34 Trade Receivables
The trade receivables break down as follows:
Trade Receivables
Impaired | Not impaired | Carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||
Overdue in the following time bands as of the reporting date | |||||||||||||||||||
in € million | Gross amount | Impairment losses | Neither im- paired nor past due at the end of the reporting period | less than | between | between | between | more than 360 days | Corresponds to maximum risk of loss* | ||||||||||
Receivables from the sale of | 1.2 | -1.2 | 309.0 | 15.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | – | 1.0 | 327.3 | ||||||||||
Receivables from the sale of | – | – | 117.6 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 121.5 | ||||||||||
Receivables from | 151.5 | -52.5 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 99.0 | ||||||||||
Receivables from other supplies and services | 25.3 | -5.8 | 21.2 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | – | 45.4 | ||||||||||
As of Dec. 31, 2023 | 178.0 | -59.5 | 447.8 | 18.2 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 593.2 | ||||||||||
Receivables from the sale of | 1.4 | -1.3 | 33.1 | 10.2 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | – | 47.2 | ||||||||||
Receivables from the sale of | – | – | 18.2 | 0.1 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 27.5 | ||||||||||
Receivables from | 102.1 | -57.2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 44.9 | ||||||||||
Receivables from other supplies and services | 9.5 | -2.8 | 31.6 | 2.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.7 | – | 41.4 | ||||||||||
As of Dec. 31, 2022 (adjusted) | 113.0 | -61.3 | 82.9 | 12.5 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 161.0 | ||||||||||
- * The maximum default risk on the receivables from the sale of properties is limited to the margin and the transaction unwinding costs as the title to the properties remains with Vonovia as security until receipt of payment.
Accounting Policies
Impairment losses on financial assets are determined based on the expected credit loss model. The guiding principle of the model is to reflect the general pattern of deterioration or improvement in the credit quality of financial instruments, taking losses that are already expected into account.
The IFRS 9 approach includes the following measurement levels:
- Level 1: Twelve-month expected credit losses (ECLs), which applies to all items (from initial recognition) as long as there is no significant deterioration in credit quality.
- Level 2: Lifetime ECLs (homogeneous debtor portfolios), which applies when a significant increase in credit risk has occurred on an individual or a collective basis of financial instruments.
- Level 3: Lifetime ECLs (based on an individual assessment): If an individual assessment of assets produces objective indications of a need for impairment, then an assessment of the entire maturity of the financial instrument is decisive.
The simplified impairment approach is used with regard to trade receivables (e. g., rent receivables, receivables from ancillary costs, receivables from the sale of properties) and for contract assets pursuant to IFRS 15. This means that there is no need to track the changes in credit risk. Instead, Vonovia has to set up loan loss provisions in the amount of the lifetime expected credit losses both at the time of initial recognition and on each following reporting date.
The carrying amounts of current trade receivables correspond to their fair values.
In principle, all impaired trade receivables are due and payable. As regards the trade receivables that are neither impaired nor past due, there was no indication on the reporting date that the debtors would not meet their payment obligations.
Receivables from the sale of properties arise on economic transfer of ownership. The due date of the receivable may, however, depend on the fulfillment of contractual obligations. Some purchase contracts provide for the purchase price to be deposited in an escrow account. Impairment losses for doubtful debts are recorded up to the amount of the posted proceeds from sales.
Vonovia’s receivables from property letting generally arise at the beginning of the month, are of a short-term nature and result from claims in relation to tenants relating to operating business activities. Due to the (subsequent) measurement at amortized cost, an impairment test has to be performed. The receivables fall under the scope of the calculation of expected credit losses.
In accordance with the general provisions set out in IFRS 9, expected credit losses are to be recognized using the simplified approach for current trade receivables without any significant financing component.
Vonovia uses a credit loss matrix when calculating expected credit losses for trade receivables. The matrix is based on historical default rates and takes current expectations into account, including macroeconomic indicators ( e.g., GDP). The matrix can be used to calculate the expected credit losses for various homogeneous portfolios.
In order to create portfolios for the purpose of assessing the probability of default, the individual clusters of receivables need to have homogeneous credit risk characteristics. As far as receivables from its operating business activities are concerned, i.e., the letting of rental properties, Vonovia makes a distinction between receivables from existing tenants and receivables from former tenants. Both portfolios include current receivables that are exposed to a low level of volatility, as the company’s core operating business is hardly exposed to any major fluctuations.
Calculation Method for Receivables from Former Tenants
The calculation of the probability of default is based on the results of an analysis of the historical probability of default. Cash flows relating to outstanding receivables over the last three years have been analyzed and an average amount of incoming payments for the year in question was calculated on a monthly basis. The average monthly incoming payments were compared against the average monthly receivables for the year in question. Ultimately, Vonovia has been able to collect approx. 4.5% of the average receivables over the last three years. This means that Vonovia sets up risk provisions corresponding to a rounded total of 95% for its receivables from former tenants.
The loss given default comprises the following:
The receivables of former tenants that are being analyzed (amount of the receivable at the time of default) are corrected to reflect retained deposits that serve as security for Vonovia. This is already taken into account as part of the calculation method used for the probability of default.
The average receivables taken as a basis do not include receivables subject to specific valuation allowances that were written off in full.
Receivables from Existing Tenants
When it comes to determining the probability of default with regard to receivables associated with ongoing lease agreements, Vonovia analyzes those receivables that have actually been derecognized over the last three years.
This is performed systematically by way of a receivables management system according to the aspects receivables relating to ancillary expenses, those connected to the product, rent adjustments and payment difficulties.
Impairment losses on trade receivables developed as follows:
Impairment losses on trade receivables
Within the impairment losses on receivables from property letting, the risk provisions are generally taken into account as follows: For existing tenants, a risk provision corresponding to between 18% and 40% of the receivables, in a total amount of € 10.7 million (December 31, 2022: € 7.5 million), was set up depending on the term. In cases involving payment difficulties, the provision corresponded to between 40% and 95% of the receivables and amounted to € 9.7 million in total (December 31, 2022: € 18.2 million). The risk provisions for former tenants correspond to 95% of the receivables and amount to € 32.1 million in total (December 31, 2022: € 31.5 million).
For contracts with customers who are assigned to Vonovia’s development business, the payment terms pursuant to Section 3 (2) of the Real Estate Agent and Commercial Contractor Regulation (MaBV) generally apply in Germany. Customers also have a contractual obligation to present a financing commitment issued by a credit institution for the entire purchase price. Otherwise, Vonovia is entitled to withdraw from the agreement. In Austria, the installment plan pursuant to Section 10 (2) of the Austrian Property Development Contract Act (BTVG) is normally applied, with customers obliged to pay the entire purchase price into an escrow account. Due to the structure of the standard payment terms in the development business, no separate impairment losses are taken into account on corresponding receivables from customer contracts.
For example, receivables are derecognized if tenants die and have no heirs, if they move to an unknown location or move abroad, if execution is impossible for the court bailiff, in cases involving bankruptcy or if a settlement was reached.
The following table shows the expenses for the full derecognition of receivables as well as income from the receipt of derecognized receivables:
Expenses for the full derecognition of receivables, as well as income from the receipt of derecognized receivables
Adjusted EBT
Adjusted EBT is the Group’s leading indicator of profitability as of 2024. The IFRS profit for the period is reconciled to earnings before taxes (EBT). This EBT is adjusted to reflect special effects based on the definition that has applied to date (effects that do not relate to the period, recur irregularly or are atypical for business operations). The net financial result is also adjusted to reflect non-cash and actuarial valuation effects that recur irregularly. The further adjustments to reflect the effects of IAS 40 measurement, writedowns, other (Non Core/Other result), net income from non-current financial assets accounted for using the equity method and effects from residential properties held for sale produce the Group’s Adjusted EBT.
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 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
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 Deutsche Wohnen.
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 (ERM) 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 NTA 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, real estate transfer tax and other purchasers’ costs 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 and Development 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.
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.
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 that are not proving profitable (MFH Sales).
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.
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.
Net Debt/EBITA
Net Debt/EBITDA reflects average adjusted net debt in relation to the Adjusted EBITDA Total.
Non-core Disposals
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 Disposals) 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 from our portfolio. It does not include the sale of entire buildings or land (Non-core Disposals). 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.
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 Disposals) 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.
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 Disposals) 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.