared using the equity accounting method for joint ventures and includes 100% of the results of the Group's non-wholly owned subsidiaries. In contrast, the segmental information note is prepared on a proportionately consolidated basis and excludes the non-wholly owned share of the Group's subsidiaries. This is consistent with the financial information reviewed by management.

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2018

 

Group income statement

£m

Joint

ventures(1)

£m

Proportionate share of
earnings(2)

£m

Total

£m

 

Revenue
profit

£m

 

Capital and other items

£m

Rental income

310

28

(1)

337

 

337

 

-

Finance lease interest

4

-

-

4

 

4

 

-

Gross rental income (before rents payable)

314

28

(1)

341

 

341

 

-

Rents payable

(5)

(1)

-

(6)

 

(6)

 

-

Gross rental income (after rents payable)

309

27

(1)

335

 

335

 

-

Service charge income

40

5

-

45

 

45

 

-

Service charge expense

(44)

(6)

-

(50)

 

(50)

 

-

Net service charge expense

(4)

(1)

-

(5)

 

(5)

 

-

Other property related income

16

1

-

17

 

17

 

-

Direct property expenditure

(34)

(5)

-

(39)

 

(39)

 

-

Net rental income

287

22

(1)

308

 

308

 

-

Indirect property expenditure

(36)

(1)

-

(37)

 

(37)

 

-

Other income

2

-

-

2

 

2

 

-

 

253

21

(1)

273

 

273

 

-

Share of post-tax loss from joint ventures

(14)

14

-

-

 

-

 

-

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

(153)

(35)

-

(188)

 

-

 

(188)

Loss on disposal of investment properties

(2)

(2)

-

(4)

 

-

 

(4)

Profit on disposal of trading properties

-

1

-

1

 

-

 

1

Fair value movement prior to acquisition of non-owned element of a joint venture

-

9

-

9

 

-

 

9

Profit on long-term development contracts

-

3

-

3

 

-

 

3

Other

(1)

(1)

1

(1)

 

-

 

(1)

Operating profit/(loss)

83

10

-

93

 

273

 

(180)

Finance income

11

-

-

11

 

10

 

1

Finance expense

(52)

(10)

-

(62)

 

(59)

 

(3)

Profit/(loss) before tax

42

-

-

42

 

224

 

(182)

Taxation

2

-

-

2

 

 

 

 

Profit attributable to shareholders

44

-

-

44

 

 

 

 

 

1.    Reallocation of the share of post-tax profit from joint ventures reported in the Group income statement to the individual line items reported in the segmental information note.

2.    Removal of the non-wholly owned share of results of the Group's subsidiaries. The non-wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated at 100% in the Group's income statement, but only the Group's share is included in revenue profit reported in the segmental information note.

 

Table 23: Reconciliation of segmental information note to statutory reporting continued

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2017(1)

 

Group income statement

£m

Joint

ventures(2)

£m

Proportionate share of
earnings(3)

£m

Total

£m

 

Revenue
profit

£m

 

Capital and other items

£m

Rental income

300

28

(1)

327

 

327

 

-

Finance lease interest

4

-

-

4

 

4

 

-

Gross rental income (before rents payable)

304

28

(1)

331

 

331

 

-

Rents payable

(5)

(1)

-

(6)

 

(6)

 

-

Gross rental income (after rents payable)

299

27

(1)

325

 

325

 

-

Service charge income

35

3

-

38

 

38

 

-

Service charge expense

(38)

(5)

-

(43)

 

(43)

 

-

Net service charge expense

(3)

(2)

-

(5)

 

(5)

 

-

Other property related income

16

2

-

18

 

18

 

-

Direct property expenditure

(30)

(5)

-

(35)

 

(35)

 

-

Net rental income

282

22

(1)

303

 

303

 

-

Indirect property expenditure

(39)

(1)

-

(40)

 

(40)

 

-

Other income

1

-

-

1

 

1

 

-

 

244

21

(1)

264

 

264

 

-

Share of post-tax profit from joint ventures

23

(23)

-

-

 

-

 

-

Net (deficit)/surplus on revaluation of investment properties

(29)

10

-

(19)

 

-

 

(19)

Profit on disposal of investment properties

1

1

-

2

 

-

 

2

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

66

-

-

66

 

-

 

66

Profit on disposal of trading properties

7

9

-

16

 

-

 

16

Movement in impairment of trading properties

1

(2)

-

(1)

 

-

 

(1)

Other

(1)

-

1

-

 

-

 

-

Operating profit

312

16

-

328

 

264

 

64

Finance income

24

-

-

24

 

19

 

5

Finance expense

(302)

(16)

-

(318)

 

(80)

 

(238)

Profit/(loss) before tax

34

-

-

34

 

203

 

(169)

Taxation

(1)

-

-

(1)

 

 

 

 

Profit attributable to shareholders

33

-

-

33

 

 

 

 

 

1.    Restated as a result of changes in accounting policies. See note 17 of the financial statements for details.

2.    Reallocation of the share of post-tax profit from joint ventures reported in the Group income statement to the individual line items reported in the segmental information note.

3.    Removal of the non-wholly owned share of results of the Group's subsidiaries. The non-wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated at 100% in the Group's income statement, but only the Group's share is included in revenue profit reported in the segmental information note.

 

 

Table 24: Acquisitions, disposals and capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

Six months ended

30 September 2018

Six months ended

30 September 2017

 

Group (excl. joint ventures)

£m

Joint ventures

£m

Adjustment for proportionate share(1)

£m

 

Combined Portfolio

£m

 

Combined

 Portfolio

£m

Investment properties

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value at the beginning of the period

12,336

1,235

(35)

13,536

13,873

Acquisitions

42

-

-

42

348

Transfer from trading properties

-

-

-

-

2

Capital expenditure

42

14

-

56

101

Capitalised interest

2

-

-

2

4

Disposals

(33)

(26)

-

(59)

(629)

Net deficit on revaluation of investment properties

(153)

(35)

-

(188)

(19)

Net book value at the end of the period

12,236

1,188

(35)

13,389

13,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit on disposal of investment properties

(2)

(2)

-

(4)

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading properties

 

 

 

£m

£m

Net book value at the beginning of the period

24

50

-

74

246

Acquisitions

3

-

-

3

-

Capital expenditure

2

-

-

2

14

Disposals

(6)

(18)

-

(24)

(69)

Transfer to investment properties

-

-

-

-

(2)

Movement in impairment

-

-

-

-

(1)

Net book value at the end of the period

23

32

-

55

188

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit on disposal of trading properties

-

1

-

1

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in joint ventures

 

 

 

£m

£m

Profit on disposal of investment in joint venture

-

-

-

-

66

 

 

Acquisitions, development and other capital expenditure

Investment

 properties(2)

£m

Trading

properties

£m

Combined

Portfolio

£m

Combined

 Portfolio

£m

Acquisitions(3)

42

3

45

348

Development capital expenditure(4)

42

-

42

64

Other capital expenditure

14

2

16

51

Capitalised interest

2

-

2

4

Acquisitions, development and other capital expenditure

100

5

105

467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposals

£m

£m

 

Net book value - investment property disposals

59

629

 

Net book value - trading property disposals

24

69

 

Net book value - other net assets of joint venture disposals

-

46

 

(Loss)/profit on disposal - investment properties

(4)

2

 

Profit on disposal - trading properties

1

16

 

Profit on disposal - investment in joint venture

-

66

 

Other

(2)

2

 

Total disposal proceeds

78

830

 

 

1.    This represents the interest in X-Leisure which we do not own, but which is consolidated in the Group numbers.

2.    See table 25 for further details.

3.    Properties acquired in the period.

4.    Development capital expenditure for investment properties comprises expenditure on the development pipeline and completed developments.

Table 25: Analysis of acquisitions, development and other capital expenditure - investment properties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2018

 

 

 

 

Other capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions(1)

£m

Development capital expenditure(2)

£m

Incremental lettable space

£m

     No incremental lettable space

£m

     Tenant improvements

£m

Total

£m

Capitalised interest

£m

Total capital expenditure - Combined Portfolio

£m

Total capital expenditure - Joint ventures

(Group share)

£m

Total capital expenditure - Group

(excl JVs)

£m

Retail Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping centres and shops

 

2

8

1

4

1

6

-

16

8

8

Retail parks

 

-

-

3

1

-

4

-

4

2

2

Leisure and hotels

 

-

-

-

1

-

1

-

1

-

1

Other

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total Retail Portfolio

 

2

8

4

6

1

11

-

21

10

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

London Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West End

 

9

5

-

3

-

3

-

17

3

14

City

 

-

27

-

-

-

-

2

29

-

29

Mid-town

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Inner London

 

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

1

Central London shops

 

31

1

-

-

-

-

-

32

1

31

Total London Portfolio

 

40

34

-

3

-

3

2

79

4

75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital expenditure

 

42

42

4

9

1

14

2

100

14

86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion from accrual to cash basis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

(1)

4

Total capital expenditure on a cash basis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103

13

90

 

1.    Investment properties acquired in the period.

2.    Expenditure on the development pipeline and completed developments.

Investor information

1. Company website: landsec.com

The Group's half-yearly and annual reports to shareholders, results announcements and presentations, are available to view and download from the Company's website. The website also provides details of the Company's current share price, the latest news about the Group, its properties and operations, and details of future events and how to obtain further information.

 

2. Registrar: Equiniti Group PLC

Enquiries concerning shareholdings, dividends and changes in personal details should be referred to the Company's registrar, Equiniti Group PLC (Equiniti), in the first instance. They can be contacted using the details below:

 

Telephone:

 

-    0371 384 2128 (from the UK)

-    +44 121 415 7049 (from outside the UK)

-    Lines are open from 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays.

 

Correspondence address:

 

Equiniti Group PLC

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex

BN99 6DA

 

Information on how to manage your shareholding can be found at https://help.shareview.co.uk. If you are not able to find the answer to your question within the general Help information page, a personal enquiry can be sent directly through Equiniti's secure e-form on their website. Please note that you will be asked to provide your name, address, shareholder reference number and a valid e-mail address. Alternatively, shareholders can view and manage their shareholding through the Landsec share portal which is hosted by Equiniti - simply visit https://portfolio.shareview.co.uk and follow the registration instructions.

 

3. Shareholder enquiries

If you have an enquiry about the Company's business or about something affecting you as a shareholder (other than queries which are dealt with by the Registrar), please email Investor Relations (see details in 8. below).

 

4. Share dealing services: https://shareview.co.uk

The Company's shares can be traded through most banks, building societies and stockbrokers. They can also be traded through Equiniti. To use their service, shareholders should contact Equiniti: 0345 603 7037 from the UK. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:30 for dealing and until 18:00 for enquiries, excluding UK public holidays.

 

5. 2018/19 second quarterly dividend

The Board has declared a second quarterly dividend for the year ending 31 March 2019 of 11.3p per ordinary share which will be paid on 4 January 2019 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 30 November 2018. This will be paid wholly as a Property Income Distribution (PID). Together with the first quarterly dividend of 11.3p already paid on 5 October 2018 wholly as a PID, the first half dividend will be 22.6p per ordinary share (six months ended 30 September 2017: 19.7p).

 

6. Dividend related services

-    Dividend payments to UK shareholders - Dividend Mandates

We recommend that dividends are paid directly into a nominated bank or building society account through the Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS). This service provides cleared funds on the dividend payment date, is more secure than sending a cheque by post and avoids the inconvenience of paying each dividend by cheque. This arrangement is only available in respect of dividends paid in sterling.

 

-    Dividend payments to overseas shareholders - International Payment Service

For international shareholders who would prefer to receive payment of their dividends in local currency and directly into their local bank account, an Overseas Payment Service (OPS) is available. This can be more convenient and effective than otherwise receiving dividend payments by sterling cheque or into a UK bank account.

 

The OPS service is available from Equiniti who, in partnership with Citibank, may be able to convert sterling dividends into your local currency at competitive rates and either arrange for those funds to be sent to you by currency draft or credited to your bank account directly.

 

-    Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)

A DRIP is available from Equiniti. This facility provides an opportunity by which shareholders can conveniently and easily increase their holding in the Company by using their cash dividends to buy more shares. Participation in the DRIP will mean that your dividend payments will be reinvested in the Company's shares and these will be purchased on your behalf in the market on, or as soon as practical after, the dividend payment date.

 

You may only participate in the DRIP if you are resident in the European Economic Area, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

 

For further information (including terms and conditions) and to register for any of these dividend-related services, simply visit www.shareview.co.uk.

 

7. Financial reporting calendar

 

2019

Financial year end

31 March

Preliminary results announcement

14 May

 

 

Half-yearly results announcement

12 November*

* Provisional date only

 

8. Investor relations enquiries

For investor relations enquiries, please contact Edward Thacker, Head of Investor Relations at Landsec, by telephone on +44 (0)20 7413 9000 or by email at enquiries@landsec.com.

 

 


This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
 
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