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Daejan Holdings PLC
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Daejan Holdings PLC
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DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CONTENTS

Chairman’s Introduction
Financial Highlights
Strategic Report
Directors’ Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Corporate Governance Report
Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Daejan Holdings PLC
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Company Balance Sheet
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Group Five-Year Record
Directors and Advisers
Notice of Meeting

2
3
4
29
34
38
42
44
49
50
50
51
52
53
78
79
80
83
84
85

Page 1

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  report  on  another  successful  year  for  your  Group  during  which
shareholders’ funds increased by 11.9% to £1,656 million.

In the previous year we had seen a slowdown in the rate of growth of property values in both the
UK  and  USA  and  it  was  widely  believed  that  this  downward  trend  would  continue.  However,
notwithstanding  this  general  trend,  I  am  pleased  to  report  an  overall  net  revaluation  gain  of
£144.5 million (2016 – £117.9 million) equivalent to 7.2% (2016 – 6.4%). In the UK property values
rose  by  an  overall 7.2%  (2016  – 5.3%)  mainly  due  to  residential  increases.  In  the  USA  the  overall
increase was 6.2% in dollar terms (2016 – 9.8%).

Our  overall  rental  income  (before  currency  gains)  was  flat  with  a  number  of  successful  lease  re-
negotiations  offset  by losses  of  rent  elsewhere  in  the  portfolio.This  year  has  seen  service  charge
income reduce to a more normal level in line with the period prior to 2016. Last year’s charge was
inflated by the conjunction of a number of major projects into a single financial year.

Outlook

My last annual report was drafted immediately after the result of the Brexit referendum had become
known and it was apparent that the immediate future in the UK would be dominated by political and
economic  uncertainty.  So  it  has  proved  to  be  and  the  intervening  year  has  provided  no  greater
clarity. Indeed the recent start of Brexit negotiations together with the added political uncertainty
following  the  general  election  have  only  served  to  compound  the  situation.  In  addition  we  face  a
period  where  the  UK  is  likely  to  experience  reduced  economic  growth  and  increasing  inflation.
This combination of factors will provide a challenging environment for our UK business.

In the USA the economic outlook is more encouraging and should provide a positive environment
to grow our business. During this year we have seen a 13% decline in the sterling/dollar exchange
rate and this has resulted in an increase in the sterling value of our USA net assets of £29.1 million
(2016 – £5.6 million).

We  will  continue  to  focus  on  situations  within  our  portfolio  where, with  well  judged  projects  of
development  and  enhancement, we  can  generate  significant  improvements  in rental  and  capital
values. A number of our projects are mentioned in the Strategic Review which follows.

Our philosophy of pursuing a  long term, low risk strategy to the generation of growth in net asset
value continues to be particularly appropriate to the uncertain times ahead.

It is more than usually difficult for me to offer you a view of the coming year.  However I am sure
that by following our well established entrepreneurial, but risk averse, approach to the enhancement
of net asset values your group will continue to make progress.

Dividend

Against the background of another successful year the Board is pleased  to propose an increase in
the total dividend of 5p to 98p (2016 – 93p).

As  ever,  thanks  must  go  to  our  people  throughout  the  Group  whose  efforts  have  delivered  these
results.

B S E Freshwater
Chairman 

Front cover,
contents page,
above and right:
Strand Palace Hotel,
Strand, London WC2.

Page 2

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

NET VALUATION GAIN

£144.5 million

(2016: £117.9 million)

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

£198.4 million(2016: £173.2 million)
£9.93

EARNINGS PER SHARE

(2016: £8.77)

SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

£1,655.7 million

(2016: £1,480.0 million)

SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS PER SHARE

£101.61*

(2016: £90.82)*

GEARING

14.6%*

(2016: 14.9%)*

PROPOSED TOTAL DIVIDEND PER SHARE

98p

*Definitions of these alternative performance measures are included on page 20.

(2016: 93p)

Page 3

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT

Objectives

For many years we have focussed on the pursuit of the Group’s objective of achieving long term, low
risk growth in net asset value and rental income, and in prudently growing our dividends.

Net asset value per share (£)

Dividends per share (p)

110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Strategy

100

90

80

70

60

50

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

The strategy for achieving our objectives has three principal elements:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Management  of  our  property  portfolio  to  maximise  net  rental  income  and  thereby  enhance
capital values

Identification  and  completion  of  value  enhancing  development  opportunities  within  our
portfolio

Identification and completion of new property acquisitions which have the potential, through
development or otherwise, for long term enhancement to net asset value

In  pursuing  this  strategy  we  take  the  view  that  property  is  a  long  term  business  which  does  not
always fit conveniently into the annual reporting cycle. Development opportunities, in particular, can
take many years from first idea to first letting and will often involve substantial investment over a
period of years before any gain is achieved. We carefully monitor our exposure to ensure that the
impact on our resources remains manageable.

Business model

The  main  activity  of  the  Group,  as  carried  on  through  its  subsidiary  companies,  is  investment  in
commercial, industrial and residential property in the UK and also on the eastern seaboard of the USA.
The  Group  generally  holds  its  properties  for  the  long  term  in  order  to  generate  rental  income  and
capital appreciation although in the right circumstances any property could be available for sale.

The  Group  operates  a  substantially  outsourced  business  model. Day-to-day  management  of  the
Group’s  properties  in  the  UK  is  carried  out  by  Highdorn  Co. Limited  and  Freshwater  Property
Management Limited. These companies also provide the staff who carry out all of the UK functions
of the Group. Further details of the relationship with these companies are set out in Note 17 to the
financial statements.

Similar arrangements with local managing agents operate in the USA.

Managing risk

Whilst retaining an entrepreneurial culture, the Group has a low appetite for risk. This underpins our
approach to all aspects of the business and is appropriate to our strategic objective of delivering long
term, low risk growth in net asset value per share.

The Board has undertaken a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, by reviewing
detailed risk reports at each Board Meeting, including those threatening its business model, future
performance, solvency and liquidity.

Above and right:
Strand Palace Hotel,
Strand, London WC2.

In  relation  to  financial  instrument  risk,  the  Group  operates  a  cautious  financial  policy  on  a  non-
speculative and long term basis in order to enable the Group to carry on its business in confidence
and with strength. The Group aims to ensure that the cost of capital is kept to a minimum through

Page 4

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

the  maintenance  of  its  many  long  standing  relationships  with  leading  banks  and  other  financial
institutions. The Group seeks to minimise the risk of sudden or unexpected rises in finance costs by
way of fixed rate debt and financial derivative instruments whilst retaining some flexibility in relation
to short term interest rates. As explained in Note 1(g) to the financial statements, the Group does not
hedge  account. Note  16  to  the  financial  statements  details  the  Group’s  exposure  to  the  various
financial instrument risks.

Managing risk has been central to the success of the Group over many years and in particular gearing
has been kept at a relatively low level for the property industry; currently gearing is 14.6%.

The Board recognises that, in common with all companies, it can only have limited control over many
of the external risks which it faces. The largest of such “uncontrollable” factors is the economic cycle
which has a major impact on the demand for and price of property and the ability of the Group to
achieve its strategic objectives.

The  principal  risks  facing  the  Group  are  described  in  the  following  paragraphs  together  with  the
steps which are taken to mitigate and manage them.

External risks

Economic outlook

The  UK  is  facing  a  period  of  slowing  economic  growth,  increasing  inflation  and    unprecedented
political  uncertainty.  Special  mention  must  also  be  made  of  the  additional  level  of  uncertainty  for
business  driven  by  the  ongoing  Brexit  negotiation  process.  Until  some  clarity  emerges  as  to  the
nature of the UK’s on-going relationship with the EU it will be difficult for businesses to plan for the
future. Such circumstances increase the risk of downward pressure on rental and capital values and
an increase in vacancy rates and bad debts.

The USA continues to experience economic growth and sustained demand for commercial space and
residential accommodation.

This is the background which provides the risks and opportunities for our residential tenants and for
the businesses of our commercial tenants and their demand for space.

We seek to mitigate and manage such risk by:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Continuous monitoring of the economic outlook

Continued maintenance of low gearing

Rigorous tenant covenant checks including independent assessments for major lets. In the case
of smaller properties we undertake such checking as is appropriate

Enhanced rent collection effort to minimise the possibility of bad debts

Availability of finance on acceptable terms

In order to undertake significant acquisitions or projects of development and value enhancement
within  our  portfolio  the  Group  relies  in  part  on  funding  from  the  UK  and  USA  property  finance
market. At present our experience shows that suitable finance can be obtained on acceptable terms.

Nevertheless any reduction in the availability of finance for property at an acceptable cost and for
an appropriate period would adversely affect the Group’s ability to undertake acquisitions and major
schemes of redevelopment and refurbishment.

We seek to mitigate and manage this risk by:

Above and
opposite page:
Seaplane House,
Medway City Estate,
Rochester, Kent.

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Monitoring funding trends and the development of banking regulations

Sustaining relationships with our principal financing partners, both banks and other lending
institutions

Securing term finance facilities to meet our foreseeable requirements

Ensuring that the maturities of major loan arrangements are spread over a period of years

Page 6

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

Movements in currency rates of exchange
With over  26% by  value  of  the  Group’s  property  portfolio  located  in  the  USA, any  significant
movement in the sterling/dollar rate of exchange will impact our reported results.

The period since the decision to leave the EU has seen a significant fall in the sterling/dollar exchange
rate; the reduction in the financial year was 13%. This has had the effect of increasing the reported
value of our USA net assets and profits.

We mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

Funding  US  assets  by  US  dollar  borrowings  and  local  retained  earnings. This  means  that  the
impact of movements in the exchange rate is limited to accounting adjustments in the Group’s
consolidated accounts. An accounting gain of £29.1 million arises in reserves mainly on the re-
translation of the opening net book value of assets in the USA 

(cid:2)

Incurring all costs used to generate US dollar rental income in US dollars

Regulation

Regulations aimed at the control of residential rental levels or shorthold tenancy arrangements could
have  an  adverse  impact  on  the  Group.  Similarly,  increased  regulation  on building  standards
environmental, health and safety or planning matters could impose additional costs.

We seek to mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

Careful monitoring of developments in legislation with the help of our professional advisers

Catastrophic events

The operations of the Group could be adversely affected by a significant catastrophe such as extreme
weather, fire, cyber-attack, civil disturbance or terrorism which could result in the loss of any of our
principal buildings or offices and the records stored in them.

Page 8

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

We seek to mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

Insuring buildings with third parties

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Physical building security

Fireproof storage of leases and other documents of title

Dispersal of business critical IT systems and enhanced data security measures

Tenant default

Tenant default constitutes a risk to income and, ultimately, to capital value. The multi-tenanted nature
of the portfolio, with rental income derived from numerous properties, provides a natural measure
of protection against the risk of individual default.

In addition, we seek to mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

Seeking tenants with strong covenants

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Credit checks on new tenants including independent assessments for major lets

Careful monitoring of tenants showing signs of financial stress

Actively using recovery mechanisms for overdue debts

Internal risks
Regional concentration in UK portfolio
Within the UK the majority of our properties are situated in and around the London area. In recent years
the increase in value of our UK portfolio has been almost entirely derived from the London area which
has  enjoyed  a  period  of  well  publicised  growth. A slowdown  in  the  London  market such  as  has
occurred  over  the  last  year  will  significantly  reduce  the  net  annual  revaluation  uplifts  in  the  UK
portfolio. Changes in aggregate property value have a direct impact on the net worth of the Group.

Opposite page top
and below:
Cadogan Square,
Glasgow. 

Page 9

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

We seek to mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

Continuing to invest in the USA

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Regular  monitoring  of  the  property  market  for  opportunities,  not  just  in  London  but
throughout the UK

Regular professional revaluations by our independent surveyors in the UK and USA

Acquisitions
The Group seeks well priced acquisitions which will meet the strategic objective of adding long term,
low risk growth in net asset value. The Group’s oft stated aversion to undue risk means that in a period
of economic and political uncertainty, opportunities for acquisition will be approached with extreme
caution. There is nevertheless a risk that an inappropriate or ill-judged acquisition could destroy value.

We seek to mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

Rigorous pre-acquisition screening of all buying opportunities and appropriate due diligence

Development
The Group continues to seek development opportunities, principally from within the portfolio but
also elsewhere. Development provides an opportunity to enhance income and net asset values but
carries risk as to planning, construction timing, costs and letting.

We seek to mitigate and manage these risks by:
(cid:2)

Rigorous  screening  of  all  development  opportunities  including  external  professional  advice
and, where appropriate, market research

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Focusing on a limited number of developments at any one time

Close monitoring, together with our external advisers, of active developments

People
The Group relies heavily on the involvement of key executive directors in both strategic and day-to-
day affairs. Loss of this involvement would be disruptive to business.

We have sought to mitigate and manage this risk by:
(cid:2)

The appointment of new directors from the next generation of the Freshwater family

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

The appointment of independent non-executive directors

The establishment of a strong Group management team to support the executive directors

Investment properties
A professional valuation of all of the Group’s properties was carried out at 31 March 2017. The UK
properties were valued by Colliers International Property Advisers UK LLP, Chartered Surveyors. In
the USA, properties were valued by Joseph J. Blake and Associates, Inc. and Metropolitan Valuation
Services, Inc. both of which are Certified General Real Estate Appraisers.

The table below shows a summary of the valuation of our investment property at 31 March 2017:

Commercial property
UK
USA
Residential property
UK
USA

Total

Valuation Percentage
change
in year

March 2017
£m

951.0
84.6

+5.2%
+38.3%

717.6
517.9

2,271.1

+14.1%
+21.4%

+12.4%

Above and opposite
page: Wyfold Road,
Fulham, London
SW6.

Page 11

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

Analysis by property type

Property UK

Residential
£717.6m

Commercial
£951.0m

Property USA

Residential
£517.9m

Commercial
£84.6m

Commercial Property UK

Commercial Property USA

Industrial
£37.1m

Land &
Development
£71.6m

Offices
£361.8m

Retail
£3.5m

Offices
£81.1m

Leisure &
Services
£84.6m

Retail
£395.9m

Analysis by location

UK Valuations

USA Valuations

North &
Scotland
£52.3m

Wales &
West
£59.6m

Greater
London
£1,332.5m

Midlands &
East Anglia
£89.5m

South East
£134.7m

Pennsylvania
£43.7m

Baltimore
£27.0m

New York
£298.3m

New Jersey
£43.7m

Boston
£78.2m

Florida
£111.6m

Page 12

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Whilst the percentage changes shown on page 11, in the main, are attributable to net surpluses arising
on revaluation, they also include movements resulting from purchases, capital expenditure, disposals
and changes in currency rates of exchange. This is shown in the analysis below:

Opening valuation
New acquisitions
Additions to existing properties
Disposals

Revaluation gain
Foreign exchange gain

Closing valuation*

2017
£m

2,009.4
0.5
29.7
(1.2)

2,038.4
144.5
73.9

2,256.8

2016
£m

1,855.2
10.4
16.6
(3.7)

1,878.5
117.9
13.0

2,009.4

*In this table and in the financial statements, the total valuation of £2,271.1 million (2016 – £2,020.7 million) has been reduced
by an amount of £14.3 million (2016 – £11.3 million) relating to lease incentives, as required by accounting standards – see Note 9
to the consolidated financial statements.

Notwithstanding the view of our professional valuation advisers that property values in the last year
had essentially remained flat,in the UK we saw an overall net valuation surplus of 7.2%* (2016 – 5.3%*)
and in the USA a surplus of 6.2%* in dollar terms (2016 – 9.8%*).This has arisen mainly because our
portfolio is well represented in those segments of the market which continue to show growth. So, for
example, in Central London the highest value residential properties (£2 million plus) have fallen back
in value but values of flats in the range of £0.5 million to £1 million (where we have many properties)
have continued to advance. In the UK, our residential property values rose 2.8% as our professional
advisers decreased the discount for condition following review of historical costs incurred.

The  residential  market  in  New York  City  has  shown  a  similar  trend  with  values  in  Manhattan  and
Brooklyn remaining  flat while  the  more  affordable  areas  of  Bronx  and  Queens  continue  to  show
growth.

Left and opposite
page: progress on
the Travelodge
Hotel, Middlesex
Street, Aldgate,
London E1, inset:
artist’s impression
of the finished
project.

* Percentages calculated
as net valuation gains on
investment properties
divided by prior year
investment property value
(Note 2) which for the USA
is adjusted by the foreign
exchange movement
(Note 9).

Page 13

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

In general we have seen a fall in the values of UK offices due to yield softening but this has been
offset  in  a  number  of  cases  by  new  lets  at  improved  rents.  In  the  UK  we  have  seen  a  significant
increase  in  the  value  of  the  development  site  adjacent  to  the  hotel  which  we  have  under
construction for Travelodge in Aldgate on the eastern fringe of the City of London.

Acquisitions and Developments

In the UK our development efforts have been concentrated in three main areas:

Hotel Development
The  project  to  develop  a  395  bedroom  hotel  for Travelodge  on  our  site  in Aldgate  on  the eastern
fringe of the City of London is well under way. The total project cost is estimated to be £31 million
of which £9 million was spent in the year.The development is due to be completed in the spring of
2018.

Temple Street, Birmingham
In March 2017 we completed the refurbishment of our property at Temple Street which, as shown
on pages 16 and 17, created 35,000 sq feet of high quality office space in Central Birmingham. Since
the year end 10,000 sq feet have been successfully re-let.

Flat development program
As mentioned last year, a plan has been drawn up for the development in the UK of some 250 new flats

Page 14

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

spread over a number of our existing sites. Southgate Lodge, Croydon was completed in January 2016 and
17  flats  in Abbey  Foregate, Shrewsbury  were  completed  in  the  financial  year.  Construction  work  is
currently underway on a total of 98 units, of which 84 are located at Prestamex House in Brighton, Sussex.
Since the year end our conversion of Wyfold Road, Fulham, into 9 flats has been completed.

In the USA our major investment has been in enhancement work on both residential and commercial
properties aimed at raising rental values and generally improving the quality of the portfolio.

In  the  UK  we  have  continued  to  consolidate  our  interests  in  a  potential  development  site  at  the
eastern  end  of  Oxford  Street,  close  to  the  new  Crossrail  station  at Tottenham  Court  Road  which  is
due  to  open  next year. We  are  still  at  the  early  stages  of  what  will  be  a  significant  project  spanning
several  financial  years.

There  have  been  no  significant  new  property  acquisitions  in  the  year.

Results for the year 

The  profit  before  taxation  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017 amounts  to  £198.4 million  (2016 –
£173.2 million). The  result  includes  a  net  valuation  gain  of  £144.5 million  arising  on  investment
properties (2016 – £117.9 million).

Boongate Retail
Park, Peterborough,
Cambridgeshire.
Opposite page:
Frankie & Benny’s,
this page: Range,
Smyths and B&M.

Page 15

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

The  table  below  shows  the  performance  of  our  core  rental  business  before  and  after  valuation
movements:

Total rental and related income from investment property
Property operating expenses
Net rental and related income from investment property
Profit on disposals of investment property
Administrative expenses
Net operating profit before net valuation gains
Net valuation gains on investment property
Net financing expense
Profit before taxation

2017
£m
140.7
(75.9)
64.8
14.6
(12.6)
66.8
144.5
(12.9)
198.4

2016
£m
138.2
(70.0)
68.2
11.7
(13.0)
66.9
117.9
(11.6)
173.2

Overall total rental income has been flat this year. In the UK there have been a number of successful
rent  reviews  but  their  positive  effect  has  very  largely  been  offset  by  reductions elsewhere  in  the
portfolio. We have experienced greater rental increases in the USA but even here by far the largest
component of the overall increase in rental income derives from the reduction in the dollar/sterling
rate of exchange during the year.

This year has seen service charge income reduce to a more normal level consistent  with the period
prior  to  2016.  Last  year’s  charge  was  inflated  by  the  conjunction  of  a  number  of  major  works
projects into a single financial year.

The  increase  in  Property  Operating  Expenses  is  principally  again  due  to the reduction  in  the
dollar/sterling rate of exchange during the year.

Opposite page,
left and above:
10 Temple Street,
Birmingham.

Page 17

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

As has been the case for several years our profits on disposals derive overwhelmingly from leasehold
extensions in  the  UK. These  arise  on  long  leaseholds  where  the  properties  have  been  previously
derecognised, and the Group has no control on when or if these extensions will occur.

The increase in net finance costs is entirely due to the change in the dollar/sterling rate of exchange.
In constant currency terms the cost of USA borrowing has actually decreased slightly reflecting the
refinancing at lower rates which took place last year.

The Group’s overall effective tax rate was 18.3% (2016 – 17.5%). In the UK the effective rate was
11.3% (2016 – 8.0%); 2016 benefited from a reduction in the rate of future deferred tax from 20% to
18%. A further, but smaller, reduction of the future deferred tax rate from 18% to 17% took place in
2017.  In  the  USA  the  effective  rate has  remained  consistent  and  in  line  with  the  statutory  rate at
40.6% (2016 – 39.5%).

Earnings per share
This year earnings per share stands at £9.93 (2016: £8.77) an increase of 13.2%.

£

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

This increase in earnings per share is consistent with our increase in profit for the year.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Underlying profit
The  profit  reported  in  the  financial  statements  has  for  some  years  included  property  revaluation
movements  and  fair  value  adjustments  to  financial  instruments. In  addition  to  this  measure  of

Opposite page:
1-31 Barton Street,
Bath, Somerset,
above and left:
Thorncliffe Court,
Clapham, South West
London.

Page 19

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

performance  we  also  focus  on “underlying  profits”  which  do  not  include  these  valuation  items.
Underlying profits for the last two years are set out below:

Profit before tax per the income statement 
Property valuation surplus 
Financial instruments fair value adjustments 
Adjustment to measurement of disposal profits (Note 9)
Underlying profit before tax 

2017
£m
198.4
(144.5)
(0.1)
1.0
54.8

2016
£m
173.2
(117.9)
(0.8)
1.3
55.8

This year’s underlying profit of £54.8 million represents a decrease of 1.8% on the previous year and
reflects the broadly flat rental income and reduced service charge income in the period.

Underlying profit represents that element of our reported results which has actually been realised
and  is  not  dependent  on  valuation  judgements. It  represents  the  performance  of  our  core  rental
business together with disposal profits which tend to fluctuate from year to year.

It is our underlying profit which generates the cash we use to re-invest in the business and to pay
dividends and taxes.

Gearing
Gearing,  the  ratio  between  our  loans  and  borrowings  and  the  value  of  our  total  assets,  is 14.6%
(2016 – 14.9%) for the Group as a whole. In the UK the ratio is 6.5% (2016 – 7.2%) whilst in the
USA, where each property is financed separately on a ring-fenced basis, it is 35.8% (2016 – 38.3%).

As  the  majority  of  our  loans  and  borrowings  are  secured  on  our  investment  property  assets, our
gearing ratio is useful as it indicates our capacity to borrow further to invest in our business and also
shows the level of headroom we have in case of adverse property valuation movements.

Shareholders’ funds
At 31 March 2017 shareholders’ funds amounted £1,655.7 million, an increase of 11.9% on last year’s
figure of £1,480.0 million. Shareholders’ funds have grown in recent years as follows:

n
o
i
l
l
i

m
£

1,800

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Shareholders’ funds per share is calculated by dividing total equity attributable to equity holders of
the  parent  by  the  weighted  average  shares  in  issue  during  the  year. We  believe  this  is  a  useful
measure of fair value per share as it reflects the fair value of the investment property we hold. For
this reason it is a common measure used in the property industry.

Dividend
The  proposed  total  dividend  for  the  year  of 98p per  share  represents  an  increase  of 5.4%
(2016 – 93p).

Above and
opposite page:
Simpson House,
Croydon, 
South London.

Page 20

 
DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

Outlook
In his introduction on page 2, the Chairman has set out the general political and economic issues
which provide the background against which the business will be conducted in the coming year.
Within the business our focus will continue to be the enhancement of our overall rent roll in order
to increase both income and capital growth.

The uncertainty in the UK economy means that we will approach the coming year with more than
usual caution and with a bias towards the conservation of our cash resources.

Notwithstanding the immediate economic and political uncertainty, we continue actively to consider
a  number  of  significant  schemes  of  redevelopment  which  we  hope  to  bring  to  fruition  over  the
coming years.

In the UK, current market sentiment is that we are at, or about at, the peak of this property cycle.
Although  it  is possible that  modest  valuation  gains  may  continue,  significant  uplifts  will  be
dependent upon the completion of successful developments, rent reviews and lettings. In particular
the block of properties which we have assembled at the eastern end of Oxford Street, WC1 offers
the opportunity for significant value enhancement through redevelopment over the coming years.
This project is at a very early stage.

In the USA we continue to seek suitable acquisition opportunities and, whenever possible, to refinance
existing  properties at  more  advantageous  rates.  It  is  a  very  competitive  market  with  many  buyers
seeking similar opportunities, but we are rigorous in our approach and prepared to take time to select
the right transactions where we can identify opportunities to enhance rental income and capital value.

Employees
As  mentioned  above,  day-to-day  activities  are  outsourced  to  management  companies  which are
responsible for the provision of the services of the staff on which we rely to run the business. As part
of the arrangements with the management companies in the UK, those individuals engaged on the
Group’s  affairs  hold  joint  employment  contracts  but  the  management  companies  retain  sole
responsibility for setting recruitment, employment, training, health and safety, diversity and human
rights policies for their staff. Whilst the Group supports and encourages good practice in all of these
areas,  detailed  responsibility  for  the  establishment  and  execution  of  such  policies  lies  with  the
management companies. As a result, this report does not contain the kind of information mentioned
in the Companies Act 2006 s414C (7)(b)(ii) and (iii).

Opposite page,
above and left:
Africa House,
Kingsway, 
London WC2.

Page 23

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

So far as health and safety is concerned, the Board recognises the importance of ensuring that our
properties  provide  a  safe  and  healthy  environment  for  all  users. With  this  in  mind  the  Board  has
requested that the management companies ensure that:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

All its employees receive appropriate training in the identification and management of health
and safety risks. Every employee is required to be familiar with health and safety policies and
has responsibility for ensuring that they are followed in their area of work

Regular cyclical risk assessments are undertaken by external consultants on all properties for
which the Group has responsibility. A dedicated team is tasked with resolving issues raised by
such assessments and with monitoring policy compliance

An annual presentation is made to ensure that awareness of the importance of this issue continues
at the highest level within the Group.

All Directors of the Company are male and no new recruitment to the Board is planned which would
cause this to change in the near future.

Properties in
Kingston-Upon-
Thames, Surrey.
Opposite page:
100 London Road,
this page:
Eagle House,
Ram Passage. 

Community
The Group has long recognised the importance of supporting the communities in which we operate.
Many  companies  encourage  and  facilitate  their  employees  to  donate  their  time  and  efforts  to
community projects; because our staffing is outsourced this route is not available to us. Our support
therefore takes the following forms:

(cid:2)

Donations,  largely  to  educational  charities;  this  year  the  donations  amounted  to  £151,000
(2016 – £150,000)

Page 24

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

(cid:2)

Dividends  on  donated  shares; following  the  donation  some  years  ago  to  charities  of  shares
representing 6.3% of the capital of the Company, dividend payments in the year of £960,659
(2016 – £909,010) have passed to charitable companies

Environment
As  mentioned  above,  all  the  staff  engaged  in  the  business  and  who  control  our  buildings  are
provided  by  management  companies. We  do  not  have  responsibility  for  the  greenhouse  gas
emissions related to the employment of those people. The greenhouse gas emissions arising from
our let properties are the responsibility of our tenants.

In  consequence,  we  have  no  disclosures  to  make  in  relation  to  greenhouse  gas  emissions  and
therefore this report does not contain information of the kind mentioned in Part 7 of the Companies
Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013.

However,  when  we  undertake  new  developments  or  major  schemes  of  refurbishment  we  strive
to achieve the highest environmental standards consistent with the nature of the building and the
scheme being undertaken. So, for example, the hotel which we are developing for Travelodge has
been  designed  to  achieve  a  BREEAM  excellent  rating.  The  environmental  features  include
combined heat  and  power  for  energy  efficiency,  management  of  surface  water  run-off,  energy
efficient lighting, and the use of recycled aggregates and sustainably sourced construction materials.

The  scope  for  enhancing  the  environmental  standards  across  the  majority  of  our  properties  is
limited. In the main they were constructed before the advent of modern standards and it would be
neither  practically  nor  economically  feasible  to  undertake  a  complete  upgrade  to  meet  modern
requirements. However, we do take the opportunities which arise each year as part of programmes
of repair and refurbishment to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and the plant therein.

Page 25

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

STRATEGIC REPORT  continued

Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2014 Revision of the UK Corporate Governance Code, the
Directors appointed a team led by senior management to assist the Board in undertaking a viability
assessment. A thorough review has been undertaken of the Group’s current financial, strategic and
operational position, the Board’s future plans for the business and the principal risks faced by the
Group, described on pages 6 – 11 of the Strategic Report.

The Directors consider that five years remains an appropriate time horizon for assessing the longer-
term viability of the business and this is consistent with the period which has been used for strategic
planning.
(cid:2)

The Group has a low risk, balanced portfolio of properties, with many commercial properties
occupied  by  tenants  with  long  leases.  Based  on  current  trends,  the  Directors  continue  to
believe that the Group will be able to grant short term leases on residential properties and new
leases on commercial properties at comparable rents for at least five more years.

(cid:2)

The  Group utilises external  funding  and  has  available  and  committed  facilities  which  are
spread over a period of years. Most bank finance is available for an initial term of five years and
77.5%  of  the  Group’s  current  facilities  mature  between  March  2021  and  March  2022.
Discussions regarding the renewal or replacement of facilities will occur in advance of their
maturity.

Assessment  of  the  Group’s  viability  over  the  next  five  years  included  stress  testing  key  business
metrics  with  what  is  considered  the  plausible  worst-case  potential  impact  of  the  principal  risks.
Whilst carrying out this assessment, the strength and effectiveness of the controls in place to mitigate
risks were considered.

In determining what should be regarded as the plausible worst-case impact, the Board and senior
management  team  have  considered  in  detail  and  sought  advice  on  the  potential  impact  to  UK
property  prices,  demand  for  UK  property  and  the  associated  impact  on  rents  and  yields,  and  the
willingness of financial institutions to lend to UK property companies. Particular attention was given
to the potential impact of an unfavourable Brexit agreement and the possible consequences of the
current political climate within the UK and the USA. Headroom on loan covenants have been stress-
tested, the maturities of loan agreements reviewed and a five-year cash flow forecast produced.

The Directors confirm that, based on the analysis, they have a reasonable expectation that the Group
can  continue  to  operate  and  meet  its  liabilities  as  they  fall  due  over  the  five-year  period  of  their
assessment.

By order of the Board
M R M Jenner
Company Secretary 
24 July 2017

Above & right:
The Promenade,
Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire,
opposite page:
The Orchards
Shopping Centre,
Dartford, Kent.

Page 26

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

Strategic Report

The Company’s Strategic Report for the year ended 31 March 2017 is set out on pages 4 to 26 and
contains the following information:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

The principal activities of the Group

The business review of the Group

An indication of the future developments of the Group

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the business, including those relating to financial
instruments

Employee and environmental disclosures including those related to greenhouse gas emissions

Results and Dividend

The profit for the year amounted to £162.1 million (2016 – £143.0 million). An interim dividend of
35p per share was paid on 10 March 2017 and the Directors now recommend the payment of a final
dividend of 63p per share, making a total for the year of 98p per share (2016 – 93p per share).

The  dividend,  if  approved,  will  be  paid  on 10 November  2017 to  shareholders  on  the  register  on
13 October 2017.

Directors

The Directors who served throughout the year, unless as indicated below, and who are still in office,
are:
Mr B S E Freshwater
Mr D Davis
Mr S I Freshwater
Mr R E Freshwater
Mr A M Freshwater (USA)
Mr S B Benaim (Appointed 24 January 2017)
Mr S Srulowitz (USA) (Appointed 4 July 2017)
Mr C B Freshwater (Appointed 4 July 2017)

Brief biographies of the Directors are as follows:

Mr B S E Freshwater. Aged 69 – Joined the Board in December 1971 with primary responsibility for
the  Group’s  finances.  In  July  1976  he  was  appointed  Managing  Director  and,  additionally,  became
Chairman in July 1980.

Mr D Davis. Aged 82 – Previously a partner in Cohen Arnold, the Group’s consulting accountants. He
relinquished  his  partnership  in  1971  in  order  to  devote  more  time  to  his  numerous  business  and
other interests. He has been a non-executive Director of the Company since December 1971.

Mr S I Freshwater. Aged 66 – Directs the Group’s operations in the USA and also has responsibility
for the Group’s UK sales division. He has been a Director of the Company since January 1986.

Mr R E Freshwater. Aged 47 – He is currently pursuing an academic career and lectures to graduate
students. He is an actual and a potential beneficiary of trusts and a trustee of certain other trusts with
substantial holdings of the Company’s equity. He was appointed to the Board in 2010.

Opposite page:
49 & 50 Gt.
Marlborough Street,
London W1.

Page 29

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued

Mr  A  M  Freshwater.  Aged  46 –  He  is  resident  in  the  UK  and  sits  as  an  Arbitrator  in  complex
commercial disputes. He is a potential beneficiary of trusts and a trustee of certain other trusts with
substantial holdings of the Company’s equity. He was appointed to the Board in 2010.

Mr S B Benaim. Aged 61 – Was appointed to the Board as a Non Executive Director on 24 January
2017.  He  was  formerly  Global  Head  of  Real  Estate  at  accountancy  firm  BDO.

Mr S Srulowitz. Aged 65 – Was appointed to the Board as a Non Executive Director on 4 July 2017.
He is currently the Managing Partner of Sonnenschein, Sherman & Deutsch in New York, a member
of  the American  Bar Association  and  the  New York  State  Bar Association.

Mr  C  B  Freshwater. Aged 45 – Was  appointed  to  the  Board  as  a  Non  Executive  Director  on  4  July
2017.  He  currently  lectures  at  a  London  college.

The  rules  governing  the  election  and  re-election  of  Directors  are  set  out  in  the  Corporate
Governance  Report  on  page 38. The  powers  of  Directors  of  the  Company  are  as  set  out  in  the
Company’s articles of association. During the year, the Company did not purchase any shares.

Directors’ Interests in Transactions

Day-to-day management of the Group’s properties and its operations in the UK is mainly carried out
by Highdorn Co. Limited and by Freshwater Property Management Limited. Mr B S E Freshwater and
Mr S I  Freshwater  are  Directors  of  both  companies. They  have  no  beneficial  interest  in  the  share
capital  of  Highdorn  Co.  Limited.  Mr  B  S  E  Freshwater,  Mr  S  I  Freshwater  and  Mr  D Davis  are  also
Directors of the parent company of Freshwater Property Management Limited but have no beneficial
interest in either company. Mr R E Freshwater has a beneficial interest in a trust holding interests in
shares in Highdorn Co. Limited.

Details of the amounts paid for the provision of these services are set out in Note 17 to the financial
statements.

Share Capital and Substantial Directors’ and other Shareholdings

The structure of the Company’s share capital, including the rights and obligations attaching to the
shares, is given in Note 13 to the financial statements.

Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company are as follows:

S B Benaim
D Davis
B S E Freshwater
S I Freshwater
R E Freshwater
A M Freshwater

(Notes 2 & 3)
(Notes 1, 2, 3 & 4)
(Notes 2, 3 & 4)
(Notes 2 & 3)
(Notes 2 & 3)

Daejan Holdings PLC
Ordinary Shares
31 March
2016

31 March
2017

–
763
340,033
89,270
–
–

–
763
340,033
89,270
–
–

Notes:
1.

All the above holdings were beneficially owned. Mr B S E Freshwater’s shareholding represents 2.1% of the
issued share capital of the Company.

Page 30

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

2.

3.

A  further  2,908,116  shares  (2016 –  2,908,116)  representing  17.8%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  the
Company were held by Freshwater family trusts and by charitable companies in which Mr B S E Freshwater,
Mr S I Freshwater, Mr D Davis and Mr A M Freshwater have no beneficial interest. Mr S I Freshwater and
Mr A M Freshwater are trustees of a trust which owns 250,000 shares representing 1.5% of the issued share
capital of the Company. Mr R E Freshwater has a beneficial interest in certain trusts referred to in this Note 2
which together hold 326,294 shares, representing 2.0% of the issued share capital of the Company.
In addition to the holdings shown in the table and in Note 2 above, companies owned and controlled by
Mr B S E  Freshwater,  Mr  S  I  Freshwater,  their  families  and  family  trusts,  held  at  31  March  2017 a  total  of
7,876,431  shares  (2016 –  7,876,431)  representing  48.3%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  the  Company.
Mr D Davis and Mr A M Freshwater have a non-beneficial interest in some of these shares, either as a Director
of the companies concerned, or as a trustee. Mr R E Freshwater has a beneficial interest in certain trusts
included in this Note 3 which indirectly have interests in 3,774,853 shares, representing 23.2% of the issued
share capital of the Company.

4. Of these shares 89,270 are held by a company owned jointly by Mr B S E Freshwater and Mr S I Freshwater.

Included in Notes 2 and 3 above are the following holdings at 31 March 2017, each amounting to 3%
or more of the Company’s issued share capital:

Henry Davies (Holborn) Limited
Trustees of the S I Freshwater Settlement
Distinctive Investments Limited
Quoted Securities Limited
Centremanor Limited
Mayfair Charities Limited
Tabard Property Investment Company Limited

Shares
1,934,090
1,560,000
1,464,550
1,305,631
1,000,000
565,000
500,000

%
11.9
9.6
9.0
8.0
6.1
3.5
3.1

In addition, the Company has been notified of the following substantial interests in its issued share
capital at 31 March 2017:

Valand Investments Limited
Silda 2 Limited

Shares
1,000,000
705,000

%
6.1
4.3

The Company is not aware of any changes to any of the above interests from 31 March 2017 up to
the date of signing this report.

Relationship agreement with controlling shareholders

Any person who exercises or controls on their own or together with any person with whom they
are acting in concert, 30% or more of the votes able to be cast on all or substantially all matters at
general  meetings  of  a  company  are  known  as ‘controlling  shareholders’. The  Financial  Conduct
Authority’s Listing Rules require companies with controlling shareholders to enter into a written and
legally  binding  agreement  which  is  intended  to  ensure  that  the  controlling  shareholder  complies
with certain independence provisions. The agreement must contain undertakings that:

(a)

(b)

(c)

transactions  and  arrangements  with  the  controlling  shareholders  (and/or  any  of  their
associates) will be conducted at arm’s length and on normal commercial terms;

neither the controlling shareholders nor any of their associates will take any action that would
have the effect of preventing the listed company from complying with its obligations under the
Listing Rules; and

neither the controlling shareholders nor any of their associates will propose or procure the
proposal of a shareholder resolution which is intended to circumvent proper application of the
Listing Rules.

Page 31

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ REPORT  continued

The Board confirms that in accordance with the Listing Rules, on 14 November 2014, the Company
entered into such an agreement with:

Centremanor Limited
Linnet Limited
Highdorn Co. Limited
B S E Freshwater
S I Freshwater
D Davis
R E Freshwater
A M Freshwater

who  together  with  their  related  companies  and  trusts  comprise  controlling  shareholders  of  the
Company with a combined total holding of approximately 79.5% of the Company’s voting rights.

The  Board  confirms  that,  since  the  entry  into  the  Relationship Agreement  on  14  November  2014
until 24 July 2017, being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of the annual report and
accounts:

(1)

(2)

(3)

the Company has complied with the independence provisions included in the Relationship
Agreement;

so  far  as  the  Company  is  aware,  the  independence  provisions  included  in  the  Relationship
Agreement have been complied with by all of the other parties to the Relationship Agreement
and their associates and;

so far as the Company is aware, the other parties to the Relationship Agreement have procured
compliance with the independence provisions in the Relationship Agreement by their related
companies and their associates.

Corporate Governance

This  report  combines  by  reference  the  Corporate  Governance  Report  on  pages 38  to 41,  which
includes a statement on going concern, and the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 34 to 37.

Change of Control 

Part 6 of Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations  2008  requires  the  Company  to  identify  those  significant  agreements  to  which  the
Company  is  party  that  take  effect,  alter  or  terminate  upon  a  change  of  control  of  the  Company
following a takeover bid and the effects of any such agreements.

The Group has seven bank loan and mortgage facilities which contain change-of-control clauses. Five
of these facilities require the prior written consent of the lender to a change of control over the
parent  company,  without  which  such  change  of  control  would  constitute  an  event  of  default. A
change of control under the remaining two facilities would similarly constitute an event of default
but  no  provision  is  made  for  the  prior  written  consent  of  the  lender. At  31 March  2017,  these
facilities  represented  £113.9 million  (2016 – £116.1 million)  of  the  loans  and  borrowings  in  the
financial statements and all of the undrawn facilities £48.4 million (2016 – £48.4 million).

Page 32

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Auditor

The Company’s auditor, KPMG LLP, has expressed its willingness to continue in office. In accordance
with Section 489 of the Companies Act, a resolution for the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditor of
the Company, and to authorise the Directors to determine its remuneration, is to be proposed at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Statement of Disclosure of Information to the Auditor

The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as
they  each  are  aware  there  is  no  relevant  audit  information  of  which  the  Company’s  auditor is
unaware,  and  each  Director  has  taken  all  the  steps  he  ought  to  have  taken  as  a  Director  to  make
himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware
of that information.

By order of the Board

M R M Jenner
Secretary

24 July 2017

Page 33

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPOR T 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Set  out  below  is  our  remuneration  strategy  and  policy  together  with  other  relevant  information
about the terms and conditions applicable to executive Directors of the Group:

1.

Overview

Our remuneration strategy is designed to be simple and transparent. In setting levels of remuneration
it is important to:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Reflect the interests and expectations of shareholders and other stakeholders

Take account of pay and employment conditions of employees in the Group

Reward the sustained growth and profitability of the business

Encourage  management  to  adopt  a  level  of  risk  which  is  in  line  with  the  risk  profile  of  the
business as approved by the board

Ensure  there  is  no  reward  for  failure  by  having  no  entitlement  to  compensation  for  loss  of
office

2.

Executive Directors’ potential remuneration

Executive Directors receive basic pay only. There are no bonus or incentive schemes in operation or
any  form  of  share  option  scheme  or  long  term  incentive  plan.  The  executive  Directors  are
incentivised  by  their  substantial  interests  in  family  shareholdings  which  more  directly  align  their
interests with shareholders generally.

3.

Strategy

Purpose
The salary is set to be competitive, relative to other companies operating in the same sector.

Annual review
A review of executive Directors’ salaries is carried out each year once the results for the year are
known and with reference to a comprehensive peer group of similar companies.

The annual review takes into consideration:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Individual responsibilities, experience and performance

Salary levels for similar positions in comparable businesses

The  level  of  pay  increases  awarded  to  staff  whose  services  are  provided  by  management
companies

Economic and market conditions

Overall performance of the business

There is no overall limit to maximum increases save as to comply with the strategy outlined above.

Page 34

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Shareholder views
The Company welcomes the views of its significant shareholders on remuneration and if received
these would be taken into consideration when next reviewing salaries.

4.

Benefits

There are no additional benefits granted to any Director over and above basic pay.

5.

Pension

The Group does not operate a pension scheme for the Directors and therefore they do not receive
either pension contributions or entitlement to pension benefits as part of their remuneration by the
Group.

6.

Recruitment and executive Directors

No  new  appointments  of  executive  Directors  have  been  made  for  a  number  of  years  but  if  an
appointment  was  made, salary  would  take  into  account  market  data  for  the  relevant  role,  the
individual’s experience and the responsibilities expected of them.

7.

Service contracts

No Director has a service contract. Company policy is to employ executive Directors at will, with
no contractual entitlement to compensation for loss of office. Mr B S E Freshwater has served as a
Director since 1971 and Mr S I Freshwater has served as a Director since 1986.

The non-executive Directors are not appointed for a fixed term but are subject to periodic reviews.
Mr D Davis was appointed in 1971, Mr R E Freshwater and Mr A M Freshwater were appointed in
2010. Mr S B Benaim, Mr S Srulowitz and Mr C B Freshwater were all appointed in 2017. They are all
remunerated by a fixed Director’s fee.

Annual Report on Remuneration

This section describes all payments to Directors in connection with the year under review and how
the  Remuneration  Policy  will  be  applied  over  the  next  three  years.  KPMG  LLP  have  audited  this
section of the report to the extent required by legislation.

Total remuneration
Details of each individual Director’s remuneration are set out below on an accruals basis:

2017

Mr B S E Freshwater
Mr S B Benaim
Mr D Davis
Mr S I Freshwater
Mr R E Freshwater
Mr A M Freshwater

Salary
£

Benefits
£

1,150,000
3,769
20,000
1,150,000
20,000
20,000
2,363,769

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Long
term
perfor-
mance
pay
£

Perfor-
mance
pay
£

Pension
contri-
butions
£

Total
£

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

– 1,150,000
3,769
–
–
20,000
– 1,150,000
20,000
–
–
20,000
– 2,363,769

Page 35

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPOR T  continued

Comparative table

2016

Mr B S E Freshwater
Mr A E Bude
Mr D Davis
Mr S I Freshwater
Mr R E Freshwater
Mr A M Freshwater

Long
term
perfor-
mance
pay
£

Perfor-
mance 
pay
£

Pension
contri-
butions
£

Total
£

Salary
£

Benefits
£

1,100,000
6,538
20,000
1,100,000
20,000
20,000
2,266,538

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

– 1,100,000
6,538
–
–
20,000
– 1,100,000
20,000
–
–
20,000
– 2,266,538

Changes in the year
Mr  D  Davis  is  the  senior  non-executive  Director  with  responsibility  for recommending  executive
Directors’ remuneration, which is subsequently approved by the full Board.

Mr B S E Freshwater and Mr S I Freshwater received an increase in basic salary of £50,000 per annum
during the year (2016 – £100,000), equivalent to 4.5% (2016 – 10%). Both of these increases were
agreed at a meeting of the full Board, but at which the executive Directors did not participate in the
discussion or decisions taken.

The total staff costs borne by the Group under its arrangements with its management companies in
the UK decreased by 0.4% due to a reduction in the number of employees (2016 increased 3.3%).
Since  such  staff  are  employed  under  these  arrangements,  no  consultations  regarding  Directors’
remuneration policy or implementation have been held.

It is intended that the current practice of annual reviews and the method in which they are carried
out will continue unchanged during the current and following years.

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration
The non-executive Directors receive fees of £20,000 per annum which are reviewed periodically, pro
rated for their period of service in any one year. This entitlement has not changed in recent years.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below demonstrates the relative amounts expended by the Group on staff costs, Directors’
remuneration and dividends to shareholders. The Company did not buy back any shares during the
year.

Staff costs

£000

6,798
6,827

% of total

28.0
29.1

Directors’
remuneration

Dividends to
shareholders

£000

2,364
2,267

% of total

£000

% of total

9.7
9.7

15,155
14,340

62.3
61.2

2017
2016

Statement of Directors shareholdings and share interests
There  is  no  minimum  shareholding  requirement  for  executive  or  non-executive  Directors.  The
Directors’ share interests are complex and are set out in detail in the Directors’ Report on pages 30
and 31.

Page 36

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Approval of Directors’ Remuneration Report
At the last Annual General Meeting of the Company, votes cast by shareholders on the resolution to
approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report were as follows:

For
Against

13,206,048
827,866

94.1%
5.9%

Total shareholder return
The  following  graph  shows  the  total  shareholder  returns  for  the  Company  (rebased  as  at  1 April
2007) for each of the last ten financial years compared to the FTSE All Share Real Estate Investment
and Services Index and the FTSE 350 Index. The Company is a constituent of both these indices and
the Board considers these to be the most appropriate broad market equity indices for illustrating the
Company’s relative performance.

180

160

140

120

100

’000

80

60

40

20

0

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

DAEJAN HOLDINGS – TOT RETURN IND
FTSE 350 – TOT RETURN IND
FTSE ALL SHARE REAL ESTATE IVST SVS E – TOT RETURN IND

Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream

The basic pay of the Chairman and Managing Director during the same period as the graph above is
shown as a single figure in the table below:

Mr B S E Freshwater

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

By order of the Board

D Davis

24 July 2017

£

670,000
700,000
720,000
740,000
770,000
820,000
870,000
1,000,000
1,100,000
1,150,000

Page 37

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  

Overview

The  Board  is  required to  report  on  the  extent  of  its  application  of  the  principles  and  of  its
compliance  with  the  provisions  contained  in  the  2014  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  (“the
Code”).

Your Board reviews each year the extent to which it is compliant with the Code and considers any
changes which might be necessary in the light of developments in the principles and provisions of
the Code and in the context of the needs of the Group’s business.

During  the  year  we  did not  comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  Code  in  connection  with  non-
executive representation on the Board. We consider the principle of a unitary Board of Directors,
sharing  responsibility  for  all  facets  of  the  Company’s  business,  should  not  be  undermined  by
reserving  areas  of  decision  making  solely  for  non-executive  Directors.  For  this  reason  the  matters
which  the  Code  recommends  should  be  reserved  for  audit,  nomination  and  remuneration
committees  are  dealt  with  by  the  entire  Board.  However  changes  to regulations relating  to  audit
committees mean for 2018 we will be required to alter this structure. Given the extensive experience
and knowledge of the Group possessed by the current Chairman it is not considered necessary to
split the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive. The appointment of two new independent directors
will provide some checks on this joint arrangement. Executive remuneration is not directly related
to performance, but a link is established by the fact that remuneration is not agreed upon until after
the results for the year are known.

The Board

The Group is controlled through the Company’s Board of Directors. The Board’s main roles are to
create  value  for  shareholders,  to  provide  entrepreneurial  leadership  of  the  Group,  to  approve  the
Group’s strategic objectives and to ensure that the necessary financial and other resources are made
available to enable those objectives to be met.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year on both a formal and informal basis. Comprehensive
management information covering all aspects of the Group’s business is supplied to the Board in a
timely  manner  and  in  a  form  and  quality which  enables  it  to  discharge  its  duties. The  Board’s
principal focus, in accordance with the formal schedule of matters referred to it for decision, is on
the formation of strategy and the monitoring and control of operations and financial performance.
The performance of the Board is kept under constant review by the Chairman and therefore it is not
considered  necessary  to  undertake  a  more  formal  process  of  evaluation,  either  internally  or
externally. All  Directors  have  access  to  the  Company  Secretary  who  is  responsible  for  ensuring
compliance  with  the  Board  procedures. The  Board  has  agreed  a  procedure  for  Directors  in  the
furtherance of their duties to take independent professional advice, if necessary, at the Company’s
expense.

The Board consults on a regular basis with the Group’s external auditor and is charged with ensuring
that its objectivity and independence is safeguarded.

The entire Board is responsible for the selection and approval of candidates for appointment to the
Board.The Board recognises the growing emphasis placed on criteria such as diversity and gender
but continues to believe that appointees should be selected primarily on the basis of a full, balanced
range  of  criteria  considered  to  be  key  to  the  management  of  the  Group,  without  any  forced
emphasis.

All  Directors  retire  and  submit  themselves  for  re-election  to  shareholders  at  the Annual  General
Meeting each year.

Page 38

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

During the year there were two full, formal board meetings attended by all Directors.

Directors and Directors’ Independence

The  Board  currently  comprises  the  Chairman,  who  acts  in  an  executive  capacity,  one  further
executive Director and six non-executive Directors. The names of the Directors together with their
biographical  details  are  set  out  on  pages 29 and 30.  Mr  R  E  Freshwater,  Mr C B Freshwater and
Mr A M Freshwater are not independent by virtue of their membership of the Freshwater family. The
Board acknowledges that, in view of his length of service, Mr D Davis is technically not independent.

Financial Reporting

The  Board  is  responsible  for  all  aspects  of  the  Group’s  financial  reporting  obligations. The  key
aspects of these obligations are as follows:

Accounting and significant areas of judgement
It is essential to the standard of the Group’s financial reporting that appropriate accounting policies
are adopted and applied on a consistent basis. The Board discusses the impact of new and emerging
accounting  standards  with  the  external  auditor  and  keeps  under  careful  review  those  areas  of  its
accounting  policies  requiring  subjective  or  complex  judgements  or  estimates.  These  areas,
particularly in relation to fair value measurements of investment property and the assessment of tax
liabilities, are set out in Note 1(u) to the financial statements. In order to conclude on these matters,
the  Board  reviews  the  valuation  reports  and  discusses  these  with  its  valuers  and  reviews  and
discusses the tax position of the Group with its advisers.

External auditor
KPMG LLP, and its predecessor entities, has been the Group’s statutory auditor since the Group in its
current form was created by reverse takeover in 1959. The Board keeps under careful review the
independence of the auditor and the quality of its services to the Group and is satisfied that KPMG
LLP  provides  a  high  quality,  objective  and  cost  effective  service,  from  the  sound  base  of  its
understanding  of  the  Group’s  business. Although  the  Code  would  now  recommend  the  company
re-tender  the  audit,  under  the  recent  EU Audit  Directive  and  EU  Regulation  the  Company  will  be
required to appoint a different external auditor by 2020 provided these regulations still apply at that
time. It is therefore not the current intention of the Board to put the external audit contract out to
tender before then, but the position will be kept under regular review.  The Board has a policy of
using  KPMG  LLP  to  provide  non-audit  services  to  the  Group  only  in  relation  to  matters  closely
associated with the audit and maintains close scrutiny of its non-audit services and fees in order to
safeguard objectivity and independence.

Internal Controls

The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its
effectiveness. However, such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure
to achieve business objectives, and can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against
material misstatement or loss.

The  Code  requires  that  the  Directors  review  the  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  system  of  internal
controls, covering financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management. The Board
confirms  that  there  is  an  ongoing  process  for  identifying,  evaluating  and  managing  the  significant
business risks faced by the Group and the internal control systems, and that this process has been in
place for the year under review and up to the date of approval of the Annual Report & Accounts. This
process is reviewed by the Board at regular intervals.

Page 39

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  continued

The  Board  has  considered  the  benefits  likely  to  arise  from  the  appointment  of  an  internal  audit
function  and  has  concluded  that  this  is  not  currently  necessary  having  regard  to  other  controls
which operate within the Group.

Key elements of the Group’s system of internal controls 
These are as follows:

Control environment:  The  Group  is  committed  to  the  highest  standards  of  business  conduct  and
seeks  to  maintain  these  standards  across  all  its  operations. The  Group  has  a  clear  organisational
structure for planning, executing and monitoring business operations in order to achieve the Group’s
objectives. Lines of responsibility and delegation of authority are well defined.

Risk  identification  and  evaluation:  Management  is  responsible  for  the  identification  and
evaluation of key risks applicable to the areas of the property market which impact its objectives.
These  risks  are  assessed  on  a  continual  basis,  are  subject  to  a  robust  annual  assessment  and  may
be  associated  with  a  variety  of  internal  and  external  sources. The  Board  considers  the  risk
implications  of  business  decisions  including  those  affecting  all  major  transactions.

Information  and  communication:  Periodic  strategic  reviews  are  carried  out  which  include  the
consideration  of  long  term  financial  projections.  Financial  performance  is  actively  monitored  at
Board level. Through these mechanisms group performance is monitored, risks identified in a timely
manner, their implications assessed, control procedures re-evaluated and corrective actions agreed
and implemented.

Control procedures: The Group has implemented control procedures designed to ensure complete
and accurate accounting for financial transactions and to limit the potential exposure to loss of assets
or  fraud.  Measures  include  physical  controls,  segregation  of  duties,  use  of  external  experts  and
advisers where beneficial, reviews by management and reviews by the Company’s external auditors
to the extent necessary to arrive at their audit opinion.

Monitoring  and  corrective  action: The Board meets regularly, formally and informally, throughout
the  year  to  review  the  internal  controls. This  process  includes a  detailed  annual  review  of  the
significant  business  risks and  formal  consideration  of  the  scope  and  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s
system of internal control. In addition, the executive Directors and senior management staff have a
close involvement in the day-to-day operations of the Group and as such the controls are subject to
ongoing monitoring. The Board is satisfied with the scope and effectiveness of the internal controls.

Investor Relations

The Board values communication with private and institutional shareholders and with analysts. The
Annual General Meeting is used as the primary opportunity for the Board as a whole to meet private
shareholders.  Other  opportunities  are  taken  as  they  arise  during  the  year  to  discuss strategic  and
other issues with institutional shareholders and analysts.

The Board continues to support the concept of individual resolutions on separate issues at Annual
General Meetings. Details of proxy voting on each resolution are disclosed to the meeting after it has
been  dealt  with  by  a  show  of  hands.  In  accordance  with  the  Code,  notice  of  the Annual  General
Meeting and the Annual Report & Accounts will be sent to shareholders at least twenty working days
before the meeting.

Page 40

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Compliance Statement

The Board considers the Company has complied throughout the year ended 31 March 2017 with the
provisions of the Code with the exception of the following paragraphs:

Subject
Division of Chairman and CEO responsibilities
Non-executive directors and composition of the Board

Paragraph
A.2.1; A.3.1
A.4.1-2; B.1.2
B.2.1; 2.2; 2.4; B.3.1-2 Nomination committee and its responsibilities
B.4.1
B.6.1-3
C.3.1-8
D.1.1; D.2.1-2

Development of the Board
Evaluation of the Board
Audit committee and its responsibilities
Remuneration committee and its responsibilities

Going Concern

The  Group’s  business  activities,  together  with  the  factors  likely  to  affect  its  future  development,
performance and position are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 26, which also refers to
the  financial  position  of  the  Group,  its  cash  flows,  liquidity  position  and  borrowing  facilities.  In
addition, Note 16 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies and processes
for managing its financial risks, together with details of its financial instruments, hedging activities
and exposures to credit, liquidity and market risks.

As shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Group generated net cash from operating
activities  of  £19.0 million  during  the  year  (2016 –  £48.5 million).  Gearing,  on  the  basis  of  gross
debt to total assets, was 14.6% (2016 – 14.9%). Net debt (total loans and borrowings less cash and
cash  equivalents)  has increased to  £268.3 million  (2016 – £237.1  million),  due  principally  to the
reduction  in  the  dollar/sterling  rate  of  exchange  during  the  period. The  Group  has  undrawn
committed facilities of £48.4 million at the balance sheet date (2016 – £48.4 million). The Group
has  considerable  financial  resources  and  very  low  gearing and  therefore,  the  Directors  consider
that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully in the current and foreseeable
economic conditions.  Consequently,  the  Directors  have  a  reasonable  expectation  that  the  Group
has  adequate  resources  to  continue  in  operational  existence  for at  least  twelve  months  from  the
date of approving this Annual Report & Accounts. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern
basis  of  accounting  in  preparing  the  financial  statements.

Page 41

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the group and parent company
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare group and parent company financial statements for
each  financial  year.  Under  that  law  they  are  required  to  prepare  the  group  financial  statements  in
accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  adopted  by  the  EU  (“IFRS”)  and
applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in accordance
with UK Accounting Standards including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the
UK and Republic of Ireland.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and parent company and of their
profit  or  loss  for  that  period.  In  preparing  each  of  the  group  and  parent  company  financial
statements, the Directors are required to:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

for the group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with
IFRS,  subject  to  any  material  departures  disclosed  and  explained  in  the group  financial
statements;

for  the  parent  company  financial  statements,  state  whether  applicable  UK  Accounting
Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in
the parent company financial statements; and

prepare  the  financial  statements  on  the  going  concern  basis  unless  it  is  inappropriate  to
presume that the group and the parent company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show
and explain the parent company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial  position  of  the  parent  company  and  enable  them  to  ensure  that  its  financial  statements
comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are
reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and
other irregularities.

Under  applicable  law  and  regulations,  the  Directors  are  also  responsible  for  preparing  a  Strategic
Report, Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that
comply with that law and those regulations.

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  corporate  and  financial
information included on the company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility statement 

Each  of  the  Directors,  whose  names  are  listed  on  page 29,  confirm  that,  to  the  best  of  their
knowledge:

(cid:2)

the  financial  statements,  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  set  of  accounting
standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss
of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole;

Page 42

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the strategic report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business
and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as
a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and

this  Annual  Report  &  Accounts  document,  taken  as  a  whole,  is  fair,  balanced  and
understandable  and  provides  the  information  necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess  the
Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy.

By order of the Board

B S E Freshwater
Chairman

24 July 2017

Page 43

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

to the members of Daejan Holdings Plc only

Opinions and conclusions arising from our audit

1.  Our opinion on the Group financial statements is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Daejan Holdings Plc for the year ended 31 March 2017,
set out on pages 49 to 82.

In our opinion:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent
company’s affairs as at 31 March 2017 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union;

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK
Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the
UK and Republic of Ireland; and

the  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the
Companies  Act  2006;  and,  as  regards  the  group  financial  statements,  Article  4  of  the  IAS
Regulation.

Overview

Materiality:
Group financial 
statements as a whole

£21.6m (2016: £19.7m)
0.9% (2016: 0.9%) 
of Gross Assets

Lower materiality applied to certain items

£2.4m (2016: £2.5m)

Coverage

100% (2016: 100%) of Gross Assets

Risk of material misstatement vs 2016

Recurring risks

Valuation of investment property

Current tax liability

(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:3)

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement

2.
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial statements, the risk of material misstatement,
in decreasing order of audit significances that had the greatest effect on our audit, was as follows
(unchanged from 2016):

The risk 

Valuation of investment property

Investment property £2,256.8 million; 2016: £2,009.4 million

Refer  to  page 11  (Strategic  Report),  page  39  (Accounting  and  significant  areas  of  judgement),
page 57 (Significant  accounting  policies)  and  page 62 (Notes  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements).

Page 44

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Subjective valuation

Investment  properties  represent 93.7%  (2016:  93%)  of  gross  assets  of  the  Group. 

The  property  portfolios  are  externally  valued  by  qualified  independent  valuers  and  held  at  fair
value  at the  balance  sheet  date.

Determination of the fair value of the investment properties is considered a significant audit risk due
to the magnitude of the balance and the subjective nature of the valuations which depend on the
individual nature of each property, its location and expected future net rental values, market yields
and comparable market transactions.

Our response 

Our procedures included:

Assessing valuers’ credentials: we  assessed  the  valuers’ objectivity,  professional  qualifications
and capabilities through discussions with the valuers, reading their valuation reports, and reviewing
their terms of engagement with the Group to determine whether there were any matters that might
have affected their objectivity or may have imposed scope limitations upon their work.

Methodology  choice:  we  held  discussions  with  the  Group’s  external  property  valuers  to
determine the valuation methodology used. We used our own property valuation specialists to assist
us in critically assessing that the valuations were in accordance with the RICS Valuation Professional
Standards ‘the  Red  Book’ for  the  valuers  of  the  UK  portfolio,  and  the  Standards  of  Professional
Appraisal  Practice  of  the  Appraisal  Institute  for  the  valuers  of  the  US  portfolio, and  that  the
methodologies adopted were appropriate by reference to acceptable valuation practice.

Our  sector  experience:  with  the  assistance  of  our  own  property  valuation  specialists  we  held
discussions with the Group’s directors and external property valuers to understand movements in
property values.With the Group’s CFO and external property valuers we discussed and challenged
the performance  of  the  portfolios  and  significant  judgements  and  assumptions  applied  including
forecast  rents,  yields,  discount  rates,  vacant  periods  and  irrecoverable  expenditure  by  making  a
comparison to our own understanding of the market and to industry benchmarks.

Test of detail: for a sample of properties we compared key inputs used in the valuations, such as
rental income and occupancy to underlying property records.

Assessing transparency: we considered the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures on the valuation
techniques and significant unobservable inputs employed in the valuation.

The risk 

Current tax liability

£47.2 million (2016: £44.8 million)

Refer  to  page 39 (Accounting  and  significant  areas  of  judgement),  page  57 (Significant
accounting policies) and page 61 (Notes to the consolidated financial statements).

Inquiry outcome 

Accruals for tax contingencies require the directors to make judgements and estimates in relation to
tax issues and exposures. This is a key audit risk due to the time taken for tax matters to be agreed
with the tax authorities and complexity of tax legislation.

Page 45

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT continued

The Group has a number of open periods with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as a result of on-
going enquiries into the interpretation of tax legislation regarding transactions undertaken by the
Group.

Our response 

Our procedures included:

Our tax expertise: we used our own internal tax specialists to assist us in assessing the Group’s
open tax positions.

With the assistance of our internal tax specialists we inspected the latest correspondence between
the Group and HMRC regarding open matters. In addition, we read legal advice or opinions obtained
in the period in relation to uncertain tax positions, in order to consider whether the level of accruals
recognised at year end is based on up to date legal advice in response to HMRC’s challenges.

We  analysed  and  challenged  the  assumptions  used  to  determine  tax  accruals  based  on  our
knowledge  and  experiences  of  the  application  of  local  legislation  by  the  relevant  authorities  and
courts.

Assessing transparency: we assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of tax
and uncertain tax positions by reference to relevant accounting standards.

Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit

3.
Materiality  for  the  Group  financial  statements  as  a  whole  was  set  at  £21.6 million  (2016:
£19.7 million), determined with reference to a benchmark of total assets, of which it represents 0.9%
(2016: 0.9%). In addition, we applied materiality of £2.4 million (2016: £2.5 million) determined with
regard  to  a  normalised  profit  before  tax  to  rental  income,  property  operating  expenses,
administrative  expenses  and  financial  expenses,  for  which  we  believe  misstatements  of  lesser
amounts than materiality for the financial statements as a whole could reasonably be expected to
influence the company’s members’ assessment of the financial performance of the Group.

We  report  to  the Board  any  corrected  or  uncorrected  identified  misstatements  exceeding
£1,080,000 (2016: £985,000) (and £118,000 (2016: £125,000) for rental income, property operating
expenses,  administrative  expenses  and  financial  expenses),  in  addition  to  other  identified
misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

The Group has 50 (2016: 50) group reporting components, one of which is a sub-group in the UK
which was audited by component auditors, subject to a full-scope audit performed to materiality of
£0.8 million (2016: component materiality of £1 million). A second sub-group in the US was subject
to a full-scope audit by the Group engagement team to component materiality of £1 million (2016:
audited by component auditor to component materiality of £0.3 million). The remaining 48 (2016:
48) components were audited by the Group engagement team and were subject to full-scope audits
performed  to  component  materialities  ranging  from  £1,995  to  £1.9 million  (2016:  £1,995  to
£2.4 million). The Group team approved the component materialities having regard to the mix of
size and risk profile of the Group across the components.

The Group audit team instructed the component auditor as to the significant areas to be covered,
including  the  relevant  risks  detailed  above  and  the  information  to  be  reported  back.  The  50
components  within  the  scope  of  our  work  accounted  for  100%  of  each  of  total  Group  revenue,
Group profit before taxation and total Group assets.

Page 46

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

The Group audit team visited the component audited by the component auditor to assess the audit
risk and strategy. At this visit, the findings reported to the Group audit team were discussed in more
detail,  and  any  further  work  required  by  the  Group  audit  team  was  then  performed  by  the
component auditor.

Total Assets
£2,407 million (2016: £2,158 million)

Materiality
£21.6 million (2016: £19.7 million)

Range of materiality of the 50 components
(£1,995 to £1.9 million)
(2016: £1,995 to £2.4 million)

Total Assets       Group materiality

£1.08 million
Misstatements reported to the 
Board (2016: £1 million)

4.

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified

In our opinion:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in
accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and

the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year
is consistent with the financial statements.

Based  solely  on  the  work  required  to  be  undertaken  in  the  course  of  the  audit  of  the  financial
statements and from reading the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

we have not identified material misstatements in those reports; and

in  our  opinion, those  reports,  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  Companies Act
2006.

5. We have nothing to report on the disclosures of principal risks

Based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have nothing material to add or draw
attention to in relation to:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the directors’ statement of viability statement on page 26, concerning the principal risks, their
management,  and,  based  on  that,  the  directors’  assessment  and  expectations  of  the Group’s
continuing in operation over the 5 year period of their assessment; or

the disclosures on page 41 of the Corporate Governance Report concerning the use of the
going concern basis of accounting.

Page 47

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT continued

6. We  have  nothing  to  report  in  respect  of  the  matters  on  which  we  are  required  to

report by exception

Under  ISAs  (UK  and  Ireland)  we  are  required  to  report  to  you  if,  based  on  the  knowledge  we
acquired during our audit, we have identified other information in the annual report that contains a
material  inconsistency  with  either  that  knowledge  or  the  financial  statements,  a  material
misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to report to you if:
(cid:2)

we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our
audit  and  the  directors’  statement  that  they  consider  that  the  annual  report  and  financial
statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information
necessary for shareholders to assess the group’s position and performance, business model and
strategy; or

(cid:2)

the Corporate Governance Report does not appropriately address matters communicated by
us to the audit committee.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
(cid:2)

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate
for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report
to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
(cid:2)

the Directors’ statement, set out on page 41 and 26, in relation to going concern and longer-
term viability; and

(cid:2)

the  part  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Report  on  pages 38  to  41  relating  to  the  company’s
compliance with the eleven provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code specified
for our review.

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.

Scope and responsibilities

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on pages 42 and 43, the
Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that
they  give  a  true  and  fair  view. A  description  of  the  scope  of  an  audit  of  financial  statements  is
provided  on  the  Financial  Reporting  Council’s  website  at  www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. 
This  report  is  made  solely  to  the  Company’s  members  as  a  body  and  is  subject  to  important
explanations  and  disclaimers  regarding  our  responsibilities,  published  on  our  website  at
www.kpmg.com/uk/auditscopeukco2014a, which are incorporated into this report as if set out in
full and should be read to provide an understanding of the purpose of this report, the work we have
undertaken and the basis of our opinions.

Richard Kelly (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
15 Canada Square
London, E14 5GL

24 July 2017

Page 48

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 March 2017

Notes

Gross rental income
Service charge income

Total rental and related income from investment 

property
Property operating expenses

Net rental and related income from investment 

property

Profit on disposal of investment property
Net valuation gains on investment property

Administrative expenses

Net operating profit before net financing costs

Fair value gains on derivative financial instruments

Fair value losses on current investments

Other financial income

Financial expenses

Net financing expense

Profit before taxation

Income tax

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Profit for the year

2

3

9

4

5

5

6

Year ended
31 March
2017
£000

125,522

15,216

Year ended
31 March
2016
£000

117,733

20,464

140,738

(75,938)

138,197

(70,008)

64,800

14,594
144,508

(12,559)

68,189

11,725

117,947

(13,041)

211,343

184,820

86

–

499

788

(10)

336

(13,532)

(12,692)

(12,947)

(11,578)

198,396

(36,266)

173,242

(30,237)

162,130

143,005

161,779

142,900

351

105

162,130

143,005

Basic and diluted earnings per share

7

£9.93

£8.77

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Page 49

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the year ended 31 March 2017

Profit for the year
Foreign exchange translation differences

Year ended
31 March
2017
£000

162,130

29,076

Year ended
31 March
2016
£000

143,005

5,649

Total comprehensive income for the year

191,206

148,654

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interest

190,845

148,547

361

107

Total comprehensive income for the year

191,206

148,654

All comprehensive income may be reclassified as profit and loss when realised in the future.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Share

Equity

premium Translation

Retained

shareholders’ Minority

account

reserve

earnings

£000

£000

funds

£000

interest

£000

Total

equity

£000

26,404

1,314,785

1,345,818

–

142,900

142,900

56

105

1,345,874

143,005

5,647

–

–

–

–

5,647

–

(14,340)

(14,340)

2

(94)

–

5,649

(94)

(14,340)

for the year to

31 March 2017

Balance at 1 April 2015

Profit for the year

Foreign exchange translation 

differences

Distributions to minority interest

Dividends to equity shareholders

Issued

share

capital

£000

4,074

–

–

–

–

£000

555

–

–

–

–

Profit for the year

Foreign exchange translation 

differences

Distributions to minority interest

Dividends to equity shareholders

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 March 2016

4,074

555

32,051

1,443,345

1,480,025

–

161,779

161,779

69

351

1,480,094

162,130

29,066

–

–

–

–

29,066

–

10

(190)

29,076

(190)

(15,155)

(15,155)

–

(15,155)

Balance at 31 March 2017

4,074

555

61,117 1,589,969

1,655,715

240 1,655,955

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Page 50

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 March 2017

Assets
Investment property
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Trade and other receivables
Current investments
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Translation reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders 

of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Liabilities
Loans and borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Current taxation

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Notes

31 March
2017
£000

31 March
2016
£000

9
10

2,256,800
524

2,009,361
571

11

12

13

15
10

15
14

2,257,324

2,009,932

65,062
162
84,283

63,119
159
84,863

149,507

148,141

2,406,831

2,158,073

4,074
555
61,117
1,589,969

4,074
555
32,051
1,443,345

1,655,715
240

1,480,025
69

1,655,955

1,480,094

303,242
299,756

306,412
255,296

602,998

561,708

49,297
51,360
47,221

15,516
55,987
44,768

147,878

116,271

750,876

677,979

Total equity and liabilities

2,406,831

2,158,073

The financial statements on pages 49 to 77 were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 July 2017
and were signed on its behalf by:

B S E Freshwater

D Davis

Director

Director

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Page 51

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the year ended 31 March 2017

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash receipts from rent and service charges

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Interest paid

Tax paid

Year ended
31 March
2016
£000

Year ended
31 March
2017
£000

£000

135,926

(96,776)

39,150

500

(13,529)

(7,132)

£000

141,487

(79,958)

61,529

336

(12,598)

(772)

Net cash from operating activities

18,989

48,495

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition and development of

investment property

Proceeds from sale of investment

property

(27,726)

18,242

(26,939)

12,807

Net cash absorbed by investing activities

(9,484)

(14,132)

Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of bank loans

New bank loans

Repayment of mortgages

New mortgages

Dividends paid to equity holders of 

the parent

Payments to non-controlling interest

Net cash absorbed by 

financing activities

(1,871)

–

(6,899)

8,057

(15,155)

(190)

(1,302)

–

(21,341)

34,379

(14,340)

(94)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents brought forward

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on

cash held

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 12)

(16,058)

(6,553)

84,863

5,973

84,283

(2,698)

31,665

52,293

905

84,863

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Page 52

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

Significant Accounting Policies

Daejan  Holdings  PLC  is  a  company  domiciled  in  the  United  Kingdom. The  consolidated  financial
statements  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017 comprise  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”).

The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issuance on 24 July 2017.

(a)

Statement of compliance

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“IFRS”) and those parts of the Companies Act
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The Company has elected to prepare its parent company financial statements in accordance with
Financial  Reporting  Standard  102  The  Financial  Reporting  Standard  applicable  in  the  UK  and
Republic of Ireland and these are presented on pages 78 to 82.

(b)

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, the Company’s functional currency
and the Group’s presentational currency, rounded to the nearest thousand. They are prepared on the
historical  cost  basis  except  that  the  following  assets  and  liabilities  are  stated  at  their  fair  value:
investment property, derivative financial instruments and current asset investments.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as explained in the Corporate
Governance Report on page 41.

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts
of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Although these estimates are based on management’s
best knowledge of the events or amounts involved, actual results ultimately may differ from those
estimates. The areas involving a higher degree of complexity, judgement or estimation are set out in
Note 1(u) below.

The accounting policies set out in this Note 1 have been applied consistently throughout the Group
to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements, except as described below.

Accounting standard changes

The only standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that became effective for the year
ended  31  March  2017 was  IAS 27  Separate  Financial  Statements  (amendment). The  following
standards, amendments to standards and interpretations relevant to the Group have been issued but
are not yet effective. None of these has been early-adopted by the Group.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures (amendment)
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (amendment)
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (amendment)
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
IFRS 16 Leases
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (amendment)
IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows (amendment)
IAS 12 Income Taxes (amendment)
IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment (amendment)
IAS 19 Employee Benefits (amendment)
IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates (amendment)

Page 53

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

•
•
•
•
•
•

IAS 23 Borrowing Costs (amendment)
IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (amendment)
IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (amendment)
IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (amendment)
IAS 38 Intangible Assets (amendment)
IAS 40 Investment Property (amendment)

The Group is in the process of assessing the impact of these new standards on its financial reporting.
On IFRS 9 & IFRS 15 the Group’s initial assessment is that these standards will not have a material
impact on financial reporting.

(c)

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the
power,  directly  or  indirectly,  to direct  relevant  activities  of  an  entity  and  an  exposure  to  variable
returns so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that
presently are exercisable are taken into account.

(d)

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-group  balances  and  any  unrealised  gains  and  losses  arising  from  intra-group  transactions  are
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

(e)

Income available for distribution

Under the articles of association of certain Group investment undertakings, realised capital surpluses
are not available for distribution as dividends.

(f)

Foreign currency translation

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to sterling at the foreign exchange rate
ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated to
sterling at rates approximating to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions.
Foreign  exchange  differences  arising  on  re-translation  are  recognised  directly  in  a  separate
component of equity. The cumulative translation difference for all foreign operations was deemed to
be zero as at the date of transition to IFRS. The year end and average rates used for these purposes
were as follows:

US Dollar

(g) Derivative financial instruments

Year end

Average

2017

1.25

2016

1.44

2017

1.31

2016

1.51

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to interest rate risk arising
from operational and financing activities. As these derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting,
they  are  accounted  for  as  trading  instruments.  Derivative  financial  instruments  are  initially
recognised,  and  subsequently  recorded,  at  fair  value. The  fair  value  of  interest  rate  swaps  is  the
estimated amount that the Group would recover or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet
date, taking into account current interest rates and the credit worthiness of the swap counterparties.
The gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement.

(h)

Investment property

IFRS defines investment properties as those which are held either to earn rental income or for capital
appreciation or both. All of the Group’s property falls within this definition. Investment property is
initially recognised at cost and subsequently recorded at fair value.

Page 54

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

External, independent valuation firms having appropriate recognised professional qualifications and
recent relevant experience in the location and category of property being valued, value the portfolio
annually at the Company’s year end. 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. The valuations are prepared either by
considering the aggregate of the net annual operating income from the properties using a market
yield/capitalisation rate which reflects the risks inherent in the net cash flow which is then applied
to the net annual operating income, or on a sales comparison basis. Any gains or losses arising from
a change in fair value are recognised in the income statement.

When the Group begins to redevelop an existing investment property for continued future use as an
investment property, the property continues to be treated as an investment property, and is measured
based on the fair value model. Interest is capitalised on such developments to the extent that such
interest is directly attributable to the cost of redevelopment.

A  property  interest  under  an  operating  lease  is  classified  and  accounted  for  as  an  investment
property  on  a  property-by-property  basis  when  the  Group  holds  it  to  earn  rentals  or  for  capital
appreciation or both. Any such property interest under an operating lease classified as an investment
property is carried at fair value. Where material, the aggregate present value of the minimum future
lease payments under such leases is recognised as a liability.

Acquisitions  and  disposals  are  recognised  on  the  date  that  the  significant  risks  and  rewards  of
ownership have been transferred. Any resulting gain or loss based on the difference between sale
proceeds and valuation is included in the income statement and taxation applicable thereto is shown
as part of the taxation charge.

(i)

Current investments

Investments  comprise  equity  securities  and  other  investments  held  for  trading  and  classified  as
current assets stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in the income statement.

(j)

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are initially stated at fair value and subsequently carried at cost less an
allowance for impairment. These assets are not discounted as the effect is deemed immaterial.

(k) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and short term deposits. These short term deposits
are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are
subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are repayable on demand and form
an  integral  part  of  the  Group’s  cash  management.  Bank  overdrafts are  therefore included  as  a
component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

(l)

Dividends

Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are approved.

(m) Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are initially stated at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost.

(n) Net rental income

Net rental income comprises rent and service charges receivable less applicable provisions and costs
associated with the properties. Rental income from investment property leased out under operating
leases  is  recognised  in  the  income  statement  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  certain  term  of  the

Page 55

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

lease. Lease incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the total rental income. If a rent
review is due but not yet agreed with the tenant any expected rent increase is only recognised when
receipt  is  highly  probable. Service  charge  income  is  recognised  as  the  services  are  provided.  Net
rental income is stated net of recoverable VAT.

The cost of repairs is written off to the income statement in the year in which the expenditure was
incurred.  Lease  payments  under  operating  leases  are  recognised  in  the  income  statement  on  a
straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

(o) Dividend income

Dividend  income  is  recognised  in  the  income  statement  on  the  date  the  entity’s  right  to  receive
payments is established which, in the case of quoted securities, is the ex-dividend date.

(p)

Taxation

Income  tax  on  the  profit  or  loss  for  the  year  comprises  current  and  deferred  tax.  Income  tax  is
recognised in the 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 substantively 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 (which,
in  the  case  of  investment  property,  is  assumed  to  be  through  sale),  using  tax  rates  enacted  or
substantively 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.

(q)

Segmental reporting

The Company has identified its operating segments on the basis of those components of the Group
which engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses and for
which  discrete  financial  information  is  available  and  regularly  reviewed  by  the  Chief  Operating
Decision Maker in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Group has determined
the Chief Operating Decision Maker to be the Board of Directors.

(r)

Impairment

The  carrying  amounts  of  the  Group’s  assets,  other  than  investment  property  (see  Note  1(h))  and
deferred tax assets (see Note 1(p)), 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 and an impairment loss recognised whenever the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-
use. The value-in-use is determined as the net present value of the future cash flows expected to be
derived  from  the  asset,  discounted  using  a  pre-tax  discount  rate  that  reflects  current  market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

Page 56

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

(s)

Provisions

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a 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  current  market  assessments  of  the  time
value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

(t)

Loans and borrowings

Floating  rate  and  fixed  rate  loans  and  borrowings  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  and  are
subsequently  recorded  at  amortised  cost. Transaction  costs  are  deducted  from  the  fair  value  at
recognition and any differences between the amount initially recognised and the redemption value
is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest rate
basis.  When  mortgages  are  refinanced,  any  redemption  costs  are  immediately  recognised  in  the
income statement.

(u)

Significant judgements, key assumptions and estimates

The  Group’s  significant  accounting  policies  are  set  out  above.  Not  all  of  these  policies  require
management to make subjective or complex judgements or estimates. The following is intended to
provide further detail relating to those accounting policies that management consider particularly
significant because of the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved in their application
and their impact on the consolidated financial statements.

(i)

Property valuations

The valuation of the Group’s property portfolio is inherently subjective, depending on
many factors, including the individual nature of each property, its location and expected
future net rental values, market yields and comparable market transactions (as set out in
Note 9).  Therefore the valuations are subject to a degree of uncertainty and are made on
the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate, particularly in periods of
difficult market or economic conditions such as those that have arisen following the EU
Referendum and UK general election. As noted in Note 1(h), all the Group’s properties
are valued by external valuers with appropriate qualifications and experience.

(ii)

Income taxes

The tax treatment of some transactions and calculations cannot be determined until a
formal resolution has been reached with the relevant tax authorities. In particular, the
Group  is  discussing  the  treatment  of historical  financing  arrangements with  tax
authorities (as set out in Note 6). In such cases, a best estimate of the relevant tax charge
or credit is made, having regard to the extent of uncertainties associated with it. Where
the final outcome of such matters is different from the amounts initially recorded, those
differences will be reflected in the income and deferred taxes amounts at the time of
formal resolution.

Page 57

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

2.

Segmental Analysis

The  Group  is  managed  through  two  discrete  geographical  divisions  and  has  only  one  product  or
service,  being  investment  in  property  for  the  generation  of  rental  income  and/or  capital
appreciation. This is reflected in the Group’s structure and in the segment information reviewed by
the Board.

for the year ended 31 March 2017

Rental and related income
Property operating expenses
Profit on disposal of property
Net valuation movements on property
Administrative expenses
Profit before finance costs
Fair value gains
Other financial income
Financial expenses
Profit before taxation
Income tax charge
Profit for the year
Capital expenditure

Investment property
Other assets
Total segment assets
Total segment liabilities

UK

£000

91,859
(48,334)
14,204
109,987
(11,782)
155,934
86
171
(5,209)
150,982
(17,028)
133,954
23,322

USA Eliminations

£000

£000

48,879
(27,604)
390
34,521
(777)
55,409
–
512
(8,507)
47,414
(19,238)
28,176
6,856

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(184)
184
–
–
–
–

Total

£000

140,738
(75,938)
14,594
144,508
(12,559)
211,343
86
499
(13,532)
198,396
(36,266)
162,130
30,178

1,655,922
82,730
1,738,652
(359,078)

600,878
79,205
680,083
(403,702)

–
(11,904)
(11,904)
11,904

2,256,800
150,031
2,406,831
(750,876)

Capital employed

1,379,574

276,381

–

1,655,955

Page 58

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

for the year ended 31 March 2016

Rental and related income
Property operating expenses
Profit on disposal of property
Net valuation movements on property
Administrative expenses
Profit before finance costs
Fair value gains
Other financial income
Financial expenses
Profit before taxation
Income tax charge
Profit for the year
Capital expenditure

Investment property
Other assets
Total segment assets
Total segment liabilities

UK

£000

97,079
(46,390)
11,352
75,829
(12,341)
125,529
778
171
(5,255)
121,223
(9,688)
111,535
11,065

USA Eliminations

£000

£000

41,118
(23,618)
373
42,118
(700)
59,291
–
508
(7,780)
52,019
(20,549)
31,470
15,874

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(343)
343
–
–
–
–

Total

£000

138,197
(70,008)
11,725
117,947
(13,041)
184,820
778
336
(12,692)
173,242
(30,237)
143,005
26,939

1,522,621
98,125
1,620,746
(361,923)

486,740
60,761
547,501
(326,230)

–
(10,174)
(10,174)
10,174

2,009,361
148,712
2,158,073
(677,979)

Capital employed

1,258,823

221,271

–

1,480,094

No single lessee accounted for more than 5% of the Group’s rental and related income in either year.

3.

Property Operating Expenses

Porterage, cleaning and repairs
Insurance
Building services
Other management costs

2017

£000

35,763
5,055
21,537
13,583

2016
£000

33,642
4,516
19,613
12,237

75,938

70,008

Of  the  property  operating  expenses  shown  above,  an  amount  of  £2,076,000 (2016 –  £3,232,000)
related to properties which generated no income during the year.

Page 59

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

4.

Administrative Expenses

Staff costs
Directors’ remuneration
Audit and accountancy
Legal and other administrative expenses

2017

£000

6,798
2,364
824
2,573

2016
£000

6,827
2,267
854
3,093

12,559

13,041

Auditor’s remuneration:

During the year the Group paid KPMG LLP £31,000 (2016 – £31,000) for the audit of the Company
and £404,000 (2016 – £395,000) for the audit of the Group’s subsidiaries, together with £Nil (2016 –
£Nil) for audit related assurance services and £Nil (2016 – £75,000) for other services.

In  the  UK,  the  average  number  of  staff  provided  by  the  property  and  administrative  management
companies who performed roles for the Group totalled 203 (2016 – 206). The average number of full
time equivalents whose staff costs were borne by the Group during the year was 143 (2016 – 147).
The aggregate staff cost of these persons is shown above and can be analysed as follows:

Salaries
NI contributions
Pensions

2017

£000

5,492
593
713

2016
£000

5,542
538
747

6,798

6,827

In  addition  the  property  and  administrative  management  companies  provide,  under  agency
arrangements,  staff  to  perform  various  caretaking  roles.  Those  costs  totalling  £1,037,000
(2016 –  £1,071,000)  are  included  within  property  operating  expenses  (Note  3)  under  porterage,
cleaning and repairs.

Details of Directors’ remuneration are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

5.

Financial Income and Expenses

Financial income:
Bank interest receivable
Other financial income

Financial expenses:
Interest payable on bank loans
Interest payable on mortgages
Other interest payable

Page 60

2017

£000

2016
£000

44
455

499

36
300

336

3,053
10,466
13

2,904
9,779
9

13,532

12,692

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

6.

Taxation

Taxation based on the profit for the year of the Company and its subsidiaries:

UK corporation tax
UK prior year items

Overseas taxation

Total current tax

Deferred tax
Deferred tax – reduction in future tax rate

Total deferred tax

Total tax charge

Reconciliation of tax expense
Profit before taxation

Corporation tax at the standard UK rate of 20% (2016 – 20%)
Reduction in future tax rate
Prior year items
Impact of different tax rates
Indexation and non-taxable items
Other

Total tax charge

2017

£000

8,026
751

2016
£000

9,139
1,134

8,777

10,273

808

(448)

9,585

9,825

33,830
(7,149)

34,234
(13,822)

26,681

20,412

36,266

30,237

198,396

173,242

39,679
(7,149)
751
6,582
(3,426)
(171)

34,648
(13,822)
1,134
10,145
(1,143)
(725)

36,266

30,237

Reductions in  the  UK  corporation  tax  rate  from  20%  to  19%  (effective  1 April  2017)  and  to  18%
(effective 1 April 2020) were substantively enacted on 18 November 2015.A further reduction in the
UK  corporation  tax  rate  from  18%  to  17%  (effective  1 April  2020)  was substantively enacted  on
15 September  2016. This  will  reduce  the  company’s  future  current  tax  charge  accordingly. The
deferred tax balances at 31 March 2017 have been calculated based on the rate of 17% substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date.

The Group’s effective tax rate for the current year was 18.3% (2016: 17.5%). The current year charge
benefited from the reduction in the future UK tax rate to 17% enacted during the year, which reduced
UK deferred tax liabilities while the prior year benefited from a reduction in the future tax rate from
20% to 18%. This reduction was largely offset by tax on profits arising in the USA, where tax rates are
higher than in the UK. Also in the UK an element of our property revaluation gains are not taxable due
to an indexation allowance.  The rate of this allowance increased to 3.1% (2016: 1.6%).

Tax liabilities are recognised when it is considered probable that there will be a future outflow of
funds to a tax authority. In assessing the amount of tax due the Group uses professional advisers in
both  the  UK  and  the  USA to  assist  in  assessing  tax  due  on  open  tax  computations. The  principal
uncertain  tax  item  relates  to  enquiries  opened  by  HMRC  relating  to  the  interpretation  of  tax
legislation regarding historical financing arrangements that had been entered into over several years
in the ordinary course of business but have now ceased. At present the probable range of outcomes
of the tax due is £0 to £49 million. The directors have made an accrual which is near the middle of

Page 61

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

this range and which is in their view an adequate estimate of potential tax and interest that might
arise.  Due  to  the  uncertainty  associated with such  items,  it  is  possible  that  at  a  future  date,  on
reaching a conclusion on these open tax matters, the final outcome may vary significantly.

7.

Earnings per Share

Earnings  per  share  is  calculated  on  the  earnings,  after  taxation  and non-controlling  interests,  of
£161,779,000 (2016 – £142,900,000) and the weighted average shares in issue during the year of
16,295,357 (2016 – 16,295,357).

8.

Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:
Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2015,

paid 13 November 2015 @ 53p per share

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016,

paid 4 March 2016 @ 35p per share

Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016, 

paid 11 November 2016 @ 58p per share

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2017, 

paid 10 March 2017 @ 35p per share

2017

£000

2016
£000

–

–

8,637

5,703

9,452

5,703

–

–

15,155

14,340

The  Board  has  recommended  a  final  dividend  for  the  year ended  31  March  2017 of  £10,266,000,
representing 63p  per  share. This  dividend  has  not  been  included  as  a  liability  in  these  financial
statements.

9.

Investment Property

Long

Short

Freehold leasehold leasehold
£000

£000

£000

Total

2017

£000

Total

2016
£000

Balance at 1 April
Disposals
New acquisitions
Additions to existing properties
Revaluation (recognised in 

profit)

Foreign exchange movements 

(recognised in other 
comprehensive income)

1,638,584 345,546
(1,192)
–
–
472
211
29,495

25,231 2,009,361 1,855,230
(3,682)
(1,192)
10,380
472
16,559
29,706

–
–
–

131,315

13,181

12

144,508

117,947

62,753

11,192

–

73,945

12,927

Balance at 31 March

1,862,619 368,938

25,243 2,256,800 2,009,361

External,  independent  professional  valuations  of  all  the  Group’s  UK  investment  properties  were
carried out by Colliers International Property Advisers UK LLP, RICS Registered Valuers at 31 March
2017. The  aggregate  amount  of  £1,668.6 million  is  based  on  open  market  values,  assessed  in
accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards (2014). The Group’s USA investment
properties were also independently professionally valued at 31 March 2017 by Joseph J. Blake and

Page 62

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Associates,  Inc.  and  Metropolitan Valuation  Services,  Inc.,  both  USA  Certified  General  Real  Estate
Appraisers. The  aggregate  amount  of  £602.5 million  is  based  on  open  market  values,  assessed  in
accordance with the Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Institute. All three
valuers have recent experience in the location and category of the property being valued.

The aggregate professional valuations included in the above table have been reduced by an amount
of  £14.3 million  (2016 –  £11.3 million),  relating  to  lease  incentives  included  in Trade  and  other
receivables.

As  explained  in  Note  1(u)(i),  property  valuations  are  inherently  subjective,  depending  on  many
factors, including the individual nature of each property, its location and expected future net rental
values,  market  yields  and  comparable  market  transactions. These  fair  value  measurements  are
unrealised and classified as Level 3 as defined by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. There have been
no transfers between the levels of fair value hierarchy during the year. During the year £1.0 million
(2016  – £1.3 million)  of  unrealised  property  revaluation  recognised  in  prior  years  was  realised
through the sale of properties.

Valuation techniques and key inputs

We  set  out  the  valuation  techniques  used  below  and  the  key  inputs  used  in  these  valuation
techniques are set out in the tables over the page.

UK  commercial  property  was  valued  using  the  income  capitalisation  method,  requiring  the
application of the appropriate market based yield to net operating income. Adjustments are made
to allow for voids when less than five years are left under the current tenancy and to reflect market
rent at the point of lease expiry or rent review. Estimated fair value is sensitive to and would increase
if either net operating income increased or estimated yield decreased.

UK  residential  property  was  valued  using  a  sales  valuation  approach,  derived  from  recent
comparable transactions in the market, adjusted by applying discounts to reflect status of occupation
and condition. The largest discounts were applied to those properties subject to registered tenancies,
reflecting the relative difference in security of tenure, whilst the smallest discounts were applied to
those  properties  subject  to  assured  shorthold  tenancies.  The  base  discount  for  condition  was
reduced  from  15%  in  2016  to  10%  in  2017  reflecting  current  estimates  of  costs  being  incurred.
Estimated fair value is sensitive to and would increase if the sales values increased.

USA  commercial  and  residential properties (excluding  co-operative  apartments) have  been  valued
using  the  application  of  a  capitalisation  rate,  based  on  recent  arm’s  length  transactions,  to  an
assessment of stabilised net income, and for residential properties the values are cross-checked to
recent comparative sales evidence. USA commercial and residential estimated fair value is sensitive
to and would increase if either capitalisation rates decreased or estimated rental values increased.

USA co-operative residential apartments have been valued using the application of a discount rate,
based on recent arm’s length transactions, to an assessment of net income over the period to full
reversion, cross-checked to recent comparative sales evidence. USA unsold co-operative residential
apartments estimated fair value is sensitive to and would increase if either discount rates decreased,
estimated rental values increased or estimated sales values increased.

There  are  inter-relationships  between  the  groups  of  inputs  as  they  are  determined  by  market
conditions. Movements in more than one input having the effect of increasing fair value would give
rise to a magnifying effect on the valuation. Conversely, movements of inputs having opposite effects
on fair value would have a mitigating effect on the valuation.

Page 63

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

2017

Fair Value

Rental Value £ per sq ft

Equivalent Yield %

£000

Low Average

High

Low Average

High

UK Commercial
Office Units

Greater London
UK – South
UK – North

Retail Units

Greater London
UK – South
UK – North

Industrial Units
All UK

Leisure and Service Units
All UK

Land and Development
All UK

Total UK Commercial

951,065

UK Residential

Greater London
UK – South
UK – North

Total UK Residential

Total UK

659,160
54,812
3,593

717,565

1,668,630

USA Commercial

Massachusetts, Philadelphia 

297,544
50,077
14,188

227,071
144,689
24,204

3.8
4.2
3.2

3.6
4.0
2.1

31.6
12.4
7.5

23.0
13.7
10.4

75.0
47.2
14.0

81.3
61.4
22.5

4.4%
8.5% 13.7%
4.1% 10.3% 32.5%
6.9% 10.3% 12.7%

1.4%
2.2%
5.2%

8.8% 13.6%
8.8% 20.8%
9.9% 15.4%

37,114

1.5

5.0

20.1

5.8%

9.6% 25.9%

84,578

4.4

15.6

37.6

6.8%

8.7% 12.5%

71,600

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

Sales value £ per sq ft
1,851
932
328
536
338
104
234
167
117

Rental value £ per sq ft

Capitalisation rate %

and New Jersey

84,568

7.7

24.4

30.7

5.0%

5.3%

7.0%

Total USA Commercial

84,568

USA Residential Apartments

New York City
Florida
Other States

211,660
111,636
107,952

Rental value £ per sq ft
27.3
10.8
8.0
10.4
9.3
6.6
15.9
11.7
10.0

Capitalisation rate %
4.1%
6.3%
6.0%

3.5%
6.1%
5.5%

2.5%
6.0%
5.0%

New York City 

– co-operative

Total USA Residential

Total USA

Total Group

Less lease incentives

86,650

3.7

13.4

66.4

6.0%

Discount rate %
9.3% 12.0%

517,898

602,466

2,271,096

(14,296)

2,256,800

Page 64

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Fair Value

Rental Value £ per sq ft

Equivalent Yield %

£000

Low Average

High

Low Average

High

294,126
46,983
11,319

218,501
145,642
28,689

3.8
4.2
4.0

6.7
3.9
2.8

29.5
13.0
6.9

23.4
13.0
10.4

70.5
35.3
13.0

81.3
64.1
42.0

4.7%
8.9% 13.8%
4.4% 10.9% 29.3%
6.7% 10.7% 13.0%

1.4%
2.5%
5.5%

9.3% 20.1%
8.9% 20.2%
9.7% 14.8%

35,319

1.5

5.0

22.6

6.5%

9.7% 23.9%

83,996

5.5

12.3

37.6

6.6%

8.6% 12.1%

2016

Restated*

UK Commercial
Office Units

Greater London
UK – South
UK – North

Retail Units

Greater London
UK – South
UK – North

Industrial Units
All UK

Leisure and Service Units
All UK

Land and Development
All UK

39,425

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

Sales value £ per sq ft
1,805
891
322
525
334
104
228
169
119

Total UK Commercial

904,000

UK Residential

Greater London
UK – South
UK – North

Total UK Residential

Total UK

577,796
47,871
3,148

628,815

1,532,815

USA Commercial

Massachusetts, Philadelphia 

Rental value £ per sq ft

Capitalisation rate %

and New Jersey

61,162

7.7

20.0

23.8

5.0%

5.3%

7.0%

Total USA Commercial

61,162

USA Residential Apartments

New York City
Florida
Other States

170,559
90,284
91,326

Rental value £ per sq ft
23.0
9.1
7.0
8.5
8.1
6.6
13.4
10.1
8.6

Capitalisation rate %
4.5%
6.0%
6.0%

3.7%
6.0%
5.6%

2.5%
6.0%
5.0%

New York City 

– co-operative

Total USA Residential

Total USA

Total Group

Less lease incentives

74,541

2.7

12.1

41.5

6.0%

Discount rate %
9.4% 12.0%

426,710

487,872

2,020,687

(11,326)

2,009,361

* Certain  comparatives  have  been  restated  to  ensure  consistency  of  treatment  with  the  current  year  and  to  reflect  that

additional more detailed analysis is now available.

Page 65

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

The  present  value  of  future  minimum  lease  payments  in  relation  to  the  leasehold  investment
properties is £9.8 million at 31 March 2017 (2016 – £13.5 million).

Reconciliation between the total of future minimum lease payments and their present
capital values

2017

Present

2016

Minimum

Interest

value Minimum

Interest

Present

value

Lease

on lease

of lease

Lease

on lease

of lease

Payments

payments liabilities

£000

£000

£000

Payments payments
£000

£000

liabilities
£000

Due within one year 
541
Due within two to five years 
2,164
Due after more than five years  44,664

(537)
(2,154)
(34,852)

4
10
9,812

567 
2,268 
47,984 

(520)
(2,061)
(34,770)

47
207
13,214

47,369

(37,543)

9,826

50,819 

(37,351)

13,468

Capital commitments, arising from contractual obligations not yet invoiced or paid, for the purchase,
construction, development or enhancement of investment properties, amounted to £42.2 million at
31 March 2017 (2016 – £28.8 million).

10. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

2017

2016

Assets

Liabilities

£000

£000

Net

£000

Assets Liabilities
£000
£000

Net
£000

Investment property
Accelerated tax depreciation
Financial instruments

–
–
524

(270,661) (270,661)
(29,095) (29,095)
524

–

– (234,096) (234,096)
(21,200)
–
571
571

(21,200)
–

524

(299,756) (299,232)

571 (255,296) (254,725)

The movement in deferred tax is as follows:

Accelerated

tax Financial

Investment

depreci-

instru-

property

£000

ation

£000

ments

£000

Total

2017

£000

Total

2016
£000

Balance at 1 April
Recognised in income
Foreign exchange movements

(234,096) (21,200)
(5,270)
(2,625)

(21,364)
(15,201)

571 (254,725)
(47) (26,681)
(17,826)

–

(231,418)
(20,412)
(2,895)

Balance at 31 March

(270,661) (29,095)

524 (299,232)

(254,725)

Page 66

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

11.

Trade and Other Receivables

Rent and service charges debtor
Rent and service charges accrued
Other debtors and prepayments
Mortgages granted repayable within one year

2017

£000

27,354
6,291
30,904
513

2016
£000

27,811
7,895
26,931
482

65,062

63,119

The ageing of rent and service charge receivables was as follows:

Not past due
Past due by less than one month
Past due by one to three months
Past due by three to six months
Past due by more than six months

2017

Impair-

ment

£000

Net

£000

– 23,168
4,263
1,330
1,506
3,378

(354)
(151)
(333)
(9,040)

Gross

£000

23,168
4,617
1,481
1,839
12,418

2016

Impair-

ment
£000

–
(200)
(172)
(556)
(9,877)

Net
£000

22,990
7,576
1,422
1,991
1,727

Gross
£000

22,990
7,776
1,594
2,547
11,604

43,523

(9,878) 33,645

46,511

(10,805)

35,706

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade and other receivables during the
year was as follows:

Balance at 1 April
Amounts written off
Movement in allowance for impairment

Balance at 31 March

12.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Bank balances
Short term deposits

2017

£000

2016
£000

10,805
(598)
(329)

10,215
(1,011)
1,601

9,878

10,805

2017
£000

2016
£000

62,567
21,716

49,647
35,216

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet and cash flow statement

84,283

84,863

Included within bank balances are tenants’ deposits of £3,553,000 (2016 – £3,792,000) in the UK and
£2,885,000 (2016 – £2,326,000) in the USA, which cannot be used in the ordinary course of business.

Page 67

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

13.

Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of 25 pence per share

Number

2017
£000

2016
£000

16,295,357

4,074

4,074

The Company has one class of share, which carries no special rights or rights to fixed income. There
are no restrictions on the transfer of these shares or restrictions on voting rights.

14.

Trade and Other Payables

Rent and service charges charged in advance
Other creditors and accruals
Derivative financial instruments

15.

Loans and Borrowings

Non-current liabilities
Mortgages
Bank loans

Current liabilities
Mortgages
Bank loans

Total loans and borrowings
Mortgages
Bank loans

2017
£000

18,574
29,702
3,084

2016
£000

18,749
34,068
3,170

51,360

55,987

2017
£000

2016
£000

225,283
77,959

225,688
80,724

303,242

306,412

2017
£000

2016
£000

47,028
2,269

14,141
1,375

49,297

15,516

272,311
80,228

239,829
82,099

352,539

321,928

All  mortgages  and  bank  loans  are  secured  on  specific  investment  properties  owned  by  subsidiary
undertakings.

Page 68

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

The maturity profile of the Group’s loans and borrowings was as follows:

Due within one year
Due within one to two years
Due within two to five years
Due after more than five years

2017

Bank loans
£000

Mortgages
£000

2,269
26,712
51,247
–

47,028
30,514
47,891
146,878

Total
£000

49,297
57,226
99,138
146,878

2016
Total
£000

15,516
34,004
132,471
139,937

80,228

272,311

352,539

321,928

The risk profile of the Group’s loans and borrowings, after taking account of interest rate swaps, was
as follows:

2017
Fixed Floating
£000
£000

Total
£000

Fixed
£000

2016
Floating
£000

Total
£000

Sterling
US Dollar

58,190
239,121

55,228 113,418
– 239,121

59,074
205,755

57,099
–

116,173
205,755

297,311

55,228 352,539

264,829

57,099

321,928

Floating rate bank loans bear rates based on LIBOR. The Group’s interest rate swaps are set out in
Note 16. The interest rate profile of the Group’s fixed rate mortgages was as follows:

Per cent.
3.0-3.5
3.5-4.0
4.0-4.5
4.5-5.0
5.0-5.5
5.5-6.0
6.0-6.5

2017
£000

2016
£000

109,899
84,293
10,904
6,526
14,129
31,312
15,248

91,456
68,304
9,679
12,150
14,346
28,603
15,291

272,311

239,829

The  weighted  average  rate and  the  weighted  average  term  of  the  Group’s  fixed  rate  loans  and
borrowings (after taking account of interest rate swaps) were as follows:

Sterling
US Dollar

2017
Per cent.

2016
Per cent.

5.97
3.84

5.97
3.88

2017
Years

9.2
6.7

2016
Years

10.2
7.6

Page 69

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

16.

Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Group’s financial instruments are analysed into categories as follows:

2017

2016

Carrying
amount
£000

162

162

(3,084)

(3,084)

65,062
84,283

149,345

Financing
income/
(expense)
£000

–

–

86

86

455
44

499

Carrying
amount
£000

159

159

(3,170)

(3,170)

63,119
84,863

147,982

Financing

(expense)/
income
£000

(10)

(10)

788

788

300
36

336

Current asset investments

Current assets at fair value

Derivative financial instruments

Current liabilities at fair value

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets at amortised cost

Trade and other payables
Floating rate loans and borrowings
Fixed rate loans and borrowings

(48,276)
(80,228)
(272,311)

(13)
(3,053)
(10,466)

(52,817)
(82,099)
(239,829)

(9)
(3,690)
(8,993)

Current and non-current liabilities at

amortised cost

(400,815)

(13,532)

(374,745)

(12,692)

Total financial instruments

(254,392)

(12,947)

(229,774)

(11,578)

The finance income of £86,000 (2016: £788,000) relating to derivative financial instruments is stated
net of £35,000 income (2016: £84,000 expense) relating to credit risk movements.

Fair values of financial instruments

The  Group’s  financial  instruments  are  either  recorded  at  fair  value  or  their  fair  values  are  not
materially different from their carrying amounts except for fixed rate loans and borrowings. These
are stated at amortised cost as shown in the table above and as explained in Note 1(t).  The fair value
of fixed rate loans and borrowings was £287,351,000 (2016 – £260,057,000). At both the current
and preceding year end there were no non-recurring fair value measurements.

The  Group  does  not  hedge  account  and  all  its interest  rate  swaps  are  initially  recognised,  and
subsequently recorded, at fair value, with any movement being recorded in the consolidated income
statement. The  fair  values  of  all
interest  rate  swaps  and  fixed  rate  loans  and  borrowings  are
determined by reference to observable inputs that are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy
set  out  in  IFRS  13  Fair Value  Measurement. Fair  values  have  been  determined  by  discounting
expected future cash flows using market interest rates and yield curves over the remaining term of
the instrument, as adjusted to reflect the credit risk attributable to the Group and, where relevant,
its counterparty.

Page 70

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Financial instrument risk management

In common with all businesses, the Group is exposed to the following types of risk which arise from
its use of financial instruments:

Credit risk
Liquidity risk
Market risk

This note presents information about the nature of the Group’s exposure to such risks, its objectives,
policies  and  processes  for  measuring  and  managing  risk  and  the  Group’s  management  of  capital.
Reference to disclosures given elsewhere in the financial statements is included as appropriate.

The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  for  determining  the  Group’s  risk  management  objectives  and
policies and, whilst retaining ultimate responsibility for them, has delegated to the finance function
the  authority  for  designing  and  operating  processes  that  ensure  the  effective  implementation  of
those objectives. The overall objectives of the Board are to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far
as possible without unduly affecting the Group’s competitiveness and flexibility.

Credit risk

The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from the potential financial loss if a tenant or counterparty
to  a  financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its  contractual  obligations  and  arises  principally  from  the
Group’s trade receivables from tenants.

Trade receivables

The majority of the Group’s rental income is demanded quarterly in advance and demands are sent
out prior to the due date. Management monitors arrears continually and prompt action is taken to
address potential defaults as appropriate. The credit worthiness of each tenant is assessed prior to
the agreement of the lease. Where appropriate collateral is required by the Group to support lease
obligations. In many cases this takes the form of a tenant security deposit but also includes parent
company  guarantees, bank  or  other  guarantees  where  appropriate.  Provision  is  made  on  a  sliding
scale against any rental arrears where recovery is in doubt or where solicitors have been instructed
to  recover  the  debt,  with  full  provision  for  impairment  usually  being  made  where  a  tenant  is  in
arrears for more than a year. Details of the Group’s trade receivables and the extent of impairment
provisions against them are set out in Note 11.

Due to the large number of tenants across various sectors and geographical locations, the Board does
not consider there to be a significant concentration of credit risk.

Cash and derivative financial instruments

The  credit  rating  of  counterparties  to  financial  instruments  is  kept  under  review. The  Group’s
interest rate  swaps  are  currently out-of-the-money;  consequently,  counterparty  risk  on  swaps  does
not represent a major risk at the current time. The counterparty risk on cash and short-term deposits
is managed by limiting the aggregate exposure to any institution by reference to their credit rating.
Such  balances  are  generally  placed  with  major  financial  institutions  where  credit  risk  is  not
considered significant.

Maximum exposure

The aggregate carrying amounts of the Group’s financial assets, which are stated net of impairment
provisions, represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk, before taking into account the
value of the tenant security deposits held and other collateral.

Page 71

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations
as  they  fall  due  and  arises  from  the  Group’s  management  of  its  working  capital  and  the  finance
charges and amortisation of its loans and borrowings.

The  Group’s  policy  is  to  seek  to  maintain  cash  balances  to  meet  all  short  and  medium  term
requirements. The Group has a low level of gearing relative to the property investment sector as a
whole and has long standing relationships with many leading banks and financial institutions from
which the Board expect to be able to raise further funds if required. At 31 March 2017, gearing was
14.6 per cent. (2016 – 14.9 per cent.) on the basis of gross debt to gross assets. Cash and short-term
deposits at 31 March 2017 were £84.3 million (2016 – £84.9 million) and £49.3 million of loans and
borrowings were repayable within one year (2016 – £15.5 million). In addition, at the same date, the
Group  had  undrawn  committed  facilities  of  £48.4 million  (2016 –  £48.4 million),  which  expire
between 2018 and 2022.

The maturity analysis of the undiscounted cash flows arising from the Group’s financial liabilities at
31 March 2017 was as follows:

Aggregate
undiscounted
cash flows
£000

80,228
272,311
71,774
5,822
48,276

2017

Due
within
one year
£000

2,269
47,028
11,206
1,320
48,276

Due
within
1-2 years
£000

26,712
30,514
9,857
971
–

Due Due after
within more than
5 years
£000

2-5 years
£000

51,247
–
47,891 146,878
28,841
21,870
2,396
1,135
–
–

Carrying
amount
£000

80,228
272,311
–
3,084
48,276

403,899

478,411 110,099

68,054 122,143 178,115

Carrying
amount

£000
82,099
239,829
–
3,170
52,817

377,915

Aggregate
undiscounted
cash flows
£000
82,099
239,829
74,696
3,424
52,817

2016

Due
within
one year
£000
1,375
14,141
10,910
1,298
52,817

Due
within
1-2 years
£000
1,375
32,629
9,762
1,298
–

Due Due after
within more than
5 years
£000
–
139,937
32,097
–
–

2-5 years
£000
79,349
53,122
21,927
828
–

452,865

80,541

45,064

155,226

172,034

Bank loans
Mortgages
Interest
Interest rate swaps
Trade and other payables

Bank loans
Mortgages
Interest
Interest rate swaps
Trade and other payables

Market risk

Market risk arises mainly from the impact that changes in interest rates might have on the cost of
Group borrowing and the impact that changes in the US dollar/sterling rate of exchange might have
on the Group’s recognition of its USA net assets.

Interest rates

The  Group  seeks  to  reduce  the  interest  rate  risk  by  fixing  rates  on  a  majority  of  its  loans  and
borrowings, whilst maintaining some loans at floating rates in order to retain flexibility in relation to
short term interest rates. Interest rates are fixed either through the use of fixed rate mortgage finance
or through interest rate swaps. The Group does not speculate in treasury products but uses these

Page 72

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

only to limit exposure to potential interest rate fluctuations. The interest rate profile of the Group’s
loans and borrowings is set out in Note 15.

It is estimated that a general increase of one percentage point in interest rates would decrease the
Group’s profit before taxation by approximately £0.6 million per annum, on the basis of the floating
rate debt outstanding at 31 March 2017, after taking account of the interest swaps in place.

There also exists a risk to the income statement arising from the recognition and re-measurement of
interest  rate  swaps  at  fair  value.  It  is  estimated  that  a  general  increase  of  one  percentage  point  in
interest rates would give rise to a reduction in fair value of interest rate swaps outstanding at 31 March
2017 of £3.1 million, together with a corresponding increase in the Group’s profit before taxation.

Interest rate swaps

The interest rate swaps held by the Group at the year end were as follows:

Maturing within one to two years
Maturing after five years

Contracted rate

Notional principal

Fair value

2017

Per cent.
5.6
1.6

2016
Per cent.
5.6
–

2017

£000
25,000
30,000

2016
£000
25,000
–

2017

£000
2,084
1,000

2016
£000
3,170
–

55,000

25,000

3,084

3,170

Foreign exchange rates

The Group seeks to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk in relation to its USA net assets by
funding  its  USA  investment  property  with  US dollar  denominated  loans  and  borrowings. As  the
Group’s investment in USA assets are held for the long term and funds are not usually returned to
the UK, the Group’s policy is not to hedge its residual exposure. Management monitors exchange
rates on a regular basis and elects to transfer funds only when the rate is favourable to do so.

It is estimated that a 10 per cent depreciation of the US dollar against sterling would cause a decrease
in the sterling value of the Group’s USA net assets of £25.1 million.

Capital management

The  capital  structure  of  the  Group  consists  of  equity  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  parent
together with net debt. This is kept under constant review to ensure the Group has sufficient capital
to fund its operations and that the Group’s strategy of low gearing is maintained. The Group seeks to
maintain  a  balance  between  longer-term  finance  appropriate  to  fund  its  long-term  investment
property  holding  strategy  and  cost  effectiveness,  given  availability  of  debt  in  the  market.  Equity
comprises issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as set out in the consolidated statement
of changes in equity. Net debt comprises a mix of fixed rate mortgages and shorter-term bank loans
as set out in Note 15 and cash and short term deposits as set out in Note 12. All loans and borrowings
are secured against investment property and the bank loans are drawn against committed facilities.

17. Related Party Transactions

Day-to-day management of the Group’s properties and its operations in the UK is mainly carried out
by Highdorn Co. Limited and by Freshwater Property Management Limited. Mr B S E Freshwater and
Mr  S  I  Freshwater  are  Directors  of  both  companies. They  have  no  beneficial  interest  in  the  share
capital of Highdorn Co. Limited. Mr B S E Freshwater, Mr S I Freshwater and Mr D Davis are Directors
of the parent company of Freshwater Property Management Limited but have no beneficial interest
in either company. Mr R E Freshwater has a beneficial interest in a trust holding interests in shares
in Highdorn Co. Limited.

Page 73

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

In their capacity as property managing agents, Highdorn Co. Limited (“Highdorn”) and Freshwater
Property Management Limited (“FPM”) collect rents and incur direct property expenses on behalf of
the Group. At 31 March 2017, the aggregate net amounts due to the Group from Highdorn and FPM
was £6.6 million (2016 – £7.7 million due to Highdorn and FPM). These amounts are not secured and
are payable on demand. No guarantees have been given or received and the amounts are settled in
cash.

The amounts paid and payable by the Group for the provision of property and other management
services  by  Highdorn  Co. Limited  and  Freshwater  Property  Management  Limited, included  above,
were as follows:

Balance due to related party managing agents at 1 April
Charged during the year
Paid during the year

Balance due to related party managing agents at 31 March

2017

£000

2016
£000

2,891
4,488
(5,490)

4,087
3,975
(5,171)

1,889

2,891

Mr B S E Freshwater, Mr S I Freshwater and Mr D Davis are trustees of two charities that own 6.3% of
the  share  capital  of  the  Company. These  charities  have  received  dividend  payments  in  the  year  of
£960,659 (2016 – £909,010). The Directors’ interests in the Company and the principal shareholders
are described on pages 30 and 31.The Board considers that the Directors are the key management
personnel of the Group and their remuneration is disclosed on page 35.

18.

Contingent Liabilities

The Group is from time to time party to legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The
Directors are not aware of any current actions which could have a material adverse effect on the
financial position of the Group.

19. Operating Lease Agreements

The Group earns rental income by leasing its investment properties to tenants under operating leases
which vary in terms and provisions between type of property and type of tenure. Leases providing
for contingent rents are rare within the Group’s property portfolio and no amounts for contingent
rents are included in rental income for the year (2016 – £Nil).

At the balance sheet date, future minimum lease payments receivable by the Group under operating
leases were as follows:

Due within one year
Due within one to two years
Due within two to five years
Due after more than five years

2017

£000

2016
£000

76,536
49,043
105,796
273,792

75,480
45,112
97,011
301,211

505,167

518,814

Many of the Group’s residential properties are let under assured shorthold tenancies which typically
are for initial terms of 12 months or less, whereafter they are cancellable at short notice. The Group’s
experience is that a significant proportion of such tenancies are held over after the expiry of their
initial term.

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DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

20.

Subsidiary Undertakings

Except  where  indicated  the  following  are  indirect  subsidiaries  of  the  Company,  where  the
Company’s direct and indirect interest is in ordinary shares. All are wholly owned, unless as indicated
below, are property investment companies and are included in the consolidated financial statements.

Incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales

Registered office: Freshwater House, 158 – 162 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8HR

Agecroft Estates Limited
Alsam Limited
Astral Estates (London) Limited
Bagnight Limited*
Bampton (B&B) Limited
Bampton (Redbridge) Limited
Bampton Holdings Limited
Bampton Homes Limited
Bampton Management Limited
Bampton Property Group Limited (The)
Brickfield Properties Limited
Chilon Investment Co. Limited
City and Country (Londonderry House) Limited
City and Country Properties (Birmingham)
Limited
City and Country Properties (Camberley)
Limited
City and Country Properties (Estates) Limited
City and Country Properties (Gillingham)
Limited
City and Country Properties (Leeds) Limited
City and Country Properties (Midlands) Limited
City and Country Properties Limited
Coindragon Limited*
Coineagle Limited*
Coinface Limited*
Coinmad Limited*
Coinmoat Limited*
Coinorbit Limited*
Coinpilot Limited*
Coinreach Limited*
Coinsmart Limited*
Coinspear Limited*
Coinsun Limited
Consbrix Developments Limited
Cromlech Property Co. Limited (The)
Crozera Limited
Daejan (Brentford) Limited*
Daejan (Brighton) Limited
Daejan (Cambridge) Limited
Daejan (Cardiff) Limited
Daejan (Care Homes) Limited*
Daejan (Dartford) Limited

* Directly owned

Daejan (Design & Build) Limited*
Daejan (Durham) Limited*
Daejan (FH 1998) Limited
Daejan (FHNV 1998) Limited
Daejan (Hanger Hill) Limited*
Daejan (High Wycombe) Limited
Daejan (Kingston) Limited
Daejan (Lauderdale) Limited
Daejan (Norwich) Limited
Daejan (NUNV) Limited
Daejan (NUV) Limited
Daejan (PF) Limited
Daejan (Reading) Limited
Daejan (Taunton) Limited
Daejan (UK) Limited*
Daejan (US) Limited*
Daejan (Warwick) Limited
Daejan (Watford) Limited
Daejan (Wimbledon) Limited*
Daejan (Worcester) Limited
Daejan Commercial Properties Limited
Daejan Developments Limited
Daejan Enterprises Limited
Daejan Estates Limited
Daejan Investments (Grove Hall) Limited
Daejan Investments (Harrow) Limited
Daejan Investments (Park) Limited
Daejan Investments Limited
Daejan Metropolitan Investments Limited*
Daejan Properties Limited
Daejan Retail Properties Limited
Daejan Securities Limited*
Daejan Services Limited*
Daejan Traders Limited*
Daneryn Limited*
Derlingrange Limited*
Ealux Limited
Endell Developments Limited*
Endell Properties Limited*
Endell Real Estate Limited*
Esslock Limited 
Fifth Charles Investments Limited*
First Charles Investments Limited*

Page 75

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued 

Foredale Limited*
Gertsbrix Developments Limited
Grapeseal Limited*
Halliard Property Co. Limited (The)
Hampstead Way Investments Limited
Inputstock Limited
Inputstripe Limited
Insworth Investments Limited*
Johnsbrix Developments Limited
Kingforge Limited*
Kintsilk Investments Limited
Lawnstamp Limited
Lesbrix Developments Limited
Limebridge Co. Limited
Lookstate Limited
Lyme & Farrar Limited

Marfred Limited
Mineral and General Investments Limited
Modboon Limited*
Mont Investments Limited
Offerworld Limited
Pegasus Investment Company Limited
Ronend Properties Limited*
Rosebel Holdings Limited
Seaglen Investments Limited
Semlark Limited*
Simlock Limited
St. Leonards Properties Limited
Strand Palace Hotel Limited*
Summerseas Investment Co. Limited
Wisebourne Limited*
Workvideo Limited *

Incorporated in Guernsey
Registered office: Bordage House, Le Bordage, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1BU

Daejan Financing Limited
Three Dials Limited
Four Dials Limited

Eight Dials Limited
Nine Dials Limited
Ten Dials Limited

Incorporated in the Isle of Man
Registered office: 8 St George’s Street Douglas IM1 1AH

Temple Investments Limited

Incorporated in Curaçao
Registered office: Schottegatweg Oost 44, Curaçao

Daejan Holdings N.V. 

* Directly owned

Page 76

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

Incorporated in the USA

Registered office, except as noted in (i) to (vii) below: 1651 Coney Island Avenue,

Brooklyn, NY 11230

77NW LLC
200 Portland LLC
260 Realty Associates**
427 West 51st Street Owners Corp.
611 West 158th Street Corp.
670 River Realty Corp.
730 GC Realty Corp.
1750 GC LLC
3380 Nostrand LLC
Ace 2160 Wallace LLC
Ace 2180 Wallace LLC
Ace 2181 Barnes LLC
Ace 2181 Wallace LLC
CM Bucks Landing 120 LLC
Daejan 1010 Regency LLC(i)
Daejan 11 E Chase LLC(i)
Daejan 77, Inc.(vii)
Daejan 3120 Court LLC(i)
Daejan Astoria LLC
Daejan Baltimore Inc.
Daejan Chesterfield LLC(ii)
Daejan Crossroads LLC
Daejan Enterprises Inc.
Daejan Fisherman’s Landing LLC(iii)

Daejan Greenwich Commons LLC(iv)
Daejan Hidden Palms LLC(iii)
Daejan Holdings (U.S.) Inc.*(vi)
Daejan Inverrary LLC
Daejan Lauderhill Inc.
Daejan Lycoming LLC, Inc.
Daejan N.Y. Ltd.
Daejan Oak Manor, Inc.(v)
Daejan Portland, Inc.
DJN Crossroad, Inc.
DJN Greenwich Inc.
DJN Raritan LLC
Ivory 1150 Concourse Corp.
Ivory 1166 G.C. Realty Corp.
Ivory 3045 Grand Concourse Corp.
Ivory 3591 Bainbridge Corp.
Ivory 3780 Bronx Blvd. Corp.
Ivory 3908 Bronx Realty Corp.
Ivory 780 Grand Corp.
Ivory 790 G.C. Corp.
New Franconia Associates***
Sevens G.C. Realty Corp.
Tampa Sunscape Inc.

Registered offices: (i) 6800 Liberty Road, Baltimore, MD 21207; (ii) 4200 Inverrary Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33319; 
(iii) 14555 Bruce D. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613; (iv) 14608 43rd Street, Tampa, FL 33813; (v) 5105 Mission Hills Ave, Tampa,
FL 33617; (vi) 1105 North Market Street, Wilmington, NY 19899; (vii) 65 Franklin Street, Suite 401; Boston, MA 02110.

* Directly owned

** 75% owned

*** 70% owned

Page 77

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 March 2017

Notes

£000

2017
£000

£000

2016
£000

Fixed assets
Investment in subsidiary

undertakings
Deferred tax assets

4

Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank

Creditors: amounts falling 
due within one year

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current

liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due
after more than one year

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves
Profit and loss account

Equity shareholders’ funds

1,330,488
524

1,331,012

1,326,297
571

1,326,868

1,157
6,570

7,727

860
16,043

16,903

5

(300,635)

(284,216)

(292,908)

(267,313)

1,038,104

1,059,555

6

7

(60,469)

977,635

4,074
555
893
972,113

977,635

(63,535)

996,020

4,074
555
893
990,498

996,020

The financial statements of Daejan Holdings PLC (Company number 305105) on pages 78 to 82 were
approved by the Board of Directors on 24 July 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:

B S E Freshwater

Director

D Davis

Director

Page 78

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the year to 31 March 2017

Balance at 1 April 2015

Loss for the year

Dividends to equity shareholders

Balance at 1 April 2016

Loss for the year

Dividends to equity shareholders

Issued

share

capital
£000

4,074

–

–

4,074

–

–

Balance at 31 March 2017

4,074

Share

premium

account
£000

555

–

–

555

–

–

555

Equity

Other

Retained shareholders’

reserves
£000

earnings
£000

funds
£000

893

1,006,523

1,012,045

–

–

(1,685)

(1,685)

(14,340)

(14,340)

893

990,498

996,020

–

–

(3,230)

(3,230)

(15,155)

(15,155)

893

972,113

977,635

Page 79

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.

Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are
considered material in relation to the Company’s financial statements.

(a)

Basis of preparation

The  Company  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with Financial  Reporting
Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (“FRS
102”). The Company has adopted the following disclosure exemptions permitted by FRS 102 1.12
(b), (c) and (e): The requirement to present a statement of cash flows; the requirement to disclose
the  terms  and  conditions  of  long  term  debt;  and  the  requirement  to  disclose  key  management
personnel compensation in total. 

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit and loss account dealing
with  the  results  of  the  Company  has  not  been  presented. The  Company’s loss  for  the  year  after
taxation was £3,230,000 (2016 – £1,685,000).

(b)

Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Investments in subsidiary undertakings comprise shares in, and loans to, those undertakings and are
stated at cost less any provision for impairment.

(c)

Financial instruments

Financial  liabilities  and  equity  instruments  are  classified  according  to  the  substance  of  the
contractual arrangements entered into.  An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual
interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all financial liabilities.

Basic financial instruments
(i) Trade and other creditors
Trade  and  other  creditors  are  recognised  initially  at  transaction  price  less  attributable  transaction
costs.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition  they  are  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective
interest  method.  If  the  arrangement  constitutes  a  financing  transaction,  for  example  if  payment  is
deferred beyond normal business terms, then it is measured at the present value of future payments
discounted at a market rate for a similar debt instrument.

(ii) Loans and borrowings
Loans  and  borrowings  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  and  are  subsequently  recorded  at
amortised cost. Transaction costs are deducted from the fair value at recognition and any differences
between  the  amount  initially  recognised  and  the  redemption  value  is  recognised  in  the  income
statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest rate basis.

Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to interest rate risk arising
from operational and financing activities. As these derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting,
they  are  accounted  for  as  trading  instruments.  Derivative  financial  instruments  are  initially
recognised,  and  subsequently  recorded,  at  fair  value. The  fair  value  of  interest  rate  swaps  is  the
estimated  amount  that  the  Company  would  recover  or  pay  to  terminate  the  swap  at  the  balance
sheet  date,  taking  into  account  current  interest  rates  and  the  credit  worthiness  of  the  swap

Page 80

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

counterparties. The  gain  or  loss  on  re-measurement  to  fair  value  is  recognised  immediately  in  the
income statement.

(d) Deferred tax

Deferred  tax  is  provided  on  timing  differences  which  arise  from  the  inclusion  of  income  and
expenses  in  tax  assessments  in  periods  different  from  those  in  which  they  are  recognised  in  the
financial statements. Deferred tax is not recognised on permanent differences arising because certain
types  of  income  or  expenses  are  non-taxable  or  are  disallowable  for  tax  or  because  certain  tax
charges or allowances are greater or smaller than the corresponding income or expense.

Deferred  tax  is  measured  at  the  tax  rate  that  is  expected  to  apply  to  the  reversal  of  the  related
difference, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Unrelieved  tax  losses  and  other  deferred  tax  assets  are  recognised  only  to  the  extent  that  it  is
probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future
taxable profits.

(e)

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the
transaction and gains and losses on translation are included in the profit and loss account.

2.

Profit on Ordinary Activities before Taxation

The Company has no staff other than its Directors and their remuneration is set out on pages 35 and
36  of  the  Group  accounts. The  parent  company  audit  fee  is  disclosed  on  page 60 of  the  Group
accounts.

3.

Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:
Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2015,

paid 13 November 2015 @ 53p per share

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016,

paid 4 March 2016 @ 35p per share

Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016, 

paid 11 November 2016 @ 58p per share

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2017, 

paid 10 March 2017 @ 35p per share

2017
£000

2016
£000

–

–

8,637

5,703

9,452

5,703

–

–

15,155

14,340

The  Board  has  recommended  a  final  dividend  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017 of  £10,266,000,
representing 63p  per  share. This  dividend  has  not  been  included  as  a  liability  in  these  financial
statements.

Page 81

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  continued

4.

Investments in Subsidiary Undertakings

At 1 April 2016
Loans

At 31 March 2017

Shares at 
cost
£000

991,933
–

Loans
£000

Total
£000

334,364
4,191

1,326,297
4,191

991,933

338,555

1,330,488

5.

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans and overdrafts
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Other creditors and accruals
Derivative financial instruments

2017
£000

2,498
294,282
771
3,084

2016
£000

1,592
268,515
10,939
3,170

300,635

284,216

6.

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Secured bank loans

7.

Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of 25 pence per share

8.

Profit and Loss Reserve

2017
£000

2016
£000

60,469

63,535

Number

2017
£000

2016
£000

16,295,357

4,074

4,074

Some  years  ago,  the  Company  sold  its  shareholdings  in  certain  subsidiary  undertakings  to
intermediate  holding  companies. As  a  result  of  that  transaction,  the  parent  company  transferred
£645.1 million of revaluation gains relating to these investments to the profit and loss reserve. As the
transfer of these revaluation gains arose as a result of a sale of assets within the Group, it is unlikely
that the Company will seek to treat the profit and loss reserve thus arising as distributable.

Under the articles of association of certain Group investment undertakings, realised capital surpluses
are not available for distribution as dividends.

Page 82

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

GROUP FIVE-YEAR RECORD

2013
£000
111,037
(67,017)

2014
£000
112,202
(68,789)

2015
£000
128,976
(70,041)

2016
£000
138,197
(70,008)

2017
£000
140,738
(75,938)

44,020
6,612

43,413
11,320

58,935
12,036

68,189
11,725

64,800
14,594

82,694
(10,936)

122,050
(10,550)

229,722
(11,821)

117,947
(13,041)

144,508
(12,559)

122,390
(10,671)

166,233
(8,063)

288,872
(11,333)

184,820
(11,578)

211,343
(12,947)

111,719
(21,792)

158,170
(12,231)

277,539
(49,979)

173,242
(30,237)

198,396
(36,266)

89,927

145,939

227,560

143,005

162,130

£8.95

£5.51

£13.95
£9.93
1,515,932 1,655,552 1,964,088 2,158,073 2,406,831
996,893 1,117,533 1,345,874 1,480,094 1,655,955
£82.59
£101.61

£68.58

£61.18

£90.82

£8.77

Total rental and related income
Property operating expenses

Net rental and related income
Profit on disposal of investment properties
Net valuation gains on investment 

properties

Administrative expenses

Net operating profit before 

financing costs

Net financing expense

Profit before taxation
Income tax

Profit for the year

Earnings per share
Total assets
Equity shareholders’ funds
Equity shareholders’ funds per share

Page 83

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS

Directors

B S E Freshwater

Auditor

KPMG LLP

(Chairman and Managing Director)

15 Canada Square, 

S B Benaim (non-executive)

London E14 5GL

D Davis (non-executive)

S I Freshwater

Consulting Accountants

A M Freshwater (USA) (non-executive) 

Cohen Arnold

R E Freshwater (non-executive)

New Burlington House, 

C B Freshwater (non-executive)

1075 Finchley Road,

S Srulowitz (USA) (non-executive)

London NW11 0PJ

Secretary

M R M Jenner F.C.I.S.

Principal Bankers

Lloyds Banking Group plc

Barclays Bank PLC

Registered & Head Office

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc

Stockbrokers

N+1 Singer

1 Bartholomew Lane,

London EC2N 2AX

Freshwater House,

158-162 Shaftesbury Avenue, 

London WC2H 8HR

Registered in England

Co. No. 305105

Registrars

Equiniti

Aspect House, 

Spencer Road, 

Lancing,

West Sussex BN99 6DA

Page 84

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTICE OF MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Eighty Second Annual General Meeting of Daejan Holdings PLC will
be  held  at The  Grand  Saloon, Theatre  Royal,  Drury  Lane,  Catherine  Street,  London WC2B 5JF,  on
Tuesday 12th September at 2.00 p.m. for the following purposes:

Ordinary Business

To consider and if thought fit, pass the following Ordinary Resolutions:

1. 

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

To  receive  the  Financial  Statements  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017 together  with  the
Reports of the Directors and the Auditors. (Resolution 1)

To approve the Remuneration Policy. (Resolution 2)

To approve the Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 March 2017. (Resolution 3)

To declare a final dividend. (Resolution 4)

To elect S B Benaim as a Director. (Resolution 5)

To elect S Srulowitz as a Director. (Resolution 6)

To elect C B Freshwater as a Director. (Resolution 7)

To re-elect B S E Freshwater as a Director. (Resolution 8)

To re-elect S I Freshwater as a Director. (Resolution 9)

10.

To re-elect D Davis as a Director. (Resolution 10)

11.

To re-elect R E Freshwater as a Director. (Resolution 11)

12.

To re-elect A M Freshwater as a Director. (Resolution 12)

13.

To appoint  KPMG LLP  as Auditor,  and  to  authorise  the  Directors  to  agree its  remuneration.
(Resolution 13)

By order of the Board

M R M Jenner
Secretary

24 July 2017

1. Members are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of their rights to attend and to speak and vote on
their behalf at the meeting and at any adjournment of it. A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation
to the meeting provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares
held by that member. If a proxy appointment is submitted without indicating how the proxy should vote on any
resolution, the proxy will exercise his/her discretion as to whether and, if so, how he/she votes.

2.

3.

4.

5.

A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A proxy form which may be used to make such appointment and
give proxy instructions accompanies this notice. If you do not have a proxy form and believe that you should have
one, or if you require additional forms, please contact the Company’s Registrar, Equiniti Limited, on 0371 384 2203
(international callers: +44 121 415 7047). Lines open 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Members may also
appoint a proxy through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service as described in note 13 below.

To be valid any proxy form or other instrument appointing a proxy must be received by post or (during normal
business hours only) by hand to Equiniti Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA no
later than 2.00 p.m. on 10 September 2017, together with, if appropriate, the power of attorney or other authority
(if any) under which it is signed or a duly certified copy of that power or authority.

The  return  of  a  completed  proxy  form,  other  such  instrument  or  any  CREST  Proxy  Instruction  (as  described  in
note 13(a) below) will not prevent a member attending the meeting and voting in person if he/she wishes to do so.

A vote withheld option is provided on the form of proxy to enable you to instruct your proxy not to vote on any
particular resolution. However, it should be noted that a vote withheld in this way is not a ‘vote’ in law and will not
be counted in the calculation of the proportion of the votes ‘For’ and ‘Against’ a resolution.

Page 85

DAEJAN HOLDINGS PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2017

NOTICE OF MEETING  continued

6.

7.

8.

9.

Any person to whom this notice is sent who is a person nominated under section 146 of the Companies Act 2006
to enjoy information rights (a “Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement between him/her and the shareholder
by whom he/she was nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for
the Annual  General  Meeting.  If  a  Nominated  Person  has  no  such  proxy  appointment  right  or  does  not  wish  to
exercise it, he/she may, under any such agreement, have a right to give instructions to the shareholder as to the
exercise of voting rights.

The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation to the appointment of proxies in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above
does  not  apply  to  Nominated  Persons.  The  rights  described  in  these  paragraphs  can  only  be  exercised  by
shareholders of the Company.

To be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting (and for the purpose of the determination by the Company of the
votes  they  may  cast),  members  must  be  registered  in  the  register  of  members  of  the  Company  at 6.30 p.m.  on
10 September 2017 (or, in the event of any adjournment, 6.30 p.m. on the date which is two days before the time
of the adjourned meeting). Changes to the register of members after the relevant deadline shall be disregarded in
determining the rights of any person to attend and vote at the meeting.

In  the  case  of  joint  holders,  where  more  than  one  of  the  joint  holders  purports  to  appoint  a  proxy,  only  the
appointment submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which
the names of the joint holders appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the
first-named being the most senior).

10.

If a member submits more than one valid proxy appointment, the appointment received last before the latest time
for the receipt of proxies will take precedence.

11. Any member attending the meeting has the right to ask questions. The Company must cause to be answered any
such question relating to the business being dealt with at the meeting but no such answer need be given if (i) to
do so would interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or would involve the disclosure of confidential
information or (ii) the answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question or (iii) it
is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of the meeting that the question be answered.

12. As at the date of issue of this notice the Company’s issued share capital consists of 16,295,357 ordinary shares,
carrying one vote each. Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company as at the date of issue of this notice are
16,295,357.

13. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service
may  do  so  for  this  meeting  by  using  the  procedures  described  in  the  CREST  Manual  which  can  be  viewed  at
www.euroclear.com. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members
who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s),
who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. Please note the following:

(a)

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate
CREST message (a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear
UK  &  Ireland  Limited’s  specifications  and  must  contain  the  information  required  for  such  instructions,  as
described in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy
or is an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be
transmitted  so  as  to  be  received  by  the  issuer’s  agent  (ID  RA19)  by  the  latest  time(s)  for  receipt  of  proxy
appointments specified in this notice. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as
determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which the issuer’s
agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time
any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee
through other means.

(b) CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers, should note that
Euroclear  UK  &  Ireland  Limited  does  not  make  available  special  procedures  in  CREST  for  any  particular
messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy
Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a
CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that
his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a
message  is  transmitted  by  means  of  the  CREST  system  by  any  particular  time.  In  this  connection,  CREST
members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred in particular to
those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

(c) The  Company  may  treat  as  invalid  a  CREST  Proxy  Instruction  in  the  circumstances  set  out  in  regulation

35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

14. Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its

behalf all of its powers as a member provided they do not do so in relation to the same shares.

15. A copy of this notice and other information required by Section 311A of the Companies Act 2006 can be found at

www.daejanholdings.com.

16. You may not use any fax number, email address or other electronic address provided in this document or on the

proxy form to communicate with the Company for any purpose other than expressly stated.

Page 86

sterling 168679
Design, art direction and photography by Roger Watt.