Annual Report • Apr 14, 2017
Annual Report
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This annual financial report is a registration document within the meaning of Article 28 of the Belgian Act of 16 June 2006 on the public offering of investment instruments and the admission of investment instruments to trading on a regulated market.
The Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) approved the Dutch version, in accordance with Article 23 of the aforementioned Act, on 10 April 2017. Such approval does not include an evaluation of the Company situation.
The annual financial report was translated into English under the responsibility of Xior Student Housing NV. Only the Dutch version of the annual financial report has evidential value. Both versions are available on the Company website (www.xior.be) or from the registered office on request (Xior Student Housing NV, Mechelsesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium).
Alternative performance measures (APMs) are measures used by Xior Student Housing NV to measure and monitor its operational performance. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued guidelines applying as from 3 July 2016 for the use and explanation of alternative performance measures. The concepts considered by Xior as APMs are contained in Chapter 10.8 of this Annual Report. The APMs are marked with a and are accompanied by a definition, an objective and reconciliation as required under the ESMA guidelines.
Following these guidelines, the previously used term "operating income" can no longer be used. This is now called "EPRA earnings". There is no essential difference from the previously used term "operating income".
EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) is an organisation which promotes, helps to develop and represents the European publicly listed real estate sector in order to boost confidence in the sector and increase investment in publicly listed real estate in Europe. For more information about EPRA, visit the website www.epra.com.
| 1.1 | Market risks 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1.1 | Risks associated with the economic situation and political climate 13 | |
| 1.1.2 | Risks associated with the property market as a whole 13 | |
| 1.1.3 | Risks related to student populations, available study programmes and support measures 14 | |
| 1.2 | Property-related risks 14 | |
| 1.2.1 | Risks associated with the performance of works, maintenance and repairs 14 | |
| 1.2.2 | Construction and development risks 15 | |
| 1.2.3 | Risks related to permits and other authorisations and the requirements the property | |
| needs to meet 15 | ||
| 1.2.4 | Risks associated with environmental regulations 16 | |
| 1.2.5 | Risks associated with the evolution of the fair value of the property portfolio 16 | |
| 1.2.6 | Risks associated with property appraisal 17 | |
| 1.2.7 | Risks associated with retail property and hostel activities 17 | |
| 1.3 | Operational risks 18 | |
| 1.3.1 | Risks associated with rental voids 18 | |
| 1.3.2 | Risks associated with rental income 18 | |
| 1.3.3 | Risk of defaulting tenants 19 | |
| 1.3.4 | Risks associated with damage claims and insurance cover 19 | |
| 1.3.5 | Risks associated with nuisance caused by tenants20 | |
| 1.3.6 | Risks associated with historical sales 20 | |
| 1.3.7 | Risks associated with mergers, divisions or takeovers 20 | |
| 1.3.8 | Risks associated with diversification and the concentration of property 21 | |
| 1.3.9 | Risks associated with executive management, staff and external service providers 21 | |
| 1.3.10 | Risks associated with legal proceedings 22 | |
| 1.3.11 | Risks associated with being unable to pay dividends22 | |
| 1.4 | Financial risks23 | |
| 1.4.1 | Risks associated with rising interest rates and fluctuating fair values of hedging | |
| instruments23 | ||
| 1.4.2 | Counterparty risk 23 | |
| 1.4.3 | Risks associated with financing24 | |
| 1.4.4 | Risks associated with budgeting and financial planning 24 | |
| 1.4.5 | Risks associated with inflation and the disconnection of the indexed rents and | |
| market rents24 |
| 1.5 | Regulatory and other risks 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5.1 | Risks associated with the status of a public RREC 25 | |
| 1.5.2 | Risks associated with regulations 25 | |
| 2 | MESSAGE TO THE SHAREHOLDER | 29 |
| 3 | KEY FIGURES ON 31 DECEMBER 2016 | 33 |
| 4 | STRATEGY AND OPERATING ACTIVITIES | 37 |
| 4.1 | Commercial activities and strategy38 | |
| 4.1.1 | Identity and activities of the Company: first BE-REIT in student property 38 | |
| 4.1.2 | Business strategy of the Company 38 | |
| 4.1.3 | Operational organisation 41 | |
| 5 | MANAGEMENT REPORT | 45 |
| 5.1 | Public RREC status 46 | |
| 5.2 | Comments on the consolidated financial statements for the financial year of 2016 .46 | |
| 5.2.1 | Consolidated balance sheet 46 | |
| 5.2.2 | Consolidated income statement48 | |
| 5.2.3 | Result Allocation 50 | |
| 5.2.4 | Research and development50 | |
| 5.2.5 | Branches 50 | |
| 5.3 | Management and use of financial resources 51 | |
| 5.3.1 | Financing agreements 51 | |
| 5.3.2 | Interest rate risk hedging 51 | |
| 5.3.3 | Capitalisation52 | |
| 5.4 | Transactions and achievements 52 | |
| 5.5 | Post balance sheet events54 | |
| 5.5.1 | Acquisition of 108 independent units in Delft54 | |
| 5.5.2 | Acquisition of 69 student rooms in Brussels via contribution in kind54 | |
| 5.5.3 | Acquisition of development project in Amstelveen (Amsterdam) 54 | |
| 5.6 | Prospects for 2017 54 | |
| 5.6.1 | Growth prospects for the 2017 financial year 54 | |
| 5.6.2 | Acquisitions 55 | |
| 5.7 | Data according to the EPRA reference system 55 | |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7.1 | EPRA Key Performance Indicators 55 | |
| 5.8 | Required elements of the annual report 59 | |
| 6 | CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 61 |
| 6.1 | Corporate Governance Statement62 | |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1.1 | Code of Reference and Corporate Governance Charter62 | |
| 6.1.2 | Internal control and risk management systems 63 | |
| 6.1.3 | Share ownership66 | |
| 6.1.4 | Board of Directors of the Company 68 | |
| 6.1.5 | Composition 69 | |
| 6.1.6 | Brief description of the directors' professional careers 69 | |
| 6.1.7 | Board of Directors chairmanship71 | |
| 6.1.8 | Reliability, expertise and experience 71 | |
| 6.1.9 | Functioning and duties of the Board of Directors 71 | |
| 6.1.10 | Summary regarding the Board of Directors' operation in 2016 73 | |
| 6.1.11 | Chief Executive Officer and effective management 73 | |
| 6.1.12 | Executive management 73 | |
| 6.1.13 | Committees of the Board of Directors 76 | |
| 6.1.14 | Conflicts of interest76 | |
| 6.1.15 | Specific conflicts of interest 77 | |
| 6.1.16 | Statements78 | |
| 6.1.17 | Remuneration report 78 | |
| 6.1.18 | Remuneration of the members of the executive management 80 | |
| 6.1.19 | Summary of the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and | |
| executive management for 2016 81 | ||
| 6.2 | Share options82 | |
| 6.3 | Information pursuant to Article 34 of the Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 82 | |
| 6.3.1 | Capital structure 82 | |
| 6.3.2 | Decision-making bodies83 | |
| 6.3.3 | Authorised capital83 | |
| 6.3.4 | Purchase of shares83 | |
| 6.3.5 | Contractual provisions 83 | |
| 7 | THE XIOR SHARE | 87 |
| 7.1 | The share on Euronext Brussels 88 | |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1.1 | The share on Euronext Brussels 88 | |
| 7.1.2 | Share ownership 90 | |
| 7.1.3 | Financial calendar90 | |
| 7.1.4 | Dividend policy 91 | |
| 7.1.5 | Outlook – profit forecast 91 |
| 8 | PROPERTY REPORT | 97 |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Property market 98 | |
| 8.2 | Property portfolio 104 | |
| 8.2.1 | Valuation of the real estate portfolio on 31 December 2016 104 | |
| 8.2.2 | Description and diversification of the property portfolio110 | |
| 8.2.3 | Description of the buildings of the property portfolio 116 | |
| 8.2.4 | Appraisal of the property portfolio by the property expert 138 | |
| 9 | CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY | 141 |
| 9.1 | Corporate social responsibility 142 | |
| 10 | FINANCIAL REPORT | 145 |
| 10.1 | Consolidated income statement 146 | |
| 10.2 | Consolidated comprehensive income statement 148 | |
| 10.3 | Consolidated balance sheet 149 | |
| 10.4 | Consolidated statement of changes in equity 152 | |
| 10.5 | Consolidated cash flow statement 156 | |
| 10.6 | Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements 157 | |
| 10.6.1 | General corporate information 157 | |
| 10.6.2 | Important financial reporting principles 158 | |
| 10.6.3 | Accounting principles 158 | |
| 10.6.4 | Significant accounting estimates and key uncertainties 159 | |
| 10.6.5 | Principle for consolidation 159 | |
| 10.6.6 | Business combinations and goodwillBusiness combinations and goodwill 160 | |
| 10.6.7 | Investment property160 | |
| 10.6.8 | Property developments161 | |
| 10.6.9 | Expenses for works to investment property 162 | |
| 10.6.10 | Disposal of a investment property 162 | |
| 10.6.11 | Other tangible fixed assets 163 | |
| 10.6.12 | Trade receivables and other fixed assets 163 |
| 10.6.13 | Fixed assets or groups of assets held for sale 164 | |
|---|---|---|
| 10.6.14 | Financial instruments 164 | |
| 10.6.15 | Current assets 164 | |
| 10.6.16 | Equity 165 | |
| 10.6.17 | Provisions 165 | |
| 10.6.18 | Liabilities 165 | |
| 10.6.19 | Real estate income 166 | |
| 10.6.20 | Property expenses 166 | |
| 10.6.21 | General expenses of the Company and other operating income and costs 166 | |
| 10.6.22 | Financial result 166 | |
| 10.6.23 | Income tax 167 | |
| 10.6.24 | Exit tax 167 | |
| 10.6.25 | Financial risk management 168 |
| 10.7 | Segment information 169 | |
|---|---|---|
| 10.8 | Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)172 | |
| 10.9 | Other notes177 | |
| 10.9.1 | Property result177 | |
| 10.9.2 | Property charges 178 | |
| 10.9.3 | General expenses179 | |
| 10.9.4 | Other operating income and costs 180 | |
| 10.9.5 | Result of the portfolio 181 | |
| 10.9.6 | Financial result 182 | |
| 10.9.7 | Corporate tax 183 | |
| 10.9.8 | Investment property 184 | |
| 10.9.9 | Tangible fixed assets 188 | |
| 10.9.10 | Financial fixed assets 188 | |
| 10.9.11 | Deferred taxes – assets 189 | |
| 10.9.12 | Trade receivables and other fixed assets 189 | |
| 10.9.13 | Assets held for sale 189 | |
| 10.9.14 | Trade receivables 189 | |
| 10.9.15 | Tax receivables and other current assets 190 | |
| 10.9.16 | Cash and cash equivalents 191 | |
| 10.9.17 | Accruals and deferred payments – Assets191 | |
| 10.9.18 | Capital 192 | |
| 10.9.19 | Shareholder structure 196 | |
| 10.9.20 | Earnings per share 196 | |
| 10.9.21 | Other non-current financial liabilities 197 | |
| 10.9.22 | Deferred taxes 197 | |
| 10.9.23 | Financial debts 198 | |
| 10.9.24 | Trade debts 200 | |
| 10.9.25 | Other current liabilities 201 | |
| 10.9.26 | Accrued liabilities and deferred income 201 | |
| 10.9.27 | Financial assets and liabilities 202 |
| 10.9.28 | Transactions with related parties 203 | |
|---|---|---|
| 10.9.29 | Fee of statutory auditor203 | |
| 10.9.30 | Acquired real estate companies and investment property 204 | |
| 10.9.31 | Average headcount and breakdown of staffing costs 207 | |
| 10.9.32 | Events after the balance sheet date 207 | |
| 10.9.33 | Scope of consolidation207 | |
| 10.9.34 | Debt ratio 208 | |
| 10.9.35 | Off-balance sheet rights and obligations 210 | |
| 10.9.36 | Legal and arbitration proceedings 210 | |
| 10.9.37 | Statutory auditor's report on the consolidated annual financial statements 211 | |
| 10.10 | Condensed version of Xior Student Housing NV's statutory annual financial | |
| statements 214 | ||
| 10.10.1 | Statutory income statement 215 | |
| 10.10.2 | Comprehensive income statement 217 | |
| 10.10.3 | Statutory balance sheet 218 | |
| 10.10.3 | Statutory balance sheet 218 | |
|---|---|---|
| 10.10.4 | Statement of changes in equity 220 | |
| 10.10.5 | Detail of the reserves 222 | |
| 10.10.6 | Appropriation of income under the Articles of Association 226 | |
| 10.10.7 | Payment obligation in accordance with the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 | |
| concerning RRECs article 13, §1, first section 227 | ||
| 10.10.8 | Non-distributable income in accordance with Article 617 of the Company Code 228 |
| 11 | STATEMENTS | 231 |
|---|---|---|
| 11.1 | Future-oriented statements 232 |
| 11.2 | Party responsible for the content of the registration document 233 | |
|---|---|---|
| 11.3 | Information provided by third parties 233 | |
| 12.1 | Company details 236 | |
|---|---|---|
| 12.1.1 | Name, legal form, status, duration and registration data236 | |
| 12.1.2 | Registered office and further contact details 236 | |
| 12.1.3 | Incorporation236 | |
| 12.1.4 | History of the Company 237 | |
| 12.2 | Group structure240 | |
| 12.2.1 | External group structure 240 | |
| 12.2.2 | Internal organisational structure 241 | |
| 12.2.3 | Subsidiaries 241 | |
| 12.2.4 | Promotor 241 | |
| 12.3 | Availability of company documents and other information 242 | |
|---|---|---|
| 12.4 | Service providers of the Company 243 | |
| 12.4.1 | Property experts 243 | |
| 12.4.2 | Statutory auditor 243 | |
| 12.4.3 | Financial service244 | |
| 12.4.4 | Liquidity Provider244 | |
| 12.5 13 |
Coordinated Articles of Association of the Company as per 17 January 2017 245 GLOSSARY |
259 |
| 14 | IDENTITY CARD | 267 |
A summary of the main risks that confront the company during the performance of its activities follows below. In principle, the risk factors may refer to both Belgium and the Netherlands (or any other countries in which the Company were to operate in the future), although for certain risk factors a specific distinction is made between Belgium and the Netherlands below. The Board of Directors and management of Xior are aware of the specific risks associated with the provision and management of a property portfolio, and try to optimally manage these risks by mitigating or neutralising them as far as possible.
The value of property and the amount of rental income are generally influenced by the economic situation. An economic downturn gives rise to lower economic activity. Although it may be assumed that young people will study longer in case of an economic downturn, firstly to bridge the economic crisis and secondly to boost their chances in the job market, a general deterioration in the economy may lead to decreased demand for the type of properties that the Company has in its portfolio (for example, because of the tenant's poorer financial situation) and/or lead to one or more tenants being in default with rent payments. This may result, in turn, in higher rental voids and lower rents on tenancy renewal and when new tenancy agreements are concluded. National or international political instability, the break-up of or exit of countries from the European Union and the threat of terrorism can also have a negative effect on this climate.
The level of rents and valuation of property are strongly influenced by supply and demand within the purchase and rental markets in the property sector. Any oversupply in the type of properties that the Company holds in its portfolio could thus have a significantly unfavourable impact on the Company's activities, operating income, financial position and/or prospects.
The Company's results can be affected by any decline in student populations, which could be due to the available study programmes and/or the continued presence and quality of educational institutions, or by the increase in online courses, such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), for which the study material is distributed via the internet, so the participants do not need to relocate and are not bound by a particular location. The demand for student rooms can also be adversely affected if any government financial aid to students (such as loans, subsidies, (housing) allowances or student grants) is scaled back or if educational institutions decide to raise their registration fees.
The Company may be obliged to carry out major renovation and investment programmes to bring the property up to the desired level of maintenance and keep it in a proper qualitative condition, or because of government requirements regarding the technical condition of the property (with regard to living comfort or fire safety, for example). Besides major maintenance works, smaller works may be needed because of the age or wear and tear on the buildings and their contents (since rooms are normally always rented furnished) or because of damage to the buildings or contents. These works can lead to substantial costs and may temporarily prevent the rental of (part of) the property in question.
In addition to acquiring existing properties, the Company may invest in development projects in order to expand its property portfolio. Development projects involve various risks, including the risk that the necessary permits will not be granted or will be contested, that the project may be delayed or be unable to be carried out (resulting in the reduction or loss of expected rental income), or that the budget may be exceeded due to unforeseen costs.
The value of property is partly determined by whether all legally required urban planning and other permits and authorisations have been issued. Obtaining permits is often time-consuming and lacks transparency, which may impact on rental income, the value of the properties concerned, and the opportunities for the Company to perform its operational activities in such buildings. The regulatory requirements for the property (in terms of living comfort or (fire) safety, for example) may be different depending on the location and their interpretation and/or application may also depend on the authorities involved, which may cause an element of uncertainty with regard to the compliance with such regulatory requirements. The absence of the required permits or the failure to comply with permit or other regulatory conditions could result in the Company being temporarily or permanently unable to let the property concerned for the purpose of performing certain activities, as a result of which the property cannot be let or can only be let at lower rents. In this case, the Company's property may be the subject of regularisation procedures, which may be accompanied by adjustment works, may involve additional conversion costs and may also restrict a building's letting potential (and the resulting revenues). An urban construction offence may also result in penalties for as long as the offence is not barred by limitation, even if a regularisation permit has been obtained and after the rules have been fulfilled by demolishing the unlawful structures.
The environmental risks to which the Company, as property owner, is exposed relate mainly to risks of historical soil contamination, the (previous) presence of high-risk facilities and/or activities, risks related to the possible presence of any materials containing asbestos, the presence of prohibited products, such as transformers that contain PCBs or refrigeration units that contain HCFCs, the presence of fuel oil tanks, etc. Depending on the presence of such environmental risks, this may have major financial consequences for the Company (additional research duties, such as a pilot study and/ or descriptive soil analyses, soil clean-ups, asbestos removal, installation works or replacements, etc.) and may also affect or compromise a property's letting potential. Such consequences may also arise in the future due to changes of a purely formal nature for certain sites, with regard to land registry plots for example.
Complex procedures during a property transfer can be time-consuming and give rise to survey and/or other costs. Despite the completed studies, the Company is exposed to environmental risks as a property owner and landlord and therefore cannot fully rule out any liability risks in terms of existing properties or properties still to be acquired.
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the Fair Value of its property portfolio. A decline in the Fair Value will lead to a decline in the Company's equity, which will have a negative impact on the debt ratio. The Company is also exposed to the risk of depreciation of the property in its portfolio due to wear and tear arising from normal, structural and technical ageing and/or damage caused by tenants, increasing rental voids, unpaid rent, and a decrease in rents when entering into new tenancy agreements or extending existing ones. There is also the risk that the buildings will not, or will no longer, comply with increasing statutory or commercial requirements, including in the area of sustainable development (energy performance, etc.).
If the Company proceeds with a transaction, i.e. invests in or disposes of property, it also runs the risk of not identifying certain risks on the basis of its due diligence or, even with a prior due diligence and independent property appraisal, that it purchases property at too high a price in relation to the underlying value, or sells property at too low a price in relation to underlying value, for example by investing or disinvesting at an unfavourable moment in an economic cycle.
The property expert values property on the basis of standard criteria. Even so, there is a certain degree of subjectivity involved in the property expert's appraisal of property. Each valuation therefore involves some uncertainty. Property appraisal reports may be based on hypotheses that subsequently prove to be incorrect, unadjusted or outdated. In such a case, including when a new property expert is appointed, there is a risk that the Company's property portfolio will be valued on a different basis, which can be significantly different from its appraisal by the current property expert.
The Company owns a limited number of retail properties (or commercial premises within the buildings designated for student housing), which are not intended for student housing. The Company also owns one property designated for hostel activities. This type of property may be exposed to several risk factors, including specific risks inherent to this type of retail property (such as the erratic evolution of consumer confidence and/or unemployment per region or town, a fall in consumer spending, tenants leaving on interim maturity dates, the reconstruction of roads, competition from e-commerce) and these hostel activities (including a higher vacancy risk of short-term stays inherent to this type of activity, competition from other industries such as the hotel business, enhanced operational follow-up, specific regulations).
Due to its activities, the Company is exposed to the risk of loss of rent associated with the departure of tenants before or on the expiry of current tenancy agreements, including the additional risk of non-rental or re-rental. The short-term nature of the tenancy agreements that are concluded with students is generally inherent to the student housing sector. When tenants leave, new rental contracts may result in a lower rental income than the current rental income and it may not be possible to reduce the rental expenses in proportion to the lower rental income. Under Belgian law, the municipalities involved may charge vacancy levies for buildings that have been vacant for a long time. For the occupation rate, please refer to Chapter 5.2.2 of this Annual Report.
The risk that the level of rental income cannot be maintained is mainly influenced by rental void rates. Maintaining the level of rental income is also influenced by the nature and location of the property, the extent to which it must compete with nearby buildings, the intended target group and users of the property, the quality of the property, the quality of tenants, and the rental-friendly nature, term and competitive nature of the tenancy agreement. There is a particular risk of the Company being faced with an oversupply in the student housing market in which it operates. Educational institutions are also trying to influence the supply of and rent charged for student rooms.
The Netherlands has imposed a national points system for property valuation ("woningwaarderingsstelsel" or "WWS") based on a number of factors, such as square footage, quality, location, energy performance, etc. A change in this points system or the inaccurate implementation of the underlying components may have a negative impact on the rental income (to be) collected by the Company.
The Company cannot rule out the possibility that its tenants may fail to fulfil their financial obligations towards the Company. In the student housing segment in which the Company operates, this risk is higher in case of direct rental to students and lower in case of indirect rental to students through a housing association connected with a university or college.
If tenants remain in default of their obligations towards the Company, there is a risk that the guarantee will not suffice, that the Company will be unable to have recourse against the tenant and consequently be unable to recover anything or only a small amount from the defaulting tenant.
The Company is exposed to the risk of serious damage occurring in the buildings of its property portfolio. Although the Company's property portfolio is covered by various forms of insurance, the possibility remains that conditions for activating the insurance cover may not be fulfilled or that uninsured losses or losses exceeding the insurance policy ceiling will result in costs. If a large number of damage claims occur in the Company's buildings, this would moreover have significant financial consequences for the Company because of a rise in insurance premiums. This could also lead to the Company being unable or no longer able to insure certain risks because the insurer would be unwilling to cover them, or because the premiums would be unreasonably high.
Because the Company's activity is letting property directly or indirectly to mostly students, there is an increased risk that it may be faced with complaints due to nuisance or disturbance of neighbours, or that administrative or other measures may be imposed in relation to the buildings in its property portfolio.
The Company or the entities it has acquired have previously sold property on various occasions in the past. As the seller, the Company or these entities are bound by the seller's common obligations to indemnify. There is a risk that the Company (as the legal successor) could be held to account for the obligations to indemnify under such a transaction.
The Company is – and may in the future become – a party to mergers, divisions or other takeovers. Although the Company takes precautions with these types of transactions, including conducting due diligence investigations in respect of the acquired assets and by stipulating warranties in the takeover agreements, the possibility that these transactions could transfer latent liabilities to the Company cannot be ruled out. This may be partly due to the transferors' non-compliance with certain obligations or their inability to present certain documents (such as provisional or final acceptance documents, insurance documents, electricity records, post-intervention files, fire safety inspection reports, etc.). The stipulated warranties are moreover limited in time and sellers normally place a cap on their liability under them. Lastly, the Company continues to be faced with the risk of insolvency of its counterparty.
In order to limit and spread certain risks, the Company, in accordance with the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies that applies to regulated real estate companies, must diversify its property, in terms of geography, types of properties and tenant categories. Article 30 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies stipulates that "no transaction performed by the public RREC may result in (1) more than 20% of its consolidated assets being invested in property that constitutes one property unit; or (2) this percentage increasing further if it already exceeds 20%, regardless of what caused the original percentage to be exceeded in this latter case. This restriction applies at the time of the transaction concerned." If the Company exceeds the 20% diversification rule, it may not perform any investment, disinvestment or other acts that would cause this percentage to increase further. In other words, it limits the Company's options with regard to additional investments or disinvestments.
One or several members of the executive management leaving the Company or the termination of their mandate may expose the organisation to the risk of disruption. The Company's relatively small team of employees also exposes it to a risk of disorganisation if certain key employees were to leave. The Company also works with external service providers. Where this applies, it is also logical that the Company relies on the services concerned being performed well.
The Company may be involved in future legal proceedings, as either a claimant or defendant. A legal ruling against the Company may have a significant impact on its activities, operating income, financial position and/or prospects. The Company runs the further risk that certain tenants will claim the termination of their tenancy agreement, demand a rent reduction, or institute another claim against the Company. Such proceedings may be lengthy and expensive.
No guarantee can be given that the Company will be able to make dividend payments in future. Even if the Company's properties are yielding the expected rental income and operational profit, it may become technically impossible for the Company to pay a dividend to its shareholders in accordance with Article 617 of the Belgian Companies Code and Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies. Given that the Company had limited or no reserves on start-up, a decrease in the Fair Value of the real estate property or a decrease in the fair value of hedging instruments may result in the Company being unable to pay a dividend despite posting a positive operating income.
Because the Company is financed with loan capital, its performance depends on interest rate developments. An increase in the interest rate makes loan capital financing more expensive for the Company.
In order to hedge the long-term interest rate risk, the Company may use interest rate swaps for variable-rate loans. For example, if the Euribor rate falls, there will be a negative adjustment of the market value of these instruments. It is moreover not certain that the Company will find hedging instruments that it wishes to take out in future, or that the conditions associated with these hedging instruments will be acceptable.
The Company may be faced with the insolvency of a financial counterparty. This could result in the termination of existing lines of credit, both for loans and hedging, and thus to a reduction in the Company's financial resources. In accordance with market practices, credit agreements usually include market disturbance clauses and clauses relating to a significant change of circumstances. In some circumstances, such material adverse change clauses or MAC clauses may generate additional Company costs and in more extreme cases, they may lead to the termination of the credit agreements and/or the entire or partial early repayment of the lines of credit.
The Company's borrowing capacity is restricted by the statutory maximum debt ratio of 65% that is permitted under the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies. The financing contracts with financial institutions also include certain thresholds. The maximum debt ratio enforced by the financial institutions is 60%. The Company is moreover exposed to a liquidity risk if its financing agreements, including existing lines of credit, are not renewed, not renewed on time, or are terminated. Generally speaking, it is possible that the Company would no longer be able to obtain the external financing that is necessary for its growth strategy under favourable conditions, or that market conditions would be of such a nature that external financing that is necessary for the Company's activities could no longer be found. The Company runs the risk that financial agreements are terminated, renegotiated, cancelled or given an early repayment obligation if certain obligations such as compliance with financial ratios are not met.
The annual budgets and financial forecasts may be exposed to estimate, calculation, programming and/or handling errors. Earlier financial forecasts may no longer be relevant and/or be based on assumptions that could be beyond the Company's control.
Inflation may result in an increase in financing costs (following an increase in interest rates) and/or a rise in capitalisation rates and may lead to a fall in the Fair Value of the property portfolio and a reduction in Company equity. The indexation of the rent does not necessarily prevent the rent paid under the rental agreement from rising less quickly than the rent that could be achieved on the market with new tenants.
• Provided in indexation clauses in rental agreements concluded for more than a year (these are the rental agreements concluded for retail properties), so that these annual rents evolve with inflation.
As a public RREC, the Company is subject to the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies that restricts aspects such as its activities, debt ratio, appropriation of profits, conflicts of interest and corporate governance. Continued compliance with these specific requirements depends, inter alia, on the Company's ability to successfully manage its assets and debt positions, and to observe strict, internal audit procedures. The Company might find itself incapable of complying with these requirements if there is a significant change in its financial situation or for other reasons. If the Company were to lose its licence as a public RREC, it would no longer benefit from the different tax system for RRECs. The loss of the RREC licence is moreover regarded in the Company's credit agreements as an event that could lead to its loans being called up early.
The Company is subject to the regulations that apply to a public regulated real estate company under Belgian law, including the provisions of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies of 12 May 2014, the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies of 13 July 2014 and the Belgian Companies Code. The student housing sector is also characterised by a fragmented regulatory framework, with variations of a national (e.g. Belgium compared to the Netherlands), regional (depending on region to region), and local (depending on municipality to municipality) nature. Moreover, this legislation is not always locally available in a coherent and structured manner, which complicates the analysis of the applicable provisions.
Amendments to other (European, federal, regional or local) regulations may be implemented or new obligations may arise with respect to tax, accounting (IFRS), the environment, urban planning, tenancy law and new provisions on letting property and extending the permits with which the Company or users of the Company's property must comply. The regionalisation of rent legislation in the context of the sixth Belgian state reform may also eventually lead to different rent legislation in all three regions (as well as local regulations at the level of municipalities) with regard to (student) housing (a process for which certain regional initiatives are already ongoing) instead of the current single federal legislation. Changes in the application and/or interpretation of such regulations by the authorities (including the tax authorities), or by the district courts and courts of appeal, may have a significantly adverse effect on the return and Fair Value of the Company's property. Exit tax, payable by companies whose assets are acquired by an RREC through merger, for instance, is calculated in accordance with Circular Ci.RH.423/567.729 of the Belgian tax authorities dated 23 December 2004, the interpretation or practical application of which may change at any time. The "actual value for tax purposes", as referred to in this circular, is calculated less the registration duties or VAT (that would be applicable if the asset is sold) and may differ – including being lower than – the Fair Value of the property as reflected in the Company's balance sheet in accordance with IAS 40.
Frederik Lintsstraat LEUVEN Klapdorp ANTWERP
02 MESSAGE TO THE SHAREHOLDER
Xior has just finished its first year as a listed RREC and the Company has been building a quality portfolio and corresponding service for its domestic and international students for 10 years now.
The Company put into practice the investment story presented at the IPO in 2015 with a pace of investment actually exceeding its ambitions for growth. The planned dividend goal of EUR 1.13 per share was also exceeded: the actual gross dividend was EUR 1.15 per share. This has all been possible thanks to the efforts of all the Xior staff, management and partners.
The portfolio will increase to about EUR 340 million and 3,178 units by the end of 2017, once the entire announced pipeline has been completed. This means double the amount of lettable units since the IPO. Xior also strengthened the portfolio's multi-city/multi-country concept with operations in 12 student cities in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The portfolio's growth is accompanied by an expansion of the operational and commercial teams. The 97.4% occupancy rate in 2016 proves that these teams' efforts in terms of rent and required services throughout the year have paid off.
Xior intends to continue to pursue its growth strategy with conviction in 2017 by adding high-quality student properties to its property portfolio. During the implementation of that strategy, Xior will strive towards a balanced growth of both equity and loan capital with a healthy combination of various financing sources, whilst keeping the debt ratio under control and increasing the earnings per share. In the past year, Xior achieved several contribution transactions (merger transactions in March and August 2016 and contribution transactions in October 2016) and in January 2017 it successfully achieved a takeover that strengthened its equity.
After the successful completion of the IPO in 2015, shares rose significantly in 2016, which again confirmed investors' confidence in this segment and in the Company as a pure player in a market characterised by increasing professionalisation and consolidation and a need for additional quality student accommodation.
Xior is ready to roll out its plan for growth further and take its pioneering role as a listed student housing company in continental Europe to the next level in 2017.
On behalf of the Xior Student Housing Board of Directors
Leen Van den Neste Chairperson
| Consolidated income statement (in thousand EUR.) |
31/12/16 | 31/12/15 |
|---|---|---|
| Net rental income | 10,912 | 563 |
| Property result | 11,349 | 627 |
| Operating result before portfolio income | 7,580 | 132 |
| Financial result (excl. variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities) |
-1,597 | -54 |
| EPRA earnings * | 5,774 | 14 |
| Result on the portfolio (IAS 40) * | 1,108 | -529 |
| Variations in the fair value of assets and liabilities (ineffective interest rate hedges) |
-1,866 | 0 |
| Net result (IFRS) | 5,016 | -514 |
| 31/12/16 | 31/12/15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of lettable student units | 2,531 | 1,462 |
| Gross yields1 | 31/12/16 | 31/12/15 |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 5.17% | 5.31% |
| The Netherlands | 6.54% | 7.95% |
| Entire portfolio | 5.58% | 5.67% |
1 Calculated as estimated annual rent divided by the Fair Value.
| Consolidated balance sheet (in thousand EUR.) |
31/12/16 | 31/12/152 |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 131,630 | 108,382 |
| Fair value of the investment property3 | 265,873 | 194,753 |
| Debt ratio (Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies)4 | 50.69% | 45.01% |
| Key figures per share (in EUR.) |
31/12/16 | 31/12/15 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of shares | 5,270,501 | 4,626,780 |
| Weighted average number of shares5 | 4,926,405 | 4,626,780 |
| EPRA earnings per share (based on the weighted average number of shares)* |
1.17 | N/A |
| Result on the portfolio (IAS 40, based on the weighted average number of shares)* |
0.22 | -0.11 |
| Revaluation of financial assets and liabilities (based on the weighted average number of shares) |
-0.38 | 0 |
| Net result per share (IFRS) (based on the weighted average number of shares)* |
1.02 | -0.11 |
| Closing price of the share | 35.67 | 26.70 |
| Net asset value per share (IFRS) (based on the number of outstanding shares)* |
24.97 | 23.42 |
| Dividend payout ratio (versus EPRA earnings)6 | 98.3% | NA |
| Proposed gross dividend per share | 1.15 | NA |
In accordance with the guidelines issued by the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) on 3 July 2016, the Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) used by Xior will be included from now on. The definitions of the APMs, the reconciliation tables and the goal are included in Chapter 10.8 of this Annual Report. The website will include a separate Glossary of these APMs for future reference. The APMs are marked with .
2 Xior's first financial year ended on 31 December 2015. The income from Xior's first financial year as a public regulated real estate company (RREC) listed on the stock market concerns the period from 11 December 2015 to 31 December 2015, and covers a total of only 21 days.
3 The Fair Value of the investment property is the investment value as determined by an independent property expert minus the transaction fees (cf. BE-REIT Association press release dated 10 November 2016). The Fair Value corresponds to the carrying amount under IFRS.
4 Calculated in accordance with the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 pursuant to the Law of 12 May 2014 on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
5 Shares are counted from the time of issue.
6 The dividend pay out ratio is calculated based on the consolidated result. The actual dividend distribution is based on the standalone result of Xior Student Housing NV.
Xior is the first and only Belgian public regulated real estate company (RREC), also referred to as a real estate investment trust (REIT), in the student housing sector operating in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Within this property sector, Xior offers a variety of properties, ranging from rooms with shared facilities to en-suite rooms and fully equipped studios. Xior's student houses offer a comfortable environment, fully geared to the requirements of today's students. They are centrally located in triple-A locations, near the educational establishment and no more than 10 minutes' walk from the city centre. Quality and safety are key factors for the Company, which is why all student houses are renovated regularly and equipped with fire safety equipment. These quality standards are complemented by other basic needs, such as bicycle stands and a good internet connection. Xior also offers additional facilities (sometimes differing from building to building), including access to certain buildings via a badge system (which Xior will begin implementing as standard in future), extra comfort, communal living facilities such as lounges and TV rooms, 24/7 emergency services, vending machines, washing machines, automated key system, etc.
The Company's target market includes Belgian and international students, research assistants, young post-grads and PhD students.
Since 2007, as an owner and operator, Xior has been building high-quality, reliable student housing for students who are looking for somewhere to study, live and enjoy life under ideal conditions. A place with that little bit extra, where every student immediately feels at home.
In order to achieve the above objectives, the Company pursues a commercial strategy that is built around four core ideas, which can be summarised as follows:
*(and have some fun)
Xior wants to go further than just building shells, and aims to minimise the stress that goes hand-in-hand with life at university (especially looking for and living in suitable accommodation) for students (and their parents), so that they can focus on the essentials, namely their studies on the one hand, and the fun side of student life on the other. Xior wants to get students into (and keep them in) their own place, with as few worries as possible, and excellent additional services.
According to Xior, allowing students to focus on the essentials can make all the difference. This is not only the case for local students (and their parents), who will find Xior a reliable partner, but especially for overseas students, where Xior offers a central point of contact, providing them with the introductions they need at the right authorities to make their stay in the relevant student city as productive and pleasant as possible.
In performing its activities as owner and operator of student housing, Xior places the emphasis on active management, which specifically implies that it assumes direct responsibility for the development and day-to-day management of its student rooms. This also assumes attracting the right employees with the necessary skills, attitude and drive.
Besides specific skills, Xior aims for its employees to be able to promote the spirit of the Company and thus possess the right motivation, business ethic and discipline. This is the only way in which the Company can meet the needs of the various stakeholders, such as the students, their parents, educational institutions, local and other authorities, investors and suppliers.
Xior wants to keep its finger on the pulse of what is happening in the sector, with regard to both the property itself and the student public. Monitoring developments in needs and trends is crucial in order to be able to respond, and preferably anticipate, changing circumstances and needs within the Company's target public. A proper flow of information and communication in relation to all stakeholders is essential for that purpose.
Permanent and "close" communication options are moreover of great importance for Xior in a sector that is characterised by rapidly increasing professionalisation and consolidation, yet where it can still lend authenticity to living in a student room and keep short lines of communication open between student and landlord.
In order to achieve profitable, long-term growth, the Company's thinking must always be one step ahead of everyone else. The Company believes it can achieve its objectives and prolong sustainable and profitable growth only by continually revisiting and adjusting its activities (in a controlled way).
Rooted in its ambition to be the benchmark in student housing, Xior aims for the controlled, profitable and sustainable growth of its portfolio with a strong focus on this property segment. If other assets are held (e.g. retail property), this is in a subordinate order.
An extensive portfolio undoubtedly offers important economies of scale and other benefits, including better risk diversification, more efficient management (both as regards letting and managing the rooms, and the general management and operation of the Company), a stronger negotiating position and credibility (towards suppliers, partners, credit institutions, investors, etc.) with possible enhanced access to alternative sources of financing, etc.
Xior's property portfolio will be expanded in Belgium and the Netherlands at first. This does not preclude looking at any future investment opportunities in student housing located in other countries.
As a public RREC, the Company is firstly bound in the expansion of its property portfolio by the diversification obligations arising from the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies (see Chapter 12.1.4.2 of this Annual Report). The Company also applies a set of parameters against which future acquisitions or developments will be assessed and that can be deviated from only if this benefits the stability of growth and rental income.
More generally, potential investments by which new buildings (or, where applicable, future developments) are acquired are subject to a risk analysis from a technical, financial, commercial and legal perspective, among others, and increasing attention will be paid towards achieving the combination of a direct return on rental income and an indirect return on the potential value appreciation of the property portfolio. Such acquisitions (or, where applicable, developments) must be capable of making a sustainable contribution to the earnings per share, while avoiding any dilution of the dividend yield.
The lasting growth of the Company assumes adequate financing of that growth in a sector that, by its nature, is capital intensive. The Company must also take account of the regulatory framework created in this regard by the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies, including rules on the maximum debt ratio (legally capped at 65%), interest cover ratio (at least 125%) and payout ratio (at least 80% of the profit in simple terms). Consequently, the Company, like any other public RREC, is limited in its self-financing options. The Company will therefore strive in future for balanced growth of both its equity and loan capital, in parallel with the further expansion of the property portfolio.
The Company also pursues a financing strategy that is based on the following principles:
The Company's financial position is obviously partly driven by its rental income, on the one hand, for which a high occupancy rate is crucial, and by adequate cost management on the other hand, which is facilitated by the further expansion of the portfolio and creation of additional economies of scale.
In performing its activities as owner and operator of student housing, Xior places the emphasis on active management, which specifically implies that it assumes direct responsibility for the development and day-to-day management of its student rooms, with the cooperation of external service providers where necessary. Xior has its own operational teams that can undertake all critical property functions and, in other words, is active throughout practically the full value chain of student property, from acquisitions, development, permits, financing, project management, marketing, letting, property management and maintenance to any renovations and/or sale, where applicable. Xior therefore offers total A-Z solutions.
Xior has its own personnel for maintenance (odd jobs and cleaning) who can perform these tasks directly. Around 80% of repairs are performed by its own personnel.
Xior keeps a close eye on the various buildings by having student coaches present permanently (in larger building complexes) or on a regular basis (in smaller buildings). There are also building managers and floor managers in some of the larger buildings.
Xior also has its own letting offices, where students and others who are interested can simply walk in and discuss their queries or problems with the local company employees, who can then address them directly.
As a rule of thumb, a student city needs at least 200 rooms, for which three people have to be employed (office manager as contact person, a commercial person who understands students' needs and wishes, and a handyman).
The offices are an important communication channel for the Company. A proper flow of information and communication is therefore essential for Xior, and runs via three streams, namely incoming information, outgoing information and internal communication.
The inflow of external communication may consist of gathering market survey results and monitoring trends and new developing needs in the market. Monitoring such trends and developments is crucial in order to be able to respond, and preferably anticipate, changing circumstances and needs within the Company's target public.
As a listed Company, outgoing communication is obviously an important pillar in the Company's activities. In addition to its statutory obligations, the Company also wishes to communicate transparently with the various stakeholders. This covers various areas, such as "classic" contact with investors, inter alia through an adequate investor relations section on the website, as well as through communication and interaction with the students. Besides access to the letting offices, this is made possible, for instance, with "Open Room Days", when students have the opportunity to visit the buildings. Xior is also trying to organise regular events to increase contact with the student public. In this way, Xior tries to build a solid and long-term relationship with its tenants, which by way of example also translates into the recruitment of students who have rented a room from Xior and then continue their professional career with the Company. Xior also communicates via social media. An app for student rooms is a handy tool for students searching for a suitable room and can offer many opportunities for facilitating and improving the interaction between students and Xior.
Constant and interactive communication with educational institutions and local and other authorities is also an important priority for Xior. For example, Xior will try to link 15% of the property portfolio to a cooperative arrangement with an educational institution. Xior also maintains good relations with various accommodation services (including for the purpose of mediation in case of disputes or for attracting foreign students).
Xior is constantly striving to improve communication and interaction with students and potential tenants. Xior launched the very first app specifically developed for the purpose of finding student housing in 2016. This app, which includes a geolocator, intends to make finding suitable accommodation easier for students and to facilitate interaction with the students themselves. Xior also organised a competition "Download the app and win a rent-free room for one year" in 2016.
On 24 November 2015, the FSMA accredited Xior as a public Regulated Real Estate Company (public RREC) in accordance with the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies. The FSMA has included the Company in the official list of public RRECs with effect from 24 November 2015.
Xior was successfully floated on the Euronext Brussels stock market on 11 December 2015. This makes Xior the first Belgian public RREC to specifically focus on the student housing sector.
This status as a Public Regulated Real Estate Company or BE-REIT will reflect Xior's role as an operational and commercial real estate company and will allow it to grow further in the future. It allows Xior to position itself as a real estate investment trust (BE-REIT) in the best possible way and optimise its visibility to national and international stakeholders.
On 31 December 2016, the portfolio consisted of 2,531 lettable student units. This resulted in a valuation of the property portfolio of EUR 265,873,318 on 31 December 2016, which meant a 36.5% increase of KEUR 71,120 since 31 December 2015 (KEUR 194,753). This increase is primarily the result of mergers with Devimmo and CPG, the acquisition of the "Carré" property in Maastricht, the acquisition of "The Spot" in Eindhoven, the acquisition of "Tramsingel Breda", the acquisition of the two buildings at Nieuwbrug and Kruitmolenstraat in Brussels, and the further completion of projects still being developed in late 2015 (+ KEUR 11,767).
On 30 June 2016, a number of units of the entire portfolio were still under construction. These represented a Fair Value of EUR 47,523,836 (573 units) on 30 June 2016. They have been operational since September 2016 and are making a full contribution to rental income7 .
During the fourth quarter, the growth strategy was further rolled out, resulting in the acquisition of the following student complexes:
If all acquisitions currently in the pipeline are implemented, this figure will rise to approximately EUR 340 million, with more than 3,178 student units by the end of 2017. This means the lettable units will have doubled in two years.
Current assets are KEUR 7,231. They fell by KEUR 708 since 31 December 2015. They primarily include:
Accruals and deferred payments (KEUR 540) are mainly property costs to be transferred (KEUR 430) and overheads to be transferred (KEUR 77).
The equity stands at KEUR 131,630. On 31 December 2016, the issued capital was KEUR 94,869, which is KEUR 18,548 more than on 31 December 2015. The share premiums were KEUR 32,261 on 31 December 2016, which is KEUR 6,646 more than on 31 December 2015. This increase in the issued capital and share premiums is the result of the capital increases following the merger with Devimmo and CPG and the acquisition through contribution in kind of Woonfront-Tramsingel BV. In addition, costs associated with the IPO capital increase through 2015 profit appropriation were absorbed by the reserve for foreseeable losses (+ KEUR 6,961).
The reserves are negative and are KEUR 515. This is the result of the first financial year that closed on 31 December 2015. These reserves mainly consist of a negative reserve for the impact on the fair value of estimated transaction costs and costs resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties and a positive reserve for the balance of the variations in the property's Fair Value.
The annual net result of the year stands at KEUR 5,016.
During the financial year of 2016, 643,721 new shares were created.
The long-term obligations increased by KEUR 58,368 since 31 December 2015. This increase is mainly due to the increased credit that was drawn down at financial institutions. KEUR 131,315 had been drawn down in credit on 31 December 2016, compared to KEUR 72,447 on 31 December 2015. This increase is due to the implementation of Xior's growth strategy in 2016, which was partially financed using loans. Interest Rate Swap contracts were also taken out in the course of 2016. They have a negative market value of KEUR 1,866 on 31 December 2016. The average maturity of the loans is 3.13 years.
On 31 December 2016, the debt ratio was 50.69% compared to 45.01% on 31 December 2015. The debt ratio rose in 2016 due to the acquisitions in September 2016, which were financed using borrowed capital. The acquisition of Tramsingel Breda on 11 October 2016 was financed via a capital increase through contribution in kind of the shares in the real estate company in question, with new shares also issued, which resulted in an increase in equity. This method of acquisition (contribution in kind) allows the portfolio to be expanded with a healthy combination of different financing sources, while keeping the debt ratio under control.
The current liabilities are KEUR 8,412. They fell by KEUR 11,437 since 31 December 2015. On 31 December 2015, there were still some costs related to the IPO and current project development that were only paid in early 2016. The Company also follows up outstanding debts very closely in order to keep the Company's debt ratio under control.
Current liabilities consist of exit tax debt (KEUR 3,469), which include the taxes payable following the mergers with Devimmo, CPG, Karibu Invest, Kwartma and Retail Design. This exit tax must be paid by the end of this year. They also include outstanding debts to suppliers (KEUR 1,244), VAT, tax and social security debts (KEUR 1,016), deposits received from tenants (KEUR 1,583) and accruals and deferred payments (KEUR 1,100). The accruals and deferred payments are mainly rental income to be transferred (KEUR 512), attributable real estate costs (KEUR 226) and attributable overheads (KEUR 362).
The net rental income is KEUR 10,912, including KEUR 1,035 in received rental/return guarantee. The Company's promoter Aloxe NV provided rental/return guarantees for a number of properties that were being (re)constructed as part of the IPO process. These properties were completed in September 2016 and have generated rental income since then.
The net rental income will continue to increase in 2017, as certain buildings were finalised or acquired in 2016 and therefore did not have the opportunity to contribute to the net rental income for a full year.
This mainly relates to the following properties:
The average occupancy rate for the property portfolio stood at 97.4% in 2016.
The property result is KEUR 11,349 and the property operating income is KEUR 9,368. The property charges (KEUR 1,981) mainly include costs related to maintenance and repair, insurance, property management, valuation expert expenses and other property charges, i.e. property tax that cannot be passed on to the tenants. The Company's overheads for 2016 are KEUR 1,859 and the fee received for management of investment property owned by third parties is KEUR 71.
The result on portfolio is KEUR 1,108. New properties were acquired in 2016 through property acquisitions (sale-purchase) as well as share acquisitions and takeover mergers.
The property was partly acquired at the Fair Value and partly acquired at the fiduciary value (the purchase price agreed between the parties), which was different from the Fair Value.
The variation in Fair Value between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016 was entered under negative or positive property investment changes. There was a positive net property investment change (KEUR 1,112).
The sale of a non-strategic property in December 2016 achieved KEUR 106 in capital gains compared with the Fair Value. The financial result stands at KEUR 3,463. This result mainly contains interests on loans (KEUR 957), IRS costs (KEUR 373), bank charges and other commissions (KEUR 212). The Company concluded IRS contracts in 2016 totalling KEUR 100,000. The market value of these hedging instruments is recognised directly in the income statement (KEUR 1,866).
The result before taxes is KEUR 5,225. The taxes are KEUR 209. These are mainly taxes on the income of the permanent establishment in the Netherlands.
The net result amounts to KEUR 5,016 and the EPRA earnings*9 amount to KEUR 5,774. The EPRA earnings* per share are EUR 1.17.
Based on this, the Board of Directors intends to propose to the Annual General Meeting a gross dividend of EUR 1.15, or EUR 0.805 net10 per share for 2016 (taking account of the dividend entitlements of the coupons detached from the shares) represented by coupon number 1 (totalling EUR 0.892) and coupon number 2 (totalling EUR 0.258), which were already detached from the Xior share11.
9 EPRA earnings = net result +/- variations in the fair value of investment property +/- other portfolio result +/- income from the sale of investment property +/ variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities.
10 Taking account of a withholding tax of 30%.
11 Based on the weighted average number of shares and therefore taking account of dividend entitlements for the shares issued due to various capital increases such as (i) the merger with Devimmo NV, (ii) the merger with CPG CVBA, (iii) the contribution in kind of the real estate company Woonfront-Tramsingel Breda BV and the contribution in kind of 69 units under construction in Brussels. It should be recalled that a coupon detachment occurred in connection with the capital increase on 11 October 2016 (Tramsingel Breda) and the capital increase on 17 January 2017 (69 units under construction in Brussels). All Xior shares are currently listed with coupon numbers 3 and higher attached. See the relevant Press Releases dated 11 October 2016 and 17 January 2017.
The Board of Directors proposes to allocate the financial year's profit shown in the separate financial statements as follows:
Figures are in thousand EUR.
At the general meeting of shareholders to be held on 18 May 2017, the Board of Directors of Xior Student Housing NV will propose to distribute a gross dividend of EUR 1.15 (or EUR 0.805 net dividend per share after the deduction of the 30% withholding tax) per share that is part of the result of the 2016 financial year.
The Company did not develop any activities or incur any expenses with regard to research and development.
The Company does not have any branches.
At the end of 2015, the Company concluded two financing agreements with ING Belgium NV and Belfius Bank NV with the aim of raising the necessary funds (totalling a maximum of EUR 110 million) to acquire property from the property portfolio during the IPO and to finance the Company's growth. In the course of 2016, additional financing agreements were concluded with ING Belgium NV, Belfius Bank NV and KBC Bank NV. ING Belgium NV provided a total of EUR 78 million, Belfius Bank NV EUR 52 million and KBC Bank NV EUR 20 million. The Company has concluded financing agreements totalling a maximum of EUR 150 million on 31 December 2016. A total of EUR 131.5 million of this financing was drawn down on 31 December 2016. The main covenants the Company must meet with respect to these financing agreements are about compliance with a loan to value (LTV) ratio (the outstanding amount of credit in relation to the value of the property portfolio calculated according to the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies) that must always be less than 60%, an interest coverage ratio that must be greater than 2.5 and hedging of at least 70% of financing debt.
The debt ratio was 50.69% on 31 December 2016. The debt ratio is calculated as follows: liabilities (excluding provisions, accruals and deferred payments, interest rate hedging instruments and deferred taxes) divided by total assets (excluding interest rate hedging instruments). The debt ratio is higher than the debt ratio at the end of 2015. This resulted from the implementation of the growth strategy, which financed new acquisitions with loans (see also Chapter 10.9.34 of this Annual Report).
On 31 December 2016, the average maturity of the outstanding loans was 3.13 years. The Company has always concluded financing contracts with a minimum maturity of three years. For a breakdown of debts according to maturity, please refer to Chapter 10.9.23 of this Annual Report.
The Company wants to hedge a substantial part of the interest rate risk with regard to its long-term financing up to at least 70%, either with a fixed interest rate for the entire period of the agreement, or with interest rate swap and forward rate agreements as hedging instruments of the interest rate swap and forward rate agreement type.
The Company's hedging policy is regularly evaluated and adjusted when necessary (for example with regard to the instrument types, hedging period, etc.).
We hereby refer to Chapter 10.9.23 of this Annual Report regarding the interest rate hedging in place.
For a summary of the capital, please refer to Chapter 10.9.18 of this Annual Report.
Figures are in thousand EUR.
| 31/12/16 | 31/12/15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | 94,869 | 76,321 |
| Issued capital | 94,869 | 83,282 |
| Capital increase costs | -6,961 | |
| Reserves | -515 | 6,961 |
| Non-distributable reserve: reserve for expected losses | 6,961 | |
| Other | -515 | |
| Net result for the financial year | 5,016 | -515 |
| Total equity | 131,630 | 108,382 |
Xior was successfully floated on the Euronext Brussels stock market on 11 December 2015. Following the implementation of the growth strategy in 2016, the property portfolio went up from 48 properties at the end of 2015 to 54 properties at the end of 2016. One non-strategic property was also sold by the end of 2016.
Besides what is mentioned in Chapter 5.5, no significant changes have occurred in the Company's financial or trading position after 31 December 2016. The price for the acquisitions between the parties was in line with the valuation of the property experts.
On 20 December 2016, the retail property located at 31-33 Havermarkt in Hasselt was sold. The agreed sale price of this property was EUR 2.98 million and the capital gains against the Fair Value achieved on this sale were KEUR 106. The divestment of this nonstrategic retail property is fully in line with the pure player strategy of Xior, which is focused on student housing in its geographic core markets.
• Optimisation of the internal group structure In December 2016, the Company further optimised its internal group structure through intra-group mergers of five subsidiaries. These mergers have led to operational and administrative simplifications and will help to achieve synergies within Xior. As the activities of the subsidiaries in question fell within the sphere of Xior's activities, and given that these companies did not have their own staff, retaining these separate legal entities did not generate any economic advantages.
Maastricht consisting of 143 units and retail space on the ground floor. This acquisition has a total investment value of approximately EUR 24 million.
On 3 August 2016, the Company announced it would be changing its promotership as well as intensifying the engagement of the CEO and CFO. Christian Teunissen (CEO) and Frederik Snauwaert (CFO) have acquired the full shareholding of Ben Van Loo in Aloxe NV, the Company's main shareholder and promoter. In doing so, the CEO and CFO increased their investment in Aloxe NV (in which they now hold shares of 82% and 18% respectively), which is also in the best interest of the further development of the Company. Following this transaction, Christian Teunissen became the Company's promoter together with Aloxe NV.15
On 1 August 2016, the merger by acquisition of CPG CVBA was completed.16 Through this merger, Xior acquired a real estate property located at 91 Vlamingenstraat/11 Parkstraat in Leuven, with a total of 29 units intended for student housing. The Fair Value of the property was estimated (and contributed) at EUR 2.7 million. Following this merger, 73,386 new shares were issued. This merger resulted in a capital increase (including issue premium) of EUR 1,834,650. The issue price of the new shares was EUR 25.00 per share, as mentioned in the IPO prospectus of 24 November 2015 published as part of the IPO of 11 December 2015.
The merger by acquisition of Devimmo NV was completed on 1 March 2016.17 Through this merger, Xior acquired a property located at 137 Parkstraat in Leuven consisting of 73 units intended for student housing and 30 underground parking spaces. The Fair Value of the property was estimated (and entered) at EUR 6.9 million. Following this merger, 230,657 new shares were issued. This merger resulted in a capital increase (including issue premium) of EUR 5,766,425. The issue price of the new shares was EUR 25.00 per share, as mentioned in the IPO prospectus of 24 November 2015 published as part of the IPO of 11 December 2015.
17 At the time of the merger, Devimmo NV was a subsidiary of Aloxe NV, the Company's promoter.
12 See Press Releases dated 2 June 2016 and 11 October 2016.
13 See Press Release dated 30 September 2016.
14 See Press Releases dated 23 May 2016 and 1 September 2016.
15 See Press Release dated 3 August 2016.
16 At the time of the merger, CPG CVBA was a subsidiary of Aloxe NV, the Company's promoter.
On 5 January 2017, Xior acquired a student property18 consisting of 108 brand-new, independent, furnished units in one of the fastest-growing student cities in the Netherlands. This acquisition has a total investment value of approximately EUR 13.5 million, based on the current rental value.
Xior acquired a student property (under construction) in Brussels on 17 January 201719. The land and structures already erected were acquired via a contribution in kind to Xior's capital. The value of the contribution was determined based on the value of the land and the structures (already completed) and has resulted in a capital increase of EUR 5,064,067 (incl. issue premium). This acquisition has a total investment value of approximately EUR 8.4 million. The issue price of the new shares was EUR 34.14 per share (rounded). The completion of the structures will be paid for in cash that is financed by loans.
On 6 April 2017, Xior acquired a development project consisting of an office complex, which the Company plans to convert into student units after obtaining the necessary permits. These buildings were acquired through the purchase of 100% of the shares in the real estate company involved. This transaction will, after the planned redevelopment, have approximately 300 student units and a total investment value of approximately 30 MEUR. For the other terms of the deal, please refer to the press release dated 7 April 2017. Since this deal is very recent, and was being finalised at the time this Annual Report went to press, this Annual Report should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned Press Release about this deal where relevant (e.g. regarding the Company's pipeline, the financing of this acquisition, etc.).
Xior intends to continue to pursue its growth strategy with conviction in 2017 by adding high-quality student properties to its property portfolio.
During the implementation of that strategy, Xior will strive towards a balanced growth of both equity and loan capital with a healthy combination of various financing sources, whilst keeping the debt ratio under control and increasing the earnings per share.
On 20 April 2016, Xior signed an agreement for the acquisition of two strategic student complexes with a total of 190 units located in Delft and The Hague. The investment value will be approximately EUR 26.3 million according to the current estimated rental values. The complexes will be purchased by acquiring 100% of the shares of both property companies. The transaction is subject to a number of conditions precedent. The transfer of this property is planned for mid-2017.
On 11 May 2016, Xior signed an agreement to acquire a student complex to be developed in Rotterdam. The student complex will include 280 independent student units and will have an investment value of EUR 30,260,000. The transaction is subject to a number of conditions. If all conditions are met, Xior will acquire this property in the autumn of 2017. The seller is providing Xior with a one-year rental guarantee starting from the transfer date.
These details are not required by the legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies. The statutory auditor verified whether the EPRA earnings, EPRA net asset value (NAV) and EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) ratios were calculated according to the definitions quoted in the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations and whether the financial data used in the calculation of these ratios correspond with the accounting information included in the consolidated financial statements.
20 See the press release dated 20 April 2016.
21 See Press Release dated 11 May 2016.
22 Financial performance indicator calculated in accordance with the EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) Best Practice Recommendations. See also www.epra.com.
| Definition | in thousand EUR |
EUR per share |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| EPRA earnings |
Underlying result derived from the strategic operating activities. |
5,774 | 1.17 |
| EPRA NAV | Net asset value (NAV) adjusted to take into account the fair value of the real estate property and excluding certain elements that are not part of a financial model of long-term investment property. |
133,496 | 25.33 |
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) |
EPRA net asset value (NAV) adjusted to take into account (i) the fair value of the financial instruments, (ii) the fair value of debts and (iii) the deferred tax. |
131,630 | 24.97 |
| % | |||
| EPRA cost ratio (incl. vacancy costs) |
EPRA costs (including vacancy costs) divided by the gross rental income. |
35.53% | |
| EPRA cost ratio (excl. vacancy costs) |
EPRA costs (excluding vacancy costs) divided by the gross rental income. |
35.53% |
| EPRA earnings | |
|---|---|
| Net result | 5,016 |
| Variations in the fair value of investment property | -1,112 |
| Other portfolio result | 110 |
| Result from the sale of investment property | -106 |
| Variations in the Fair Value of financial assets and liabilities | 1,866 |
| EPRA earnings | 5,774 |
| EPRA earnings per share | |
| Net result | 5,016 |
| Variations in the fair value of investment property | -1,112 |
| Other portfolio result | 110 |
| Result from the sale of investment property | -106 |
| Variations in the Fair Value of financial assets and liabilities | 1,866 |
| Weighted average number of shares | 4,926,405 |
| EPRA earnings per share | 1.17 |
| EPRA NAV | |
|---|---|
| Equity | 131,630 |
| Effect of exercising options, convertible debt and the other equity instruments | |
| Diluted intrinsic value after exercising options, convertible debt and other equity instruments |
131,630 |
| To be excluded : Fair Value of the permitted hedging transactions |
1,866 |
| EPRA NAV | 133,496 |
| Number of shares | 5,270,501 |
| EPRA NAV (EUR/share) | 25.33 |
| 31/12/2016 | |
|---|---|
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) | |
| EPRA NAV | 133,496 |
| To be added: Fair Value of the permitted hedging transactions |
-1,866 |
| Adjustment to fair value of debts | 0 |
| Deferred taxes | -284 |
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) | 131,346 |
| Number of shares | 5,270,501 |
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) (EUR per share) | 24.92 |
| EPRA cost ratio | |
|---|---|
| General expenses | 1,859 |
| Impairment of trade receivables | 57 |
| Property charges | 1,981 |
| EPRA costs (incl. vacancy costs) | 3,897 |
| Vacancy costs | 0 |
| EPRA costs (excl. vacancy costs) | 3,897 |
| Gross rental income | 10,969 |
| EPRA cost ratio (incl. vacancy costs) | 35.5% |
| EPRA cost ratio (excl. vacancy costs) | 35.5% |
In accordance with Articles 96 and 119 of the Belgian Companies Code, the required elements of Xior's annual report are contained in the following chapters:
60
Frederik Lintsstraat Eisenhowerlaan
05 MANAGEMENT REPORT
This Chapter outlines the rules and principles that form the basis for the organisation of the Company's corporate governance. This statement contains the main rules that Xior has adopted pursuant to legislation and recommendations on corporate governance and forms part of the Annual Report, in accordance with Article 96, Sections 2 and 3 of the Belgian Companies Code.
The Company applies the Belgian Corporate Governance Code that was published by the Corporate Governance Committee on 12 March 2009 (the 2009 Governance Code, available on the following website: http://www.corporategovernancecommittee. be) as a code of reference.
The Company's Corporate Governance Charter (including the Trading Regulations) were approved on 25 November 2015 and were last reviewed on 31 March 2017. This can be consulted on the Company's website (www.http://www.xior.be/nl/ investor/corporate-governance), and obtained free of charge from the Company's registered office.
The Company does its utmost to comply at all times with the principles on corporate governance as set out in the 2009 Governance Code, but without compromising the applicable statutory provisions (particularly those of the Belgian Companies Code and Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies) and the Company's Articles of Association. If the Company deviates from one or more principles or provisions of the 2009 Governance Code, it must set out the reasons for this in the corporate governance statement, in accordance with the "comply or explain" principle.
Xior's Board of Directors fully endorses the principles of the 2009 Governance Code, but believes that certain, limited deviations from its provisions are justified in light of the nature, size and complexity of the Company and its activities. More specifically, Xior has deviated from the following recommendations of the 2009 Governance Code:
The Corporate Governance Code recommends that the audit committee should consist of non-executive directors only (also see Article 526bis of the Belgian Companies Code) and that the majority should be independent directors. However, Xior's audit committee is comprised of the entire Board of Directors. The audit committee thus comprises six members, two of whom are executive directors and four are independent, non-executive directors. Since the law permits the Company to deviate from the obligation to establish an audit committee, the Company wishes to make use of this option. After all, the Company is convinced that the composition of its Board of Directors is such that it can fulfil the role of audit committee with due independence and objectivity.
The Corporate Governance Code recommends that the remuneration committee should consist of non-executive directors only and that the majority should be independent directors (also see Article 526quater of the Belgian Companies Code). However, Xior's remuneration committee is comprised of the entire Board of Directors. The remuneration committee thus comprises six members, two of whom are executive directors and four are independent, non-executive directors. Since the law permits the Company to deviate from the obligation to establish a remuneration committee, the Company wishes to make use of this option. After all, the Company is convinced that the composition of its Board of Directors is such that it can fulfil the role of remuneration committee with due independence and objectivity. An executive director will not participate in deliberations and decisionmaking relating to their own remuneration.
Internal control is a process that aims to provide reasonable certainty about the effectiveness and improvement of the Company's operations, the reliability and integrity of information, and conformity with policy lines, procedures, legislation and regulations.
Internal control can be broken down into three specific pillars: internal audit (internal audit procedures and internal audit function), risk management (risk management policy and risk management function) and compliance (integrity policy and compliance function), for which purpose "internal audit" should not only be implemented as a separate third pillar but also play a "transversal" role in relation to the other two pillars. The performance of each of these functions, in conjunction with the responsibilities of the operational services, forms a "line of defence" against the risks faced by the Company. The organisation of the above functions is approached in an appropriate and proportional manner, depending also on the nature, size and complexity of the Company's activities in terms of its balance sheet, income and number of staff. For a more detailed description of the Company's internal control, please refer to Chapter 7 of the Company's Corporate Governance Charter, which is available on its website (http://www.xior.be/nl/investor/corporate-governance).
From their respective roles as CEO and CFO of the Company and executive director, the actual managers, Christian Teunissen and Frederik Snauwaert, assume responsibility for the organisation of internal control under the supervision of the Company's Board of Directors.
In its capacity as the Company's audit committee, the Board of Directors' tasks include: (i) monitoring the financial reporting process; (ii) monitoring the statutory audit of the separate and consolidated annual financial statements, including following up questions and recommendations formulated by the statutory auditor; and (iii) assessing and monitoring the independence of the statutory auditor, particularly as regards the provision of additional services to the Company. The Board of Directors performs its tasks as an audit committee on a number of occasions, including when the Board of Directors draws up the annual financial statements, the consolidated financial statements and the abridged financial statements intended for publication. Prior to every half-yearly meeting of the Board of Directors, a half-yearly report is drawn up and submitted by the statutory auditor to the Board of Directors, also acting as an audit committee.
The Board of Directors, also acting as an audit committee, regularly evaluates the risks to which the Company is exposed and takes the necessary decisions on the basis of this evaluation, for example, in relation to market developments (both property-related and as regards letting potential), determining the financing and interest-rate hedging strategy, the evaluation of tenancy risks, etc.
The process for drawing up financial information is structured on the basis of pre-determined tasks and timetables that must be observed. The audit environment for the purpose of financial reporting, consists of the following components:
Management and the Board of Directors.
The quality of internal control is also assessed during the course of the financial year by the:
Internal audit.
Property experts: the Company's property experts obviously play an important indirect role for the purposes of internal control, in relation to the appraisal of the Company's property.
The person responsible for the risk management function prepares, develops, monitors, updates and implements the risk management policy and risk management procedures. The role of Risk Manager in the Company is filled by the CFO, Frederik Snauwaert, who was appointed for an indefinite period in this respect.
The Risk Manager fulfils this role based on his job responsibilities and operational experience by analysing the risks facing the Company both on a regular basis and on an ad hoc basis. This may result in practical advice to the Company's other departments. The Risk Manager frequently reports to the Company's other actual leader, and the Risk Manager discusses the main risk developments at least once a year with the Board of Directors, which acts as an audit committee and bears final responsibility for the Company's risk management.
It is underlined that risk management is an integral part of the way the business is run on an operational, technical, financial and legal level. This covers the daily financial and operational management, continuous consultation internally and with external advisors where necessary, the optimal application of the four-eyes principle, the analysis of new investment cases, due diligence procedures, the definition of the strategy and objectives and the embedding of strict decision-making procedures. Risk management is therefore the responsibility of the entire team across all layers of the organisation, each at their own level with different responsibilities.
The "internal audit" can be understood as an independent appraisal function that is embedded in the organisation and focuses on the investigation and evaluation of the operation, effectiveness and efficiency of the Company's (control) processes/procedures, including the compliance and risk management functions. Internal audit includes the operation, effectiveness and efficiency of processes, procedures and activities regarding: (i) operational issues (the quality and adequacy of systems and procedures, organisation structures, policies and the methods and resources used to achieve objectives); (ii) financial issues (accounting reliability, the financial statements and financial reporting process and compliance with the applicable (accounting) regulations); (iii) management issues (quality of the management function and staff services in the context of the Company's objectives); and (iv) risk management and compliance.
The Company has entrusted the internal audit function to an external party by appointing independent consultancy firm Mazars, which is permanently represented by one and the same individual, Anton Nuttens. His mandate will last three years and can be extended. Sofie Robberechts (Finance & Reporting Director) was permanently appointed as the person ultimately responsible for overseeing the external auditor's internal audit function.
The "independent compliance function" is kept as an independent function within the organisation and focuses on investigating and promoting the Company's compliance with the laws, regulations and rules of conduct applicable to the Company, particularly the rules relating to the integrity of the Company's operations. These include the rules resulting from the Company's policy, the Company's status and the other statutory and regulatory provisions. In other words, they are part of the corporate culture with an emphasis on honesty and integrity, adherence to high ethical standards in business and compliance with the regulations applicable to the Company. The Company (this RREC) and its employees must behave with integrity: they must be honest, reliable and trustworthy.
The person responsible for the compliance function (Arne Hermans, CIO) prepares and tests recommendations. The compliance officer has been appointed for an indefinite period. The compliance function's work domain specifically includes, but is not limited to the monitoring of compliance with the applicable rules on (i) conflicts of interest, (ii) market abuse (insider dealing and market manipulation) and (iii) the incompatibility of mandates (e.g. with respect to the assessment of directors' independence), possibly laid down in the Company's code of ethics. These rules have been developed further in the Company's Corporate Governance Code, including the Trading Regulations.
Senior management (regularly) investigates which other domains and activities should be included in the work domains of the compliance function. It does so based on a risk analysis and in consultation with the Board of Directors, taking into account the Company's specific characteristics.
The Company's historic founders are:
On 31 December 2016, the authorised capital of Xior Student Housing NV was EUR 94,869,018, represented by 5,270,501 fully paid-up shares.
The following table illustrates Xior's shareholder structure, based on the information received from the shareholders (cf. the transparency notifications). This summary also takes into account the capital increase and the number of shares resulting from the contribution in kind in the context of the authorised capital on 17 January 2017 (see Chapter 5.5.2 of this Annual Report)23.
| Shareholder | # shares (31/12/2016) |
% shares (rounded) (31/12/2016) |
# shares (incl. capital increase of 17.01.2017) |
% shares (rounded) (incl. capital increase of 17.01.2017)3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aloxe NV - C. Teunissen & Frederik Snauwaert1 |
1,255,332 | 23.82% | 1,255,332 | 23.17% |
| AXA Investment Managers S.A.2 | 273,348 | 5.19% | 273,348 | 5.04% |
| Public (free float) | 3,741,821 | 71.00% | 3,890,153 | 71.79% |
| Total (denominator) | 5,270,501 | 100.00% | 5,418,833 | 100% |
1 Transparency notification of 17 October 2016.
2 Transparency notification of 23 December 2016.
3 The "denominator" and the resulting participation rates were adjusted to the new capital on 17 January 2017, based on an unchanged number of shares owned by the respective shareholders since the last transparency notification.
Notwithstanding the following paragraph, no special rights of inspection are granted to certain categories of shareholders.
The promoter is entitled to propose candidates for three directorships, until the last of the following events occurs: (i) Aloxe NV (or its Successors) owns (or jointly own) less than 25% of the Company's capital, and (ii) Aloxe NV (or its Successors) is (or are) no longer the Company's promoter within the meaning of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
The following table shows an overview of the number of shares owned by members of the Board of Directors and the executive management.
| Member of the Board of Directors or the executive management | Number of shares on 31 december 2016 |
|---|---|
| Aloxe NV - C. Teunissen & Frederik Snauwaert | 1,255,332 |
| Christian Teunissen1 | 0 |
| Aloxe NV | 1,250,885 |
| Frederik Snauwaert | 4,447 |
| Joost Uwents | 400 |
| Arne Hermans | 1,000 |
1 Aloxe NV has a direct stake of 1,250,885 shares in Xior Student Housing NV. Aloxe NV is controlled by Christian Teunissen (directly and via Nevi BVBA, a company which is likewise controlled by Christian Teunissen).
The Board of Directors consists of six directors. It includes four non-executive independent directors (including the Chairperson) and two executive directors, one of which is the CEO.
The composition of the Board of Directors must be characterised by a proportional representation between executive, independent and other non-executive directors. At least half of the Board of Directors consists of non-executive directors, and at least three of them are independent within the meaning of Article 526ter of the Belgian Companies Code and Appendix A of the 2009 Governance Code.
The composition of the Board of Directors must guarantee that decisions are taken in the Company's interest. This composition will be determined on the basis of complementarity in terms of competences, experience and knowledge. The aim is to achieve a composition of the Board of Directors that guarantees the presence of directors who are familiar with property in general, student housing in particular and/or other contiguous areas of expertise that are deemed important for the Company's activities. The further aim is to achieve a representation of directors who are experienced in operational, financial and other aspects of real estate company management, and of a regulated real estate company in particular, and/ or in policy in listed companies.
The necessary attention will also be paid to the requirements of gender diversity and diversity in general. Article 518bis, Section 1 of the Belgian Companies Code stipulates that in companies whose securities are admitted for trading on a regulated market, at least one third of the members of the Board of Directors must be of the opposite sex to that of the other members. For the application of this provision, the required minimum number of members of the opposite sex is rounded off to the closest whole number. For companies whose securities are admitted to a regulated market for the first time, this obligation must be complied with from the first day of the sixth financial year that commences after this admission (i.e. from 1 January 2021). After the end of a directorship, the Company will make a selection based on clear, gender-neutral and unambiguous criteria, taking into account the realisation that preference needs to be given, where applicable, to the under-represented sex. The Board of Directors currently has one member of the opposite sex to the other five members.
Under RREC Legislation, the directors, actual managers and those responsible for the independent control functions may only be natural persons. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies, members of the Board of Directors must always have the required professional reliability and appropriate expertise for the performance of their duties. They may not fall within the scope of the prohibitory provisions of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies. Their appointment must be submitted to the FSMA for approval in advance.
The Company's Board of Directors consists of six members. The directors were appointed by the Company's general meeting on 23 November 2015. The mandate of the Company's current directors ends on the closure of the ordinary general meeting that will decide on the annual financial statements drawn up for the financial year ending 31 December 2018.
The mandates and a brief description of the directors' professional careers are provided below. For an outline of the professional careers of Christian Teunissen and Frederik Snauwaert, please refer to Chapter 6.1.18 of this Annual Report.
i. Leen Van den Neste (°1966–office address: VDK Spaarbank, Sint-Michielsplein 16, 9000 Ghent) Leen Van den Neste chairs the Executive Committee of VDK Spaarbank, which she joined in 2011. She worked for Groep Arco from 1995 to 2011 and was a member of the Executive Committee there as well. Leen Van den Neste obtained a law degree and a secondary education teaching qualification at the University of Ghent. She also obtained a special Accountancy degree at Vlerick Business School.
Current mandates: VDK Spaarbank NV (Board member), Retail Estates NV, OGVV (listed) (member of the Board, audit committee and remuneration committee), Familiehulp VZW (Board member), Artevelde Hogeschool VZW (Board member), NFTE VZW (Board member), Centrale voor Huisvesting Arrondissement Gent CVBA (director), CPP-Incofin CVBASO (director) and Gentco CVBA (director).
Past mandates in the previous five years: Elia Asset (director) (to 2013) and Elia NV (listed) (Board member) (until 2012).
ii. Joost Uwents (°1969 – office address: Blakebergen 15, 1861 Wolvertem)
Joost Uwents is CEO of RREC Warehouses De Pauw (WDP) Comm. VA, an exchangelisted public GVV, where he has been a Board member since 2002. He obtained a degree in commercial engineering in 1991 and has an MBA from Vlerick Business School. Joost started his career as an Account Manager at Generale Bank in 1994.
In 1999, he became the CFO of the then listed real estate investment trust WDP. He has been the company's CEO since 2010. He contributed to WDP's development as the market leader in the rental of logistics and semi-industrial property in the Benelux with a property portfolio of more than EUR 2 billion in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Current mandates: Board member of De Pauw NV (Company Director of WDP Comm. VA) (listed).
Wilfried Neven is CEO of Allianz Benelux NV. He has worked for Allianz since 2011 and previously held positions with P&V Group and ING Insurance Belgium. He obtained a degree in commercial engineering in 1989 and also completed a course in Risk Management at the Antwerp Management School. He also obtained additional qualifications at the ING Business School, Heemskerk (Netherlands) and the Guberna Institute.
Current mandates: Allianz Benelux NV (CEO and Board member), Allianz Nederland Groep NV (management and Board member), Assuralia (Executive Committee and Board member), EDB Investments SCA (Supervisory Board member), Portima CBVA (chairman of the Board), Viaxis CVBA (director). Past mandates in the previous five years: Brocom CVBA – Chairman of the Board (to 2012)
Wouter De Maeseneire is an associate professor in corporate finance at the Vlerick Business School and a visiting professor at Erasmus/Ghent University. In August 2015 he was appointed academic dean of the Vlerick Master degrees and he is also the programme director for the Master in Financial Management there. He studied Applied Economics at Ghent University and completed a doctorate at Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam.
His research was presented at several international conferences, including the Financial Management Association and Academy of Management Meeting, Babson Entrepreneurship Conference, Strategic Management Society, Real Options Conference and Midwest Finance Association. Wouter De Maeseneire published articles in scientific journals such as Research Policy and the Journal of Business, Finance and Accounting. He also contributed to many management books. After completing his thesis, he wrote a book about real options, a new technique used for the valuation of companies and projects that estimates the value of flexibility often available in highrisk investment projects. Wouter received several Best Teacher Awards and won the 2012 EFMD Banking & Finance Case Writing Competition with his analysis of the ABInbev deal. His current research interests lie in IPOs, valuations, real options, venture capital, private equity, acquisitions and financing constraints.
Current mandates: Vlerick Partner CVBA. Past mandates in the previous five years: Single Switch NV (liquidated in 2012).
The Company's Board of Directors appointed Leen Van den Neste as its Chairperson for an indefinite period on 25 November 2015. Leen Van den Neste's mandate as the Board's chairperson will end when her current mandate as director comes to an end, unless it is renewed by the Board following her reappointment as director at the general meeting.
Article 14 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies impose specific regulations regarding professional reliability and the appropriate expertise on directors of public RRECs.
In the context of these obligations, the Company's directors and senior managers have stated that they have not been convicted for any fraudulent crimes in the past five years. All Company directors have also stated that as members of an administrative, management or supervisory body, they have not been involved in any bankruptcy, receivership or liquidation other than what is mentioned in this Annual Report. There can be no family ties between the members of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies.
All directors and senior managers have also stated that they have not been the subject of any official or publicly expressed accusations and/or sanctions imposed by a regulatory or supervisory authority and that they have not been prevented by a court of law (i) to act as members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of an issuer of financial instruments, or (ii) to handle the management or operations of an issuer of financial instruments.
Finally, each Company director meets the selection and competency criteria included in the Company's Corporate Governance Charter (see Chapter 6.1.10.1 of this Annual Report), as follows:
The Board of Directors meets at least four times a year, and in any event often enough for the directors to actually be able to discharge their responsibilities. The Chairperson may convene other or additional meetings whenever this is required in the Company's interests or at the request of at least two directors or the CEO.
The Board of Directors meets at least four times a year, when it also acts as the Audit Committee. It also acts as the Remuneration Committee at least twice a year.
In 2016, the Board of Directors25 met nine times. At four meetings it also acted as the Audit Committee and at two meetings it also acted as the Remuneration Committee.
25 Two additional formal meetings of the Board of Directors took place before the notary: (i) one for a capital increase by means of a contribution in kind on 11 October 2016 and (ii) one for the adoption of domestic intra-group mergers on 16 December 2016. If we include these board meetings, there have been 11 board meetings in 2016.
All board members attended all meetings, except Wouter de Maeseneire, who was unable to attend one board meeting and was represented. This meeting was also a remuneration committee meeting.
The Chairperson determines the agenda items for each meeting of the Board of Directors in consultation with the CEO. During the meeting, the Board of Directors may decide to place a further item on the agenda insofar as all members are present and agree to this change to the agenda.
Each director may give a proxy to another member of the Board of Directors to represent them at a certain meeting.
The Board of Directors may validly deliberate on and adopt resolutions only if at least the majority of the directors are present or represented. If this quorum is not reached, a new meeting may be convened with the same agenda, which will validly deliberate and adopt resolutions if at least two directors are present or represented.
If a director has a direct or indirect interest under property law that is in conflict with a resolution or transaction that falls under the Board of Directors' authority, they must act in accordance with the provisions of Article 523 of the Belgian Companies Code. The members of the Board of Directors must also comply with Articles 37-38 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
Resolutions of the Board of Directors are adopted by a majority of the votes cast. Abstentions or invalid votes are not counted as votes cast. If the votes are tied within the Board of Directors, the motion is rejected.
The Board of Directors strives to guarantee the long-term success of the Company through enterprising leadership, while simultaneously assessing and managing the Company's risks within a framework of efficient and effective controls.
From its policy function, the Board of Directors decides on the values and strategy of the Company, its main policy lines and its risk appetite. It ensures that the Company's obligations are clear to all its shareholders and that these obligations are met, taking account of the other stakeholders' interests.
From its supervisory function, the Board of Directors assesses the implementation and achievement of the Company's strategy and objectives, as well as the performance of its executive management.
The Board of Directors also performs the duties as set out in Article 526bis, Sections 4 and 526quater, Section 5 of the Belgian Companies Code when its acts in the capacity of audit committee and remuneration committee respectively (see Chapter 6.1.19 of this Annual Report).
In order to consistently improve its own effectiveness, the Board of Directors evaluates its size, composition, achievements and interaction with the executive management at the appropriate times. The actual contribution and presence of each director is periodically evaluated in order to be able to adjust the composition of the Board of Directors, taking account of changing circumstances.
For a detailed description of the Board of Directors' duties and functioning, please refer to Chapter 2.6 of the Company's Corporate Governance Charter.
| Name | Capacity | Mandate | Mandate start |
Mandate end |
Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leen Van den Neste | Non-executive chairperson, independent director |
First mandate |
November 2015 |
May 2019 | Board of Directors: 9/9 Audit committee: 4/4 Remuneration committee: 2/2 |
| Joost Uwents | Non-executive, independent director |
First mandate |
November 2015 |
May 2019 | Board of Directors: 9/9 Audit committee: 4/4 Remuneration committee: 2/2 |
| Wilfried Neven | Non-executive, independent director |
First mandate |
November 2015 |
May 2019 | Board of Directors: 9/9 Audit committee: 4/4 Remuneration committee: 2/2 |
| Wouter De Maeseneire | Non-executive, independent director |
First mandate |
November 2015 |
May 2019 | Board of Directors: 8/9 Audit committee: 4/4 Remuneration committee: 1/2 |
| Christian Teunissen | Executive director | First mandate |
November 2015 |
May 2019 | Board of Directors: 9/9 Audit committee: 4/4 Remuneration committee: 2/2 |
| Frederik Snauwaert | Executive director | First mandate |
November 2015 |
May 2019 | Board of Directors: 9/9 Audit committee: 4/4 Remuneration committee: 2/2 |
The Company's Board of Directors has entrusted the day-to-day management to one CEO, Christian Teunissen (CEO). The CEO was appointed for an indefinite period at the board meeting of 25 November 2015, provided that his mandate of CEO will end when his mandate as Company Director ends.
CFO Frederik Snauwaert and the CEO were together appointed as the Company's actual managers for an indefinite period in the sense of Article 14 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
The Company's executive management consists of three members, namely two executive directors (CEO and CFO) and the Chief Investment Officer, Arne Hermans. They are appointed by the Board of Directors. Depending on its future size, activities and requirements, the Company may expand its executive management over time.
The Company's Board of Directors appointed the current members of the executive management for an indefinite period on 23 November 2015.
CEO Christian Teunissen is the leader of the executive management. The CEO is responsible for areas such as the Company's daily management and the prospecting and identification of new property projects. The CEO also leads the Company's operational management and leasing activities. The CFO leads the financial, accounting and administrative department. The CIO coordinates and implements the Company's investments and transactions and oversees the activities relating to the legal aspects, in particular the corporate and regulatory aspects the Company faces as a listed public RREC. Article 4.2 of the Company's Corporate Governance Charter describes the role and responsibilities of the members of the executive management.
The executive management's professional address is that of the Company's registered office: Mechelsesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium.
The professional careers of the members of the executive management are described briefly below.
Christian Teunissen obtained his degree in commercial engineering (accountancy option) at EHSAL in Brussels in 1996. He started his career in the insurance sector at Fortis AG. In 2000, he started his own insurance business by buying up AdB Business Partners, which he later sold in 2005 to Van Dessel Verzekeringen. This allowed Christian Teunissen to spend nine years in the insurance industry gaining knowledge and experience. Since 2005, Christian has focused on building up a real estate portfolio as a developer, investor and manager. In 2007, Christian Teunissen delivered his first
student accommodation project, consisting of 45 student rooms. He has been at the helm of the Xior Group for a decade.
His professional property activities have focused especially on the student property sector, which is at the core of the development of the Company's current portfolio. He is the (co-)founder and director of several real estate companies, including Xior Student Housing NV.
Current mandates: His mandate as a Company Board member is complemented by other mandates in the following companies (the vast majority of which do not require actual participation in the daily management): Aloxe NV, Student House Building BVBA, Limimmo BVBA, Proinvest BVBA, Eland Group NV, Mopro Antigoon NV, Mopro Zurenborg BVBA, Jugho BVBA, M-Building BVBA, Moose Real Estate BVBA, Studiosus BVBA, X-Building BVBA, Den Hill Diar BVBA, Anthonis Verzekeringen NV, Off Site Europe BV, Nevi BVBA, Livec NV, Landwin BVBA, Gropius BVBA, Lotta BVBA, Coral BVBA, Coral Build BVBA, B&C Enterprises Ltd., Teuvan NV and Immo DDL NV .
Past mandates in the previous five years: Bonsult VOF, K-Building NV, V-Building BVBA, Poort van Berlaar BVBA, Auto's Bleys NV, Bimmoc BVBA, Beltis BVBA, F-Building NV, BC Retail BVBA, Gulden Arent BVBA, G-Building BVBA, H-Building BVBA, Xigent BVBA, Xiber BVBA, Devimmo NV, CPG CVBA, MNL-Building BV, DHNL-Building BV, Xior Group NL BV and Retail Design BVBA.
Frederik Snauwaert holds a Master's in Business Studies with a focus on financial policy and investments, having graduated from EHSAL in Brussels in 2003. In 2009, he completed the Postgraduate Real Estate Studies programme at the University of Leuven.
Frederik has been CFO of the Company since 2012. He started his career in 2003 at PwC, where he worked as a Senior Auditor until 2006. He then worked as a Group Credit/
Asset Risk Officer for Fortis Lease Group Services. From 2008 to 2012, he held the position of Relationship Manager Midcorporates & Institutionals (Real Estate) at ING Belgium, after which he moved to the Company.
Current mandates: His mandate as a Company Board member is complemented by other mandates in the following companies (the vast majority of which do not require actual participation in the daily management): Aloxe NV, CaliXto BVBA, Anthonis Verzekeringen NV, Off Site Europe BV, Eland Group NV, Leuven Tréfonds BVBA, M-Building BVBA, Mopro Antigoon NV, Mopro Zurenborg BVBA, Jugho BVBA, Studium Invest GCV, Ramberghof BVBA, Leuven Building BVBA, Lovania Properties BVBA, Den Hill Diar BVBA, PDH Invest BVBA and Immo DDL NV. Past mandates in the previous five years: Premier Transportation BVBA, Devimmo NV, CPG CVBA Xior Group NL BV and Retail Design BVBA.
Arne Hermans studied law at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and then obtained a Master's degree in Marketing Management at Vlerick Business School in 2008. He took the Financial and Managerial Accounting course at Boston University Brussels in 2009 and completed the Real Estate Executive Programme at Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management in 2012.
Arne has been with the Company since mid-2015. He started his career in 2008 as a solicitor at Eubelius, where he focused specifically on real estate corporate and financial law, including equity capital markets, debt capital markets, mergers, acquisitions, real estate transactions and all aspects related to Belgian REITs (former real estate investment companies with fixed capital (BEVAKs) and regulated real estate companies). Arne was closely involved in the development and implementation of the legal framework for real estate investment companies with fixed capital (BEVAKs) in 2010 and RRECs in 2014.
Arne is the co-lecturer of a three-part training course in real estate transactions ("Corporate Real Estate Transactions: legal and taxation aspects") at the University of Leuven Kulak campus and has taught several seminars on real estate investment companies with fixed capital and regulated real estate companies. He is also a guest speaker for several real estate courses at the University of Leuven Kulak campus. He has also published several legal articles on REITs and corporate law. In 2015, Arne won an Expertise Real Estate Young Potential Award with his project "Housing the future® - Towards a further consolidation of student housing".
| Executive directors | Christian Teunissen (CEO) Frederik Snauwaert (CFO) |
|---|---|
| Non-executive, independent directors |
Leen Van den Neste Joost Uwents Wilfried Neven Wouter De Maeseneire |
| Chairperson of the Board of Directors | Leen Van den Neste |
| Chief Executive Officer | Christian Teunissen (CEO) |
| Executive management | Christian Teunissen (CEO) Frederik Snauwaert (CFO) Arne Hermans (CIO) |
| Actual managers | Christian Teunissen (CEO) Frederik Snauwaert (CFO) |
In accordance with Article 526bis, Section 3 and Article 526quater, Section 4 of the Belgian Companies Code, the Board of Directors performs all of the duties entrusted to the audit committee and remuneration committee, respectively, on the understanding that the Board of Directors will establish an audit committee or remuneration committee from among its ranks as soon as the Company no longer complies with the criteria included in Article 526bis, Section 3 or Article 526quater, Section 4 of the Belgian Companies Code.
The Board of Directors may establish an executive committee (under the provisions of Article 524bis of the Belgian Companies Code) or a management committee, consisting of several people who may but do not need to be directors. Under Article 522 of the Belgian Companies Code, the Board of Directors may establish one or more advisory committees, from among its ranks and under its responsibility, such as a strategic committee or an appointments committee. The Board of Directors determines the composition and powers of these committees, with due observance of the applicable regulations.
The Company has not established any of the above committees to date, firstly because it is not obliged to under the applicable statutory thresholds and, secondly, because this is not currently deemed necessary in view of the complexity, nature and size of the Company and its activities (also see Chapter 6.1.1 of this Annual Report).
The Company has implemented a number of procedures with a view to limiting the risk of any conflicts of interest having an adverse impact on the Company.
The statutory arrangement on conflicts of interest for directors (Article 523 of the Belgian Companies Code) applies, in principle, to resolutions or transactions that fall under the Board of Directors' authority if a director has a direct or indirect interest under property law that is in conflict with such a resolution or transaction.
The Company must also comply with the procedure of Article 524 of the Belgian Companies Code if it adopts a resolution or performs a transaction that relates to: (i) relationships of the Company with an affiliated company, with the exception of its subsidiaries and (ii) relationships between one of the Company's subsidiaries and an affiliated company, with the exception of subsidiaries of that subsidiary.
The provisions of Article 37 and 38 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies also apply to the Company. Article 37 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies contains an arrangement on functional conflicts of interest which entails that a public RREC must contact the FSMA whenever certain persons affiliated with the public RREC (listed in the same article, including the directors, the persons who control, are affiliated with or hold a participating interest in the RREC, the promoter and other shareholders of all subsidiaries of the public RREC) act directly or indirectly as a counterparty in, or derive any pecuniary gain from, a transaction with the public RREC or one of its subsidiaries. Transactions involving a functional conflict of interest must be notified to the FSMA and must be disclosed immediately (without prejudice to the rules on inside information). They are explained in the annual financial report and the statutory auditor's report. These transactions must be completed in line with the market and must follow the normal course set by the Company's business strategy. If such a transaction involves property, the appraisal by the property expert is binding as a minimum price (if the RREC is the seller) or as a maximum price (if the RREC is the purchaser). Article 38 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies provides a number of exceptions where the provisions of Article 37 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies do not apply.
The Company further imposes the obligation on each member of the Board of Directors and executive management that he or she must avoid the creation of any conflicts of interest as far as possible. The Company also voluntarily applies a stricter policy on conflicts of interest that relate to matters that fall within the authority of the Board of Directors or executive management.
Since the Company's directors are appointed on the basis of their competences and experience in relation to property and other contiguous areas of expertise, they may hold directorships in other real estate companies or companies that control real estate companies, or they may perform property-related activities as a natural person. It is possible that a transaction which is submitted to the Board of Directors (such as the purchase of a building at an auction) may attract the attention of another company in which a director holds a directorship. The Company has also decided to apply a special procedure to such corporate opportunities that can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest, which is modelled to some extent on the conflicts-of-interest procedure laid down in Article 523 of the Belgian Companies Code.
For a detailed description of the Board of Directors' duties and functioning, please refer to Chapter 7.1.3 of the Company's Corporate Governance Charter.
Please find below the specific conflicts of interest that occurred in 2016 and need to be explained in the Annual Report in accordance with the Belgian Company Code and/or the legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
On 23 November 2015, Aloxe NV signed agreements with Xior Student Housing NV to acquire various assets and liabilities held by subsidiaries of Aloxe NV, as explained in detail by the IPO Prospectus.
Two mergers were executed following these agreements in 2016.
As Aloxe NV is the Company's promoter, these transactions qualified as a conflict of interest in the sense of Article 37 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies. In the context of these transactions, it was specified that these mergers (i) were executed in line with the market, (ii) were supported by a valuation done by a property expert in accordance with Article 49 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, and (iii) were implemented at a price not exceeding the fixed Fair Value as determined by the property expert. The transactions were also in line with the normal course followed by the Company's business strategy.
In addition to their Company real estate activities, Christian Teunissen (CEO) and Frederik Snauwaert (CFO) are indirectly involved in other real estate activities (with stakes in other real estate companies and/or as members of administrative bodies). However, these activities do not require daily or active follow-up or involvement, and do therefore not prevent the CEO's and CFO's operational activities at the Company.
Except for the project at Tiensestraat 274/Windmolenveldstraat 2, 3000 Leuven, which is described below, these activities do not cause any significant competition for the Company's student housing activities. For the sake of completeness, it is mentioned that CEO Christian Teunissen has a stake in a company holding a limited number of student housing units he has no control over, and CFO Frederik Snauwaert has a stake in another company holding a limited number of student housing units he has no control over. Both are exit scenarios and neither person has any intention of expanding these student housing activities in the future. Because of the limited scope of these activities, they could never cause any significant competition with the Company's student housing activities.
Christian Teunissen is currently working on a student housing project at Tiensestraat 274/Windmolenveldstraat 2, 3000 Leuven. This project is Christian Teunissen's private property. It is yet to be built and has not yet obtained planning permission. Because of the project's planning permission and construction risks, it was not advisable to add the project to the property portfolio at the IPO. The project is not in competition with the Company's activities, as Christian Teunissen has undertaken to put the project up for sale immediately after its provisional acceptance for a price equal to its Fair Value at the time
The Company has no arrangements or agreements with any major shareholders, clients, suppliers or other persons electing these parties as members of administrative, management or supervisory bodies or as members of the senior management.
For the sake of completeness, it is repeated here that Aloxe NV is entitled (or its Successors are jointly entitled) to nominate candidates for three directorships until the last of the following events occurs: (i) Aloxe NV holds (or its Successors jointly hold) less than 25% of the Company capital, and (ii) Aloxe NV is (or its Successors are) no longer the Company's promoter in the sense of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
In compliance with Article 96, Section 3 of the Belgian Companies Code, Xior draws up a remuneration report on the remuneration policy and individual remuneration of its directors and executive management.
The report was drawn up and approved by Xior's Board of Directors, also acting as the remuneration committee, on 31 March 2017.
The Company's Board of Directors (acting as an appointment and remuneration committee) submits the amount to be paid to each of its members to the general meeting. For the purpose of determining the remuneration of the directors, there was also some limited benchmarking with the remuneration of directors in similar listed real estate companies.
All members of the Board of Directors are covered by a D&O Insurance policy, the premium of which (EUR 27,203) is paid by Xior. The directors do not receive any other benefits (company car, pension, mobile telephone, etc.).
The Company's remuneration policy distinguishes between two types of directors: the executive director and the nonexecutive director (independent or otherwise). The directors are not awarded a variable fee (in their capacity as directors), nor any fee for specific operations or transactions of the public RREC or its subsidiaries. For the variable fee of the executive directors in their capacity as executive management members, see Chapter 6.1.24. This fee is therefore in accordance with Article 35 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
The Company's directors who are also members of the executive management receive a fixed fee of EUR 7,500 per year. They do not receive any attendance fee. As a member of the executive management, they also receive a management fee (see Chapter 6.1.24 of this Annual Report below).
The remuneration of non-executive, independent directors takes into consideration (i) their role as a member of the Board of Directors (also acting, where applicable as an appointment, remuneration and audit committee) and the ensuing responsibilities and time spent.
Non-executive directors receive a fixed fee of EUR 7,500 per year and an attendance fee of EUR 750 for each meeting of the Board of Directors. The amount of the attendance fee for the non-executive directors is approved by the general meeting on the recommendation of the Board of Directors (also acting as an appointment and remuneration committee). The non-executive directors also receive a fixed expense allowance of EUR 2,500 per year.
No additional payments in kind are made to the non-executive directors (independent or otherwise) during the term of their mandate. There are no conditional, variable or deferred payments.
As stated above, members of the executive management who are also members of the Board of Directors receive a fixed fee of EUR 7,500 per year. As a member of the executive management, they also receive a management fee.
The payment to the members of the executive management consists of a fixed monthly or annual amount that is documented in a special agreement approved by the Company's Board of Directors (also acting as an appointment and remuneration committee).
The members of the executive management each entered into a management agreement with the Company on 23 November 2015.
The fixed annual fee of the CEO is EUR 252,000 (subject to annual indexation) and the variable annual fee is capped at EUR 40,000 (subject to annual indexation).
The fixed annual fee granted to the other two members of the executive management amounts to EUR 348,000 in total (subject to annual indexation) and the variable annual fee is capped at EUR 80,000 in total (subject to annual indexation).
Each year, the Company's Board of Directors (also acting as an appointment and remuneration committee) decides on the variable fee to which the members of the executive management could actually be entitled in relation to their activities during the previous financial year. The Board of Directors also determines the future amounts of the variable fee, and the performance criteria to which they are subject. The variable fee is linked, inter alia, to the performance of the Company and individual performances, for which purpose the occupancy rate and growth of the portfolio, in particular, will be taken into account. If a proposal is made to create a system by which the members of the executive management are paid in the form of shares, share options or any other right to acquire shares, this system must be pre-approved by the Company's shareholders. The criteria for allocating the income-based variable fee to the executive directors only relate to the public RREC's consolidated net income and exclude all fluctuations in the fair value of the assets and hedging instruments. No remuneration is paid based on a specific operation or transaction of the public RREC or its subsidiaries. This fee is therefore in accordance with Article 35 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
In view of the Company's start-up phase as an RREC, no variable fee is owed to the executive management for the financial year of 2016.
No additional fees are granted to the members of the executive management. There are no conditional, other variable or deferred payments.
In the context of early termination of the above management agreements with a current member of the executive management, it was stipulated that the severance payment may not exceed the fees applicable for three months on the date of termination (fixed fee and the pro-rata amount of the variable fee, based on the variable fee that was actually granted for the previous financial year), plus one month for each commenced year, subject to a maximum of 12 months.
No provision has been made for any right of the Company to recover a variable fee that is granted on the basis of incorrect financial data.
The agreements with the executive management have been concluded in line with market conditions. For the purpose of determining the remuneration of the executive management, there was also some limited benchmarking with similar listed real estate companies.
The Company has not concluded any other agreements with the remaining members of its management, executive and supervisory bodies.
| Board of Directors | Fixed fee | Attendance fee | Expense allowance |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leen Van den Neste | EUR 7,500 | EUR 6,750 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 16,750 |
| Joost Uwents | EUR 7,500 | EUR 6,750 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 16,750 |
| Wilfried Neven | EUR 7,500 | EUR 6,750 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 16,750 |
| Wouter De Maeseneire | EUR 7,500 | EUR 6,000 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 16,000 |
| Christian Teunissen | EUR 7,500 | - | - | EUR 7,500 |
| Frederik Snauwaert | EUR 7,500 | - | - | EUR 7,500 |
| Total | EUR 45,000 | EUR 26,250 | EUR 10,000 | EUR 81,250 |
| Executive management | Fixed fee | Variable fee1 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEO | EUR 252,000 | - | EUR 252,000 |
| CFO & CIO | EUR 348,000 | - | EUR 348,000 |
| Totaal | EUR 600,000 | - | EUR 600,000 |
1 In view of the Company's start-up phase as an RREC, no variable fee is payable to the executive management for the financial year of 2016.
The remuneration of the executive management is subject to annual indexation.
The Company has not entered into any share options plans, share purchase plans or employee participation agreements under which members of the management, executive or supervisory bodies and the senior management could acquire shares in the Company.
On 31 December 2016, the Company capital was EUR 94,869,018 divided into 5,270,501 non-par-value shares, each representing one 5,270,501st share of the capital. On 17 January 2017, the Company capital was EUR 97,538,994 divided into 5,418,833 non-par-value shares, each representing one 5,418,833rd share of the capital (following the capital increase through a contribution in kind of 17 January 2017 – see Chapter 5.5.2 of this Annual Report).
There are no preference shares. Each of these shares confers the right to one vote in the General Meeting. The existing shareholders have a pre-emptive right in case of a capital increase in the Company (also see Chapter 10.9.18 of this Annual Report).
Notwithstanding the following, no special rights of inspection are granted to certain categories of shareholders. The Company's promoter is entitled to propose candidates for three directorships, until the last of the following events occurs: (i) Aloxe NV (or its Successors) owns (or jointly own) less than 25% of the Company's capital, and (ii) Aloxe NV (or its Successors) is (or are) no longer the Company's promoter within the meaning of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
There is no restriction on voting rights by law or under the Articles of Association. Xior's Articles of Association contain no provisions that restrict the free transferability of the shares. For the purpose of the IPO, the Company's promoter Aloxe NV has entered into lock-up obligations, by which it has undertaken not to sell the shares in the Company it held on the date of completion of the offer for a period of 365 calendar days after that date. Moreover, certain people entered into specific lock-up obligations on 11 December 2015 for the purpose of the Company's IPO, for a period of 365 calendar days after the completion of the offer. A number of normal exceptions were provided in relation to the above lock-up arrangements. The above lock-up exceptions have now ended.
The Company is not aware of the existence of any shareholders' agreement between the existing shareholders in relation to the Company.
The rules that apply to the appointment or replacement of members of the Board of Directors and to the amendment of Xior's Articles of Association, are those included in the applicable legislation – specifically the Belgian Companies Code and Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies – and in the Company's Articles of Association (see also Chapter 6.1.10 of this Annual Report, as well as the Articles of Association that are included under Chapter 12.5 of this Annual Report).
In the extraordinary general meeting of 23 November 2015, the Board of Directors was authorised to increase the authorised capital on one or more occasions, subject to a maximum amount of EUR 83,282,040 (see also Chapter 10.9.18 of this Annual Report and Article 7 of the Articles of Association, which are included under Chapter 12.5 of this Annual Report).
On 31 December 2016, the Board Of Directors had already used its granted mandate to increase the capital once by EUR 6,114,204. If we take into account the capital increase of 17 January 2017, the available balance of the authorised capital is still EUR 74,497,860.
The Company may acquire its own shares or accept them in pledge in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Belgian Companies Code (cf. Article 620, Section 1, 1-5 of the Belgian Companies Code). Pursuant to the resolution adopted in the general meeting of shareholders on 23 November 2015, the Board of Directors is permitted to acquire shares under the conditions set out in the Articles of Association (see Article 10 of the Articles of Association that are included under Chapter 12.5 of this Annual Report). This authorisation is granted for a five-year period, as from 23 November 2015.
Article 10 of the Company's Articles of Association also permit the Board of Directors to acquire and dispose of its own shares if the acquisition or disposal is necessary to avoid impending serious harm to the Company, subject to the conditions included in Articles 620 et seq. of the Belgian Companies Code. The general meeting of the Company granted this authorisation on 23 November 2015 for a three-year period, as from the date of publication of this authorisation in the Schedules to the Belgian Official Journal.
The Company does not hold any of its own shares.
The conditions under which financial institutions have granted financing to Xior require that it must retain its status as a public regulated real estate company. The general terms and conditions under which this financing is granted contain an early repayment clause to be implemented at the banking institutions' discretion if there is a change of control.
The Xior share (ISIN code BE0974288202) has been listed on the regulated Euronext Brussels market since 11 December 2015. Xior is included in the Bell Small index.
The closing price on the last trading day of 2016 (30 December 2016) was EUR 35.67, which represents a premium of 42.9% compared with the net asset value per share on 31 December 2016 (cf. Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies), which was EUR 24.9726 per share. Xior's market capitalisation on Euronext Brussels rose to approximately EUR 190 million in 2016.
Price evolution of Xior share vs. net asset value
During Xior's first year as a listed company, its share price rose from EUR 26.70 on 31 December 2015 to EUR 35.67 at the end of 2016. The share price benefited from rising investor confidence in the stock markets prompted by signs of economic recovery and persisting low interest rates as well as confidence in the niche market of student properties. The average daily volume was 4,849 shares. The share turnover – the number of shares traded per year divided by the total number of shares available at the end of the year – was 23.65%.
| Data per share | 31/12/2016 | 30/06/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of issued shares1 | 5,270,501 | 4,857,437 | 4,626,780 |
| Weighted average number of shares | 4,926,405 | 4,781,396 | 4,626,780 |
| Market capitalisation (in EUR) | 187,998,771 | 168,310,192 | 123,535,026 |
| Free float | 71.00% | 71.76% | 75.33% |
| Share price (closing price) for relevant period (in EUR) | |||
| Highest | 37.19 | 36.80 | 26.81 |
| Lowest | 26.76 | 26.76 | 25.75 |
| Average | 33.22 | 31.22 | 26.50 |
| At year-end closing | 35.67 | 34.65 | 26.70 |
| Volume (in number of shares) | |||
| Number of shares traded | 1,246,297 | 702,070 | 313,862 |
| Average daily volume | 4,849 | 5,528 | 22,419 |
| Share turnover | 23.65% | 14.45% | 6.78% |
| NAV (IFRS) (in EUR) | 24.97 | 23.71 | 23.42 |
| EPRA NAV* (in EUR)2 | 25.33 | 24.16 | 23.42 |
| Dividend payout ratio | 98.3% | N/A | N/A |
| EPRA earnings* per share3 (in EUR) |
1.17 | 0.27 | N/A |
| Gross dividend per share (in EUR)3 | 1.15 | N/A | N/A |
| Net dividend4 per share (in EUR)3 |
0.805 | N/A | N/A |
| Gross dividend yield5 | 3.33% | N/A | N/A |
| Net dividend yield6 | 2.33% | N/A | N/A |
1 Following the contribution in kind for the authorised capital on 17 January 2017, the authorised capital of Xior Student Housing NV was EUR 97,538,994, represented by 5,418,833 fully paid-up shares.
2 Based on total amount of outstanding shares. For APM definitions, use and reconciliation tables, please refer to Chapter 10.8 of this Annual Report. All APMs are marked with *.
Based on the weighted average number of shares, i.e. 4,926,405 shares.
4 Taking into account 30% withholding tax.
Calculated as gross dividend divided by (closing price – gross dividend).
6 Calculated as (gross dividend – 30% withholding tax) divided by (closing price – gross dividend). Xior will continue to regularly try to participate in roadshows and events for both institutional and private investors, so as to consistently provide transparent information to investors and broaden its investor base.
Market: Euronext Brussels Symbol: XIOR ISIN code: BE0974288202 Listing: continuous Liquidity provider: Degroof Petercam
For a summary of Xior's shareholding structure, please refer to Chapter 6.1.9 of this Annual Report.
| Date | Item |
|---|---|
| 12 October 2016 | Ex date coupon No 1 |
| 13 October 2016 | Record date coupon No 1 |
| 18 January 2016 | Ex date coupon No 2 |
| 19 January 2016 | Record date coupon No 2 |
| 4 May 2017 | Shares registration deadline for participation in the Annual Meeting |
| 12 May 2017 | Deadline for confirming participation in the Annual Meeting (bank certificate/mandate) |
| 5 May 2017 | Announcement of the income statement for the first quarter of 2017 |
| 18 May 2017 | Annual meeting of shareholders |
| 19 May 2017 | Payment date dividend 2016 |
| 4 May 2017 | Shares registration deadline for participation in the Annual Meeting |
| 24 August 2017 | Announcement of half-yearly income statement for 2017 and publication of the 2017 Half Yearly Financial Report |
| 10 November 2017 | Announcement of the income statement for the third quarter of 2017 |
For possible changes, please refer to the financial agenda on the website www.xior.be.
Under the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies, in its capacity as a public RREC, the Company must pay out a minimum amount as remuneration of capital each year. At least 80% of the corrected net result (pursuant to Article 13 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies) less the net reduction in the Company's debt in the course of the financial year must be paid as remuneration of capital.
This payment obligation is subject to two restrictions. Firstly, it must not lead to the payment of an amount that may not be distributed in accordance pursuant to Article 617 of the Belgian Companies Code and secondly, such payment is not possible if, following the payment, the debt ratio (separate and consolidated) would exceed the limit of 65% of the separate or consolidated assets.
The Company proposes a gross dividend of EUR 1.15 per share for the financial year of 2016, subject to approval at the Company's general meeting. Pursuant to Articles 171(3) to 269 of the Income Tax Code, the withholding tax on dividends paid by a public RREC like Xior has generally been 30% since 1 January 2017 (cf. Articles 171(3) to 269, Section 1(1) of the Income Tax Code).
Subject to the availability of distributable reserves, the Company intends to increase the dividend year on year starting from the financial year of 2017.
The outlook below includes the forecast for the 2017 financial year with regard to the consolidated EPRA earnings* and consolidated balance sheet of Xior Student Housing NV.
This forecast was based on the information available on 31 December 2016 and takes into account post-balance-sheet events27.
The actual development of the forecast of the consolidated EPRA earnings* depends on the evolution of the economy, financial markets and property markets. Xior's prospective information, projections, convictions, opinions and estimates regarding the expected future performance of Xior and the market in which it operates are not a Company commitment. By nature, prospective statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, and there is a risk that the prospective statements will not be achieved.
The main economic trends that can affect the Company's forecast are:
The used accounting basis for this forecast is consistent with the accounting methods used by Xior in preparation of its consolidated accounts on 31 December 2016 in accordance with the IFRS as implemented by the European Union and the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
• This entry contains income from property management for third parties.
• These expenses mainly include the costs of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, publicity, property management, property experts and property tax that cannot be charged to students. For 2017, they were estimated based on the current portfolio and the expected investments.
• The estimate of the interest charges is based on the evolution of the financial debt starting from the current situation on 31 December 2016 and an estimate of the additional debt to finance the investment programme implemented in 2017.
• The taxes include the annual company tax. The tax base in Belgium is almost zero thanks to the fiscal transparency enjoyed by the Company. The payable company tax mainly involves tax on income from the Dutch permanent establishment.
Based on the current forecast and the above hypotheses, the Company proposes EPRA earnings* of EUR 1.40 per share with a gross dividend of EUR 1.20 per share for the 2017 financial year, always subject to approval at the general meeting.
Upon your request and in accordance with EC Regulation nr. 809/2004 Annex I, article 13.2 we prepared this report on the prospective financial information for Xior Student Housing NV ("the Company"), included in chapter 7, section 7.1.5 of 2016 annual financial consolidated report ("the annual financial report") (hereafter "the Registration Document").
In accordance with EC Regulation nr. 809/2004, the Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the prospective financial information and the determination of estimates and relevant assumptions on which this prospective financial information is based. Aforementioned prospective financial information as well as hypotheses and assumptions were included in chapter 7, paragraph 7.1.5 of the Registration Document (the "criteria").
The statutory auditor is responsible for the expression of an opinion on whether the prospective financial information prepared by the Board of Directors, has been prepared in all material respects, on the basis of appropriate criteria identified.
For the projection on the financial year ending 31 December, 2017, we investigated the prospective financial information of the Company, as well as estimates and relevant underlying assumptions, as included in the Registration Document, on which this prospective financial information is based.
We conducted our engagement in accordance with the "International Standard on Assurance Engagements, as applicable in the analysis of prospective financial information" (ISAE 3400). The purpose of such engagement is to obtain a limited degree of certainty that the assurance risk is reduced to an acceptable level to serve as a basis for a conclusion, expressed in the negative form, on the prospective financial information, and more specifically on whether anything has come to our attention which leads us to believe that the prospective financial information is not been compiled in accordance with the appropriate criteria as set out in sections 7.1.5 of the Registration Document.
As for the forward-looking information, we have performed our work in order to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence to determine whether the assumptions are not unreasonable, using appropriate accounting principles.
On the basis of our investigation, nothing has come to our attention that would lead us to believe that that the estimates and underlying assumptions are no reasonable basis for the preparation of the prospective financial information.
Furthermore, we believe that the prospective financial information is prepared adequately, on the basis of relevant estimates and underlying assumptions, in accordance with EC Regulation no. 809/2004 and using appropriate accounting principles.
The reality will most likely differ from the prospective financial information, since anticipated events usually do not take place as expected and the deviations could be of material importance.
Due to the fact that the activities described above are not an audit nor a review in accordance with International Standards on Auditing or International Standards on Review Engagements, we do not provide any assurance on the prospective financial information. If we would have performed additional work, other matters might have come to our attention, which we would have brought to your attention.
This report was prepared and added to the Registration Document pursuant to and in accordance with Article 13.2. Annex I of the EC Regulation no. 809/2004 and may not be used for any other purpose. The report should necessarily be read in conjunction with the Registration Document.
Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, 31 March 2017
PwC Bedrijfsrevisoren bcvba The Statutory Auditor of Xior Student Housing NV Represented by
Damien Walgrave Bedrijfsrevisor
07 HET AANDEEL XIOR
The Company mainly holds properties intended for student housing in Belgium and the Netherlands. The following paragraphs describe the general state of affairs in the underlying Belgian and Dutch student housing property markets based on information the Company obtained from CBRE Belgium (Avenue Lloyd George 7, 1000 Brussels). CBRE has agreed to the inclusion of this information in the Annual Report. Prospective investors wishing to have more information on the current situation and evolution of the Belgian and Dutch property markets should seek advice from real estate consultants and other specialists.
Student housing is high on the agenda of cities and universities. Professional real estate companies are becoming increasingly involved in this market segment, often primarily as developers in public-private partnerships. The number of professional investors is also increasing steadily.
This study dated 6 March 2017 was conducted by the CBRE Belgium research department. It focuses on the very fragmented and opaque student housing market in Belgium. The regionalisation of the Belgian education system makes it difficult to find detailed information in both country regions. CBRE's study attempts to clarify the current situation of the student housing market by consulting and bringing together many different sources and studies. CBRE Belgium confirms that the information in this study was obtained from sources that are considered reliable. This also applies to the parameters used for projections. We have no reason to doubt the accuracy of these sources, but we do not wish to offer any assurances on accuracy on their behalf. It is the reader's own responsibility to determine the accuracy and completeness of these sources. CBRE does not wish to be held responsible in any way for possible investments or investment decisions based on this purely informative study on the Belgian student housing property market.
Student housing is highly fragmented, with many private landlords renting out student rooms. Students also often live in studios, apartments or houses in the regular housing market. Student accommodation is often expensive or outdated and there is a shortage of affordable quality student accommodation in most cities. Housing is an important factor in a student city's popularity.
| City | Number of students (2014-2015) |
Estimated number of student rooms |
Average rent for student room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | 86,000* | 13,000 | EUR 297.30 per month |
| Ghent | 66,419 | 30,000 | EUR 354 per month |
| Leuven | 41,946 | 36,707 | EUR 355.25 per month |
| Antwerp | 40,809 | 9,000 | EUR 335 per month |
| Mechelen | 6,328 | 500 | - |
| Liège | 38,168* | 8,391 | - |
| Mons | 14,312* | 1,667 | - |
| Namur | 13,023* | 2,777 | - |
| Louvain-la-Neuve | 22,308* | 7,754 | - |
Source: various sources, see documentation
A strong wave of development of new large student complexes has helped alleviate this shortage. In the period of 2014- 2016, an estimated 5,351 new student rooms were completed, with a record number of 2,267 new rooms in 2016. Brussels, Ghent and Leuven have experienced the biggest wave of development.
The increase in new rooms seems set to fall significantly in the coming years. In the period 2017-2019, 2,337 student rooms are still expected with remarkably fewer projects in Leuven, Ghent and Antwerp. Construction mainly continues in Brussels, on and around the grounds of VUB and ULB for example.
Source: CBRE
The recent influx of large new student complexes is a deliberate strategy on the part of the cities and educational institutions, in partnership with major developers and institutional investors.
Students must have good, quality student rooms and student complexes available, and cities are increasingly taking the necessary steps to ensure this. In most cities, steps are also being taken to exclude students from the regular housing market in order to keep city homes affordable for young families. Cities are enforcing stricter planning requirements for student rooms and are discouraging rented accommodation not registered as the tenant's main address by levying extra taxes on second homes. The priorities are the quality and safety of the student rooms. These are inspected more and more (in terms of fire safety, for example). Several cities are considering the introduction of a certificate of conformity for student rooms. This is already the case in Brussels and Wallonia, and Ghent will introduce this in 2019.
The universities also require a quality supply of student accommodation, better management and maintenance and affordable rents. They tend to enter into public-private partnerships with the professional property sector to increase the supply of student accommodation in their city.
The wave of development of new student rooms has not missed its target, and led to an oversupply here and there. As students mainly look for newly built, quality rooms, the older, poorly maintained student rooms are expected to disappear eventually. At least that is the intention and is supported in many cities by strict quality controls (on fire safety, for example) and the introduction of certificates of conformity.
In Antwerp, there has been a great deal of investment in new student rooms in recent years, which has now led to a local oversupply. It is reported that the vacancy rate is 25% to 30% and that mainly older student rooms are affected. The vacancy rate for new student rooms is significantly lower. Nevertheless, it was decided to freeze all construction of student rooms in the university area in the centre of Antwerp. Outside this zone, developers are encouraged to include any new student rooms in mixed-use projects with several other functions as well, such as homes and commercial properties.
In Kortrijk there is also a building freeze as far as student rooms are concerned. With about 1,000 vacant student rooms, Leuven now also has enough student accommodation. There is a still a lack of student rooms in Ghent and Brussels.
The sharp increase in student rooms in Antwerp, Leuven and Kortrijk has stabilised their rents in Antwerp, Leuven and Kortrijk. Slight price increases have been reported in Ghent, Hasselt and Brussels.
The average student room in Antwerp costs about EUR 335. A studio costs about EUR 410 and an apartment costs about EUR 525. A student room with a shared bathroom, kitchen and lounge on the VUB campus can be rented for EUR 297.30 in the 2016-2017 academic year. Hasselt students pay an average EUR 257 for a room this year and EUR 373 for a studio.
The number of students in the Belgian region of Flanders rose until the academic year of 2015-2016. The number of students rose by 1.1% during the 2014-2015 academic year and the 2015-2016 academic year. Flanders was reported to have 234,971 students in the 2015-2016 academic year. No recent figures are available for the other two regions, Brussels and Wallonia, but the number of students in March 2015 was estimated at about 160,000. This means that Belgium's total number of students is around 395,000.
The official figures for the new 2016-2017 academic year have not yet been announced either. The press articles about the start of the 2016-2017 academic year that were published in September report a slight fall in university enrolments. Most colleges do better in comparison, as their enrolments are rising.
The number of students of Belgian origin has been stagnant for a few years now. This is a temporary demographic evolution. The figures from the Federal Planning Agency show that the number of 18 to 22-year-olds has been falling since 2013. At the end of 2016, there were 651,624 of 18 to 22-year-olds, which is 30,000 less than in 2012. This age group is expected to decline further to 646,636 in 2022. This will also mean a fall in the number of students. Another significant increase in this age group is expected after 2023.
The number of foreign students has increased sharply in the past few years. There are two main groups: Erasmus students (mainly French and Spanish) and other international students from countries such as China, India and the Netherlands.
There will always be room for private investors and typical "student digs", as long as they keep up with rising standards and the increasing professionalisation of the market as a whole. Expensive or shabby student rooms will be priced out of the market. The future lies with well-equipped and affordable student accommodation under good, central management. There is an increasing demand for self-contained rooms and more privacy in Belgium. The demand for such rooms seems to come from both Belgian and international students.
Foreign students spend an average four to six months in Belgium, often as part of coordinated European or international exchange programmes. Nearly all these students rent student rooms and spend their weeks and weekends in the city. Foreign students therefore need excellent facilities, and are increasingly requesting self-contained rooms. It is mostly major student cities and the most popular universities that attract international students. So it is here that demand for well-equipped accommodation will be highest in the next few years.
Due to the trend for large, centrally managed student complexes, it is becoming more difficult for smaller investors to develop student accommodation for themselves. The reconversion of family homes into student accommodation is often rendered impossible.
However, it is still possible to invest in major projects that are often sold on a room-by-room basis, or by buying shares in the few professional investors with student complexes in their portfolio.
The return on direct investments (the purchase of one or several student rooms in a large student complex) is currently 2.5 to 3.5% in Belgium, which is comparable with other residential property. The investment has a relatively limited risk of vacancy and default of payment, but is rather expensive in terms of management and maintenance.
Amsterdam has the most students: more than 100,000. Rotterdam and Utrecht are next in line with 60,000 students each.
The number of students is rising in the Netherlands. Like in Belgium, there is a demographic trend with little potential for growth in the number of domestic students. Still the number of students is expected to grow by more than 10% in three of the ten biggest student cities (Amsterdam, Leiden and Delft) in the next 7 years. The universities (WO) in particular are attracting more students, while the colleges (HBO) have been stagnant for some years.
| City | Number of students (2015-2016) |
Estimated number of students (2023-2024) |
Average room rent (2016) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 106,040 | 116,805 | EUR 455 per month |
| Rotterdam | 60,360 | 63,740 | EUR 411 per month |
| Utrecht | 60,220 | 63,480 | EUR 369 per month |
| Groningen | 52,390 | 52,410 | EUR 352 per month |
| Nijmegen | 38,970 | 40,035 | EUR 357 per month |
| Leiden | 30,750 | 33,975 | EUR 376 per month |
| Eindhoven | 29,800 | 31,225 | EUR 343 per month |
| The Hague | 28,570 | 30,255 | EUR 430 per month |
| Tilburg | 25,320 | 25,920 | EUR 341 per month |
| Delft | 24,920 | 28,440 | EUR 382 per month |
Source: Landelijke Monitor Studentenhuisvesting 2016, studie-kosten.nl 2016
The Netherlands has more than 65,000 full-time international students and 14,900 half-time students. About 28% of fulltime students come from Germany. China is in second place: 8% of the foreign student population is Chinese. The top five also includes British, Bulgarian and Italian students, who each account for about 4% of all foreign students. Belgium is only in 7th place and represents only 3%.
The Netherlands have about 700,000 students. 56% of the 649,000 full-time students in the Netherlands do not live with their parents on weekdays. Rooms with shared facilities are used by 56% of students not living at home (230,000). 95,000 students use self-contained accommodation (26%) and 18% of students use one-bedroom units.
| Number of students living at home |
Number of students not living at home |
Rooms with shared facilities |
One-bedroom units |
Self-contained accomodation |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totaal | 285,000 | 364,000 | 203,000 | 66,000 | 95,000 |
| College (HBO) | 218,000 | 178,000 | 90,000 | 33,000 | 57,000 |
| University (WO) | 67,000 | 186,000 | 114,000 | 33,000 | 38,000 |
| In city of study | 14% | 68% | 79% | 72% | 43% |
| Housing expenses | EUR 360 per month EUR 490 per month EUR 710 per month | ||||
| Space | 17 m2 | 25 m2 | 68 m2 |
Source: Landelijke Monitor Studentenhuisvesting 2016
The number of students at Dutch universities is expected to rise, but the impact of this on student rooms will be more complex. In 2023, the number of Dutch students with student rooms will probably be lower than it is today. The number of first-year students who decided to live away from home in 2016 fell by almost half to 13%. The main cause of this decline is the cancellation of the basic grant and the introduction of the study advance in September 2015.
Despite the new policy, demand for additional student housing remains high. According to the report by Landelijke Monitor Studentenhuisvesting, there is a significant shortage of an estimated 52,600 student rooms. One-bedroom units and self-contained accommodation are required, particularly in the higher segment. A recent survey has shown that more than 70,000 students living in student rooms with shared facilities would prefer self-contained accommodation. So-called student hotels – a combination of student rooms and a conventional hotel – have been established in various student cities in the Netherlands.
A summary and description of the Company's property portfolio, including its composition and diversification, follows below.
| Country City | Street | Total Rent (i) |
Estimated Rental Value (ii) |
Contract Rental Income (iii) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE | Antwerp | € 2,365,457 | € 2,167,200 | € 2,249,597 | ||
| 1 Frankrijklei 62 - retail |
€ 90,000 | € 104,580 | ||||
| 2 Frankrijklei 70 - retail (1) |
€ 36,737 | € 29,250 | € 36,737 | |||
| 3 Italiëlei 80-82 |
€ 129,180 | € 131,135 | € 124,500 | |||
| 4 Kipdorpvest 40-42 - parkings |
€ 49,200 | € 49,200 | € 49,200 | |||
| 5 Kipdorpvest 49 |
€ 1,742,520 | € 1,525,425 | € 1,742,520 | |||
| 6 Klapdorp 4-6 |
€ 122,760 | € 126,803 | € 120,660 | |||
| 7 Viaductdam 104 |
€ 195,060 | € 200,807 | € 175,980 | |||
| BE | Brussels | € 122,640 | € 129,893 | € 122,640 | ||
| 8 Kruitmolenstraat 43 |
€ 57 360 | € 60,540 | € 57,360 | |||
| 9 Nieuwbrug 16 |
€ 65 280 | € 69,353 | € 65,280 | |||
| BE | Ghent | € 3,555,452 | € 3,447,722 | € 2,955,452 | ||
| 10 Brusselsepoortstraat 89 |
€ 398,580 | € 380,490 | € 398,580 | |||
| 11 Hoogstraat 33-37 |
€ 145,200 | € 144,428 | € 145,200 | |||
| 12 Oude Beestenmarkt 11 / Zilverenberg 16 |
€ 61,440 | € 64,983 | € 61,440 | |||
| 13 Overwale 42-44 (Voskenslaan) |
€ 2,115,812 | € 2,210,520 | € 2,115,812 | |||
| Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 186 / 14 G. Magnelstraat 13a |
€ 234,420 | € 233,534 | € 234,420 | |||
| 15 Universiteitstraat 13 |
€ 600,00 | € 413,767 | ||||
| BE | Leuven | € 3,146,921 | € 3,800,905 | € 2,723,682 | ||
| 16 Arendstraat 11 (2) |
€ 0 | € 51,313 | in verbouwing | |||
| 17 Bogaardenstraat 11 (3) |
€ 52,260 | € 52,299 | € 52,260 | |||
| 18 Bondgenotenlaan 74 - retail/kamers (2) |
€ 0 | € 166,014 | in verbouwing | |||
(i) Total Rent represents the rent which would be invoiced by the Company based on its asking price on 31 December 2016, if 100% of the property portfolio were to be let, including the estimated annual rental income for hostel activities.
(ii) Estimated Rental Value as estimated by Stadim and DTZ.
(iii) Annual contract rent based on the tenancy schedule on 31 December 2016.
(iv) Ratio between Rental Income and Total Rent.
(v) No contract Rental Income is available for some properties on 31 December 2016. These include (a) Bondgenotenlaan 74; (b) Arendstraat 11; and (c) Universiteitstraat (a hostel without advance contract rent). The property at Parkstraat 137 is being partially renovated, so the Total Rent only includes the rooms available for rental.
For some properties the occupancy rate is fairly low. That is because these are smaller buildings, where the occupancy rate is are more affected if one or two units are not rented out.
(1) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Retail Design BVBA, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(2) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Karibu Invest NV, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(3) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Kwartma BVBA, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(4) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Woonfront-Tramsingel B.V., a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(5) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Eindhoven De Kroon B.V., a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
| Units – | Units – | Year of construction | Occupancy | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| other | rooms | or refurbishment | Fair Value | rate (iv) | |
| 10,648 | 43 | 289 | € 47,553,665 | ||
| 1 | 2013 | € 2,374,915 | |||
| 1 | 2015 | € 576,568 | 100% | ||
| 20 | 2012 | € 2,531,693 | 96% | ||
| 40 | n.a. | € 1,049,802 | 100% | ||
| 1 | 207 | 2013 | € 34,998,569 | 100% | |
| 22 | 2011 | € 2,131,971 | 98% | ||
| 40 | 2015 | € 3,890,148 | 90% | ||
| 0 | 34 | €2,145,240 | |||
| 16 | 2006 | € 976,993 | 100% | ||
| 18 | 2006 | € 1,168,247 | 100% | ||
| 13,302 | 51 | 658 | € 65,273,084 | ||
| 83 | 2015 | € 7,317,250 | 100% | ||
| 30 | 2015 | € 2,709,325 | 100% | ||
| 17 | 2014 | € 1,029,275 | 100% | ||
| 1 | 490 | 2016 | € 42,037,238 | 100% | |
| 38 | 2013 | € 4,509,237 | 100% | ||
| 50 | 2013 | € 7,670,759 | |||
| 3 | 706 | € 69,761,291 | |||
| 11 | 2016 | € 740,111 | |||
| 8 | 2014 | € 897,861 | 100% |
| Country City | Street | Total Rent (i) |
Estimated Rental Value (ii) |
Contract Rental Income (iii) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Brusselsestraat 182 - 184 (2) | € 142,740 | € 196,697 | € 135,780 | |||
| 20 | Brusselsestraat 242 (2) | € 97,740 | € 97,515 | € 91,740 | |||
| 21 | Brusselsestraat 244 | € 21,120 | € 40,539 | € 21,120 | |||
| 22 | Diestsestraat 143 - retail (2) | € 70,000 | € 60,00 | € 70,000 | |||
| 23 | Diestsevest 85 | € 50,820 | € 64,200 | € 34,860 | |||
| 24 | Frederik Lintsstraat 148-150 | € 173,040 | € 170,917 | € 132,360 | |||
| 25 | Frederik Lintsstraat 9 (2) | € 58,020 | € 65,489 | € 52,260 | |||
| 26 | Ierse Predikherenstraat 17-19 | € 72,360 | € 70,665 | € 67,260 | |||
| 27 | Janseniusstraat 38 | € 538,945 | € 580,440 | € 466,730 | |||
| 28 | Justus Lipsiusstraat 9 (3) | € 51,240 | € 51,412 | € 51,240 | |||
| 29 | Kapucijnenvoer 34 | € 43,800 | € 45,368 | € 43,800 | |||
| 30 | Mechelsestraat 77 (2) | € 123,300 | € 122,255 | € 88,260 | |||
| 31 | Minderbroedersstraat 19 | € 207,120 | € 194,403 | € 182,532 | |||
| 32 | Minderbroedersstraat 21 | € 660,288 | € 749,340 | € 578,280 | |||
| 33 | Parkstraat 137 | € 188,040 | € 389,280 | € 188,040 | |||
| 34 | Ravenstraat 40 | € 65,400 | € 70,610 | € 46,560 | |||
| 35 | St-Annastraat 13 | € 64,080 | € 61,270 | € 64,080 | |||
| 36 | Strijdersstraat 66 | € 63,540 | € 64,904 | € 30,480 | |||
| 37 | Tiensestraat 184 - 186 / Windmolenveldstraat 86 - 88 (2) |
€ 203,508 | € 205,891 | € 163,320 | |||
| 38 | Tiensestraat 251 (2) | € 65,520 | € 65,196 | € 46,800 | |||
| 39 | Vlamingenstraat 91/ Parkstraat 11 | € 134,040 | € 164,888 | € 115,920 | |||
| BE | Mechelen | € 75,780 | € 110,142 | € 75,780 | |||
| 40 | Ontvoeringsplein 6 | € 75,780 | € 110,142 | € 75,780 | |||
| NL | Breda | € 992,085 | € 1,078,390 | € 992,085 | |||
| 41 | Tramsingel | € 720,136 | € 774,840 | € 720,136 | |||
| 42 | Vismarkt - Kraanstraat 1 en 5 (4) | € 271,949 | € 303,550 | € 271,949 | |||
| NL | Tilburg | € 381,787 | € 367,620 | € 378,326 | |||
| 43 | Enschotsestraat 78-84 | €103,018 | € 108,00 | € 103,018 | |||
| 44 | Kapelhof 31 / Heuvelstraat 126 | € 74,851 | € 74,000 | € 74,851 | |||
| 45 | Korenbloemstraat 42-44a | € 53,242 | € 55,000 | € 49,781 | |||
| 46 | Mariastraat 27 a/b/c / Nieuwlandstraat 14 | € 64,172 | € 60,500 | € 64,172 | |||
| 47 | Nieuwlandstraat 1/1a | € 86,505 | € 70,120 | € 86,505 | |||
| NL | The Hague | € 1,021,560 | € 1,060,000 | € 1,021,560 | |||
| 48 | Eisenhowerlaan 146 | € 352,920 | € 366,000 | € 352,920 | |||
| 49 | Eisenhowerlaan 148 | € 352,920 | € 366,000 | € 352,920 | |||
| 50 | Eisenhowerlaan 150 | € 315,720 | € 328,000 | € 315,720 |
| Fair Value | Year of construction or refurbishment |
Units – rooms |
Units – other |
m2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95% | € 3,639,432 | 2015 | 24 | 1 | 951 |
| 94% | € 1,893,117 | 2014 | 17 | 350 | |
| 100% | € 694,006 | 2014 | 10 | 153 | |
| 100% | € 1,318,255 | 2015 | 0 | 1 | 152 |
| 69% | € 1,155,425 | 2011 | 14 | 233 | |
| 76% | € 3,125,967 | 2009 | 37 | 516 | |
| 90% | € 1,191,657 | 2009 | 14 | 243 | |
| 93% | € 1,242,618 | 2015 | 15 | 207 | |
| 87% | € 10,909,757 | 2013-2015 | 158 | 3,568 | |
| 100% | € 925,026 | 2014 | 10 | 150 | |
| 100% | € 794,252 | 2015 | 8 | 179 | |
| 72% | € 2,178,483 | 2015 | 21 | 425 | |
| 88% | € 3,813,641 | 2014-2015 | 33 | 628 | |
| 88% | € 12,320,849 | 2013 | 127 | 8,554 | |
| 100% | € 6,952,312 | 2015 | 73 | 1,502 | |
| 71% | € 1,206,328 | 2010 | 17 | 242 | |
| 100% | € 1,085,011 | 2014 | 13 | 227 | |
| 48% | € 1,043,051 | 2010 | 14 | 222 | |
| 80% | € 3,978,134 | 2011 | 39 | 689 | |
| 71% | € 1,112,874 | 2012 | 10 | 289 | |
| 86% | € 2,699,615 | 2015 | 29 | 782 | |
| € 1,894,240 | 15 | 390 | |||
| 100% | € 1,894,240 | 2013 | 15 | 390 | |
| € 16,972,562 | 166 | 1 | 7,462 | ||
| 100% | € 12,372,562 | 2016 | 122 | 5,754 | |
| 100% | € 4,600,000 | 2015 | 44 | 1 | 1,708 |
| € 5,425,000 | 72 | 4 | 2,139 | ||
| 100% | € 1,320,000 | 2005 | 17 | 467 | |
| 100% | € 1,560,000 | 2006 | 21 | 431 | |
| 93% | € 695,000 | 2004 | 14 | 2 | 395 |
| 100% | € 910,000 | 2014 | 9 | 1 | 465 |
| 100% | € 940,000 | 2014 | 11 | 1 | 381 |
| € 16,630,000 | 196 | 0 | 4,112 | ||
| 100% | € 5,960,000 | 2014 | 64 | 1,364 | |
| 100% | € 5,960,000 | 2015 | 64 | 1,364 | |
| 100% | € 4,710,000 | 2015 | 68 | 1,684 |
(i) Total Rent represents the rent which would be invoiced by the Company based on its asking price on 31 December 2016, if 100% of the property portfolio were to be let, including the estimated annual rental income for hostel activities.
(ii) Estimated Rental Value as estimated by Stadim and DTZ.
(iii) Annual contract rent based on the tenancy schedule on 31 December 2016.
(iv) Ratio between Rental Income and Total Rent.
(v) No contract Rental Income is available for some properties on 31 December 2016. These include (a) Bondgenotenlaan 74; (b) Arendstraat 11; and (c) Universiteitstraat (a hostel without advance contract rent). The property at Parkstraat 137 is being partially renovated, so the Total Rent only includes the rooms available for rental.
For some properties the occupancy rate is fairly low. That is because these are smaller buildings, where the occupancy rate is are more affected if one or two units are not rented out.
(1) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Retail Design BVBA, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(2) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Karibu Invest NV, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(3) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Kwartma BVBA, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(4) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Woonfront-Tramsingel B.V., a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(5) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Eindhoven De Kroon B.V., a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
| Country City | Street | Total Rent (i) |
Estimated Rental Value (ii) |
Contract Rental Income (iii) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL | Maastricht | € 1,988,730 | € 2,028,257 | € 1,988,730 | ||
| 51 | Tongerseweg 55-57 | € 1,477,490 | € 1,510,970 | € 1,477,490 | ||
| 52 | Vijverdalseweg 2 | €397,300 | €395,00 | € 397,300 | ||
| 53 | Wycker Grachtstraat 2-2a | € 113,940 | € 122,287 | € 113,940 | ||
| NL | Eindhoven | € 652,256 | € 650,160 | € 652,256 | ||
| 54 | Kronehoefstraat 1-11F (5) | €652,256 | €650,160 | €652,256 | ||
| Total | € 14,302,668 | € 14,840,289 | € 13,160,108 |
| Total Rent (i) |
Estimated Rental Value (ii) |
Contract Rental Income (iii) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | € 8,666,250 | € 9,242,095 | € 7,527,151 |
| The Netherlands | € 5,036,418 | € 5,184,427 | € 5,032,957 |
| Currently being renovated/refurbished - Belgium | |||
| Hostel - Belgium | € 600,000 | € 413,767 | € 600,000 |
| Total | € 14,302,668 | € 14,840,289 | € 13,160,108 |
Two properties are currently not rented out, because they will be renovated to meet the quality standards of Xior rooms. They are the properties at Bondgenotenlaan 74 and Arendstraat 10 in Leuven. The thorough renovation of the property in Bondgenotenlaan has a EUR 1.5 million budget. The more limited renovation of the property in Arendstraat has a EUR 0.1 million budget. A number of other rooms at various properties are also being renovated as part of Xior's renovation programme. No specific budgets are provided for this. The annual budget for maintenance and repair is used for this.
| 300 3 11,830 143 2 9,110 134 1 2,214 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| € 29,809,144 | |||
| 2016 | € 23,153,134 | 100% | |
| 2013-2015 | € 4,840,000 | 100% | |
| 23 | 2016 | € 1,816,010 | 100% |
| 95 1 3,643 |
€ 10,409,093 | ||
| 95 1 3,643 |
2015 | € 10,409,093 | 100% |
| 2,531 106 75,095 |
€ 265,873,318 | 96.3% |
| Units – other | Units – rooms | Occupancy rate | Fair Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 1,687 | 94.2% | € 173,893,616 |
| 9 | 829 | 99.9% | € 79,245,798 |
| 1 | 15 | n.a. | € 5,063,145 |
| 50 | - | n.a. | € 7,670,759 |
| 106 | 2,531 | n.a. | € 265,873,318 |
(i) Total Rent represents the rent which would be invoiced by the Company based on its asking price on 31 December 2016, if 100% of the property portfolio were to be let, including the estimated annual rental income for hostel activities.
(ii) Estimated Rental Value as estimated by Stadim and DTZ.
(iii) Annual contract rent based on the tenancy schedule on 31 December 2016.
(iv) Ratio between Rental Income and Total Rent.
(v) No contract Rental Income is available for some properties on 31 December 2016. These include (a) Bondgenotenlaan 74; (b) Arendstraat 11; and (c) Universiteitstraat (a hostel without advance contract rent). The property at Parkstraat 137 is being partially renovated, so the Total Rent only includes the rooms available for rental.
For some properties the occupancy rate is fairly low. That is because these are smaller buildings, where the occupancy rate is are more affected if one or two units are not rented out.
(1) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Retail Design BVBA, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(2) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Karibu Invest NV, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(3) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Kwartma BVBA, a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(4) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Woonfront-Tramsingel B.V., a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
(5) Until 15 December 2016, this property was held by Eindhoven De Kroon B.V., a full subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV that merged with the Company on 16 December 2016.
On 31 December 2016, the Company's real estate portfolio consists of 54 properties. Of these, 40 properties are located in Belgium and 14 in the Netherlands. These properties offer a total of 2,531 student rooms and there is retail activity on the ground floor of nine of these buildings. The property portfolio also includes three properties used only for retail activity, a hostel in Ghent with 50 units and a car park in Antwerp. Not including the properties that are being renovated (Bondgenotenlaan 74 and Arendstraat 11), the property portfolio has a total occupancy rate of 96.30% on the date of 31 December 2016.
The total Fair Value of the property portfolio on 31 December 2016 was EUR 265,873,318. The Company is a pure player in student housing and has student property as its core activity. The property portfolio is strategically diversified: its student accommodation is a well-balanced mix in terms of geographical diversification and student property types (see different types of student rooms). The large number of different tenants and various room types attract a wide range of different types of student tenants, ensuring a good diversification in terms of tenant types.
The following summary lists the property portfolio by subportfolio, country and city. Every subportfolio shows the purchase value, Fair Value, Rental Income and insured value.
The Rental Income is the annual rent based on the tenancy schedule on 31 December 2016.
| Fair Value | Contract Rental Income on 31 December 2016 |
Insured value |
Acquisition value |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Antwerp | € 47,553,665 | € 2,249,597 | € 21,432,855 | € 45,845,500 |
| Brussels | € 2,145,240 | € 122,640 | € 1,092,791 | € 2,040,000 | |
| Ghent | € 65,273,084 | € 2,955,452 | € 37,689,704 | € 54,094,700 | |
| Leuven | € 69,761,291 | € 2,723,682 | € 30,404,638 | € 67,428,400 | |
| Mechelen | € 1,894,240 | € 75,780 | € 1,408,700 | € 1,894,000 | |
| The Netherlands | Breda | € 16,972,562 | € 992,085 | € 10,560,509 | € 17,385,443 |
| The Hague | € 16,630,000 | € 1,021,560 | € 6,921,801 | € 15,010,000 | |
| Eindhoven | € 10,409,093 | € 652,256 | € 5,206,621 | € 10,400,000 | |
| Maastricht | € 29,809,144 | € 1,988,730 | € 20,553,243 | € 28,296,957 | |
| Tilburg | € 5,425,000 | € 378,326 | € 3,927,083 | € 5,441,826 | |
| Total | € 265,873,318 | € 13,160,108 | € 139,197,945 | € 247,836,826 |
Xior Student Housing's property portfolio is insured for a total reconstruction value of EUR 139 million, which does not include the land on which the property was built, compared with a Fair Value of EUR 266 million (including the land) on 31 December 2016, i.e. 52.35% of the Fair Value. KEUR 79 in insurance premiums were paid in 2016.
The insurance policies also include additional cover of lost rent if the properties can no longer be used. The lost rent will be paid out for as long as the building has not been reconstructed. Xior Student Housing also has civil liability insurance.
The following graph shows the diversification of Rental Income for every type of property based on the Total Rent of the respective properties in the property portfolio.
Total rent - Diversification by type
The above summary shows the strong focus on student property, which accounts for 84.6% of Rental Income. The portfolio also includes of a limited number of retail spaces (10% of the total rent), which are mostly situated on the ground floor of properties primarily serving as student accommodation. Three properties are used exclusively for a retail purpose. As the properties typically have an excellent central location in the city, the retail spaces tend to be city shops, pubs and restaurants in a central, concentrated shopping district. The "Other" segment (5.4% of the portfolio) includes the total rent resulting from other activities, such as the hostel in Ghent, the car park in Antwerp and the limited office space at the property in Voskenslaan, Ghent.
The Company provides various types of student rooms in the student housing segment. The majority of the building complexes has various types of rooms in order to attract a wide range of tenant types. The number of rooms per property can vary greatly, and often depends on the property's location. The smallest property (not used for retail) in the property portfolio contains eight student units (Bogaardenstraat 11, Leuven) and the largest complex contains 490 units (Overwale 42-44). On average, the true individual leasable surface area (excluding common areas) is generally 60% of the total surface area.
The various Xior room types are categorised as follows:
The following graph shows the mix of all the available rooms in the property portfolio by room type. The Comfort room type accounts for 31%, which is the biggest share. The high amount of Comfort rooms, Premium rooms (28%) and Basic + (13%) room types illustrates the high demand for privacy and own comfort. Basic rooms account for (28%).
The following graphs show the diversification of the property portfolio by country based on the Fair Value. The centre of activity lies in Belgium (particularly in Flanders and Brussels), where there are 40 properties at a total Fair Value of EUR 186.6 million or 70% of the total property portfolio. The other 30% is located in the Netherlands, where there are 14 properties at a Fair Value of EUR 79.2 million. Based on Total Rent, Belgium accounts for 64.8% of the property portfolio with EUR 9.3 million. The other EUR 5 million, which is 35.2% of the Total Rent, is generated in the Netherlands.
The RREC's property portfolio includes 54 properties spread across five cities in Belgium and five cities in the Netherlands. The properties are located in the main student cities of Flanders, such as Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels, and the main student cities of the southern half of the Netherlands, such as Breda, The Hague, Tilburg, Maastricht and Eindhoven. The locations of the various properties in Belgium and the Netherlands and their representation in the property portfolio in terms of Fair Value and Total Rent are provided below:
Fair Value - Diversification by city Total Rent - Diversification by city
The following tables show the property portfolio top 10 in terms of Total Rent and Fair Value.
The property at Overwale 42-44 (Voskenslaan, Ghent) shows a total amount of EUR 2,115,812 (of which EUR 72,500 is related to office space) and is therefore the property representing the biggest Total Rent share (14.79%) of the entire property portfolio. The top three biggest portfolio properties in terms of Total Rent also include Kipdorpvest 49 in Antwerp and Tongerseweg 55-57 in Maastricht. They represent 12.18% and 10.33% of the property portfolio's Total Rent, respectively. However, please note that the EUR 1,742,520 in Total Rent from the property in Kipdorpvest includes EUR 666,420 resulting from the retail property. The other 51 properties cover 62.69% of the property portfolio's Total Rent.
Table: Top 10 Total Rent
Overwale 42-44 has the highest Fair Value in the property portfolio: EUR 42,037,238. It accounts for 15.81% of the property portfolio's total Fair Value. This property has 490 units and office space. The top three biggest portfolio properties in terms of Fair Value also include Kipdorpvest 49 and Tongerseweg 55-57. They represent 13.16% and 8.71% of the property portfolio's total Fair Value, respectively.
The following table provides a breakdown of the rental income maturities. As Xior rents out student rooms, most contracts are concluded for a one-year period. These leases must be renewed with the students every year.
| Term of the leases28 | Rental Income (iii) |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 10,154,101.16 |
| Between 1 and 5 years | 550,446.36 |
| More than 5 years | 2,455,090.84 |
The average term of the contracts is not recorded, since, as a rule, this is of little or no informative value, in view of the short-term nature of contracts for student housing.
For a description of the other contracts, please refer to Chapter 10.9.1 of this Annual Report.
The rent of the different rooms depends on several factors, including geographic location (Ghent and Leuven are more expensive than Mechelen, for example), the building's specific location (in terms of distance to the college or university, for example), the location of units within the property itself (for example street view, first floor or eighth floor, etc.), the surface area and level of comfort. Although all buildings meet the minimum quality standards, each building may still show differences in relative age, quality, finish, facilities in common areas, etc., which may be reflected in the price of a particular room.
The average room price is approximately EUR 330 for a standard room (without private facilities), EUR 395 for a room with a private bathroom, and EUR 475 for a studio. However, these average prices are not very meaningful as the room prices tend to be affected by the above parameters (geographical differences in particular).
To calculate the age of the properties in the portfolio, we use the year of construction or the date the building was last renovated. The following intervals are used for age category diversification:
Based on Fair Value, the following property portfolio ratios apply per category:
In other words, the portfolio is relatively young.
The various properties in the portfolio are shown below, including the property acquired on 5 January 2017 (Delft) and 17 January 2017 (Brussels) (see Chapter 5.5 of this Annual Report).
1 RETAIL SPACE
| Lettable floor area | 335 m2 |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013 |
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership |
The ground floor belongs to Xior. It makes up 11.41% of the co-ownership.
This retail space is located on the Leien thoroughfare in Antwerp in the immediate vicinity of Meir and Hopland, which are main shopping streets.
1 RETAIL SPACE
| Lettable floor area | 65 m2 |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013 |
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership |
The ground floor belongs to Xior. This makes up 5.2% of the co-ownership.
This retail space is located on the Leien thoroughfare in Antwerp in the immediate vicinity of Meir and Hopland, which are main shopping streets. The Antwerp rental agency is located in this property.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2012 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located on the Leien thoroughfare in Antwerp in the immediate vicinity of the City Campus and Park Spoor Noord Campus.
KIPDORPVEST 40-42 ANTWERP
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership |
The parking bays constitute 14.8% of the co-ownership.
The property is located in the centre of Antwerp between the Meir and Hopland shopping streets. It consists of 40 parking bays in a parking garage.
ANTWERP
| 207 | 1 |
|---|---|
| ROOMS | RETAIL SPACE |
| Lettable retail area | 1.932 m2 |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013 |
| Ownership structure | Long-term lease |
Subsoil is held by Stubis BVBA.
This student residence with its ground-floor retail area is located in the centre of Antwerp within walking distance of the central station and Meir, the main shopping street. It consists of 207 student units on the upper floors and a retail space on the ground/basement floors. The students have access to various facilities, such as a pool table, inner courtyard, multimedia room, study areas, etc. under the supervision of a live-in student coach.
| 22 ROOMS |
|
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2012 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Antwerp close to the City Campus of the University of Antwerp and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. The "Gulden Arent" residence is a partial renovation with a new section.
16 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the immediate vicinity of the new campus (Park Spoor Noord) of the Artesis Plantin University College in Antwerp. This is a renovation with a new section and has a total of 40 units.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2006 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student property is situated along the Brussels inner ring road and within walking distance of Brussels-Midi train station.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2006 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student property is situated in the centre of Brussels not far from the KVS buildings (see below, Lakensestraat Brussels).
BRUSSELS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2017 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership |
| (KVS I for 23.5%; KVS II is fully owned by Xior despite the formal co-ownership structure in place) |
They are two buildings of 30 units with their own bathroom (KVS I) and 39 individual student units with their own bathroom (shower, toilet and washbasin) and kitchenette (KVS II). The buildings are located in the heart of the capital, surrounded by various public transport facilities within walking distance (Brussels-North railway station, tram/bus/metro stops) and close to several education institutions (e.g. Vlerick Business School, Odisee Campus and Université Saint-Louis). The buildings are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by the 2017-2018 academic year.
| Bezettingsgraad | 82% |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2015 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Ghent and was re-designated as student housing in 2015. This stately residence with its beautiful and authentic facade has 30 units and dates back to the second half of the 16th century.
Ownership structure Full ownership
This student residence is located in the centre of Ghent at the recently refurbished Oude Beestenmarkt and the Vlerick Business School.
| 83 |
|---|
| ROOMS |
| Bezettingsgraad | N/A |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2016 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Ghent adjacent to the Artevelde University College. "Campus BXL" consists of two separate buildings with a large communal living area and kitchen that opens onto an atrium and pleasant garden. This new complex was completed in the spring of 2016 and will offer accommodation to 83 students.
GHENT
Ownership structure Full ownership
This student residence is close to Ghent station with direct access to the Schoonmeersen campus of the HoGent University College. 'Campus Schoonmeersche' was completed in September 2016 and comprises 490 units consisting of five connected buildings with all the modern
facilities that students need nowadays. In 2016, a long-term rental contract was entered into with HoGent for 20 years for 318 of the 490 units.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
1995 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Ghent, close to the Vooruit arts centre and Overpoort cafe district, in the very heart of the student district. The residence has 38 units and consists of two buildings with a courtyard.
50 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership |
The hostel makes up 28.76% of the co-ownership.
The residence is sited directly opposite the law school campus of the University of Ghent and close to the Kouter square.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2017 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
The student property is located on a side street off Ladeuzeplein in the centre of Leuven and is currently being renovated.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2014 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, just a stone's throw from the Ladeuzeplein. This residence was completely renovated in 2014 and has a small garden with a covered terrace. Thanks to its central location, this residence is the perfect environment for any student.
| Lettable retail floor area | 566 m² |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Planned for 2017 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence with a commercial ground floor (currently consisting of a retail space and 4 rooms) is located in Leuven's main shopping street, which links the station to the city centre. The property will have a commercial space of 566 m² on the ground floor and in the basement and 18 student units on the floors above it.
| Lettable retail floor area | 470 m² |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership |
Co-ownership, with 70% owned by Xior.
The residence is located in the centre of Leuven near the Gasthuisberg University Hospital. "Residentie Verbrande Poort" is a renovation project that was completed in September 2015. All the rooms are finished in a minimalist style with an eye for detail. There is a retail space on the ground floor.
BRUSSELSESTRAAT 242 LEUVEN
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2011 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven. "Residentie 'T Kolenhuis" was fully renovated in 2012 and is perfectly situated for students who need to go to Gasthuisberg University Hospital every day.
BRUSSELSESTRAAT 244 LEUVEN
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2004 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence with 10 rooms is located in the centre of Leuven, close to the Gasthuisberg University Hospital.
| Lettable floor area | 84 m2 |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This retail space is located in the centre of Leuven on one of the city's main shopping streets.
14 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2011 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located on the Leuven ring road, within walking distance of the station. The residence has 14 units and was renovated in 2011. Students have the use of a large city garden.
FREDERIK LINTSSTRAAT 148-150 LEUVEN
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2009 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, close to Groep T and the Faculty of Economics and Business Studies. The former monastery of the White Fathers was fully renovated and extended with a new building in 2009. The site was converted into a modern student complex consisting of 37 units with a courtyard meeting place and a large terrace.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2009 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, in the vicinity of the Faculty of Economics and Business Studies and Groep T. The residence has 14 rooms.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, close to the Gasthuisberg University Hospital. It was recently renovated and has 15 units.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2014 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, in a side street off the Bondgenotenlaan. "Residentie Justius" with 10 units, was completely renovated in 2014 and is only five minutes' walk from the station.
| 159 ROOMS |
|
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013-2015 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
|---|---|
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven. The former "Regina Mundi" convent was renovated in 1962 and then converted into a girls' school. The conversion and change of use to a student residence took place in 1995, and it was totally renovated again between 2013 and 2015. The property consists of a square building with two side wings opening onto a large courtyard, with 159 student units and an in-house breakfast service.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2006 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven near the Botanical Gardens, and consists of 8 studio apartments.
21 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven near the picturesque Vismarkt. The "Malines" residence was renovated and opened for the start of the 2015-2016 academic year. With its central yet peaceful location, this residence is a real find for any student.
| 33 ROOMS |
|
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2013 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This is a building adjacent to the building located at Minderbroedersstraat 21. The student residence, consisting of 33 units, is located in the centre of Leuven and was built in 2013. The residents have the use of a covered terrace and a courtyard.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013-2015 |
|---|---|
| Specific details | This is a building adjacent to the building located at Minderbroedersstraat 19. |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven. This former monastery of "The Good Shepherd" was built in 1782 and completely remodelled in 1995 into a quality student residence with 127 units. Behind the building is a garden with parking spaces.
73 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership (due to the merger on 1 March 2016) |
This student residence with 73 units is in the centre of Leuven, close to the various campuses of the University of Leuven. "Residence Vinckebosch" was built in the early 1990s and completely updated in 2015. The communal areas were recently redecorated by a number of wellknown graffiti artists. The students can also make use of the garden.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2012 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
The residence is located in the centre of Leuven, in the immediate vicinity of Ladeuzeplein and its world-famous library where students can study in peace and quiet. This renovated residence has 16 rooms and 1 apartment.
SINT-ANNASTRAAT 13 LEUVEN
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2002 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is in the heart of Leuven, close to the Oude Markt, and consists of 13 units.
Year of construction or refurbishment Renovated in 2012
Ownership structure Co-ownership. The 14 rooms that belong to Xior make up 6.9% of the co-ownership.
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, close to the new Tweewaters district of the city. These 14 units are situated on the ground floor of the "Cambridge" residence.
39 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2011 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, close to Groep T. The renovated site includes a new building, 39 units, a cosy little garden and BBQ.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2012 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the centre of Leuven, within walking distance of Groep T and other faculties. The residence is known as the "Residentie Timidus" and has 10 fully renovated units. The students have the use of a small inner courtyard.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence in the centre of Leuven was recently redecorated. This residence is located next to the Vlerick Business School and looks out over the City Park.
Year of construction or refurbishment Renovated in 2014
Ownership structure Co-ownership. The ground floor and parking bays that belong to Xior make up 24.50% of the coownership.
This student residence is situated on Nekkerspoelstation in Mechelen, close to the Thomas More University College. It has 15 units on the ground floor, 27 underground parking bays and 20 above-ground parking pays.
| 122 ROOMS |
|
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2016 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This fully renovated student complex consists of 122 independent student units. The property is within walking distance of the central station and city centre and various educational institutions.
| 44 ROOMS |
1 CATERING FACILITY |
|
|---|---|---|
| Lettable retail floor area | 628 m2 catering facility |
|
| Bezettingsgraad | 100% | |
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 | |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This impressive residence is located in the vibrant city centre, a stone's throw from Breda castle. The residence has 44 units and a large basement with a bar and table football. There is a catering facility on the ground floor and in the basement.
17 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2005 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is in the centre of Tilburg and includes 17 units.
| Year of construction | |
|---|---|
| or refurbishment | Renovated in 2006 |
Ownership structure Co-ownership. The rooms that belong to Xior make up 50% of the co-ownership.
This historic student residence is located in the heart of central Tilburg. It is a historic site with 21 student units on three floors, and an opportunity to expand on the roof. The ground floor is not owned by Xior.
| Lettable retail floor area | 140 m² |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2004 |
| Specific details | There is a retail space on the ground floor of this building. |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
These two residences with 14 rooms are located in a residential district of Tilburg. The office spaces are intended for independent professional activities.
9 ROOMS
1 RETAIL SPACE
| Lettable retail floor area | 140 m² |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2014 |
| Specific details | There is a retail space on the ground floor of this building. |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This residence is located on one of Tilburg's main shopping streets and has three units, each with three rooms on the upper floors. The ground floor is let as a shop.
| Lettable retail floor area | 146 m² catering facility | |
|---|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2014 | |
| Specific details | There is a catering facility on the ground floor of this building. |
|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This residence is located in the centre of Tilburg and includes a ground-floor catering facility with student units above it, which are rented through a local student association.
BARBARASTEEG 2 DELFT
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2016 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
Dit pand betreft een herontwikkeld vastgoedproject bestaande uit 108 gloednieuwe zelfstandige gemeubelde units. Het is gelegen op een toplocatie, in het centrum van Delft, vlakbij het NS station en in de nabijheid van de Technische Universiteit Delft, die meer dan 20.000 studenten telt.
| 64 ROOMS |
|
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2014 |
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in The Hague's popular Statenkwartier, opposite the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and midway between the centre of the city and Scheveningen. The 64 self-contained units are equipped with all modern-day comforts and were completed in October 2014. Students have the use of various recreational spaces and TV rooms.
64 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2014 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in The Hague's popular Statenkwartier, opposite the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and midway between the centre of the city and Scheveningen. The 64 self-contained units are equipped with all modernday comforts and were completed at the end of 2014. Students have the use of various recreational spaces and TV rooms.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2015 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in The Hague's popular Statenkwartier, opposite the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and midway between the centre of the city and Scheveningen. Several trams with direct links to various university colleges, the city centre and the beach operate on Eisenhowerlaan. The 68 units with shared facilities are equipped with all modern-day comforts and were completed in March 2015.
| 143 ROOMS |
2 RETAIL SPACES |
|---|---|
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2016 |
| Ownership structure | Co-ownership, with 80% owned by Xior. |
This listed building is located in the centre of Maastricht close to various institutions of education. It accommodates 143 students and also has shared facilities. There are two retail spaces with long-term leases on the ground floor.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
Renovated in 2013-2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
This student residence is located in the neighbourhood of the academic hospital and is let mainly to international students. Medium-term contracts were concluded with various educational institutions for more than half of the available units.
23 ROOMS
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2016 |
|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Full ownership |
The student residence is close to the centre of Maastricht and a stone's throw from the river Maas. This women's refuge was recently converted into student housing. The 23 units have been operational since June 2016.
| Year of construction or refurbishment |
2016 |
|---|---|
Ownership structure Full ownership
This student complex is known as "The Spot" and has 95 independent units. The property was completed in late December 2015. The student complex comes equipped with a range of features, including a digital key system, high-speed internet connection and digital television signal, camera system, etc. The students are free to use the common areas, such as a bike shed, shared indoor spaces and a laundry room. The property is close to Eindhoven University of Technology and the train stations in Eindhoven.
The various properties in the pipeline are described below (see Chapter 5.6 of this Annual Report).
72 STUDIO'S
THE HAGUE
| ROOMS | |
|---|---|
| ANTONIA VEERSTRAAT 1-15 |
118
| Completion expected | 2017 |
|---|---|
This property looks like a single structure, but actually consists of two completely separate buildings. The property has 72 independent studio apartments.
Completion expected 2017 The property consists of 118 units. It is part new
construction and part redevelopment.
BURGEMEESTER OUDLAAN ROTTERDAM
Completion expected 2017
The building consists of 280 independent student units between 20 m² and 39 m² on eight floors as well as common areas such as a bicycle area and roof terrace. The property will be in a prime location near Erasmus University Rotterdam in this bustling city.
The appraisal of the property portfolio was drawn up by Stadim (Belgium and some of the Netherlands) and DTZ (Netherlands). The reference date of this appraisal is 31 December 2016.
The valuation process within Xior is based on a structured approach by which the policy on property estimates is determined by the executive management, with approval from the Board of Directors. The executive management will evaluate this policy each year, and check whether independent property experts are being appointed for the respective sections of the property portfolio. Contracts will typically be concluded for a renewable three-year period, for which a double rotation obligation applies under the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies (see Chapter 12.4.1 of this Annual Report). The selection criteria include local market knowledge, reputation, independence and insurance of the highest professional standards. The fees of the property experts are fixed for the term of their mandate and are not related to the value of the appraised properties.
The independent property experts perform an external appraisal of the property portfolio each quarter.
The valuation methods are determined by the external experts. The valuation method that is used is the Discounted Cash Flow method, by which the yield is assessed, together with the breakdown of the value into land, buildings and financials. This is based on detailed discounting of the financial flows based on explicit assumptions concerning the future evolution of this income and the end value. In this case, the discount rate takes account of financial interest rates on the capital markets, plus a specific risk premium for investment property. Fluctuating interest rates and inflation projections are taken into account conservatively in the appraisals. These appraisals are also tested against the unit prices listed for the sale of similar buildings, after which an adjustment is made taking into account any differences between these references and the properties concerned. The development projects (building, renovation or expansion works) are valued by deducting the costs of the project on completion from their expected value that was determined by applying the above approaches. The costs of the study phase of the building, renovation or expansion works are valued at their actual cost. The independent expert determines the fair market value on the basis of a discounted cash flow model. The appraisals thus reached are also compared to the initial yield and available comparison points from recent market transactions for similar properties (including properties purchased by Xior itself during that year). The valuation cycle within a financial year consists of a visit to the site, followed by a detailed appraisal report that is drawn up for each individual building and three desktop reviews in which new data supplied by Xior in relation to the tenancy situation is considered and the main assumptions relating to the significant non-observable inputs are rationalised.
We are pleased to present our appraisal of the value of the property portfolio of Xior Student Housing NV (Stadim: 40 buildings in Belgium and 4 buildings in the Netherlands DTZ: 10 buildings in the Netherlands) on 31 December 2016.
Xior has appointed us, as independent property experts, to determine the investment value and Fair Value of its property portfolio. The appraisals were made taking into account the comments and definitions stated in the reports and the guidelines of the International Valuation Standards issued by the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC).
IAS 40 defines Fair Value as the amount for which assets would be transferred between two well-informed parties, on a voluntary basis, and without any special interests, mutual or otherwise. IVSC considers these conditions fulfilled if the parties observe the aforementioned definition of market value. The market value must therefore be a reflection of the current tenancy agreements, the current gross margin of self-financing (or cash flow), the reasonable assumptions concerning the potential rental income and of the expected costs.
The notarial charges must be adapted in this context to the factual market situation. After the analysis of a large number of transactions, the property experts who act on the request of listed real estate companies, came to the conclusion in a working group that since property can be transferred in various ways, the impact of the transaction costs on large investment properties in the Belgian market, whose value exceeds EUR 2.5 million, is limited to 2.5%. The value including the transaction costs payable by the purchaser is therefore the fair value plus 2.5% in notarial charges. The fair value is therefore calculated by dividing the value including the transaction costs by 1.025. Properties valued at less than the EUR 2.5 million threshold and foreign companies fall under the normal registration duty and their fair value thus corresponds with the value that includes the transaction costs payable by the purchaser.
We have acted as independent experts. As property experts, we hold a relevant and accredited qualification and have upto-date experience with properties of a similar type and location to those in Xior's property portfolio.
The appraisal of the properties took both the current tenancy agreements and all rights and obligations arising from these agreements into consideration. Each property was appraised separately. The appraisal does not take account of potential added value that could be achieved by offering the entire portfolio for sale. Our appraisals do not take marketing costs inherent to an transaction, such as estate agent fees or advertising costs, into account. In addition to an annual inspection of the properties concerned, our appraisals are also based on the information supplied by Xior in relation to the tenancy situation, floor areas, drawings or plans, rental charges and taxes in relation to the specific property, conformity and any environmental pollution. The information provided was considered to be accurate and complete. Our appraisals assume that any non-disclosed information is not of such a nature as to influence the value of the property.
Based on the comments above, we can confirm that the Fair Value of the part of Xior's property portfolio appraised by Stadim (40 properties in Belgium and 4 in the Netherlands) on 31 December 2016 is EUR 234,378,318 (two hundred and thirty-four million, three hundred and seventy-eight thousand and three hundred and eighteen euros).
Based on the comments above, we can confirm that the rounded Fair Value of the part of Xior's property portfolio appraised by DTZ (10 buildings in the Netherlands) on 31 December 2016 is EUR 31,495,000 (thirty-one million, four hundred and ninety-five thousand euros).
Yours faithfully,
Philippe Janssens, FRICS J.N. Brantsma RT Chief Executive Officer Associate Director
STADIM cvba DTZ ZADELHOFF v.o.f.
Given the socially relevant industry of (student) housing Xior operates in, and in view of Xior's pioneering role as a listed real estate company in this real estate segment, Xior takes a conscious approach to corporate social responsibility. The appropriate balance between economy and ecology leads to the portfolio's sustainability and the Xior business model by extension, and therefore contributes to its long-term value in the interest of students, employees, investors and all other stakeholders.
A socially responsible company should pay attention to several key subdomains, such as the environment, local community, safety and social and ethical standards.
Xior seeks to achieve these objectives by promoting a socially responsible attitude in the entire Company and all employees, in close association with various external parties, such as (local) governments, housing services and educational institutions.
For real estate companies, the (reduction of the) carbon footprint primarily involves the management of the environmental aspects associated with the buildings. This mainly includes soil aspects, construction materials, energy consumption and waste management.
The Company and assisting legal and/or environmental experts always pay sufficient attention to the environmental and soil aspects of an acquisition.
These environmental aspects also play a part in the renovation of buildings. The use of appropriate construction materials is monitored and attention is paid to a wide range of ecological and energy aspects, such as insulation and energy efficiency. Some buildings in the portfolio have solar panels, solar collectors and/or a green roof, such as Brusselsepoortstraat 89, Campus Schoonmeersche in Ghent and Tramsingel 27 in Breda. Some buildings also have rainwater utilisation (e.g. Hoogstraat Ghent, Campus Schoonmeersche).
The energy consumption is of great importance in terms of the building's operations from an ecological point of view, but also to control the energy costs. Waste management is also a crucial element deserving of our attention, especially on larger sites. For example, the Campus Schoonmeersche site has a recycling area for practical, eco-friendly waste management. Students are also encouraged to recycle and are given further information in collection calendars, mailings on paper and cardboard collections, the location of bottle banks near the student accommodation, etc.).
Finally, student safety is also an important issue for the renovation and construction of student rooms and for their use (e.g. presence and/or removal of asbestos and any other hazardous materials, use of safe materials and structures, fire safety systems, security of the building, etc.).
Xior very much guarantees a social mix, both in terms of its employees and in terms of its tenants, who come from all the corners of the world and all levels in society and show a high level of gender diversity. Xior also offers a mix of student rooms, for which quality is always paramount, but also offers a wide range of smaller budget rooms to ensure that student accommodation is not always a luxury product and to guarantee its accessibility to the widest possible audience. Xior collaborates with colleges and universities to ensure an additional "social" range (see also Chapter 5.4 of this Annual Report on the collaboration with HoGent at Campus Schoonmeersche in Ghent). The Netherlands uses a points system to determine the rent up to a maximum limit of EUR 710.68. This means that students renting independent rooms can generally apply for a rent allowance. Almost all of Xior's independent rooms are below this limit, which eases the financial burden on the students (and their parents).
Xior is also committed to the welfare of its students. The operational teams are available to assist the students by resolving any technical problems, but also to ensure their overall comfort whilst living in student accommodation. The students get extra support in the weeks leading up to the exams, and during quiet periods, various types of leisure activities are encouraged, often with leisure facilities made available by Xior (e.g. a pool table). In this context, Xior also offers refreshments, sponsors student events and associations, etc.
Xior also aims to reduce any inconvenience caused to the other residents of the buildings and the local area to an absolute minimum by making students more aware of this issue and by having student coaches permanently present in larger complexes and regularly present in smaller complexes to actively and closely monitor what is happening in and around the student properties. Social control is exercised by having section and/or building managers present where appropriate. Xior also pays attention to facilities for disabled people. Most buildings in Ghent and Antwerp have the appropriate facilities, such as wider doors for wheelchair users and more spacious rooms and bathrooms for disabled people. The building at Brusselsepoortstraat 89 in Ghent, for example, has a lower sink installed specially for wheelchair users in the kitchen.
Of course, Xior is also committed to the professional and personal welfare of its employees. They are responsible for the Company's daily operations and continuity, so it is important that they get to work in an appropriate, pleasant environment. Employees are also regularly given the opportunity to get further training by participating in relevant courses and seminars.
As far as ethics are concerned, Xior strives towards high standards and values arising from the Company's policy, its status as a RREC and the environment in which it is active. Xior and its employees must behave with integrity in this respect: they must be honest, reliable and trustworthy. The Corporate Governance Charter (including the Trading Regulations) is the written foundation for ethical behaviour, but even more than that, it is part of the corporate culture that puts the emphasis on honesty, integrity and compliance with high ethical standards in the conduct of its business activities.
| Consolidated income statement | Note | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. | (+) | Rental income | 10,969 | 563 | |
| (+) | Rental income | 9,949 | 552 | ||
| (+) | Rental guarantee | 1,035 | 11 | ||
| (+/-) | Rent reductions | -15 | |||
| III. | (+/-) | Rent-related expenses | -57 | ||
| Impairment of trade receivables | -57 | ||||
| Net rental income | 10.9.1 | 10,912 | 563 | ||
| V | (+) | Recovery of rental charges and taxes normally payable by the tenants for let properties |
1,460 | 32 | |
| Transmission of rental charges borne by the owner | 1,334 | 32 | |||
| Charges for withholding tax and taxes on let properties | 126 | ||||
| VII | (-) | Rental charges and taxes normally payable by the tenants for let properties |
-1,457 | -58 | |
| Rental charges borne by the proprietor | -1,326 | -40 | |||
| Advance levies and taxes on let properties | -131 | -18 | |||
| VIII | (+/-) | Other rent-related income and expenditure | 434 | 90 | |
| Property result | 10.9.1 | 11,349 | 627 | ||
| IX | (-) | Technical costs | -688 | -121 | |
| Recurring technical costs | -687 | -111 | |||
| (-) | Maintenance | -608 | -98 | ||
| (-) | Insurance premiums | -79 | -13 | ||
| Non-recurring technical costs | -1 | -10 | |||
| (-) | Damages | -1 | -10 | ||
| X | |||||
| (-) | Commercial costs | -216 | -18 | ||
| (-) | Publicity | -216 | -18 | ||
| XII | (-) | Property management costs | -607 | -7 | |
| (-) | Management costs (external) | -235 | -7 | ||
| (-) | Management costs (internal) | -373 | |||
| XIII | (-) | Other property costs | -470 | -13 | |
| (-) | Architects' fees | -1 | |||
| (-) | Surveyors' fees | -112 | -12 | ||
| (-) | Other property expenses | -358 |
| Property operating result | 9,368 | 468 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XIV | (-) | General company expenses | 10.9.3 | -1,859 | -291 |
| XV | (+/-) | Other operating income and costs | 10.9.4 | 71 | -45 |
| Operating result before the result on the portfolio | 7,580 | 132 | |||
| XVI | (+/-) | Result on the sale of investment property | 10.9.5 | 106 | |
| (+) | Net property sales (sales price - transaction costs) | 2,870 | |||
| (-) | Book value of the sold property | 10.9.5 | -2,763 | ||
| XVIII | (+/-) | Variations in the fair value of investment property | 10.9.5 | 1,112 | -149 |
| (+) | Positive variations in the fair value of investment property | 3,319 | 1,293 | ||
| (-) | Negative variations in the fair value of investment property |
-2,207 | -1,442 | ||
| XIX | (+/-) | Other portfolio result | 10.9.5 | -110 | -379 |
| Operating income | 8,688 | -396 | |||
| XX | (+) | Financial income | 23 | 9 | |
| (+) | Interest and dividends collected | 23 | 9 | ||
| XXI | (-) | Net interest costs | -1,389 | -43 | |
| (-) | Nominal interest paid on loans | -957 | -43 | ||
| (-) | Reconstitution of the nominal amount of financial debt | -58 | |||
| (-) | Costs of permitted hedging instruments | -373 | |||
| Permitted hedging instruments that are not subject to hedging accounting as defined by the IFRS |
-373 | ||||
| XXII | (-) | Other financial costs | -232 | -20 | |
| (-) | Bank costs and other commissions | -212 | -16 | ||
| (-) | Other | -20 | -3 | ||
| XXIII | (+/-) | Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities |
-1,866 | ||
| Permitted hedging instruments that are not subject to hedging accounting as defined by the IFRS |
-1,866 | ||||
| Other | |||||
| Financial result | 10.9.6 | -3,464 | -54 | ||
| Result before taxes | 5,225 | -451 | |||
| XXV | (+/-) | Corporate tax | -220 | -44 | |
| XXVI | (+/-) | Exit tax | 11 | -20 | |
| Taxes | 10.9.7 | -209 | -64 | ||
| Net result | 5,016 | -515 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings per share – share group | 1.02 | -0.11 |
| Diluted earnings per share | 1.02 | -0.11 |
| Number of shares at the start of the financial year | 4,626,780 | 0 |
| Number of shares at the end of the financial year | 5,270,501 | 4,626,780 |
| Weighted average number of shares | 4,926,405 | 4,626,780 |
The earnings per share were based on the weighted average number of shares in circulation during the financial year of 2016.
| Consolidated state of the global result | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net result | 5,016 | -514 | |
| Other components of the comprehensive income | |||
| (+/-) | Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction costs and costs resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
0 | 0 |
| (+/-) | Variations in the effective part of the fair value of permitted cash flow hedging instruments |
0 | 0 |
| Comprehensive income | 5,016 | -514 | |
| Attributable to: | |||
| Minority interests | 0 | 0 | |
| Group shareholders | 5,016 | -514 |
| Assets | Note | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets | 266,276 | 195,392 | ||
| A | Goodwill | |||
| B | Intangible fixed assets | |||
| C | Investment property | 10.9.8 | 265,873 | 194,753 |
| Property available to let | 265,873 | 157,879 | ||
| Property developments | 36,874 | |||
| D | Other tangible fixed assets | 10.9.9 | 248 | 240 |
| Tangible fixed assets for own use | 248 | 240 | ||
| Other | ||||
| E | Financial fixed assets | 10.9.10 | 21 | 19 |
| Assets held until maturity | ||||
| Other | 21 | 19 | ||
| F | Financial leasing receivables | |||
| G | Trade receivables and other fixed assets | 10.9.12 | 135 | |
| H | Deferred taxes – assets | 10.9.11 | 380 | |
| Current assets | 7,231 | 7,939 | ||
| A | Assets intended for sale | 10.9.13 | 186 | |
| Investment property | ||||
| Real estate certificates | ||||
| Other assets | 186 | |||
| D | Trade receivables | 10.9.14 | 542 | 635 |
| E | Tax receivables and other current assets | 10.9.15 | 2,051 | 2,577 |
| Taxes | 172 | 666 | ||
| Wages and social security contributions | ||||
| Other | 1,879 | 1,911 | ||
| F | Cash and cash equivalents | 10.9.16 | 4,098 | 4,384 |
| G | Accruals and deferred payments | 10.9.17 | 540 | 157 |
| Prepaid property expenses | 430 | 8 | ||
| Accrued rental income not due | 50 | |||
| Other | 110 | 99 | ||
| Total assets | 273,507 | 203,331 |
| Liabilities | Note | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity | 10.4 | 131,630 | 108,382 | |
| I | Equity attributable to parent company shareholders |
131,630 | 108,382 | |
| A | Capital | 10.9.18 | 94,869 | 76,321 |
| Issued capital | 94,869 | 83,282 | ||
| Capital increase costs | -6,961 | |||
| B | Issue premiums | 10.9.18 | 32,261 | 25,615 |
| C | Reserves | -515 | 6,961 | |
| Statutory reserves. Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property |
4,044 | |||
| Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
-4,565 | |||
| Non-distributable reserve: reserve for expected losses |
||||
| Other reserves | 6,961 | |||
| Retained earnings from previous financial years | 6 | |||
| D | Net result for the financial year | 5,016 | -514 | |
| II | Minority interests | 0 | 0 | |
| Liabilities | 141,877 | 94,949 | ||
| I | Non-current liabilities | 133,465 | 75,100 | |
| A | Provisions | |||
| Pensions | ||||
| Other | ||||
| B | Non-current financial debts | 10.9.23 | 131,315 | 72,447 |
| a | Credit institutions | 131,315 | 72,447 | |
| b | Financial leasing | |||
| C | Other non-current financial liabilities | 10.9.21 | 1,866 | |
| Permitted hedging instruments | 1,866 | |||
| Other | ||||
| F | Deferred taxes – liabilities | 10.9.22 | 284 | 2,653 |
| a | Exit tax | 2,110 | ||
| b | Other | 284 | 543 | |
| II | Current liabilities | 8,412 | 19,849 | |
| D | Trade and other current payables | 10.9.24 | 5,729 | 18,088 |
| a | Exit tax | 3,469 | 5,869 | |
| b | Other | 2,260 | 12,219 | |
| Suppliers | 1,244 | 6,025 | ||
| Tenants | ||||
| Taxes, wages and social security contributions | 1,016 | 6,194 | ||
| E | Other current liabilities | 10.9.25 | 1,583 | 981 |
| Other | 1,583 | 981 |
| Note | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Accruals and deferred payments | 10.9.26 | 1,100 | 780 |
| a | Property income received in advance | 512 | 357 | |
| c | Other | 588 | 423 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 273.507 | 203.331 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| Balance on 10 March 2014 |
|---|
| Net appropriation of income 2015 |
| Transfer of result on the portfolio income to reserves |
| Transfer of operating income to reserves |
| Issue of new shares |
| Capital increase through non-cash contribution |
| Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase |
| Capital reduction to create an available reserve to cover future losses |
| Partial allocation of capital to issue premiums |
| Balance on 31 December 2015 |
| Net appropriation of income 2015 |
| Transfer of result on the portfolio income to reserves |
| Transfer of operating income to reserves |
| Income for the period |
| Capital increase through non-cash contribution |
| Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase |
| Use of the available reserve to cover future losses |
Balance on 31 December 2016 94,869 32,261 -515 5,016 131,630
At the time of the IPO, it was determined that a reserve would be created to cover for future losses for an amount of KEUR 6,961. This reserve would be used to settle the costs related to the capital incrase at IPO. Immediately after the closing of the 2015 accounts (and after approval of the result allocation by the General Meeting) this reserve was used to settle these costs. As a consequence the capital rises.
| Equity | Net income of the financial year |
Reserves | Issue premiums | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -515 | -515 | |||
| -529 | -529 | |||
| 14 | 14 | |||
| 85,575 | 85,575 | |||
| 30,282 | 30,282 | |||
| -6,961 | -6,961 | |||
| 0 | 6,961 | -6,961 | ||
| 0 | 25,615 | -25,615 | ||
| 108,382 | -515 | 6,961 | 25,615 | 76,321 |
| 0 | 515 | -515 | 6,961 | |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 5,016 | 5,016 | |||
| 18,233 | 18,233 | |||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | -6,961 | 6,961 | ||
| 0 | 6,646 | -6,646 | ||
| 131,630 | 5,016 | -515 | 32,261 | 94,869 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
Other elements recognised in the comprehensive income 0
Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs 0
Resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties 0
Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities 0
Issue of new shares 0
Capital increase through non-cash contribution 0
Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase 0
Capital reduction to create an available reserve to cover future losses -6,961 -6,961
Dividends 0
Other 0
Balance on 31 December 2016 4,044 -4,565 0 0 6 -515
| Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property |
Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
Available reserve: reserve for expected losses |
Other reserves |
Income carried over from previous financial years |
Total of the reserves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 6,961 | 6,961 | ||||
| 0 | 0 | 6,961 | 0 | 0 | 6,961 |
| 0 | |||||
| 4,044 | -4,565 | 6 | -515 | ||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| -6,961 | 0 -6,961 |
||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 4,044 | -4,565 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -515 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the financial year | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash en cash equivalents at the start of the financial year | 4,384 | 0 | |
| 1 | Cash flow from operating activities | -15,251 | -10,722 |
| Cash flow from operations | 7,091 | -395 | |
| Operating income | 8,688 | -397 | |
| Interest paid | -1,620 | -7 | |
| Interest received | 22 | 9 | |
| Other | -570 | 0 | |
| Non-cash elements added to/subtracted from the result | -1,036 | 589 | |
| Amortisations and depreciations | 44 | 60 | |
| Amortisations/depreciations (or writebacks) on tangible and intangible assets |
44 | 60 | |
| Other non-cash elements | -1,080 | 529 | |
| Variations in the fair value of investment property | -890 | 529 | |
| Other non-cash elements | -190 | 0 | |
| Variation in working capital requirements | -21,306 | -10,916 | |
| Movement of assets | 2,408 | 4,459 | |
| Movement of liabilities | -23,714 | -15,375 | |
| 2 | Cash flow from investment activities | -42,736 | -34,013 |
| Acquisition of investment property and property developments | -40,340 | -21,095 | |
| Sale of investment property | 2,870 | 0 | |
| Purchase of shares in real estate companies | -5,398 (1) | -12,501 | |
| Sale of shares in real estate companies | 0 | ||
| Acquisition of other tangible assets | -51 | -240 | |
| Acquisition of non-current financial fixed assets | -2 | -5 | |
| Receivables on trade and other non-current assets | 0 | 0 | |
| Assets held for sale | 185 | -173 |
| 3 Cash flow from financing activities |
56,913 | 49,054 |
|---|---|---|
| Change in financial liabilities and financial debts | ||
| Increase in financial debts | 57,037 | 72,447 |
| Decrease in financial debts | -96,730 | |
| Repayment of shareholder loans | -5,278 | |
| Change in other liabilities | 0 | |
| Increase (+) / decrease (-) in other liabilities | -18 | 0 |
| Increase (+) / decrease (-) in other debts | -106 | 0 |
| Increase in minority interests | 0 | |
| Change in equity | ||
| Increase (+) / decrease (-) in capital/issue premiums | 85,575 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Costs for the issue of shares | -6,961 | |
| Increase in cash following merger | 788 | 66 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year | 4,098 | 4,384 |
Xior Student Housing NV is a public RREC (Regulated Real Estate Company) that is subject to the application of Belgian law and has its registered office in Antwerp.
The Company's consolidated annual financial statements for the financial year closing on 31 December 2016 include Xior Student Housing NV and its subsidiaries (the "Group"). The Board of Directors approved the annual financial statements for publication on 31 March 2017. They will be submitted to the annual general meeting on 18 May 2017.
The Company's financial reporting has been drawn up in accordance with the IFRS, as approved within the European Union, and the provisions of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
These standards include all new and revised standards and interpretations published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), insofar as these apply to the Company's activity and effectively to the current financial year.
statements – Disclosure initiative (applicable to financial years from 1 January 2016)
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are not yet in force in 2016, but are allowed to be applied earlier. Unless stated otherwise, the Company has not made any use of these. Insofar as these new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are relevant to the Company, their potential impact on the consolidated annual financial statements for 2016 and subsequent years is set out below:
The Company does not expect that the first application of these standards and interpretations will have a material impact on the financial position and performances.
The financial information is drawn up in thousands of euros, rounded off to the closest thousand. The Company also keeps its books in euros. Investment property (including projects) and hedging instruments are recognised at fair value. The other items in the consolidated financial statements are recorded based on historical cost. A summary of the main financial reporting principles follows below.
The Fair Value of the investment property is determined by independent property experts in accordance with the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies. The fair value is calculated by the property experts using the discounted cash flow method (for more information, see Chapter 8.2.2.1 of this Annual Report).
The acquired companies were not processed as business combinations during the last financial year, as defined under IFRS 3, but as the purchase of assets, since we only acquired the asset and the tenancy agreement and then fully integrated that into our organisation.
Subsidiaries are entities over which the undertaking exercises control. An undertaking therefore exercises control over a subsidiary if, and only if, the parent undertaking:
Minority interests are the interests in subsidiaries that are not held directly or indirectly by the Group.
Changes to the Company's interest in a subsidiary that do not lead to a loss of control are dealt with as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the Group's interest and the minority interests are therefore adapted to reflect the new proportional interests in the subsidiary.
If the Company loses control over a subsidiary, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between (i) the sum of the fair value of the payment received and the fair value of the interest held, and (ii) the previously recognised carrying amount of the assets (including goodwill), the liabilities of the subsidiary and any minority interests. Amounts that would previously be recognised in the other elements of the total income relating to the subsidiary are recognised in the same manner (i.e. reclassification to profit or loss or directly to the income carried over) as when the disposal of the relevant assets or liabilities occurred. The fair value of every interest held in the former subsidiary on the date of loss of control is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition for the purpose of valuation according to the IAS 39 Financial Instruments: recognition and valuation or, if applicable, as the cost on initial recognition of an associated holding or entity over which joint control is exercised.
All transactions between group undertakings, balances and unrealised gains and losses on their transactions are eliminated when the consolidated annual financial statements are prepared.
If the Group acquires control over an integrated set of activities and assets, as defined in IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the identifiable assets, liabilities and conditional liabilities of the acquired undertaking are recognised at their fair value on the acquisition date. The goodwill represents the positive difference between the total of the transferred payment, the amount of the minority interests and, if applicable, the fair value of the previously held interest in the acquired party and the Group's share in the fair value of the net identifiable assets. If this difference is negative (negative goodwill), it is immediately posted to the income after a reassessment of the assets.
After its initial recognition, goodwill is not amortised, but subject to an impairment test that is performed each year with the cash-generating units to which the goodwill was allocated. If the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds the present value of the Company, the ensuing loss in value will be posted to the income and initially recognised to reduce any goodwill and then to the other assets of the unit, in proportion to their carrying amount.
A goodwill impairment is not resumed during a subsequent financial year.
Properties that are held for long-term rental income, for their appreciation in value or for both reasons, and that do not serve for the Company's own use, are recorded as a property investment.
Property that is built or developed for future use as a property investment (project development) is also recognised under the item Investment property (see also below).
Investment property include all property that is ready for letting and that fully or partially generates rental income. Investment property is valued at the time of purchase at their acquisition value, including additional transaction costs such as professional fees, statutory services, registration duties, other transfer taxes and non-deductible VAT. If the property is acquired via a share transaction, the acquisition price also includes an adjustment for exit tax, which is due by the companies over which the Company acquires direct or indirect control (this is deducted, in principle, from the value of the underlying property since it is a tax on the latent added value that existed in the acquired company before the acquisition of control), unless these companies are not eligible for a merger with the Company (based on a resolution by the Company's Board of Directors). Commissions relating to the purchase of properties are regarded as additional costs of those purchases and are added to the acquisition value.
If the property is obtained by acquiring the shares of a real estate company, through the contribution in kind of property for the issue of new shares, or through a merger by acquisition of a real estate company, the notarial charges, audit and consulting, merger and other costs are also capitalised.
The property also includes the permanent furnishings and fittings of the student rooms if these are let on a furnished basis.
After their initial recognition, the investment properties are appraised by the property expert.
The property expert precisely appraises the following components at the end of each quarter:
• The properties, the properties by designated use and the real rights to properties that are held by the Company or, where applicable, by a real estate company over which it has control;
The property expert firstly determines the value of the property, namely its value including the transfer costs and from which the registration duties are not deducted. This valuation is obtained by discounting the actual rental income and/ or market rentals (DCF method – for more information see Chapter 8.2.2.1 of this Annual Report), where applicable after deducting the associated costs. The discounting is done on the basis of the yield factor that depends on the inherent risk of the specific property. The property expert makes its appraisal in accordance with national and international valuation standards and their application procedures, including in relation to the valuation of a regulated real estate company.
The investment properties are then recognised in the balance sheet at the fair value, in accordance with IAS 40. The fair value of the investment property is the investment value, as determined by an independent property expert, less the transaction fees. The fair value corresponds to the carrying amount under IFRS. From the seller's perspective this must be understood as subject to the deduction of transfer taxes or registration duties. The estimated amount of transfer taxes for properties located in Belgium was fixed at 2.5% for investment property with a value in excess of EUR 2.5 million.28 Transfer taxes of 10% (Flanders) to 12.5% (Brussels and Wallonia), depending on the region in which the buildings are located, must be taken into account for transactions with a global value of less than EUR 2.5 million.
This specifically means that the fair value of the property is equal to the investment value divided by 1.025, 1.10 or 1.125, depending on the value of the property. The difference between the fair value of the property and its investment value is recognised in the income statement under Variations in the fair value of investment property and allocated in the appropriation of the income to the item "Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction costs and costs resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties" in the equity.
The independent property experts take the theoretical local registration duties into account for buildings located outside Belgium.
Profits or losses arising from variations in the fair value of a property investment are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they arise and are allocated in the profit appropriation to the "Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property".
Property developments include land and buildings in progress as a result of which these only require investments and do not generate any rental income for a certain period.
Properties that are built or developed for future use as a property investment are recognised in the subitem "Project developments" of the item "Investment Property" and, in accordance with IAS 40, are appraised at their Fair Value until the development is completed. The assets are then transferred to the subitem "Property available for letting" of the item "Investment Property", still at their Fair Value.
After their initial recognition, the projects are appraised at their Fair Value if all the following criteria are met: (i) the project costs to be incurred can be reliably estimated and (ii) all necessary permits for the project development have been
28 Belgian Assets Managers Association (BEAMA) press release of 8 February 2006 "Closed-end property investment companies and the first application of the IFRS accounting rules". This percentage was confirmed in a press release of the BE-REIT Association on 10 November 2016.
obtained. This Fair Value measurement is based on the valuation by the property expert (according to the normal methods and assumptions) and takes the costs still to be incurred for the completion of the project into consideration.
All costs directly related to the purchase or development and all subsequent investments that are recognised as transaction costs (costs of new buildings and/or renovations, including the purchase price of the site and site preparation) are recognised in the balance sheet.
If the duration of the project exceeds one year, the interest costs that can be directly attributed to the project are also capitalised as part of the cost price of the project development.
The capitalisation of financing costs, in accordance with IAS 23, as part of the cost price of an eligible asset only happens if:
The capitalisation of the financing costs will be suspended for long periods during which the development of the asset is interrupted and stopped in any case when the asset is ready for letting.
The item "Project developments" is a subitem of the item "Investment property" and is included in the calculation of the Fair Value of the property portfolio in operation.
Expenses for works to investment property is deducted from the real estate operating income if the expenses do not have any positive effect on the expected future economic benefits, and are capitalised if the expected economic benefits that accrue to the entity increase as a result. There are three types of expenses:
Profits or losses made on the sale of a property investment (compared with the Fair Value) are recorded in the income statement of the reporting period under the item "Income from the sale of investment property". As the property is sold, both
the "Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property" and the "Reserve for the impact of the fair value of the estimated transaction costs and costs resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties" in relation to the sold property are transferred to available reserves.
Commissions paid on the sale of buildings, transaction costs and liabilities entered into as a result of transactions are deducted from the selling price obtained in order to determine the eventual profit or loss.
The tangible fixed assets, other than the investment property is classified as "other material fixed assets" and are appraised at their acquisition value, less the accumulated depreciation and impairments. The straight-line depreciation method is applied on the basis of the expected useful life.
In the financial year in which the investment is made, depreciation is recorded on a time-apportioned basis according to the number of months that the asset was in use.
The following depreciation rates apply on an annual basis:
| • | Plant, machinery and equipment: | 20% |
|---|---|---|
| • | Furniture: | 10% |
| • | Vehicles: | 20% |
| • | IT equipment: | 33% |
Assets held under a financial lease are depreciated over the term of the lease.
If there are indications that an asset has possibly undergone a special impairment loss, the carrying amount will be compared with the realisable value. If the carrying amount is higher than the realisable value, a special impairment loss will be recorded.
When tangible fixed assets, other than investment property, is sold or taken out of service, the acquisition value and the related depreciation is removed from the balance sheet and the realised gains or losses are recorded in the income statement.
Non-current receivables are valued at their amortised cost based on the effective interest method. An impairment is recorded as soon as there is uncertainty regarding the collectability of the debt.
The effective interest method is a method for calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and for allocating interest income to the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the interest rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including paid or received commissions and payments that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, as well as transaction costs and all other premiums and discounts) during the expected life of the debt instrument or, if relevant, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.
Financial assets are tested for special impairment when objective indications exist for this purpose. A special impairment loss is deducted directly from the income. The uncollectable trade receivables are written off against the relevant provision account on each balance sheet date.
Fixed assets whose carrying amount will mainly be realised through the sale of the assets and not through further letting, are considered to be held for the purpose of sale. A investment property classified as held for sale is included at Fair Value. Investment property held for sale is valued in the same way as other investment property (at Fair Value) in accordance with IAS 40.
Other fixed assets held for sale are valued at the lower value of their carrying amount and their Fair Value less selling costs (in accordance with IFRS 5.15).
Fixed assets and disposal groups are classified as assets intended for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sales transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is only fulfilled when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is immediately available for sale in its current state. The management must have committed to a plan for the sale of the asset (or disposal group) which is expected to qualify for inclusion as a completed sale within one year of the classification date.
The Company may use financial derivatives (interest rate swaps) to hedge against interest rate risks originating from operational, financial and investment activities. Financial derivatives are initially recognised at cost and then revalued at their fair value on the next reporting date.
After their initial recognition, financial derivatives are valued at fair value in the annual financial statements. Profits or losses arising from changes in the fair value of financial derivatives are immediately recognised in the income statement, unless a derivative complies with the conditions for hedge accounting. The fair value of financial interest rate derivatives is the amount that the Company expects to receive or pay if that derivative ends on the balance sheet date, for which purpose the applicable interest rate, the credit risk of the counterparty concerned, and the credit risk of the undertaking are taken into account.
If a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or no longer complies with the criteria of hedge accounting, the accumulated profits and losses are retained in the equity at first. They are recognised in the income statement only once the liability or the hedged cash flow are recognised in the income statement.
Current receivables (due in one year or less) are valued at their nominal value, after the deduction of impairments for doubtful or uncollectable receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, demand deposits and other short-term, very liquid investments that can be converted into cash immediately, whose amount is known, and which bear no material risk of impairment.
Current account or term deposits are valued at amortised cost. The additional costs are recognised immediately in the income statement. Listed securities are valued at their stock exchange quotation.
The capital includes the cash resources obtained at the time of incorporation, merger or because of a capital increase. The external costs (fees of notaries, placement partners, etc.) that can be immediately allocated to the issue of new shares are deducted from the equity. Due diligence costs are capitalised on the asset.
Dividends form part of the income carried over until the general meeting of shareholders that awards them. The dividends are then recorded as a debt.
A provision is made if:
The amount that is recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the expenses that are required to settle the existing liability on the balance sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties associated with that liability.
For the sake of completeness, we also refer to Chapter 10.9.35 of this Annual Report on legal and arbitration procedures with regard to these provisions.
Trade liabilities are expressed at their nominal value on the balance sheet date.
Interest-bearing loans are initially recognised at their fair value, after the deduction of the transaction costs. Interestbearing loans are subsequently valued at their amortised cost on the basis of the effective interest method, with interest costs recognised according to the effective interest rate.
The effective interest method is a method for calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and for allocating interest costs to the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the interest rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including paid or received commissions and payments that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, as well as transaction costs and all other premiums and discounts) during the expected life of the financial liability or, if relevant, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.
The net rental income includes the rent, operational lease payments and other associated income less the costs associated with letting, such as the rent payable on hired assets and impairments on trade receivables.
Rental discounts are distributed across the minimum contract term on the income statement.
The recuperation of rental charges and taxes normally borne by the tenant in let buildings mainly includes the recuperation of the costs of heating, water, electricity and the internet by means of a lump-sum, fixed amount for costs that the tenant pays at the start of the tenancy agreement and that is recognised in the income distributed over the term of the tenancy agreement. Property tax is not passed on and remains payable by the Company in case of student housing.
The rental charges and taxes normally borne by the tenant in let buildings include the communal charges as well as the cost of the property tax. In accordance with IFRIC 21, the debt and cost of the property tax is fully recognised when it becomes due by the Company (in this case, on 1 January of the financial year).
Income is valued at the fair value of the payment that is received and is recognised on a straight-line basis in the income statement in the period to which it relates.
Property expenses are valued at the fair value of the payment that is paid or due and are recognised in the income statement in the period to which they relate.
The technical costs include structural and occasional maintenance and losses from claims covered by insurance companies. The commercial costs include estate agents' fees. The property management costs mainly include: (i) the costs of the personnel responsible for this activity, (ii) the operational costs of the rental agencies and (iii) the fees paid to third parties.
General expenses of the Company are costs relating to the management and general operations of the Company. These include general administrative costs, staffing costs for general management, and depreciation on assets that are used for general management.
The financial result consists of interest costs on loans, bank charges and additional financing costs such as the variations of hedging instruments insofar as these are not effective within the meaning of IAS 39, less the returns on investments.
This item includes the current tax expense on the income of the financial year and the deferred taxes. Income tax is recorded directly in the income, unless the tax relates to elements that are recognised directly in the equity. In that case, the tax is also recognised directly in the equity. The current tax expense consists of the expected tax on the taxable income for the year and adjustments for previous financial years.
Deferred tax claims and liabilities are recognised on the basis of the balance sheet method for all temporary differences between the taxable basis and the carrying amount for both assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax claims are recognised to the extent it is likely that sufficient taxable profit will be realised against which temporary differences can be set off.
Deferred tax liabilities are accounted for at the rate of 6%. This rate is based on market practice.
Deferred taxes for subsidiaries are recorded as the difference between the carrying amount of the investment property after depreciation in the annual financial statements of these subsidiaries, under the Articles of Association, and the fair value. These deferred taxes are recorded at a rate of 16.995% if the Board of Directors of the Company and the subsidiary respectively intend to merge the subsidiary with the Company.
Exit tax is the corporate tax on the capital gain that is established in a taxed merger of an RREC with a Belgian undertaking that is not an RREC. If this undertaking is included in the Group's scope of consolidation at first, the exit tax will be deducted from the equity of the Company that is to be merged. If the undertaking is not immediately merged with the RREC, adjustments to the exit tax, which prove necessary in relation to the provision amount at the time of the merger, will be recorded via the income statement.
The exit tax rate is 16.5%. The additional crisis tax of 0.495% (i.e. 3% on the applied rate of 16.5%) must be added to this rate. The exit tax payable is thus calculated at 16.995%.
The exit tax applies to mergers, divisions and transactions that are equated with mergers or divisions, in which the Company participates as an RREC. Such transactions are expressly excluded from tax neutrality. Both the RREC licence and the above transactions in which the Company would participate as an RREC are equated, from a tax perspective, with a dissolution and liquidation of the real estate company or companies involved.
To calculate the exit tax, the actual value of the assets of the Company or of the real estate company or companies involved on the date of the licence or of the relevant transaction is equated with an "amount paid on the division of the corporate assets". The positive difference between the amount paid in case of this legal fiction and the enhanced value of the paid-up capital is regarded as a dividend. If the Company participates in a transaction that is equated with a division, the rules on dissolution and liquidation apply only to the separated assets of the real estate company or companies involved.
If the Company is recognised as an RREC, the exit tax is applied to its latent capital gains and exempt reserves at the time it is granted the RREC licence (insofar as this exists at that time). If the Company participates as an RREC in a merger, division or a transaction equated with a merger or division, the exit tax is calculated on the latent capital gains and exempt reserves of the real estate company that makes the contribution by merger, division or an equated transaction. The latent capital gains are calculated as the positive difference between the actual value for tax purposes of the separated assets of the real estate company concerned, on the one hand, and the acquisition value of those corporate assets less the depreciation and impairments accepted for tax purposes on the other hand.
Exit tax, payable by companies whose assets are acquired by an RREC through merger, for instance, is calculated in accordance with Circular Ci.RH.423/567.729 of the Belgian tax authorities dated 23 December 2004, the interpretation or practical application of which may change at any time. The Company calculates the "actual value for tax purposes" as referred to in this circular less the registration duties or VAT (that would be applicable if the asset is sold) (the "Costs payable by the Purchaser") and may differ from – including being lower than – the fair value of the property as recognised in the Company's balance sheet in accordance with IAS 40.
If the Company participates in a merger, division or transaction equated with a merger or division as an RREC, the exit tax is payable by the real estate company that makes the contribution to the RREC. If a contribution is made to the Company by way of a merger, the exit tax will be payable by the Company as the acquiring company.
As an RREC, the Company benefits from a special tax regime. Although it is subject to corporation tax, its taxable base is limited to (i) the extraordinary or gratuitous advantages that it receives and (ii) the expenses and costs that cannot be deducted as business costs (other than impairments and capital losses on shares (Article 185bis of the Belgian Income Tax Code 1992). After becoming licensed as an RREC, the Company is thus not taxed on its accounting income, which also implies that its capital gains are not included in its taxable base. The exit tax was introduced to prevent the Company from being definitively exempt from paying tax on the latent, unrealised capital gains and exempt reserves it possesses on the licensing date. With the levying of exit tax, the Company is deemed, as it were, to have settled its past obligations on the date it becomes a licensed RREC. The same reasoning applies to the real estate company or companies involved in a merger, division or a transaction equated with a merger or division in which the Company participates as an RREC.
The reduction of the exit tax rate to 16.995% relates to the fact that (i) the exit tax is an exception to the general rule that unrealised capital gains are not taxed and (ii) that companies which are subject to the normal corporation tax regime have the option of having their realised capital gains tax staggered.
Exit tax is the corporate tax on capital gains that are established in the taxed merger of an RREC with a non-RREC undertaking. The exit tax due on this capital gain is recognised when the non-RREC undertaking is included in the Group's scope of consolidation for the first time. In principle, the provision for exit tax is revised in the interim only if it needs to be increased because of the appreciation of this undertaking's property. Any over-estimate because of depreciation will be determined only once the merger is actually concluded. These adjustments to the exit tax liability are recorded via the income statement.
Higher interest rates lead to an increase in financial expenses and a fall in EBIT. In the current context of negative interest rates, the method by which some banks set a minimum percentage of 0% for the Euribor rate used as a reference in financing contracts has a negative impact on the financial expenses. Xior Student Housing uses IRStype financial instruments to hedge the interest rate risk on long-term loans with variable interest rates. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties in which the variable interest rate is exchanged for a fixed interest rate. The pursued interest rate policy has hedged 76.05% of loans drawn down to a fixed interest rate. The average interest rate of the public RREC is 1.78%. Please refer to Chapter 10.9.23 for the potential impact of interest changes.
The long-term financing was concluded in the form of bullet loans. These are loans where the entire principal is paid in full after three to five years. The diversification of the financing across various banks limits Xior Student Housing's liquidity risk. The loans were all taken out at a fixed interest rate. Xior Student Housing has completed the necessary hedging transactions and converted 76.05% of its loans drawn down to a fixed interest rate. The effect of interest rate changes on the profit after tax is therefore limited.
Xior Student Housing NV monitors rent arrears closely. In case of non-payment, the Company usually uses a rent deposit. For further details, please refer to Chapter 10.9.14 of this Annual report.
The segmentation basis for reporting by segment is by geographic region. The rental income is broken down by geographic location: Belgium and the Netherlands. Every location is broken down further into students and other. Commercial decisions are taken at this level and rental income and occupancy rate are followed up at this level.
The unallocated amounts category includes all expenses that cannot be allocated to a segment.
In the income statement, only the net rental income is broken down by segment. However, for the purpose of the calculations of the table, a total is worked out for each segment.
| Belgium The Netherlands |
Non-al located amounts |
Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students | Other | Students | Other | ||||
| Net rental income | 6.365 | 1.648 | 2.469 | 430 | 10.912 | ||
| Property result | 11.349 | ||||||
| Property expenses | -1.981 | -1.981 | |||||
| Property operating result | 9.368 | ||||||
| General expenses | -1.859 | -1.859 | |||||
| Other operating income and costs | 71 | 71 | |||||
| Operating income before the result on the portfolio | 7.580 | ||||||
| Result on the sale of investment property | 106 | 106 | |||||
| Variations in the fair value of investment property |
-177 | -3 | 1.524 | -232 | 1.112 | ||
| Other portfolio result | 354 | -464 | -110 | ||||
| Operating income | 8.688 | ||||||
| Financial result | -3.464 | -3.464 | |||||
| Result before taxes | 5.224 | ||||||
| Taxes | -209 | -209 | |||||
| Net income | 5.015 | ||||||
| EPRA earnings | 5.774 | ||||||
| Result of the portfolio | 177 | 103 | 1.060 | -232 | 0 | 1.108 | |
| Total assets | 158,349 | 28,278 | 76,611 | 2,635 | 7,634 | 273,507 | |
| Investment property | 158,349 | 28,278 | 76,611 | 2,635 | 265,873 | ||
| Other assets | 7,634 | 7,634 | |||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 273,507 | 273,507 | |||||
| Equity | 131,630 | 131,630 | |||||
| Liabilities | 141,877 | 141,877 |
| Belgium | The Netherlands | Non-al located amounts |
Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students | Other | Students | Other | |||
| Net rental income | 319 | 99 | 122 | 23 | 563 | |
| Property result | 627 | |||||
| Property expenses | -159 | -159 | ||||
| Property operating result | 468 | |||||
| General expenses | -291 | -291 | ||||
| Other operating income and costs | -45 | -45 | ||||
| Operating income before the result on the portfolio | 132 | |||||
| Variations in the fair value of investment property |
358 | 229 | -736 | -149 | ||
| Other portfolio result | -239 | 518 | 151 | -809 | -379 | |
| Operating result | -396 | |||||
| Financial result | -54 | -54 | ||||
| Result before taxes | -450 | |||||
| Taxes | -64 | -64 | ||||
| Net income | -514 | |||||
| EPRA earnings | 14 | |||||
| Result of the portfolio | 119 | 747 | -585 | 0 | -809 | -528 |
| Total assets | 142,429 | 21,905 | 28,869 | 1,550 | 8,578 | 203,331 |
| Investment property | 142,429 | 21,905 | 28,869 | 1,550 | 194,753 | |
| Other assets | 8,578 | 8,578 | ||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 203,331 | 203,331 | ||||
| Equity | 108,382 | 108,382 | ||||
| Liabilities | 94,949 | 94,949 |
| APM terms | Definition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| EPRA earnings | Net income +/- variations in the fair value of investment property +/- other portfolio result +/- result from the sale of investment property +/- variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities |
Measuring the result from the strategic operating activities, excluding variations in the fair value of investment property, other portfolio income, the result from the sale of investment property and variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities. This indicates the extent to which dividend payments are supported by the earnings. |
| Result on the portfolio |
Result on the sale of investment property +/- variations in the fair value of investment property +/- other portfolio income |
Measuring the realised and unrealised gain/ loss on investment property |
| Average interest rate |
Interest charges including IRS interest expense divided by the average outstanding debt during the period |
Measuring the average debt interest costs to allow a comparison with peers and analysis of the evolution over time |
| Average interest rate excl. IRS interest charges |
Interest charges excluding IRS interest expense divided by the average outstanding debt during the period |
Measuring the average debt interest costs to allow a comparison with peers and analysis of the evolution over time |
| Average financing costs |
Interest costs including IRS interest expense + arrangement fees and commitment fees, divided by the average outstanding debt during the period |
Measuring the average debt financing cost to allow a comparison with peers and analysis of the evolution over time |
| Average financing cost excl. IRS interest charges |
Interest charges including IRS interest charges + arrangement fees and commitment fees, divided by the average outstanding debt during the period |
Measuring the average debt financing cost to allow a comparison with peers and analysis of the evolution over time |
| APM terms | Definition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| EPRA earnings per share |
Net result +/- result from the sale of investment property +/- variations in the fair value of property investments +/- other portfolio income +/- variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, divided by the average number of shares |
Comparability with other RRECs and international property players |
| EPRA NAV | This is the net asset value (NAV) that has been adjusted to also include property and other investments at their fair value, which exclude certain elements that are not expected to actually take shape in a business model with long-term investment property |
Comparability with other RRECs and international property players |
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) |
EPRA net asset value (NAV) adjusted to take into account (i) the fair value of the financial instruments, (ii) the fair value of debts and (iii) the deferred tax |
Comparability with other RRECs and international property players |
| EPRA cost ratio (excl. vacancy costs) |
EPRA costs (excluding vacancy costs) divided by the gross rental income, less the rent still to be paid on rented land |
Comparability with other RRECs and international property players |
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs): reconciliation tables
| EPRA earnings | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Net result | 5,016 | -514 |
| Variations in the fair value of investment property | -1,112 | 149 |
| Other portfolio result | 110 | 379 |
| Result from the sale of investment property | -106 | 0 |
| Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities | 1,866 | 0 |
| EPRA earnings | 5,774 | 14 |
| Result on the portfolio | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Result from the sale of investment property | 106 | 0 |
| Variation in the fair of investment property | 1,112 | -149 |
| Other portfolio result | -110 | -379 |
| Result on the portfolio | 1,108 | -528 |
| Net assets per share (IFRS) | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 131,630 | 108,382 |
| Number of shares | 5,270,501 | 4,626,780 |
| Net assets per share (IFRS) | 24.97 | 23.42 |
| Average interest rate | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal interest paid on loans | 957 | 43 |
| Costs of permitted hedging instruments | 373 | 0 |
| Capitalised interest | 389 | 21 |
| Average outstanding debt for the period | 96,798 | 72,657 |
| Average interest rate (1) | 1.78% | 1.53% |
| Average interest rate excl. costs of permitted hedging instruments | 1.39% | 1.53% |
| Average financing costs | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal interest paid on loans | 957 | 43 |
| Costs of permitted hedging instruments | 373 | 0 |
| Capitalised interest | 389 | 21 |
| Reconstitution of the nominal amount of financial debt | 58 | 0 |
| Bank costs and other commissions | 212 | 16 |
| Average outstanding debt for the period | 96,798 | 72,657 |
| Average financing costs | 2.05% | 1.91% |
| Average financing costs excl. costs of permitted hedging instruments | 1.67% | 1.91% |
(1) for the calculation for 2015, the result of the fraction is multiplied by 365 days and divided by 21 days in order to arrive at an annual percentage
| EPRA earnings per share | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Net result | 5,016 | -514 |
| Variations in the fair value of investment property | -1,112 | 149 |
| Other portfolio result | 110 | 379 |
| Result from the sale of investment property | -106 | 0 |
| Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities | 1.866 | 0 |
| Weighted average number of shares | 4,926,405 | NA |
| EPRA earnings per share | 1.17 | NA |
| EPRA NAV | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 131,630 | 108,382 |
| Effect of exercising options, convertible debt and the other equity instruments |
||
| Diluted intrinsic value after exercising options, convertible debt and other equity instruments |
131,630 | 108,382 |
| To be excluded: | ||
| Fair value of permitted hedging transactions | 1,866 | 0 |
| EPRA NAV | 133,496 | 108,382 |
| Number of outstanding shares as at 31 December 2016 | 5,270,501 | 4,626,780 |
| EPRA NAV (EUR/share) | 25.33 | 23.42 |
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| EPRA NAV | 133,496 | 108,382 |
| To be added: | ||
| Fair value of permitted hedging transactions | -1,866 | 0 |
| Adjustment to fair value of loans | 0 | 0 |
| Deferred taxes | -284 | -2,653 |
| EPRA NAV | 131,346 | 105,729 |
| Number of outstanding shares as at 31 December 2016 | 5,270,501 | 4,626,780 |
| EPRA NAV (EUR/share) | 24.92 | 22.85 |
| EPRA cost ratio | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| General expenses | 1,859 | NA |
| Impairment of trade receivables | 57 | NA |
| Property charges | 1,981 | NA |
| NA | ||
| EPRA costs (incl. vacancy costs) | 3,897 | NA |
| Vacancy costs | 0 | NA |
| EPRA costs (excl. vacancy costs) | 3,897 | NA |
| Gross rental income | 10,969 | NA |
| EPRA cost ratio (incl. vacancy costs) | 35.5% | NA |
| EPRA cost ratio (excl. vacancy costs) | 35.5% | NA |
Due to the rounding off to thousands, rounding differences may arise between the balance sheet, income statement and enclosed details.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (+) | Rental income | 10,969 | 563 |
| Rent | 9,949 | 552 | |
| Rental guarantees | 1,035 | 11 | |
| Rent reductions | -15 | 0 | |
| (+) | Writeback of rental carried over and discounted | ||
| (+/-) | Rent-related expenses | -57 | 0 |
| Net rental income | 10,912 | 563 | |
| (+) | Recovery of property expenses | 0 | 0 |
| (+) | Recovery of rental charges and taxes normally payable by the tenant on let properties |
1,460 | 32 |
| (-) | Costs payable by tenants and borne by the landlord for rental damage and refurbishment at the end of the lease |
0 | 0 |
| (-) | Rental charges and taxes normally payable by the tenants on let properties |
-1,457 | -58 |
| (+/-) | Other rent-related income and expenditure | 434 | 90 |
| Property result | 11,349 | 627 |
For the year ending on 31 December 2015, the rental income contains the rental income from 11 December 2015 to 31 December 2015.
Rent-related expenses contain impairments on rent receivables.
Guaranteed income: The initial property portfolio formed at the IPO included some properties under construction with anticipated vacancy. Aloxe gave a rental or return guarantee for these properties. This guarantee is based on the rent that would be generated by these properties until the start of the academic year (14 September 2016). After this, these properties generated third-party rental income.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (+/-) | Summary of rental income that could cease to exist in future | ||
| Within one year | 9,370 | 482 | |
| Between one and five years | 350 | 45 | |
| More than five years | 1,249 | 36 | |
| Total | 10,969 | 563 |
The above table shows how much of the rental income that was earned between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016 could theoretically cease to exist in future if the current tenants give notice of termination on the next contractually permitted date and no new tenant is found.
Most of Xior Student Housing NV's tenancy agreements are short-term contracts for letting student units. These contracts are typically concluded for a one-year period, after which they can be extended. Xior also tries to conclude long-term contracts with colleges or universities for some of the rooms in its portfolio. In the course of 2016, the Company signed a contract with Hogeschool Gent for a 20-year term for the rental of 318 of the 490 student rooms in the complex located at Overwale 42-44 in Ghent. The Company also signed a contract with Stichting Zuyd Hogeschool for the rental of 60 of 134 student rooms and with Maastricht University for the rental of 20 of 134 student rooms at the student complex located at Vijverdalseweg in Maastricht. These contracts were originally signed for a three-year term in August 2014 and can be extended. On 31 December 2016, 15% of the total number of lettable student units were let with the help of colleges or universities. These contracts with colleges and universities account for 11% of the rental income.
Xior Student Housing NV also has several other types of tenancy agreements that are also long-term. These are mainly the tenancy agreements for the commercial properties, which typically have terms that exceed one year. The term of these contracts generally varies from three to ten years.
Rents are paid monthly and in advance. Certain property-related costs, such as running costs, taxes and levies and the communal costs are also charged to the tenant. Tenants pay a fixed monthly advance payment for this purpose with an annual settlement, or a fixed annual amount is charged to cover these costs. In order to guarantee tenants comply with their obligations, a rental guarantee of at least one month's rent, and in most cases two months' rent, is charged. This is paid mostly in cash and reflected on the balance sheet under other short-term liabilities.
Figures in thousands of EUR. 31/12/2016 31/12/2015 (-) Technical costs -688 -121 Recurring technical costs -687 -111 Maintenance -608 -98
| Insurance premiums | -79 | -13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-recurring technical costs | -1 | -10 | |
| (-) | Commercial costs | -216 | -18 |
| Lawyers' fees and legal costs | 0 | ||
| Estate agent commissions | 0 | ||
| Publicity | -216 | -18 | |
| Other | 0 | ||
| (-) | Costs and taxes for non-let properties | 0 | 0 |
| (-) | Property management costs | -607 | -7 |
| Management costs (external) | -235 | -7 | |
| Management costs (internal) | -373 | 0 | |
| (-) | Other property expenses | -470 | -14 |
| Surveyors' fees | -112 | -12 | |
| Architects' fees | 0 | -1 | |
| Immovable property tax and other taxes | -358 | 0 |
The figures for 31 December 2015 only covered 21 days of operations as a public regulated real estate company (RREC) and are therefore not comparable with the financial year of 2016, which did cover a full financial year of 12 months.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| (+/-) General company expenses |
-1,859 | -291 |
| - Lawyers' fees, notarial charges and legal costs | -157 | -3 |
| - Audit (external and internal) | -85 | -39 |
| - Tax and financial advice | -181 | -3 |
| - Directors and executive management | -457 | -50 |
| - Staffing costs | -356 | 0 |
| - Housing costs | -100 | |
|---|---|---|
| - Office costs | -104 | |
| - Publicity, communication and annual report | -107 | |
| - Taxes and statutory expenses | -227 | |
| - Insurance | -45 | -1 |
| - Other general expenses | -40 | -195 |
| General company expenses | -1,859 | -291 |
The general expenses of the Company cover the fixed operating expenses of the undertaking that operates as a legally listed entity and enjoys RREC status. These costs are incurred to provide transparent financial information.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (+/-) | Other operating income and costs | 71 | -45 |
| Management for third parties | 71 | 0 | |
| Miscellaneous operating income | 0 | 24 | |
| Rental of office equipment | 0 | -5 | |
| Business taxes | 0 | -4 | |
| Other | 0 | -60 | |
| Other operating income and costs | 71 | -45 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
Pursuant to Article 6 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, Stubis, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xior Student Housing NV, provides limited real estate services to third parties (which were previously provided by Retail Design BVBA prior to the merger by acquisition of the latter by Xior Student Housing NV). The returns from this are accounted for as other operational income and costs. The result before taxes for these services to third parties in 2016 represents a nonsignificant percentage of the consolidated income before taxes.
The assets managed for third parties represent approximately 8.6% (and therefore less than 10%) of the consolidated assets of Xior Student Housing NV.
On 31 December 2015, this also included income and expenses of Xior Student Housing NV for the period prior to Xior's accreditation as a RREC.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/16 | 31/12/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (+/-) | Result from the sale of investment property | 106 | 0 |
| (+/-) | Result from the sale of other non-financial assets | ||
| (+/-) | Variations in the fair value of investment property | 1,112 | -149 |
| Positive variations in the fair value of investment property | 3,319 | 1,293 | |
| Negative variations in the fair value of investment property | -2,207 | -1,442 | |
| (+/-) | Other portfolio income | -110 | -380 |
| (+/-) | Portfolio income | 1,108 | -529 |
New properties were acquired in 2016 through property acquisitions (sale-purchase) as well as share acquisitions and takeover mergers.
The property was partly acquired at the Fair Value and partly acquired at the fiduciary value (the purchase price agreed between the parties), which was different from the Fair Value.
The positive change in the valuation of the investment property can be explained by the tighter yields of the Dutch portfolio. The negative change in the valuation of the investment property can primarily be explained by a decrease in the Estimated Rental Value established by the property expert for several commercial properties and by the exceeding of the budget for the project situated at Overwale 42-44 (Schoonmeersche Campus).
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | |
|---|---|
| Book value of the sold property | 2,763 |
| Net sales price of investment property (sales price - transaction costs) | 2,870 |
| Total profit and loss on property investment sales | 106 |
The capital gains realised against the Fair Value are related to the sale of a non-strategic commercial property in Hasselt.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (+) | Financial income | 23 | 9 |
| (-) | Net interest expense | -1,388 | -43 |
| Nominal interest paid on loans | -957 | -43 | |
| Reconstitution of the nominal amount of financial debt | -58 | ||
| Costs of permitted hedging instruments | -373 | ||
| (-) | Other financial costs | -232 | -20 |
| Bankkosten en andere commissies | -212 | -16 | |
| Andere | -20 | -3 | |
| (+/-) | Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities | -1,866 | 0 |
| Market value of Interest Rate Swaps | -1,866 | 0 | |
| (+/-) | Financial result | -3,464 | -54 |
The weighted average interest rate*29 was 1.78% (1.39% without hedging instruments) on 31 December 2016 and was 1.53% on 31 December 2015. The average financing cost* is 2.05% on 31 December 2016 and was 1.91% on 31 December 2015.
The Company is subject to fluctuations in interest rates, because all long-term liabilities were entered into on the basis of variable interest rates. An increase in the interest rate can therefore cause an increase in the interest charges. In the course of January 2016 and December 2016, the necessary IRS contracts were concluded to obtain a fixed interest rate for some of the loans (see Chapter 5.3.2 of this Annual Report).
The derivatives used by Xior Student Housing NV do not qualify as hedging transactions. As a result, the changes in Fair Value are included in the income statement immediately.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/16 | 31/12/15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | ||
| 33.99% corporate tax | 7 | 0 |
| Subsidiaries | ||
| Belgian tax, due and deductible | 102 | 16 |
| Foreign tax, due and deductible | 412 | 29 |
| Foreign deferred taxes | -300 | 22 |
| Total | 220 | 66 |
| Exit Tax | -11 | -2 |
| Total | 209 | 64 |
An RREC is only subject to corporation tax as regards disallowed expenses and extraordinary and gratuitous advantages. Deferred taxes (exit taxes) for subsidiaries are recorded as the difference between the carrying amount after depreciation in the annual financial statements of these subsidiaries and the Fair Value. These are recorded at a rate of 16.995%, as it is the intention to merge these subsidiaries with the public RREC.
The Company also has a number of buildings that are located in the Netherlands. These collectively form a permanent establishment in the Netherlands. The tax on profits, due by the permanent establishment in the Netherlands, is estimated at 25% of its taxable income.
In addition to the income taks provision, a deferred taks liability is accounted for at a rate of 6%. This deferred tax liability is calculated on the latent capital gain of the Dutch investment property, held by the permanent establishment. This deferred tax liability is adjusted when the Fair Value of the book value of the investment property changes, a.o. due to changes in valuation or fiscal depreciation.
Please also refer to Chapter 10.9.22 of this Annual Report.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| Investment table | Investment property in operation |
Property developments |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at the start of the previous financial year | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Acquisition through purchase or contributions of property companies |
137,870 | 36,548 | 174,418 |
| Further CAPEX investments | 0 | 390 | 390 |
| Purchase and contribution of investment property | 20,074 | 0 | 20,074 |
| Sale of investment property | 0 | 0 | |
| Capitalised interest charges | 0 | 21 | 21 |
| Variation in the fair value | -65 | -84 | -149 |
| Balance on 31 December 2015 | 157,879 | 36,875 | 194,753 |
| Acquisition through purchase or contributions of property companies |
33,048 | 0 | 33,048 |
| Further CAPEX investments | 2,270 | 11,767 | 14,037 |
| Purchase and contribution of investment property | 25,298 | 0 | 25,298 |
| Sale of investment property | -2,763 | 0 | -2,763 |
| Capitalised interest charges | 0 | 389 | 389 |
| Variation in the fair value | 603 | 509 | 1,112 |
| Transfer from/to | 49,539 | -49,539 | 0 |
| Balance on 31 December 2016 | 265,873 | 0 | 265,873 |
Capitalised interest charges with regard to properties that are the object of project developments were capitalised at an interest rate of 1.75% during 2016.
Further investment in CAPEX is related to the investments made in connection of new purchases, own project development and investments in the existing portfolio. For a detailed description of all achievements of 2016, please refer to Chapter 10.9.30 of the Annual Report.
The Overwale 42-44 project in Ghent was developed further, completed and put into use in the course of September 2016. This project was mainly responsible for the 2016 project development CAPEX of EUR 11.7 million.
Investment property is included at their Fair Value in accordance with IAS 40. The Fair Value is measured based on unobservable inputs, so the assets within the investment property belong to level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as determined by the IFRS. There were no shifts within the fair value hierarchy in 2016.
Investment property is recognised in the accounts on the basis of appraisal reports that are drawn up by independent and expert property appraisers.
The appraisal of the property portfolio was drawn up by Stadim (Belgium and some of the Netherlands) and DTZ (the Netherlands).
The independent property experts perform an external appraisal of the property portfolio each quarter.
For a further explanation of the valuation methods, please refer to Chapter 8.2.2.1 of this Annual Report.
The fair value is determined on the basis of one of the following levels of the IFRS 13 hierarchy:
The property portfolio is assessed at the Fair Value. The Fair Value is measured based on unobservable inputs, so the assets within the investment property belong to level three of the fair value hierarchy as determined by the IFRS.
| Asset types | Fair value on 31/12/2016 |
Assess ment method |
Country | Unobservable data | Min. | Max. | Weighted average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student flats | 158,349 | DCF | Belgium | Rent per student room | 210 | 1,060 | 360 |
| Discount rate | 4.33% | 4.65% | 4.45% | ||||
| Vacancy | 0.00% | 52.00% | 3% | ||||
| 76,611 | DCF | The Netherlands | Rent per student room | 250 | 696 | 385 | |
| Discount rate | 5.60% | 7.75% | 6.50% | ||||
| Vacancy | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0% | ||||
| Other | 28,278 | DCF | Belgium | Gross rental income/m² | 212 | 395 | 230 |
| Discount rate | 4.00% | 5.45% | 4,50% | ||||
| Vacancy | 0.00% | 13.00% | 3% | ||||
| 2,635 | DCF | The Netherlands | Gross rental income/m² | 100 | 225 | 198 | |
| Financial return | 6.60% | 8.15% | 7% | ||||
| Vacancy | 4.00% | 6.00% | 4% | ||||
| Total | 265,873 |
| Asset types | Fair value on 31/12/2015 |
Assess ment method |
Country | Unobservable data | Min. | Max. | Weighted average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student flats | 142,429 | DCF | Belgium | Rent per student room | 210 | 1,060 | 360 |
| Discount rate | 4.08% | 4.65% | 4.50% | ||||
| Vacancy | |||||||
| 28,869 | DCF | The Netherlands | Rent per student room | 250 | 565 | 380 | |
| Discount rate | 6.65% | 8.15% | 7% | ||||
| Vacancy | 0.00% | 9.00% | 2% | ||||
| Other | 21,905 | DCF | Belgium | Gross rental income/m² | 212 | 395 | 230 |
| Discount rate | 3.75% | 5.20% | 4.50% | ||||
| Vacancy | 0.00% | 5.00% | 2% | ||||
| 1,550 | DCF | The Netherlands | Gross rental income/m² | 100 | 275 | 224 | |
| Discount rate | 7.25% | 8.15% | 7.5% | ||||
| Vacancy | 4.00% | 6.00% | 4% | ||||
| Total | 194,753 |
There is a significant gap between the minimum and maximum rents for student rooms. This is because the rent for the different rooms depends on various factors (size of the room, en-suite or not, with or without own kitchenette, location in the building, etc.). For more information on the average room price and influencing factors, please refer to Chapter 8.2.2.4 of this Annual Report.
The valuation expert also takes into account the end value of the property. On average, this end value amounts to 50% of the Fair Value. This is due to the fact that Xior's properties are in good locations, so that the land value included in the Fair Value of the property involves a high end value.
In the valuation, the valuation expert also allows for the ageing of the buildings. To this end, an annual rate of depreciation is applied to the value of the building when calculating the Fair Value. This corresponds to approximately 2% per annum on the value of the building. The valuation expert assumes that thorough renovation will be required after a period of time in order to ensure that rental streams are maintained.
The sensitivity of the Fair Value to a variation in the aforementioned non-observable data is generally presented as follows (if all parameters remain unchanged):
| Unobservable data | Effect on the Fair Value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In case the value of the non-perceptible data falls |
In case the value of the non-perceptible data rises |
|||
| Rent per student room | Negative | Positive | ||
| Discount rate | Positive | Negative | ||
| Gross rental income/m² | Negative | Positive | ||
| Vacancy | Positive | Negative |
These unobservable data may also be interconnected as they are partly determined by the market conditions.
If the discount rate or rents were to rise or fall, the impact on the Fair Value would be as follows:
| Impact on the Fair Value | In KEUR |
|---|---|
| Rent +10% | 26,223 |
| Rent +5% | 13,288 |
| Rent -5% | 13,056- |
| Rent -10% | 26,311- |
| Discount rate +0.5% | 24,126- |
| Discount rate +0.3% | 14,890- |
| Discount rate +0.1% | 5,092- |
| Discount rate -0.1% | 5,325 |
| Discount rate -0.3% | 17,031 |
| Discount rate -0.5% | 33,507 |
Investment property is recognised in the financial statements on the basis of appraisal reports that are drawn up by the independent property experts. These reports are based on information provided by the Company and on the assumptions and valuation models adopted by the property expert.
Information provided by the Company includes current tenancy agreements, periods and conditions, along with renovation carried out on investments for project developments.
The assumptions and valuation models applied by the property experts mainly relate to the market situation, such as returns and discount rates. They are based on their professional assessment and knowledge of the market. For a detailed description of the method of valuation applied by the property experts, please refer to Chapter 8.2.2 of this Annual Report ('Appraisal of the property portfolio by the property expert').
The information provided by the property experts, together with the assumptions and valuation models, is reviewed internally. This includes reviewing variations in the Fair Value during the period in question.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| Tangible fixed assets | 31/12/2016 Other tangible fixed assets |
31/12/2015 Other tangible fixed assets |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition value | ||
| Balance at the start of the previous financial year | 256 | |
| Acquisitions | 52 | 256 |
| At the financial year-end | 308 | 256 |
| Depreciation | ||
| Balance at the start of the previous financial year | -16 | |
| Depreciation | -44 | -16 |
| At the financial year-end | -60 | -16 |
| Net carrying value | 248 | 240 |
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Financial fixed assets | ||
| Financial derivatives (IRS) | ||
| Other | 21 | 19 |
| Total | 21 | 19 |
The deferred taxes were 0 on 31 December 2016, compared with KEUR 380 on 31 December 2015. This relates to deferred tax assets on the tax losses of the Dutch permanent establishment. These losses were deducted from the profits of the Dutch permanent establishment in 2016. Please also refer to Chapter 10.9.7.
The long-term receivables (KEUR 135) relate to a reduction in rental property tax in the Netherlands30, which can be deducted from future property tax expenses.
The assets intended for sale are 0 on 31 December 2016. On 31 December 2015, the assets intended for sale showed the amount still to be invoiced in relation to a development project sold by a company acquired by Xior Student Housing NV during the IPO.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | ||
| Trade receivables | 562 | 516 |
| Invoices to issue | 0 | 11 |
| Income to be collected | 0 | 2 |
| Credit notes to be received | 0 | 40 |
| Doubtful debts | 0 | 0 |
| Recorded impairments | -20 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 67 |
| Total | 542 | 635 |
Trade receivables still to be collected (KEUR 562) include the rents still to be received.
30 This rental property tax is in force in the Netherlands, where landlords owning more than 10 rental properties have to pay a tax on the property tax value of rented accommodation. This applies to rental properties for which the rent does not exceed EUR 710.68 per month (2017 price level). The rental property tax rate for 2016 is 0.491%. If the applicable conditions are met, this tax can be reduced in case of investments.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Impairments on doubtful debts – movement table | ||
| At the financial year-end | 0 | 0 |
| From acquired companies | ||
| Additions | 20 | |
| Reversals | ||
| Written off as no longer collectible | ||
| At the financial year-end | 20 | 0 |
Provisions for doubtful debts are generally made on an individual basis, when needed. There is a risk that a loss will be suffered on a receivable. This risk is limited because a rental guarantee of at least one month's rent, and in most cases two months' rent, is requested at the start of the tenancy agreement.
The provision for doubtful debts is established as follows: the list of overdue rent is monitored closely internally. Based on an assessment by the management or when there are clear indications that the receivables can no longer be collected, a provision is established. A provision of KEUR 20 was established on 31 December 2016.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax receivables and other current assets | ||
| Tax to be reclaimed | 3 | 2 |
| VAT to be reclaimed | 169 | 665 |
| Other | 1,879 | 1,911 |
| Total | 2,051 | 2,577 |
On 31 December 2015, the other current assets related to guarantees provided by the Company for KEUR 466 in order to obtain the release of bank guarantees. The guarantees provided by the Company were released in the course of 2016.
On 31 December 2016, the other current assets include an running account position with the promoter (KEUR 1,659). These receivables resulted mainly from the provided rent/return guarantees for certain projects during the IPO. This also includes receivables for rental guarantees provided by the sellers of projects acquired in the course of 2016. The sellers provided rental guarantees for the acquisition of Carré Maastricht, The Spot Eindhoven and Tramsingel Breda. These rental guarantees extend for 12 months (or 24 months in the case of The Spot Eindhoven). In simple terms, the rental guarantee means that the seller pays the difference between the theoretical rent in case of 100% occupancy and the actual rent.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||
| Banks | 4,075 | 4,333 |
| Cash resources | 23 | 51 |
| Total | 4,098 | 4,384 |
There are no restrictions on the use or application of cash and cash equivalents.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accruals and deferred payments – Assets | ||
| Accrued rental income not due | 50 | |
| Prepaid property expenses | 430 | 8 |
| Other | 110 | 99 |
| Total | 540 | 157 |
Other relates mainly to overheads to be deferred.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| Date | Transaction |
|---|---|
| 10/03/2014 | Incorporation of company |
| 23/09/2015 | Capital increase |
| 23/11/2015 | Share split |
| 11/12/2015 | Sister mergers |
| 11/12/2015 | Capital increase by way of non-cash contribution as a result of the Share Contribution |
| 11/12/2015 | Mergers by acquisition |
| 11/12/2015 | Capital increase below accounting par value through cash contributions for the issue of new shares |
| 11/12/2015 | Capital reduction to create a reserve to cover foreseeable losses |
| 1/03/2016 | Merger with Devimmo NV |
| 1/08/2016 | Merger with CPG CVBA |
| 11/10/2016 | Contribution in kind Woonfront Tramsingel Breda B.V. |
| Accounting par value (EUR) |
New number of shares |
Previous number of shares |
New capital (EUR) |
Capital increase (EUR) |
Previous capital (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100.00 | 200.00 | 20,000.00 | 20,000.00 | ||
| 100.00 | 12,500.00 | 200.00 | 1,250,000.00 | 1,230,000.00 | 20,000.00 |
| 29.41 | 42,500.00 | 12,500.00 | 1,250,000.00 | 1,250,000.00 | |
| 25.19 | 975,653.00 | 42,500.00 | 24,578,937.02 | 23,328,937.02 | 1,250,000.00 |
| 25.17 | 1,105,923.00 | 975,653.00 | 27,835,720.03 | 3,256,783.01 | 24,578,937.02 |
| 25.15 | 1,253,764.00 | 1,105,923.00 | 31,531,780.11 | 3,696,060.08 | 27,835,720.03 |
| 19.50 | 4,626,780.00 | 1,253,764.00 | 90,242,678.39 | 58,710,898.28 | 31,531,780.11 |
| 18.00 | 4,626,780.00 | 4,626,780.00 | 83,282,040.00 | -6,960,638.39 | 90,242,678.39 |
| 18.00 | 4,857,437.00 | 4,626,780.00 | 87,433,866.00 | 4,151,826.00 | 83,282,040.00 |
| 18.00 | 4,930,823.00 | 4,857,437.00 | 88,754,814.00 | 1,320,948.00 | 87,433,866.00 |
| 18.00 | 5,270,501.00 | 4,930,823.00 | 94,869,018.00 | 6,114,204.00 | 88,754,814.00 |
in thousand EUR
| Date | Transaction | Issue premiums |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2015 | ||
| 25,615 | ||
| 1/03/2016 | Merger with Devimmo NV | 1,615 |
| 1/08/2016 | Merger with CPG CVBA | 514 |
| 11/10/2016 | Contribution in kind | 4,517 |
| Total issue premiums on 31 December 2016 | 32,261 |
At the extraordinary general meeting of 23 November 2015, the Board of Directors was authorised to increase the authorised capital on one or more occasions, subject to a maximum amount of EUR 83,282,040. For this purpose, see Article 7 of the Articles of Association included under Chapter 12.5 of this Annual Report.
This authorisation was granted to the Board of Directors for a five-year period from the publication in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal of the minutes of the extraordinary general meeting of 23 November 2015. This authorisation can be renewed. The Board of Directors will determine the price, any issue premium and the issue conditions of the new securities for each capital increase.
These capital increases may be implemented by cash contributions, non-cash contributions, mixed contributions or the conversion of reserves, including retained profits and issue premiums, as well as all equity components under the separate IFRS annual financial statements (drawn up under the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies) that are subject to conversion into capital, whether or not with the creation of new securities, in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Belgian Companies Code, Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies and Articles of Association.
The Board of Directors may also issue new shares with the same or different rights (such as voting rights, dividend rights, including whether or not any preferential dividend is transferable, and/or rights relating to the liquidation balance and any preference with regard to the repayment of capital) as the existing shares and amend the Articles of Association in that regard to give effect to such different rights. Where applicable, and if the Board of Directors has adopted a resolution for a capital increase, the Board of Directors must place the issue premiums in a non-distributable reserve that serves as a guarantee for third parties in the same way as the capital and which, subject to its incorporation in the capital, will only be able to be reduced or abolished by means of a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders deliberating in accordance with the conditions for a quorum and majority that apply to an amendment of the Articles of Association.
Notwithstanding the application of Articles 592-598 and 606 of the Belgian Companies Code, the Board of Directors may limit or cancel the pre-emptive right, even if it operates in favour of one or more persons other than employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, insofar as an irreducible allocation right is granted to the existing Shareholders on the award of new securities (insofar as permitted by law). This irreducible allocation right must at least comply with the conditions as set out in Article 11.1 of the Articles of Association. Notwithstanding the application of Articles 595-599 of the Belgian Companies Code, such restrictions with regard to the restriction or cancellation of the pre-emptive right do not apply to a cash contribution with any restriction or cancellation of the pre-emptive right, in addition to a non-cash contribution as part of the distribution of an optional dividend, insofar as this is actually made payable in respect of all shareholders.
If securities are issued in return for a non-cash contribution, the conditions as stated in Article 11.2 of the Articles of Association must be fulfilled (including the possibility of deducting an amount that corresponds to the portion of the unpaid gross dividend). However, the special rules on a capital increase by non-cash contribution, as set out under Article 11.2, do not apply to the contribution of the right to a dividend as part of the distribution of an optional dividend, insofar as this is actually made payable in respect of all shareholders.
Under the same conditions as set out above and subject to the applicable statutory provisions, the Company may, with the exception of profit-sharing certificates and similar securities, issue the securities referred to in Article 460 of the Belgian Companies Code and any other securities permitted by company law in accordance with the rules prescribed for that purpose and the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
The right in relation to the authorised capital may never be used for the following transactions:
The capital was increased by means of the authorised capital in the course of 2016. The authorised capital balance is EUR 77,167,836 on 31 December 2016.
Taking into account the received transparency notifications and the information in Xior Student Housing NV's possession, the main shareholders on 31 December 2016 are:
| Shareholder | % |
|---|---|
| Aloxe NV - Christian Teunissen & Frederik Snauwaert | 23.82% |
| AXA Investment Managers SA | 5.19% |
Please also refer to Chapter 6.1.9 of this Annual Report.
The transparency notifications can be consulted on the Company's website (www.xior.be under the heading Investor Relations – Shareholder Structure).
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of ordinary shares in circulation | 5,270,501 | 4,626,780 |
| Weighted average number of shares31 | 4,926,405 | NA |
| Net earnings per ordinary share (in EUR)32 | 1.02 | -0.11 |
| Diluted net earnings per ordinary share (in EUR)33 | 1.02 | -0.11 |
| EPRA earnings per share (in EUR)*34 | 1.17 | 0.0031 |
31 The earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of shares. This means that the shares are included from the moment they are issued.
32 The net earnings per ordinary share are calculated as follows: net income divided by the weighted average number of shares.
33 The diluted net earnings per ordinary share are calculated as follows: net income divided by the weighted average number of shares.
34 EPRA earnings per share* are calculated as follows: net income – income from sales of investment property – variations in the fair value of investment property – other portfolio income – variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities divided by the weighted average number of shares. For the reconciliation table of this APM, please refer to Chapter 10.8.
The other non-current financial liabilities on 31 December 2016 are KEUR 1,866. They relate to the market value of the outstanding interest rate swap (IRS) agreements on 31 December 2016.
| IFRS classification |
Level (IFRS) |
Level (IFRS) |
Variable interest rate (in %) |
Fixed interest rate (in %) |
Expires on | Fair value liabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest rate swap | 2 | 52,000,000 | Euribor 3M | 0.465% | 29/12/2023 | 1,095,151.00 |
| Interest rate swap | 2 | 48,000,000 | Euribor 3M | 0.31% | 31/12/2022 | 771,257.32 |
| Total | 100,000,000 | 1,866,408.32 |
The market value of the outstanding Interest Rate Swap contracts is received from the various financial institutions.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred taxes – liabilities | ||
| Exit tax | 0 | 2.110 |
| Deferred taxes on capital gains on immovable property | 284 | 543 |
| Total | 284 | 2,653 |
The deferred taxes relate to spread capital gains estimates and to deferred taxes on the Dutch investment property. The exit tax entered for long-term debt on 31 December 2015 concerned the exit tax with regard to the subsidiaries. They merged on 16 December 2016, so the exit tax debt is now shown under the short-term exit tax debts. The exit tax will be payable in the course of 2017.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current financial debts | ||
| Bilateral loans – variable interest rate | 131,500 | 72,658 |
| Loan drawdown costs | -185 | -210 |
| Total | 131,315 | 72,448 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current financial debts (excl. interest) - Breakdown according to maturity35 |
||
| Between one and two years | 29,971 | 0 |
| Between two and five years | 101,345 | 72,448 |
| More than five years | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 131,315 | 72,448 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unused loans | ||
| Due within one year | 3,993 | |
| Due after one year | 18,500 | 33,349 |
| Total | 18,500 | 37,342 |
All financial debts have no underlying collateral.
All financial debts have a variable interest rate. In January 2016, IRS contracts were signed with a start date of 2 February 2016 in order to hedge part of the loans and swap the variable interest rates with fixed interest rates. One of the IRS contracts were renegotiated in December 2016 and a new IRS contract was signed. A total of KEUR 100,000 in financing is hedged with IRS contracts. This means 76.05% of drawn down financing is hedged.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated future interest charges | ||
| Within one year | 1,985 | 1,397 |
| Between one and five years | 4,207 | 4,270 |
| More than five years | ||
| Total | 6,192 | 5,655 |
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidity liability at maturity dates associated with the hedging instruments |
||
| Within one year | 543 | |
| Between one and five years | 1,126 | |
| More than five years | ||
| Total | 1,669 |
The estimate of future interest charges takes into account the debt position as at 31 December 2016.
On 11 December 2015, Xior Student Housing NV concluded two financing agreements to obtain the funds necessary to acquire the initial property portfolio and to finance future growth. All the terms of these financing agreements were already documented and agreed before 11 December 2015, but the actual financing was provided on 11 December 2015. In the course of 2016, new financing agreements were signed in order to finance Xior Student Housing NV's acquisitions. For Xior Student Housing's debt ratio, please refer to Chapter 10.9.34. This concerns bullet loans taken out with various banks, with terms varying from three to five years. The average term is 3.13 years.
The following table gives an overview of the impact on the fair value and IRSs if the interest rate were to rise or fall by up to 0.20%:
| Change in interest rate | Impact on change in fair value of IRSs on 31/12/2016 |
|---|---|
| -0.20% | KEUR -1,301 |
| +0.20% | KEUR +1,301 |
The Company must comply with the necessary covenants in the context of its financing agreements. Xior met all the relevant covenants on 31 December 2016.
A 60% maximum debt ratio (cf. calculation provided in the Belgian Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies), an interest cover ratio of at least 2.5 and minimal hedging of 70%. For a more detailed description of the financing agreements signed by the Company, please also refer to Chapter 5.3.1 of this Annual Report.
If the Euribor were to rise or fall by 20 basis points, approximately KEUR 96 would be due in interest. The sensitivity calculation took into account the impact of the IRS contract.
If the Euribor were to fall by 20 basis points, KEUR 140 more would be due in interest. If the Euribor were to rise by 20 basis points, KEUR 123 less would be due in interest.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade debts | ||
| Trade debts | 1,125 | 2,182 |
| Invoices to be received | 120 | 3,843 |
| Taxes and social security contributions | 1,015 | 5,316 |
| Liquidation bonus to be paid | 0 | 878 |
| Exit tax | 3,469 | 5,869 |
| Total | 5,729 | 18,088 |
Taxes and social security are mainly income taxes still payable for the merged subsidiaries and payable VAT.
The short-term exit tax debt are the exit taxes payable for the merged companies.
Other current liabilities (KEUR 1,583) are mainly rental guarantees received from tenants.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued liabilities and deferred income | ||
| Property income received in advance | 512 | 357 |
| Real estate expenses to be allocated | 226 | |
| Other | 362 | 423 |
| Total | 1,100 | 780 |
The income to be carried over relates mainly to rent paid in advance. Accrued expenses are mainly property tax assessments still to be received.
Other accruals are mainly costs still due in the context of the Company's RREC status, so an attributable expense was set up for this.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of financial assets and liabilities |
Carrying amount |
Fair value |
Carrying amount |
Fair value |
Level |
| Assets | |||||
| Financial fixed assets | 156 | 156 | 399 | 399 | |
| Financial fixed assets | 21 | 21 | 19 | 19 | Level 2 |
| Trade receivables and other fixed assets |
135 | 135 | Level 2 | ||
| Deferred taxes – assets | 0 | 0 | 380 | 380 | Level 2 |
| Financial current assets | 6,691 | 6,691 | 7,597 | 7,597 | |
| Trade receivables | 542 | 542 | 635 | 635 | Level 2 |
| Tax receivables and other current assets |
2,051 | 2,051 | 2,577 | 2,577 | Level 2 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4,098 | 4,098 | 4,384 | 4,384 | Level 1 |
| Total financial assets | 6,847 | 6,847 | 8,015 | 8,015 | |
| Liabilities | |||||
| Non-current financial liabilities | 133,181 | 133,181 | 72,447 | 72,447 | |
| Non-current financial liabilities | 131,315 | 131,315 | 72,447 | 72,447 | Level 2 |
| Financial derivatives | 1,866 | 1,866 | 0 | 0 | Level 2 |
| Current financial liabilities | 7,312 | 7,312 | 19,069 | 19,069 | |
| Trade and other current payables | 5,729 | 5.729 | 18,088 | 18,088 | Level 2 |
| Other current liabilities | 1,583 | 1.583 | 981 | 981 | Level 2 |
| Total financial liabilities | 140,493 | 140,493 | 91,516 | 91,516 |
Trade receivables and payables are recorded at amortised cost. The change in fair value of financial derivatives is entered under the income.
Since the trade receivables and payables are current, the fair value almost approximates the nominal value of the financial assets and liabilities in question. On 31 December 2016, Xior Student Housing NV had KEUR 131,315 of financial debt at variable interest rates. As the loans were taken out at variable interest rates, the fair value of these liabilities is the same as their book value. These loans are effectively partially hedged by IRS contracts from 2 February 2016 and 8 December 2016.
For the definitions of the levels, please refer to Chapter 10.9.8 of this Annual Report.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Transactions with related parties | ||
| Management fee | 600 | 50 |
| Fee of independent directors | 81 | 0 |
| Total | 681 | 50 |
The related parties the Company associates with are its subsidiaries and its directors and executives. Transactions with the subsidiaries are eliminated in the consolidation.
The fee for directors and executives is recognised under the item "General expenses of the Company" (see Chapter 10.9.3). Directors and executives do not receive any further benefits at the expense of the Company. We refer for this purpose to the remuneration report in Chapter 6.1.17 of this Annual Report.
On 31 December 2016, Xior Student Housing NV has KEUR 1,659 in receivables from Aloxe, the Company's promoter. These receivables resulted mainly from the provided rental guarantees for certain projects during the IPO.
Please also refer to the merger with Devimmo on 1 March 2016 and the merger with CPG on 1 August 2016 (see Chapter 5.4 of this Annual Report).
Pursuant to Article 133, Section 6 of the Belgian Companies Code, the one-to-one rule must be assessed in relation to Xior Student Housing NV and may not be exceeded.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandate of the statutory auditor (Xior Student Housing NV) | 25 | 30 |
| Mandate of the Statutory Auditor (subsidiaries) | 8 | 9 |
| Audit engagements under the Belgian Companies Code | 11 | |
| Other audit engagements (comfort letter, etc.) | ||
| Tax consultancy assignments | ||
| Other assignments outside the audit engagements | ||
| Total | 44 | 39 |
The Company is achieving its growth strategy and its portfolio contained 54 properties on 31 December 2016. The acquisitions achieved in the course of 2016 are explained briefly below.
The Company acquired some properties in mergers by acquisition. These allowed Xior Student Housing NV to absorb Devimmo NV and CPG CVBA.
On 1 August 2016, the merger by acquisition of CPG CVBA was completed. Through this merger, Xior acquired a real estate property located at 91 Vlamingenstraat/11 Parkstraat in Leuven, with a total of 29 units intended for student housing. The Fair Value of the real estate property was estimated at EUR 2.7 million. Following this merger, 73,386 new shares were issued. This merger resulted in a capital increase (including issue premium) of EUR 1,834,650.
| CPG Overview acquired assets and liabilities |
In KEUR |
|---|---|
| Investment property | 2,701 |
| Other assets | 507 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 314 |
| Equity | 1,835 |
| Other debts | 1,687 |
| Value of the shares contributed | 1,835 |
36 At the time of the merger, CPG CVBA was a subsidiary of Aloxe NV, the Company's promoter.
The merger by acquisition of Devimmo NV was completed on 1 March 2016. Through this merger, Xior acquired a property located at 137 Parkstraat in Leuven consisting of 73 units intended for student housing and 30 underground parking spaces. The Fair Value of the real estate property was estimated at EUR 6.9 million. Following this merger, 230,657 new shares were issued. This merger resulted in a capital increase (including issue premium) of EUR 5,766,425.
| Devimmo Overview acquired assets and liabilities |
In KEUR |
|---|---|
| Investment property | 6,965 |
| Other assets | 796 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 65 |
| Equity | 5,766 |
| Other debts | 2,059 |
| Value of the shares contributed | 5,766 |
The Company also acquired a number of properties through a sale-purchase against payment in cash (property acquisitions).
On 20 October 2016, Xior successfully completed its acquisition of two student properties at Nieuwbrug/Kruitmolenstraat in Brussels. The acquisition involved 34 student units with an investment value of approximately EUR 2.3 million and a Fair Value of EUR 2.15 million.
On 1 September 2016, Xior successfully completed its acquisition of the Carré property in Maastricht. This meant acquiring a student property in the centre of Maastricht consisting of 143 units and retail space on the ground floor. This acquisition has a total investment value of approximately EUR 24 million and a Fair Value of EUR 23.1 million.
The Company also acquired 100% of the shares in two real estate companies through a sale-purchase against payment in cash.
On 11 October 2016, Xior successfully completed its acquisition of the Tramsingel property in Breda.
This acquisition was achieved by the contribution in kind of 100% of the shares in the real estate company "Woonfront-Tramsingel Breda BV" to Xior's capital. The price of the shares in the real estate company is based on the global investment value of the property held by this company, i.e. approximately EUR 12.4 million (Fair Value of EUR 12.3 million). The transaction strengthened the equity position, which stood at EUR 10,631,947 (capital including issue premium).
| Woonfront-Tramsingel Overview acquired assets and liabilities |
In KEUR |
|---|---|
| Investment property | 12,427 |
| Other assets | 176 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 171 |
| Equity | 10,839 |
| Other debts | 1,936 |
| Transfer tax | 249 |
| Other price elements | 42 |
| Corrected equity | 10,632 |
| Value of the shares contributed | 10,632 |
On 30 September 2016, Xior acquired 95 self-contained units located at Kronehoefstraat in Eindhoven. This is a leased site that was delivered at the end of December 2015. The student housing complex is known as "The Spot". This property was acquired through the purchase of 100% of the shares in the real estate company involved. The price of the shares in the real estate company is based on an agreed value for the property of approximately EUR 10.4 million, which is in line with the Fair Value.
| Eindhoven De Kroon Overview acquired assets and liabilities |
In KEUR |
|---|---|
| Investment property | 10,400 |
| Other assets | 433 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 24 |
| Equity | 5,398 |
| Long term debts | 4,552 |
| Other debts | 907 |
| Corrected equity | 5,398 |
| Share price | 5,398 |
For the accounting treatment of these acquisitions, please refer to the principle for consolidation.
• Intra-group mergers
On 16 December 2016, Karibu NV, Kwartma NV, Retail Design NV, Eindhoven De Kroon BV and Woonfront-Tramsingel BV merged with Xior Student Housing NV.
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average headcount (in FTE) | 17.8 | 6.8 |
| Blue collars | 7 | 8 |
| White collars | 14 | 9 |
| Administrative staff | 3 | 2 |
| Commercial staff | 12 | 9 |
| Technical staff | 6 | 6 |
| Staffing costs (in thousands of EUR) | 855 | 435 |
| Remuneration and direct social benefits | 645 | 344 |
| Company social security contributions | 198 | 85 |
| Company contributions for non-compulsory insurance policies | ||
| Other staffing costs | 12 | 6 |
Reference is made to Chapter 5.5 of this Annual Report for events after the balance sheet date.
There have been no other significant events since the closing of the financial year that have affected the annual financial statements.
The following subsidiaries form part of Xior Student Housing NV's scope of consolidation on 31 December 2016:
| Name | Country | Share in the capital |
|---|---|---|
| Stubis BVBA | Belgium | 100% |
On 31 December 2015:
| Name | Country | Share in the capital |
|---|---|---|
| Karibu Invest BVBA | Belgium | 100% |
| Kwartma BVBA | Belgium | 100% |
| Retail Design BVBA | Belgium | 100% |
The above companies all merged with Xior Student Housing NV on 16 December 2016.
Figures in thousands of EUR.
| Consolidated debt ratio (max. 65%) | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Total liabilities | 141,877 | 94,949 |
| Adjustments | -3,250 | -3,433 |
| Total debts according to the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 | 138,627 | 91,516 |
| Total assets | 273,507 | 203,331 |
| Adjustments | 0 | 0 |
| Total assets according to the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 | 273,507 | 203,331 |
| Debt ratio (in %) | 50.69% | 45.01% |
The legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies, more specifically Article 24 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies, states that if the RREC's consolidated debt ratio exceeds 50%, it must prepare a financial plan with an implementation schedule describing the steps that will be taken to prevent the debt ratio rising above 65% of the consolidated assets. The statutory auditor will prepare a special report on this financial plan. This report will confirm that the auditor has verified that the plan's preparation method uses the correct economic foundations and the plan's figures correspond with the RREC's accounting figures.
The half-yearly and annual financial reports must specify how the financial plan was implemented in the relevant period and how the RREC will implement the plan in the future.
During the last quarter of 2016, Xior Student Housing NV's consolidated debt ratio went up to 50.69%, compared with 45.01% on 31 December 2015. As a result of the implementation of Xior Student Housing NV's well-known, committed growth strategy and with the planned implementation of the acquisition pipeline that will increase the portfolio to approximately EUR 340 million in the short term (mid-2017), the debt ratio has exceeded 50%. In 2016, KEUR 58,346 was invested, but the equity was also strengthened by KEUR 18,233 through a contribution in kind.
Based on the debt ratio of 50.69% on 31 December 2016 and taking into account the acquisition of the property located in Barbarasteeg in Delft through debt financing and the acquisition of the properties in Ladderstraat in Brussels by equity financing with a contribution in kind, Xior Student Housing NV still has an additional investment potential of approximately EUR 100 million, without exceeding the maximum debt ratio of 65%. With a current committed pipeline worth approximately EUR 54 million, this is therefore significantly below the legal limit of 65%. There is still room for EUR 60 million of new investments before the 60% threshold is crossed.
The valuation of the property portfolio also has an impact on the debt ratio. Taking into account the capital base on 31 December 2016, the maximum debt ratio of 65% would only be exceeded if the value of the property portfolio were to fall by approximately EUR 58 million, which is about 20% of the property portfolio of EUR 284 million38 on 17 January 2017.
In Xior Student Housing NV's opinion, the current debt ratio is at an acceptable level and there is still a sufficient margin to absorb any decreases in property value.
Based on the current financial plan and taking into account the acquisitions that will be completed during 2017, Xior Student Housing NV is expecting a debt ratio of around 55% compared with 50.69% on 31 December 2016, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
However, these expectations may be affected by unforeseen circumstances. Please refer to Chapter 1 ("Risk Management") of this Annual Report in this regard.
The Board of Directors of Xior Student Housing NV believes that the debt ratio will not exceed 65% and that based on the current economic and real estate trends, planned investments and expected evolution of the public RREC's equity, no additional steps are required.
The goal is to maintain the debt ratio at a level around 55%, and to continue to strive towards a balanced growth of both equity and debt.
Xior Student Housing NV will monitor the evolution of the debt ratio closely. If certain events were to require an adjustment of the public RREC's policy, the Company will not fail to make the adequate adjustments, which will result in mandatory reporting where applicable, as required by the statutory disclosure regulations the Company must comply with.
A number of properties were acquired from third parties in the course of 2016. The sellers provided rental guarantees for a number of these properties. The term of these rental guarantees varies from 12 to 24 months starting from the transfer date. More specifically, the Company received rental guarantees for the properties on Tongerseweg in Maastricht, Kronehoefstraat in Eindhoven and Tramsingel in Breda.
Please refer to the press releases of 20 April 2016 and 11 May 2016 announcing that the Company signed agreements to acquire property in Delft, The Hague and Rotterdam. Please also refer to Chapter 5.6.2 of the Annual Report.
On 28 October 2015, a company that was acquired by the Company as part of the IPO following a merger was sued by non-voluntary third-party intervention before the Commercial Court of Leuven in the context of a dispute regarding a real estate project implementation contract. The dispute does not relate to the property belonging to the Company's portfolio.
The plaintiff who sued by non-voluntary third-party intervention and indemnification has now waived the claim. During the procedure, the original defendant had also filed an indemnification claim. The case was heard before the Commercial Court of Leuven on 2 February 2017. The verdict is still pending. Although the Company is unable to pre-empt the court's decision, it believes that the defence of the remaining indemnification claim is likely to be successful. All available legal remedies will be pursued if necessary.
The possible negative impact of this case will always be limited to the claimed amount (KEUR 371 plus interest). As it is understood that the Company is contractually protected against this anyway, a possible negative outcome (in an unexpected worst-case scenario) can actually be considered immaterial.
The Board of Directors declares that there are no further government interventions, lawsuits or arbitration cases that could have – or have recently had – a significant effect on Xior's financial position or profitability. It also declares that as far as it is aware, there are no circumstances or facts that could trigger such government interventions, lawsuits or arbitration cases.
In accordance with legal requirements, we report to you on the performance of our mandate of statutory Auditor. This report includes our report on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 as defined below, as well as our report on other legal and regulatory requirements. These Consolidated Financial Statements comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2016, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended, as well as notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
We have audited the Consolidated Financial Statements of Xior Student Housing NV ("the Company") and its subsidiaries ("the Group") for the year ended 31 December 2016, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and implemented by the royal decree of 13 July 2014, and with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium. The total of the consolidated balance sheet amounts to '000' EUR 273.507 and the consolidated income statement shows a profit for the year of '000' EUR 5.016.
The board of directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and implemented by the royal decree of 13 July 2014, and with legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium, and for such internal control as the board of directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements which are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Statutory auditor's responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) as endorsed in Belgium. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Consolidated Financial Statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The procedures selected depend on the statutory auditor's judgment, including his assessment of the risks of material misstatement in the Consolidated Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the statutory auditor considers internal control relevant to the group's preparation and fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the group's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the board of directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We have obtained from the board of directors and the Company's officials the explanations and information necessary for performing our audit.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our unqualified opinion.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the group's net equity and consolidated financial position as at 31 December 2016 and of its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and implemented by the royal decree of 13 July 2014, and with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium.
The board of directors is responsible for the preparation and the content of the board of directors' report on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the context of our mandate and in accordance with the Belgian standard which is complementary to the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) as applicable in Belgium, our responsibility is to verify, in all material respects, compliance with certain legal and regulatory requirements. On this basis, we provide the following additional statement which does not impact our opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements:
• The board of directors' report on the Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with article 119 of the Companies' Code and to be deposited in accordance with article 100 of the Companies' Code, includes, both in terms of form and content, the information required by law, is consistent with the Consolidated Financial Statements and does not present any material inconsistencies with the information that we became aware of during the performance of our mandate.
Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, 6 April 2017
The Statutory Auditor PwC Reviseurs d'Entreprises sccrl/ Bedrijfsrevisoren bcvba Represented by
Damien Walgrave Reviseur d'Entreprises / Bedrijfsrevisor
In accordance with legal requirements, we report to you on the performance of our mandate of statutory Auditor. This report includes our report on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 as defined below, as well as our report on other legal and regulatory requirements. These Consolidated Financial Statements comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2015, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended, as well as notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
We have audited the Consolidated Financial Statements of Xior Student Housing NV ("the Company") and its subsidiaries ("the Group") for the year ended 31 December 2015, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium. The total of the consolidated balance sheet amounts to '000' EUR 203.331 and the consolidated income statement shows a loss for the year of '000' EUR 514.
The board of directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and with legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium, and for such internal control as the board of directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements which are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Consolidated Financial Statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The procedures selected depend on the statutory auditor's judgment, including his assessment of the risks of material misstatement in the Consolidated Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the statutory auditor considers internal control relevant to the group's preparation and fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the group's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the board of directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We have obtained from the board of directors and the Company's officials the explanations and information necessary for performing our audit.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our unqualified opinion.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the group's net equity and consolidated financial position as at 31 December 2015 and of its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, and with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium.
The board of directors is responsible for the preparation and the content of the board of directors' report on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the context of our mandate and in accordance with the Belgian standard which is complementary to the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) as applicable in Belgium, our responsibility is to verify, in all material respects, compliance with certain legal and regulatory requirements. On this basis, we provide the following additional statement which does not impact our opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements:
Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, 18 April 2016
PwC Reviseurs d'Entreprises sccrl/ Bedrijfsrevisoren bcvba Represented by
Damien Walgrave Reviseur d'Entreprises / Bedrijfsrevisor
Xior Student Housing NV's statutory annual financial statements are based on the IFRS standards and in accordance with the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies of 13 July 2014. The full version of Xior Student Housing NV's separate annual financial statements will be deposited together with the Annual Report and the Statutory Auditor's report with the National Bank of Belgium within the statutory term and is available free of charge on the Company website (www.xior.be) and from the registered office on request.
The Statutory Auditor has issued an unqualified opinion without reservations for the separate financial statements of Xior Student Housing NV.
| Income statement | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | (+) Rental income |
9,644 | 467 | |
| (+) | Rental income | 8,623 | 456 | |
| (+) | Rental guarantee | 1,035 | 11 | |
| (+/-) | Rent reductions | -14 | ||
| III | (+/-) | Rent-related expenses | -57 | |
| - Impairment of trade receivables | -57 | |||
| Net rental income | 9,586 | 467 | ||
| V | (+) | Recovery of rental charges and taxes normally payable by the tenants for let properties |
1,300 | 28 |
| Transmission of rental charges borne by the owner | 1,202 | 28 | ||
| Charges for withholding tax and taxes on let properties | 98 | |||
| VII | (-) | Rental charges and taxes normally payable by the tenants for let properties |
-1,345 | -50 |
| Rental charges borne by the proprietor | -1.247 | -33 | ||
| Advance levies and taxes on let properties | -98 | -17 | ||
| VIII | (+/-) | Other rent-related income and expenditure | 622 | 90 |
| Property result | 10,163 | 536 | ||
| IX | (-) | Technical costs | -628 | -119 |
| Recurring technical costs | -627 | -109 | ||
| (-) | Maintenance | -560 | -96 | |
| (-) | Insurance premiums | -67 | -13 | |
| Non-recurring technical costs | -1 | -10 | ||
| (-) | Damages | -1 | -10 | |
| X | (-) | Commercial costs | -216 | -18 |
| (-) | Publicity | -216 | -18 | |
| XII | (-) | Property management costs | -577 | -7 |
| (-) | Management costs (external) | -204 | -7 | |
| (-) | Management costs (external) | -373 | ||
| XIII | (-) | Other property expenses | -438 | -13 |
| (-) | Architects' fees | -1 | ||
| (-) | Surveyors' fees | -112 | -12 | |
| (-) | Other | -327 | ||
| Property expenses | -1,859 | -157 |
| XIV. | (-) | General company expenses | -1,782 | -288 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV. | (+/-) | Other operating income and costs | -8 | -45 |
| Operating result before the result on the portfolio | 6,514 | 47 | ||
| XVI | (+/-) | Result from the sale of investment property | 106 | |
| (+) | Net property sales (sales price - transaction costs) | 2,870 | ||
| (-) | Book value of the sold property | -2,763 | ||
| XVIII | (+/-) | Variations in the fair value of investment property | 1.111 | -141 |
| (+) | Positive variations in the fair value of investment property | 3,261 | 1,292 | |
| (-) | Negative variations in the fair value of investment property | -2,150 | -1,433 | |
| XIX | (+/-) | Other portfolio result | 560 | -380 |
| Operating result | 8,292 | -475 | ||
| XX | (+) | Financial income | 429 | 34 |
| (+) | Interest and dividends collected | 429 | 34 | |
| XXI | (-) | Net interest costs | -1,453 | -46 |
| (-) | Nominal interest paid on loans | -1,022 | -46 | |
| (-) | Reconstitution of the nominal amount of financial debt | -58 | ||
| (-) | Costs of permitted hedging instruments | -373 | ||
| Permitted hedging instruments that are not subject to hedging accounting as defined by the IFRS |
-373 | |||
| XXII | (-) | Other financial costs | -213 | -20 |
| (-) | Bank costs and other commissions | -193 | -16 | |
| (-) | Other | -20 | -3 | |
| XXIII | (+/-) | Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities | -1,866 | 41 |
| Permitted hedging instruments that are not subject to hedging accounting as defined by the IFRS |
-1,866 | |||
| Other | 41 | |||
| (+/-) | Financial result | -3,104 | 9 | |
| Result before taxes | 5,188 | -465 | ||
| XXIV | (+/-) | Corporate tax | -71 | -29 |
| XXV | (+/-) | Exit tax | 13 | -22 |
| (+/-) | Taxes | -58 | -50 | |
| Net result | 5,130 | -515 |
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net result | 5,130 | -514 | |
| Other components of the comprehensive income | |||
| (+/-) | Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction costs and costs result ing from hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
0 | 0 |
| (+/-) | Variations in the effective part of the fair value of permitted cash flow hedging instruments |
0 | 0 |
| Comprehensive income | 5,130 | -514 |
| Assets | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets | 265,761 | 184,601 | |
| B | Intangible fixed assets | ||
| C | Investment property | 265,358 | 168,721 |
| Property available to let | 265,358 | 131,846 | |
| Property developments | 36,874 | ||
| D | Other tangible fixed assets | 248 | 240 |
| Tangible fixed assets for own use | 248 | 240 | |
| Other | |||
| E | Financial fixed assets | 21 | 15,260 |
| Assets at fair value via income | 15,242 | ||
| Other | 21 | 17 | |
| G | Trade receivables and other fixed assets | 135 | |
| H | Deferred taxes – assets | 380 | |
| Current assets | 7,802 | 16,237 | |
| A | Assets intended for sale | 186 | |
| Other assets | 186 | ||
| D | Trade receivables | 538 | 606 |
| E | Tax receivables and other current assets | 2,627 | 13,947 |
| Taxes | 172 | 666 | |
| Wages and social security contributions | |||
| Other | 2,455 | 13,281 | |
| F | Cash and cash equivalents | 4,097 | 1,393 |
| G | Accruals and deferred payments | 540 | 105 |
| Prepaid property expenses | 430 | 8 | |
| Accrued rental income not due | 41 | ||
| Other | 110 | 56 | |
| Total assets | 273,563 | 200,837 |
| Liabilities | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity | 131,744 | 108,381 | |
| A | Capital | 94,869 | 76,321 |
| Issued capital | 94,869 | 83,282 | |
| Capital increase costs | -6,961 | ||
| B | Issue premiums | 32,261 | 25,615 |
| C | Reserves | -515 | 6,961 |
| Statutory reserves | |||
| Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property | 4,044 | ||
| Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
-4,565 | ||
| Non-distributable reserve: reserve for expected losses | 6,961 | ||
| Other reserves | |||
| Retained earnings from previous financial years | 6 | ||
| D | Net income for the financial year | 5,130 | -515 |
| Liabilities | 141,819 | 92,456 | |
| I | Non-current liabilities | 133,465 | 72,748 |
| B | Non-current financial debts | 131,315 | 72.447 |
| a | Credit institutions | 131,315 | 72.447 |
| C | Other non-current financial liabilities | 1,866 | |
| Permitted hedging instruments | 1,866 | ||
| F | Deferred taxes – liabilities | 284 | 300 |
| a | Exit tax | ||
| b | Other | 284 | 300 |
| II | Current liabilities | 8,353 | 19,708 |
| D | Trade and other current payables | 5,726 | 16,675 |
| Exit tax | 3,469 | 5,869 | |
| Other | 2,257 | 10,806 | |
| Suppliers | 1,242 | 5,482 | |
| Taxes, wages and social security contributions | 1,015 | 5,324 | |
| E | Other current liabilities | 1,527 | 2,313 |
| Other | 1,527 | 2,313 | |
| F | Accruals and deferred payments | 1,100 | 720 |
| a | Property income received in advance | 512 | 302 |
| c | Other | 588 | 418 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 273,563 | 200,837 |
| Capital | Issue premiums |
Reserves | Net income of the financial year |
Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on 10 March 2014 | |||||
| Net appropriation of income 2015 | -515 | -515 | |||
| Transfer of result on the portfolio income to reserves |
-521 | -521 | |||
| Transfer of operating income to reserves | 6 | 6 | |||
| Other elements recognised in the comprehensive income |
0 | ||||
| Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs |
0 | ||||
| resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
0 | ||||
| Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities |
0 | ||||
| Issue of new shares | 85,575 | 85,575 | |||
| Capital increase through non-cash contribution | 30,282 | 30,282 | |||
| Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase |
-6,961 | -6,961 | |||
| Capital reduction to create an available reserve to cover future losses |
-6,961 | -6,961 | 0 | ||
| Partial allocation of capital to issue premiums | -25,615 | 25,615 | 0 | ||
| Dividends | 0 |
| Capital | Issue premiums |
Reserves | Net income of the financial year |
Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on 31 December 2015 | 76,320 | 25,615 | 6,961 | -515 | 108,381 |
| Net appropriation of income 2015 | -515 | 515 | 0 | ||
| Transfer of result on the portfolio income to reserves |
0 | ||||
| Transfer of operating income to reserves | 0 | ||||
| Income for the period | 5,130 | 5,130 | |||
| Other elements recognised in the comprehensive income |
0 | ||||
| Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs |
0 | ||||
| Resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
0 | ||||
| Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities |
0 | ||||
| Issue of new shares | 0 | ||||
| Capital increase through non-cash contribution | 18,233 | 18,233 | |||
| Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase |
0 | ||||
| Capital reduction to create an available reserve to cover future losses |
|||||
| Use of the available reserve to cover future losses |
6,961 | -6,961 | 0 | ||
| Partial allocation of capital to issue premiums | -6,646 | 6,646 | 0 | ||
| Dividends | 0 | ||||
| Balance on 31 December 2016 | 94,868 | 32,261 | -515 | 5,130 | 131,744 |
| Statutory reserves |
Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property |
Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on 10 March 2014 | ||||
| Net appropriation of income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Transfer of result on the portfolio income to reserves | ||||
| Transfer of operating income to reserves | ||||
| Other elements recognised in the comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs |
||||
| Resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
||||
| Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities | ||||
| Issue of new shares | ||||
| Capital increase through non-cash contribution | ||||
| Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase | ||||
| Capital reduction to create an available reserve to cover future losses |
||||
| Dividends | ||||
| Other | ||||
| Balance on 31 December 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of permitted hedging instruments that are subject to hedging accounting as defined in the IFRS |
Available reserve: reserve for expected losses |
Other reserves |
Income carried over from previous financial years |
Total of the reserves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 6,961 | 6,961 | |||
| 0 | 6,961 | 0 | 0 | 6,961 |
| Statutory reserves |
Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of property |
Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on 31 December 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Net appropriation of income | ||||
| Transfer of result on the portfolio income to reserves | 4,044 | -4,565 | ||
| Transfer of operating income to reserves | ||||
| Other elements recognised in the comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs |
||||
| Resulting from hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
||||
| Variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities | ||||
| Issue of new shares | ||||
| Capital increase through non-cash contribution | ||||
| Costs of issuing new shares and of capital increase | ||||
| Capital reduction to create an available reserve to cover future losses |
||||
| Dividends | ||||
| Other | ||||
| Balance on 31 December 2016 | 0 | 4,044 | -4,565 |
| Total of the reserves | Income carried over from previous financial years |
Other reserves |
Available reserve: reserve for expected losses |
Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of permitted hedging instruments that are subject to hedging accounting as defined in the IFRS |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,961 | 0 | 0 | 6,961 | 0 | |
| -515 | 6 | ||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| -6,961 | -6,961 | ||||
| 0 | |||||
| 0 | |||||
| -515 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Net income | 5,130 | -515 | |
| B | (-/+) | Addition to/withdrawal from reserves | ||
| 1 | (-/+) | Addition to/withdrawal from the reserve for the (positive or negative) balance of changes in the property's fair value |
||
| Financial year | 3,187 | 4,044 | ||
| 2 | (-/+) | Addition to/withdrawal from the reserve of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
-2,077 | -4,565 |
| 5 | (+) | Addition to the reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of permitted hedging instruments that are not subject to hedging accounting as defined in the IFRS |
||
| Financial year | -1,866 | |||
| 10 | (-/+) | Addition to/withdrawal from other reserves | 221 | 6 |
| 11 | (-/+) | Addition to/withdrawal from income carried over from previous financial years |
||
| C | Return on capital pursuant to Article 13, section 1, first paragraph |
4,273 | ||
| D | Return on capital – other than C | 1,392 |
in thousand EUR
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | 5,130 | -515 | |
| (+) | + depreciation | 44 | |
| (+) | + impairments | 20 | |
| (-) | - writebacks | ||
| (+/-) | +/- other non-monetary items | 1,924 | |
| (+/-) | +/- income from the sale of investment property | -106 | |
| (+/-) | +/- variations in the fair value of property | -1,671 | 521 |
| Corrected result (A) | 5,341 | 6 | |
| (+/-) | Gains and losses on property realised during the financial year | 0 | |
| (-) | Gains realised on property during the financial year exempt from the payment obligation subject to their reinvestment within a period of four years |
0 | |
| (+) | Gains realised on property previously exempt from the payment obligation and not reinvested within a period of four years |
0 | |
| Net gains on the realisation of property not exempt from the payment obligation (B) |
0 | 0 | |
| Total (A+B) x 80% | 4,273 | 5 | |
| (-) | Debt reduction | 0 | |
| Payment obligation | 4,273 | 5 |
The amount as referred to in Article 617 of the Belgian Companies Code of the paid-up capital or – if the amount is higher – called-up capital, plus the reserves that must not be distributed by law or under the Articles of Association, is determined in Article 13, Section 1 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
This calculation is based on Xior Student Housing NV's separate annual financial statements.
Figures in EUR
| 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-distributable equity in accordance with Article 617 of the Belgian Companies Code |
125,971,057 | 108,381,105 |
| Paid-up capital | 94,869,018 | 83,282,040 |
| Issue premiums are unavailable according to the articles of association | 32,260,546 | 25,614,502 |
| Reserve for the positive balance of the variations in the investment value of property |
7,230,785 | 4,043,786 |
| Reserve for the impact on the fair value of the estimated transaction fees and costs resulting from the hypothetical disposal of investment properties |
-6,642,183 | -4,565,183 |
| Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of permitted hedging instruments that are subject to hedging accounting |
0 | 0 |
| Reserve for the balance of the variations in the fair value of permitted hedging instruments that are not subject to hedging accounting |
-1,866,408 | 0 |
| Other reserves | 119,299 | 5,960 |
| Statutory equity | 131,744,295 | 108,381,105 |
| Planned dividend payments | 5,665,366 | 0 |
| Weighted average number of shares | 4,926,405 | |
| Operational distributable income per share (EUR) | 1.15 | |
| Statutory equity after dividend payments | 126,078,929 | 108,381,105 |
| Remaining reserve after payment | 107,873 |
Xior Student Housing received the income of the subsidiaries it fully owned and then merged with from the date the Company acquired them until they merged with the Company on 16 December 2016. This income was then absorbed into the Company's equity:
• The operational distributable income of subsidiaries was attributed to the various items for the Company's income.
• The change in the Fair Value of investment property of subsidiaries was attributed to other portfolio income.
As such the subsidiaries' operational income for the entire year of 2016 can be used for distribution as dividend.
Frederik Lintsstraat LEUVEN Kipdorpvest ANTWERPEN
10 FINANCIAL REPORT
This Annual Report contains future-oriented information, prospective information, projections, convictions, opinions and estimates produced by Xior in relation to the expected future performance of Xior and the market in which it operates ("prospective statements"). By nature, future-oriented statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, that appear justified at the time at which they are made but which may or may not turn out to be accurate, and there is a risk that such statements will not materialise. Some events are difficult to predict, and may depend on factors outside of Xior's control. In addition, the future-oriented statements are only valid on the date of this Annual Report. Statements in this Annual Report relating to past trends or activities may not be interpreted as an indication that such trends or activities will persist in future. Actual profits, the financial situation and Xior's performance or income may therefore differ substantially from the information projected or implied in future-oriented statements. Xior expressly rejects any obligation or guarantee to publicly update or review prospective statements unless it is required to do so by law.
Xior Student Housing NV, with its registered office at Mechelsesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp, is responsible for the content of this registration document.
Xior Student Housing NV declares it has taken all reasonable measures to ensure the data in this Annual Report is in accordance with the facts and that no data has been omitted that would affect the implications of this Registration Document. As far as it is aware, this is currently the case.
The Board of Directors, whose composition is set out in Chapter 6.1.11 of this Annual Report, declares to the best of its knowledge that:
This registration document contains information provided by third parties (see Chapter 8.1 of this Annual Report for a report by CBRE; Chapter 8.2.2 for the Conclusions by property experts Stadim and DTZ; and Chapters 7.1.5.4 and 10.9.36 for the reports of the Statutory Auditor).
Xior Student Housing NV declares that the information provided by third parties is accurately reproduced. As far as the Company is aware and was able to ascertain from the information published by the third party involved, no facts have been omitted that would make the shown information inaccurate or misleading.
The third-party information (reports and conclusions) included was included following the approval of its content, form and context.
The Company is a public limited company (naamloze vennootschap) incorporated under Belgian law that has the status of a public regulated real estate company under Belgian law (a "public RREC" or "RREC"). Its name is "Xior Student Housing" or "Xior". As a public RREC, the Company falls under the scope of application of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies and the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies. The Company also falls under the scope of application of the Belgian Companies Code.
Since 24 November 2015, the Company has been licensed as a public RREC under Belgian law, registered at the FSMA. The Company has made a public offering within the meaning of Article 438 of the Belgian Companies Code. Xior Student Housing NV's shares have been listed on Euronext Brussels (XIOR) since 11 December 2015.
The Company is entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (Antwerp Register of Legal Entities, Antwerp section) under company number BE 0547.972.794.
The Company has been incorporated for an indefinite period.
The Company's registered office is located at Mechelsesteenweg 34 (Box 108), 2018 Antwerp, Belgium. The Board of Directors may adopt a resolution to move the registered office elsewhere in Belgium.
The Company's further contact details are: Tel.: +32 3 257 04 89 (Head Office) E-mail: [email protected] www.xior.be
The Company was incorporated as a private limited company, Xior Student Housing NV, on 10 March 2014, by means of a deed executed before civil-law notary Peter Timmermans, notary in Antwerp, as published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal of 28 March 2014 under number 14069091.
The Company was incorporated with an authorised capital of EUR 20,000, which is represented by 200 shares allocated to the founders as follows:
Below we provide an overview of the most important changes that have occurred within the Company since its establishment.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 10 March 2014 | The Company is established as a private limited company under the name Xior Student Housing with a registered capital of EUR 20,000, represented by 200 shares. |
| 23 September 2015 | The Company is converted into a limited company and the financial year is extended to 31 December 2015. |
| The authorised capital is increased to EUR 1,250,000, represented by 12,500 shares. | |
| 23 November 2015 | The existing 12,500 shares are split into 42,500 new shares at a ratio of 1 existing share to 3.4 new shares. |
| The Articles of Association are amended after the Company's was licensed as a public RREC by the FSMA on 24 November 2015. |
|
| 11 December 2015 | The authorised capital increases to EUR 90,242,678.39, represented by 4,626,780 shares following various contributions in kind and a contribution in cash as part of the completion of the IPO. |
| The capital is reduced by EUR 6,960,638.39 to create a reserve for foreseeable losses, resulting in a new capital of EUR 83,282,040.00 represented by 4,626,780 shares. |
|
| The Board of Directors is authorised to increase the Company's issued authorised capital up to EUR 83,282,040 in one or more transactions. |
|
| The Board of Directors is authorised to acquire own shares or to accept them as security. | |
| The Board of Directors is authorised to acquire own Company shares, accept them as security and sell them in the event of serious imminent damage. |
|
| 1 March 2016 | The authorised capital is increased to EUR 87,433,866, represented by 4,857,437 shares following the merger by acquisition of Devimmo NV. |
| 1 August 2016 | The authorised capital is increased to EUR 88,754,814, represented by 4,930,823 shares following the merger by acquisition of CPG CVBA. |
| 11 October 2016 | The authorised capital is increased to EUR 94,869,018, represented by 5,270,501 shares following a contribution in kind of all shares in the company Woonfront-Tramsingel Breda BV. |
| 24 November 2016 | Xior Student Housing NV acquires all shares in Stubis BVBA. |
|---|---|
| 16 December 2016 | Xior Student Housing NV enters into a silent merger by the acquisition of (i) Karibu Invest BVBA (following the silent merger of Karibu Invest BVBA by the acquisition of Kwartma BVBA), (ii) Retail Design BVBA, (iii) Eindhoven De Kroon BV and (iv) Woonfront-Tramsingel Breda BV. |
| 17 January 2017 | The authorised capital is increased to EUR 97,538,994, represented by 5,418,833 shares following the contribution in kind of a student accommodation property (under construction) in Brussels. |
A table showing the evolution of the Company's authorised capital is included in Chapter 10.9.18 of this Annual Report.
Xior Student Housing NV has the status of a public RREC.
Regulated real estate companies are defined in the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies in terms of their activities. This activity consists of making property available, either directly or via a company in which it holds a stake, to users, and within any limits defined for this, owning "other property" (shares in public closed-end property investment companies, rights to participate in certain foreign CIUs, issuing shares through certain other RRECs and real estate certificates). The RREC may perform all the activities in this regard related to the construction, conversion, renovation, development (for its own portfolio), acquisition, disposal, management and operation of property. The RREC follows a strategy that aims to retain possession of its property for the long term. In performing its activities, it focuses on active management, which specifically implies that it assumes direct responsibility for the development and the day-to-day management of the properties, and that all other activities that it carries out add value to these properties or for those who use them, such as providing ancillary services in relation to the provision of the properties.
A public RREC is a regulated real estate company whose shares are permitted for trading on a regulated market and that raises funds in Belgium or abroad through a public offering of shares.
RRECs are governed by strict legislation. The Belgian legislature has ensured that the RREC provides a great deal of transparency in relation to its activities by stipulating that at least 80% of the adjusted net income (pursuant to Article 13 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies) less the net reduction in the RREC's debt in the course of the financial year must be distributed. RRECs also benefit from a special tax regime.
The RREC is subject to the supervision of the FSMA and specific regulations. The main characteristics of these regulations are the following:
The composition of the RREC's Board of Directors must be such that the RREC can be managed in accordance with Article 4 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies. The RREC's permitted activities must essentially remain limited to making properties available to users and the possession of "other property" (within the meaning of Article 4 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies), as described above.
Strict rules in relation to conflicts of interest and internal control structures must be observed.
On 31 December 2016, the Company's group structure was as follows:
For information on the distribution of share ownership, please refer to Chapter 6.1.9 of this Annual Report.
On 31 December 2016, the Company had 17.8 FTEs, excluding the management team, divided into an operational department (headed by the CEO) and a support administrative department (headed by the CFO).
The Company has one wholly (directly) owned subsidiary: Stubis BVBA.
Stubis is responsible for providing "property services to third parties" in accordance with Article 6 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies. These real estate services used to be provided by Retail Design BVBA before its merger by acquisition with Xior Student Housing NV. It is noted in this regard that the Company always aims to provide the best possible service both to its own buildings and the buildings that form part of these "property services to third parties", and thus strives in particular for an optimal occupancy rate of these buildings. The Company takes the view that very few to no conflicts of interest arise in this regard because letting out both types of buildings is in the Company's interest. In practice, the choice of a specific room is moreover made by the prospective tenant. Although the Company will assist prospective tenants in choosing a specific room based on their wishes and requirements (e.g. preferred locations), the full range of student rooms and obviously availability, the final choice lies with each prospective tenant. Conflicts of interest are therefore kept to a minimum or do not even exist.
Christian Teunissen is the Company's promoter together with Aloxe NV. Please also see Chapter 5.4 of this Annual Report and the information on promotership changes in this regard.
The Company must file its consolidated Articles of Association, including whenever these are revised and amended, and other documents that must be published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal with the registry of the Antwerp Commercial Court (Belgium), Antwerp section, where these will be available to the public. A copy of the most recent consolidated Articles of Association and the Corporate Governance Charter must also be made available on the Company's website. The Annual Financial Report 2015 is included by reference and is also available on the Company website.
In accordance with Belgian legislation, the Company must draw up separate and consolidated annual financial statements that are to be audited. The separate and consolidated annual financial statements and the related reports of the Board of Directors and the statutory auditor must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium, where these will be available to the public. As a listed company, the Company is moreover obliged to publish its abridged, half-yearly financial statements, as well as its audited annual financial statements, the statutory auditor's report and its Board of Directors' Annual Report.
The Company must disclose all information that qualifies as "foreknowledge" (inside information) under the applicable regulations to the public. The Company must also disclose information about its shareholder structure and certain other information to the public.
In accordance with the Royal Decree of 14 November 2007, such information and documents are made available through press releases, the financial press in Belgium, the Company's website (on condition that the conditions set out in Article 14 of the Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 are met), the communication channels of Euronext Brussels or a combination of these media, via which these documents can be consulted.
The Company's website is at www.xior.be. A copy of the above-mentioned documents can also be obtained from the Company's registered office.
In accordance with Article 24 read together with Articles 47 et seq. of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, the Company uses independent property experts who are responsible for the periodic and ad hoc valuations of its properties.
The property appraisal assignments for the properties located in Belgium and some properties located in the Netherlands are entrusted to Stadim CVBA, Uitbreidingstraat 10-16 (Antwerp Gate 2), 2600 Antwerp, Belgium, represented by Philippe Janssens. The property appraisal assignments for the other properties located in the Netherlands are entrusted to DTZ Zadelhoff VOF, Parnassusweg 803, 1082 LZ Amsterdam, represented by G.J.H. Boeve and F.G. van Hoeken (jointly referred to as "the Property Experts"). For this purpose, the Company and the respective Property Experts entered into a property appraisal agreement on 18 November 2015, under which the Property Experts act as appraisers (i) for the initial valuation of the Company's property after becoming licensed as an RREC, (ii) for the annual revaluation and quarterly adjustments, and (iii) any subsequent appraisals of property that the Company wishes to acquire or sell. The Property Experts also update the total valuation of the Company's property based on market developments and the individual characteristics of the properties concerned at the end of each quarter.
Based on the above agreements, the Property Experts are appointed for a fixed three-year period starting from 1 January 2016. In accordance with Article 24 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, a new agreement may be concluded with a Property Expert, where relevant, only after a period of three years has passed between the end of the current period and the new period (rotation principle). However, since the Property Experts are legal entities, the above rotation principle applies solely to the natural persons who represent the respective Property Experts, on condition that the respective Property Experts show that appropriate functional independence exists between these natural persons.
The Property Experts appraise all the properties (land and buildings) in the Company's portfolio.
The Property Experts are entitled to an annual fee based on the size of the Company's portfolio. The experts' fees are not directly or indirectly related to the value of the property they assess. For the financial year of 2016, the total appraisal fee of the Property Experts is EUR 122,425 (incl. VAT), of which EUR 80,196 for Stadim and EUR 42,229 for DTZ Zadelhoff.
During the extraordinary general meeting held on 23 November 2015, the Company appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers Bedrijfsrevisoren BV (PwC), a professional partnership (BV) incorporated in the form of a cooperative society with limited liability (CVBA), represented by Damien Walgrave, company auditor and member of the Belgian Institute of Company Auditors, with registered office at Woluwedal 18, 1932 Diegem, listed at the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number VAT BE 0429.501.944 (Brussels Register of Legal Entities), whose designated representative is Damien Walgrave, as the statutory auditor of the Company (the "statutory auditor"), up to and including the general meeting that will decide on the annual financial statements drawn up for the year closing 31 December 2017.
The annual fee of the statutory auditor for examining and auditing the separate and consolidated accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries was fixed for the term of its mandate at EUR 25,000 (excluding VAT and expenses), subject to annual indexation.
For a summary of the statutory auditor's fee in the 2016 financial year, please refer to Chapter 10.9.29 of this Annual Report.
PwC, represented by company auditor Damien Walgrave, was appointed as the statutory auditor of company Stubis BVBA for a three-year period on 24 November 2016. The fixed fee of the statutory auditor for examining and auditing the separate accounts of Stubis BVBA is EUR 2,500 (excluding VAT and expenses), subject to annual indexation.
The statutory auditor has agreed that its reports are included in this Annual Report under Chapters 7.1.5.4 and 10.9.37.
Legal Financial Markets Marc Sanders Avenue Marnix/Marnixlaan 24 1000 Brussels + 32 2 547 31 40 [email protected]
A EUR 2,220.50 fee was paid for 2016.
Nijverheidsstraat 44 1040 Brussels
A fee of EUR 15,000 excl. VAT was paid for 2016.
(in accordance with Article 75(1)(2) of the Belgian Companies Code)
The Company was incorporated as a private limited liability company by means of a deed executed before the undersigned civil-law notary Peter Timmermans on 10 March 2014, and published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal of 28 March 2014 under number 2014-03-28/14069091.
The Articles of Association were amended by means of a deed before the same notary Peter Timmermans on:
The Articles of Association were amended by deed executed before notary Yves De Deken, replacing his colleague notary Peter Timmermans in his absence, both practising in Antwerp, on 1 August 2016, which included the merger by absorption published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal of 5 September 2016 under number 2016-09-05/16123425.
The Articles of Association were last amended by means of a deed before the same notary Peter Timmermans on:
Reference made in these Articles of Association to "the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies", means "the regulations that apply at any time to regulated real estate companies".
CHAPTER I – NAME – LEGAL FORM – DURATION – REGISTE-RED OFFICE – PURPOSE – PROHIBITORY STIPULATIONS
The Company name is "Xior Student Housing" or "Xior" for short.
The Company has the legal form of a public limited liability company. The Company is subject to the statutory system of the regulated public real estate company under Belgian law, referred to below as a "public RREC" or "RREC".
The corporate name of the Company and all of the documents that it produces (including all deeds and invoices) must contain the wording "openbare gereglementeerde vastgoedvennootschap naar Belgisch recht" (regulated public real estate company under Belgian law) or "openbare GVV naar Belgisch recht" (public RREC under Belgian law) or "OGVV naar Belgisch recht" (PRREC under Belgian law). The corporate name must also always be preceded or followed by the words "naamloze vennootschap" (public limited company) or the abbreviation "NV".
The Company raises funds in Belgium or abroad by offering shares to the public, and thus made a public call on savings within the meaning of Article 438(1) of the Belgian Companies Code. The shares of the Company are admitted for trading on a regulated market and the Company thus qualifies as a listed company within the meaning of Article 4 of the Belgian Companies Code.
The Company is subject to all regulations that apply at any time to regulated real estate companies and, in particular, to the provisions of the Belgian Law of 12 May 2014 on regulated real estate companies ("the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies") and the Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 on regulated real estate companies ("the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies").
The Company has been incorporated for an indefinite period.
The registered office of the Company is at Mechelsesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium) and the Company is listed in the register for legal entities (RPR) at the Antwerp Commercial Court, Antwerp section.
The registered office may be moved elsewhere in Belgium without any amendment to the Articles of Association by means of a simple resolution of the Company's Board of Directors, subject to the observance of language legislation. The Board of Directors must ensure that any change to the Company's registered office is published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal.
The Company may establish suboffices, branches, subsidiaries, permanent establishments or agencies, both in Belgium and abroad, by means of a simple resolution of the Board of Directors.
The Company's sole purpose is (a) to make properties, either directly or via a company in which it holds a stake in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies and its implementing decrees and regulations, available to users, and (b) to own property as referred to in Article 2(5)(i)-(x) of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, within the limits defined for this in the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
Property means property within the meaning of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, as well as other assets, shares or rights that are defined as property by the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies.
For the purpose of making properties available, the Company may, in particular, perform all activities that relate to the erection, construction (without affecting the prohibition on acting as a property developer, except for occasional transactions), refurbishment, renovation, fitting out, development, acquisition, disposal, letting, subletting, exchange, contribution, transfer, parcelling out, placing under the system of coownership of or undivided interest in property, granting or acquiring rights of superficies, usufruct, long-term lease or other real or personal rights to property, and the management and operation of properties.
In accordance with the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, the Company may also:
as an ancillary activity, unless those properties are intended for purposes of general interest, including social housing and education, in which case this activity may be performed as a principal activity.
The Company may, with due observance of the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, acquire, rent or let, transfer or exchange immovable or movable assets, materials and required supplies, and generally perform all commercial or financial acts (including "additional services" as referred to in the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies) that relate directly or indirectly to its object, or that are simple in nature so as to pursue or facilitate the achievement of its object, both within Belgium and abroad.
With due observance of the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, the Company may, by means of a cash or non-cash contribution, merger, full or partial de-merger, or other restructuring under corporate law, subscription, participation, membership, financial intervention or otherwise, participate in (or be a member of) all existing or yet to be incorporated companies, undertakings or associations, in Belgium or abroad, whose corporate purpose is similar or complementary to its own, or is of such a nature as to pursue or facilitate the achievement of its object, and to generally perform all acts that are directly or indirectly associated with its corporate purpose.
The Company may not act as a property developer within the meaning of the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, unless this involves occasional transactions.
The Company is prohibited from:
The Company's capital is EUR 97,538,994 (ninety-seven million, five hundred and thirty-eight thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four euros) divided into 5,418,833 (five million, four hundred and eighteen thousand, eight hundred and thirty-three) shares without nominal value, each representing one 5,418,833rd (five million, four hundred and eighteen thousand, eight hundred and thirty-third) share of the capital.
The capital is fully paid-up.
The Board of Directors is authorised to increase the company's capital, on one or more occasions, on the dates and under the conditions that it determines, subject to a maximum amount of EUR 83,282,040.00. This authorisation is valid for a five-year period from the publication in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal of the minutes of the extraordinary general meeting of 23 November 2015.
The Board of Directors will determine the price, any issue premium and the issue conditions of the new securities for each capital increase. These capital increases may be implemented by cash contributions, non-cash contributions, mixed contributions or the conversion of reserves, including retained profits and issue premiums, as well as all equity components under the separate IFRS annual financial statements (drawn up under the regulations applicable to registered real estate companies) that are subject to conversion into capital, whether or not with the creation of new securities, in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Belgian Companies Code, the regulations applicable to registered real estate companies and these Articles of Association. The Board of Directors may at such occasion issue new shares with the same or different rights (such as voting rights, dividend rights, including whether or not any preferential dividend is transferable, and/or rights relating to the liquidation balance and any preference with regard to the repayment of capital) as the existing shares and amend the Articles of Association in that regard to give effect to such different rights. Where applicable, in case the Board of Directors has adopted a resolution for a capital increase, the Board of Directors must place the issue premiums in a non-distributable reserve that serves as a guarantee for third parties in the same way as the capital and which, subject to its incorporation in the capital, will only be able to be reduced or abolished by means of a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders deliberating in accordance with the conditions for a quorum and majority that apply to an amendment of the Articles of Association.
Under the conditions and within the limits set in this article, the Board of Directors may also issue warrants (whether or not attached to another security) and convertible bonds or bonds payable in shares, which could give rise to the creation of the same securities as referred to in paragraph 4, always subject to compliance with the rules prescribed by the Belgian Companies Code, the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies and these Articles of Association. Notwithstanding the application of Articles 592-598 and 606 of the Belgian Companies Code, the Board of Directors may also limit or cancel the pre-emptive right, even if it operates in favour of one or more persons other than employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, insofar as an irreducible allocation right is granted to the existing Shareholders on the award of new securities (insofar as permitted by law). This irreducible allocation right must at least comply with the conditions as set out in Article 11.1 of these Articles of Association. Notwithstanding the application of Articles 595-599 of the Belgian Companies Code, the above restrictions with regard to the restriction or cancellation of the pre-emptive right do not apply to a cash contribution with any restriction or cancellation of the preemptive right, in addition to a non-cash contribution as part of the distribution of an optional dividend, insofar as this is actually made payable in respect of all shareholders.
If securities are issued in return for a non-cash contribution, the conditions as stated in Article 11.2 of these Articles of Association must be fulfilled (including the possibility of deducting an amount that corresponds to the portion of the unpaid gross dividend). However, the special rules on a capital increase by non-cash contribution, as set out under Article 11.2, do not apply to the contribution of the right to a dividend as part of the distribution of an optional dividend, insofar as this is actually made payable in respect of all shareholders. The Board of Directors is authorised to have any ensuing amendments to the articles of associated recorded in a legally valid manner.
The shares of the Company are registered or dematerialised, at the option of the shareholder. The shareholders may make a written request to convert registered shares into dematerialised shares, or vice versa, at any time.
A dematerialised share is represented by an entry in an account, in the name of the owner or holder, at a recognised account holder or settlement institution and is transferred by way of transfer from account to account. The number of the dematerialised shares in circulation at any given time is entered in the register of registered shares in the name of the settlement institution.
A register of the registered shares is held at the Company's registered office, in electronic form as the case may be. Ownership of the shares is evidenced by the entry in the share register.
There are no different types of shares.
With the exception of profit-sharing certificates and similar securities, and subject to due observance of the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, the Company may issue the securities referred to in Article 460 of the Belgian Companies Code, and any other securities permitted under company law, in accordance with the rules prescribed therein and the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies.
The Company may acquire its own shares or accept them in pledge in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Belgian Companies Code, provided that prior notice of the transaction is given to the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).
In accordance with the resolution of the general meeting of shareholders of 23 November 2015, the Board of Directors is permitted to acquire own shares or accept them in pledge, subject to a maximum of 20% (twenty per cent) of the total issued shares, at a unit price that may not be lower than 10% (ten per cent) of the average price for the last thirty days of listing of the share on Euronext Brussels, or higher than 110% (one hundred and ten per cent) of the average price for the last thirty days of listing of the share on Euronext Brussels.
This renewable authorisation is granted for a five-year period, as from 23 November 2015.
The Company may acquire its own shares or accept them in pledge without having to make an offer of purchase to all shareholders on condition that it guarantees the equal treatment of the shareholders under equal circumstances by means of equivalence of the offered price in accordance with Article 620, Section 1(5) of the Belgian Companies Code.
The Board of Directors is permitted to dispose of own shares that are listed within the meaning of Article 4 in accordance with Article 622, Section 2, paragraph 2(1) of the Belgian Companies Code.
In accordance with the resolution of the general meeting of shareholders of 23 November 2015, the Board of Directors is permitted to acquire its own shares, at a unit price that may not be lower than 75% (seventyfive per cent) of the average price for the last thirty days of listing of the share on Euronext Brussels.
The Board of Directors is permitted to acquire, accept in pledge and dispose of the Company's own shares if the acquisition or disposal is necessary to avoid impending serious harm to the Company, subject to the conditions included in Article 620 et seq. of the Belgian Companies Code. The general meeting of the Company granted this authorisation on 23 November 2015 for a three-year period, as from the date of publication of this authorisation in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Journal.
The aforementioned authorisations also permit the acquisition, acceptance in pledge and disposal of the Company's own shares by one or more of its subsidiaries within the meaning of Article 627(1) of the Belgian Companies Code, including by people acting in their own name but on behalf of those subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding the possibility to use authorised capital by means of a resolution of the Board of Directors, subject to due observance of the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, a resolution to increase or decrease capital may be adopted only by an extraordinary general meeting in the presence of a civil-law notary.
If the general meeting adopts a resolution to request an issue premium, this must be placed in a non-distributable reserve that serves as a guarantee for third parties in the same way as the capital and which, subject to its incorporation in the capital, will only be able to be reduced or abolished by means of a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders deliberating in accordance with the conditions for a quorum and majority that apply to an amendment of the Articles of Association.
In case of a capital increase by cash contribution, and notwithstanding the application of Articles 592-598 of the Belgian Companies Code, the pre-emptive right can be restricted or cancelled only insofar as the existing shareholders are granted an irreducible allocation right on the granting of new securities.
This irreducible allocation right must meet the following conditions imposed by the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies:
Notwithstanding the application of Articles 595-599 of the Belgian Companies Code, the aforementioned restrictions with regard to the capital increase by cash contribution do not apply to a cash contribution with any restriction or cancellation of the pre-emptive right, in addition to a non-cash contribution as part of the distribution of an optional dividend, insofar as this is actually made payable in respect of all shareholders.
If securities are issued in return for a non-cash contribution, notwithstanding Articles 601 and 602 of the Belgian Companies Code, the following conditions must be met:
i. The identity of the contributor must be specified in the report to the Board of Directors as referred to in Article 602 of the Belgian Companies Code, as well as, where applicable, in the notices for the general meeting that is convened for the capital increase.
For the application of point (ii) above, an amount corresponding to the portion of the undistributed gross dividend to which new shares would possibly confer no right may be deducted from the amount referred to under point (b). Where applicable, the Board of Directors will specifically account for the deducted dividend amount in its special report and explain the financial conditions in its annual financial report.
The special rules on a capital increase by non-cash contribution, as set out under Article 11.2, do not apply to the contribution of the right to a dividend as part of the distribution of an optional dividend, insofar as this is actually made payable in respect of all shareholders.
The special rules on capital increase by non-cash contribution, as set out under Article 11.2, apply by analogy to the mergers, de-mergers and equated transactions referred to in Articles 671-677, 681-758 and 772(1) of the Belgian Companies Code.
In this case, the "date of the contribution agreement" refers to the date on which the merger or division proposal is filed.
DeThe Company may reduce its capital subject to compliance with the relevant statutory provisions.
Article 12. Notice of significant holdings
In accordance with the terms, conditions and stipulations of Articles 6-13 of the Belgian Law of 2 May 2007 and the Royal Decree of 14 February 2008 on the disclosure of significant holdings (the "Transparency Legislation"), every natural person or legal entity must give notice to the Company and the FSMA of the number and percentage of the existing voting rights that they hold, directly or indirectly, if the number of those voting rights reach, exceed or remain below 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, etc. (in increments of 5% each time) of the total existing voting rights, under the conditions laid down by the Transparency Legislation.
The Company is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of at least five directors, who may but need not be shareholders, appointed by the general meeting of shareholders for a maximum of six years and who may be dismissed by the general meeting of shareholders at any time.
Outgoing directors are eligible for reappointment.
Aloxe NV (or persons who, with the prior and written consent of Aloxe NV, assume the role of promoter as stipulated in Article 2(13) of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies from Aloxe NV ("the Successors")) is (are) entitled to propose (or jointly propose) candidates for three directorships, until the last of the following events occurs: (i) Aloxe NV (or its Successors) owns (or jointly own) less than 25% of the Company's capital, and (ii) Aloxe NV (or its Successors) is (or are) no longer the Company's promoter in the sense of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
The Board of Directors must have at least three independent members within the meaning of Article 526ter of the Belgian Companies Code. The directors must permanently possess the professional reliability and appropriate expertise required for the performance of their duties, as set out in the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies, and may not fall within the scope of the prohibitory stipulations of those regulations.
If a vacancy arises on the Board of Directors, the remaining directors will be entitled to temporarily fill the vacancy until the next general meeting, which will make a definitive appointment. Any directors appointed in this manner by the general meeting finish the mandate of the director that they replace.
After resigning, each director is obliged to continue performing their
duties until a replacement can reasonably be arranged.
The Board of Directors may appoint a chairperson from among its members.
The Board of Directors is convened by the chairperson, two directors or the CEO whenever required in the interests of the Company.
Meeting notices state the time, date and place of the meeting and must be sent by letter, telegram, fax, e-mail or in another written manner (electronically or otherwise) on or before the third calendar day prior to that of the meeting. If the above notice period is not feasible, a shorter period is possible. If necessary, notice of the meeting can be given by telephone in addition to the above forms of notice.
Each director who attends or arranges to be represented at a board meeting, is deemed to have received due notice. A director may also waive the right to invoke the lack of or irregularity of the notice, either before or after a meeting that they have failed to attend. The regularity of the notice does not need to be justified in any event if all directors are present or duly represented and declare that they accept the agenda.
Board meetings may be held validly by video or telephone conference or similar means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting are able to hear each other. In such a case, the meeting is deemed to be held at the Company's registered office if at least one director was physically in attendance there.
Each director may give a proxy to another board member, by letter, fax, e-mail or in another written manner, to represent them at a certain meeting.
The Board of Directors is chaired by the chairperson. If the chairperson is unable to attend or has not yet been appointed, the Board of Directors will be chaired by the oldest director in attendance.
The Board of Directors may validly deliberate on and adopt resolutions only if at least the majority of the directors are present or represented. If this quorum is not reached, a new board meeting may be convened with the same agenda, which will validly deliberate and adopt resolutions if at least two directors are present or represented.
If justified by urgency and the interests of the Company, a resolution may be adopted by the unanimous, written consent of all directors. However, this procedure may not be used for the approval of the annual financial statements and for the authorised capital.
If a director has a direct or indirect interest of a proprietary nature that is in conflict with a resolution or transaction that falls under the Board of Directors' authority, he must act in accordance with the provisions of Article 523 of the Belgian Companies Code. The members of the Board of Directors must also comply with Articles 37-38 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
Subject to the following provisions, resolutions of the Board of Directors are adopted by a majority of the votes cast.
Abstentions or invalid votes are not counted as votes cast. If the votes are tied within the Board of Directors, the motion is rejected.
The Board of Directors has the most extensive powers to perform all acts that are necessary or useful for achieving the Company's objectives. It is authorised to perform all acts that are not expressly reserved for the general meeting by law or in these Articles of Association.
Resolutions of the Board of Directors are recorded in minutes that are signed by the chairperson of the meeting, the secretary if one has been appointed, and the board members who wish to sign them. The minutes are kept in a special register. Proxies are attached to the minutes. Copies or extracts that need to be produced in court or elsewhere are signed by the chairperson of the Board of Directors, two directors or one director who is entrusted with the day-to-day management. This power may be assigned to an authorised representative.
The mandate of a director is paid. Directors' fees are determined by the general meeting. Members of the Board of Directors are entitled to the reimbursement of normal and justified expenses and costs which they can demonstrate have been incurred in the performance of their mandate.
Article 520ter, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Belgian Companies Code is declared inapplicable. By way of derogation from Article 520ter, paragraph 1 of the Belgian Companies Code, shares may therefore be definitively acquired and share options or all other rights to acquire shares may be exercised in accordance with the issue conditions as determined, where applicable, by the general meeting or the Board of Directors or their authorised representative(s). Furthermore, by way of derogation from Article 520ter, paragraph 2 of the Belgian Companies Code, the conditions on variable remuneration, including the applicable periods relating to this remuneration, are also determined by the Board of Directors (on the recommendation of or acting as the remuneration committee).
The effective management of the company must be entrusted to at least two persons, who must possess the professional reliability and appropriate expertise required for the performance of their duties, and must comply with the requirements set by the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies. They may not fall within the scope of the prohibitory provisions of the Legislation on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
The Board of Directors may entrust the day-to-day management of the Company and the representation in this regard to one or more directors who will use the title of managing director.
If the day-to-day management is delegated, the Board of Directors will determine the remuneration attached to this mandate.
Article 525 in conjunction with Article 520ter, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Belgian Companies Code are declared inapplicable. By way of derogation from Article 525 in conjunction with Article 520ter, paragraph 1 of the Belgian Companies Code, shares may therefore be definitively acquired and share options or all other rights to acquire shares may be exercised in accordance with the issue conditions as determined, where applicable, by the general meeting or the Board of Directors or their authorised representative(s). Furthermore, by way of derogation from Article 525 in conjunction with Article 520ter, paragraph 2 of the Belgian Companies Code, the conditions on variable remuneration, including the applicable periods relating to this remuneration, are also determined by the Board of Directors (on the recommendation of or acting as the remuneration committee).
The Company is duly represented in all its dealings, including in court, by two directors.
The Company is duly represented in relation to its day-to-day management by one managing director.
The Board of Directors may delegate its powers for special and certain matters to an authorised representative, even if this person is not a shareholder or director.
The authorised representatives bind the Company within the limits of their power of attorney, notwithstanding the responsibility of the Board of Directors if a power of attorney is exceeded.
A managing director may delegate their powers for special and certain matters to an authorised representative, even if this person is not a shareholder or director.
In accordance with Article 526bis, Section 3 and Article 526quater, Section 4 of the Belgian Companies Code, the Board of Directors performs all of the duties entrusted to the audit committee and remuneration committee, respectively, on the understanding that the Board of Directors will establish an audit committee or remuneration committee from among its ranks as soon as the Company no longer complies with the criteria included in Article 526bis, Section 3 or Article 526quater, Section 4 of the Belgian Companies Code.
The Board of Directors may establish an executive committee (under the provisions of Article 524bis of the Belgian Companies Code) or a management committee, consisting of several people who may but do not need to be directors. The Board of Director determines the working procedures of the committee, the conditions for the appointment of its members, their dismissal, their remuneration and the term of their mandates.
Article 524bis in conjunction with Article 520ter, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Belgian Companies Code are declared inapplicable. By way of derogation from Article 524bis in conjunction with Article 520ter, paragraph 1 of the Belgian Companies Code, shares may therefore be definitively acquired and share options or all other rights to acquire shares may be exercised in accordance with the issue conditions as determined, where applicable, by the general meeting or the Board of Directors or their authorised representative(s). Furthermore, by way of derogation from Article 524bis in conjunction with Article 520ter, paragraph 2 of the Belgian Companies Code, the conditions on variable remuneration, including the applicable periods relating to this remuneration, are also determined by the Board of Directors (on the recommendation of or acting as the remuneration committee).
Notwithstanding Article 22.1 and 22.2, the Board of Directors, in accordance with Article 522 of the Belgian Companies Code, may establish one or more advisory committees, from among its ranks and under its responsibility, such as a strategic committee or an appointments committee. The Board of Directors determines the composition and powers of these committees, with due observance of the applicable regulations.
The audit of the Company is entrusted to one or more statutory auditors who perform the duties assigned to them under the Belgian Companies Code (and accompanying implementation decrees) and the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies.
A statutory auditor must be an auditor or company audit firm accredited by the FSMA.
The general meeting represents the general body of shareholders. General meeting resolutions are binding on all shareholders, even those who were absent or voted against them.
The general meeting is held at the registered office or at a venue in the municipality where the registered office is located, as indicated in the meeting notice.
The ordinary general meeting is held each year at 10am on the third Thursday of May or, if this day is a public holiday, at the same time on the next working day.
The Board of Directors and the statutory auditor may convene a general meeting (ordinary general meeting) as a special or extraordinary general meeting whenever this is required in the Company's interest. They must convene the ordinary general meeting on the day stipulated in the Articles of Association.
The Board of Directors and the statutory auditor are obliged to convene a special or extraordinary general meeting whenever one or more shareholders who individually or jointly represent one fifth of the issued capital request such a meeting. This request must be sent by registered letter to the Company's registered office and precisely describe the items over which the general meeting must deliberate and adopt resolutions. The request must be addressed to the Board of Directors and the statutory auditor, who are obliged to convene a meeting within three weeks of receipt of the request. Other items may be added to the agenda items provided for by the shareholders in the meeting notice.
The general meeting notice must specify at least the time, date and place, the agenda and the motions for adoption.
The general meeting notice must comply with the provisions of the Belgian Companies Code. Any shareholder, director or statutory auditor who participates in or arranges to be represented in the meeting is deemed to have received due notice. A shareholder, director or statutory auditor may also waive the right to invoke the lack of or irregularity of the meeting notice, either before or after a general meeting that they have failed to attend or at which they were not represented.
Notwithstanding the obligations in the Belgian Companies Code, a shareholder may participate and exercise a voting right in the general meeting only if the following requirements are met:
(1) A shareholder may only participate in the general meeting and exercise the right to vote there based on the account registration of the shares in the name of the shareholder, on the registration date, either by entry in the share register in the Company's name or by entry in the accounts of a recognised account holder or a settlement institution, regardless of the number of shares that the shareholder holds on the date of the general meeting. Midnight on the fourteenth day before the general meeting serves as the registration date.
(2) The owners of dematerialised shares wishing to participate in the meeting must submit a certificate that has been issued by a recognised account holder or a settlement institution, showing how many dematerialised shares are registered in their accounts in the name of the shareholder on the registration date, in respect of which the shareholder has indicated the willingness to participate in the general meeting. This certificate must be submitted by no later than the sixth day before the date of the general meeting to the registered office or the institutions specified in the meeting notice.
The owners of registered shares wishing to participate in the meeting must notify the Company of their intention to do so by ordinary letter, fax or e-mail, no later than the sixth day before the date of the meeting.
(3) The Board of Directors will keep a record for each shareholder that has given notice of their intention to participate in the general meeting, including the shareholder's name and address or registered office, the number of shares that the shareholder held on the registration date and with which the shareholder has indicated they wish to participate in the general meeting, as well as a description of the documents that show the shareholder held the shares on that registration date.
Any shareholder may give a proxy in order to be represented at the general meeting, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Belgian Companies Code. The proxy holder may not be a shareholder. A shareholder of the Company may designate only one person as a proxy holder for a specific general meeting. Exceptions may be made in this regard only in accordance with the relevant rules of the Belgian Companies Code.
A person who acts as proxy holder may hold a proxy from more than one shareholder. If a proxy holder holds proxies from several shareholders, they may vote differently on behalf of different shareholders.
The designation of a proxy holder by a shareholder must be done in writing or via an electronic form and must be signed by the shareholder, where applicable with an advanced electronic signature within the meaning of Article 4, Section 4 of the Belgian Law of 9 July 2001 establishing certain rules for electronic signatures and certification services, or with an electronic signature that complies with the conditions of Article 1322 of the Belgian Civil Code.
Notice of the proxy must be given in writing to the Company. This notice can also be given electronically, to the address specified in the meeting notice.
The Company must receive the proxy by no later than the sixth day before the date of the meeting.
Notwithstanding the possibility to deviate from the instructions under certain circumstances, in accordance with Article 549(2) of the Belgian Companies Code, the proxy holder must cast their vote in accordance with any instructions of the shareholder who designated them. The proxy holder must keep record of the voting instructions for at least one year and confirm that they have complied with these instructions on request of the shareholder.
If there is a potential conflict of interests between the shareholder and the designated proxy holder, as referred to in Article 547bis, Section 4 of the Belgian Companies Code, the proxy holder must disclose the precise facts that are relevant for the shareholder to assess whether there is any risk that the proxy holder will pursue an interest other than that of the shareholder. The proxy holder may moreover vote on behalf of the shareholder only if they have specific voting instructions for every item on the agenda.
Minors, persons who are declared incompetent and legal entities must be represented by their legal representatives or representatives under their Articles of Association.
Each general meeting is chaired by the chairperson of the Board of Directors or, in their absence, by the oldest director in attendance. The chairperson may designate a secretary and vote teller, who does not have to be a shareholder. One person may perform these two functions. The chairperson, secretary and vote teller jointly constitute the meeting committee.
29.1 Deliberations and voting are led by the chairperson in accordance with the normal rules of proper meeting skills. Directors must answer questions posed by shareholders, during the meeting or in writing, in relation to their report or the agenda items, insofar as disclosing details or facts would not be of such a nature as to adversely affect the commercial interests of the Company and or to breach the confidentiality that the Company or its directors have undertaken to uphold.
The statutory auditor(s) must answer questions posed by shareholders, during the meeting or in writing, in relation to their report, insofar as disclosing details or facts would not be of such a nature as to adversely affect the commercial interests of the Company and or breach the confidentiality that the Company, its directors or the statutory auditor(s) have undertaken to uphold. They are entitled to address the general meeting in connection with the performance of their duties.
If different questions are asked about the same topic, the Board of Directors and the statutory auditors may give one answer. As soon as the meeting notice is published, the shareholders may ask the above questions in writing, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Belgian Companies Code.
29.2 The Board of Directors is entitled, during the session of an ordinary general meeting, to postpone the decision on the approval of the annual financial statements for five weeks. This postponement does not affect other resolutions that have been adopted, except a different general meeting resolution in this regard. The next meeting is then entitled to definitively adopt the annual financial statements.
The Board of Directors is also entitled to postpone any other general meeting, or any other agenda item of the ordinary general meeting, during the session for a period of five weeks, unless this meeting was convened at the request of one or more shareholders who represent at least one fifth of the capital or by the statutory auditor(s).
29.3 The general meeting may validly deliberate or adopt resolutions only in respect of items that are specified or implicitly included in the announced agenda. Deliberating on items that are not included in the agenda is possible only in a meeting in which all shares are present and provided that any resolutions in this regard are adopted unanimously. The required consent is established if no objection is noted in the minutes of the meeting. In addition to the items for discussion, the agenda must include the motions for adoption.
Notwithstanding the above, one or more shareholders who jointly hold at least 3% of the authorised capital, and provided the relevant provisions of the Belgian Companies Code are complied with, may have items placed on the agenda of the general meeting for discussion and submit motions for adoption in relation to the items already on or to be included for discussion in the agenda, by no later than the twenty-second day before the date of the general meeting. This does not apply if a general meeting is convened for a second time because the required quorum was not achieved the first time, provided that the first meeting notice complied with the statutory provisions, the date of the second meeting was specified in the first meeting notice, and no new items have been placed on the agenda. The Company must receive these requests by no later than the twenty-second day before the date of the general meeting.
Notice of the items for discussion and accompanying motions for adoption that are appended to the agenda, where applicable, will be given in accordance with the provisions of the Belgian Companies Code. If a proxy was already communicated to the Company before this notice of a supplemented agenda, the proxy holder must observe the relevant provisions of the Belgian Companies Code.
The items for discussion and motions for adoption that are placed on the agenda in accordance with the previous paragraph will be discussed only if all the relevant provisions of the Belgian Companies Code have been observed.
Each share confers the right to one vote. Shareholders without the right to vote, warrant holders and bond holders are entitled to attend the general meeting in an advisory capacity. In the cases listed in Article 481 of the Belgian Companies Code, shareholders without the right to vote have a normal right to vote.
Shares are indivisible in relation to the Company. If one share belongs to different people, or if the rights attached to a share are divided among several people, the Board of Directors may suspend the attached rights from being exercised until one person has been designated as the shareholder in relation to the Company. If a share is encumbered by an usufruct, the voting right attached to that share will be exercised by the usufructuary, unless joint notice to the contrary is given by the bare owner and the usufructuary to the Company.
Unless there are statutory provisions or provisions of the Articles of Association to the contrary, resolutions are adopted by an ordinary majority of the votes cast. Abstentions, void and invalid votes are not counted as votes cast. If the votes are tied, the motion is rejected.
Voting will be by a show of hands or roll call, unless the general meeting decides otherwise by an ordinary majority of the votes cast. The extraordinary general meeting must be held in the presence of a civil-law notary who draws up a legally valid record of the proceedings. The general meeting may deliberate and adopt a resolution for an amendment to the Articles of Association in a legally valid manner only if those who participate in the meeting represent at least half of the company's capital. If the above quorum is not reached, a new meeting must be convened in accordance with Article 558 of the Belgian Companies Code; the second meeting will deliberate and adopt valid resolutions, regardless of the present or represented portion of the capital. An amendment to the Articles of Association is moreover accepted only if it has been pre-approved by the FSMA and has been voted for by three quarters of the votes attached to the present or represented shares (or any other special majority prescribed by the Belgian Companies Code had been achieved).
Minutes must be drawn up of every general meeting. The minutes of the general meeting are signed by the members of the meeting committee and the shareholders who request to sign them.
These minutes are kept in a special register. Proxies must be attached to the minutes of the meeting for which they have been given.
Copies that need to be produced in court or elsewhere are signed by two directors or a managing director.
The financial year of the Company starts on the first of January and ends on the thirty-first of December of each year.
At the end of each financial year, the books and records are closed and the Board of Directors must draw up the inventory and the annual financial statements, and act further in accordance with the rules of Article 92, Section 1, paragraph 1 of the Belgian Companies Code and the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies.
The Board of Directors must also draw up an Annual Report in which it accounts for its policy. This Annual Report also contains a corporate governance declaration, which forms a specific part of the report. This corporate governance declaration also contains the remuneration report, which forms a specific part of the declaration.
As soon as a meeting notice is published, shareholders may examine the annual financial statements and the other documents referred to in the Belgian Companies Code.
The general meeting listens to the Annual Report and the report of the statutory auditor(s) and decides by an ordinary majority on the approval of the annual financial statements. After the approval of the annual financial statements, the general meeting decides, by a separate vote, on the discharge of the directors and statutory auditor(s) from liability.
The separate and consolidated annual financial statements of the Company must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.
The annual and half-yearly financial reports, the annual and half-yearly financial statements, the report of the statutory auditor(s) and the Articles of Association of the Company can also be obtained from the registered office and consulted, by way of information, on the Company's website.
On a motion by the Board of Directors, the general meeting adopts a resolution by an ordinary majority of votes on the appropriation of the net profit, in accordance with Article 13 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies.
Dividends are paid on the date and at the place determined by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is authorised to pay an interim dividend on the income for the financial year. This payment may only be made in relation to the profit of the current financial year, where applicable less the loss carried over or plus the profit carried over, without any withdrawal from the reserves that are or must be created by law or under the Articles of Association.
It must act further in accordance with the provisions of Article 618 of the Belgian Companies Code.
The Board of Directors and the statutory auditor(s) of the Company
may give any bond holders notice to attend a general meeting of bond holders, which will have the powers as set out in Article 568 of the Belgian Companies Code.
They must convene the general meeting whenever bond holders who represent one fifth of the securities in circulation request such a meeting.
The meeting notice must contain the agenda and be drawn up in accordance with Article 570 of the Belgian Companies Code. In order to be admitted to the general meeting of bond holders, bond holders must comply with the formalities set out in Article 571 of the Belgian Companies Code, as well as any formalities provided for in the issue rules of the bond or in the meeting notice.
The general meeting of bond holders will proceed in accordance with the provisions of Articles 572-580 of the Belgian Companies Code.
If the Company is dissolved, for whatever reason and at whatever time, the liquidation will be attended to by liquidators who are appointed by the general meeting, in accordance with the provisions of the Belgian Companies Code. In the absence of such an appointment, the Board of Directors, acting in the capacity of a liquidation committee, will attend to the liquidation.
Insofar as required by law, the liquidators will take office only after the competent Commercial Court has confirmed their appointment under the general meeting resolution.
Unless decided otherwise, the liquidators act jointly. To this end, the liquidators have the most extensive powers in accordance with Articles 186 et seq. of the Belgian Companies Code, subject to any restrictions imposed by the general meeting. The general meeting determines the liquidators' fee.
After the payment of all debts, expenses and liquidation costs, the net assets will be used firstly to refund the paid-up value of the shares, in cash or in kind. Any surplus will be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to their rights.
Directors and liquidators, whose domicile is unknown, are deemed to have chosen their domicile at the Company's registered office, where all summonses, services and notices can be effected with regard to the Company's affairs.
Unless the Company expressly waives their jurisdiction, the courts of the district where the Company has its registered office will have sole jurisdiction to hear all disputes between the Company, its directors, its security holders and liquidators concerning the affairs of the Company and the implementation of these Articles of Association.
The parties declare that they will act fully in accordance with the Belgian Companies Code and the regulations applicable to regulated real estate companies (as amended from time to time).
Accordingly, any provisions of these Articles of Association that would unlawfully deviate from the provisions of the above legislation are deemed not to be included in this deed, and any clauses that would be contrary to the mandatory provisions of this legislation are deemed to be unwritten.
It is specifically mentioned that Articles 111, 439, 448, 477 and 616 of the Belgian Companies Code are not applicable.
| A | |
|---|---|
| Aloxe NV | Aloxe NV, a public limited company under Belgian law, with registered office at Mechelse steenweg 34, Box 101, 2018 Antwerp, entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number 0849.479.874 (Antwerp Register of Legal Entities, Antwerp section). |
| APM | Alternative Performance Measures. In accordance with the guidelines issued by the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) on 3 July 2016, the Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) used by Xior will be included from now on. The definitions of the APMs and the use and reconciliation tables are included in Chapter 10.8 of this Annual Report. A separate Glossary will be posted on the Company website on these APMs for future reference. The APMs are marked with *. |
| Average interest rate (APM) |
Interest charges including IRS interest expense divided by the average outstanding debt during the period. |
| Average financing costs (APM) |
Interest costs including IRS interest expense + arrangement fees and commitment fees, divided by the average outstanding debt during the period. |
| B | |
|---|---|
| Belfius | Belfius Bank NV, a public limited company under Belgian law, with registered office at Pachecolaan 44, 1000 Brussels, entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number VAT BE 0403.201.185 (Brussels Register of Legal Entities). |
| Belgian Act of 1 April 2007 | The Belgian Act of 1 April 2007 on public takeover bids, as published in the Belgian Official Journal of 26 April 2007, and amended from time to time. |
| Belgian Act of 2 May 2007 | The Belgian Act of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of significant holdings in issuers whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and which contains various provisions, as published in the Belgian Official Journal of 12 June 2007, and amended from time to time. |
| Belgian Companies Code | Xior Student Housing NV, a public limited company under Belgian law, licensed as a public regulated real estate company (RREC) under Belgian law, with registered office at Mechel sesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium), entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number 0547.972.794 (Antwerp Register of Legal Entities, Antwerp section). |
| C | |
|---|---|
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer. |
| CFO | Chief Financial Officer. |
| CIO | Chief Investment Officer. |
| D | |
|---|---|
| Debt ratio | The debt ratio as referred to in Article 13, Section 1 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies. |
| Distributable earnings per share |
The profit as referred to in Article 13, Section 1 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies. |
| E | |
| EPRA Cost Ratio (excl. vacancy costs) (APM) |
EPRA costs (excluding vacancy costs) divided by the gross rental income less the rent still to be paid on rented land. |
| EPRA Cost Ratio (incl. vacancy costs) (APM) |
EPRA costs (including vacancy costs) divided by the gross rental income less the rent still to be paid on rented land. |
| EPRA earnings (APM) | Net result +/- variations in the fair value of investment property +/- other portfolio result +/- income from the sale of investment property +/- variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities. |
| EPRA earnings per share (APM) |
Net result +/- income from the sale of investment property +/- variations in the fair value of investment property +/- other portfolio result +/- variations in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, divided by the average number of shares. |
| EPRA triple net asset value (NNNAV) (APM) |
EPRA net asset value (NAV) adjusted to take into account the fair value of (i) the financial instruments, (ii) the debts and (iii) the deferred tax. |
| Euronext Brussels | The regulated market of Euronext Brussels where the Company shares are traded. |
| Estimated Rental Value ("ERV") |
This is the total rental value of the portfolio on an annual basis applied by the Property Expert in the appraisal reports. |
| F | |
|---|---|
| FSMA | Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority. |
| Fair value | This value is the investment value as determined by an independent property expert, less the transaction fees. The Fair Value corresponds to the carrying amount under IFRS. From the seller's perspective this must be understood as subject to the deduction of transfer taxes or registration duties. The estimated amount of transfer taxes for real estate located in Belgium was fixed at 2.5% for investment property with a value in excess of EUR 2.5 million40. This Fair Value is therefore calculated by dividing the value including the transaction costs by 1.025. Properties valued at less than the EUR 2.5 million threshold and foreign properties are subject to normal registration duty and their fair value therefore corresponds to the value that excludes the transaction costs payable by the purchaser. |
40 See the Belgian Assets Managers Association (BEAMA) press release of 8 February 2006 on closed-end property investment companies and the first application of the IFRS accounting rules and the BE-REIT press release of 10 November 2016.
| G | |
|---|---|
| 2009 Governance Code | The Belgian corporate governance code for listed companies of 2009, drawn up by the Cor porate Governance Committee, and available on the following website: http://www.corpora tegovernancecommittee.be/library/documents/final%20code/CorporateGovNLCode2009.pdf. |
| Group | Xior and its subsidiaries, from time to time. |
| I | |
| IFRS | International Financial Reporting Standards, the accounting standard by which regulated real estate companies are obliged to report, on the basis of Article 11 of the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies. |
| ING Belgium | ING Belgium, a public limited company under Belgian law, with registered office at Avenue Marnix/Marnixlaan 24, 1000 Brussels, entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number VAT BE 0403.200.393 (Brussels Register of Legal Entities). |
| Investment value or value including the transaction costs |
This value equals the amount at which a building could be exchanged between well-informed parties, consenting and acting under normal competitive conditions, including any registration duties (10% in the Flemish Region and 12.5% in the Walloon Region and Brussels Capital Region), notarial charges and VAT (when a purchase is subject to VAT). |
| IASB | International Accounting Standards Board. |
| IFRIC | International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee. |
| IPO | The capital increase of the Company by cash contribution through a public offering of new shares, and the admission to listing of the Xior shares on the regulated Euronext Brussels market, completed on 11 December 2015. |
| L | |
| Law on Regulated Real | The Belgian Act of 12 May 2014 on regulated real estate companies, as published in the |
|---|---|
| Estate Companies | Belgian Official Journal of 30 June 2014 and as amended from time to time. |
| Legislation on Regulated | The Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies and the Royal Decree on Regulated Real |
| Real Estate Companies | Estate Companies. |
| Net assets per share | Equity excluding the fair value of the permitted hedging instruments divided by the number |
|---|---|
| (EPRA) (APM) | of shares. |
| Net assets per share (IFRS) (APM) |
Equity divided by the number of shares. |
| Net result proportionally adjusted for property tax and taxes on second homes. |
|---|
| Net result divided by the average number of shares. |
| This is the ratio of the Rental Income to the Total Rent. |
| Public regulated real estate companies (also referred to as a Belgian Real Estate Investment Trust or BE-REIT). |
| The person(s) who exclusively or jointly control(s) a public RREC within the meaning of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies. On the date of this Annual Report, the promoters are Aloxe NV and Christian Teunissen. |
| The prospectus that was drawn up and published for the purpose of the IPO, as approved by the FSMA on 24 November 2015, in accordance with Article 23 of the Belgian Prospectus Act of 16 June 2006 on the public offering of investment instruments and the admission of investment instruments to trading on a regulated market. |
| The professional partnership incorporated in the form of a cooperative society with limited liability, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Bedrijfsrevisoren BCVBA, with registered office at Wolu wedal 18, 1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number VAT BE 0429.501.944 (Brussels Register of Legal Entities). |
| Result from the sale of investment property +/- variations in the fair value of investment property +/- other portfolio result. |
| Stadim and DTZ, as replaced or reappointed from time to time in accordance with Article 24 of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies. |
| Regulated real estate company |
A company that the FSMA has entered on the list of regulated real estate companies under Belgian law and which is accordingly recognised as a regulated real estate company and is governed by the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies of 12 May 2014 and the Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies of 13 July 2014. |
|---|---|
| Rental income | The arithmetical sum of the rental income invoiced by the Company based on the concluded tenancy agreement over the period of a financial year, or part thereof. |
| Royal Decree on Regulated Real Estate Companies |
The Royal Decree of 13 July 2014 on regulated real estate companies, as published in the Belgian Official Journal of 16 July 2014 and as amended from time to time. |
| Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 |
The Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 on the obligations of issuers of financial instru ments that are admitted to trading on a regulated market, as published in the Belgian Official Journal of 3 December 2007, and amended from time to time. |
|---|---|
| RREC | Regulated real estate company. |
| S | |
| Successors | The persons who, with the prior and written agreement of Aloxe NV, take over the promo tership as referred to in Articles 22 et seq. of the Law on Regulated Real Estate Companies, from Aloxe NV. |
| T | |
| Total Rent | The total rent the Company would bill under its tenancy agreements, if 100% of the property portfolio were to be let, based on its asking price at year end, including assets under con struction if applicable and estimated annual rental income for hostel activities. |
| Trading regulations | The trading regulations of the Company, as included as a schedule to the Corporate Go vernance Charter. |
| V | |
| Value with costs payable by the purchaser or Net market value |
The investment value less the registration duties and notarial charges or VAT. |
| X | |
| Xior Student Housing or Xior or the Company |
Xior Student Housing NV, a public limited company under Belgian law, licensed as a public regulated real estate company (RREC) under Belgian law, with registered office at Mechel sesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium), entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under enterprise number 0547.972.794 (Antwerp Register of Legal Entities, Antwerp section). |
| Name | Xior Student Housing NV |
|---|---|
| Status | Public regulated real estate company (RREC) under Belgian law |
| Registered office | Mechelsesteenweg 34, Box 108, 2018 Antwerp |
| Tel. | +32 3 257 04 89 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.xior.be |
| Register of Legal Entities | Antwerp, Antwerp section |
| VAT | BE 0547.972.794 |
| Enterprise number | 0547.972.794 |
| Date of incorporation | 10 March 2014 |
| Licence as RREC | 24 November 2015 |
| Financial year-end | 31 December |
| General meeting | Third Thursday in May (10am) |
| Listing | Euronext Brussels – continuous market |
| ISIN code | BE0974288202 (XIOR) |
| Statutory auditor | PwC Bedrijfsrevisoren BCVBA, Woluwe Garden, Woluwedal 18, 1932 Sint-Stevens-Wo luwe, represented by Damien Walgrave |
| Financial services | ING Belgium |
| Property experts | Stadim CVBA & DTZ Zadelhoff v.o.f. |
Xior Student Housing NV Public limited liability company Belgian public regulated real estate company Mechelsesteenweg 34 box 108, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium)
Enterprise number 0547.972.794 RLE Antwerp, Antwerp department
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