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VGP NV — Annual Report 2015
Apr 12, 2016
4022_10-k_2016-04-12_f980f6a7-ff76-4730-8c2d-e12b8c149ae5.pdf
Annual Report
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ANNUAL REPORT 2015
32 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Corporate Governance Statement Risk factors Summary of the accounts and comments Information about the share Outlook 2016
56 PORTFOLIO
54 BOARD AND MANAGEMENT Board of Directors Executive Management team
81 FINANCIAL REVIEW
KEY FIGURES
in thousands of €
| INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL LETTABLE AREA (m2) | 548,838 | 268,2321 | 761,724 | 674,595 | 641,378 |
| OCCUPANCY RATE (%) | 97.3% | 94.0%2 | 96.2% | 94.5% | 98.5% |
| FAIR VALUE OF PROPERTY PORTFOLIO | 677,084 | 416,089 | 225,804 | 101,629 | 105,565 |
| BALANCE SHEET | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 361,978 | 215,417 | 166,057 | 151,260 | 154,735 |
| GEARING | |||||
| NET DEBT / SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 0.71 | 0.72 | 0.55 | N.A. | N.A. |
| NET DEBT / TOTAL ASSETS | 35.7% | 33.2% | 24,9% | N.A. | N.A. |
| INCOME STATEMENT – ANALYTICAL FORM | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
| GROSS RENTAL INCOME | 17,073 | 9,596 | 4,613 | 3,071 | 14,446 |
| PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES AND NET SERVICE CHARGE INCOME / (EXPENSES) |
(550) | (1,082) | (818) | (780) | (516) |
| NET RENTAL AND RELATED INCOME | 16,523 | 8,514 | 3,795 | 2,291 | 13,930 |
| PROPERTY AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT / DEVELOPMENT INCOME |
2,547 | 3,407 | 3,875 | 2,724 | 844 |
| OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSES) – NCL. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS |
(13,998) | (7,089) | (4,850) | (4,418) | (2,544) |
| SHARE IN THE RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES | 191 | 14,473 | 1,526 | (1,615) | 844 |
| OPERATING RESULT (BEFORE RESULT ON PORTFOLIO) | 5,263 | 19,305 | 4,346 | (1,018) | 13,074 |
| NET CURRENT RESULT | 621 | 9,463 | 4,095 | 1,294 | 10,399 |
| NET VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT PROPERTY |
103,981 | 53,920 | 27,872 | 12,347 | 3,133 |
| DEFERRED TAXES | (18,041) | (14,024) | (7,665) | (2,062) | (595) |
| RESULT ON PROPERTY PORTFOLIO | 85,940 | 39,896 | 20,207 | 10,285 | 2,538 |
| PROFIT OF THE YEAR | 86,561 | 49,359 | 24,302 | 11,579 | 12,937 |
| RESULT PER SHARE | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
| NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES | 18,583,050 | 18,583,050 | 18,583,050 | 18,583,050 | 18,583,050 |
| NET CURRENT RESULT PER SHARE (in €) | 0.03 | 0.51 | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.56 |
| NET RESULT PER SHARE (in €) | 4.66 | 2.66 | 1.31 | 0.62 | 0.70 |
1 As at 22 October 2014 the associated companies sold their respective property portfolios which represented 627,523 m² of lettable area which were under VGP's management. (627,527 m² of assets under management as at 31 December 2013, 601,217 m² under management as at 31 December 2012 and 573,426 m² under management as at 31 December 2011).
2 Excludes the effects of the portfolio sold by the associates in 2014. The years 2011, 2012 and 2013 includes the respective vacancy rates of the associates.
COMMITTED ANNUALISED RENT INCOME AND NUMBER OF LEASE CONTRACTS (Excluding assets under management through associates)
KEY FIGURES
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
Dear shareholders and bondholders of VGP
Continuity, stability and confidence – These three values have been the corner stones on which we have built our company in the past. They have supported our business development for the third consecutive year of record profits and record growth for the VGP Group.
We will continue to adhere to these values in the future and continue to build on them our long-term business strategy throughout the various economic cycles ahead of us.
Continuity –
The growth story goes on The VGP Group has continuously focused on growth since our establishment in 1998. We have always pursued a long-term business strategy with a clear focus on our core business activities:
-
- On-going acquisition of development land providing a constant development pipeline;
-
- Realization of high-qualitative logistic and semi-industrial property developments;
-
- Building long-standing reliable relationships with our customers by offering them solutions, rather than only walls and roofs.
These efforts have resulted in an increase of our net profits to the record of 86.6 million euro in the past financial year corresponding to a growth of 37.2 million euros compared to 2014. We nearly doubled the committed annualised rent income, too, from 22.6 million euro in 2014 to 38.0 million euro in 2015. Last year, the occupancy rate of the property portfolio stood at 97.3 per cent underlining also the continuity of our customer base.
We owe these excellent results to the trust of our customers, our business partners and - to a large extent – to the continuous dedication of our employees. We have invested heavily in our team and will continue to do so to be able to offer our clients an enhanced service in the future.
Stability – our new Joint Venture opens a window towards more and stable business options
Due to the last year's good performance in all of our markets, with an exceptional strong start in Germany, we expect further substantial growth opportunities in the foreseeable future. Every company with a similar dynamic growth is faced with the
challenge how to manage the rapid development in a stable manner to secure current and future business opportunities. Therefore, we at VGP Group agreed to step into a 50:50 joint venture with the property investment and asset manager Allianz Real Estate belonging to one of the largest insurance and financial groups in the world. This deal is the result of a long strategic exercise. It provides us with the necessary capital means to execute our business plan in the future, without losing the contact with our existing tenants' base. At the same time we retain the daily management of all our realizations. With Allianz Real Estate we have found a partner with a long-term perspective who has the same aligned interests and is committed to growth in a very excitingly
developing market segment, fuelled not only by the new infrastructure necessary for the e-commerce market, but also by the growing awareness within our industrial customer pool that if we want to remain competitive in and from Europe, we need to invest more and more in significant cost-effective solutions. There is a growing awareness that appropriate industrial or logistic housing with perfect matching footprints and upto-date standards play a very important role in this process.
In the joint venture, the income generating assets of the projects developed by VGP in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary will be pooled. In this way a part of the originally-invested capital will be freed up and reinvested in the project pipeline. VGP thus ensures the
continuity and stability of its business model.
The initial portfolio includes 27 projects with a value of around 500 million euro. It is our common aim to expand our joint venture exponentially in size and both joint venture partners are keen to investigate the possibilities to expand geographically beyond the initial four countries in the near future.
Confidence – A strong development pipeline and investments into new markets
Over the past years, we created a good basis for future growth. We never possessed more development land and options on development land to offer existing and potential clients as well as intermediaries a wide range of existing strategic land
plots and time-efficient development projects. Thanks to the new Joint Venture, we now have the necessary financial back bone to execute our business plan without having to take excessive extra debt on our balance sheet.
After having started up the first activities in Spain by setting up a small team in Barcelona during the last year, we were able to secure a major landmark land plot in Madrid and expect to be able to grow there substantially in the years to come. As we strive for providing industrial real estate solutions for our customers across Europe, we are also planning to start up activities in other countries in the following years.
We are delighted to have found with Allianz Real Estate a financially strong and long-term committed
partner at our side. The co-operation between VGP and Allianz Real Estate puts us in an even better position to expand our business in existing markets while mitigating the risks on our own balance sheet. This new relationship should allow us to initiate more projects than hitherto.
Overall, VGP has grown to a larger pan-European industrial real estate development and services company as announced to our shareholders in the last annual report. Together with Allianz Real Estate we will adhere to our business strategy which we believe will position us as a reliable partner for existing and new clients. In addition, we will be able to implement our ambitious growth plans without diluting our shareholders' equity.
Finally, I would like to thank on behalf of the management team all of
my colleagues for their continuous dedication and hard work on all levels in an international environment and also to all those who have trusted us in the past year, customers, suppliers, and banks. As your business partner, VGP would like to continue to stand for growth, quality, reliability, passion and substance. And naturally for efficient cost management to the benefit of our customers and shareholders.
Yours sincerely Jan Van Geet
VGP's profile
VGP constructs and develops highend semi-industrial real estate and ancillary offices for its own account and occasionally for third parties, which are subsequently rented out to reputable clients on long term lease contracts. www.vgpparks.eu
VGP has an in-house team which manages all activities of the fully integrated business model: from identification and acquisition of land, to the conceptualisation and design of the project, the supervision of the construction works, contracts with potential tenants and the facility management of its own real estate portfolio.
VGP focuses on top locations which are located in the vicinity of highly concentrated living and/or production centres, with an optimal access to transport infrastructure.
VGP is quoted on Euronext Brussels and the Main Market of the Prague Stock Exchange. VGP owns a property portfolio of € 677.1 million as at 31 December 2015 which represents a total lettable area of over 548,838 m² (34 buildings) with another 14 buildings under construction representing 272,334 m².
PROFILE
As at 31 December 2015 VGP has a land bank in full ownership of 3,654,692 m². This land bank allows VGP to develop besides the current completed projects and projects under construction (821,172 m²) a further 760,000 m² of lettable area of which 440,000 m² in Germany, 189,000 m² in the Czech Republic, and 130,000 m² in the other countries.
Besides this, VGP had another 1,042,000 m² of new plots of land under option, at year-end, allowing to develop approx. 542,000 m² of new projects. It is expected that these remaining land plots will be acquired during the course of 2016.
STRATEGY
Strategy
VGP operates three main business lines i.e. Development activities, Asset- and Property management activities and Facility management services.
In order to sustain its growth over the medium term VGP entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Allianz Real Estate in February 2016. The new joint venture will act as an exclusive take-out vehicle of the income
generating assets located in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager. The entering into this joint venture is
of a significant strategic importance to the Group as it will allow VGP to recycle (partially or totally) its initial invested equity when such developments are acquired by the joint venture and to re-invest these monies in the continued expansion of the development pipeline, including the further expansion of the land bank, thus allowing VGP to concentrate on its core development activities.
Development activities
Greenfield developments are the core activity of the VGP Group. Developments are undertaken primarily for the Group's own account.
The Group pursues a growth strategy in terms of development of a strategic land bank which is suitable for the development of turnkey and ready-to-belet semi-industrial projects. The plots are zoned for semi-industrial activities. The management of VGP is convinced that the top location of the land and the high quality standards of its real estate projects contribute to the long term value of its portfolio.
The Group concentrates on the sector of logistic and light industrial accommodation projects situated in the mid-European region and Germany and has started to expand to other Western-European countries. During 2015 VGP already established its presence in Spain with the opening of a new office in Barcelona. The Group aims to expand into other European markets in the near future.
High quality projects are always developed on the basis of VGP building standards, with adaptations to meet specific requirements of future tenants but always ensuring multiple purpose use and easy future releasability. In their initial phase of development, some projects are being developed at the Group's own risk (i.e., without being pre-let).
The constructions, which respond to the latest modern quality standards, are leased under long term lease agreements to tenants which are active in the semi-industrial sector, including storing but also assembling, re-conditioning, final treatment of the goods before they go to the industrial clients or the retailers. The land positions are located in the vicinity of highly concentrated living and/or production centres, with an optimal access to transport infrastructure.
The Group relies on the in-house competences of its team to execute its fully integrated business model, consisting of: the identification and acquisition of the land and development of the infrastructure, the design of the buildings, the coordination of architectural and engineering aspects, the administration to obtain the necessary permits, the tendering and coordination of the construction works including site management, and upon completion the facility management of the real estate portfolio.
The Group's team often negotiates and contracts building subcontractors and building material deliveries directly and monitors the follow up and coordination of the building activities itself.
Asset and property management services
Property management services are mainly provided internally and to a lesser extent externally whereby the respective VGP property management company is responsible for managing the proper and undisturbed operation of the buildings. In addition the property manager will on behalf of the Group or the respective third parties identify, supervise and manage the relationship with third party suppliers.
As part of its offered services the VGP property management companies will also perform project management services. These services cover the performance of capital improvements and any other construction works as may be requested by the owner of the buildings. This scope covers the full range of project management services (supervision and coordination of the contractors for design, advising on obtaining permits, advising on he works and any tenders relating thereto).
As part of the property management services VGP will also provide leasing services. The commercial department is responsible for all aspects of the performance and enforcement of the leases and the lease agreements on behalf of the associated companies and as from 2016 also for the joint venture companies, as well as for day-to-day co-operation with the tenants.
The asset management function will be created during 2016 as part of the services rendered to the newly established joint venture and will entail giving advice and recommendations to the joint venture companies on the joint venture's assets managing on property level strategy and thereby optimising the value of the joint
venture assets. Further advice and recommendations will be given by the asset manager in respect of appropriate tenant mix, execution of leasing strategy that aligns cash flows with portfolio needs, and manage both capital and operating expenses. The asset management services will be delivered by a newly established subsidiary VGP Asset Management S.à r.l. and will operate from Luxembourg.
Facility management services
Facility management services have been regrouped in the Czech Republic in SUTA s.r.o. ("SUTA").
Facility management services are provided internally as well as externally whereby SUTA is responsible for managing the proper and undisturbed operation of the buildings and performs all actions such as maintenance services, waste management
services, maintenance greenery etc that may be necessary in this respect.
In other countries where no specific facility management team will be in place, the Group will use third party facility management services companies to perform these activities.
Strategically located plots of land 1
Focus on business 2 parks to realise economies of scale
KEY PRINCIPLES OF VGP
3 High quality standardised semi-industrial real estate
4 In-house competences enabling a fully integrated business model
2015 record year for VGP
The momentum in leasing and development activities seen during the first half of 2015 continued throughout the second half of 2015 resulting in record signing of new leases and record development activities. This trend continued during the first weeks of 2016.
During the year VGP expanded further geographically with the establishment of a new office in Barcelona (Spain) and secured a new substantial (223,000 m²) land plot in Madrid which will be acquired subject to obtaining the necessary permits. The new land plot allows VGP to potentially develop circa 179,000 m² of lettable area. It is expected that the land will be acquired at the end of the second quarter 2016 and it is anticipated that the first development will be launched during the second half of 2016.
During the year 18 buildings were completed totalling 279,861 m². At the end of the year 14 projects were under construction representing 272,334 m² of lettable area.
In order to sustain its growth over the medium term VGP entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Allianz Real Estate. The new joint venture will act as an exclusive take-out vehicle of the income generating assets located in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager.
VGP's markets
Commercial activities
During 2015 VGP continued to successfully sign new and or renew existing leases on the back of the pick-up in demand of lettable area. The annualised committed leases increased to € 38.0 million as at the end of December 2015 (compared to € 22.6 million as at 31 December 2014). The committed annualised rent income represents the annualised rent income generated or to be generated by executed lease – and future lease agreements.
Germany was the main driver of the increases in committed leases with more than € 7.1 million of new leases signed during the year. The other countries also performed very well with new leases being signed in the Czech Republic + € 3.4 million, Slovakia + € 2.5 million, Hungary + € 1.5 million, Romania + € 1.3 million and finally € 0.4 million in Estonia.
The signed committed lease agreements as at 31 December 2015 represent a total of 709,124 m² of lettable area and correspond to 92 different tenants' lease or future lease agreements. The weighted average term of the committed leases was 7.5 years at the end of December 2015 compared to 7.8 years as at 31 December 2014.
As at 31 December 2015 the investment property portfolio consists of 34 completed buildings representing 548,838 m² of lettable area with another 14 buildings under construction representing 272,334 m² of lettable area. During the year VGP delivered, for its own account, 18 buildings representing 279,861 m².
The projects completed during 2015 were located as follows: In Germany: 4 buildings totalling 65,154 m² in VGP Park Hamburg, 2 buildings totalling 28,273 m² in VGP Park Rodgau, 1 building of 15,140 m² in VGP Park Höchstadt, 1 building of 24,228 m² in VGP Park Berlin and 1 building of 13,885 m² in VGP Park Borna. In the Czech Republic: 1 building of 5,336 m² in VGP Park Usti nad Labem; 2 buildings totalling 31,459 m² in VGP Park Plzen and 1 building of 19,855 m² In VGP Park Olomouc. In the other countries: 2 buildings totalling 50,938 m² in VGP Park Malacky (Slovakia), 2 buildings (subsequently merged into one building) of 18,183 m² in VGP Park Timisoara (Romania) and finally 1 building of 7,410 m² in VGP Park Nehatu (Estonia).
The occupancy rate of the portfolio reached 97.3% compared to 94.0% at the end of 2014.
COMMITTED LEASE MATURITY 31 December 2015 (in m²)
PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN BY USE 31 December 2015 (in m²)
Development activities
The development activities have shown a consistent strong track record over the past years. Over the past 9 years VGP developed more than 1,400,000 m² of lettable area.
At the end of December 2015 VGP has the following 14 new buildings under construction: In Germany: 1 building in VGP Park Hamburg, 3 buildings in VGP Park Rodgau, 1 building in VGP Park Bobenheim-Roxheim and 1 building in VGP Park Frankenthal. In the Czech Republic: 1 building in VGP Park Tuchomerice, 1 building in VGP Park BRNO and 1 building in VGP Park Plzen. In the other countries: 1 building in VGP
Park Nehatu (Estonia), 2 buildings in VGP Park Malacky (Slovakia), 1 building in VGP Park VGP Park Alsónémedi (Hungary and finally 1 building in VGP Park Timisoara (Romania). The new buildings under construction on which several pre-leases have already been signed, represent a total future lettable area of 272,334 m².
During the year VGP continued to target a significant amount of land plots in order to ensure that the land bank remains sufficiently large to support the development pipeline for future growth. In 2015 VGP acquired 704,000 m² of new development land of which 388,000 m² was located in the Czech Republic, 167,000 m² located in Germany, 85,000 m² in Hungary and 64,000 m² in Latvia.
VGP has currently a land bank in full ownership of 3,654,692 m². The land bank allows VGP to develop besides the current completed projects and projects under construction a further 760,000 m² of lettable area of which 440,000 m² in Germany, 189,000 m² in the Czech Republic, and 130,000 in the other countries.
Besides this VGP has another 1,042,000 m² of new land plots under option. These land plots have a development potential of approx. 542,000 m² of new projects. These remaining land plots are expected to be acquired during the course of 2016.
As a result the total secured land bank amounts to 4,696,433 m² with a total development potential of 2,123,000 m² of lettable area.
COMPLETED PROJECTS HELD BY ASSOCIATES AND SOLD IN OCT-14
OWN COMPLETED PORTFOLIO
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL FULLY OWNED LAND BANK (in m²)
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL SECURED LAND BANK (in m²)
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETED PORTFOLIO
General market overview1
CEE + Germany Key market indicators
| CEE + GERMANY - KEY MARKET INDICATORS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRIME RENT € / m2 / p.a. | PRIME YIELD (%) | |||
| BERLIN | EUR | 56 | 5.40 | |
| FRANKFURT/M | EUR | 72 | 5.25 | |
| MUNICH | EUR | 81 | 5.25 | |
| PRAGUE | EUR | 48 | 6.50 | |
| BRATISLAVA | EUR | 50 | 8.00 | |
| BUDAPEST | EUR | 46 | 8.75 | |
| BUCHAREST | EUR | 48 | 9.00 | |
| WARSAW | EUR | 43 | 6.75 |
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
CEE real estate investment Market overview 2015
At almost €9 billion, 2015 represented the third highest CEE regional investment volume on record (circa 15% y-o-y increase compared to FY14) and the second highest volume on record for both Poland and the Czech Republic. Whilst the two leading markets attracted 76% of regional volume, 2015 saw growth and continued interest in Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the SEE region as a whole. A full year breakdown saw Poland to bring its 2015 share to 46%, followed by the Czech Republic (30%), Hungary (9%), Romania (7.5%), Slovakia (4.5%), and the SEE (other CEE) markets (3%). The table below includes Germany where the 2015 commercial transaction volume increased for the sixth time in succession, to reach a new record level of € 55.1 billion. Compared to 2014 this represents a further increase of almost 40%. The breakdown of volumes for 2015 is as follows:
| CEE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT (€ millions) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2015 | ||
| POLAND | 3,200 | 4,100 | |
| CZECH REPUBLIC | 2,000 | 2,650 | |
| ROMANIA | 1,300 | 650 | |
| HUNGARY | 580 | 790 | |
| SLOVAKIA | 610 | 412 | |
| OTHER | 200 | 300 | |
| TOTAL CEE | 7,890 | 8,902 | |
| GERMANY | 39,800 | 55,100 | |
| TOTAL | 48,690 | 64,002 | |
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
1 Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
CEE VOLUMES BY COUNTRIES
Source: JLL, 2015 (*Preliminary figures)
The weight of both international and domestic capital seeking opportunities across the CEE region has provided increased liquidity for a wide range of properties, especially those with large lot-sizes or making up portfolios and platforms.
As core European markets continue to become increasingly tight, the CEE region will attract further capital and re-pricing. Prime office yields, for example, have sharpened in recent quarters but have not yet reached their precrisis lows. Further compression is expected, although at a slower pace than seen in the previous 24 months.
Looking at a list of on-going deals and those that comprise the pipeline, we expect 2016 to be another good year for the region.
CEE INVESTMENT VOLUMES BY SECTOR CEE SECTOR SPLIT 2013
CEE INVESTMENT VOLUMES BY SECTOR CEE SECTOR SPLIT 2014
CEE INVESTMENT VOLUMES BY SECTOR CEE SECTOR SPLIT 2015
Focus on Germany
The continuing low level of interest rates is still the main driving force behind the enormous investment requirements of all institutional investors. At the same time, there is an increasing focus on property. The still rapidly growing investment requirement of institutional investors worldwide, such as pension funds and insurance companies, is also clearly reflected in the property asset class in Germany. And we also do not expect to see a significant increase in the historically low level of interest rates in the foreseeable future.
In any case, even a moderate rise would hardly change the overall picture. In 2015, the commercial transaction volume increased for the sixth time in succession to reach a new record level of € 55.1 billion. Compared to 2014 this represents a further increase of almost 40%. The fourth quarter alone contributed almost € 17 billion or over 30% to the annual result and marked the strongest quarter for sales in the past 5 years. Investors from the domestic and foreign markets continue to favour large-volume assets or portfolios. Thus the top 10 transactions of the year accounted for a total volume in excess of € 9.8 billion (18%).
Based on the generally positive fundamental data and the still attractive financial framework, 2016 could also be a positive year for the commercial investment market with the transaction volume for Germany as a whole again reaching a high level. It is not unlikely that the volume will again exceed € 50 billion. Whether that will be achieved depends on how the increasing global risks of various kinds can be overcome, and whether the capital flow will move in the direction of North America following the interest rate hike in the U.S.
Focus on Czech Republic
The second half of 2015 saw a further €1.45 billion of transactions to provide a full-year figure of €2.65 billion: this is 65% higher than the comparable 2014 figure, within 2% of the 2011 post-crisis high benchmark and ca. 8% below the 2007 country record.
25 transactions in H2 provided an average deal size above €58 million, with traditional sector activity focused on offices (12) and retail (7); the industrial sector remains highly liquid although did not benefit from the same release of stock.
Industrial and logistics saw its largest transaction of 2015 in H2 with the €75 million purchase of the Amazon facility near Prague airport by AEW; however, it was one of only two sector transactions this half due to a limited supply of product. International appetite for consolidating and expanding regional industrial platforms remains fierce with the Czech Republic's strategic location and favourable demographics ensuring it remains the Central European focus.
Looking forward, a sizable pipeline across all sectors complimented by a supportive financial environment suggests that 2016 will continue the pattern of robust transactional volumes from a variety of capital sources, while latent potential ensures that a record year is possible.
Our views on prime yields: industrial and logistics are at 6.50% heading downwards, offices are at 5.75% (again, with further compression anticipated on truly core product) and prime Shopping Centre yields at 5.00%, with significant premiums for trophy and high street.
Continued occupier demand and city logistics expected to define 2016 in Europe
The on-going vigorous growth in online sales and the wider impact of technology trends (including the digitisation of retail, 'Big Data' and the 'Internet of Things') are driving occupier demand for logistics across Europe. In 2015, take-up volumes were estimated at over 16 million square metres, a new record. We anticipate similar levels to be sustained in the current year. Sturdy occupier demand supported growth in the development pipeline through 2015 and levels of new supply are anticipated to be similarly strong this year. Finding suitable land and obtaining planning permission for big box logistics will, however, become more challenging across a growing number of markets in Europe. The still scarce levels of modern supply may pose a downside risk to overall occupier activity in the year ahead. Nevertheless, developers will continue to benefit from supply chain alignment. This is driving consolidation into large units and pushing logistics facilities ever closer to parcel hubs to service online sales. We expect 2016 to be the year when logistics starts to move into large cities. This trend is being driven by ever quicker options for online purchases - with one-hour delivery being the new frontier for many retailers. This is putting huge pressure on the 'last mile' and is leading to demand for a network of small inner-city units to increase flexibility.
German market
German warehouse market: take-up in excess of 6 million m2 for the first time
A total of around 6.18 million m² was taken-up in the German warehousing and logistic space market (owner-occupiers and lettings) in 2015, which is 5% more than in the previous record year 2011 and equates to increases of 21% and 47% compared to the 5 and 10-year averages. Four largescale lettings, each with >100,000 m², contributed significantly to this above-average result. In view of the unwavering strong demand from occupiers, including for larger premises, and the stable economic situation, we anticipate another good result in 2016. It is even possible that the 5 million m² mark could be exceeded once again. (Source: Jones Lang LaSalle).
Berlin and Hamburg record significant growth amongst the "Big 5"
Space take-up volume in the "Big 5" conurbations (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich)
exceeded the previous year's result by 9%. At around 2.06 million m², this was the second highest result since 2011. The Berlin and Hamburg regions recorded the strongest growth year-on-year, with 39% and 33% respectively. Growth of 16% was also registered in Düsseldorf. However, the take-up results in the Munich and Frankfurt regions reduced compared to 2014, by 25% and 16% respectively. Whilst Berlin and Düsseldorf witnessed a number of deals involving premises greater than 30,000 m², thereby achieving the best take-up results of the past 10 years, Hamburg, despite the uplift registered between 2014 and 2015, could only record its third best year of the past 10 years. In 2015, the biggest deal in the "Big 5" took place in the Düsseldorf region where Bauhaus is constructing a 60,000 m² logistic centre for its own occupation in Krefeld. The biggest letting was concluded in Großbeeren near Berlin: the online fashion retailer ASOS
leased 42,000 m². Another lease for almost 42,000 m² was signed by the logistic company Rhenus in the VGP Park in Rodgau near Frankfurt. A total take-up volume of around 1.3 million m² was recorded for premises with more than 5,000 m² in the "Big 5", with 56% of these taking place in new-builds and project developments. The short-term availability of space in the ≥5,000 m² size category reduced significantly in the "Big 5" in 2015. An alternative to existing properties is project developments which, in previous years, have normally only be constructed after sufficient preletting or for an owner-occupier. In the meantime, developers have either started to construct speculative projects or plan to do so in 2016, with the result that there was already 150,000 m² of speculative space under construction in the "Big 5" by the end of 2015. (Source: Jones Lang LaSalle).
New record result outside the "Big 5"
In 2015, outside the "Big 5" conurbations*, warehousing space take-up exceeded 4 million m² for the first time ever. At around 4.12 million m², 12% more warehousing space was taken up than in the year before. This was a staggering 28% and 58% above the 5- and 10-year averages. Whilst owner-occupiers took up around 10% less space year-on-year, the volume of lettings increased by 37%.
* Note: only includes spaces larger than 5,000 m² in these regions) Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
26 VGP annual report 2015
Prime rents rises in Munich
Prime rents for warehousing space in the ≥5,000 m² size category remained stable in most regions. Only Munich recorded a rise of €0.25/m²/month in the prime rent to €6.75/m²/month due to the continued scarcity of supply. This was followed by the Frankfurt (€6.00/m²/month), Hamburg (€5.60/m²/month) and Düsseldorf regions (€5.40/m²/month). The lowest prime rents were paid by tenants in the Berlin region (€4.70/m²/month). Prime rents are expected to remain stable in 2016.
WAREHOUSING TAKE-UP GERMANY: LETTINGS / OWNER-OCCUPIERS (in m2)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OUTSIDE THE "BIG 5" -CONURBATIONS | ||||||
| — LETTINGS | 1,381,200 | 2,032,000 | 1,637,300 | 1,539,062 | 1,759,872 | 2,406,4251 |
| — OWNER-OCCUPIERS | 1,141,900 | 1,585,900 | 1,299,600 | 1,772,338 | 1,906,528 | 1,715,8751 |
| — TOTAL |
2,523,100 | 3,617,900 | 2,936,900 | 3,311,400 | 3,666,400 | 4,122,300 |
| "BIG 5"-CONURBATIONS: | ||||||
| — LETTINGS | 1,431,900 | 1,781,900 | 1,365,500 | 1,206,200 | 1,406,000 | 1,545,000 |
| — OWNER-OCCUPIERS | 363,400 | 464,300 | 418,900 | 499,900 | 484,300 | 512,900 |
| — TOTAL | 1,795,300 | 2,246,200 | 1,784,400 | 1,706,100 | 1,890,300 | 2,057,900 |
| LETTINGS | 2,813,100 | 3,813,900 | 3,002,800 | 2,745,262 | 3,165,872 | 3,951,425 |
| OWNER-OCCUPIERS | 1,505,300 | 2,050,200 | 1,718,500 | 2,272,238 | 2,390,828 | 2,228,775 |
| TOTAL | 4,318,400 | 5,864,100 | 4,721,300 | 5,017,500 | 5,556,700 | 6,180,200 |
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
WAREHOUSING TAKE-UP GERMANY (in m2)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGION | ||||||
| — BERLIN | 359,900 | 412,000 | 333,600 | 333,000 | 327,400 | 456,100 |
| — DUSSELDORF | 166,000 | 205,800 | 145,100 | 295,200 | 283,200 | 328,900 |
| — FRANKFURT (INCL. WIESBADEN/MAINZ) |
326,400 | 540,000 | 455,600 | 415,000 | 559,000 | 470,500 |
| — HAMBURG | 616,300 | 740,000 | 575,400 | 450,000 | 450,000 | 600,000 |
| — MUNICH | 326,700 | 348,400 | 274,700 | 212,900 | 270,000 | 202,400 |
| TOTAL "BIG 5"-CONURBATIONS | 1,795,300 | 2,246,200 | 1,784,400 | 1,706,100 | 1,890,300 | 2,057,900 |
| OUTSIDE "BIG 5"-CONURBATIONS | 2,523,100 | 3,617,900 | 2,936,900 | 3,311,400 | 3,666,400 | 4,122,300 |
| TOTAL | 4,318,400 | 5,864,100 | 4,721,300 | 5,017,500 | 5,556,400 | 6,180,200 |
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
1 As calculated by the company based on Jones Lang LaSalle data
VGP's expansion into Germany
Germany has become the main market for VGP over the past 24 months. During the year more than € 7.1 million of new leases were signed. Of the total € 38.0 million annualised committed leases outstanding at the end of December 2015, € 18.3 million (48%) were related to German leases, which is a similar proportion as per 31 December 2014.
Development land
During the year 2015, VGP acquired 167,000 m² of new development land in Germany and had another 356,000 m² new land plots under option, subject to permits. These remaining land plots are expected to be acquired during the course of 2016.
Development pipeline
During the year 9 new buildings were delivered: 4 buildings totalling 65,154 m² in VGP Park Hamburg, 2 buildings totalling 28,273 m² in VGP Park Rodgau, 1 building of 15,140 m² in VGP Park Höchstadt, 1 building of 24,228 m² in VGP Park Berlin and 1 building of 13,885 m² in VGP Park Borna.
At the end of December 2015 VGP has 6 buildings under construction: 1 building in VGP Park Hamburg, 3 buildings in VGP Park Rodgau, 1 building in VGP Park Bobenheim-Roxheim and 1 building in VGP Park Frankenthal.
The new buildings under construction which have already been pre-let for more than 70%, represent a total future lettable area of 159,912 m² and an annualised rent income (when fully leased) of € 9.5 million.
The current development potential of the VGP Group as at 31 December 2015 is as follows:
Source: Company information.
Note: The above figures relate to the current secured land bank. The development potential has been calculated by reference to existing or similar developed semi-industrial projects.
JOINT VENTURE WITH ALLIANZ REAL ESTATE
Joint venture with Allianz Real Estate
Background
At the end of February 2016 VGP entered into a 50:50 joint venture with Allianz Real Estate.
The new joint venture will act as an exclusive take-out vehicle of the income generating assets located in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager.
The initial seed portfolio comprises 8 parks located in Germany: VGP Park Bingen, VGP Park Bobenheim-Roxheim, VGP Park Frankenthal, VGP Park Rodgau VGP Park Hamburg, VGP Park Berlin, VGP Park Höchstadt and VGP Park Borna; 4 parks in the Czech Republic: VGP Park BRNO, VGP Park Plzeň, VGP Park Hrádek nad Nisou, VGP Park Olomouc (partially); 1 park located in Slovakia: VGP Park Malacky and 2 parks located in Hungary: VGP Park Győr and VGP Park Alsónémedi.
Within these parks 27 buildings have been completed totalling circa 505,662 m², 9 buildings are under construction due to be completed within the next 12 months totalling circa 163,566 m² and there is some remaining development land which will allow some limited additional developments.
Occupancy is at 98.2% with a diversified tenant base of over 55 tenants and represents annualised committed leases of € 30.4 million.
Rationale of the transaction
Over the past 24 months VGP management performed a strategic exercise reviewing different alternatives in order to enable the Group to continue to invest in its development pipeline whilst at the same time being adequately financed.
The decision to choose a joint venture was deemed to be the best alternative to achieve the aforementioned objectives and at the same time maximise shareholder value. The joint venture structure will allow VGP to recycle (partially or totally) its initial invested capital when completed projects are acquired by the joint venture and will allow VGP to re-invest these monies in the continued expansion of the development pipeline, including the further expansion of the land bank, thus allowing VGP to concentrate on its core development activities.
VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager which should see a significant increase in the fee income from these activities in the future years.
Finally VGP will retain a 50% stake in a growing rent income generating logistic and semi industrial real estate portfolio which over time will generate a recurrent cash flow stream which can support a sustained dividend policy.
Impact on the VGP Group
The net assets of the initial seed portfolio as at 31 December 2015 were as follows:
| In thousands of € | 2015 |
|---|---|
| DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
527,361 |
| LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE |
(161,047) |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 366,314 |
As at 31 December 2015 the consolidated accounts included gross rental income for the seed portfolio of € 12.7 million and net financial expenses for the seed portfolio of € 0.9 million.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Corporate governance statement
In accordance with the original Belgian Code on Corporate Governance published in 2004, the Board of Directors has, on 17 January 2008, adopted the VGP Corporate Governance Charter.
Following the publication of the 2009 Belgian Code on Corporate Governance, the Board of Directors has, on 20 April 2010, adopted the 2009 Code as the reference code for VGP and revised the VGP Corporate Governance Charter.
On 3 April 2015 the Board of Directors has further revised the VGP Corporate Governance Charter. VGP complies in principle with the Belgian Corporate Governance Code and explains in the VGP Corporate Governance Charter and in this Corporate Governance Statement why it departs from some of its provisions.
The Belgian Corporate Governance Code is available at
www.corporategovernancecommittee.be The VGP Corporate Governance Charter is available at www.vgpparks.eu
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of five members, who are appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer are never the same individual. The Chief Executive Officer is the only Board member with an executive function. All other members are non-executive Directors.
Three of the Directors are independent: Mr Marek Šebesťák (first appointed in 2007), Mr Alexander Saverys (first appointed in 2007) and Rijo Advies BVBA represented by Jos Thys (first appointed in 2007). All three independent Directors were re-appointed at the General Meeting of May 2015.
The biographies for each of the current directors (see page 54), indicate the breadth of their business, financial and international experience. This gives the directors the range of skills, knowledge and experience essential to govern VGP.
For a detailed description of the operation and responsibilities of the Board of Directors we refer to the VGP Corporate Governance Charter, which is published on the company's website.
The Board of Directors have not and do not intend to appoint a company secretary. By doing so the company deviates from the recommendation 2.9 of the Corporate Governance Code. The small size of the company and its Board of Directors make such appointment not necessary.
The Board of Directors is aware of the importance of diversity in the composition of the Board of Directors in general and of gender diversity in particular. The board is currently establishing a first profile for candidates, given the specific activities of VGP and the countries in which it is active, with the aim to provide an assignment to the Remuneration Committee to recommend candidates fitting this profile to the Board and consequently by 2019 reaching the upcoming Belgian legal requirements.
The Board of Directors held 5 board meetings in 2015 of which 2 were held by conference call. The most important points on the agenda were:
- approval of the 2014 annual accounts and 2015 semi-annual accounts;
-
approval of budgets;
-
review and approval of the new management agreement with Little Rock;
- review and approval to enter into a new joint venture with Allianz Real Estate;
- review and discussion of the property portfolio (i.e. investments, tenant issues etc.);
- review, discussion and approval of the investments and expansion of the land bank and expansion in the Spanish market;
- review and approval of new credit facilities to support the growth of the Group;
- review and approval to enter into 2 delayed start interest rate swap transactions for a total notional amount of € 150 million;
- review and approval the issuance of hybrid instruments.
| NAME | YEAR APPOINTED | NEXT DUE FOR RE-ELECTION |
MEETINGS ATTENDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | |||
| JAN VAN GEET S.R.O. REPRESENTED BY JAN VAN GEET | 2013 | 2017 | 5 |
| NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | |||
| VM INVEST NV, REPRESENTED BY BART VAN MALDEREN | 2013 | 2017 | 5 |
| INDEPENDENT, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS | |||
| MAREK ŠEBESŤÁK | 2015 | 2019 | 5 |
| ALEXANDER SAVERYS | 2015 | 2019 | 3 |
| RIJO ADVIES BVBA REPRESENTED BY JOS THYS | 2015 | 2019 | 5 |
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has also established two advisory committees: an Audit Committee and a Remuneration Committee.
During 2015 Mr Marek Šebesťák, Mr Alexander Saverys and Mr Jos Thys were re-appointed as members of their respective Committees.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is composed of three members whom are all non-executive Directors. Two members, Mr Jos Thys and Mr Marek Šebesťák, are independent. The members of the committee possess sound knowledge of financial management.
For a detailed description of the operation and responsibilities of the Audit Committee we refer to the VGP Corporate Governance Charter, which is published on the company's website.
The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year. By doing so the company deviates from the recommendation in the provisions 5.2/28 of the Corporate Governance Code that requires the Audit Committee to convene at least four times a year. The deviation is justified considering the smaller size of the company.
The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year with the statutory auditor to consult with them about matters falling under the power of the Audit Committee and about any matters arising from the audit. The CEO and CFO also attend the meetings of the Audit Committee.
Given the size of the Group no internal audit function has currently been created.
| NAME | YEAR APPOINTED |
EXECUTIVE OR NON EXECUTIVE |
INDEPENDENT | NEXT DUE FOR RE-ELECTION |
MEETINGS ATTENDED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOS THYS (CHAIRMAN) | 2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 | 2 |
| BART VAN MALDEREN | 2013 | NON-EXECUTIVE | — | 2017 | 2 |
| MAREK ŠEBESŤÁK | 2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 | 2 |
The Audit Committee met twice in 2015. The Chairman of the Audit Committee reported the outcome of each meeting to the Board of Directors. The most important points on the agenda were:
- discussion on the 2014 annual accounts and 2015 semi-annual accounts and business updates;
- analysis of the recommendations made by the statutory auditor;
- financing structure of the Group;
- the debt and liquidity situation.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is composed of three members whom are all non-executive Directors. Two members, Mr Jos Thys and Mr Alexander Saverys, are independent.
The committee's competence in the field of remuneration policy is demonstrated by the relevant experience of its members.
For a detailed description of the operation and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee we refer to the VGP Corporate Governance Charter, which is published on the company's website.
The Remuneration Committee meets at least two times per year, as well as whenever the committee needs to address imminent topics within the scope of its responsibilities.
The CEO and CFO participate in the meetings when the remuneration plan proposed by the CEO for members of the management team is discussed, but not when their own remunerations are being decided.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Remuneration Committee has access to all resources that it deems appropriate, including external advice or benchmarking as appropriate.
| NAME | YEAR APPOINTED |
EXECUTIVE OR NON-EXECUTIVE |
INDEPENDENT | NEXT DUE FOR RE-ELECTION |
MEETINGS ATTENDED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BART VAN MALDEREN (CHAIRMAN) | 2013 | NON-EXECUTIVE | — | 2017 | 3 |
| ALEXANDER SAVERYS | 2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 | 3 |
| JOS THYS | 2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 | 3 |
The Remuneration Committee met three times in 2015.
The most important points on the agenda were:
— discussion of the new management agreement with Little Rock;
- discussion on remuneration policy;
- allocation of variable remuneration.
Nomination Committee
The company has not set up a Nomination Committee. By doing so the company deviates from the recommendation in the provisions 5.3 of the Corporate Governance Code. The deviation is justified considering the smaller size of the company.
Management Committee
Since no Management Committee in the meaning of article 524bis et seq of the Belgian Companies Code has been established, the company has not included specific terms of reference of the executive management. The tasks, responsibilities and powers of the CEO and the Executive Management are set out in the terms of reference of the Board of Directors. By doing so, the company as
a smaller listed company deviates from the recommendation in provision 6.1 of the Corporate Governance Code.
Evaluation of the Board of Directors and its Committees
In accordance with the VGP Corporate Governance Charter, the Board of Directors shall, at least every three years, conduct an evaluation of its size, composition and performance, and the size, composition and performance of its Committees, as well as the interaction with the Executive Management. Reference is made to the Terms of Reference of the Board of Directors – in Annex 1 of the VGP Corporate Charter – for a description of the main characteristics of the methodology used for this evaluation.
The Board of Directors and its Committees carried out the last self-assessment in March 2014 with satisfactory result.
Remuneration report
Remuneration policy for non-executive Directors
The independent and non-executive Directors receive an annual fixed remuneration of € 10,000 (the chairman receives an annual remuneration of € 20,000). The Directors also receive an attendance fee of € 1,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors (the chairman receives a remuneration of € 2,000) and € 500 for each meeting of the Audit Committee or the Remuneration Committee they attend.
For further details of the remuneration policy of the Directors we refer to Annex 2 point 6.1 of the VGP Corporate Governance Charter.
Directors do not receive any remuneration linked to performance or results.
The remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors is reflected in the table below:
| NAME amounts in € |
FIXED REMUNERATION |
VARIABLE BOARD ATTENDANCE |
VARIABLE COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE |
TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHAIRMAN | ||||
| MAREK ŠEBESŤÁK | 20,000 | 10,000 | 1,000 | 31,000 |
| DIRECTORS | ||||
| ALEXANDER SAVERYS | 10,000 | 3,000 | 1,500 | 14,500 |
| RIJO ADVIES BVBA REPRESENTED BY JOS THYS | 10,000 | 5,000 | 2,500 | 17,500 |
| VM INVEST NV REPRESENTED BY BART VAN MALDEREN | 10,000 | 5,000 | 2,500 | 17,500 |
| JAN VAN GEET S.R.O. REPRESENTED BY JAN VAN GEET | 10,000 | 5,000 | — | 15,000 |
| TOTAL | 60,000 | 28,000 | 7,500 | 95,500 |
Remuneration policy of Executive Management
For the Executive Management the remuneration is determined by the Remuneration Committee in line with the rules described in the VGP charter Annex 2 point 6.2 of the VGP Charter.
The Executive Management consists of Jan Van Geet s.r.o. represented by Jan Van Geet (Chief Executive Officer), Jan Prochazka (Chief Operating Officer), Dirk Stoop BVBA represented by Dirk Stoop (Chief Financial Officer), Tomas Van Geet s.r.o. represented by Tomas Van Geet (Chief Commercial Officer) and Jan Papoušek s.r.o. represented by Mr Jan Papoušek (Chief Operating Officer - Outside CZ).
VGP strives overall for a position above the market median on the total reward position with a substantial variable part based on company, team and individual performance.
Given the small organisation of the Group the VGP remuneration including the variable remuneration is set based on the performance criteria defined by the Remuneration Committee on an annual basis. These criteria relate amongst others to the occupancy rate of the income generating assets, the gearing level of the Group, the profit contribution of the development activities and the maximisation of shareholder value.
The Remuneration Committee will from time to time approve an overall variable remuneration envelope based on the company's performance and delegates the effective allocation of this variable remuneration to the CEO. The allocation by the CEO to executive and senior management will occur based on individual performance taking the overall performance criteria as set by the Remuneration Committee into consideration.
The remuneration policy is reviewed on an annual basis to accommodate potential developments in (labour) market characteristics, company strategy, company and individual performance as well as other relevant factors influencing the performance and motivation of the management team. Currently VGP expects to continue the current practice for the next two financial years.
Remuneration package 2015 of the CEO
- fixed remuneration of € 300,000 and a total directorship remuneration of € 15,000
- short term variable remuneration: € 250,000
- contribution of retirement benefits: € 0
- other components of the remuneration: € 38,884 (includes company car and related expenses)
Total remuneration 2015 for the Executive Management The amount of the remuneration and other benefits granted directly or indirectly to the executive management members other than the Chief Executive Officer, by the Company or its subsidiaries, in respect of 2015 is set forth below on a global basis.
- fixed remuneration of € 537,062
- short term variable
- remuneration: € 675,000 — contribution of retirement
- benefits of € 35,781 — other components of the remuneration: € 71,535 (company car and related expenses)
Mid-term variable
remuneration Little Rock SA In April 2015, the Board of Directors approved a new management agreement relating to the services rendered by some of VGP's key managers. Following such decision, Little Rock SA became responsible for the Group's daily management, financial management and commercial management and is represented for this purpose by the CEO (Mr Jan Van Geet), CFO (Mr Dirk Stoop) and CCO (Mr Tomas Van Geet) respectively. As a consideration for rendering such services, Little Rock SA is entitled to receive a fixed fee, a short term variable fee subject to certain criteria being met, and a mid-term variable fee of 5% of the profits before taxes of the Group on a consolidated basis, in return for Little Rock SA's (and the aforementioned managers') commitment to observe the Group's daily, financial and commercial management for an additional period of five years.
The fixed fee and short term variable remuneration has been included in the remuneration overview of the CEO and the executive management.
The mid-term variable remuneration for 2015 approved by the Board amounts to € 5,215,272 and has been fully provided for in the 2015 consolidated accounts. This amount will be
paid out over the next three years at a rate of 1/3 per annum.
For 2015 no post-employment benefits nor share based payment benefits were granted.
The members of the executive team are appointed for an undetermined period and the notification period, in case of termination of their employment contract is 12 months. This rule applies to all members of the executive management. Furthermore there are no claw back provisions for variable remuneration.
The Remuneration Report will be submitted for vote to the shareholders at the shareholders' meeting of 13 May 2016.
Policies of conduct
Transparency of transactions involving shares of VGP
In line with the Royal Decree of 5 March 2006, members of the Board of Directors and the executive committee must notify the FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority)
of any transactions involving shares of VGP within 5 business days after the transaction. These transactions are made public on the web site of the FSMA (http://www.fsma.be)
Reference is also made to Annex 4 of the VGP Corporate Governance Charter on http://www.vgpparks.eu/ investors/corporate-governance/.
In 2015 two transactions with "insiders" were reported i.e. in April 2015, VM Invest NV acquired 2,500 shares and in June 2015 VM Invest NV acquired another 16,830 shares.
Conflict of interest
In accordance with Article 523 of the Companies Code, a member of the Board of Directors should give the other members prior notice of any agenda items in respect of which he has a direct or indirect conflict of interest of a financial nature with the Company.
Two conflicts of interests arose during 2015:
One conflict of interest arose in respect of the new management agreement with Little Rock SA. The main details of these minutes (minutes of
the Board of Directors of 3 April 2015) were already included in the annual report of 2014 (page 34). The complete minutes of the Board of Directors of 3 April 2015 will be once more included in the Board of Director's report attached to the 31 December 2015 statutory accounts.
Excerpt from the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting of 7 July 2015
The agenda calls for a discussion and approval to issue a hybrid form of security instrument.
The Securities will be offered to certain investors and/or main shareholders and have the following main characteristics: (a) the Securities will be debt instruments under Belgian GAAP, but for IAS/IFRS purposes, they will qualify as equity; (b) the Securities will be perpetual debt instruments, i.e. debt instruments without a fixed maturity date. They may be redeemed at the option of the Company at any time. The Securities holders do not have a right to demand redemption of the Securities by the Company; (c) the Securities will entitle the holders to interests, which shall at the sole discretion of the Company, either: (i) be payable annually in cash on the interest
payment date; or (ii) be compounded in respect of each Security with the principal amount of such Security and shall be deemed to form part of the principal amount of such Security and generate interest as from the first day of the next interest period (to the extent permitted by and in accordance with article 1154 of the Belgian Civil Code).
The Securities bear interest of 7.00% p.a. for the first 5 years after which the interest rate will increase with 1.00% per annum on each subsequent third anniversary.
After deliberation the Board of Directors approve the terms of the Transaction Documents (substantially in the form attached to these minutes) and the Transaction contemplated thereby, as well as the execution and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents, including: (i) the draft Terms and Conditions of the Securities; and (ii) the draft Subscription Agreement.
The complete minutes of these Board of Directors will be included in the Board of Director's report attached to the 31 December 2015 statutory accounts.
Risk management and internal controls
VGP operates a risk management and control function in accordance with the Companies Law Code and the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2009.
VGP is exposed to a wide variety of risks within the context of its business operations that can result in the objectives being affected or not achieved. Controlling those risks is a core task of the Board of Directors, the Executive Management and all other employees with managerial responsibilities.
The risk management and control systems have been set up to reach the following goals:
- achievement of objectives related to effectiveness and efficiency of operations;
- reliability of financial reporting, and;
- compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The principles of the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") reference framework has served as a basis in the set-up of VGP's risk management and control system.
Control environment
VGP strives for an overall compliance and a risk-awareness attitude by defining clear roles and responsibilities in all relevant domains. This way, the company fosters an environment in which its business objectives and strategies are pursued in a controlled manner. This environment is created through the implementation of different policies and procedures, such as:
- Code of ethics and conduct;
- Decision and signatory authority limits;
- Quality management and financial reporting system.
Given the size of the company and required flexibility these policies and procedures are not always formally documented.
The Executive Management ensures that all VGP team members are fully aware of the policies and procedures and ensures that all VGP team members have sufficient understanding or are adequately informed in order to develop sufficient risk management and control at all levels and in all areas of the Group.
Risk management system
Risk management, process and methodology
All employees are accountable for the timely identification and qualitative assessment of the risks (and significant changes to them) within their area of responsibility.
Within the different key, management, assurance, and supporting processes, the risks associated with the business are identified, analysed,
pre-evaluated and challenged by internal and occasionally by external assessments.
In addition to these integrated risk reviews, periodic assessments are performed to check whether proper risk review and control measures are in place and to discover unidentified or unreported risks. These processes are driven by the CEO, COO and CFO which monitor and analyse on an on-going basis the various levels of risk and develop any action plan as appropriate. In addition, control activities are embedded in all key processes and systems in order to assure proper achievement of the company objectives.
Any identified risks which could have a material impact on the financial or operational performance of the Group are reported to the Board of Directors for further discussion and assessment and to allow the Board to decide whether such risks are acceptable from a level of risk exposure.
Most important risk factors VGP has identified and analysed all its key corporate risks as disclosed in the 'Risk Factors' section in this annual report. These corporate risks are communicated throughout VGP's organisation.
Statutory auditor
DELOITTE Bedrijfsrevisoren BV o.v.v.e. CVBA having its offices at Berkenlaan 8B, 1831 Diegem, Belgium represented by Mr. Rik Neckebroeck has been appointed as Statutory Auditor.
The Statutory Auditor's term of office expires at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of 13 May 2016. It will be proposed at this meeting to renew the appointment for a further period of three years and to set its fees at € 119(000) per year. This fee will be subject to an annual review reflecting the changes in audit scope which might be required in order to ensure that such audit scope is kept in line with the evolution of the VGP Group. If the General Meeting approves this proposal, the statutory auditor will be represented by Mr Rik Neckebroeck.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors
The following risk factors that could influence the Group's activities, its financial status, its results and further development, have been identified by the Group.
The Group takes and will continue to take the necessary measures to manage those risks as effectively as possible. The Group is amongst others exposed to:
Risks related to the Group's industry, properties and operations
Risks related to the nature of the Group's business
Since the Group's business involves the acquisition, development and operation of real estate, it is subject to real estate operating risks, of which some are outside the Group's control. The results and outlook of the Group depend amongst others on the ability to identify and acquire interesting real estate projects and to commercialise such projects at economically viable conditions.
Risks related to the nature and composition of its portfolio: Land for development, semiindustrial properties
The Group's real estate portfolio is concentrated on semi-industrial property. Due to this concentration, an economic downturn in this sector could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. These risks are mitigated by the fact that the real estate portfolio is becoming more and more
geographically diversified. In addition the properties are as much as possible standardised, allowing easy re-utilisation in case a tenant would terminate its lease.
Risks related to the ability to generate continued rental income
The value of a rental property depends to a large extent on the remaining term of the related rental agreements as well as the creditworthiness of the tenants. The Group applies a strict credit policy by which all future tenants are screened for their creditworthiness prior to being offered a lease agreement. In addition the Group will seek to sign as much as possible future lease agreements in order to secure a sustainable future rental income stream.
Nearly 100% of the lease contracts incorporate a provision whereby rents are annually indexed. Tenants will, in general, be required to provide a deposit or bank guarantee or a corporate guarantee depending on their creditworthiness. The lease contracts are usually concluded for periods between 5-10 years (first break option) and include most of the time an automatic extension clause. The lessee cannot cancel the lease contract until the first break option date.
Risks related to the Group's development activities
The Group could be exposed to unforeseen cost-overruns and to a delay in the completion of the projects undertaken for its own account or for associated companies. Within VGP there are several internal controls available to minimise these risks i.e. specific cost control functions as well as project management resources which monitor the projects on a daily basis.
Risks associated with the disposal of projects
In addition to VGP's focus on development, the company also adopts a pro-active approach in respect of potential disposal of the Group's income generating assets.
The Group's revenues will as a result be partly determined by disposals of real estate projects. This means that the Group's results and cash flow can fluctuate considerably from year to year depending on the number of projects that can be put up for sale and can be sold in that given year.
Risks related to legal, regulatory and tax matters
The Group is subject to a wide range of EC, national and local laws and regulations. In addition the Group may become subject to disputes with tenants or commercial parties with whom the Group maintains relationships or other parties in the rental or related businesses. Finally a change in tax rules and regulations could have an adverse effect on the tax position of the Group. All these risks are monitored on an on-going basis and there where necessary, the Group will use external advisors to advice on contract negotiations, regulatory matters or tax matters as the case may be.
Property maintenance and insurance risk
To remain attractive and to generate a revenue stream over the longer term a property's condition must be maintained or, in some cases, improved to meet the changing needs of the market. To this end the Group operates an internal facility management team in order to ensure that the properties are kept in good condition.
All buildings are insured against such risks as are usually insured against in the same geographical area by reputable companies engaged in the same or similar business.
The facility management not only provides internal services but also facility management services to third parties. VGP will therefore be potentially liable for the quality and or non-performance of its services. In order to minimise this risk a professional indemnity insurance cover has been taken out.
Legal systems in the mid-European countries are not yet fully developed
The legal systems of the mid-European countries have undergone dramatic changes in recent years, which may result in inconsistent applications of existing laws and regulations and uncertainty as to the application and effect of new laws and regulations. The Group mitigates this risk by using reputable external local lawyers to advise on such specific legal issues as they arise.
Financial risks
Availability of adequate credit facilities
The Group is partly financed by bank credit facilities, bonds and from time to time by shareholder loans. The
non- availability of adequate credit facilities could have an adverse effect on the growth of the Group as well as on its financial condition in case bank credit facilities cannot be extended at their maturity date. The Group ensures that adequate committed credit facilities are in place to sustain its growth. VGP will start renegotiating the extension of maturing credit facilities well in advance of the respective maturity dates (usually 12 months prior to maturity date). As at 31 December 2015 the Group had € 213.0 million committed credit facilities in place with an average maturity of 4.8 years and which were drawn for 61%.
Compliance of financial covenants
The loan agreements of the Group include financial covenants (see section 6.10.1 of the Financial Review for further details). Any breach of covenant could have an adverse effect on the financial position of the Group. Covenants are therefore monitored on an on-going basis in order to ensure compliance and to anticipatively identify any potential problems of non-compliance for action. During 2015 the VGP Group remained well within its covenants.
Evolution of debt ratio of the Group
The Group expects that in the medium term it will significantly increase the amount of borrowings. The Group expects that for the foreseeable future it will be operating within a gearing level (net debt / total equity and liabilities) of up to 55%. As at 31 December 2015 the "net debt / total equity and liabilities" ratio was 35.7% compared to 33.2% as at 31 December 2014.
Evolution of interest rates
Changes in interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Group's ability to obtain or service debt and other financing on favourable terms. To this end the Group hedges its interest rate exposure by converting the majority of its variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. As at 31 December 2015, 95.3% of the financial debt was at fixed rates.
Fluctuation in currency rates
The Group's revenues are predominantly denominated in Euro, however, expenses, assets and liabilities are recorded in a number of different currencies other than the Euro, in particular the Czech Crown. The Group reviews these risks on a regular basis and uses financial instruments to hedge these exposures as appropriate.
Summary of the accounts and comments
Income statement
| CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT – ANALYTICAL FORM (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| NET CURRENT RESULT | ||
| GROSS RENTAL INCOME | 17,073 | 9,596 |
| SERVICE CHARGE INCOME / (EXPENSES) | 422 | 431 |
| PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES | (972) | (1,513) |
| NET RENTAL AND RELATED INCOME | 16,523 | 8,514 |
| PROPERTY AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT INCOME | 2,215 | 3,161 |
| PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INCOME | 332 | 246 |
| OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSES) – INCL. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS | (13,998) | (7,089) |
| SHARE IN THE RESULT OF ASSOCIATES | 191 | 14,473 |
| OPERATING RESULT (BEFORE RESULT ON PORTFOLIO) | 5,263 | 19,305 |
| NET FINANCIAL RESULT1 | (9,835) | (6,220) |
| REVALUATION OF INTEREST RATE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (IAS 39) | (319) | (1,455) |
| TAXES | 5,512 | (2,167) |
| NET CURRENT RESULT | 621 | 9,463 |
| RESULT ON PROPERTY PORTFOLIO | ||
| NET VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 103,981 | 53,920 |
| DEFERRED TAXES | (18,041) | (14,024) |
| RESULT ON PROPERTY PORTFOLIO | 85,940 | 39,896 |
| PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | 86,561 | 49,359 |
| RESULT PER SHARE | 2015 | 2014 |
| NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES | 18,583,050 | 18,583,050 |
| NET CURRENT RESULT PER SHARE (IN €) | 0.03 | 0.51 |
| NET RESULT PER SHARE (IN €) – (BASIC AND DILUTED) | 4.66 | 2.66 |
1 Excluding the revaluation of interest rate financial instruments.
Balance sheet
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| GOODWILL | 631 | 631 |
| INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 12 | 57 |
| INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 173,972 | 416,089 |
| PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | 378 | 370 |
| NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS | 216 | — |
| INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES | (103) | 17 |
| DEFERRED TAX ASSETS | 89 | 258 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 175,195 | 417,422 |
| TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | 4,927 | 6,822 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 9,825 | 43,595 |
| DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 527,361 | — |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 542,113 | 50,417 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 717,308 | 467,839 |
| SHARE CAPITAL | 62,251 | 62,251 |
| RETAINED EARNINGS | 239,658 | 153,097 |
| OTHER RESERVES | 69 | 69 |
| OTHER EQUITY | 60,000 | — |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 361,978 | 215,417 |
| NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 170,800 | 193,034 |
| OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | 967 | 1,656 |
| OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | 405 | 1,122 |
| DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES | 8,247 | 27,329 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | 180,419 | 223,141 |
| CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 3,522 | 5,722 |
| TRADE DEBTS AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES | 10,342 | 23,559 |
| LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 161,047 | — |
| TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 174,911 | 29,281 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 355,330 | 252,422 |
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 717,308 | 467,839 |
Income statement – analytical form
Gross rental income and operating costs
Gross rental income relates to the lease income from the operating leases concluded with the Group's customers. Fluctuations in the rental income are mainly a result of the growth of the semi-industrial property portfolio. Future growth of the top line will be driven by the development and delivery of new properties to tenants.
Operating cost for the Group are composed of service charge income and expenses, property operating expenses and other income and expenses (including administrative costs).
The service charge income and expenses relate to operating expenses borne by the Group and recharged to the tenants: repair & maintenance, energy, insurance etc., whereas property operating expenses will relate to operating costs borne by the Group which cannot be fully recouped and which mainly relate to consultancy costs of lawyers, brokers and appraisal fees.
Property and facility management income relates to property- and facility management activities performed for third parties (including associates). Property development income relates to development activities undertaking mainly for associates and occasionally for other third parties.
Other income relates to non-recurrent income from tenants and other sundry income. Other expenses relates to the disposal of material, property and equipment and other sundry expenses. Administrative costs relate to general overhead costs.
The gross rental income reflects the full impact of the income generating assets delivered during 2015.
The net rental and related income for the financial year ending 31 December 2015 increased by 94.1% from € 8.5 million for the period ending 31 December 2014 to € 16.5 million for the period ending 31 December 2015.
During 2015 a total of 18 projects were completed which represented 279,861 m² of lettable area.
The operating costs in 2014 increased by 78.0% from € 8.2 million as at 31 December 2014 to € 14.5 million as at 31 December 2015. The increase was mainly due to increased overhead and travel costs related to the geographic expansion of the Group and more specifically the growth of the German team. In
additional € 5.2 million accrual was made relation the mid-term variable remuneration of Little Rock SA (See Remuneration Report for further details) which will be equally paid out over 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Net valuation gains on investment properties
Investment properties, which incorporate completed projects, projects under construction and land held for development, are held to earn rental income, for capital appreciation, or for both.
The valuation gains or losses on investment properties, investment property under construction and development land (the "property portfolio") represents the change in the fair value of the property portfolio during the respective periods.
The carrying amount of the property portfolio is the fair value of the property as determined by an external valuation expert.
The fair value valuations are prepared on the basis of Market Value (in accordance with the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards (incorporating the International Valuation Standards) Global edition January 2014), and are carried out on a regular basis but at least once a year.
As at 31 December 2015 the net valuation gains / (losses) showed a net valuation gain of € 104.0 million against a net valuation gain of € 53.9 million per 31 December 2014.
The total property portfolio, excluding development land, is valued by the valuation expert at 31 December 2015 based on a weighted average yield of 7.02% (compared to 7.81% as at 31 December 2014) applied to the contractual rents increased by the estimated rental value on un-let space.
The (re)valuation of the portfolio was based on the appraisal report of Jones Lang LaSalle.
Net financial result
Net financial result consists of financial income and financial expenses. Financial income relates to interest income received from bank deposits or from loans granted to associates, unrealised gains on interest rate hedging as well as to the positive effect of realised and unrealised foreign exchange gains on monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities. Financial expenses mainly relates to the interest expense on the bank credit facilities, bonds, shareholder debt, the unrealised loss on interest rate hedging and the negative realised and unrealised foreign exchange
results on monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities.
For the period ending 31 December 2015, the reported financial income was € 0.5 million (€ 3.0 million as at 31 December 2014) and was mainly composed of € 0.4 million of net foreign exchange gains (compared to € 7k net foreign exchange loss as at 31 December 2014) and € 0.1 million of unrealised gains on interest rate derivatives.
In order to mitigate its future interest rate risk the Group concluded 2 new interest rate swaps, each for a notional amount of € 75 million during the first half of 2015. These 2 interest rate swaps will start in July 2017 and December 2018 and will run until July 2022 and December 2023 respectively. The average interest rate which has been fixed is 0.84% p.a. As at 30 June 2015, € 2.7 million of unrealised gains were recorded on these interest rate derivatives which due to the change in long term interest rates during the second half of 2015 reversed to a € 0.2 million of unrealised loss as at the end of 2015.
As at 31 December 2015 no interest income from loans to associates was recorded (compared to € 2.9 million as at 31 December 2014) due to the repayment of all shareholder loans from the associates in October 2014.
The reported financial expenses as at 31 December 2015 are mainly made up of € 10.3 million interest expenses related to financial debt (€ 9.1 million as at 31 December 2014), € 0.4 million unrealised losses on interest rate derivatives, € 2.4 million other financial expenses (€ 0.9 million as at 31 December 2014) mainly relating to the amortisation of the transactions costs of the 2 bonds issued during 2013 and a positive impact of € 2.4 million (€ 1.0 million per 31 December 2014) related to capitalised interests.
As a result the net financial expenses reached € 10.2 million as at 31 December 2015 compared to € 7.7 million as at 31 December 2014.
Taxes
The Group is subject to tax at the applicable tax rates of the respective countries in which it operates. Additionally, a deferred tax charge is provided for on the fair value adjustment of the property portfolio.
Taxes decreased from € 16.2 million as at 31 December 2014 to € 12.5 million for the period ending 31 December 2015. The change in the tax line is mainly due to change in applied tax rate for Germany from 30.825%
to 15.825% reflecting the fact that the German assets are managed from outside of Germany and hence are not subject to trade tax of around 15%.
Profit for the year
Profit for the year increased from € 49.4 million (€ 2.66 per share) as at 31 December 2014 to € 86.6 million (€ 4.66 per share) for the financial year ended 31 December 2015.
Balance sheet
The assets held for sale and liabilities related to disposal group held for sale reflect the assets and liabilities which will be transferred to the new joint venture held by VGP and Allianz Real Estate during the course of 2016.
Investment properties
Investment properties relate to completed properties, projects under
construction as well as land held for development. The fluctuations from one year to the other reflect the timing of the completion and delivery as well as the divestments or acquisitions of such assets.
As at 31 December 2015 the investment property portfolio consists of 34 completed buildings representing 548,838 m² of lettable area with another 14 buildings under construction representing 272,334 m² of lettable area.
During the year VGP delivered, for its own account, 18 buildings representing 279,861 m² of lettable area.
Investment in associates
The consolidated financial statements include the Group's share of the results of the associates accounted for using the equity method from the date when a significant influence commences until the date
when significant influence ceases. When VGP's share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the associate, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that VGP has incurred obligations in respect of the associate.
As at 31 December 2015 the investments in associates showed a modest negative balance of € 103k against a positive balance of € 17k as at 31 December 2014. During 2014 Snow Crystal S.à.r.l. completed the sale of the VGP CZ I and VGP CZ IV portfolio and Sun S.à.r.l. completed the sale of the VGP CZ II portfolio. The joint venture partners have initiated the liquidation procedure for both companies i.e. Snow Crystal S.à.r.l. and Sun S.à.r.l. and liquidation is expected to occur during the course of 2016.
Shareholders' equity
The increase in retained earnings from € 153.1 million as at 31 December 2014 to € 239.7 million as at 31 December 2015 was mainly driven by the impact of the fair value adjustments on the property portfolio.
In order to strengthen its consolidated equity base and support its further growth, VGP NV issued subordinated perpetual securities during 2015 for an aggregate amount of € 60 million. The securities were fully underwritten by the reference shareholders of the company, VM Invest NV and Little Rock SA. The securities are not convertible into VGP shares and, hence, do not entail dilution for the shareholders.
Total non-current and current financial debt
The financial debt increased from € 198.8 million as at 31 December 2014 to € 279.8 million as at 31 December 2015. (Before reclassification to disposal group held for sale). The increase was mainly driven by an increase in bank debt which increased to €129.4 million compared to € 49.1 million as at 31 December 2014.
The gearing ratio of the Group remains conservative and stood at 35.7% at the end of December 2015 compared to a gearing level of 33.2% as at 31 December 2014.
Cash flow
| NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
(19,933) | (35,783) |
|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | 140,053 | 25,250 |
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | (147,377) | (59,491) |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | (12,609) | (1,542) |
| SUMMARY (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
The cash from operating activities decreased by € 11.1 million, mainly due to the impact of the disposal of the VGP CZ I and VGP CZ II portfolios during 2014 which had a € 9.3 million positive effect on the 2014 operating cash flow.
The cash flow from investing activities increased with € 87.9 million; mainly due to the increase in the capital expenditure incurred for the development activities and land acquisition which jumped from € 112.2 million as at 2014 to € 147.5 million as at 31 December 2014. The cash flow from investing activities as at 31 December 2014 also benefitted from the € 49.8 million repayment of shareholder loans granted to the associates which were repaid in October 2014 (see note 5.6 of the Financial Review)
The cash flow from financing activities increased with € 114.8 million, mainly due to the increased bank borrowings (+ € 57.1 million) and the € 60 million hybrid instruments which were subscribed by the 2 main reference shareholders (see note 6.9 of the Financial Review).
Events after the balance sheet date
In order to sustain its growth over the medium term VGP entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Allianz Real Estate at the end of February 2016. The new joint venture will act as an exclusive take-out vehicle of the income generating assets located in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager. Please refer to page 31 for further details.
Information about the share
Listing of shares
Euronext Brussels Main Market of Prague
| VGP share . VGP . VGP VVPR-strip . VGPS . |
ISIN BE0003878957 ISIN BE0005621926 |
|---|---|
| MARKET CAPITALISATION 31 DEC-15 | 613,426,481 € |
| HIGHEST CAPITALISATION | 661,556,580 € |
| LOWEST CAPITALISATION | 422,392,727 € |
| SHARE PRICE 31 DEC-14 | 22,73 € |
| SHARE PRICE 31 DEC-15 | 33.01 € |
Shareholder structure
As at 31 December 2015 the share capital of VGP was represented by 18,583,050 shares. Ownership of the Company's shares is as follows:
| SHAREHOLDER | NUMBER OF SHARES | % OF SHARES ISSUED |
|---|---|---|
| VM INVEST NV | 5,212,390 | 28.05% |
| MR BART VAN MALDEREN | 3,545,250 | 19.08% |
| SUB-TOTAL BART VAN MALDEREN GROUP | 8,757,640 | 47.13% |
| LITTLE ROCK SA | 4,707,752 | 25.33% |
| ALSGARD SA | 2,409,914 | 12.97% |
| COMM. VA VGP MISV | 929,153 | 5.00% |
| VADEBO FRANCE NV | 655,738 | 3.53% |
| PUBLIC | 1,122,853 | 6.04% |
| TOTAL | 18,583,050 | 100.00% |
VM Invest NV is a company controlled by Mr. Bart Van Malderen.
Little Rock SA is a company controlled by Mr. Jan Van Geet.
Alsgard SA is a company controlled by Mr. Jan Prochazka.
Comm VA VGP MISV is a company controlled by Mr. Bart Van Malderen and Mr. Jan Van Geet.
VM Invest NV, Mr. Bart Van Malderen, Comm VA VGP MISV, Little Rock SA, and Alsgard SA are acting in concert in respect of the holding, the acquisition or disposal of securities.
Vadebo France NV is a company controlled by Mrs. Griet Van Malderen.
| € | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | JANUARY 2015 | FEBRUARY 2015 | MARCH 2015 | APRIL 2015 | MAY 2015 | JUNE 201 5 |
| 35 | ||||||
| 30 | ||||||
| 25 | ||||||
| 20 | ||||||
| 15 |
There are no specific categories of shares. Each share gives the right to one vote.
In accordance with Articles 480 to 482 of the Company Code, the company can create shares without voting rights, subject to the fulfilling requirements related to the change of the articles of association. All shares are freely transferable.
Authorised capital
The Board of Directors is expressly authorised to increase the nominal capital on one or more occasions up to an aggregate amount of € 100 million by monetary contribution or contribution in kind, if applicable, by contribution of reserves or issue premiums, under regulations provided by the Belgian Company Code and the articles of association. This authorisation is valid until 23 May 2019.
Liquidity of the shares
To improve the liquidity of its shares VGP NV concluded a liquidity agreement with KBC Bank.
This agreement ensures that there is increased liquidity of the shares which should be to the benefit of the Group in the future as more liquidity allows new shares to be more easily issued in case of capital increases.
Financial calendar
| GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS |
13 MAY 2016 |
|---|---|
| 2015 HALF YEAR RESULTS |
30 AUGUST 2016 |
Outlook for 2016
Based on the positive trend in the demands for lettable area recorded by VGP during 2015 and the continuing trend seen during the first weeks of 2016, and provided there are no unforeseen events of economic and financial markets nature, VGP should be able to continue to substantially expand its rental income and property portfolio through the completion and start-up of additional new buildings.
Board of Directors
| COMPOSITION ON 31 DECEMBER 2015 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAME | YEAR APPOINTED |
EXECUTIVE OR NON-EXECUTIVE |
INDEPENDENT | NEXT DUE FOR RE-ELECTION |
|
| CHAIRMAN | MAREK ŠEBESŤÁK | 2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 |
| CEO | JAN VAN GEET S.R.O. REPRESENTED BY JAN VAN GEET |
2013 | EXECUTIVE AND REFERENCE SHAREHOLDER |
— | 2017 |
| DIRECTORS | VM INVEST NV REPRESENTED BY BART VAN MALDEREN |
2013 | NON-EXECUTIVE AND REFERENCE SHAREHOLDER |
— | 2017 |
| ALEXANDER SAVERYS | 2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 | |
| RIJO ADVIES BVBA REPRESENTED BY JOS THYS |
2015 | NON-EXECUTIVE | INDEPENDENT | 2019 |
Marek Šebesťák (*1954)
Mr Šebesťák is founder and former Chairman of BBDO-Czech Republic, one of the leading international advertising and communication agencies.
Jan Van Geet (*1971)
Jan Van Geet is the founder of VGP. He has overall daily as well as strategic management responsibilities of the Group. He started in the Czech Republic in 1993 and was manager of Ontex in Turnov, a producer of hygienic disposables. Until 2005, he was also managing director of WDP Czech Republic. WDP is a Belgian real estate investment trust.
Bart Van Malderen (*1966)
Mr Bart Van Malderen founded Drylock Technologies in 2012. Drylock Technologies is a new hygienic disposable products manufacturer which introduced the revolutionary flufless diaper in 2013. Prior to this Bart Van Malderen held different management positions at Ontex, a leading European manufacturer of hygienic disposable products where he became CEO in 1996 and Chairman of the Board in 2003, a mandate which he occupied until mid-July 2007.
Alexander Saverys (*1978)
Mr Alexander Saverys holds a master of laws (University of Leuven and Madrid) and holds an MBA of the Fachhochschule für Wirtschaft Berlin. In 2004 he founded Delphis NV a company offering multimodal transport solutions throughout Europe. He became a director of CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge SA) in 2006 and was appointed CEO in September 2014.
Jos Thys (*1962)
Mr Jos Thys holds a Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Antwerp (UFSIA). He is counsel to family owned businesses where he advises on strategic and structuring issues. He also acts as a counsel for the implementation of Corporate Governance at corporate and non-profit organisations. Jos previously had a long career in corporate and investing banking with Paribas, Artesia and Dexia.
Executive Management Team
COMPOSITION ON 31 DECEMBER 2015
JAN VAN GEET s.r.o. REPRESENTED BY JAN VAN GEET CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
| JAN PROCHÁZKA | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER |
|---|---|
| DIRK STOOP BVBA, REPRESENTED BY DIRK STOOP | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
| TOMAS VAN GEET s.r.o. REPRESENTED BY TOMAS VAN GEET | CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER |
| JAN PAPOUŠEK s.r.o. REPRESENTED BY JAN PAPOUŠEK | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – OUTSIDE CZ |
Jan Van Geet (*1971)
Jan Van Geet is the founder of VGP. He has overall daily as well as strategic management responsibilities of the Group. He started in the Czech Republic in 1993 and was manager of Ontex in Turnov, a producer of hygienic disposables. Until 2005, he was also managing director of WDP Czech Republic. WDP is a Belgian real estate investment trust.
Mr. Jan Procházka (*1964)
He is civil engineer and architect and joined VGP's team in 2002. He takes responsibility for technical concepts and contract execution. Prior to this position, Jan was the managing director of Dvořák, a civil contracting company, at his time one of the major players in the Czech market. Well known projects under his management are the airport terminal Sever 1 in Prague, the cargo terminal, as well as the headquarters of Česká Spořitelna.
Mr. Dirk Stoop (*1961)
Joined VGP in 2007. He is responsible for all finance matters i.e. financial planning, control, forecasting, treasury, tax and insurance for all the countries where VGP is/ will be active, as well as investor relations. Dirk worked at Ontex for 5 years as Group Treasurer where he was also responsible for tax and insurance matters. Prior to this he worked at CHEP Europe based in London as Treasurer Europe, South America & Asia. Dirk Stoop holds a Master's Degree in Financial and Commercial Sciences from VLEKHO (HUB) in Belgium.
Mr. Tomas Van Geet (*1976)
Joined VGP in 2005. He takes responsibility for all commercial strategic matters and commercial co-ordination of VGP's key accounts. Prior to joining VGP, Tomas held several positions in the planning and logistics departments of Domo in Germany, Spain, Czech Republic and South Africa, Associated Weavers and Ontex.
Mr. Jan Papoušek (*1974)
He is civil engineer and joined VGP's team in 2007. He takes responsibility for technical concepts and contract execution for all projects outside the Czech Republic. Jan formerly worked for Gardiner and Teobald, a UK based well known cost controlling company with international activities, where he occupied the function of cost and project manager.
Germany
- 1 VGP PARK BINGEN
- 2 VGP PARK HAMBURG
- 3 VGP PARK RODGAU
- 4 VGP PARK HÖCHSTADT
- 5 VGP PARK BERLIN
- 6 VGP PARK FRANKENTHAL
- 7 VGP PARK BORNA
- 8 VGP PARK LEIPZIG
- 9 VGP PARK BOBENHEIM-ROXHEIM
- 10 VGP PARK GINSHEIM
- 11 VGP PARK SOLTAU
- 12 VGP PARK MÜNCHEN
Estonia
27 VGP PARK NEHATU
Czech Republic
13 VGP PARK TUCHOMĚŘICE 14 VGP PARK BRNO 15 VGP PARK HRÁDEK NAD NISOU 16 VGP PARK ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM 17 VGP PARK PLZEŇ 18 VGP PARK OLOMOUC (GEMO) 19 VGP PARK ČESKÝ ÚJEZD (ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM) 20 VGP PARK LIBEREC 21 VGP PARK JENEČ
22 VGP PARK MALACKY 23 VGP PARK BRATISLAVA
24 VGP PARK GYŐR 25 VGP PARK ALŚONÉMEDI
Romania
26 VGP PARK TIMISOARA
Germany
- 1 VGP PARK BINGEN
- 2 VGP PARK HAMBURG
- 3 VGP PARK RODGAU
- 4 VGP PARK HÖCHSTADT
- 5 VGP PARK BERLIN
- 6 VGP PARK FRANKENTHAL
- 7 VGP PARK BORNA
- 8 VGP PARK LEIPZIG
- 9 VGP PARK BOBENHEIM-ROXHEIM
- 10 VGP PARK GINSHEIM
- 11 VGP PARK SOLTAU
- 12 VGP PARK MÜNCHEN
VGP Park Bingen
GERMANY
| TENANT | Custom Chrome Europe |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 6,400 |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Hamburg
GERMANY Building A0
| TENANT | Geodis Logistics Deutschland, JOB AG Personaldienstleistunden, Deutsche Post Immobilien, EGC Energie- und Gebäudetechnik Control GmbH & Co. KG |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 35,166 | |
| BUILT | Acquired 2013 |
VGP Park Hamburg
GERMANY Building A1
| TENANT | Drive Medical GmbH & Co. KG, Volkswagen, Iwh, AO Deutschland |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 24,599 |
| BUILT | 2014–2015 |
VGP Park Hamburg
| GERMANY Building A2 |
||
|---|---|---|
| TENANT | Syncreon Deutschland | |
| LETTABLE AREA m2 18,743 | ||
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Hamburg
GERMANY Building B1
| TENANT | Rhenus SE & Co. |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 34,549 |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Hamburg
| GERMANY | |
|---|---|
| Building D1 | |
| TENANT | AO Deutschland |
| LETTABLE AREA m2 2,502 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Hamburg
GERMANY Building A3
| TENANT | Zebco Europe, Premium SCM GmbH |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 9,360 |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Rodgau
GERMANY Building A TENANT A & O, Geis Ersatzteil-Service, ELTETE TPM Oy Zweigniederlassung Deutschland, PTG LETTABLE AREA m2 24,886 BUILT under construction
VGP Park Rodgau
GERMANY Building B
| TENANT | Rhenus SE & Co. |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 43,438 |
| BUILT | under construction |
VGP Park Rodgau
| GERMANY Building C |
|
|---|---|
| TENANT | Logistik Dienstleistungszentrum GmbH (LDZ) |
| LETTABLE AREA m2 19,774 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Rodgau
GERMANY Building D
| TENANT | EBARA Pumps Europe, ASENDIA Operations GmbH & Co KG |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 6,883 |
| BUILT | under construction |
VGP Park Rodgau
| GERMANY Building E |
|
|---|---|
| TENANT | PTG Lohnabfüllung |
| LETTABLE AREA m2 8,498 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Höchstadt
GERMANY
| TENANT | C&A Mode |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 15,140 |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Berlin
GERMANY
| TENANT | Van Eupen Logistik, Gonvarri Aluminium, Docdata Fulfilment |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 24,228 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Borna
GERMANY
| TENANT | Lekkerland Deutschland |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 13,885 |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Bobenheim-Roxheim
GERMANY TENANT Lekkerland Deutschland LETTABLE AREA m2 23,162 BUILT under construction
Future development in Germany
| VGP PARK | LAND AREA (m²) | POTENTIAL LETTABLE AREA (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| VGP PARK HAMBURG | 295,588 | 128,747 |
| VGP PARK RODGAU | 155,157 | 75,207 |
| VGP PARK BERLIN | 174,227 | 79,488 |
| VGP PARK FRANKENTHAL | 174,832 | 79,488 |
| VGP PARK BOBENHEIM-ROXHEIM | 56,655 | 23,162 |
| VGP PARK LEIPZIG | 105,885 | 48,400 |
| VGP PARK GINSHEIM | 61,570 | 33,718 |
| VGP PARK SOLTAU | 120,000 | 47,000 |
| VGP PARK MÜNCHEN | 537,003 | 244,304 |
| TOTAL | 1,680,917 | 759,514 |
The above figures include the current projects under cosntruction
Czech Republic
13 VGP PARK TUCHOMĚŘICE 14 VGP PARK BRNO 15 VGP PARK HRÁDEK NAD NISOU 16 VGP PARK ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM 17 VGP PARK PLZEŇ 18 VGP PARK OLOMOUC (GEMO) 19 VGP PARK ČESKÝ ÚJEZD (ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM) 20 VGP PARK LIBEREC 21 VGP PARK JENEČ
VGP Park Plzeň
CZECH REPUBLIC Building A
| TENANT | Assa Abloy |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 8,711 |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Plzeň
CZECH REPUBLIC Building B TENANT FAIVELEY TRANSPORT LEKOV LETTABLE AREA m2 21,918 BUILT 2015
VGP Park Plzeň
CZECH REPUBLIC Building C
| TENANT | Excell Czech, Maurie Ward, Faiveley Transport |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 9,542 |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Plzeň
CZECH REPUBLIC Building D TENANT COPO TÉXTIL PORTUGAL LETTABLE AREA m2 4,279 BUILT under construction
VGP Park Tuchoměřice
CZECH REPUBLIC Building A
| TENANT | Caamano CZ Int., Gecko Int., Lidl |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 6,396 |
| BUILT | 2013 |
VGP Park Tuchoměřice
CZECH REPUBLIC Building B1
| TENANT | Hartmann Rico |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 5,234 | |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Ústí nad Labem
CZECH REPUBLIC Building P1
| TENANT | Jotun Powder Coatings, Minda KTSN Plastic Solutions |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 5,351 |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Ústí nad Labem
| CZECH REPUBLIC Building P6 |
|
|---|---|
| SSI Technologies TENANT |
|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 5,336 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Hrádek nad Nisou
CZECH REPUBLIC Building A
| TENANT | Drylock Technologies |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 40,357 |
| BUILT | 2012–2014 |
VGP Park Brno
CZECH REPUBLIC Building I TENANT on-going negotiations
LETTABLE AREA m2 12,149
BUILT under construction
VGP Park Brno
CZECH REPUBLIC Building II TENANT Internet Shop, Secupack LETTABLE AREA m2 13,498 BUILT 2013
VGP Park Brno
| CZECH REPUBLIC Building III |
||
|---|---|---|
| TENANT | Hartmann Rico | |
| LETTABLE AREA m2 8,621 | ||
| BUILT | 2013 |
VGP Park Olomouc
CZECH REPUBLIC Building G2
| TENANT | Euro Pool System, Fenix Solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 19,855 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
Future development in Czech Republic
| VGP PARK | LAND AREA (m²) | POTENTIAL LETTABLE AREA (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| VGP PARK TUCHOMĚŘICE | 33,032 | 13,360 |
| VGP PARK BRNO | 22,950 | 12,149 |
| VGP HRADEK NAD NISOU | 91,699 | 41,819 |
| VGP PARK ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM | 86,692 | 29,347 |
| VGP PARK PLZEŇ | 9,402 | 4,279 |
| VGP PARK ČESKÝ ÚJEZD (ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM) | 45,383 | 17,446 |
| VGP PARK LIBEREC | 36,062 | 11,200 |
| VGP PARK OLOMOUC (GEMO) | 349,601 | 151,375 |
| VGP PARK JENEČ | 173,859 | 50,490 |
| TOTAL | 848,679 | 331,464 |
The above figures include the current projects under cosntruction
Other countries in Europe
22 VGP PARK MALACKY, SLOVAKIA 23 VGP PARK BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA 24 VGP PARK GYŐR, HUNGARY 25 VGP PARK ALSÓNÉMEDI, HUNGARY 26 VGP PARK TIMISOARA, ROMANIA 27 VGP PARK KEKAVA, LATVIA 28 VGP PARK NEHATU, ESTONIA 29 VGP PARK SAN FERNANDO, SPAIN
29
VGP Park Malacky
SLOVAKIA Building A
| TENANT | Benteler Automotive | |
|---|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 14,863 | |
| BUILT | 2009 |
VGP Park Malacky
SLOVAKIA Building B TENANT on-going negotiations LETTABLE AREA m2 18,000
BUILT under construction
VGP Park Malacky
SLOVAKIA Building C
| TENANT | IKEA Components, FROMM Slovakia, Tajco Slovakia |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 15,255 |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Malacky
SLOVAKIA Building D TENANT Volkswagen Konzernlogistik LETTABLE AREA m2 35,683 BUILT 2015
VGP Park Malacky
SLOVAKIA Building E1
| TENANT | IDEAL Automotive Slovakia | |
|---|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 12,665 | |
| BUILT | under construction |
VGP Park Győr
HUNGARY Building A
| TENANT | Skiny, Waberer's-Szemerey, Gebrüder Weiss Szállítmányozási |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 20,290 | |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Győr
HUNGARY Building B1
| TENANT | Lear Corporation Hungary |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 11,740 |
| BUILT | 2012 |
VGP Park Győr
HUNGARY Building C TENANT Dana Hungary LETTABLE AREA m2 6,154 BUILT 2011
VGP Park Alsónémedi
HUNGARY Building A1.1
| TENANT | Nagel Hungária Logisztikai Korlátolt Felelösségü Társaság |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 22,892 |
| BUILT | under construction |
VGP Park Timişoara
ROMANIA Building A1
TENANT QUEHENBERGER LOGISTICS ROU LETTABLE AREA m2 17,516
BUILT under construction
VGP Park Timişoara
ROMANIA Building B1
| TENANT | CSC Etichere, Whiteland Logistics, Van Moer Group, Cargo-Partner Expediti, UPS Romania, ITC LOGISTIC, World Media Trans, QUEHENBERGER LOGISTICS ROU, S.C. PROFI ROM FOOD |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 17,841 |
| BUILT | 2013–2014 |
VGP Park Timişoara
ROMANIA Building B2 TENANT DHL International Romania, QUEHENBERGER LOGISTICS ROU, RESET EMS, SC SIDE TRADING, S.C. DSV SOLUTIONS, NEFAB PACKAGING ROMANIA, HELBAKO, cargo-partner Expeditii, BCVO Logistics LETTABLE AREA m2 18,183 BUILT 2015
VGP Park Nehatu
ESTONIA Building A
| TENANT | Boomerang Distribution, CF&S Estonia, Comforta, Freselle |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 22,154 |
| BUILT | 2014 |
VGP Park Nehatu
ESTONIA Building B
| TENANT | Lemoine Estonia, Freselle, Anobion Hulgimüügi, Sireldus, ON24 AS |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 21,600 | |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Nehatu
ESTONIA Building C
| TENANT | Estonian Ministry of Defence |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 | 7,410 |
| BUILT | 2015 |
VGP Park Nehatu ESTONIA Building D
| TENANT | Instrumentarium Optika Osaühing, WEXL GRUPP |
|---|---|
| LETTABLE AREA m2 11,562 | |
| BUILT | under construction |
Future development in other European countries
| VGP PARK | LAND AREA (m²) | POTENTIAL LETTABLE AREA (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| VGP PARK MALACKY, SLOVAKIA | 98,996 | 40,545 |
| VGP PARK BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA | 200,000 | 90,000 |
| VGP PARK GYŐR, HUNGARY | 26,639 | 9,572 |
| VGP PARK ALSÓNÉMEDI, HUNGARY | 85,349 | 34,892 |
| VGP PARK TIMISOARA, ROMANIA | 109,283 | 45,391 |
| VGP PARK KEKAVA, LATVIA | 146,873 | 60,472 |
| VGP PARK NEHATU, ESTONIA | 59,095 | 30,970 |
| VGP PARK SAN FERNANDO, SPAIN | 222,666 | 178,963 |
| TOTAL | 948,902 | 490,805 |
The above figures include the current projects under cosntruction
Table of contents
82 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
87 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
123 PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
125 AUDITOR'S REPORT
126 GLOSSARY
129 STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2015
| INCOME STATEMENT (in thousands of €) | NOTE | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| REVENUE | 5.1 | 23,118 | 15,114 |
| GROSS RENTAL INCOME | 5.1 | 17,073 | 9,596 |
| SERVICE CHARGE INCOME | 5.2 | 3,498 | 2,110 |
| SERVICE CHARGE EXPENSES | 5.2 | (3,076) | (1,679) |
| PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES | 5.3 | (972) | (1,513) |
| NET RENTAL INCOME | 16,523 | 8,514 | |
| PROPERTY AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT INCOME | 5.1 | 2,215 | 3,161 |
| PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INCOME | 5.1 | 332 | 246 |
| NET VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 5.4 | 103,981 | 53,920 |
| ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES | 5.5 | (13,451) | (6,556) |
| OTHER INCOME | 487 | 348 | |
| OTHER EXPENSES | (1,034) | (881) | |
| SHARE IN RESULT OF ASSOCIATES | 5.6 | 191 | 14,473 |
| OPERATING PROFIT / (LOSS) | 109,244 | 73,225 | |
| FINANCIAL INCOME | 5.7 | 466 | 2,880 |
| FINANCIAL EXPENSES | 5.7 | (10,620) | (10,555) |
| NET FINANCIAL RESULT | (10,154) | (7,675) | |
| PROFIT BEFORE TAXES | 99,090 | 65,550 | |
| TAXES | 5.8 | (12,529) | (16,191) |
| PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | 86,561 | 49,359 | |
| ATTRIBUTABLE TO: | |||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF VGP NV | 86,561 | 49,359 | |
| NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | — | — |
| RESULT PER SHARE (in €) | NOTE | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (in €) | 5.9 | 4.66 | 2.66 |
| BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE – AFTER CORRECTION OF RECIPROCAL INTEREST THROUGH ASSOCIATES (in €) |
5.9 | 4.76 | 2.71 |
| DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in €) | 5.9 | 4.66 | 2.66 |
The consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2015
| STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | 86,561 | 49,359 |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TO BE RECLASSIFIED TO PROFIT OR LOSS IN SUBSEQUENT PERIODS |
— | — |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME NOT TO BE RECLASSIFIED TO PROFIT OR LOSS IN SUBSEQUENT PERIODS |
— | — |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD | — | — |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) OF THE PERIOD | 86,561 | 49,359 |
| ATTRIBUTABLE TO: | ||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF VGP NV | 86,561 | 49,359 |
| NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST | — | — |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
For the year ended 31 December 2015
| ASSETS (in thousands of €) | NOTE | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOODWILL | 6.1 | 631 | 631 |
| INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 6.2 | 12 | 57 |
| INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 6.3 | 173,972 | 416,089 |
| PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | 6.2 | 378 | 370 |
| NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS | 6.4 | 216 | — |
| INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES | 6.5 | (103) | 17 |
| DEFERRED TAX ASSETS | 5.8 | 89 | 258 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 175,195 | 417,422 | |
| TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | 6.6 | 4,927 | 6,822 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 6.7 | 9,825 | 43,595 |
| DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 6.14 | 527,361 | — |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 542,113 | 50,417 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 717,308 | 467,839 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES (in thousands of €) | NOTE | 2015 | 2014 |
| SHARE CAPITAL | 6.8 | 62,251 | 62,251 |
| RETAINED EARNINGS | 239,658 | 153,097 | |
| OTHER RESERVES | 6.9 | 69 | 69 |
| OTHER EQUITY | 6.9 | 60,000 | — |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 361,978 | 215,417 | |
| NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 6.10 | 170,800 | 193,034 |
| OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | 6.11 | 967 | 1,656 |
| OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | 6.12 | 405 | 1,122 |
| DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES | 5.8 | 8,247 | 27,329 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | 180,419 | 223,141 | |
| CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 6.10 | 3,522 | 5,722 |
| TRADE DEBTS AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES | 6.13 | 10,342 | 23,559 |
| LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 6.14 | 161,047 | |
| TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 174,911 | 29,281 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 355,330 | 252,422 | |
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 717,308 | 467,839 |
The consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2015
| STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (in thousands of €) |
STATUTORY SHARE CAPITAL |
CAPITAL RESERVE (see note 6.8) |
IFRS SHARE CAPITAL |
RETAINED EARNINGS |
SHARE PREMIUM |
OTHER EQUITY |
TOTAL EQUITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCE AS AT 1 JANUARY 2014 | 112,737 | (50,486) | 62,251 | 103,737 | 69 | — | 166,057 |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| RESULT OF THE PERIOD | — | — | — | 49,359 | — | — | 49,359 |
| EFFECT OF DISPOSALS | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) |
— | — | — | 49,359 | — | — | 49,359 |
| DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SHARE CAPITAL DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| HYBRID SECURITIES (SEE NOTE 6.9) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| BALANCE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014 | 112,737 | (50,486) | 62,251 | 153,097 | 69 | — | 215,417 |
| BALANCE AS AT 1 JANUARY 2015 | 112,737 | (50,486) | 62,251 | 153,097 | 69 | — | 215,417 |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| RESULT OF THE PERIOD | — | — | — | 86,561 | — | — | 86,561 |
| EFFECT OF DISPOSALS | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) |
— | — | — | 86,561 | — | — | 86,561 |
| DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SHARE CAPITAL DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| HYBRID SECURITIES (SEE NOTE 6.9) | — | — | — | — | — | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| BALANCE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 | 112,737 | (50,486) | 62,251 | 239,658 | 69 | 60,000 | 361,978 |
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2015
| CASH FLOW STATEMENT (in thousands of €) | NOTE | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | 7.1 | ||
| PROFIT BEFORE TAXES | 99,090 | 65,550 | |
| ADJUSTMENTS FOR: | |||
| DEPRECIATION | 734 | 178 | |
| UNREALISED (GAINS) /LOSSES ON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | (103,975) | (58,160) | |
| REALISED( GAINS) / LOSSES ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | (6) | 4,241 | |
| UNREALISED (GAINS) / LOSSES ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE | 245 | 1,407 | |
| INTEREST (RECEIVED) | (21) | (2,880) | |
| INTEREST PAID | 10,194 | 9,093 | |
| SHARE IN RESULT OF ASSOCIATES | (191) | (9,248) | |
| OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE CHANGES IN WORKING CAPITAL AND PROVISIONS | 6,070 | 10,181 | |
| DECREASE/(INCREASE) IN TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | (8,555) | 7,561 | |
| (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES | 413 | (12,654) | |
| CASH GENERATED FROM THE OPERATIONS | (2,072) | 5,088 | |
| INTEREST RECEIVED | 21 | 2,880 | |
| INTEREST (PAID) | (10,194) | (9,093) | |
| INCOME TAXES PAID | (364) | (417) | |
| NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | (12,609) | (1,542) | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | 7.1 | ||
| PROCEEDS FROM DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES | 311 | — | |
| PROCEEDS FROM DISPOSAL OF TANGIBLE ASSETS | 26 | 3,324 | |
| ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARIES | (224) | (406) | |
| (LOANS PROVIDED TO) / LOANS REPAID BY ASSOCIATES | — | 49,812 | |
| INVESTMENT PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT PROPERTY UNDER CONSTRUCTION | (147,490) | (112,221) | |
| NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | (147,377) | (59,491) | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | 7.1 | ||
| GROSS DIVIDENDS PAID | — | — | |
| NET PROCEEDS / (CASH OUT) FROM THE ISSUE / (REPAYMENT) HYBRID INSTRUMENTS | 6.9 | 60,000 | — |
| PROCEEDS FROM LOANS | 83,967 | 26,862 | |
| LOAN REPAYMENTS | (3,914) | (1,612) | |
| NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES | 140,053 | 25,250 | |
| NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (19,933) | (35,783) | |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD | 43,595 | 79,226 | |
| EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS | 347 | 152 | |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | (14,184) | — | |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD | 9,825 | 43,595 |
The consolidated cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2015
1 / General information
VGP NV (the "Company") is a limited liability company and was incorporated under Belgian law on 6 February 2007 for an indefinite period of time with its registered office located at Spinnerijstraat 12, 9240 Zele, and the Company is registered under enterprise number 0887.216.042 (Register of Legal Entities of Ghent – Division Dendermonde).
The Group is a real estate group specialised in the acquisition, development, and management of semi-industrial real estate. The Group focuses on strategically located plots of land in the mid-European region suitable for the development of semi-industrial business parks of a certain size, so as to build up an extensive and well-diversified property portfolio on top locations.
The Company's consolidated financial statements include those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as "Group"). The consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 April 2016.
2 / Summary of principal accounting policies
2.1 / Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which have been adopted by the European Union.
These standards comprise all new and revised standards and interpretations published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and interpretations issued by the International Financial Interpretations Committee of the IASB, as far as applicable to the activities of the Group and effective as from 1 January 2015.
New standards and interpretations applicable during 2015
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations became effective during the financial year:
- Improvements to IFRS (2011–2013) (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015);
- IFRIC 21 Levies (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 17 June 2014).
The above new standards, amendments to standards and interpretation did not give rise to any material changes in the presentation and preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the year.
New standards and interpretations not yet effective during 2015
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are not yet effective for the year ended 31 December 2015, and have not been applied when preparing financial statements:
— IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and subsequent amendments (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, but not yet endorsed in the EU);
- IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016, but not yet endorsed in the EU);
- IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, but not yet endorsed in EU);
- IFRS 16 Leases (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, but not yet endorsed in EU);
- Improvements to IFRS (2010–2012) (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2015);
- Improvements to IFRS (2012–2014) (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016);
- Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016, but not yet endorsed in EU);
- Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (the eff ective date has been deferred indefi nitely, but not yet endorsed in the EU);
- Amendments to IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016);
- Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Disclosure Initiative (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016);
- Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets – Clarifi cation of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016);
- Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41 Agriculture: Bearer Plants (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016);
- Amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefi ts Employee Contributions (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2015);
- Amendments to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements Equity Method (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016).
The impact, if any, of IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 is under investigation by the Group. The initial application of the other above standards, amendments to standards and interpretation is estimated not to give rise to any material changes in the presentation and preparation of the consolidated fi nancial statements.
2.2 / General principles
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historic cost basis, with the exception of investment properties and financial derivatives which are stated at fair value. All figures are in thousands of Euros (in thousands of €), unless stated otherwise. Minor rounding differences might occur.
Principles of consolidation Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities over which VGP NV exercises control, which is the case when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect these returns through its power over the entity.
Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interest even if that results in a deficit balance. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it:
- Derecognises the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary
- Derecognises the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest
- Derecognises the cumulative translation differences, recorded in equity
- Recognises the fair value of the consideration received
- Recognises the fair value of any investment retained
- Recognises any surplus or deficit in profit or loss
- Reclassifies the parent's share of components previously recognised in other comprehensive income to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate.
Joint ventures and associates
A joint venture exists when VGP NV has contractually agreed to share control with one or more other parties, which is the case only when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.
Associates are companies in which VGP NV, directly or indirectly, has a significant influence and which are neither subsidiaries nor joint ventures. This is presumed if the Group holds at least 20% of the voting rights attaching to the shares. The financial information included for these companies is prepared using the accounting policies of the Group. When the Group has acquired joint control in a joint venture or significant influence in an associate, the share in the acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is initially re-measured to fair value at the acquisition date and accounted for using the equity method. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the share in the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognized as goodwill. When the goodwill is negative, it is immediately recognized in profit or loss. Subsequently, the consolidated financial statements include the Group's share of the results of joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method until the date when joint control or significant influence ceases. If the Group's share of the losses of a joint venture or associate exceeds the carrying amount of the investment, the investment is carried at nil value and recognition of additional losses is limited except to the extent that VGP has incurred constructive or contractual obligations in respect of the associate.
Unrealized gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are set against the investment in the joint venture or associate concerned to the extent of the Group's interest. The carrying amounts of investments in joint ventures and associates are reassessed if there are indications that the asset has been impaired or that impairment losses recognized in prior years have ceased to apply. The investments in joint ventures and associates in the balance sheet include the carrying amount of any related goodwill.
Foreign currency translation
Items included in the fi nancial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the "functional currency"). The consolidated fi nancial statements are presented in euros (€), which is the Company's functional currency and the Group's presentation currency.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to Euro at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Consequently non-monetary assets and liabilities are presented at Euro using the historic foreign exchange rate. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than Euro at the balance sheet date are translated to Euro at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the consolidated income statement.
2.3 / Balance sheet items
Goodwill
When VGP acquires the control over an integrated set of activities and assets, as defined in IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the identifiable assets, obligations and conditional obligations of the acquired company will be booked to their fair value on the purchase date. The goodwill represents the positive difference between the acquisition cost and the part of the group in the fair value of the acquired net assets. If this difference is negative (negative goodwill) it is immediately booked in the result after a re-evaluation of the values.
After the initial take-up the goodwill is not written down, but subject to an impairment test, which is carried out each year on the cash flow generating units to which the goodwill is allocated. If the book value of a cash flow generating unit exceeds the operating value, the loss of value following from this will be booked in the result and in the first instance included in the reduction of the possible goodwill and then subsequently to the other assets of the unit, in proportion to their book value. A write-down on the goodwill cannot be reversed in a subsequent financial year.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are measured at cost or fair value less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the best estimate of their useful lives. The amortization period and method are reviewed at each fi nancial year-end.
Investment properties Completed projects
Completed properties are initially measured at cost (including transaction costs). After initial recognition, investment property is carried at fair value. An external independent valuation expert with recognised professional qualifications and experience in the location and category of the property being valued, values the portfolio at least annually. The fair values are based on market values, being the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion
Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value is recognised in the consolidated income statement.
Property under construction
Property that is being constructed or developed is also stated at fair value. The properties under construction are valued by the same external independent valuation expert used for the valuations of the completed projects but deducting the remaining construction costs from the calculated market value.
Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value is recognised in the consolidated income statement.
All costs directly associated with the purchase and construction of a property and all subsequent capital expenditure qualifying as acquisition costs are capitalised.
Development land
Land of which the Group has the full ownership i.e. registered in the respective land registry as owner and on which the Group intends or has started construction (so called 'development land') is immediately valued at fair value. The development land is valued by the same external independent valuation expert used for the valuations of the completed projects.
Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value is recognised in the consolidated income statement.
All costs directly associated with the purchase of the development land are capitalised.
Land which is not yet in full ownership but which is secured by a future purchase agreement or purchase option is not recognised as investment property until the Group has become full owner of this land.
The Group will be required to make from time to time down payments when entering into such future purchase agreements or purchase options. The down payments of the land will be recorded as other receivables unless such amounts are immaterial, in which case the Board of Directors may elect to classify such amounts under investment properties.
Infrastructure works are not included in the fair value of the development land but are recognised as investment property and valued at cost.
In case the Board of Directors is of the opinion that the fair value of the development land cannot be reliable determined the Board may elect to value the development land at cost less impairment until the fair value becomes reliably determinable. As at 31 December 2015 all development land was valued at its fair value by an external independent valuation expert.
Capitalisation of borrowing costs
Interest and other financial expenses relating to the acquisition of fixed assets incurred until the asset is put in use are capitalised. Subsequently, they are recorded as financial expenses.
Leases
Group company is the lessee
Operating leases
Leases under which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are effectively retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Lease payments under an operating lease are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The aggregate benefit of incentives provided by the lessor is recognized, on a straight line basis, as a reduction of rental expense over the lease term. Improvements to buildings held under operating leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives, or, where shorter, the term of the relevant lease.
Finance leases
Leases under which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. At the start of the lease, financial leases are recorded as assets and liabilities in the balance sheet at the fair value of the leased asset or at the cash value of the minimal lease payments, whichever is lower. The minimal lease payments are recorded partly as financing costs and partly as settlement of the outstanding debt such that this results in constant periodic interest over the remaining balance of the liability. The financial charges are directly charged to the result. Conditional lease payments are included as charges in the periods in which they are made.
Group company is the lessor in an operating lease
Properties leased out under operating leases are included in investment property in the consolidated balance sheet. See point 2.4 for the recognition of rental income.
Group company is the lessor – fees paid in connection with arranging leases and lease incentives
The Group makes payments to agents for services in connection with negotiating lease contracts with the Group's lessees. The letting fees are capitalised within the carrying amount of the related investment property and amortised over the lease term. Lease incentives are recognised as a reduction of rental income on a straight–line basis over the lease term.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are valued at their cost price less the accumulated depreciations and write–downs. The cost price includes all directly attributable costs and the relevant part of the indirect costs incurred to make the asset ready for use. Future disbursements for repairs are immediately recorded in the result unless they increase the future financial profits of the asset. The straight–line depreciation method is applied over the estimated lifetime of the assets. The useful life and the depreciation method are revised at least annually at the end of each financial year. The tangible fixed assets are depreciated in accordance with the following percentages:
- software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33%;
- IT equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–33%;
- office furniture and fittings . . . . . . . . 7–20%;
- cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25%;
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at amortised cost as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. An estimate is made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts at the balance sheet date. An allowance for impairment of trade and other receivables is established if the collection of a receivable becomes doubtful. Such receivable becomes doubtful when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter into bankruptcy or financial reorganization, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the receivable is impaired. The amount of the allowance is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized in the statement of income, as are subsequent recoveries of previous impairments.
Cash and cash equivalent
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated cash-flow statement.
Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
A non-current asset or disposal group is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. A discontinued operation is a component of an entity which the entity has disposed of or which is classified as held for sale, which represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations and which can be distinguished operationally and for financial reporting purposes.
For a sale to be highly probable, the entity should be committed to a plan to sell the asset (or disposal group), an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan should be initiated, and the asset (or disposal group) should be actively marketed at a price which is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and the sale should be expected to be completed within one year from the date of classification. Assets (or disposal group) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs necessary to make the sale. Any excess of the carrying amount over the fair value less costs to sell is included as an impairment loss. Depreciation of such assets is discontinued as from their classification as held for sale.
Comparative balance sheet information for prior periods is not restated to reflect the new classification in the balance sheet.
Interest bearing borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the consolidated income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. The Group classifies as a current portion any part of long-term loans that is due to be settled within one year from the balance sheet date.
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are stated at amortised cost.
Derivative financial instruments
A derivative is a financial instrument or other contract which fulfils the following conditions:
- its value changes in response to the change in a specified interest rate, financial instrument price, commodity price, foreign exchange rate, index of prices or rates, credit rating or credit index, or other variable, provided in the case of a non-financial variable that the variable is not specific to a party to the contract;
- it requires no initial net investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes in market factors; and
- it is settled at a future date.
Hedging derivatives are defined as derivatives that comply with the company's risk management strategy, the hedging relationship is formally documented and the hedge is effective, that is, at inception and throughout the period, changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged and hedging items are almost fully offset and the results are within a range of 80 percent to 125 percent.
Derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments are classified as held-for-trading and carried at fair value, with changes in fair value included in net profit or loss of the period in which they arise.
Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices or discounted cash-flow models, as appropriate. All non-hedge derivatives are carried (as applicable) as current or non-current assets when their fair value is positive and as current or noncurrent liabilities when their fair value is negative.
VGP holds no derivative instruments nor intends to issue any for speculative purposes.
Impairment on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
The carrying amounts of the Group's property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.
An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement.
Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units reduce the carrying amount of the assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro-rata basis.
Reversal of impairment
An impairment loss is reversed in the consolidated income statement if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount to the extent it reverses an impairment loss of the same asset that was recognised previously as an expense.
Provisions
A provision is recognised in the consolidated balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
2.4 / Income statement items
Rental income
Rental income from investment property leased out under an operating lease is recognised in the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the total rental income. Rental income is recognised as from the commencement of the lease contract.
The Group did not enter into any fi nancial lease agreements with tenants, all lease contracts qualify as operating leases.
The lease contracts concluded can be defined as ordinary leases whereby the obligations of the lessor under the lease remain essentially those under any lease, for instance to ensure that space in a state of being occupied is available to the lessee during the whole term of the lease. The lease contracts are usually concluded for periods between 5–10 years (first break option) and include most of the time an automatic extension clause. The lessee cannot cancel the lease contract until the first break option date.
Expenses
Service costs and property operating expenses
Service costs for service contracts entered into and property operating expenses are expensed as incurred.
Net financial result
Net financial result comprises interest payable on borrowings and interest rate swaps calculated using the effective interest rate method net of interest capitalised, interest receivable on funds invested and interest rate swaps, foreign exchange and interest rate swap gains and losses that are recognised in the consolidated income statement.
Income tax
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities have been offset, pursuant to the fulfilment of the criteria of IAS 12 §74. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
3 / Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
3.1 / General business risk
We refer to the chapter 'Risk factors' on page 42 for an overview of the risks affecting the businesses of the VGP Group.
3.2 / critical judgements in applying accounting policies
The following are the critical judgments made by management, apart from those involving estimations (see note 3.3. below), that have a significant effect on the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements:
— Determining whether control, joint control or a significant influence is exercised over investments. In this respect management concluded that in view of the entering of VGP into a joint venture with Allianz Real Estate in February 2016 the assets and liability related to the initial seed portfolio should be classified as held for sale at year-end.
3.3 / Key sources of estimation uncertainty
- VGP's portfolio is valued at least annually by independent real estate experts. This valuation by real estate experts is intended to determine the market value of a property at a certain date, as a function of the market evolution and the characteristics of the property concerned. The property portfolio is recorded at the fair value established by the real estate experts in the Group's consolidated accounts. (see note 5.4)
- VGP's derivative financial instruments are assessed at the moment of transaction whether such instruments qualify for hedge accounting. VGP has no hedging instruments which qualify for hedge accounting and as a result the changes in fair value of the hedging instruments are recognised through profit and loss. (see note 7.2)
- Deferred tax assets are recognized for the carry forward of unused tax losses and unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilized. In making its judgment, management takes into account elements such as long-term business strategy and tax planning opportunities (see note 5.8.3. 'Deferred tax assets and liabilities').
4. / Segment reporting
The chief operating decision maker is the person that allocates resources to and assesses the performance of the operating segments. The Group has determined that its chief operating decision-maker is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Company. He allocates resources to and assesses the performance at country level.
The basic segmentation for segment reporting within VGP is by geographical region. This basic segmentation reflects the geographical markets in Europe in which VGP operates. VGP's operations are split into the individual countries where it is active. This segmentation is important for VGP as the nature of the activities and the customers have similar economic characteristics within those segments.
Business decisions are taken at that level and various key performance indicators (such as rental income, – activity, occupancy and development yields) are monitored in this way as VGP primarily focuses on developing and letting logistical sites. A second segmentation basis is based on the split of income on the property and facility management as well as the development activities carried out on behalf of associates.
Segment information Czech Republic, Germany and other countries
| INCOME STATEMENT | CZECH REPUBLIC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 | |
| GROSS RENTAL INCOME | 4,663 | 3,091 | |
| SERVICE CHARGE INCOME / (EXPENSES) | 42 | 50 | |
| PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES | (284) | (658) | |
| NET RENTAL INCOME | 4,421 | 2,483 | |
| PROPERTY AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT INCOME | 2,106 | 2,712 | |
| PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INCOME | 332 | 246 | |
| NET VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT PROPERTY | 25,059 | 11,028 | |
| OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSES) – INCL. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS | (3,616) | (3,722) | |
| SHARE IN THE RESULT OF ASSOCIATES | — | — | |
| OPERATING PROFIT / (LOSS) | 28,302 | 12,747 | |
| NET FINANCIAL RESULT | — | — | |
| TAXES | — | — | |
| PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | — | — |
| CZECH REPUBLIC | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCE SHEET | |||||
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 | |||
| ASSETS | |||||
| INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 47,167 | 96,265 | |||
| OTHER ASSETS (INCL. DEFERRED TAX) | 2,785 | 4,108 | |||
| DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 106,139 | — | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 156,091 | 100,373 | |||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | — | — | |||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | — | — | |||
| LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | — | — | |||
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | — | — | |||
| GERMANY | OTHER COUNTRIES | UNALLOCATED AMOUNTS | TOTAL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 |
| 5,740 | 2,177 | 6,670 | 4,328 | — | — | 17,073 | 9,596 |
| 29 | 6 | 351 | 375 | — | — | 422 | 431 |
| (429) | (311) | (259) | (544) | — | — | (972) | (1,513) |
| 5,340 | 1,872 | 6,762 | 4,159 | — | — | 16,523 | 8,514 |
| 94 | 2 | 15 | 447 | — | — | 2,215 | 3,161 |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | 332 | 246 |
| 58,447 | 28,914 | 20,475 | 13,978 | — | — | 103,981 | 53,920 |
| (981) | (647) | (513) | (575) | (8,887) | (2,145) | (13,997) | (7,089) |
| — | — | — | — | 191 | 14,473 | 191 | 14,473 |
| 62,900 | 30,141 | 26,739 | 18,009 | (8,696) | 12,328 | 109,245 | 73,225 |
| — | — | — | — | (10,154) | (7,675) | (10,154) | (7,675) |
| — | — | — | — | (12,529) | (16,191) | (12,529) | (16,191) |
| — | — | — | — | 86,561 | 49,359 | 86,561 | 49,359 |
| GERMANY | OTHER COUNTRIES | UNALLOCATED AMOUNTS | TOTAL | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| 53,228 | 219,787 | 73,577 | 100,037 | — | — | 173,972 | 416,089 | |
| 617 | 6,568 | 3,574 | 3,969 | 8,999 | 37,105 | 15,975 | 51,750 | |
| 333,887 | — | 87,335 | — | — | — | 527,361 | — | |
| 387,732 | 226,355 | 164,486 | 104,006 | 8,999 | 37,105 | 717,308 | 467,839 | |
| — | — | — | — | 361,978 | 215,417 | 361,978 | 215,417 | |
| — | — | — | — | 194,283 | 252,422 | 194,283 | 252,422 | |
| — | — | — | — | 161,047 | — | 161,047 | — | |
| — | — | — | — | 717,308 | 467,839 | 717,308 | 467,839 |
Segment information Other Countries
| INCOME STATEMENT | ESTONIA | SLOVAKIA | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| GROSS RENTAL INCOME | 2,222 | 875 | 1,291 | 896 | |
| SERVICE CHARGE INCOME / (EXPENSE) | 59 | 218 | 18 | — | |
| PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES | (13) | (312) | (86) | (77) | |
| NET RENTAL INCOME | 2,268 | 781 | 1,223 | 819 | |
| PROPERTY AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT INCOME | — | 98 | 15 | 9 | |
| PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INCOME | — | — | — | — | |
| NET VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT PROPERTY |
3,281 | 6,814 | 7,129 | 1,210 | |
| OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSES) – INCL. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS |
(53) | (49) | 62 | (71) | |
| SHARE IN THE RESULT OF ASSOCIATES | — | — | — | — | |
| OPERATING PROFIT / (LOSS) | 5,496 | 7,644 | 8,429 | 1,967 | |
| NET FINANCIAL RESULT | — | — | — | — | |
| TAXES | — | — | — | — | |
| PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | — | — | — | — |
| BALANCE SHEET | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands of €) | ESTONIA SLOVAKIA 2015 2014 2015 2014 39,776 32,400 56 1,157 1,035 14 — — 43,078 40,933 33,435 43,148 |
||||
| ASSETS | |||||
| INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 24,367 | ||||
| OTHER ASSETS (INCL. DEFERRED TAX) | 222 | ||||
| DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | — | ||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 24,589 | ||||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | — | — | — | — | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | — | — | — | — | |
| LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
— | — | — | — | |
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES |
| HUNGARY | ROMANIA | OTHER | TOTAL | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| 1,929 | 1,795 | 1,228 | 762 | — | — | 6,670 | 4,328 | |
| 137 | 74 | 140 | 84 | (3) | (1) | 351 | 375 | |
| (117) | (127) | (29) | (12) | (14) | (17) | (259) | (544) | |
| 1,949 | 1,743 | 1,339 | 834 | (17) | (18) | 6,762 | 4,159 | |
| — | 46 | — | — | — | 294 | 15 | 447 | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 6,663 | 1,641 | 2,591 | 3,351 | 811 | 962 | 20,475 | 13,978 | |
| (91) | (88) | (123) | (362) | (308) | (5) | (513) | (575) | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 8,521 | 3,341 | 3,807 | 3,823 | 486 | 1,234 | 26,739 | 18,009 | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| HUNGARY | ROMANIA | OTHER | TOTAL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 |
| — | 22,660 | 26,021 | 17,385 | 7,723 | 3,225 | 73,576 | 100,037 |
| 10 | 1,709 | 1,369 | 953 | 1,024 | 50 | 3,574 | 3,969 |
| 44,258 | — | — | — | — | — | 87,336 | — |
| 44,268 | 24,369 | 27,390 | 18,338 | 8,748 | 3,275 | 164,486 | 104,006 |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
5 / Income statement Items
5.1 / Revenue
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| RENTAL INCOME FROM INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 17,854 | 8,857 |
| RENT INCENTIVES | (781) | 739 |
| TOTAL GROSS RENTAL INCOME | 17,073 | 9,596 |
| PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INCOME | 1,101 | 1,929 |
| FACILITY MANAGEMENT INCOME | 1,114 | 1,233 |
| PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INCOME | 332 | 246 |
| SERVICE CHARGE INCOME | 3,498 | 2,110 |
| TOTAL REVENUE | 23,118 | 15,114 |
The Group leases out its investment property under operating leases. The operating leases are generally for terms of more than 5 years. The gross rental income reflects the full impact of the income generating assets delivered during 2015.
At the end of December 2015 the Group had committed annualised rent income of €38.0 million (€ 22.6 million as at December 2014).
The committed annual rent income represents the annualised rent income generated or to be generated by executed lease – and future lease agreements. This resulted in following breakdown of future lease income on an annualised basis:
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| LESS THAN ONE YEAR | 37,713 | 22,272 |
| BETWEEN ONE AND FIVE YEARS | 128,461 | 79,191 |
| MORE THAN FIVE YEARS | 117,661 | 73,848 |
| TOTAL | 283,835 | 175,311 |
5.2 / Service charge income / (expenses)
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| SERVICE CHARGE INCOME | ||
| RECHARGE OF COSTS BORNE BY TENANTS | 3,498 | 2,110 |
| TOTAL | 3,498 | 2,110 |
| SERVICE CHARGE EXPENSES | ||
| ENERGY | (1,838) | (951) |
| MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING | (589) | (148) |
| PROPERTY TAXES | (322) | (301) |
| OTHERS | (327) | (279) |
| TOTAL | (3,076) | (1,679) |
Service charge income represents income receivable from tenants for energy, maintenance, cleaning, security, garbage management and usage of infrastructure which relates to the service charge expenses charged to the Group
5.3 / Property operating expenses
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE | (185) | (175) |
| MARKETING, LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL FEES | (354) | (382) |
| REAL ESTATE AGENTS | (237) | (427) |
| OTHER | (196) | (529) |
| TOTAL | (972) | (1,513) |
5.4 / Net valuation gains / (losses) on investment properties
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| UNREALISED VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 17,211 | 58,160 |
| UNREALISED VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 86,764 | (4,240) |
| REALISED VALUATION GAINS / (LOSSES) ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES |
6 | — |
| TOTAL | 103,981 | 53,920 |
The total property portfolio, excluding development land, is valued by the valuation expert at 31 December 2015 based on a weighted average yield rate of 7.02% (compared to 7.81% as at 31 December 2014) applied to the contractual rents increased by the estimated rental value on unlet space. A 0.10% variation of this market rate would give rise to a variation of the total portfolio value of € 8.7 million.
5.5 / Administrative cost
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| WAGES AND SALARIES | (2,230) | (2,404) |
| AUDIT, LEGAL AND OTHER ADVISORS | (8,987) | (2,082) |
| OTHER EXPENSES | (1,862) | (1,892) |
| DEPRECIATION | (372) | (178) |
| TOTAL | (13,451) | (6,556) |
The other advisors include the accrued cost of € 5.2 million related to the 5% profit allocation to Little Rock which will be paid out over the next 3 years. See remuneration report on page 39 for further details.
5.6 / Share in the results of associates
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VGP PARK HORNÍ POČERNICE, A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 862 |
| VGP BLUE PARK, A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 44 |
| VGP GREEN PARK, A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 56 |
| VGP PARK PŘÍŠOVICE, A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 22 |
| VGP PARK TURNOV, A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 107 |
| VGP GREEN TOWER, A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 20 |
| VGP CZ IV A.S. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | (79) |
| VGP CZ II S.R.O. | CZECH REPUBLIC | — | 296 |
| SUN S.A.R.L. | GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 299 | 2,580 |
| SNOW CRYSTAL S.A.R.L. | GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | (108) | 10,565 |
| VGP MISV COMM. VA | BELGIUM | — | — |
| TOTAL | 191 | 14,473 |
5.7 / Net financial costs
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| BANK INTEREST INCOME | 19 | 11 |
| INTEREST INCOME — LOANS TO ASSOCIATES | — | 2,869 |
| UNREALISED GAIN ON INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES | 107 | — |
| NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE GAINS | 339 | — |
| OTHER FINANCIAL INCOME | 1 | — |
| FINANCIAL INCOME | 466 | 2,880 |
| BOND INTEREST EXPENSE | (7,682) | (7,697) |
| BANK INTEREST EXPENSE – VARIABLE DEBT | (2,174) | (1,283) |
| BANK INTEREST EXPENSE – INTEREST RATE SWAPS — HEDGING | (406) | (167) |
| INTEREST CAPITALISED INTO INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 2,442 | 999 |
| UNREALISED LOSS ON INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES | (426) | (1,455) |
| OTHER FINANCIAL EXPENSES | (2,374) | (945) |
| NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSSES | — | (7) |
| FINANCIAL EXPENSES | (10,620) | (10,555) |
| NET FINANCIAL COSTS | (10,154) | (7,675) |
As at 31 December 2015 no interest income from loans to associates was recorded due to the repayment of all shareholder loans from the associates in October 2014. The increase in other financial expenses was mainly due to the commitment fees incurred on credit facilities which were put in place at the end of 2014 and during the course of 2015.
5.8 / Taxation
5.8.1 / Income tax expense recognised in the consolidated income statement
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| CURRENT TAX | (383) | (727) |
| DEFERRED TAX | (12,146) | (15,464) |
| TOTAL | (12,529) | (16,191) |
5.8.2 / Reconciliation of effective tax rate
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROFIT BEFORE TAXES | 99,090 | 65,550 | ||
| ADJUSTMENT FOR SHARE IN RESULT OF ASSOCIATES | (191) | (14,473) | ||
| RESULT BEFORE TAXES AND SHARE IN RESULT OF ASSOCI ATES |
98,899 | 51,077 | ||
| INCOME TAX USING THE DOMESTIC CORPORATION TAX RATE | 15.8% | (15,651) | 30.8% | (15,744) |
| IMPACT OF CHANGE IN TAX RATE USED FOR GERMANY (FROM 30.825% TO 15.825%) |
7,056 | |||
| DIFFERENCE IN TAX RATE NON-GERMAN COMPANIES | (1,246) | 4,159 | ||
| NON-TAX-DEDUCTIBLE EXPENDITURE | (515) | (2,207) | ||
| LOSSES / NOTIONAL INTEREST DEDUCTION | (2,202) | (2,355) | ||
| OTHER | 29 | (43) | ||
| TOTAL | 12.7% | (12,529) | 31.7% | (16,191) |
In view of the change of place of management of the German assets to Luxembourg the tax rate applied for Germany was the corporate income tax rate of 15.825% excluding the trade tax rate of circa 15%.. For 2014 the tax rate of Germany included the trade tax rate.
The expiry of the tax loss carry forward of the Group can be summarised as follows:
| 2015 (in thousands of €) | < 1 YEAR | 2–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAX LOSS CARRY FORWARD | 86 | 3,316 | 18,234 |
| 2014 (in thousands of €) | < 1 YEAR | 2–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS |
| TAX LOSS CARRY FORWARD | 498 | 1,376 | 8,346 |
5.8.3 / Deferred tax assets and liabilities
The deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:
| (in thousands of €) | ASSETS | LIABILITIES | NET | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| FIXED ASSETS | — | — | (38,944) | (26,877) | (38,944) | (26,877) |
| CURRENCY HEDGE ACCOUNTING / DERIVATIVES | 458 | 760 | — | — | 458 | 760 |
| TAX LOSSES CARRIED-FORWARD | 676 | 243 | — | — | 676 | 243 |
| CAPITALISED INTEREST | — | — | (1,334) | (1,003) | (1,334) | (1,003) |
| CAPITALISED COST | — | — | (60) | (148) | (60) | (148) |
| OTHER | — | — | (11) | (47) | (11) | (47) |
| TAX ASSETS / LIABILITIES | 1,134 | 1,004 | (40,349) | (28,074) | (39,215) | (27,071) |
| SET-OFF OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | (1,045) | (746) | 1,045 | 746 | — | — |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
— | — | 31,057 | — | 31,057 | — |
| NET TAX ASSETS / LIABILITIES | 89 | 258 | (8,247) | (27,328) | (8,158) | (27,071) |
A total deferred tax asset of € 2,655k (€2,133k in 2014) was not recognised.
5.9 / Earnings per share
| (in number) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES (BASIC) | 18,583,050 | 18,583,050 |
| CORRECTION FOR RECIPROCAL INTEREST THROUGH ASSOCIATES | (398,368) | (398,368) |
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES | 18,184,682 | 18,184,682 |
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| RESULT FOR THE PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROUP AND TO ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS | 86,561 | 49,359 |
| EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN €) – BASIC | 4.66 | 2.66 |
| EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN €) – DILUTED | 4.66 | 2.66 |
| EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN €) – AFTER CORRECTION FOR RECIPROCAL INTEREST THROUGH ASSOCIATES |
4.76 | 2.71 |
6 / Balance sheet items
6.1 / Goodwill
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| COST AND CARRYING AMOUNT AT 1 JANUARY | 631 | 631 |
| IMPAIRMENT LOSSES | — | — |
| COST AND CARRYING AMOUNT AS AT 31 DECEMBER | 631 | 631 |
No impairment charge arose as a result of the impairment test.
6.2 / Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
| (in thousands of €) | INTANGIBLE ASSETS | PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY | 57 | 51 | 370 | 297 |
| ACQUISITIONS | 5 | 38 | 187 | 261 |
| DISPOSALS | — | — | (10) | — |
| DEPRECIATION | (50) | (32) | (144) | (188) |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | — | — | (25) | — |
| BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER | 12 | 57 | 378 | 370 |
6.3 / Investment properties
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY | 416,089 | 225,804 |
| CAPITAL EXPENDITURE | 121,678 | 62,560 |
| CAPITALISED INTEREST, CAPITALIZED RENT FREE AND AGENT'S FEE | 5,700 | 999 |
| ACQUISITIONS | 29,658 | 71,890 |
| SALES / (DISPOSALS) (FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS SOLD / DISPOSED OF) | (16) | (3,324) |
| INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN FAIR VALUE | 103,975 | 58,160 |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | (503,112) | — |
| BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER | 173,972 | 416,089 |
As at 31 December 2015 investment properties totalling € 396.1 million (€ 226.1 million as at 31 December 2014) were pledged in favour the Group's banks. (see note 6.10).
Fair value measurements of the Group's investment properties
(i) Classes of investment properties
In determining the appropriate classes of investment property the Group has considered the nature, characteristics and risks of its properties as well as the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements are categorised. The following factors have been applied to determine the appropriate classes:
- (i) The real estate segment (retail, office or industrial)
- (ii) The geographical location
- (iii) The construction status (completed investment property ("IP"), under construction ("IPUC") or development land ("DL")
- (iv) The level of the fair value hierarchy:
- Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
- Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly
- Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.
This resulted in the following classes of investment properties:
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP1 | IPUC2 | DL3 | TOTAL | |
| SEGMENT INFORMATION | INDUSTRIAL | INDUSTRIAL | INDUSTRIAL | |
| FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| FAIR VALUES AS AT 1 JANUARY | 173,616 | 81,083 | 161,390 | 416,089 |
| CAPEX | 61,621 | 59,817 | 240 | 121,678 |
| CAPITALISED INTEREST | 1,493 | 858 | 91 | 2,442 |
| CAPITALISED RENT FREE | 1,469 | 440 | — | 1,909 |
| CAPITALISED AGENT'S FEE | 1,349 | — | — | 1,349 |
| ACQUISITIONS | 418 | 8,525 | 20,715 | 29,658 |
| SALES AND DISPOSALS | — | — | (16) | (16) |
| TRANSFER FROM DL TO IPUC | 9,320 | 55,739 | (65,059) | |
| TRANSFER FROM IPUC TO IP | 79,150 | (79,150) | ||
| NET GAIN FROM VALUE ADJUSTMENTS IN INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 46,054 | 50,938 | 6,983 | 103,975 |
| TRANSFER TO / (FROM) LEVEL 3 | — | — | — | — |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | (335,960) | (131,070) | (36,082) | (503,112) |
| FAIR VALUE AS AT 31 DECEMBER | 38,530 | 47,180 | 88,262 | 173,972 |
| (in thousands of €) | 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP1 | IPUC2 | DL3 | TOTAL | |
| SEGMENT INFORMATION | INDUSTRIAL | INDUSTRIAL | INDUSTRIAL | |
| FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| FAIR VALUES AS AT 1 JANUARY | 77,962 | 52,751 | 95,091 | 225,804 |
| CAPEX | 23,670 | 32,565 | 6,325 | 62,560 |
| ACQUISITIONS | — | 4,544 | 67,346 | 71,890 |
| CAPITALISED INTEREST | 316 | 528 | 155 | 999 |
| SALES AND DISPOSALS | — | — | (3,324) | (3,324) |
| TRANSFER FROM DL TO IPUC | — | 17,640 | (17,640) | — |
| TRANSFER FROM IPUC TO IP | 45,392 | (45,392) | — | — |
| NET GAIN FROM VALUE ADJUSTMENTS IN INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 26,276 | 18,447 | 13,437 | 58,160 |
| TRANSFER TO / (FROM) LEVEL 3 | — | — | — | — |
| FAIR VALUE AS AT 31 DECEMBER | 173,616 | 81,083 | 161,390 | 416,089 |
1 IP = completed investment property
2 IPUC = investment property under construction
3 DL = development land
The Group's policy is to recognise transfers into and out of fair value hierarchy levels as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
There were no transfers in to and out of Level 3 fair value measurements.
(ii) Valuation process
The Group's investment properties were valued at 31 December 2015 by independent professionally qualified valuers who hold a recognised relevant professional qualification and have recent experience in the locations and segments of the investment properties valued. The valuation contracts are typically entered into for a term of one year and the fees of the property experts are fixed for the term of their appointment and are not related to the value of the properties for which an estimate is made. The property portfolio is measured by the independent property experts on a semi-annual basis. The valuation methods are determined by the external experts and are based on a multi-criteria approach. The independent expert determines the fair market value on the basis of a discounted cash flow model or a sales comparison approach.
For the 31 December 2015 valuations Jones Lang LaSalle was retained as external independent valuation expert.
The Group's financial controller reviews the valuations performed by the independent valuers for financial reporting purposes. This financial controller reports directly to the chief financial officer (CFO).
Discussions of valuation processes and results are held between the financial controller CFO , CEO and
the independent valuers at least twice a year. The CFO and CEO report on the outcome of the valuation processes and results to the audit committee and take any comments or decision in consideration when performing the subsequent valuations.
At each semi-annual period end, the financial controller together with the CFO: (i) verify all major inputs to the independent valuation report; (ii) assess property valuation movements when compared to the prior semi-annual and annual period; (iii) holds discussions with the independent valuer.
| REGION | SEGMENT | FAIR VALUE 31 DEC 2015 (€ '000) |
VALUATION TECHNIQUE |
LEVEL 3 – UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS |
RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZECH REPUBLIC | IP AND IPUC |
124,260 | DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW |
ANNUAL RENT PER m2 | 47 – 66 |
| LETTABLE AREA IN m2 | 174,608 | ||||
| DISCOUNT RATE | 7.00% – 9.00% | ||||
| EXIT YIELD | 6.75% – 7.00% | ||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD | 7.08% | ||||
| COST TO COMPLETION (in '000) | 3,930 | ||||
| DL | 27,207 | SALES COMPARISON | PRICE PER m2 | — | |
| LAND AREA IN m2 | 520,017 | ||||
| GERMANY | IP AND IPUC |
288,510 | DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW |
ANNUAL RENT PER m2 | 41 – 86 |
| LETTABLE AREA IN m2 | 364,038 | ||||
| DISCOUNT RATE | 4.90% – 7.00% |
DL 83,257 SALES COMPARISON PRICE PER m2 —
CASH FLOW
DL 13,880 SALES COMPARISON PRICE PER m2 —
139,970 DISCOUNTED
EXIT YIELD 5.25% – 6.00% WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD 6.25% COST TO COMPLETION (in '000) 43,901
LAND AREA IN m2 973,009
LETTABLE AREA IN m2 262,175 DISCOUNT RATE 8.00% – 10.00% EXIT YIELD 8.00% – 9.75% WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD 8.58% COST TO COMPLETION (in '000) 21,050
LAND AREA IN m2 320,116
ANNUAL RENT PER m2 43 – 63
(iii) Quantitative information about fair value measurements using unobservable inputs (level 3)
OTHER COUNTRIES IP AND
IPUC
TOTAL 677,084
| REGION | SEGMENT | FAIR VALUE 31 DEC 2014 (€ '000) |
VALUATION TECHNIQUE |
LEVEL 3 – UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS |
RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZECH REPUBLIC | IP AND IPUC |
81,331 | DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW |
ANNUAL RENT PER m2 | 49 – 57 |
| DISCOUNT RATE | 7.18% – 8.10% | ||||
| EXIT YIELD | 7.25% | ||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD | 7.55% | ||||
| COST TO COMPLETION (IN '000) |
€ 7,700 | ||||
| DL | 14,934 | SALES COMPARISON | PRICE PER m2 | — | |
| GERMANY | IP AND IPUC |
95,950 | DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW |
ANNUAL RENT PER m2 | 40 – 62 |
| DISCOUNT RATE | 6.76% – 8.64% | ||||
| EXIT YIELD | 6.50% – 6.75% | ||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD | 7.25% | ||||
| COST TO COMPLETION (IN '000) |
€ 24,874 | ||||
| DL | 123,837 | SALES COMPARISON | PRICE PER M2 | — | |
| OTHER COUNTRIES | IP AND IPUC |
82,410 | DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW |
ANNUAL RENT PER m2 | 47 – 62 |
| DISCOUNT RATE | 8.41% – 10.35% | ||||
| EXIT YIELD | 8.40% – 10.25% | ||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD | 8.99% | ||||
| COST TO COMPLETION (IN '000) |
€ 4,923 | ||||
| DL | 17,627 | SALES COMPARISON | PRICE PER m2 | — | |
| TOTAL | 416,089 |
(iv) Sensitivity of valuations
The sensitivity of the fair value based on changes to the significant non-observable inputs used to determine the fair value of the properties classified in level 3 in accordance with the IFRS fair value hierarchy is as follows (all variables remaining constant):
| NON OBSERVABLE INPUT IMPACT ON FAIR VALUE IN CASE OF | IMPACT ON FAIR VALUE IN CASE OF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL | RISE | ||
| ERV (IN EUR / m2) | NEGATIVE | POSITIVE | |
| DISCOUNT RATE | POSITIVE | NEGATIVE | |
| EXIT YIELD | POSITIVE | NEGATIVE | |
| REMAINING LEASE TERM (UNTIL FIRST BREAK) | NEGATIVE | POSITIVE | |
| REMAINING LEASE TERM (UNTIL FINAL EXPIRY) | NEGATIVE | POSITIVE | |
| OCCUPANCY RATE | NEGATIVE POSITIVE |
||
| INFLATION | NEGATIVE POSITIVE |
A decrease in the estimated annual rent will decrease the fair value.
An increase in the discount rates and the capitalisation rates used for the terminal value i.e. the exit yield of the discounted cash flow method will decrease the fair value.
There are interrelationships between these rates as they are partially determined by market rate conditions.
For investment properties under construction, the cost to completion and the time to complete will reduce the fair values whereas the consumption of such cost over the period to completion will increase the fair value.
In addition, the sensitivity of the fair value of the portfolio can be estimated as follows (all variables remaining constant): the effect of a rise (fall) of 1% in rental income results in a rise (fall) in the fair value of the portfolio of approximately € 6.2 million (all variables remaining constant).
The effect of a rise (fall) in the weighted average yield (see note 5.4) of 25 basis points results in a fall (rise) in the fair value of the portfolio of approximately € 21.4 million (all variables remaining constant).
6.4 / Non-current financial assets
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| FINANCIAL ASSETS CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS (FAFVTPL) | ||
| HELD FOR TRADING DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED IN HEDGE ACCOUNTING RELATIONSHIPS | 216 | — |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | — | — |
| TOTAL | 216 | — |
The derivatives relate to a forward interest rate swap transaction (€ 75 million) concluded during the year and starting on 6 December 2018 for a 5 year term. See also note 7.2.
6.5 / Investments in associates
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| AS AT 1 JANUARY | 17 | 982 |
| RESULT OF THE YEAR | 191 | 14,473 |
| PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF PARTICIPATIONS | (311) | (15,438) |
| TOTAL | (103) | 17 |
For the analysis of the result for the year, please refer to note 5.6.
During 2014 Snow Crystal S.à.r.l. completed the sale of the VGP CZ I and VGP CZ IV portfolio and Sun S.à.r.l. completed the sale of the VGP CZ II portfolio. The joint venture partners have initiated the liquidation procedure for both companies i.e. Snow Crystal S.à.r.l. and Sun S.à.r.l. and liquidation is expected to occur during the course of 2016. Please also see note 5.6.
6.6 / Trade and other receivables
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| TRADE RECEIVABLES | 2,673 | 1,352 |
| TAX RECEIVABLES – VAT | 9,866 | 3,517 |
| ACCRUED INCOME AND DEFERRED CHARGES | 300 | 192 |
| OTHER RECEIVABLES | 2,129 | 1,761 |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | (10,041) | — |
| TOTAL | 4,927 | 6,822 |
6.7 / Cash and cash equivalent
The Group's cash and cash equivalents comprise primarily cash deposits held at German, Czech and Belgian banks.
6.8 / Share capital
| SHARE CAPITAL MOVEMENT |
TOTAL OUTSTANDING SHARE CAPITAL AFTER THE TRANSACTION |
NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUED |
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands of €) | (in thousands of €) | (in units) | (in units) | ||
| 01. 01. 2006 | CUMULATIVE SHARE CAPITAL OF ALL CZECH COMPANIES |
10,969 | 10,969 | — | — |
| 06. 02. 2007 | INCORPORATION OF VGP NV | 100 | 11,069 | 100 | 100 |
| 05. 11. 2007 | SHARE SPLIT | — | 11,069 | 7,090,400 | 7,090,500 |
| 11. 12. 2007 | CONTRIBUTION IN KIND OF CZECH COMPANIES |
120,620 | 131,689 | 7,909,500 | 15,000,000 |
| 11. 12. 2007 | CAPITAL INCREASE IPO | 50,000 | 181,689 | 3,278,688 | 18,278,688 |
| 28. 12. 2007 | EXERCISE OF OVER ALLOTMENT OPTION – IPO |
4,642 | 186,331 | 304,362 | 18,583,050 |
| 31. 12. 2007 | ELIMINATION CAPITAL INCREASE | ||||
| – CONTRIBUTION IN KIND |
(120,620) | 65,711 | — | 18,583,050 | |
| 31. 12. 2007 | ISSUING COSTS CAPITAL INCREASE |
(3,460) | 62,251 | — | 18,583,050 |
The statutory share capital of VGP NV amounts to € 112,737k. The € 50.5 million capital reserve included in the Statement of Changes in Equity, relates to the elimination of the contribution in kind of the shares of a number of Group companies and the deduction of all costs in relation to the issuing of the new shares and the stock exchange listing of the existing shares from the equity of the company, at the time of the initial public offering ("IPO").
6.9 / Other reserves and equity
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| SHARE PREMIUM | 69 | 69 |
| OTHER EQUITY | 60,000 | — |
| TOTAL | 60,069 | 69 |
In order to strengthen its consolidated equity base and support its further growth, VGP NV issued subordinated perpetual securities during 2015 for an aggregate amount of € 60 million. The securities were fully underwritten by the reference shareholders of the company, VM Invest NV and Little Rock SA after complying with the conflict of interest procedure in accordance with article 523 of the Belgian Companies Code and article 16 of the articles of association of the Company. The securities are not convertible into VGP shares and, hence, do not entail dilution for the shareholders.
6.10 / Current and non-current financial debt
The contractual maturities of interest bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) are as follows:
| MATURITY (in thousands of €) | 2015 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OUTSTANDING BALANCE | < 1 YEAR | > 1–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS | |
| NON-CURRENT | ||||
| BANK BORROWINGS | 128,317 | 6,740 | 92,002 | 29,575 |
| BONDS | 148,327 | — | 148,327 | — |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
(104,398) | (5,294) | (69,529) | (29,575) |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 172,246 | 1,446 | 170,800 | — |
| CURRENT | ||||
| BANK BORROWINGS | 1,070 | 1,070 | — | — |
| ACCRUED INTEREST | 2,076 | 2,076 | — | — |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
(1,070) | (1,070) | — | — |
| TOTAL CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 2,076 | 2,076 | — | — |
| TOTAL CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 174,322 | 3,522 | 170,800 | — |
| MATURITY (in thousands of €) | 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OUTSTANDING BALANCE | < 1 YEAR | > 1–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS | ||
| NON-CURRENT | |||||
| BANK BORROWINGS | 47,917 | 2,410 | 45,507 | — | |
| BONDS | 147,527 | — | 147,527 | — | |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 195,444 | 2,410 | 193,034 | — | |
| CURRENT | |||||
| BANK BORROWINGS | 1,230 | 1,230 | — | — | |
| ACCRUED INTEREST | 2,082 | 2,082 | — | — | |
| TOTAL CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 3,312 | 3,312 | — | — | |
| TOTAL CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | 198,756 | 5,722 | 193,034 | — |
The accrued interest relates to 2 bonds issued during 2013. The coupons of the bonds are payable annually on 12 July and 6 December.
6.10.1 / Secured bank loans
The loans granted to the VGP Group are all denominated in € (except for the "other bank debt" which is denominated in CZK) and can be summarised as follows:
| 2015 (in thousands of €) |
FACILITY AMOUNT |
FACILITY EXPIRY DATE |
OUTSTANDING BALANCE |
< 1 YEAR | > 1–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TATRA BANKA | 1,070 | 31– MAR –16 | 1,070 | 1,070 | — | — |
| TATRA BANKA | 3,232 | 31– DEC –18 | 3,232 | 342 | 2,890 | — |
| UNICREDIT BANK – HUNGARY | 13,022 | 30 – SEP –19 | 13,006 | 815 | 12,191 | — |
| UNICREDIT BANK – CZECH REPUBLIC | 56,611 | 31– DEC –19 | 14,332 | 591 | 13,741 | — |
| SWEDBANK | 20,888 | 30 – AUG –18 | 20,864 | 1,411 | 19,453 | — |
| DEUTSCHE-HYPO | 30,501 | 24 – JUL –19 | 30,336 | 1,309 | 29,027 | — |
| DEUTSCHE-HYPO | 52,900 | 31 – DEC –21 | 20,551 | 1,171 | 3,412 | 15,968 |
| DEUTSCHE-HYPO | 27,040 | 30 – SEP – 22 | 18,324 | 751 | 3,966 | 13,607 |
| DEUTSCHE-HYPO | 7,688 | 30 – JUN – 20 | 7,633 | 315 | 7,318 | — |
| OTHER BANK DEBT | 39 | 2016–2018 | 39 | 35 | 4 | — |
| TOTAL BANK DEBT | 212,991 | 129,387 | 7,810 | 92,002 | 29,575 |
| 2014 (in thousands of €) |
FACILITY AMOUNT |
FACILITY EXPIRY DATE |
OUTSTANDING BALANCE |
< 1 YEAR | > 1–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TATRA BANKA | 1,230 | 31– DEC –15 | 1,230 | 1,230 | — | — |
| TATRA BANKA | 3,574 | 31– DEC –18 | 3,574 | 342 | 3,232 | — |
| UNICREDIT BANK – HUNGARY | 13,808 | 30 – SEP –19 | 9,748 | 786 | 8,962 | — |
| UNICREDIT BANK – CZECH REPUBLIC | 56,611 | 31– DEC –19 | 8,159 | — | 8,159 | — |
| SWEDBANK | 21,963 | 30 – AUG –18 | 7,283 | 453 | 6,830 | — |
| DEUTSCHE-HYPO | 31,421 | MAY –19 / APR – 20 | 19,096 | 799 | 18,297 | — |
| DEUTSCHE-HYPO | 16,900 | 30 – NOV –16 | — | — | — | — |
| OTHER BANK DEBT | 57 | 2016 – 2018 | 57 | 30 | 27 | — |
| TOTAL BANK DEBT | 145,564 | 49,147 | 3,640 | 45,507 | — |
In order to secure the obligations under these agreements, the Group created:
- Mortgage agreement over the existing properties;
- Mortgage agreement over the land;
- Agreement on future mortgage agreement with respect to the remaining part of the project land and project buildings;
- Pledge on all existing and future receivables;
- Pledge over the shares whereby VGP NV as the pledgor and the security agent as the pledgee enter into the Share Pledge Agreement. All shares issued by the borrower are pledged in favour of the security agent;
- Pledge of rental fee revenues and guarantees;
- Pledge of bank accounts receivables;
- Pledge of rights and receivables under the construction contracts.
Interest rate swaps
As a general principle, loans are entered into by the Group in Euro at a floating rate, converting to a fixed rate through interest rate swaps in compliance with the respective loan agreements.
For further information on financial instruments we refer to note 6.10.
Events of default and breaches of loan covenants
The loan agreements granted by the banks are subject to a number of covenants which can be summarised as follows:
- Loan to cost ratio for development loan tranches between 50% 70% of investment cost;
- Loan to value ratio for investment loan tranches equal or less than 65%;
- Debt service cover ratio equal or higher than 1.2 ;
- Interest cover ratio equal or higher than 1.2. For some loan agreements this ratio varies over the term of the credit facility between 1.2 and 1.3;
- Pre-lease requirement to ensure that interest cover ratio equal or higher than 1.2 is achieved or alternatively pre-lease requirement ranging from 35% to 70%.
The above mentioned ratios are tested based on a 12 month period and are calculated as follows:
- Loan to cost ratio means in respect of a project the aggregate loans divided by the total investment costs;
- Loan to value ratio means in respect of a project the aggregate loans divided by the open market value as valued by an independent valuator;
- Debt service cover ratio means cash available for debt service divided by debt service whereby debt service means the aggregate amount of financial expenses due and payable together with any loan principal due and payable;
- Interest cover ratio means in respect of a project the net rent income divided by the aggregate amount of the financial expenses due and payable.
During the year there were no events of default nor were there any breaches of covenants with respect to loan agreements.
6.10.2 / Bonds
VGP has issued the following 2 retail bonds:
- € 75 million fixed rate bonds due 12 July 2017 which carry a coupon of 5.15% per annum. The bonds have been listed on the regulated market of NYSE Euronext Brussels (ISIN Code: BE0002201672 – Common Code: 094682118)
- € 75 million fixed rate bonds due 6 December 2018 carry a coupon of 5.10% per annum. The bonds have been listed on the regulated market of NYSE Euronext Brussels (ISIN Code: BE0002208743 – Common Code: 099582871).
Both bonds are unsecured.
Events of default and breaches of bond covenants
The terms and conditions of the bonds include following financial covenants:
- Consolidated gearing to equal or to be below 55%;
- Interest cover ratio to equal or to be above 1.2
- Debt service cover ratio to equal or to be above 1.2
The above mentioned ratios are tested semi-annually based on a 12 month period and are calculated as follows:
- Consolidated gearing means consolidated total net debt divided by the sum of the equity and total liabilities;
- Interest cover ratio means the aggregate net rental income (increased with the available cash and cash equivalents) divided by the net finance charges;
- Debt service cover ratio means cash available for debt service divided by net debt service.
As at 31 December 2015 there were no events of default nor were there any breaches of covenants with respect to the bonds.
6.11 / Other non-current financial liabilities
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| FINANCIAL LIABILITIES CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS (FLFVTPL) | ||
| HELD FOR TRADING DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED IN HEDGE ACCOUNTING RELATIONSHIPS | 2,191 | 1,656 |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | (1,224) | — |
| TOTAL | 967 | 1,656 |
During the year a forward interest rate swap transaction (€ 75 million) was concluded starting on 12 July 2017 for a 5 year term. In addition a € 13.1 million interest rate swap was concluded in May 2015 to hedge the total interest rate exposure of VGP Park Györ. The interest rate which has been fixed is 0.27% p.a. See also note 7.2.
6.12 / Other non-current liabilities
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| DEPOSITS | 869 | 466 |
| RETENTIONS | 1,272 | 656 |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | (1,736) | — |
| TOTAL | 405 | 1,122 |
Deposits are received from tenants. Retentions are amounts withheld from constructors' invoices. It is common to pay only 90 percent of the total amount due. 5 percent is due upon final delivery of the building; the remaining part is paid, based on individual agreements, most commonly after 3 or 5 years.
6.13 / Trade debts and other current liabilities
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| TRADE PAYABLES | 26,684 | 21,293 |
| DEPOSITS | 575 | 284 |
| RETENTIONS | 2,325 | 648 |
| ACCRUED EXPENSES AND DEFERRED INCOME | 1,393 | 469 |
| OTHER PAYABLES | 926 | 865 |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | (21,562) | — |
| TOTAL | 10,341 | 23,559 |
Trade payables increased in 2015 reflecting the increase of the projects under construction.
6.14 / Assets classified as held for sale and liabilities associated with those assets
The assets held for sale are an important item in the comparative 2015 figures in this annual report.
At the end of February 2016, VGP entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Allianz Real Estate. The new joint venture will act as an exclusive take-out vehicle of the income generating assets located in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager.
As a result the assets of the respective project companies which will be transferred to the joint venture (the "Seed Portfolio") were reclassified as disposal group held for sale as at 31 December 2015.
The net assets of the Seed Portfolio were as follows:
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| INTANGIBLE ASSETS | — | — |
| INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | 503,112 | — |
| PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | 25 | — |
| DEFERRED TAX ASSETS | — | — |
| TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | 10,040 | — |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 14,184 | — |
| DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | 527,361 | — |
| NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | (99,104) | — |
| OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | (1,224) | — |
| OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | (1,736) | — |
| DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES | (31,057) | — |
| CURRENT FINANCIAL DEBT | (6,364) | — |
| TRADE DEBTS AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES | (21,562) | — |
| LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE | (161,047) | — |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 366,314 | — |
7 / Miscellaneous items
7.1 / Notes to the cash flow statement
| SUMMARY (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | (12,609) | (1,542) |
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | (147,377) | (59,491) |
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | 140,053 | 25,250 |
| NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (19,933) | (35,783) |
The cash from operating activities decreased by € 11.1 million, mainly due to the impact of the disposal of the VGP CZ I and VGP CZ II portfolios during 2014 which had a € 9.3 million positive effect on the as at 31 December 2014 operating cash flow.
The cash flow from investing activities increased with € 87.9 million; mainly due to the increase in the capital expenditure incurred for the development activities and land acquisition which jumped from € 112.2 million as at 2014 to € 147.5 million as at 31 December 2015. The cash flow from investing activities as at 31 December 2014 also benefitted from the € 49.8 million repayment of shareholder loans granted to the associates which were repaid in October 2014 (see note 5.7)
The cash flow from financing activities increased with € 114.8 million, mainly due to the increased bank borrowings (+ € 57.1 million) and the € 60 million hybrid instruments which were subscribed by the 2 main reference shareholders (see note 6.9).
7.2 / Financial risk management and financial derivatives
7.2.1 / Terms, conditions and risk management
Exposures to foreign currency, interest rate, liquidity and credit risk arises in the normal course of business of VGP.
The company analyses and reviews each of these risks and defines strategies to manage the economic impact on the company's performance. The results of these risk assessments and proposed risk strategies is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors on regular basis.
Some of the risk management strategies include the use of derivative financial instruments which mainly consists of forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. The company holds no derivative instruments nor would it issue any for speculative purposes.
The following provides an overview of the derivative financial instruments as at 31 December 2015. The amounts shown are the notional amounts.
| DERIVATIVES (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 1 YEAR | > 1–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS | < 1 YEAR | > 1–5 YEARS | > 5 YEARS | |
| FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS | ||||||
| HELD FOR TRADING | 8,915 | — | — | 18,235 | — | — |
| INTEREST RATE SWAPS | ||||||
| HELD FOR TRADING | — | 70,846 | 150,000 | — | 58,622 | — |
In order to mitigate its future interest rate risk of the Group, 2 interest rate transactions were concluded during the first half year each for a notional amount of € 75 million. These 2 interest rate swaps will respectively start in July 2017 and December 2018 and will run until July 2022 and December 2023 respectively. The average interest rate which has been fixed is 0.84% p.a.
In addition a € 13.1 million interest rate swap was concluded in May 2015 to hedge the total interest rate exposure of VGP Park Györ. The interest rate which has been fixed is 0.27% p.a.
We refer also to note 6.4 and 6.11.
7.2.2 / Foreign currency risk
VGP incurs principally foreign currency risk on its capital expenditure as well as some of its borrowings and net interest expense/income.
VGP's policy is to economically hedge its capital expenditure as soon as a firm commitment arises, to the extent that the cost to hedge outweighs the benefit and in the absence of special features which require a different view to be taken.
The table below summarises the Group's main net foreign currency positions at the reporting date. Since the Group has elected not to apply hedge accounting, the following table does not include the forecasted transactions. However the derivatives the Group has entered into, to economically hedge the forecasted transactions are included.
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CZK | PLN | HUF | |
| TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES | 50,851 | 17,493 | 4,656 |
| NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES AND TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES | (192,716) | (16,310) | (3,308) |
| GROSS BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURE | (141,866) | 1,183 | 1,348 |
| FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE | 240,035 | — | — |
| NET EXPOSURE | 98,176 | 1,183 | 1,348 |
| (in thousands of €) | 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZK | PLN | HUF | RON | |
| TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES | 49,410 | — | — | 1,383 |
| NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES AND TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES | (96,058) | (2) | (15,815) | (1,261) |
| GROSS BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURE | (46,647) | (2) | (15,815) | 122 |
| FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE | 500,000 | — | — | — |
| NET EXPOSURE | 453,353 | (2) | (15,815) | 122 |
The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:
| 1 € = | 2015 / CLOSING RATE | 2014 / CLOSING RATE |
|---|---|---|
| CZK | 27.0250 | 27.7250 |
| HUF | 313.1204 | 314.8900 |
| RON | 4.5245 | 4.4821 |
Sensitivity
A 10 percent strengthening of the euro against the following currencies at 31 December 2015 would have increased / (decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2014.
| EFFECTS (in thousands of €) | 2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY | PROFIT OR (LOSS) | ||
| CZK | — | (328) | |
| HUF | — | — | |
| RON | — | (27) | |
| TOTAL | — | (355) |
| EFFECTS (in thousands of €) | 2014 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY | PROFIT OR (LOSS) | ||
| CZK | — | (1,487) | |
| HUF | — | 5 | |
| RON | — | (3) | |
| PLN | — | — | |
| TOTAL | — | (1,485) |
A 10 percent weakening of the euro against the above currencies at 31 December 2015 would have had the equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant.
7.2.3 / Interest rate risk
The Group applies a dynamic interest rate hedging approach whereby the target mix between fixed and floating rate debt is reviewed periodically. These reviews are carried out within the confines of the existing loan agreements which require that interest rate exposure is to be hedged when certain conditions are met.
Where possible the Group will apply IAS 39 to reduce income volatility whereby some of the interest rate swaps may be classified as cash flow hedges. Changes in the value of a hedging instrument that qualifies as highly effective cash flow hedges are recognised directly in shareholders' equity (hedging reserve).
The Group also uses interest rate swaps that do not satisfy the hedge accounting criteria under IAS 39 but provide effective economic hedges. Changes in fair value of such interest rate swaps are recognised immediately in the income statement. (Interest rate swaps held for trading).
At the reporting date the Group interest rate profile of the Group's (net of any transaction costs) was as follows:
| (in thousands of €) Nominal amounts | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| FINANCIAL DEBT | ||
| FIXED RATE | ||
| BONDS | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| VARIABLE RATE | ||
| BANK DEBT | 130,376 | 49,778 |
| RECLASSIFIED TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | (106,315) | — |
| 15,900 | 49,778 | |
| INTEREST RATE HEDGING | ||
| INTEREST RATE SWAPS | ||
| HELD FOR TRADING | 70,846 | 49,778 |
| RECLASSIFIED TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE | (54,946) | — |
| 15,900 | 49,778 | |
| FINANCIAL DEBT AFTER HEDGING | ||
| VARIABLE RATE | ||
| BANK DEBT | 8,161 | — |
| FIXED RATE | ||
| BONDS | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| BANK DEBT | 15,900 | 49,778 |
| 165,900 | 199,778 | |
| FIXED RATE / TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES1 | 95.3% | 100.0% |
The effective interest rate on financial debt (bank debt and bonds), including all bank margins and cost of interest rate hedging instruments was 3.81 % for the year 2015. (4.83% in 2014)
Sensitivity analysis for change in interest rates or profit
In case of an increase / decrease of 100 basis points in the interest rates, profit before taxes would have been € 569k lower/higher (as compared to € 28k lower/higher profit before taxes for 2014). This impact comes from a change in the floating rate debt, with all variables held constant.
Sensitivity analysis for changes in interest rate of other comprehensive income
For 2015 there is no impact given the fact that there are no interest rate swaps outstanding classified as cash flow hedges as at the reporting date. The same situation applied at the 31 December 2014 reporting date.
7.2.4 / Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to VGP if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from VGP's receivables from customers and bank deposits.
The management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an on-going basis. Each new tenant is analysed individually for creditworthiness before VGP offers a lease agreement. In addition the Group applies a strict policy of rent guarantee whereby, in general, each tenant is required to provide a rent guarantee for 6 months. This period will vary in function of the creditworthiness of the tenant.
At the balance sheet date there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.
1 Calculation of 2014 is based on the partial allocation of the existing interest rate swaps. Should the total amount of existing interest rate swaps (amounting to € 58,622k as at 31 December 2014) have been taken into consideration the fixed rate / total financial liabilities would have been 104%. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 / CARRYING AMOUNT | 2014 / CARRYING AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES | 14,968 | 6,822 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 24,009 | 43,595 |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | (24,225) | — |
| TOTAL | 14,752 | 50,417 |
The aging of trade receivables at the reporting date was:
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 / CARRYING AMOUNT | 2014 / CARRYING AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| GROSS TRADE RECEIVABLES | ||
| GROSS TRADE RECEIVABLES NOT PAST DUE | 2,172 | 1,042 |
| GROSS TRADE RECEIVABLES PAST DUE | 502 | 310 |
| BAD DEBT AND DOUBTFUL RECEIVABLES | 362 | — |
| PROVISION FOR IMPAIRMENT OF RECEIVABLES (–) | (362) | — |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) / FROM HELD FOR SALE | (1,791) | — |
| TOTAL | 883 | 1,352 |
7.2.5 / Liquidity risk
The company manages its liquidity risk by ensuring that it has sufficient cash available and that it has sufficient available credit facilities and by matching as much as possible its receipts and payments.
The following are contractual maturities of financial assets and liabilities, including interest payments and derivative financial assets and liabilities but excluding non-financial assets or liabilities. The amounts disclosed in the tables below are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Undiscounted cash flows in respect of balances due within 12 months generally equal their carrying amounts in the statement of financial position, as the impact of discounting is not significant.
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARRYING AMOUNT |
CONTRACTUAL CASH FLOWS |
< 1 YEAR | 1–2 YEARS |
2–5 YEARS |
MORE THAN 5 YEARS |
|
| ASSETS | ||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 24,009 | 24,009 | 24,009 | — | — | — |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 216 | 216 | 216 | — | — | — |
| TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | 14,669 | 14,669 | 14,669 | — | — | — |
| RECLASSIFIED TO (–) FROM HELD FOR SALE | (23,957) | (23,957) | (23,957) | — | — | — |
| 14,937 | 14,937 | 14,937 | — | — | — | |
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| SECURED BANK LOANS | (129,387) | (138,711) | (16,702) | (8,729) | (82,244) | (31,036) |
| UNSECURED BONDS | (148,327) | (169,313) | (7,725) | (82,725) | (78,863) | — |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | (2,191) | (2,323) | (1,176) | (728) | (419) | — |
| TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES | (32,651) | (32,651) | (30,511) | (210) | (1,043) | (887) |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
133,747 | 133,747 | 34,692 | 5,842 | 62,024 | 31,189 |
| (178,809) | (209,251) | (21,422) | (86,550) | (100,545) | (734) |
| (in thousands of €) | 2014 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARRYING AMOUNT |
CONTRACTUAL CASH FLOWS |
< 1 YEAR | 1–2 YEARS |
2–5 YEARS |
MORE THAN 5 YEARS |
|
| ASSETS | ||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 43,595 | 43,595 | 43,595 | — | — | — |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | 6,629 | 6,629 | 6,629 | — | — | — |
| 50,224 | 50,224 | 50,224 | — | — | — | |
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| SECURED BANK LOANS | (49,147) | (53,698) | (13,403) | (3,318) | (36,977) | — |
| UNSECURED BONDS | (147,527) | (177,038) | (7,725) | (7,725) | (161,588) | — |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | (1,656) | (2,026) | (676) | (527) | (823) | — |
| TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES | (24,212) | (24,212) | (23,090) | (177) | (596) | (349) |
| (222,542) | (256,974) | (44,894) | (11,747) | (199,984) | (349) |
7.2.6 / Capital management
VGP is continuously optimising its capital structure targeting to maximise shareholder value while keeping the desired flexibility to support its growth. The Group targets a maximum gearing ratio of net debt / total equity and liabilities at 55% which is the maximum gearing allowed under the bond covenants.
As at 31 December 2015 the Group's gearing was as follows:
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| NET DEBT | 255,781 | 155,161 |
| EQUITY | 717,308 | 467,839 |
| NET DEBT / EQUITY RATIO | 35.7% | 33.2% |
If the € 60 million hybrid instruments (see note 6.9) would be replaced by external bank debt then the net debt to equity would increase from 35.7% to 44.0%.
7.2.7 / Fair value
The following tables list the carrying amount of the Group's financial instruments that are showing in the financial statements. In general, the carrying amounts are assumed to be a close approximation of the fair value.
The fair value of the financial assets and liabilities is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged, or settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction.
| 2015 (in thousands of €) |
CARRYING AMOUNT |
AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN BALANCE SHEET IN ACCORDANCE WITH IAS 39 |
FAIR VALUE |
FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | AMORTISED COSTS |
FAIR VALUE THROUGH EQUITY |
FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS |
2015 | 2015 | |
| ASSETS | ||||||
| OTHER NON-CURRENT RECEIVABLES |
— | — | — | — | — | LEVEL 2 |
| TRADE RECEIVABLES | 2,673 | 2,673 | — | — | 2,673 | LEVEL 2 |
| OTHER RECEIVABLES | 11,995 | 11,995 | — | — | 11,995 | LEVEL 2 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 24,009 | 24,009 | — | — | 24,009 | LEVEL 2 |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS | 216 | — | — | 216 | 216 | |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO (–) FROM HELD FOR SALE |
(16,474) | (16,474) | — | — | (16,474) | |
| TOTAL | 22,419 | 22,203 | — | 216 | 22,419 | |
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| FINANCIAL DEBT | ||||||
| BANK DEBT | 129,386 | 129,386 | — | — | 129,386 | LEVEL 2 |
| BONDS | 148,327 | 148,327 | — | — | 154,411 | LEVEL 1 |
| TRADE PAYABLES | 25,565 | 25,565 | — | — | 25,565 | LEVEL 2 |
| OTHER LIABILITIES | 5,949 | 5,949 | — | — | 5,949 | LEVEL 2 |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | 2,191 | — | — | 2,191 | 2,191 | |
| RECLASSIFICATION TO LIABILITIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL GROUP HELD FOR SALE |
(145,016) | (143,792) | — | (1,224) | (145,016) | |
| TOTAL | 166,402 | 165,435 | — | 967 | 172,486 |
| 2014 (in thousands of €) |
CARRYING AMOUNT |
AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN BALANCE SHEET IN ACCORDANCE WITH IAS 39 |
FAIR VALUE |
FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AMORTISED COSTS |
FAIR VALUE THROUGH EQUITY |
FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS |
2014 | 2014 | |
| ASSETS | ||||||
| OTHER NON-CURRENT RECEIVABLES |
— | — | — | — | — | LEVEL 2 |
| TRADE RECEIVABLES | 1,352 | 1,352 | — | — | 1,352 | LEVEL 2 |
| OTHER RECEIVABLES | 5,274 | 5,274 | — | — | 5,274 | LEVEL 2 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 43,595 | 43,595 | — | — | 43,595 | LEVEL 2 |
| TOTAL | 50,221 | 50,221 | — | — | 50,221 | |
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| FINANCIAL DEBT | ||||||
| BANK DEBT | 49,146 | 49,146 | — | — | 49,146 | LEVEL 2 |
| BONDS | 147,527 | 147,527 | — | — | 156,017 | LEVEL 1 |
| TRADE PAYABLES | 20,919 | 20,919 | — | — | 20,919 | LEVEL 2 |
| OTHER LIABILITIES | 2,919 | 2,919 | — | — | 2,919 | LEVEL 2 |
| DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL LIABILITIES | 1,656 | — | — | 1,656 | 1,656 | LEVEL 2 |
| TOTAL | 222,167 | 220,511 | — | 1,656 | 230,657 |
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values: Cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables, primarily have short terms to maturity; hence, their carrying amounts at the reporting date approximate the fair values;
- The Other non-current receivables are evaluated by the Group based on parameters such as interest rates, individual creditworthiness of the counterparty and the risk characteristics of the financed project. As at 31 December 2015, the carrying amounts of these receivables, are assumed not to be materially different from their calculated fair values.
- Trade and other payables also generally have short times to maturity and, hence, their carrying amounts also approximate their fair values.
- The fair value of financial instruments is determined based on quoted prices in active markets. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, valuation techniques are used. Valuation techniques make maximum use of market inputs but are affected by the assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Such techniques include amongst others market prices of comparable investments and discounted cash flows. The principal methods and assumptions used by VGP in determining the fair value of financial instruments are obtained from active markets or determined using, as appropriate, discounted cash flow models and option pricing models.
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
- Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly
- Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.
During the reporting period ending 31 December 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and no transfers into and out of Level 3 fair value measurements.
As at 31 December 2015 the Group did not provide for any rental guarantees.
Financial assets amounting to € 4,580k in 2015 (€ 2,600k in 2014) were pledged in favour of VGP's financing banks.
7.3 / Personnel
Employee benefit obligations
The Group had no post-employment benefit plans in place at the reporting date.
7.4 / Commitments
The Group has concluded a number of contracts concerning the future purchase of land. At 31 December 2015 the Group had future purchase agreements for land totalling 1,042,000 m², representing a commitment of € 80.8 million and for which deposits totalling € 3.6 million had been made. As at 31 December 2014 Group had future purchase agreements for land totalling 863,000 m², representing a commitment of € 34.2 million and for which deposits totalling € 1.2 million had been made.
The € 3.6 million down payment on land was classified under investment properties as at 31 December 2015 given the immateriality of the amounts involved.(same classification treatment applied for 2014).
As at 31 December 2015 the Group had contractual obligations to develop new projects for a total amount of € 68.9 million compared to € 37.5 million as at 31 December 2014.
All commitments are of a short term nature. The secured land is expected to be acquired during the course of 2016. The contractual construction obligations relate to new buildings or buildings under construction which will be delivered or started-up during the course of 2016.
7.5 / Related parties
Unless otherwise mentioned below, the settlement of related party transactions occurs in cash, there are no other outstanding balances which require disclosure, the outstanding balances are not subject to any interest unless specified below, no guarantees or collaterals provided and no provisions or expenses for doubtful debtors were recorded.
7.5.1 / Shareholders
Shareholding
The main shareholders of the company are:
- VM Invest NV (28.05%); a company controlled by Mr. Bart Van Malderen;
- Bart Van Malderen (19.08%)
- Little Rock SA (25.33%) is a company controlled by Mr. Jan Van Geet;
- Comm VA VGP MISV (5%) is a company controlled by Mr. Bart Van Malderen en Mr. Jan Van Geet.
The two main ultimate reference shareholders of the company are therefore (i) Mr Bart Van Malderen who holds 49.6%1 and who is a non-executive director; and (ii) Mr Jan Van Geet who holds 27.3%1 and who is CEO and an executive director. The full details of the shareholding of VGP can be found on page 54.
Hybrid securities
During 2015 VGP NV issued subordinated perpetual securities for an aggregate amount of € 60 million. The securities were fully underwritten by the reference shareholders of the company, VM Invest NV and Little Rock SA after complying with the conflict of interest procedure in accordance with article 523 of the Belgian Companies Code and article 16 of the articles of association of the Company. The securities are not convertible into VGP shares and, hence, do not entail dilution for the shareholders.
Lease activities
Drylock Technologies s.r.o,, a company controlled by Bart Van Malderen, leases a warehouse from VGP under a long term lease contract. This lease contract was entered into during the month of May 2012. The rent received over the year 2015 amounts to € 2.0 million (compared to € 1.4 million for the year 2014). The increase related to the extension of the building which was delivered to Drylock during 2014.
VGP NV leases a small office from VM Invest NV in Belgium for which it pays € 4k per annum. (same level as in 2014). The lease is for an undetermined period.
Bothe lease agreements have been concluded on an arm's length basis.
Jan Van Geet s.r.o. leases out office space to the VGP Group in the Czech Republic used by the VGP operational team. The leases run until 2018 and 2021 respectively. During 2015 and 2014 the rent paid under these leases was € 90k per annum.
Other services
The table below provides the outstanding balances with Jan Van Geet s.r.o.. The payable balance relate to unsettled invoices. The receivable balances relate to cash advances made to cover representation costs.
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| TRADE RECEIVABLE / (PAYABLE) | (5) | 3 |
VGP also provides real estate support services (mainly maintenance work) to Jan Van Geet s.r.o. During 2015 VGP recorded a € 18k revenue for these activities (compared to € 16k for 2014).
7.5.2 / Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of VGP NV and the subsidiaries listed in note 7.7. Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated in the consolidation and are accordingly not disclosed in this note.
1 Shareholding calculated after taking the respective shareholding of Mr Bart Van Malderen en Mr Jan Van Geet in Comm. VA VGP MISV VGP into consideration.
7.5.3 / Associated companies
Transactions with associated companies were discontinued in October 2014 when Snow Crystal S.à.r.l. completed the sale of the VGP CZ I and VGP CZ IV portfolio and Sun S.à.r.l. completed the sale of the VGP CZ II portfolio. Liquidation procedures for both companies i.e. Snow Crystal S.à.r.l. and Sun S.à.r.l. have been initiated and it is expected that both companies will be liquidated during the course of 2016.
The table below provides the outstanding balances with associated companies. These balances reflect the run-off and liquidation process.
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| OTHER RECEIVABLES FROM ASSOCIATES | 30 | — |
7.5.4 / Key Managements
Key Management includes the Board of Directors and the Executive Management. The details of these persons can be found on pages 54–55.
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| NUMBER OF PERSONS | 9 | 7 |
| SHORT TERM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS | ||
| BASIC REMUNERATION | 837 | 606 |
| SHORT TERM VARIABLE REMUNERATION | 925 | 400 |
| REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS | 96 | 98 |
| TOTAL GROSS REMUNERATION | 1,858 | 1,104 |
| AVERAGE GROSS REMUNERATION | 206 | 158 |
The disclosures relating to the Belgian Corporate Governance Code are included in the Corporate Governance Statement of this annual report. For 2015 no post-employment benefits nor share based payment benefits were granted.
During 2015 the executive management team was expanded with two new functions i.e. the Chief Commercial Officer ("CCO") and the Chief Operating Officer – Non-CZ Countries. ("COO-Non-CZ Countries").
In April 2015 the Board of Directors approved a new management agreement relating to the services rendered by some of VGP's key managers. Following such decision, Little Rock SA will be responsible for the Group's daily management, financial management and commercial management and will be represented for this purpose by the CEO, CFO and CCO. As a consideration for rendering such services, Little Rock SA will receive a fixed fee, a variable fee subject to certain criteria being met, and 5% of the profits before taxes of the Group on a consolidated basis. In return for Little Rock SA's commitment to observe the Group's daily, financial and commercial management for an additional period of five years.
The variable fee allocated to Little Rock for 2015 amounts to € 5,215 thousand of which 1/3 will be paid out in 2016 with the remaining balance to be paid out in equal portions in 2017 and 2018. We refer to the Remuneration Report in the Corporate Governance Statement for further details.
7.6 / Events after the balance sheet dates
In order to sustain its growth over the medium term VGP entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Allianz Real Estate at the end of February 2016. The new joint venture will act as an exclusive take-out vehicle of the income generating assets located in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. VGP will continue to service the joint venture as asset-, property- and development manager.
The joint venture is of a significant strategic importance to the Group as it will allow VGP to recycle its initial (partially or totally) invested equity when such developments are acquired by the joint venture and to re-invest these monies in the continued expansion of the development pipeline, including the further expansion of the land bank, thus allowing VGP to concentrate on its core development activities.
Finally VGP will retain a 50% stake in a growing rent income generating logistic and semi industrial real estate portfolio which over time will generate a recurrent cash flow stream which can support a sustained dividend policy.
7.7 / Services provided by the statutory auditor and related persons
The audit fees for VGP NV and its fully controlled subsidiaries amounted to €118k. In addition additional non-audit services were performed during the year by Deloitte and related persons for which a total fee of € 5k was incurred.
7.8 / Subsidiaries and associates
Full consolidation
The following companies were included in the consolidation perimeter of the VGP Group as at 31 December 2015 and were fully consolidated:
| SUBSIDIARIES | REGISTERED SEAT ADDRESS | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VGP NV | ZELE, BELGIUM | PARENT COMPANY | (1) |
| VGP CZ III a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP CZ V a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP CZ VI a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP CZ VII a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP CZ VIII a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP CZ IX a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP CZ X a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| TPO hala G1 a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| TPO hala G2 a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Cesky Ujezd a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (2) |
| VGP industrialni stavby s.r.o. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (3) |
| SUTA s.r.o. | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (3) |
| HCP SUTA s.r.o. | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (3) |
| VGP FM Services s.r.o. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 | (3) |
| VGP Industriebau GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (3) |
| VGP PM Services GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (3) |
| VGP Park Rodgau GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Leipzig GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Bingen GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Hamburg GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Höchstadt GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park München GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Berlin GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Hammersbach GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Deutschland – Projekt 8 GmbH | DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP PARK HAMBURG 2 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP PARK HAMBURG 3 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP Park Frankenthal S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP PARK LEIPZIG S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP DEU 1 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP DEU 2 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP DEU 3 S.À R.L. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP EUROPEAN LOGISTICS S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (4) |
| VGP DEU 5 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP DEU 6 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP DEU 7 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP DEU 8 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (2) |
| VGP ASSET MANAGEMENT S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 | (3) |
| SUBSIDIARIES | REGISTERED SEAT ADDRESS | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VGP ESTONIA OÜ | TALLINN, ESTONIA | 100 | (2) |
| VGP FINANCE NV | ZELE, BELGIUM | 100 | (5) |
| VGP LATVIA s.i.a. | KEKAVA, LATVIA | 100 | (2) |
| VGP HUNGARY Kft | GYÖR, HUNGARY | 100 | (4) |
| VGP PARK GYÖR Kft | GYÖR, HUNGARY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP PARK ALSÓNÉMEDI Kft | GYÖR, HUNGARY | 100 | (2) |
| VGP ROMANIA S.R.L. | TIMISOARA, ROMANIA | 100 | (2) |
| VGP SLOVAKIA a.s. | MALACKY, SLOVAKIA | 100 | (2) |
| VGP PARK BRATISLAVA a.s. | BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA | 100 | (2) |
| VGP NAVES INDUSTRIALES PENINSULA, S.L | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 | (1) |
| VGP (PARK) ESPANA 1 SL. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 | (2) |
| VGP (PARK) ESPANA 2 SL. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 | (2) |
| VGP (PARK) ESPANA 3 SL. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 | (2) |
| VGP POLSKA SP. z.o.o. | WROCLAW, POLAND | 100 | (6) |
| VGP NEDERLAND BV | TILBURG, THE NETHERLANDS | 100 | (4) |
Companies to which the equity method is applied The equity method is applied to the following companies:
| ASSOCIATES | REGISTERED SEAT ADDRESS | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNOW CRYSTAL S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 20.00 | (6) |
| SUN S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 20.00 | (6) |
| VGP MISV COMM. VA | ZELE, BELGIUM | 42.87 | (4) |
(1): Holding and service company
(2): Existing or future asset company
(3): Services company
(4): Holding company
(5): Dormant
(6): In liquidation
Cash and cash equivalents of all subsidiaries and associated companies are freely accessible.
Changes in 2015
1 New Investment.
| SUBSIDIARIES | REGISTERED SEAT ADDRESS | % |
|---|---|---|
| VGP DEU 2 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP DEU 3 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP DEU 4 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP DEU 5 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP DEU 6 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP DEU 7 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP DEU 8 S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP ASSET MANAGEMENT S.à r.l. | LUXEMBOURG, GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG | 100 |
| VGP HUNGARY Kft | GYÖR, HUNGARY | 100 |
| VGP PARK ALSÓNÉMEDI Kft | GYÖR, HUNGARY | 100 |
| VGP PARK BRATISLAVA a.s. | BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA | 100 |
| VGP NAVES INDUSTRIALES PENINSULA, S.L. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 |
| VGP (PARK) ESPANA 1 SL. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 |
| VGP (PARK) ESPANA 2 SL. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 |
| VGP (PARK) ESPANA 3 SL. | BARCELONA, SPAIN | 100 |
2 Subsidiaries acquired
| SUBSIDIARIES | REGISTERED SEAT ADDRESS | % |
|---|---|---|
| TPO HALA G1 a.s. | JENIŠOVICE U JABLONCE NAD NISOU,CZECH REPUBLIC | 100 |
3 Name Change
| NEW NAME | FORMER NAME |
|---|---|
| VGP PM SERVICES GMBH | VGP DEUTSCHLAND – PROJEKT 7 GMBH |
| VGP EUROPEAN LOGISTICS S.À R.L. | VGP DEU 4 S.À R.L. |
Registered numbers of the Belgian companies
| COMPANIES | COMPANY NUMBER |
|---|---|
| VGP NV | BTW BE 0887.216.042 RPR – GHENT (DIVISION DENDERMONDE) |
| VGP FINANCE NV | BTW BE 0894.188.263 RPR – GHENT (DIVISION DENDERMONDE) |
| VGP MISV COMM. VA | BTW BE 0894.442.740 RPR – GHENT (DIVISION DENDERMONDE) |
PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
1 / Financial Statements VGP NV
Parent company accounts
The financial statements of the parent company VGP NV, are presented below in a condensed form. In accordance with Belgian company law, the directors' report and financial statements of the parent company VGP NV, together with the auditor's report, have been deposited at the National Bank of Belgium.
They are available on request from:
VGP NV Spinnerijstraat 12 B—9240 Zele Belgium www.vgpparks.eu
The statutory auditor issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements of VGP NV.
Condensed income statement
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| OTHER OPERATING INCOME | 3,539 | 600 |
| OPERATING PROFIT OR LOSS | (195) | (1,941) |
| FINANCIAL RESULT | 3,062 | 14,027 |
| EXTRAORDINARY RESULT | (123) | (2,471) |
| CURRENT AND DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | (4) | (588) |
| PROFIT OR (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR | 958 | 9,026 |
Condensed balance sheet after profit appropriation
| (in thousands of €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| FORMATION EXPENSES, INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 1,677 | 2,479 |
| TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | — | 2 |
| FINANCIAL FIXED ASSETS | 355,575 | 261,475 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 357,252 | 263,956 |
| TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES | 92 | 55 |
| CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS | 7,990 | 36,305 |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 8,082 | 36,360 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 365,334 | 300,316 |
| SHARE CAPITAL | 112,737 | 112,737 |
| NON-DISTRIBUTABLE RESERVES | 2,045 | 1,998 |
| RETAINED EARNINGS | 33,515 | 32,605 |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 148,297 | 147,340 |
| AMOUNTS PAYABLE AFTER ONE YEAR | 210,160 | 150,748 |
| AMOUNTS PAYABLE WITHIN ONE YEAR | 6,877 | 2,228 |
| CREDITORS | 217,037 | 152,976 |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 365,334 | 300,316 |
Valuation principles
Valuation and foreign currency translation principles applied in the parent company's financial statements are based on Belgian accounting legislation.
2 / Proposed appropriation of VGP NV 2015 result
The profit after tax for the year ended was € 957,824.95.
At the General Meeting of Shareholders on 13 May 2016, the Board of Directors will propose that the above result be appropriated as follows:
| (in €) | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| PROFIT OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR | 957,824.95 | 9,026,300.54 |
| PROFIT CARRIED FORWARD | 32,605,362.54 | 24,030,377.03 |
| TRANSFER TO LEGAL RESERVES | (47,891.25) | (451,315.03) |
| PROFIT / (LOSS) TO BE CARRIED FORWARD | 33,515,296.24 | 32,605,362.54 |
| PROFIT TO BE DISTRIBUTED (GROSS DIVIDEND) | — | — |
AUDITOR'S REPORT
VGP NV
Statutory auditor's report to the shareholders' meeting on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015
To the shareholders
As required by law, we report to you in the context of our appointment as the company's statutory auditor. This report includes our report on the consolidated financial statements together with 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 the summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
Report on the consolidated financial statements – Unqualified opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of VGP NV ("the company") and its subsidiaries (jointly "the group"), 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 consolidated statement of financial position shows total assets of 717,308 (000) € and the consolidated income statement shows a consolidated profit for the year then ended of 86,561 (000) €.
Board of directors' responsibility for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and with the 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 that 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). 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 the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of 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 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 group's officials and the Board of Directors 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 opinion.
Unqualified opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements of VGP NV give a true and fair view of the group's net equity and financial position as of 31 December 2015, and of its results and its 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.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and the content of the directors' report on the consolidated financial statements.
As part of our mandate and in accordance with the Belgian standard complementary to the International Standards on Auditing applicable in Belgium, our responsibility is to verify, in all material respects, compliance with certain legal and regulatory requirements. On this basis, we make the following additional statement, which does not modify the scope of our opinion on the consolidated financial statements:
— The directors' report on the consolidated financial statements includes the information required by law, is consistent with the consolidated financial statements and is free from material inconsistencies with the information that we became aware of during the performance of our mandate.
Diegem, 11 April 2016 The statutory auditor
DELOITTE Bedrijfsrevisoren / Reviseurs d'Entreprises BV o.v.v.e. CVBA / SC s.f.d. SCRL Represented by Rik Neckebroeck
Acquisition price
This means the value of the property at the time of acquisition. Any transfer costs paid are included in the acquisition price.
Annualised committed leases or annualised rent income
The annualised committed leases or the committed annualised rent income represents the annualised rent income generated or to be generated by executed lease – and future lease agreements.
Belgian Corporate Governance Code
Drawn up by the Corporate Governance Commission and including the governance practices and provisions to be met by companies under Belgian Law which shares are listed on a regulated market (the "2009 Code"). The Belgian Corporate Governance Code is available online at www.corporategovernancecommittee.be.
Break
First option to terminate a lease.
CEE
Central and Eastern Europe
Contractual rent
The gross rent as contractually agreed in the lease on the date of signing.
Contribution in kind
The non-cash assets contributed to a company at the time of formation or when the capital is increased.
Dealing Code
The code of conduct containing rules that must be complied with by the members of the Board of Directors, the members of Executive Management, and all employees of the VGP Group, who by virtue of their position, possess information they know or should know is insider information.
Gearing ratio
Is a ratio calculated as net fi nancial debt divided by total equity and liabilities.
Derivatives
As a borrower, VGP wishes to protect itself from any rise in interest rates. This interest rate risk can be partially hedged by the use of derivatives (such as interest rate swap contracts).
Discounted cash flow
This is a valuation method based on a detailed projected revenue flow that is discounted to a net current value at a given discount rate based on the risk of the assets to be valued.
Estimated rental value
Estimated rental value (ERV) is the rental value determined by independent property experts.
Exit yield
Is the capitalisation rate applied to the net income at the end of the discounted cash flow model period to provide a capital value or exit value which an entity expects to obtain for an asset after this period.
Facility Management
Day-to-day maintenance, alteration and improvement work. VGP employs an internal team of facility managers who work for the VGP Group and for third parties
Fair value
The fair value is defined in IAS 40 as the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. In addition, market value must reflect current rental agreements, the reasonable assumptions in respect of potential rental income and expected costs.
FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority)
The Financial Services and Market Authority (FSMA) is the autonomous regulatory authority governing financial and insurance markets in Belgium.
IAS/IFRS
International Accounting Standards/ International Financial Reporting Standards. The international accounting standards drawn up by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), for the preparation of financial statements.
IAS 39 Fair Value
IAS 39 is an IAS/IFRS standard which sets out the way in which a company has to classify and evaluate its financial instruments in its balance sheet. It requires that all derivatives be booked in the balance sheet at their fair value, i.e. their market value at closing date.
Indexation
The rent is contractually adjusted annually on the anniversary of the contract effective date on the basis of the inflation rate according to a benchmark index in each specific country.
Initial yield
The ratio of (initial) contractual rent of a purchased property to the acquisition price. See also Acquisition price.
Insider information
Any information not publicly disclosed that is accurate and directly or indirectly relates to one or more issuers of financial instruments or one or more financial instruments and that, if it were publicly disclosed, could significantly affect the price of those financial instruments (or financial instruments derived from them).
Interest hedging
The use of derived financial instruments to protect debt positions against interest rate rises.
Investment value
The value of the portfolio, including transaction costs, as appraised by independent property experts
IRS (Interest Rate Swap)
A transaction in which the parties swap interest rate payments for a given duration. VGP uses interest rate swaps to hedge against interest rate increases by converting current variable interest payments into fixed interest payments.
Lease expiry date
The date on which a lease can be cancelled
Market capitalisation
Closing stock market price multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares on that date
GLOSSARY
Net current result
Operating result plus net financial result (financial income – financial charges) less income and deferred taxes.
Net financial debt
Total financial debt minus cash and cash equivalents.
Occupancy Rate
The occupancy rate is calculated by dividing the total leased out lettable area (m²) by the total lettable area (m²) including any vacant area (m²).
Profit for the year
Net current result + result on the portfolio.
Project management
Management of building and renovation projects. VGP employs an internal team of project managers who work exclusively for the company.
Property expert
Independent property expert responsible for appraising the property portfolio.
Property portfolio
The property investments, including property for lease, property investments in development for lease, assets held for sale and development land.
Result on the portfolio
Realised and non-realised changes in value compared to the most recent valuation of the expert, including the effective or latent capital gain tax payable in the countries where VGP is active.
Take-up
Letting of rental spaces to users in the rental market during a specific period.
Weighted average term (of the leases)
The weighted average term of leases is the sum of the (current rent and committed rent for each lease multiplied by the term remaining up to the final maturity of these leases) divided by the total current rent and committed rent of the portfolio
Weighted average yield
The sum of the contractual rent of a property portfolio to the acquisition price of such property portfolio.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
The undersigned declare that, to the best of their knowledge:
- The annual accounts, which are in line with the standards applicable for annual accounts, give a true and fair view of the capital, the financial situation and the results of the issuer and the consolidated subsidiaries;
- The annual report gives a true and fair view of the development and the results of the company and of the position of the issuer and the consolidated companies, as well as a description of the main risks and uncertainties they are faced with.
Jan Van Geet as permanent representative of Jan Van Geet s.r.o. CEO
Dirk Stoop as permanent representative of Dirk Stoop BVBA CFO
VGP
Červený Dvůr, Jenišovice 59 468 33 Jenišovice, Czech Republic tel.: +420 483 346 060 / fax: +420 483 346 061
e-mail: [email protected] | www.vgpparks.eu