Group’s Business Development
Business Development in 2022 – An Overview
When analyzing the business figures for 2022, it is important to remember that these only allow a comparison with the previous year to a limited extent, as Deutsche Wohnen’s figures were not included in Vonovia’s consolidated financial statements until September 30, 2021. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, the Deutsche Wohnen segment was dissolved and transferred to the Rental, Value-add, Recurring Sales, Development and Care segments.
All in all, Vonovia reported stable economic development in 2022 despite the war in Ukraine, the resulting price and interest rate developments and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
We invested around € 1.4 billion (2021: € 1.4 billion) in our own portfolio for new construction and modernization measures and around € 0.9 billion (2021: € 0.8 billion) in maintenance. We completed 2,071 apartments (2021: 1,373) as part of our new construction measures. We also completed 1,678 apartments that are intended for sale (2021: 827).
The table below provides an overview of the development of our most recently forecast performance indicators and the target achievement level for these indicators in the 2022 fiscal year. When comparing the current Group figures against the previous year, it is important to bear in mind that the figures for 2021 include the Deutsche Wohnen Group, which was consolidated for the first time as of September 30, 2021, together with its earnings contributions for the fourth quarter of 2021 only.
Performance indicators
2021 (adjusted) | Forecast for 2022 in the 2022 Q3 report | 2022 | |||||
Total Segment Revenue | € 5,216.6 million | € 6.2–6.4 billion | € 6,256.9 million | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA Total* | € 2,254.4 million | € 2.75–2.85 billion | €2,763.1 million | ||||
Group FFO** | € 1,694.4 million | € 2.0–2.1 billion | € 2,035.6 million | ||||
Group FFO per share** | € 2.18 | suspended | € 2.56 | ||||
EPRA NTA per share*** | € 62.63 | suspended | € 57.48 | ||||
Sustainability Performance Index (SPI)**** | 109% | >100% | 103% | ||||
- * Previous year's figures 2021 comparable according to current key figure definition/2022 segmentation/adjusted to new adjusted EBITDA definition (excluding results from at-equity investments).
- ** Based on the new 2022 definition without eliminating IFRS 16 effects, Group FFO per share based on the shares carrying dividend rights on the reporting date.
- *** Based on the new 2022 definition, therefore excluding real estate transfer tax, EPRA NTA per share based on the shares carrying dividend rights on the reporting date. 2021 figures adjusted after closing of Deutsche Wohnen PPA.
- **** Excl. Deutsche Wohnen.
The total segment revenue came to around € 6.3 billion in 2022, up by 19.9% on the prior-year figure of around € 5.2 billion. This increase was due primarily to the additional rental income from Deutsche Wohnen and the income from the Care segment, which are included in 2022 with their full annual contribution, whereas in 2021 they were only included with their quarterly contribution for the fourth quarter.
The Adjusted EBITDA Total came to € 2,763.1 million in 2022, an increase of 22.6% against the prior-year figure of € 2,254.4 million. With the exception of the Value-add and Development segments, all other segments reported growth in Adjusted EBITDA. The Adjusted EBITDA Rental increased from € 1,778.5 million in 2021 to € 2,233.5 million in 2022. The Adjusted EBITDA Recurring Sales rose from € 113.2 million in 2021 to € 135.1 million in 2022. The Adjusted EBITDA Care increased from € 23.5 million 2021 to € 84.6 million in 2022. The Adjusted EBITDA Development came to € 183.2 million 2022, almost on a par with the prior-year figure of € 185.4 million. The Adjusted EBITDA in the Value-add segment came to € 126.7 million in 2022, below the prior-year figure of € 153.8 million.
Group FFO rose by 20.1% in 2022 to € 2,035.6 million (2021: € 1,694.4 million). This corresponds to a Group FFO per share of € 2.56 (2021: € 2.18). The increase in Group FFO was driven first and foremost by Deutsche Wohnen, which is included with its full-year contribution for 2022 (2021: only with the contribution for the fourth quarter), as well as by the improved Adjusted EBITDA Rental, Recurring Sales and Care. The Group FFO interest expense came to € 493.8 million in 2022, up by 24.2% on the prior-year value of € 397.7 million. This is largely due to an increase in net cash interest (Deutsche Wohnen contribution for the full year in 2022 vs. quarterly contribution for the fourth quarter of 2021). Current income taxes FFO came in at € 145.0 million in 2022, higher than in the previous year (€ 65.2 million), mainly due to the acquisition of Deutsche Wohnen. At € 88.7 million, consolidation effects in 2022 were down by 8.7% on the prior-year value of € 97.1 million.
The EPRA NTA per share came in at € 57.48 in 2022, down by 8.2% on the prior-year value of € 62.63. The development in the net asset value figure was due primarily to the net income from fair value adjustments of investment properties of € -1,269.8 million in 2022 (2021: € 7,393.8 million). The distribution of the cash dividend of € 672.4 million in 2022 also had an impact on this key figure (2021: € 486.0 million). The creation of a new Recurring Sales (MFH Sales) subportfolio has reduced the amounts added for deferred taxes, as these are only intended to be recognized for properties to be held in the portfolio in the long term.
The Sustainability Performance Index (Vonovia excl. Deutsche Wohnen) stood at 103% in the 2022 fiscal year. This was helped along in particular by the reduction of CO2 intensity, the development of the average primary energy requirements of new construction and (partial) modernization measures to make apartments fully accessible.
Statement of the Management Board on the Economic Situation
The net assets, financial position and results of operations of the Group are positive, particularly given the solid financing, the resulting balanced maturity profile and the financing flexibility gained through the rating-backed bond financings with a view to organic growth. The ongoing improvements to the property management and development processes and the use of new digital software solutions, the steady Recurring Sales and a successful development business promote ongoing improvement in profitability.
Adjusted EBITDA Development
The Adjusted EBITDA Development includes the gross profit from the development activities of “to sell” projects (income from sold development projects less production costs) and the gross profit from the development activities of “to hold” projects (fair value of the units developed for the company’s own portfolio less incurred production costs) less the operating expenses from the Development segment.
Adjusted EBITDA Care
The Adjusted EBITDA Care is calculated by deducting maintenance expenses and operating costs from the segment revenue.
Adjusted EBITDA Recurring Sales
The Adjusted EBITDA Recurring Sales compares the proceeds generated from the privatization business with the fair values of assets sold and also deducts the related costs of sale. In order to disclose profit and revenue in the period in which they are incurred and to report a sales margin, the fair value of properties sold, valued in accordance with IFRS 5, has to be adjusted to reflect realized/unrealized changes in value.
Adjusted EBITDA Rental
The Adjusted EBITDA Rental is calculated by deducting the operating expenses of the Rental segment and the expenses for maintenance in the Rental segment from the Group’s rental income.
Adjusted EBITDA Total (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization)
Adjusted EBITDA Total is the result before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (including income from other operational investments and intragroup profits) adjusted for effects that do not relate to the period, recur irregularly and that are atypical for business operation, and for net income from fair value adjustments to investment properties. These non-recurring items include the development of new fields of business and business processes, acquisition projects, expenses for refinancing and equity increases (where not treated as capital procurement costs), IPO preparation costs and expenses for pre-retirement part-time work arrangements and severance payments. The Adjusted EBITDA Total is derived from the sum of the Adjusted EBITDA Rental, Adjusted EBITDA Value-add, Adjusted EBITDA Recurring Sales, Adjusted EBITDA Development and Adjusted EBITDA Care.
Adjusted EBITDA Total (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization)
Adjusted EBITDA Total is the result before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (including income from other operational investments and intragroup profits) adjusted for effects that do not relate to the period, recur irregularly and that are atypical for business operation, and for net income from fair value adjustments to investment properties. These non-recurring items include the development of new fields of business and business processes, acquisition projects, expenses for refinancing and equity increases (where not treated as capital procurement costs), IPO preparation costs and expenses for pre-retirement part-time work arrangements and severance payments. The Adjusted EBITDA Total is derived from the sum of the Adjusted EBITDA Rental, Adjusted EBITDA Value-add, Adjusted EBITDA Recurring Sales, Adjusted EBITDA Development and Adjusted EBITDA Care.
Adjusted EBITDA Total (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization)
Adjusted EBITDA Total is the result before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (including income from other operational investments and intragroup profits) adjusted for effects that do not relate to the period, recur irregularly and that are atypical for business operation, and for net income from fair value adjustments to investment properties. These non-recurring items include the development of new fields of business and business processes, acquisition projects, expenses for refinancing and equity increases (where not treated as capital procurement costs), IPO preparation costs and expenses for pre-retirement part-time work arrangements and severance payments. The Adjusted EBITDA Total is derived from the sum of the Adjusted EBITDA Rental, Adjusted EBITDA Value-add, Adjusted EBITDA Recurring Sales, Adjusted EBITDA Development and Adjusted EBITDA Care.
Adjusted EBITDA Value-add
The Adjusted EBITDA Value-add is calculated by deducting operating expenses from the segment’s income.
COSO
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) is a private-sector U.S. organization. It was founded in 1985. In 1992, COSO published the COSO model, an SEC-recognized standard for internal controls. This provided a basis for the documentation, analysis and design of internal control systems. In 2004, the model was further developed and the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework was published. Since then, it has been used to structure and develop risk management systems.
Covenants
Requirements specified in loan agreements or bond conditions containing future obligations of the borrower or the bond obligor to meet specific requirements or to refrain from undertaking certain activities.
EPRA Key Figures
For information on the EPRA key figures, we refer to the chapter on segment reporting according to EPRA.
EPRA NTA
The presentation of the NAV based on the EPRA definition aims to show the net asset value in a long-term business model. NTA stands for Net Tangible Assets. The equity attributable to Vonovia’s shareholders is adjusted by deferred taxes in relation to the existing portfolio and the fair value of derivative financial instruments after taking deferred taxes into account. Stated goodwill and other intangible assets are also deducted.
European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA)
The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is a non-profit organization that has its registered headquarters in Brussels and represents the interests of listed European real estate companies. Its mission is to raise awareness of European listed real estate companies as a potential investment destination that offers an alternative to conventional investments. EPRA is a registered trademark of the European Public Real Estate Association.
European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA)
The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is a non-profit organization that has its registered headquarters in Brussels and represents the interests of listed European real estate companies. Its mission is to raise awareness of European listed real estate companies as a potential investment destination that offers an alternative to conventional investments. EPRA is a registered trademark of the European Public Real Estate Association.
Fair Value
Fair value is particularly relevant with regard to valuation in accordance with IAS 40 in conjunction with IFRS 13. The fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.
Fair Value
Fair value is particularly relevant with regard to valuation in accordance with IAS 40 in conjunction with IFRS 13. The fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.
Fair Value
Fair value is particularly relevant with regard to valuation in accordance with IAS 40 in conjunction with IFRS 13. The fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.
Fair Value
Fair value is particularly relevant with regard to valuation in accordance with IAS 40 in conjunction with IFRS 13. The fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.
GAV
The Gross Asset Value (GAV) of the recognized real estate investments. This consists of the owner-occupied properties, the investment properties including development to hold, the assets held for sale and the development to sell area. In the latter, both residential properties for which a purchase contract has been signed and those with the intention to sell – i.e., a purchase contract has not yet been signed – are included.
GAV
The Gross Asset Value (GAV) of the recognized real estate investments. This consists of the owner-occupied properties, the investment properties including development to hold, the assets held for sale and the development to sell area. In the latter, both residential properties for which a purchase contract has been signed and those with the intention to sell – i.e., a purchase contract has not yet been signed – are included.
Group FFO
Group FFO reflects the recurring earnings from the operating business. In addition to the adjusted EBITDA for the Rental, Value-add, Recurring Sales, Development and Care segments, Group FFO allows for recurring current net interest expenses from non-derivative financial instruments as well as current income taxes. This key figure is not determined on the basis of any specific international reporting standard but is to be regarded as a supplement to other performance indicators determined in accordance with IFRS.
ICR (Interest Coverage Ratio)
The interest coverage ratio is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA Total to net cash interest.
Maintenance
Maintenance covers the measures that are necessary to ensure that the property can continue to be used as intended over its useful life and that eliminate structural and other defects caused by wear and tear, age and weathering effects.
Maintenance
Maintenance covers the measures that are necessary to ensure that the property can continue to be used as intended over its useful life and that eliminate structural and other defects caused by wear and tear, age and weathering effects.
Maintenance
Maintenance covers the measures that are necessary to ensure that the property can continue to be used as intended over its useful life and that eliminate structural and other defects caused by wear and tear, age and weathering effects.
Maintenance
Maintenance covers the measures that are necessary to ensure that the property can continue to be used as intended over its useful life and that eliminate structural and other defects caused by wear and tear, age and weathering effects.
Vacancy Rate
The vacancy rate is the number of empty units as a percentage of the total units owned by the company. The vacant units are counted at the end of each month.
Vacancy Rate
The vacancy rate is the number of empty units as a percentage of the total units owned by the company. The vacant units are counted at the end of each month.
Vacancy Rate
The vacancy rate is the number of empty units as a percentage of the total units owned by the company. The vacant units are counted at the end of each month.
Vacancy Rate
The vacancy rate is the number of empty units as a percentage of the total units owned by the company. The vacant units are counted at the end of each month.
LTV Ratio (Loan-to-Value Ratio)
The LTV ratio shows the extent to which financial liabilities are covered. It shows the ratio of non-derivative financial liabilities pursuant to IFRS, less foreign exchange rate effects, cash and cash equivalents less advance payments received by Development (period-related), receivables from disposals, plus purchase prices for outstanding acquisitions to the total fair values of the real estate portfolio, fair values of the projects/land currently under construction as well as receivables from the sale of real estate inventories (period-related) plus the fair values of outstanding acquisitions and investments in other real estate companies, as well as loans to companies with holdings of real estate and land.
Rental Income
Rental income refers to the current gross income for rented units as agreed in the corresponding lease agreements before the deduction of non-transferable ancillary costs. The rental income from the Austrian property portfolio additionally includes maintenance and improvement contributions (EVB). The rental income from the portfolio in Sweden reflects inclusive rents, meaning that the amounts contain operating and heating costs.
Rental Income
Rental income refers to the current gross income for rented units as agreed in the corresponding lease agreements before the deduction of non-transferable ancillary costs. The rental income from the Austrian property portfolio additionally includes maintenance and improvement contributions (EVB). The rental income from the portfolio in Sweden reflects inclusive rents, meaning that the amounts contain operating and heating costs.
MFH Sales
We also report on the Other segment, which is not relevant from a corporate management perspective, in our segment reporting. This portfolio involves the sale of multifamily homes largely located outside of our urban quarters.
Rental Income
Rental income refers to the current gross income for rented units as agreed in the corresponding lease agreements before the deduction of non-transferable ancillary costs. The rental income from the Austrian property portfolio additionally includes maintenance and improvement contributions (EVB). The rental income from the portfolio in Sweden reflects inclusive rents, meaning that the amounts contain operating and heating costs.
Modernization Measures
Modernization measures are long-term and sustainable value-enhancing investments in housing and building stocks. Energy-efficient refurbishments generally involve improvements to the building shell and communal areas as well as the heat and electricity supply systems. Typical examples are the installation of heating systems, the renovation of balconies and the retrofitting of prefabricated balconies as well as the implementation of energy-saving projects, such as the installation of double-glazed windows and heat insulation, e.g. , facade insulation, insulation of the top story ceilings and basement ceilings. In addition to modernization of the apartment electrics, the refurbishment work upgrades the apartments, typically through the installation of modern and/or accessible bathrooms, the installation of new doors and the laying of high-quality and non-slip flooring. Where required, the floor plans are altered to meet changed housing needs.
Modernization Measures
Modernization measures are long-term and sustainable value-enhancing investments in housing and building stocks. Energy-efficient refurbishments generally involve improvements to the building shell and communal areas as well as the heat and electricity supply systems. Typical examples are the installation of heating systems, the renovation of balconies and the retrofitting of prefabricated balconies as well as the implementation of energy-saving projects, such as the installation of double-glazed windows and heat insulation, e.g. , facade insulation, insulation of the top story ceilings and basement ceilings. In addition to modernization of the apartment electrics, the refurbishment work upgrades the apartments, typically through the installation of modern and/or accessible bathrooms, the installation of new doors and the laying of high-quality and non-slip flooring. Where required, the floor plans are altered to meet changed housing needs.
Modernization Measures
Modernization measures are long-term and sustainable value-enhancing investments in housing and building stocks. Energy-efficient refurbishments generally involve improvements to the building shell and communal areas as well as the heat and electricity supply systems. Typical examples are the installation of heating systems, the renovation of balconies and the retrofitting of prefabricated balconies as well as the implementation of energy-saving projects, such as the installation of double-glazed windows and heat insulation, e.g. , facade insulation, insulation of the top story ceilings and basement ceilings. In addition to modernization of the apartment electrics, the refurbishment work upgrades the apartments, typically through the installation of modern and/or accessible bathrooms, the installation of new doors and the laying of high-quality and non-slip flooring. Where required, the floor plans are altered to meet changed housing needs.
Modernization Measures
Modernization measures are long-term and sustainable value-enhancing investments in housing and building stocks. Energy-efficient refurbishments generally involve improvements to the building shell and communal areas as well as the heat and electricity supply systems. Typical examples are the installation of heating systems, the renovation of balconies and the retrofitting of prefabricated balconies as well as the implementation of energy-saving projects, such as the installation of double-glazed windows and heat insulation, e.g. , facade insulation, insulation of the top story ceilings and basement ceilings. In addition to modernization of the apartment electrics, the refurbishment work upgrades the apartments, typically through the installation of modern and/or accessible bathrooms, the installation of new doors and the laying of high-quality and non-slip flooring. Where required, the floor plans are altered to meet changed housing needs.
Sustainability Performance Index (SPI)
Index to measure non-financial performance. Vonovia’s sustainable activities are geared towards the top sustainability topics that we have identified, which are bundled in the Sustainability Performance Index. The Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) is included in the calculation of the Sustainability Performance Index. The CSI is determined at regular intervals in systematic customer surveys conducted by an external service provider and shows the effectiveness and sustainability of our services for the customer. Other indicators used in the Sustainability Performance Index are the carbon savings achieved annually in housing stock, the energy efficiency of new buildings, the share of accessible (partial) modernization measures in relation to newly let apartments, the increase in employee satisfaction and diversity in the company’s top management team.
Sustainability Performance Index (SPI)
Index to measure non-financial performance. Vonovia’s sustainable activities are geared towards the top sustainability topics that we have identified, which are bundled in the Sustainability Performance Index. The Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) is included in the calculation of the Sustainability Performance Index. The CSI is determined at regular intervals in systematic customer surveys conducted by an external service provider and shows the effectiveness and sustainability of our services for the customer. Other indicators used in the Sustainability Performance Index are the carbon savings achieved annually in housing stock, the energy efficiency of new buildings, the share of accessible (partial) modernization measures in relation to newly let apartments, the increase in employee satisfaction and diversity in the company’s top management team.
Non-core
We also report on the Other segment, which is not relevant from a corporate management perspective, in our segment reporting. This includes the sale, only as and when the right opportunities present themselves, of entire buildings or land (Non Core) that are likely to have below-average development potential in terms of rent growth in the medium term and are located in areas that can be described as peripheral compared with Vonovia’s overall portfolio and in view of future acquisitions.
Recurring Sales
The Recurring Sales segment includes the regular and sustainable disposals of individual condominiums and single-family houses from our portfolio. It does not include the sale of entire buildings or land (MFH Sales/Non Core). These properties are only sold as and when the right opportunities present themselves, meaning that the sales do not form part of our operating business within the narrower sense of the term. Therefore, these sales will be reported under “Other” in our segment reporting.
Fair Value Step-up
Fair value step-up is the difference between the income from selling a unit and its current fair value in relation to its fair value. It shows the percentage increase in value for the company on the sale of a unit before further costs of sale.
Fair Value Step-up
Fair value step-up is the difference between the income from selling a unit and its current fair value in relation to its fair value. It shows the percentage increase in value for the company on the sale of a unit before further costs of sale.
Cash-generating Unit (CGU)
Fair value step-up is the difference between the income from selling a unit and its current fair value in relation to its fair value. It shows the percentage increase in value for the company on the sale of a unit before further costs of sale.