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Citycon Oyj

Quarterly Report Oct 24, 2019

3215_10-q_2019-10-24_feed6d63-f178-4aca-ba59-11926f8c5252.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Q3 2019

INTERIM REPORT JANUARY-SEPTEMBER

CITYCON Q3/2019: ANOTHER SOLID QUARTER

  • Solid overall performance in January-September
  • Total tenant sales grew by 4%; like-for-like sales by 1%
  • Total footfall increased by 5%; like-for-like footfall by 1%
  • Net rental income continued to grow, including like-for-like net rental income growth
  • Continued positive leasing spread driven by Sweden
  • –Outlook narrowed after solid January-September performance and completed disposals

JULY—SEPTEMBER 2019

  • Net rental income was EUR 54.2 million (Q3/2018: 53.6). Development project in Mölndal coming online increased net rental income by EUR 1.4 million, and like-for-like properties increased net rental income by EUR 0.4 million. Net rental income developed positively in best assets, in Iso Omena in particular. This was partly offset by planned divestments in 2018 and Q2/2019, impacting net rental income by EUR -1.8 million. Weaker currencies had an impact of EUR -0.7 million. Adoption of IFRS 16 standard increased net rental income in Q3/2019 by EUR 1.8 million in total.
  • EPRA Earnings excluding the one-time expenses related to organizational changes was EUR 35.9 million or EUR 0.202 per share. Reported EPRA Earnings decreased slightly to EUR 35.5 million (36.8) as result of lower share of profit of joint ventures. EPRA Earnings per share (basic) was EUR 0.199 (0.207), impact from weaker currencies was EUR -0.003 per share.
  • –IFRS-based earnings per share increased to EUR 0.08 (-0.05) as a result of higher net rental income and lower net financial expenses.
  • The reporting period includes the adoption of IFRS 16 from 1.1.2019 onwards. Please see Note 2 for more information.

JANUARY—SEPTEMBER 2019

  • Net rental income was EUR 164.0 million (Q1-Q3/2018: 161.2). Completed (re)development projects increased net rental income by EUR 3.9 million, and like-for-like properties increased NRI by EUR 0.4 million. Divestments decreased net rental income by EUR 4.6 million and weaker SEK and NOK by EUR 1.9 million. Adoption of IFRS 16 standard increased net rental income in Q1-Q3/2019 by EUR 5.3 million in total.
  • EPRA Earnings excluding the one-time expenses related to organizational changes increased to EUR 112.1 million or EUR 0.629 per share. Reported EPRA Earnings was EUR 110.0 million (109.3) due to higher net rental income and lower net financial expenses. EPRA Earnings per share (basic) was EUR 0.618 (0.614), negative impact from weaker currencies was EUR 0.010 per share.
  • IFRS-based earnings per share was EUR 0.19 (0.06) as a result of higher net rental income, lower net financial expenses and higher other operating income and expenses.
  • The reporting period includes the adoption of IFRS 16 from 1.1.2019 onwards. Please see Note 2 for more information.
OUTLOOK FOR THE YEAR 2019 NARROWED
Previously
EPRA Earnings per share (basic) EUR 0.79-0.82 0.785–0.850
Direct operating profit MEUR 190-195 189–200
EPRA Earnings MEUR 141-146 140–151

These estimates are based on the existing property portfolio as well as on the prevailing level of inflation, the EUR–SEK and EUR–NOK exchange rates, and current interest rates. Premises taken offline for planned or ongoing (re)development projects reduce net rental income during the year.

KEY FIGURES

Comparable Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/ Comparable
Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 1) change % 3) 2019 2018 % 1) change % 3) 2018
Net rental income MEUR 54.2 53.6 1.2% 2.6% 164.0 161.2 1.7% 2.9% 214.9
Direct Operating profit 2) MEUR 48.0 47.8 0.3% 1.8% 146.4 143.6 1.9% 3.2% 187.6
IFRS Earnings per share (basic) 4) EUR 0.08 -0.05 - - 0.19 0.06 - - 0.09
Fair value of investment properties MEUR 4,105.9 4,183.4 -1.9% - 4,105.9 4,183.4 -1.9% - 4,131.3
Loan to Value (LTV) 2) % 49.6 48.2 2.9% - 49.6 48.2 2.9% - 48.7
EPRA based key figures 2)
EPRA Earnings MEUR 35.5 36.8 -3.6% -1.9% 110.0 109.3 0.6% 2.2% 143.5
EPRA Earnings per share (basic) 4) EUR 0.199 0.207 -3.6% -1.9% 0.618 0.614 0.6% 2.2% 0.806
EPRA NAV per share 4) EUR 12.58 13.29 -5.4% - 12.58 13.29 -5.4% - 12.95

1) Change from previous year. Change-% is calculated from exact figures.

2) Citycon presents alternative performance measures according to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) guidelines. More information is presented in Basis of Preparation and Accounting Policies in the notes to the accounts.

3) Change from previous year (comparable exchange rates). Change-% is calculated from exact figures.

4) Key ratios have been adjusted in the comparison periods to reflect the new number of shares after the reverse share split executed in March 2019.

CEO F. SCOTT BALL:

"Citycon's operational performance remained solid during the third quarter and total net rental income grew to EUR 164 million in January-September 2019. Like-for-like net rental income continued to grow driven by Finland and Norway. It should be noted that the like-for-like development in Finland continued to be positive after several subdued years. EPRA earnings remained solid and the EPRA earnings per share was EUR 0.618 in January-September 2019 and the profit for the period increased compared to prior year. The occupancy rate remained close to the previous year at 95.3% at the end of September 2019 illustrating the stability of our business model. We were pleased that total tenant sales increased by 4% and total footfall by 5% during January-September 2019.

The Citycon team carried out a strategic review during the past quarter in order to define the company's short and long-term focus areas. As a result, Citycon held its Capital Markets Day 2019 in September and discussed its short-term performance improvement plans and long-term mixed-use development potential. Citycon's immediate focus is to maximize the value of the existing assets. As noted previously, we have a new organization in place and have taken concrete steps to harmonize our processes across the Nordics.

Citycon has a great stable business model with assets in unique and growing urban locations that offer great densification potential. Our strategy is to become a mixed-use urban real estate investor and owner. We will significantly increase our residential footprint by densifying the urban areas around our assets. Citycon's development team was strengthened in August with our new Chief Development Officer Erik Lennhammar and he and our development team have started the work to formalize our residential and densification strategy.

Strengthening the balance sheet is a near-term key priority for Citycon. The pressure on valuations has also contributed to our slightly elevated loan-to-value ratio, which stood at 49.6% at the end of September 2019. Currently, we have begun to take concrete measures to defend our investment grade credit ratings with a stronger balance sheet.

After a solid January-September and following the completed disposals of two shopping centres in Finland, we have narrowed our guidance further. We now expect EPRA EPS to be in the range of EUR 0.79–0.82 for the full year 2019."

1. NET RENTAL INCOME GREW; POSITIVE LIKE-FOR-LIKE DEVELOPMENT

The net rental income, including the impact from applying the IFRS16 standard, increased to EUR 164.0 million (161.2). Net rental income developed positively in best assets, in Iso Omena in particular. The increase was also due to successful opening of development project in Mölndal in September 2018. Planned divestments conducted during 2018 and Q2/2019 decreased the net rental income.

Like-for-like gross rental and service charge income increased from the corresponding period by EUR 0.5 million. Like-for-like property operating expenses and other expenses from leasing operations increased slightly from the previous year by EUR 0.1 million. As a result, like-for-like net rental income increased by EUR 0.4 million or 0.4%.

LIKE-FOR-LIKE AND TOTAL NET RENTAL INCOME DEVELOPMENT, Q1-Q3/2019 VS. Q1-Q3/2018

Like-for-like NRI Development (at comparable exchange rates) Total NRI Development (at historical exchange rates)

Net rental income from the Finnish & Estonian operations decreased by 2.5 % compared to Q1-Q3/2018 due to planned divestments of non-core assets in 2018 and Q2/2019. This was partly offset by positive impact from the like-for-like portfolio, which increased by 0.5 % due to higher turnover-based rents, as well as ongoing (re)development projects.

Net rental income from Norwegian operations increased by 2.5 % compared to Q1-Q3/2018 due to positive impact from applying the IFRS 16 standard from the start of 2019. Planned divestments of non-core assets in 2018 and weaker NOK compared to previous year, as well as slightly lower net rental income from ongoing (re)development projects impacted net rental income negatively. These were partly offset by like-for-like net rental income increase of 0.6 % due to higher rental levels and lower credit losses.

Net rental income from Swedish & Danish operations increased by 10.2 % due to the successful opening of the development project in Mölndal in September 2018. On the other hand, divestment of a non-core asset in 2018, and weaker SEK compared to previous year reduced the net rental income. Like-for-like net rental income decreased by -0.2 % mainly due to higher property tax.

NET RENTAL INCOME AND GROSS RENTAL INCOME BREAKDOWN

Net rental income Gross rental
income
MEUR Finland &
Estonia
Norway Sweden &
Denmark
Other Total Total
Q1-Q3/2018 72.9 55.6 32.4 0.3 161.2 177.8
Acquisitions - - -0.2 - -0.2 -0.1
(Re)development projects 0.2 -0.2 3.9 - 3.9 4.5
Divestments -2.9 -1.4 -0.3 - -4.6 -5.9
Like-for-like properties 1) 0.3 0.2 0.0 - 0.4 0.9
Other (incl. IFRS 16 and exchange rate differences) 0.6 2.8 0.0 -0.1 3.3 -2.2
Q1-Q3/2019 71.1 57.0 35.7 0.2 164.0 175.1

1) Like-for-like properties are properties held by Citycon throughout two full preceding periods. Like-for-like properties exclude properties under (re)development or extension.

2. OCCUPANCY RATE AT A GOOD LEVEL

The economic occupancy rate was at a good level of 95.3 %. The average rent per sq.m. was EUR 23.1 (23.2). With comparable rates, the average rent per sq.m. increased by EUR 0.2. The year-to-date leasing spread of renewals and re-lettings was 1.4 % due to positive development in Sweden & Denmark in particular.

During the period, total sales in Citycon's shopping centres increased by 4 % and footfall 5 % compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

ECONOMIC OCCUPANCY RATE 1)

1) Including Kista Galleria 50%.

FOOTFALL DEVELOPMENT, Q1-Q3/2019 VS. Q1-Q3/2018 1)

Like-for-like footfall

Total footfall (including Kista Galleria 50%)

1) Footfall figures include estimates.

TENANT SALES DEVELOPMENT, Q1-Q3/2019 VS. Q1-Q3/2018 1)

Like-for-like sales

Total sales (including Kista Galleria 50%)

1) Sales figures include estimates. Sales figures exclude VAT and the change has been calculated using comparable exchange rates.

LEASE PORTFOLIO SUMMARY 1)

4,787 4,497 4,454
23.1 23.1 23.2
25.5 25.1 25.6
21.6 21.9 21.8
21.8 21.8 21.8
3.4 3.4 3.4
9.1 8.6 9.1
1.4 0.2 -0.3
pcs
EUR/sq.m.
EUR/sq.m.
EUR/sq.m.
EUR/sq.m.
years
%
%
30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018

1) Including Kista Galleria 50%.

2) The rolling twelve month occupancy cost ratio for like-for-like shopping centres.

3) Figures are not fully comparable with the previous periods, since the calculation method was changed.

LEASING ACTIVITY 1)

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
2019 2018 2018
Total area of leases started sq.m. 113,092 134,874 186,576
Average rent of leases started EUR/sq.m. 26.2 23.4 22.5
Total area of leases ended sq.m. 160,727 158,301 220,202
Average rent of leases ended EUR/sq.m. 26.0 22.3 22.1

1) Including Kista Galleria 50%. Leases started and ended do not necessarily refer to the same premises.

3. PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD INCREASED CLEARLY

Administrative expenses increased 2.6% excluding the one-off expenses related to organizational changes. Including these one-off expenses, administrative expenses increased to EUR 20.0 million (17.9). At the end of the reporting period, Citycon Group employed a total of 241 (254) full-time employees (FTEs), of whom 50 worked in Finland & Estonia, 96 in Norway, 58 in Sweden & Denmark, and 37 in Group functions.

Operating profit declined slightly to EUR 83.0 million (83.6) due to divestments and fair value losses of EUR -64.7 million (-54.2).

Net financial expenses decreased by EUR 23.9 million to EUR 36.4 million (60.3) mainly due to indirect costs of EUR 21.5 million in connection with the bond tender in the comparison period and a lower average cost of debt and despite a higher amount of debt, a lower interest income and interest expenses resulting from lease liabilities recognized according to IFRS 16.

Share of loss of joint ventures and associated companies totalled EUR -6.0 million (-4.8).

Profit for the period increased to EUR 34.6 million (11.1).

4. PROPERTY PORTFOLIO VALUE DEVELOPMENT

The fair value of investment properties decreased by EUR 77.5 million to EUR 4 105.9 million (30 September 2018: 4,183.4). The fair value of investment properties decreased by EUR 25.4 million from year-end (31 December 2018: 4,131.3) due to fair value losses of EUR 64.7 million and changes in exchange rates decreased value by EUR 27.7 million. Furthermore, investment properties decreased as one property was moved to investment properties held for sale. However, the adoption of IFRS 16 increased the value of investment properties by EUR 52.2 million and investments increased the fair value by EUR 61.7 million.

PROPERTY PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

No. of Gross leasable Properties held
30 September 2019 properties area Fair value, MEUR for sale, MEUR Portfolio, %
Shopping centres, Finland & Estonia 12 401,150 1,791.6 51.6 45%
Other properties, Finland & Estonia 1 2,240 2.6 - 0%
Finland & Estonia, total 13 403,390 1,794.3 51.6 45%
Shopping centres, Norway 15 392,100 1,330.7 - 32%
Rented shopping centres, Norway 1) 1 14,000 - - -
Norway, total 16 406,100 1,330.7 - 32%
Sweden & Denmark, total 10 268,800 928.7 - 23%
Shopping centres, total 38 1,076,050 4,051.0 51.6 100%
Other properties, total 1 2,240 2.6 - 0%
Investment properties, total 39 1,078,290 4,053.7 51.6 100%
Right-of-use assets classified as investment
properties (IFRS 16) - - 52.2 - -
Investment properties in the statement of financial
position, total - - 4,105.9 - -
Kista Galleria (50%) 1 47,150 273.9 - -
Investment properties and Kista Galleria (50%), total 40 1,125,440 4,379.8 51.6 -

1) Value of rented properties is recognised within intangible rights based on IFRS rules.

The fair value change of investment properties amounted to EUR -64.7 million (-54.2). The company recorded a total value increase of EUR 8.9 million (38.1) and a total value decrease of EUR 69.1 million (92.4). In addition, the application of IFRS 16 standard had an impact of EUR -4.5 million to the fair value change of investment properties during the January-September reporting period.

FAIR VALUE CHANGES

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR Q3/2019 Q3/2018 2019 2018 2018
Finland & Estonia -13.4 -14.6 -32.1 -47.8 -58.8
Norway -0.5 -6.7 -19.2 -20.6 -22.2
Sweden & Denmark -2.6 0.6 -8.9 14.2 8.5
Right-of-use assets classified
as investment properties (IFRS 16) -1.5 - -4.5 - -
Investment properties, total -17.9 -20.7 -64.7 -54.2 -72.5
Kista Galleria (50%) -2.3 -1.2 -8.7 -5.4 -8.6
Investment properties and Kista Galleria (50%), total -20.2 -21.9 -73.5 -59.7 -81.1

Citycon measures the fair values of the properties internally in the first and third quarter. External appraiser, CBRE, measures the fair values for the half-yearly report and Financial statements.

CBRE's Valuation Advice on Yields and Market Rents is available on Citycon's website below Investors.

5. RECYCLING OF CAPITAL

During January-September 2019, Citycon continued to implement its divestment strategy and sold two shopping centres and agreed to sell two land plots for approximately EUR 86.4 million.

Since 2011, Citycon has divested 70 non-core properties, five residential portfolios and two land plots for a total value of approximately EUR 865 million. Strengthening the balance sheet remains a key priority and the company will continue its capital recycling actions going forward.

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTMENTS Q1-Q3/2019

Gross leasable
Location Date area, sq.m. Price, MEUR
Divestments
Two land plots next to Columbus 22 February &
shopping centre Helsinki, Finland 2 May 2019 - 9.4 1)
Arabia & Duo 13 June 2019 77.0
Arabia Shopping centre Helsinki, Finland 15,800
Duo Shopping centre Tampere, Finland 13,100
Divestments, total 28,900 86.4

1) The total value of preliminary agreements is approximately MEUR 9.4. One transaction took place in Q3/2019 and the another transaction will take place after the zoning has been approved.

6. (RE)DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PROGRESSED

At the end of the reporting period, Citycon had one major (re)development project underway: the Lippulaiva project in the Helsinki Metropolitan area.

Further information on Citycon's completed, ongoing and planned (re)developments can be found in the company's Financial Review 2018.

(RE)DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN PROGRESS ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

Expected gross Actual gross investment
Area before/ investment, by 30 September 2019,
Location after, sq.m. MEUR MEUR Completion
Helsinki metropolitan
Lippulaiva area, Finland 19,200/44,300 TBC 1) 108.3 2022

1) Negotiations regarding construction of main part of shopping centre are on-going. Impact on expected investment to be confirmed after the agreement has been signed.

7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Equity per share was EUR 11.36 (31 December 2018: 11.74). Profit for the period had a positive impact on the equity per share, while dividends and equity return paid of EUR 86.8 million and translation losses decreased the equity per share.

At period-end, shareholders' equity attributable to parent company's shareholders was EUR 2,021.5 million (30 September 2018: 2,152.4). This figure decreased by EUR 67.4 million from the end of last year (31 December 2018: 2,088.9) due to the above-mentioned reasons.

8. FINANCING

KEY FINANCING FIGURES

30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
Fair value of debt MEUR 2,134.8 2,171.1 2,154.6
Interest bearing liabilities, carrying value 1) MEUR 2,178.5 2,156.3 2,140.0
Available liquidity MEUR 555.3 556.7 556.4
Average loan maturity years 4.3 5.2 5.0
Loan to Value (LTV) 2) % 49.6 48.2 48.7
Equity ratio (financial covenant > 32.5) 3) % 44.3 45.9 45.4
Interest cover ratio (financial covenant > 1.8) x 4.1 3.8 3.8
Solvency ratio (financial covenant < 0.65 ) 3) x 0.47 0.47 0.48
Secured solvency ratio
(financial covenant < 0.25) 3) x 0.02 0.02 0.02
Average interest-rate fixing period years 4.3 5.2 5.0
Interest rate hedging ratio % 82.4 92.1 91.7

1) Including EUR 56.4 million lease liabilities due to adoption of IFRS 16 beginning 1 January 2019.

2) Excluding both right-of-use assets recognized as part of investment properties, as well as lease liabilities pertaining to these right-of-use assets, which are based on IFRS 16 requirements. Thus, IFRS 16 has no impact on LTV calculations as compared to earlier periods.

3) Not comparable to earlier periods due to impact of IFRS 16 items.

In March, Standard & Poor's downgraded Citycon's credit rating from BBB (negative outlook) to BBB- (stable outlook). In May, Moody's downgraded Citycon's credit rating from Baa2 (negative outlook) to Baa3 (stable outlook). In September, Standard & Poor's changed the rating outlook to negative.

There were no major financing transactions in January-September 2019.

In June, Citycon sold shopping centres Arabia and Duo in Finland. The proceeds were mainly used to repay commercial paper.

The dividends and equity return paid in March, June and September were mainly financed by operative cash flow.

INTEREST-BEARING DEBT

The fair value of interest-bearing debt decreased by EUR 19.8 million compared to year-end to EUR 2,134.8 million, mainly due to the divestment of Arabia and Duo and the weakening of the foreign currencies in which Citycon operates. The carrying amount of interest-bearing liabilities in balance sheet on the other hand increased due to EUR 56.4 million of lease liabilities arising from the adoption of IFRS 16 from the beginning of 2019. The weighted average loan maturity decreased compared to year-end to 4.3 years, as no new long-term financing transactions were done.

The LTV increased to 49.6% (Q4/2018: 48.7%).

FINANCIAL EXPENSES

FINANCIAL EXPENSES KEY FIGURES

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
2019 2018 2018
Financial expenses 1) MEUR -41.7 -66.3 -79.1
Financial income MEUR 5.3 6.1 8.7
Net financial expenses (IFRS) MEUR -36.4 -60.3 -70.5
Direct net financial expenses (EPRA) MEUR -37.2 -38.8 -50.1
Weighted average interest rate 2) % 2.39 2.36 2.35
Weighted average interest rate excluding
derivatives % 2.45 2.35 2.36
Year-to-date weighted average interest rate 2) % 2.42 2.76 2.69

1) Q1-Q3/2019 including EUR 1.4 million interest expenses due to adoption of IFRS 16 so not fully comparable to earlier periods.

2) Including interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps

The direct net financial expenses (EPRA) declined year-on-year mainly due to lower average cost of debt along with weaker NOK and SEK currency rates, and despite lower interest income and interest expenses resulting from lease liabilities recognized according to IFRS 16. Net financial expenses (IFRS) decreased by EUR 23.9 million to EUR 36.4 million (60.3) for the same reasons, but mainly due to indirect costs of EUR 21.5 million related to the partial repurchase of the 500 million Eurobond in Q3 2018. In addition, fair value changes of cross-currency swaps not under hedge accounting led to indirect financial gains of EUR 0.8 million.

The financial income mainly consisted of interest income on a loan to Kista Galleria. The foreign exchange differences are netted in financial expenses in the table above.

The average cost of debt was 2.39% (Q3/2018: 2.36%).

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Citycon uses interest rate swaps to hedge the floating interest rate risk exposure. According to the company's treasury policy, the currency net transaction risk exposure with profit and loss impact is fully hedged through currency forwards and cross-currency swaps that convert EUR debt into SEK and NOK debt.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
Average interest-rate fixing period years 4.3 5.2 5.0
Interest rate hedging ratio % 82.4 92.1 91.7

9. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT KEY FIGURES

Finland Norway Sweden Denmark Estonia Euro area
GDP growth forecast, 2019 1.5% 1.2% 1.7% 1.7% 2.9% 1.4%
Unemployment, 8/2019 6.8% 3.8% 7.4% 5.0% 4.2% 7.4%
Inflation, 8/2019 1.2% 1.6% 1.4% 3.1% 2.4% 0.9%
Retail sales growth, 1-8/2019 2.3% 0.4% 2.4% 0.9% 4.0% 2.5%

Sources: SEB Nordic Outlook, European Commission, Eurostat, Statistics Finland/Norway/Sweden/Estonia/Denmark

In Finland, retail sales grew at the start of the year by 2.3% year-on-year and solid growth in private consumption is expected to continue in 2019. In large good quality centres, mainly in the Helsinki Metropolitan area (HMA), the rent levels experienced modest rent growth during Q3/2019. Rent pressure continued in many centres outside the Helsinki Metropolitan area (HMA) and in secondary centres in the HMA. The prime shopping centre yield in the HMA increased 10 bps to 4.6%. Retail property transaction volume in Q3/2019 was ca. EUR 62 million.

In Norway, retail sales growth continued to be on a positive trend and retail sales grew by 0.4% year-on-year. There was some pressure on market rents, particularly in the secondary centres. The prime shopping centre yield remained relatively stable at 4.50%, while there continued to be some pressure on secondary yields. Retail transactions amounted to around 14% of the preliminary transactions volume for Q3/2019.

In Sweden, retail sales grew at the start of the year by 2.4% year-on-year. There continued to be some pressure on market rents. The prime shopping centre yields remained unchanged at 4.25%, and the gap between prime and secondary assets widened somewhat. Retail represented 3% of the total transaction volume in January-September 2019 which is less than the average of 10% in 2018.

In Denmark,retail sales grew during the reporting period. There were no major changes in rental levels. The prime shopping centre yield increased 25 bps to 4.50% and the secondary yield increased 50 bps to 6.50%.

In Estonia, the shopping centre market grew thanks to the strong economy. From the beginning of the year, retail sales grew by 4.0% year-on-year, particularly in food, beverages, and tobacco sales. In Tallinn, prime shopping centre rents in Q3/2019 remained stable on a quarterly basis. The prime shopping centre yield in Estonia was 6.25%.

(Sources: SEB Nordic Outlook, European Commission, CBRE, Statistics Finland/Norway/Sweden/Estonia/Denmark, Eurostat)

10. CHANGES IN CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

Erik Lennhammar started on 12 August as Citycon´s new Chief Development Officer and as a member of the Corporate Management Committee.

11. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The most significant near-term risks and uncertainties in Citycon's business operations are associated with the general development of the economy and consumer confidence in the Nordic countries and Estonia as well as how this affects the fair values, occupancy rates and rental levels of the shopping centres and thereby Citycon's financial result. Increased competition locally or from e-commerce might affect demand for retail premises, which could lead to lower rental levels or increased vacancy, especially outside capital city regions. Costs of development projects could increase due to rising construction costs or projects could be delayed due to unforeseeable challenges.

The main risks that can materially affect Citycon's business and financial results, along with the main risk management actions, are presented in detail on pages 37-38 in the Financial Statements 2018, in Note 3.5 A) as well as on Citycon's website in the Corporate Governance section.

12. GENERAL MEETING

Citycon's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Espoo, Finland on 13 March 2019. The AGM adopted the company's Financial Statements and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability for the financial year 2018. The General Meeting decided that no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the AGM and authorised the Board of Directors to decide in its discretion on the distribution of dividend and assets from the invested unrestricted equity fund. Based on the authorisation the maximum amount of dividend to be distributed shall not exceed EUR 0.05 per share and the maximum amount of equity repayment to be distributed from the invested unrestricted equity fund shall not exceed EUR 0.60 per share. The authorisation is valid until the opening of the next AGM.

The AGM decisions and the minutes of the AGM are available on the company's website at citycon.com/agm2019.

13. SHARES, SHARE CAPITAL AND SHAREHOLDERS

The company has a single series of shares, with each share entitling to one vote at a General Meeting of shareholders. The shares have no nominal value.

The number of shares in Citycon changed due to the reverse share split. The number of shares in the company was reduced from 889,992,628 to 177,998,525 by merging each five (5) shares into one (1) share. The new number of shares was registered with the Trade Register on 16 March 2019 and trading with the merged shares commenced on 18 March 2019.

At the end of September 2019, Citycon had a total of 17,506 (17,096) registered shareholders, of which 11 were account managers of nominee-registered shares. The most significant registered shareholders at month-end can be found on company's website citycon.com/major-shareholders.

SHARES AND SHARE CAPITAL

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
2019 2018 2018
Share capital at period-start MEUR 259.6 259.6 259.6
Share capital at period-end MEUR 259.6 259.6 259.6
Number of shares at period-start 889,992,628 889,992,628 889,992,628
Number of shares at period-end 177,998,525 889,992,628 889,992,628

SHARE PRICE AND TRADING 1)

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
2019 2018 % 2018
Low EUR 8.10 8.65 -6.4% 7.98
High EUR 10.08 11.25 -10.4% 11.24
Average EUR 9.09 9.50 -4.3% 9.29
Latest EUR 9.63 9.00 6.9% 8.08
Market capitalisation at period-end MEUR 1,713.2 1,598.4 7.2% 1,437.3
Number of shares traded million 23.0 37.2 -38.1% 49.2
Value of shares traded MEUR 207.9 353.9 -41.3% 456.6

1) Comparative figures adjusted to reflect the reverse split on March 18, 2019.

SHAREHOLDERS 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

% of shares and voting rights

DIVIDEND AND EQUITY REPAYMENT

DIVIDENDS AND EQUITY REPAYMENTS PAID ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2019 1)

Record date Payment date EUR / share
Dividend for 2018 22 March 2019 29 March 2019 0.05
Equity repayment Q1 22 March 2019 29 March 2019 0.1125
Equity repayment Q2 21 June 2019 28 June 2019 0.1625
Equity repayment Q3 23 September 2019 30 September 2019 0.1625
Total 0.4875

REMAINING BOARD AUTHORISATION FOR EQUITY REPAYMENT 2)

Preliminary
record date
Preliminary
payment date
EUR / share
Equity repayment Q4 19 December 2019 30 December 2019 0.1625
Total 0.1625

1) Board decision based on the authorisation issued by the AGM 2019

2) The AGM 2019 authorised the Board of Directors to decide in its discretion on the distribution of dividend and assets from the invested unrestricted equity fund. Based on the authorisation the maximum amount of dividend to be distributed shall not exceed EUR 0.05 per share and the maximum amount of equity repayment distributed from the invested unrestricted equity fund shall not exceed EUR 0.60 per share. Unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason, the authorisation will be used to distribute dividend and/or equity repayment four times during the period of validity of the authorisation. In this case, the Board of Directors will make separate resolutions on each distribution of the dividend and/or equity repayment so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as stated above. Citycon shall make separate announcements of such Board resolutions.

BOARD AUTHORISATIONS

In addition to the above explained asset distribution authorisation of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the company had two valid authorisations at the period-end granted by the AGM held on 13 March 2019:

  • The Board of Directors may decide on an issuance of a maximum of 17 million shares or special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act, which corresponded to approximately 9.55% of all the shares in the company at the period-end. The authorisation is valid until the close of the next AGM, however, no longer than until 30 June 2020.
  • The Board of Directors may decide on the repurchase and/or on the acceptance as pledge of the company's own shares in one or several tranches. The amount of own shares to be repurchased and/or accepted as pledge shall not exceed 10 million shares, which corresponded to approximately 5.62% of all the shares in the company at the period-end. The authorisation is valid until the close of the next AGM, however, no longer than until 30 June 2020.

During January – September 2019, the Board of Directors used five times its authorisation to repurchase its own shares and issue them by conveying repurchased shares. The repurchases and conveyances were made for payment of agreed severance payments and rewards earned under the company's share plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of the plans:

Matching Share Plan 2018–2020

– The company repurchased a total of 15,702 of its own shares and conveyed them on 8 May 2019 to two persons.

Restricted Share Plan 2018–2020

– The company repurchased a total of 20,000 of its own shares and conveyed them on 8 May 2019 to three persons.

Severance payments

– The company repurchased a total of 25,000 of its own shares and conveyed them on 8 May 2019 to two persons.

All repurchases were made during 25 April - 2 May 2019.

OWN SHARES

During the reporting period, the company held a total of 60,702 of the company's own shares. These 60,702 shares were conveyed to implement payments of severance payments and rewards earned under the company's share plans before the end of the reporting period and as described in the section Board authorisations. At the end of the period, the company or its subsidiaries held no shares in the company.

FLAGGING NOTICES

The company did not receive any notifications of changes in shareholding during the reporting period.

SHARE-RELATED EVENTS

Shareholder agreements

Gazit-Globe Ltd. and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board European Holdings S.à r.l (CPPIBEH) have signed an agreement regarding certain governance matters relating to Citycon on 12 May 2014. Further information on the agreement between Gazit-Globe Ltd. and CPPIBEH is available on the company's website at citycon.com/shareholder-agreements.

The company has no knowledge of any other shareholder agreements.

INCENTIVE PLANS

Long-term Share-based Incentive Plans

Citycon has five long-term share-based incentive plans for the Group key employees:

  • CEO Restricted Share Plan 2018–2021
  • Matching Share Plan 2018–2020,
  • Restricted Share Plan 2018–2020
  • Performance Share Plan 2015, and
  • Restricted Share Plan 2015.

The full terms and conditions of share-based incentive plans are available on the company's website at citycon.com/remuneration.

14. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

No material events after the reporting period.

OUTLOOK 2019 NARROWED

Citycon forecasts the 2019 EPRA Earnings per share (basic) to be EUR 0.79-0.82. Furthermore, the Direct operating profit is expected to be in the range of EUR 190-195 million and EPRA Earnings in the range of EUR 141-146 million.

Previously
EPRA Earnings per share (basic) EUR 0.79–0.82 0.785–0.850
Direct operating profit MEUR 190–195 189–200
EPRA Earnings MEUR 141–146 140–151

These estimates are based on the existing property portfolio as well as on the prevailing level of inflation, the EUR–SEK and EUR–NOK exchange rates, and current interest rates. Premises taken offline for planned or ongoing (re) development projects reduce net rental income during the year.

CITYCON'S PREVIOUS OUTLOOK FOR THE YEAR 2019 (JULY 11, 2019)

Citycon forecasts the 2019 EPRA Earnings per share (basic) to be EUR 0.785–0.850. Furthermore, the Direct operating profit is expected to be in the range of EUR 189–200 million and EPRA Earnings in the range of EUR 140–151 million.

These estimates are based on the existing property portfolio as well as on the prevailing level of inflation, the EUR–SEK and EUR–NOK exchange rates, and current interest rates. Premises taken offline for planned or ongoing (re)development projects reduce net rental income during the year.

15. FINANCIAL CALENDAR AND AGM 2020

Citycon Oyj's schedule of the financial reporting in 2020 is the following:

Year 2019 full-year Financial Report, Financial Statements and the Report by the Board of Directors Year 2020 three-month Interim Report Year 2020 six-month Half-Yearly Report Year 2020 nine-month Interim Report

Thursday 6 February 2020 at about 9:00 a.m. Thursday 23 April 2020 at about 9:00 a.m. Friday 10 July 2020 at about 9:00 a.m. Thursday 15 October 2020 at about 9:00 a.m.

Citycon Oyj's Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2020 will be held on Tuesday, 17 March 2020 starting at 12:00p.m.

For more investor information, please visit the company's website at www.citycon.com.

Helsinki, 23 October 2019 Citycon Oyj Board of Directors

For further information, please contact:

Eero Sihvonen Executive VP and CFO Tel. +358 50 557 9137 [email protected]

Mikko Pohjala IR and Communications Director Tel. +358 40 838 0709 [email protected]

Citycon is a leading owner, manager and developer of urban, grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic region, managing assets that total almost EUR 4.5 billion. Citycon is No. 1 shopping centre owner in Finland and among the market leaders in Norway, Sweden and Estonia. Citycon has also established a foothold in Denmark.

Citycon has investment-grade credit ratings from Moody's (Baa3) and Standard & Poor's (BBB-). Citycon Oyj's share is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki.

www.citycon.com

EPRA PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Citycon applies to the best practices policy recommendations of EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) for financial reporting. More information about EPRA's performance measures is available in Citycon's Financial Statements 2018 in section "EPRA performance measures".

EPRA PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
EPRA PERFORMANCE MEASURES Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 2019 2018 % 2018
EPRA Earnings MEUR 35.5 36.8 -3.6% 110.0 109.3 0.6% 143.5
EPRA Earnings per share (basic) 1) EUR 0.199 0.207 -3.6% 0.618 0.614 0.6% 0.806
EPRA NAV per share 1) EUR 12.58 13.29 -5.4% 12.58 13.29 -5.4% 12.95
EPRA NNNAV per share 1) EUR 11.14 12.03 -7.4% 11.14 12.03 -7.4% 11.90

1) Key ratios have been adjusted in the comparison periods to reflect the new number of shares after the reversed share split executed in March 2019.

The following tables present how EPRA Performance Measures are calculated.

1) EPRA EARNINGS

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 2019 2018 % 2018
Earnings in IFRS Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 13.8 -8.3 - 34.6 11.1 - 16.6
+/- Net fair value losses/gains on investment property 17.9 20.7 -13.4% 64.7 54.2 19.4% 72.5
-/+ Net gains/losses on sale of investment property -2.9 0.5 - -1.3 -0.9 45.9% 0.2
+ Indirect other operating expenses - 0.5 - - 6.7 - 10.3
+/- Early close-out costs of debt and financial instruments - 20.8 - - 21.4 - 21.4
-/+ Fair value losses/gains of financial instruments -0.4 1.0 - -0.8 0.1 - -1.1
-/+ Indirect losses/gains of joint ventures and associated companies 2.1 1.4 51.9% 7.9 9.1 -12.7% 17.9
+/- Change in deferred taxes arising from the items above 5.0 0.1 - 4.8 7.6 -36.5% 5.7
+ Non-controlling interest arising from the items above - 0.0 - - 0.0 - -
EPRA Earnings 35.5 36.8 -3.6% 110.0 109.3 0.6% 143.5
Weighted average number of ordinary shares, million 178.0 178.0 0.0% 178.0 178.0 0.0% 178.0
EPRA Earnings per share (basic), EUR 0.199 0.207 -3.6% 0.618 0.614 0.6% 0.806

The table below presents an alternative calculation of EPRA Earnings from the statement of comprehensive income from top to bottom.

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 2019 2018 % 2018
Net rental income 54.2 53.6 1.2% 164.0 161.2 1.7% 214.9
Direct administrative expenses -6.7 -5.6 20.8% -20.0 -17.9 11.2% -28.0
Direct other operating income and expenses 0.5 -0.2 - 2.4 0.4 - 0.8
Direct operating profit 48.0 47.8 0.3% 146.4 143.6 1.9% 187.6
Direct net financial income and expenses -12.3 -12.6 -2.8% -37.2 -38.8 -4.1% -50.1
Direct share of profit/loss of joint ventures and associated companies 0.4 1.5 -72.8% 1.9 4.2 -54.8% 5.3
Direct current taxes -0.6 -0.2 - -1.2 -0.4 - -0.2
Direct deferred taxes 0.0 0.3 -88.6% 0.0 0.6 -93.0% 0.9
Direct non-controlling interest - 0.0 - - 0.0 - 0.0
EPRA Earnings 35.5 36.8 -3.6% 110.0 109.3 0.6% 143.5
EPRA Earnings per share (basic), EUR 0.199 0.207 -3.6% 0.618 0.614 0.6% 0.806

2) EPRA NAV PER SHARE AND EPRA NNNAV PER SHARE

30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
MEUR Number of
shares on
the balance
sheet date
(1,000)
per share,
EUR
MEUR Number of
shares on
the balance
sheet date
(1,000)
per share,
EUR
MEUR Number of
shares on
the balance
sheet date
(1,000)
per share,
EUR
Equity attributable to parent
company shareholders
Deferred taxes from the dif
ference of fair value and fiscal
value of investment properties
2,021.5
305.0
177,999
177,999
11.36
1.71
2,152.4
309.1
177,999
177,999
12.09
1.74
2,088.9
302.6
177,999
177,999
11.74
1.70
Goodwill as a result of
deferred taxes
-85.6 177,999 -0.48 -93.5 177,999 -0.53 -85.1 177,999 -0.48
Fair value of financial
instruments
-2.1 177,999 -0.01 -1.6 177,999 -0.01 -1.1 177,999 -0.01
Net asset value (EPRA NAV) 2,238.8 177,999 12.58 2,366.4 177,999 13.29 2,305.3 177,999 12.95
Deferred taxes from the dif
ference of fair value and fiscal
value of investment properties
-305.0 177,999 -1.71 -309.1 177,999 -1.74 -302.6 177,999 -1.70
Goodwill as a result of
deferred taxes
85.6 177,999 0.48 93.5 177,999 0.53 85.1 177,999 0.48
The difference between the
secondary market price and
carrying value of bonds 1)
-37.9 177,999 -0.21 -10.8 177,999 -0.06 29.3 177,999 0.16
Fair value of financial
instruments 2.1 177,999 0.01 1.6 177,999 0.01 1.1 177,999 0.01
EPRA NNNAV 1,983.6 177,999 11.14 2,141.6 177,999 12.03 2,118.2 177,999 11.90

1) When calculating the EPRA NNNAV in accordance with EPRA's recommendations, the shareholders' equity is adjusted using EPRA's guidelines so that bonds are valued based on secondary market prices. In accordance with Citycon's accounting policies, the carrying amount and fair value of bonds are different from this secondary market price. The difference between the secondary market price and the carrying value of the bonds was EUR -37.9 million (-10.8) as of 30 Sep 2019.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 January–30 September 2019

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, IFRS

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR Note Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 2019 2018 % 2018
Gross rental income 3 56.7 57.8 -2.0% 175.1 177.8 -1.5% 237.0
Service charge income 3 18.3 19.0 -3.7% 56.6 57.8 -2.0% 79.2
Property operating expenses -20.6 -22.2 -7.4% -66.4 -72.7 -8.6% -98.9
Other expenses from leasing operations -0.1 -0.9 -87.3% -1.4 -1.7 -21.7% -2.4
Net rental income 3 54.2 53.6 1.2% 164.0 161.2 1.7% 214.9
Administrative expenses -6.7 -5.6 20.8% -20.0 -17.9 11.2% -28.0
Other operating income and expenses 4 0.5 -0.7 - 2.4 -6.3 - -9.5
Net fair value losses on investment property 3 -17.9 -20.7 -13.4% -64.7 -54.2 19.4% -72.5
Net losses/gains on sale of investment property 2.9 -0.5 - 1.3 0.9 45.9% -0.2
Operating profit 3 33.0 26.1 26.2% 83.0 83.6 -0.7% 104.7
Net financial income and expenses -11.9 -34.4 -65.6% -36.4 -60.3 -39.6% -70.5
Share of loss/profit of joint ventures and associated companies -1.7 0.1 - -6.0 -4.8 24.4% -12.5
Profit before taxes 19.4 -8.2 - 40.6 18.5 119.2% 21.7
Current taxes -0.6 -0.2 - -1.2 -0.4 - -0.2
Deferred taxes -5.0 0.1 - -4.8 -7.0 -31.5% -4.8
Profit for the period 13.8 -8.3 - 34.6 11.1 - 16.6
Profit/loss attributable to
Parent company shareholders 13.8 -8.3 - 34.6 11.1 - 16.6
Non-controlling interest 0.0 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 - 0.0
Earnings per share attributable to parent company shareholders
Earnings per share (basic), EUR 1) 5 0.08 -0.05 - 0.19 0.06 - 0.09
Earnings per share (diluted), EUR 1) 5 0.08 -0.05 - 0.19 0.06 - 0.09
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Net gains on cash flow hedges 0.5 -0.8 - 1.0 2.7 -62.7% 2.0
Income taxes relating to cash flow hedges 0.0 0.2 - 0.0 -0.5 -100.0% -0.4
Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and
associated companies 0.0 0.1 - 0.0 0.3 -83.0% 0.3
Exchange losses/gains on translating foreign operations -22.2 9.7 - -16.9 17.5 - -22.7
Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit
or loss in subsequent periods -21.7 9.1 - -15.8 19.9 - -20.9
Other comprehensive income for the period, after taxes -21.7 9.1 - -15.8 19.9 - -20.9
Total comprehensive loss/profit for the period -8.0 0.9 - 18.8 31.0 -39.5% -4.2
Total comprehensive loss/profit attributable to
Parent company shareholders -8.0 0.9 - 18.8 31.1 -39.6% -4.2
Non-controlling interest 0.0 -0.1 - 0.0 0.0 -90.2% 0.0

1) Key ratios have been adjusted in the comparison periods to reflect the new number of shares after the reversed share split executed in March 2019.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION, IFRS

MEUR Note 30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment properties 6 4.105,9 4,183.4 4,131.3
Goodwill 146.2 154.2 145.7
Investments in joint ventures and associated companies 155.8 173.2 164.8
Intangible and tangible assets, and other non-current assets 47.4 36.3 37.6
Deferred tax assets 8.7 8.0 9.0
Total non-current assets 4,464.0 4,555.1 4,488.4
Investment properties held for sale 8 51.6 94.7 78.1
Current assets
Derivative financial instruments 10, 11 0.8 0.4 1.5
Trade and other current assets 54.1 38.4 43.3
Cash and cash equivalents 9 7.2 9.4 11.4
Total current assets 62.0 48.2 56.2
Total assets 3 4.577,6 4,698.0 4,622.7
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to parent company shareholders
Share capital 259.6 259.6 259.6
Share premium fund 131.1 131.1 131.1
Fair value reserve 2.1 1.6 1.1
Invested unrestricted equity fund 12 938.9 1,045.7 1,016.7
Retained earnings 12 689.8 714.5 680.4
Total equity attributable to parent company shareholders 2,021.5 2,152.4 2,088.9
Non-controlling interest 0.1 0.1 0.1
Total shareholders' equity 2,021.6 2,152.5 2,089.0
Long-term liabilities
Loans 1,797.7 1,984.5 1,961.4
Derivative financial instruments and other non-interest
bearing liabilities
10, 11 1.0 6.0 9.3
Deferred tax liabilities 306.4 312.5 304.4
Total long-term liabilities 2,105.1 2,303.0 2,275.1
Short-term liabilities
Loans 380.8 171.7 178.6
Derivative financial instruments 10, 11 0.5 2.1 0.9
Trade and other payables 69.6 68.7 79.1
Total short-term liabilities 450.9 242.5 258.6
Total liabilities 3 2,556.0 2,545.5 2,533.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 4,577.6 4,698.0 4,622.7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT, IFRS

MEUR Note Q1-Q3/
2019
Q1-Q3/
2018
2018
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit before taxes 40.6 18.5 21.7
Adjustments to profit before taxes 108.8 128.3 169.9
Cash flow before change in working capital 149.3 146.8 191.6
Change in working capital -7.6 -4.6 1.5
Cash generated from operations 141.7 142.3 193.1
Paid interest and other financial charges -39.0 -88.5 -101.5
Interest income and other financial income received 0.7 4.0 4.1
Current taxes paid -0.9 -1.0 -0.2
Net cash from operating activities 102.6 56.8 95.5
Cash flow from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries, less cash acquired 6, 7, 8 -0.3 -67.2 -68.4
Capital expenditure on investment properties, investments in joint ventures,
intangible assets and tangible assets 6, 7, 8 -61.1 -69.7 -98.4
Sale of investment properties 6, 7, 8 65.3 72.3 87.7
Net cash used in investing activities 3.9 -64.6 -79.0
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from short-term loans 962.4 754.2 1,131.8
Repayments of short-term loans -988.6 -659.7 -1,029.9
Proceeds from long-term loans and receivables - 297.3 297.3
Repayments of long-term loans - -292.0 -292.4
Acquisition of non-controlling interests - -1.4 -1.4
Dividends and return from the invested unrestricted equity fund 12 -86.8 -86.8 -115.7
Realized exchange rate gains/losses 2.9 -3.9 -4.0
Net cash used in financing activities -110.0 7.8 -14.3
Net change in cash and cash equivalents -3.5 -0.1 2.2
Cash and cash equivalents at period-start 9 11.4 10.1 10.1
Effects of exchange rate changes -0.7 -0.7 -0.9
Cash and cash equivalents at period-end 9 7.2 9.4 11.4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, IFRS

Equity
attributable
to parent
Share Invested company Non
Share premium Fair value unrestricted Translation Retained share controlling Shareholders'
MEUR capital fund reserve equity fund reserve earnings holders interest equity, total
Balance at 1 January 2018 259.6 131.1 -0.8 1,123.5 -93.2 787.9 2,208.1 1.2 2,209.4
Total comprehensive profit/
loss for the period
2.4 17.6 11.1 31.1 0.0 31.1
Dividends paid and equity
return (Note 12)
-77.9 -8.9 -86.8 -86.8
Share-based payments 0.3 0.3 0.3
Disposal of non-controlling
interests
-0.3 -0.3 -1.1 -1.4
Balance at 30 September 2018 259.6 131.1 1.6 1,045.7 -75.6 790.1 2,152.4 0.1 2,152.5
Balance at 1 January 2019 259.6 131.1 1.1 1,016.7 -115.9 796.3 2,088.9 0.1 2,089.0
Total comprehensive profit/
loss for the period
1.0 -16.9 34.6 18.8 0.0 18.8
Dividends paid and equity
return (Note 12)
-77.9 -8.9 -86.8 -86.8
Share-based payments 0.6 0.6 0.6
Balance at 30 September 2019 259.6 131.1 2.1 938.9 -132.8 822.5 2,021.5 0.1 2,021.6

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIC COMPANY DATA

Citycon is a real estate company specialised in retail premises. Citycon operates in the business units Finland & Estonia, Norway and Sweden & Denmark. Citycon is a Finnish public limited liability company established under the Finnish law and domiciled in Helsinki. The Board of Directors has approved the interim financial statements on 23rd of October 2019.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Citycon prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The interim financial statements for the nine month period ended on 30 September 2019 have been prepared, apart from the exceptions listed below, in accordance with the same accounting policies and methods as in previous annual financial statements and in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting standard. The figures are unaudited.

NEW STANDARDS, INTERPRETATIONS AND AMENDMENTS APPLIED IN 2019

IFRS 16 Leases (applied since 1 January 2019)

The IFRS 16 Leases standard has replaced the IAS 17 standard at the beginning of the 2019 financial period. First and foremost, the standard has provided reporting entities with instructions on the accounting treatment of leases in the lessee's financial statements, changed the definition of leasing and set the principles regarding the recognition of leases in the balance sheet both as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The application of the standard did not result in any changes to the accounting treatment of leases where Citycon Group acts as the lessor. Nonetheless, with regard to the majority of the Group's leases where Citycon acts as the lessee, in the 2019 financial period Citycon has recognized assets and liabilities to the Group's balance sheet pertaining to these leases.

Citycon Group has recognized right-of-use assets from the leases subject to the scope of the standard as part of the 'Investment properties' and 'Tangible assets' balance sheet items. The right-of-use assets recognized as part of investment properties consist of leases subject to Citycon Group's core business, such as the leases of shopping centres, shopping centre land areas and shopping centre machinery. The right-of-use assets recognized as tangible assets, on the other hand, have primarily been recognized for leases included in administrative expenses, such as office leases, IT assets and leased cars. The lease liability of Citycon Group has been valued by discounting the lease payment liabilities of the leases subject to the scope of the IFRS 16 standard to their present value using as the discounting factor the view of the company's management on the incremental borrowing rate at the starting time of the lease.

The majority of the leased right-of-use assets of Citycon Group are fixedly linked to Citycon's investment properties. As a result, Citycon has disclosed its lease expenses primarily as part of the fair value changes of its investment properties (comparable to straight-line depreciations) and as interest expenses determined by the interest rate factor of the lease liability. The impacts on profit pertaining to the right-of-use assets classified as 'Tangible assets' are disclosed in the profit and loss account as interest expenses and as depreciations included in the line item 'Administrative expenses'.

With regard to the implementation of the IFRS 16 Leases standard, Citycon has applied a simplified approach and, hence, has not adjusted the comparative information from corresponding reporting period. In addition, Citycon has applied the recognition exemptions permitted by the standard and, hence, has not applied the standard to short-term leases with a duration of less than a year or leases of a low value, such as leases applicable to specific office equipment.

The impact from the standard to Citycon's reporting in the first three quarters of 2019 is as follows:

Consolidated income statement

Q3/2019
1.8
Q1-Q3/
2019
5.3
1.8 5.3
0.0 0.0
-1.5 -4.5
-0.0 -0.0
0.3 0.8
-0.5 -1.4
-0.2 -0.6
0.1 0.1
-0.1 -0.5

Consolidated statement of financial position

MEUR Investment properties Tangible assets Total right-of-use assets Lease liabilities
1 January 2019 57.4 4.4 61.9 61.9
30 September 2019 52.2 3.5 55.7 56.4

Consolidated cashflow statement

Q1-Q3/
MEUR Q3/2019 2019
Net cashflows from operating activities 1.6 4.6
Net cashflows from financing activities -1.6 -4.6

Changes to calculation of key figures

When calculating loan to value (LTV), both the right-of-use assets classified as part of investment properties, as well as lease liabilities pertaining to these right-of-use assets, have not been taken into account. Thus, IFRS 16 has no impact on LTV calculations as compared to earlier periods. The updated formula is as follows:

Interest bearing liabilities - lease liabilities (IFRS 16) - cash x 100

Fair value of investment properties + properties held for sale + investments in joint ventures - right-of-use assets classified as investment properties (IFRS 16)

Other accounting policies

Additional information on the otherwise unchanged accounting policies is available in Citycon's annual financial statements 2018.

ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) guidelines on alternative performance measures were effective starting from the financial year 2016. Citycon also presents alternative performance measures, such as EPRA performance measures and loan to value, to reflect the underlying business performance and to enhance comparability between financial periods. Alternative performance measures presented in this report should not be considered as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with the IFRS.

3. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Citycon's business consists of the regional business units Finland & Estonia, Norway and Sweden & Denmark.

In Citycon's reporting, Kista Galleria is treated as a joint venture and the shopping centre's result or fair value will not impact on the gross rental income, net rental income or fair value of investment properties of the group. Kista Galleria is consolidated in Citycon's financial statements based on the equity method, meaning that Citycon's share of Kista Galleria's profit for the period is recognised in the line 'Share of result in joint ventures' and associated companies in the statement of comprehensive income and Citycon's share of Kista Galleria's total assets is recognised in the line 'Investments in joint ventures and associated companies' in the statement of financial position. In addition, the management fee received by Citycon is reported in the line 'other operating income and expenses' and the interest income on the shareholder loan is reported in 'net financial income and expenses'. Kista Galleria contributed to the IFRS based profit for the period by approximately EUR -2.2 million.

In addition to IFRS segment results, the Board of Directors follows Kista Galleria's financial performance separately, and therefore, segment information includes both IFRS segment results and Kista Galleria's result.

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 2019 2018 % 2018
Gross rental income
Finland & Estonia 23.8 25.2 -5.6% 74.2 77.3 -4.0% 102.8
Norway 19.8 20.8 -5.1% 61.1 64.0 -4.6% 84.7
Sweden & Denmark 13.1 11.8 11.4% 39.9 36.5 9.2% 49.5
Total Segments 56.7 57.8 -2.0% 175.1 177.8 -1.5% 237.0
Kista Galleria (50%) 3.0 3.4 -11.2% 9.2 10.4 -11.2% 13.6
Service charge income
Finland & Estonia 7.9 8.7 -8.5% 25.3 26.5 -4.8% 35.2
Norway 6.4 6.7 -5.6% 19.8 20.6 -4.0% 29.4
Sweden & Denmark 3.9 3.5 11.7% 11.6 10.6 8.7% 14.5
Total Segments 18.3 19.0 -3.7% 56.6 57.8 -2.0% 79.2
Kista Galleria (50%) 0.9 0.9 2.6% 2.6 2.9 -7.6% 3.8
Net rental income
Finland & Estonia 23.7 24.9 -4.8% 71.1 72.9 -2.5% 96.9
Norway 18.6 17.9 4.1% 57.0 55.6 2.5% 74.3
Sweden & Denmark 11.8 10.7 10.3% 35.7 32.4 10.2% 43.5
Other 0.1 0.1 -8.8% 0.2 0.3 -30.9% 0.2
Total Segments 54.2 53.6 1.2% 164.0 161.2 1.7% 214.9
Kista Galleria (50%) 2.1 2.9 -28.0% 7.1 9.1 -22.6% 11.7
Direct operating profit
Finland & Estonia 23.1 24.3 -4.6% 69.3 70.9 -2.2% 93.9
Norway 17.5 16.9 3.7% 55.2 52.2 5.7% 69.8
Sweden & Denmark 11.0 10.1 8.8% 33.6 30.2 11.3% 39.7
Other -3.6 -3.4 6.2% -11.8 -9.8 20.7% -15.8
Total Segments 48.0 47.8 0.3% 146.4 143.6 1.9% 187.6
Kista Galleria (50%) 1.9 2.8 -30.6% 6.5 8.7 -24.5% 11.1
Net fair value losses/gains on investment property
Finland & Estonia -13.5 -14.6 -7.4% -32.6 -47.8 -31.9% -58.8
Norway -1.5 -6.7 -76.8% -22.5 -20.6 9.0% -22.2
Sweden & Denmark -2.8 0.6 - -9.7 14.2 - 8.5
Total Segments -17.9 -20.7 -13.4% -64.7 -54.2 19.4% -72.5
Kista Galleria (50%) -2.3 -1.2 90.8% -8.7 -5.4 60.9% -8.6
Operating profit/loss
Finland & Estonia 12.5 9.6 30.2% 38.1 20.9 82.6% 31.4
Norway 15.9 9.6 65.6% 32.8 27.0 21.2% 39.8
Sweden & Denmark 8.1 10.3 -20.9% 23.9 45.5 -47.5% 49.3
Other -3.6 -3.4 6.2% -11.8 -9.8 20.3% -15.8
Total Segments 33.0 26.1 26.2% 83.0 83.6 -0.7% 104.7
Kista Galleria (50%) -0.4 1.6 - -2.2 3.2 - 2.4
MEUR 30 September 2019 30 September 2018 % 2018
Assets
Finland & Estonia 1,873.4 1,934.4 -3.2% 1,924.2
Norway 1,567.8 1,599.0 -2.0% 1,522.2
Sweden & Denmark 1,088.9 1,120.4 -2.8% 1,128.6
Other 47.6 44.2 7.5% 47.7
Total Segments 4,577.6 4,698.0 -2.6% 4,622.7
Kista Galleria (50%) 280.9 296.8 -5.4% 300.7
Liabilities
Finland & Estonia 15.4 8.8 74.8% 13.3
Norway 61.3 19.0 - 20.7
Sweden & Denmark 20.5 14.5 41.3% 22.2
Other 2,458.8 2,503.2 -1.8% 2,477.5
Total Segments 2,556.0 2,545.5 0.4% 2,533.7
Kista Galleria (50%) 235.5 240.5 -2.1% 246.2

The change in segment assets was due to the fair value changes in investment properties as well as investments.

4. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR Q3/2019 Q3/2018 % 2019 2018 % 2018
Service charges 1) 14.4 15.0 -4.0% 44.3 45.2 -2.0% 60.9
Utility charges 1) 1.9 1.8 3.0% 5.8 5.3 8.6% 7.3
Other service income 1) 2.0 2.2 -7.1% 6.6 7.3 -10.2% 10.9
Management fees 2) 1.4 1.3 9.9% 3.9 4.2 -5.7% 5.4
Revenue from contracts with customers 19.6 20.2 -2.8% 60.5 61.9 -2.3% 84.6

1) Is included in the line item 'Service charge income' in the Consolidated income statement

2) Is included in the line item 'Other operating income and expenses' in the Consolidated income statement

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
2019 2018 % 2018
Earnings per share, basic
Profit attributable to parent company shareholders MEUR 34.6 11.1 - 16.6
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 1) million 178.0 178.0 0.0% 178.0
Earnings per share (basic) 1) EUR 0.19 0.06 211.4% 0.09
Earnings per share, diluted
Profit attributable to parent company shareholders MEUR 34.6 11.1 - 16.6
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 1) million 178.0 178.0 0.00% 178.0
Adjustment from share-based incentive plans and
options million 0.5 1.2 -60.8% 0.9
Weighted average number of ordinary shares, diluted 1) million 178.5 179.2 -0.4% 178.9
Earnings per share (diluted) 1) EUR 0.19 0.06 - 0.09

1) Key ratios have been adjusted in the comparison periods to reflect the new number of shares after the reversed share split executed in March 2019.

6. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Citycon divides its investment properties into two categories: Investment Properties Under Construction (IPUC) and Operative Investment Properties. On reporting date and the comparable period 30 September 2018, the first mentioned category included Lippulaiva in Finland.

IPUC-category includes the fair value of the whole property even though only part of the property may be under construction.

30 SEPTEMBER 2019

MEUR Investment properties
under construction
(IPUC)
Operative investment
properties
Investment
properties, total
At period-start 149.6 3,981.6 4,131.3
Acquisitions - 0.3 0.3
Investments 23.6 38.1 61.7
Disposals - -2.9 -2.9
Capitalized interest 1.9 0.4 2.3
Fair value gains on investment property - 8.9 8.9
Fair value losses on investment property -11.9 -61.7 -73.6
Exchange differences - -27.7 -27.7
Transfer between IPUC, operative investment properties and
transfer into investment properties held for sale
- -51.1 -51.1
Right-of-use assets classified as investment properties (IFRS 16) - 56,7 56,7
At period-end 163.2 3,942.7 4,105.9

30 SEPTEMBER 2018

MEUR Investment properties
under construction
(IPUC)
Operative investment
properties
Investment
properties, total
At period-start 121.0 4,062.4 4,183.4
Acquisitions - 63.7 63.7
Investments 17.0 38.6 55.6
Disposals - -23.6 -23.6
Capitalized interest 1.3 0.2 1.5
Fair value gains on investment property - 38.1 38.1
Fair value losses on investment property -0.1 -92.2 -92.4
Exchange differences - 18.2 18.2
Transfers between items - -61.3 -61.3
At period-end 139.2 4,044.2 4,183.4

31 DECEMBER 2018

MEUR Investment properties
under construction
(IPUC)
Operative investment
properties
Investment
properties, total
At period-start 121.0 4,062.4 4,183.4
Acquisitions 4.3 64.0 68.4
Investments 22.7 58.0 80.7
Disposals - -24.5 -24.5
Capitalized interest 1.8 1.2 3.0
Fair value gains on investment property - 39.2 39.2
Fair value losses on investment property -0.2 -111.5 -111.7
Exchange differences - -45.9 -45.9
Transfers between items - -61.3 -61.3
At period-end 149.6 3,981.6 4,131.3

The fair value of investment properties has been measured internally for the interim reporting on 30 September 2019 and 30 September 2018. The fair value measurement for the financial statements for 2018 was conducted by external appraiser, CBRE.

The fair value is calculated by a net rental income based cash flow analysis. Market rents, the yield requirement, the occupancy rate and operating expenses form the key variables used in the cash flow analysis. The segments' yield requirements and market rents used in the cash flow analysis were as follows:

YIELD REQUIREMENT AND MARKET RENTS

Weighted average yield requirement,
%
Weighted average market rents,
EUR/sq.m./mo
30 September
2019
30 September
2018
31 December
2018
30 September
2019
30 September
2018
31 December
2018
Finland & Estonia 5.5 5.5 5.5 30.3 29.7 29.9
Norway 5.4 5.4 5.4 22.6 23.4 22.3
Sweden & Denmark 5.3 5.2 5.2 24.7 25.6 25.7
Investment properties, average 5.4 5.4 5.4 26.4 26.6 26.4
Investment properties and Kista Galleria
(50%), average 5.3 5.3 5.3 26.7 27.1 26.9

7. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Q1-Q3/ Q1-Q3/
MEUR 2019 2018 2018
Acquisitions of properties 1) 0.3 63.7 68.4
Acquisitions of and investments in joint ventures 2.6 14.4 14.4
Property development 64.0 57.2 83.7
Goodwill and other investments 1.8 1.9 2.4
Total capital expenditure incl. acquisitions 68.7 137.2 168.8

Capital expenditure by segment

Divestments 2) 80.5 76.7 93.1
Total capital expenditure incl. acquisitions 68.7 137.2 168.8
Group administration 1.6 0.6 1.2
Sweden & Denmark 10.1 87.3 91.7
Norway 14.4 13.0 21.1
Finland & Estonia 42.6 36.2 54.9

1) Capital expenditure takes into account deduction in the purchase price calculations and FX rate changes

2) Excluding transfers into 'Investment properties held for sale' -category

8. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES HELD FOR SALE

Investment Properties Held for Sale includes one Shopping Centre in Finland on 30 September 2019. On 31 December 2018 the Investment Properties Held for Sale comprised of two properties in Finland. Transactions were finalized during Q2 2019. Transfer from investment properties includes also fair value changes of properties in Investment Properties Held for Sale.

MEUR 30 September 2019 30 September 2018 2018
At period-start 78.1 25.4 25.4
Disposals -77.6 -49.8 -65.4
Exchange differences - 1.0 -0.3
Transfer from investment properties 51.1 118.1 118.4
At period-end 51.6 94.7 78.1

9. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

MEUR 30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
Cash in hand and at bank 2.2 4.1 4.2
Restricted cash 5.0 5.3 7.2
Total 7.2 9.4 11.4

Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement comprise the items presented above. Restricted cash mainly relates to gift cards.

10. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Classification of financial instruments and their carrying amounts and fair values

30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
Carrying Carrying Carrying
MEUR amount Fair value amount Fair value amount Fair value
Financial assets
I Financial assets at fair value through profit
and loss
Derivative financial instruments 22.9 22.9 14.4 14.4 16.7 16.7
II Derivative contracts under hedge
accounting
Derivative financial instruments 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.4 1.4
Financial liabilities
I Financial liabilities amortised at cost
Loans
Loans from financial institutions 257.1 257.4 277.0 277.4 278.7 279.1
Bonds 1,865.0 1,877.4 1,879.3 1,893.7 1,861.3 1,875.5
Lease liabilities (IFRS 16) 56.4 56.4 - - - -
II Financial liabilities at fair value through
profit and loss
Derivative financial instruments 0.5 0.5 7.7 7.7 8.2 8.2
III Derivative contracts under hedge
accounting
Derivative financial instruments - - 0.0 0.0 - -

11. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
Nominal Nominal Nominal
MEUR amount Fair value amount Fair value amount Fair value
Interest rate swaps
Maturity:
less than 1 year - - - - - -
1–5 years 227.4 2.1 237.7 2.1 226.2 1.4
over 5 years - - - - - -
Subtotal 227.4 2.1 237.7 2.1 226.2 1.4
Cross-currency swaps
Maturity:
less than 1 year - - - - - -
1–5 years - - - - - -
over 5 years 316.8 22.1 316.8 8.4 316.8 8.0
Subtotal 316.8 22.1 316.8 8.4 316.8 8.0
Foreign exchange forward agreements
Maturity:
less than 1 year 103.0 0.3 145.8 -1.7 269.6 0.5
Total 647.2 24.5 700.3 8.8 812.6 9.9

Derivative financial instruments are used in hedging the interest rate and foreign currency risk.

Hedge accounting is applied for interest swaps which have a nominal amount of EUR 227.4 million (237.7). The change in fair values of these derivatives is recognised under other comprehensive income.

Citycon also has cross-currency swaps to convert EUR debt into SEK debt and currency forwards. Changes in fair values of these are reported in the profit and loss statement as hedge accounting is not applied.

Furthermore, changes in fair values of interest rate caps hedging Kista Galleria's loans are recognised under 'Share of profit of joint ventures and associated companies'.

12. DIVIDEND AND EQUITY REPAYMENT

Citycon's AGM 2019 decided that no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the AGM and authorised the Board of Directors to decide in its discretion on the distribution of dividend and assets from the invested unrestricted equity fund. Based on the authorisation the maximum amount of dividend to be distributed for the financial year 2018 shall not exceed EUR 0.05 per share and the maximum amount of equity repayment to be distributed from the invested unrestricted equity fund shall not exceed EUR 0.60 per share. The authorisation is valid until the opening of the next AGM.

On the basis of the authorisation mentioned above and explained in quarterly report sections 12 and 13 the Board of Directors decided in March 2019, June 2019 and September 2019 to distribute divided of EUR 0.05 per share, or EUR 8.9 million and equity repayment of EUR 0.4375 per share, or EUR 77.9 million. Following the dividend and equity repayments paid on 29 March 2019, 28 June 2019 and 30 September 2019, the Board's authorization for dividend distribution is used in its entirety and the remaining authorisation for equity repayment is EUR 0.1625 per share. Preliminary payment date for equity repayment to be distributed on basis of the authorization is 30 December 2019. The Board of Directors will make separate resolutions on each distribution of the equity repayment and the company shall make separate announcements of such Board resolutions.

Total amount of dividend EUR 8.9 million and equity repayment EUR 106.8 million were distributed during the financial year 2018, of which EUR 8.9 million dividend and EUR 77.9 million equity repayment were distributed during January - September of 2018.

13. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

MEUR 30 September 2019 30 September 2018 31 December 2018
Mortgages on land and buildings 131.4 137.3 130.7
Bank guarantees and parent company guarantees 41.2 31.9 33.2
Capital commitments 23.9 189.5 23.7

At period-end, Citycon had capital commitments of EUR 23.9 million (189.5) relating mainly to on-going (re)development projects.

Citycon owns 50% of Kista Galleria joint venture. Shares in the joint venture have been pledged as security for the loans of the joint venture.

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Citycon Group's related parties comprise the parent company Citycon Oyj and its subsidiaries, associated companies, joint ventures, Board members, the CEO and other Corporate Management Committee members and the company's largest shareholder Gazit-Globe Ltd., whose shareholding in Citycon Oyj accounted for 48.6% on 30 September 2019 (47.7%).

Over the period, Citycon paid expenses to Gazit-Globe Ltd and its subsidiaries 0,0 EUR and invoiced EUR 0.0 million expenses forward to Gazit-Globe Ltd and its subsidiaries (0.0)

Citycon has made a consultant agreement with the company owned by Board member Ofer Stark and paid consulting fees of EUR 0.1 million (-) during the reporting period.

REPORT ON REVIEW OF CITYCON OYJ'S INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (TRANSLATION)

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CITYCON OYJ

Introduction

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated condensed statement of financial position of Citycon Oyj as of September 30th, 2019 and the related condensed statement of comprehensive income, condensed statement of changes in shareholders' equity, condensed cash flow statement and explanatory notes for the nine-month period then ended. The Board of Directors and the Manag-ing Director are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of interim financial information in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting and in accordance with other laws and regulations governing the preparation of the interim financial information in Fin-land. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim financial information based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements ISRE 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity." A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, 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 Standards on Auditing 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 accompa-nying interim financial information has not been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting and in accordance with other laws and regulations governing the preparation of the interim financial information in Finland.

Helsinki, October 23rd, 2019

Ernst & Young Oy Accountant Firm

Mikko Rytilahti Authorized Public Accountant

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