Quarterlytics / Real Estate / REIT - Retail / Hammerson plc

Hammerson plc

hmso · LSE Real Estate
Claim this profile
Ticker hmso
Exchange LSE
Sector Real Estate
Industry REIT - Retail
Employees 201-500
← All annual reports
FY2020 Annual Report · Hammerson plc
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
H

H

A

A

M

M

M

M

E

E

R

R

S

S

O

O

N

N

P

P

L

L

C

C

A

A

N

N

N

N

U

U

A

A

L

L

R

R

E

E

P

P

O

O

R

R

T

T

2

2

0

0

2

1

9

0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our purpose

We create vibrant, continually evolving spaces, in and 
around thriving cities, where people and brands want 
to be. We seek to deliver value for all our stakeholders 
and to create a positive and sustainable impact for 
generations to come.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Independent auditors’ report
Group financial statements
Notes to the financial statements

Financial Statements
82 
83 
93 
99
146 Company financial statements
148 Notes to the Company financial statements

Other Information
154 Additional disclosures

 – EPRA measures
 – Portfolio analysis
 – Share of Property interests
 – Premium outlets
 – Proportionally consolidated information

167  Key property listing 
168 Ten-year financial summary 
169 GHG emissions 2020
170  Shareholder information
172 Glossary

Contents

Strategic Report
1
2
4
5
8
12
13
14
16
20
21
25
35 
42

2020 summary metrics
Letter from the Chair of the Board
Our business model
Chief Executive’s review
2020 Overview
Market overview
Our strategy and priorities
Key Performance Indicators
Sustainability review – Positive Places
Our people
Property portfolio review
Financial review
Risks and uncertainties
Viability statement

Board of Directors
Corporate Governance report
Nomination Committee report

Corporate Governance Report
44 
45
52
56 
60 
80  

Audit Committee report
Directors’ Remuneration report
Directors’ report 

Visit our website www.hammerson.com for more 
information about us and our business

@hammersonplc

Hammerson

@hammerson_plc

2020 summary metrics

IFRS loss1

£(1,735)m

(2019: £(781)m loss)

Equity shareholders’ funds1

£3,209m 

(2019: £4,377m)

Adjusted earnings per share2

EPRA NTA per share2

1.6p

(2019: 12.8p restated)

Basic loss per share1 2

(76.9)p

(2019: (46.6)p loss restated)

£0.82

(2019: £1.16 restated) 

Net debt 4

£2,234m

(2019: £2,843m)

Dividend per share3 

0.4p

(4.0p enhanced scrip)

(2019: 5.1p restated)

Leasing activity4

£14.6m

(2019: £22.6m)

Portfolio value5 

£6,338m
£6,338m

(2019: £8.327m)

Flagships UK 

Flagships France 

Flagships Ireland 

UK retail parks 

£1,511m  24%

£1,147m  18%

£757m  12%

£384m 

6%

Developments & UK Other 

£615m  10%

Premium outlets: Value Retail  £1,924m  30%

1.  Attributable to equity shareholders.
2.  Calculations for basic, adjusted and EPRA per share figures are shown in note 11 to the financial statements on pages 117 to 121. 2019 figures have been restated 

to reflect the share consolidation and rights issue in 2020 as explained on pages 119 and 121.

3.  See note 10 to the financial statements on page 117. The 2019 figure has been restated following the share consolidation and rights issue.
4.  Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets. See page 25 of the Financial review for a description of the presentation of financial information. 
5.  As at 31 December 2020. Proportionally consolidated, including premium outlets. A list of our key properties is shown on page 167.

www.hammerson.com 1

 
Letter from the Chair of the Board

Hammerson is a great company, with a strong heritage. In my first few months, with the business 
facing unprecedented difficulty, I have witnessed the resilience of colleagues in the face of the 
immediate challenges, and their huge commitment to its long-term success. There is much still to be 
done to strengthen Hammerson and return the business to sustained growth and ensure the highest 
standards of operational performance and corporate governance. 

We understand the pressure that all retailers and leisure operators 
have been under and have worked with our tenants throughout, to 
support them where we can, whilst recognising the need to maximise 
income. The pressure on colleagues has also been immense with many 
juggling childcare, caring for other dependants, and home schooling 
during the working day.

Raising capital
The various lockdowns across our operating markets had a profound 
impact on our tenants which, in turn – and exacerbated by the 
suspension of enforcement against non-payment of rent – has hugely 
impacted our income as well as rental and capital values. In April 2020, 
Orion European Real Estate Fund V failed to complete its acquisition 
of a portfolio of our retail parks for a headline price of £400 million. As 
it became clear that sufficient disposals were not going to be achieved 
as planned at the beginning of the year, the Board took further steps to 
reduce debt, strengthen the balance sheet and ensure adequate 
liquidity to see the business through the current conditions.

In August 2020, to reduce net debt, Hammerson announced proposals 
for a sale of its 50% share in VIA Outlets (subject to retention of a 
minority stake) to its joint venture partner APG and a rights issue 
which together raised gross proceeds of approximately £834m. These 
proposals were supported by over 99% of shareholders and both 
transactions were successfully completed by the end of October 2020.

A second UK national lockdown in November 2020 and a significant 
pick up in the use of company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) and 
administrations further impacted our portfolio and our markets. And 
almost as soon as we came out of lockdown in December 2020, many 
parts of the UK, Ireland and France were put into the highest tier of 
restrictions prior to Christmas. Finally, right at the end of the year the 
UK Government ordered the closure of non-essential retail. As a 
consequence, our market remains in severe stress and the Board 
remains focused on disposals, cost reduction and cash retention.

Dividend
In March 2020, the Board announced it had cancelled the final 
dividend of 14.8p for the year ended 31 December 2019. As anticipated 
in the rights issue prospectus, the Group was obliged to pay a  
£70 million property income distribution (PID) for 2019 in order to 
maintain its Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) status and as part of 
its SIIC obligations. In order to satisfy this requirement while 
conserving cash, the Group announced a proposed 0.2p per share 
dividend with an enhanced scrip alternative of 2p per share. This 
proposal was supported by 99.9% of shareholders who voted at a 
General Meeting on 4 December 2020. Shareholders representing  
81.1% of the issued share capital elected to receive the enhanced scrip 
resulting in the issuance of 226 million new shares in December. A 
final 2020 dividend of 0.2p per share in cash has been proposed by the 
Board to be paid entirely as a PID. The Company will again offer an 
enhanced scrip alternative of 2p per share. The Board expects to 
continue to satisfy any REIT and SIIC distribution requirements this 
way in 2021.

Robert Noel
Chair of the Board

Following an induction period, which started in July 2020, I joined 
Hammerson in September 2020 succeeding David Tyler as Chair of 
the Board. I would like to thank David for his eight years’ service with 
the Group, the thorough handover I received from him, and for his 
efforts in seeking to stabilise the business over the summer.

2020 in perspective
The last three years have been a difficult period for Hammerson but 
2020 has been acutely testing and painful, particularly for 
shareholders, who I know have suffered significant value reduction 
during the year. The retail sector, already in the grip of major 
structural change, has faced sharp economic contraction due to the 
restrictions imposed to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and an 
increasing number of retailer failures. These have combined to result 
in the largest fall in net rental income and UK asset values in the 
Group’s history. As a consequence, we are reporting an IFRS loss for 
the year of £1.7 billion.

Risk levels have also significantly heightened, with five of the Group’s 
principal risks exceeding the Board’s risk framework, and this has been 
factored into the Group’s going concern and viability assessment.

During the year, the Board has focused on four objectives: first, 
supporting brands, and ensuring the safety of colleagues and visitors  
to our destinations during the pandemic; second, minimising the 
operational and financial impact of the pandemic on the business; 
third, raising capital to enable the business to see through the current 
turmoil; and fourth, to regroup ahead of setting out a clear path for  
the future. 

Our colleagues, customers and operations
In March 2020, at the onset of the first national lockdown, our teams 
moved swiftly to ensure a rapid, safe and effective shift in operations at 
our destinations to an essential retail service only. Achieving this in 
what were unprecedented circumstances for everyone is testament to 
the dedication of colleagues and our partners across the Group. Almost 
immediately, planning for the re-opening of our destinations started 
so that we were ready to remobilise safely as soon as restrictions were 
eased, and this has continued across the subsequent lockdowns during 
the year and into 2021.

2

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Hammerson is a great company, 
with a strong heritage of creating 
important social infrastructure – 
vibrant destinations where 
businesses and people want to be 
– including bringing renewed life 
to city centres.

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

L
e
t
t
e
r

f
r
o
m

t
h
e
C
h
a
i
r
o
f

t
h
e
B
o
a
r
d

Board changes and evaluation
The last two years have seen significant changes to the Board. 

changes to the Board will herald a different way of working and our 
evaluation was timely and helpful.

2020 was particularly significant with both the Chair of the Board and 
the Chief Executive stepping down. In September 2020, the Board 
appointed Rita-Rose Gagné as Chief Executive and she joined 
Hammerson in November, succeeding David Atkins. I would like to 
thank David for his commitment to seeing through the rights issue 
process and his 11 years’ service as Chief Executive of the Group, and 
welcome Rita-Rose to Hammerson. Rita-Rose brings an investor 
mindset to the business and has a strong track record in creating value 
and developing capable teams across a range of territories and 
markets. Her appointment has already brought fresh thinking and a 
focus on capital allocation. We also welcomed Des de Beer who joined 
the Board as Non-Executive Director in June 2020. Des has deep 
experience on boards and in retail real estate. 

During the year, the Board considered the need for succession 
planning for the Chair of the Audit and Remuneration Committees 
and was pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Butterworth  
as Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit Committee from 
1 January 2021. Mike is a chartered accountant, was a career public 
company CFO and is an experienced non-executive Director and  
Audit Committee Chair. 

Since the year end James Lenton, our Chief Financial Officer, has 
given notice of his resignation. A search is underway for his successor 
and he will remain in post until his successor is appointed. Pierre 
Bouchut has also informed the Board that he will not be offering 
himself for re-election at the 2021 AGM and he will step down as Chair 
of the Audit Committee and as a Director at the end of the meeting. I 
would like to thank Pierre for his service to the Board over the last six 
years and for his commitment, particularly over the last 12 months, 
and wish him well. Mike Butterworth will succeed Pierre as Chair of 
the Audit Committee. The Board has also announced the appointment 
of Habib Annous as Non-Executive Director with effect from 5 May 
2021. Habib spent much of his career at Capital Group as a fund 
manager across a broad range of sectors, including the real estate 
sector. He is also an adviser at the Investor Forum. Habib will join the 
Nomination, Audit and Remuneration Committees.

Given the extent of recent change, the Board has asked Gwyn Burr, 
Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee, to extend her appointment beyond May 2021, at which 
point she will have served nine years on the Board, for a period of up  
to one year. She will step down from the Audit Committee after the 
conclusion of the 2021 AGM. 

Our Board evaluation in 2020 was internally facilitated following an 
external process last year. The Board effectiveness and Board 
composition reports were discussed at our December 2020 
Nomination Committee and Board meetings. The recommendations 
in the Board effectiveness report were agreed and will be 
implemented, and reviewed again in 2021. Inevitably, the significant 

Further details are contained in the Nomination Committee report on 
pages 52 to 55.

Environment, Social and Governance
Hammerson aims to be a sustainable business. Simply put, this means 
the Group should be thriving and making a positive difference in five, 
10, 20 years and so on. To achieve this, we need to maintain the 
support of brands, consumers, partners, the communities affected by 
our operations, our colleagues and our shareholders. Collectively, 
these stakeholders have numerous and changing demands on the way 
the business conducts itself. The right balance needs to be maintained 
as these demands continue to evolve. 

The Board is fully committed to the Group’s continuing recognition as 
a sustainability leader, with our Net Positive targets, and ensuring the 
highest standards of operational performance and corporate 
governance. Details of our sustainability performance, plans and our 
response to the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure 
(TCFD) are set out on page 51 in our Governance section, and are 
available on our website www.hammerson.com.

Looking ahead
Challenging conditions remain, not least the immediate outlook for 
the retail sector, as the various nations in which we operate slowly lift 
the current restrictions. Much will depend on effective Covid-19 
suppression policies and a successful vaccination roll-out. However, 
Hammerson has a good base of destinations which can thrive in an 
omnichannel world. 

The Board is working with the Group executive team led by Rita-Rose 
on a detailed review of the business which will be set out later this year. 
Key to the long-term success of the Company will be a more 
conservative capital structure; a more accountable and empowered 
culture; and the ability and capability to innovate and exploit 
opportunities within our portfolio and beyond. This will require 
reorganisation and significant disposals, and potentially at discounts 
to book values, when market conditions allow, before we can return to 
growth, acceptable returns and a cash dividend. 

Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board for their 
significant time contribution this year; our colleagues in the business 
for their herculean efforts in an exceptionally tough environment; and 
shareholders for their support for the actions taken to date and for the 
time they have given me over the last few months in my consultations 
with them. 

Robert Noel
Chair of the Board

www.hammerson.com 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business model 

e
v
a
h
e
w

t
a
h
W

o
d
e
w

t
a
h
W

l

t
n
i
r
p
e
u
B
n
o
s
r
e
m
m
a
H
e
h
T

r
o
f

r
e
v

i
l

e
d
e
w
o
h
W

High-quality 
property in the 
right places

A dynamic and 
diverse team

Insight led

Effective capital 
management

Our strategy

Capital efficiency

Optimised portfolio

Operational 
excellence

  For more information on 
the key components of 
what we do, please refer 
to Our strategy on page 
13 and 2020 Overview 
on pages 8 to 11

  For more information 
on what we have,  
see 2020 Overview  
on pages 8 to 11, Our 
people on page 20  
and Financial review 
on pages 25 to 34

Destination makers
 – Experience-led places to 
enjoy, shop, live and work

 – Revitalise, refresh and 
rethink our venues to 
remain relevant 

 – Group strategic expertise, 
delivered with skill by local 
teams for our customers 
and communities

Relationship makers
 – Collaborating with brands, 
partners and third party 
experts locally and globally to 
deliver the best possible 
venues, profitably

Positive place makers
 – Destinations that deliver positive impacts economically, 

socially and environmentally 

 – Net Positive by 2030 for carbon, water, resource-use and 

socio-economic impacts

For more 
information see 
pages 8 to 11

For more 
information see 
pages 16 to 19

Shareholders
We have a broad 
range of institutional 
investors and private 
shareholders. 
We actively 
engage with 
them throughout 
the year and 
undertake regular 
communication 
to ensure they 
understand the 
performance of 
the business.

Brands
Our business 
strategy and future 
success is aligned 
with that of all of 
the brands which 
fill our destinations 
– retailers, F&B and 
leisure occupiers, 
as well as direct-to-
consumer brands.

Consumers
We create vibrant 
destinations that 
meet the needs of 
the wide range of 
consumers that 
engage with them. 
In an omnichannel 
environment, we 
provide more than 
just a place to shop.

Partners
We work with a 
wide range of 
partners over the 
long term, 
including joint 
venture partners, 
suppliers and 
capital partners, 
making our 
business stronger 
and delivering a 
competitive edge. 

Communities
Our assets rely on a 
strong, positive 
connection with 
thriving local 
communities. This 
is where we draw 
our customers 
from, and over 80% 
of the employees in 
our flagship 
destinations. 

Our people
Talented, 
motivated 
colleagues are vital 
to the success of the 
business. We have 
built a strong team 
to support our 
delivery of flagship 
destinations.

  For more information see Engaging with our stakeholders on pages 8 to 11 

and read about the Board’s engagement on pages 48 to 50

4

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s review

If this pandemic has highlighted anything, it is that as humans we crave contact and are inherently 
social beings. As a business, Hammerson provides the places and social infrastructure where  
people want and need to be. We will continue to have a vital role in shaping neighbourhoods  
and communities in the future. How people live, meet, work, shop and play will change, but the 
fundamental desire to create connections has never been greater. Our portfolio enables those 
connections to happen.

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

C
h
e
f

i

E
x
e
c
u
t
i
v
e
’
s

r
e
v
e
w

i

Rita-Rose Gagné
Chief Executive

I joined Hammerson in November 2020. As I look back on our 
performance in 2020, it is characterised by three areas: increased 
levels of balance sheet stress; a rights issue and the sale of VIA Outlets; 
and the most challenging retail environment in living memory, driven 
in no small part by the Covid-19 pandemic. The latter of these has had 
a profound impact on our business. In the face of these challenges, the 
team has worked tirelessly. 

Delivering a strengthened balance sheet is a near-term priority. The 
full impact of the pandemic on communities and businesses will take 
time to unfold and understand. However, to create future certainty we 
will need to be agile and nimble as an organisation, in what is a 
constantly changing environment. As we work on the balance sheet 
and the organisation, we will simultaneously focus on transforming 
and positioning our assets and relationships for the future.

As I take stock of the Company, I see a talented and engaged team. I 
also see strong assets and destinations in thriving cities where we can 
add value. We will work relentlessly to safeguard the future and 
position the Company to take advantage of opportunities and deliver 
sustainable growth.

Taking action during Covid-19
Our business has been materially impacted by Covid-19. All our 
flagship destinations and retail parks have had to close for all but 
essential retail on multiple occasions over the past 12 months in line 
with government lockdowns. The same is true for many of the 
premium outlet Villages in the Value Retail portfolio.

As I take stock of the 
Company, I see a committed 
and engaged team. I also 
see strong assets and 
destinations in thriving cities 
where we can add value.

Clear action was taken to strengthen the Group’s financial position, 
with colleagues ensuring that all our stakeholders were safe and 
supported.

Our operational response has included:

 – Introduction of a range of new safety measures across all our 

destinations, including one way systems, extensive new signage, and 
fixed hand sanitiser stations, as well as live footfall monitoring to 
manage capacity

 – Support for brand partners including significant reductions in 

service charge, rent deferrals and concessions

 – Improving the customer experience through smart use of 

innovation with initiatives such as Crowd Checker, providing 
consumers with live updates on footfall levels, to help them plan 
centre visits

 – Targeted support for our communities. In addition to our regular 
work with local organisations, we set up the Giving Back Project, a 
fund to target organisations most impacted by the pandemic in the 
cities and neighbourhoods in which we operate

Our financial response included:

 – Cancelling the final 2019 dividend recommendation

 – 20% reduction in pay for April-June 2020 for the Board

 – Negotiating a temporary amendment to the unencumbered asset 

ratio within the private placement senior notes

 – Drawing down £75 million under the HM Treasury and Bank of 

England Covid Corporate Financing Facility, repaid in December 2020

 – Undertaking the rights issue and disposal of substantially all of our 

interest in VIA Outlets to raise gross proceeds of £834 million

www.hammerson.com 5

 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s review continued

Dundrum, Dublin

The broader market
The main structural change in the retail market, the increasing 
popularity of online shopping, is well documented. This was firmly 
established before the pandemic and has accelerated since, causing 
challenges for many retailers, including both traditional brands and 
omnichannel businesses. This has also driven retailers to evolve and 
adapt, and seize opportunities, particularly when it comes to 
technology and the upgrading of logistics networks. 

Other key trends during Covid-19 include:

 – Reticence from consumers to visit indoor, city centre locations and 
with increased home working, public transport use has been well 
below normal levels, which has affected city centre and transport 
hub destinations

 – Support from the governments in our markets has been broadly 
welcomed. However, initiatives such as the UK rent moratorium 
have adversely impacted our ability to reach agreements with 
brands and collect income

 – Greater flexibility from businesses towards their workforce will 

2020 performance
Clearly, 2020 was a very tough year for Hammerson, defined by the 
impact of Covid-19 accelerating structural change for which the 
Company’s capital structure was not appropriate, and in turn leading 
to the rights issue.

 – Group property valuations fell by 21% to £6.3 billion, with our 

flagship destinations down by 36% in the UK, 15% in France, and 
18% in Ireland. Value Retail had a stronger second half compared to 
the rest of the portfolio, and this was reflected in a valuation deficit 
of only 0.4% in the second half, resulting in a decline of 6.2% for the 
financial year

 – Footfall increased and fell in line with lockdowns, but it has been 

negative year-on-year since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020

 – We saw a recovery during the summer and prior to Christmas in all 
our markets, but this fell away with the introduction of additional 
lockdown measures

 – When open, footfall in France, Ireland, and retail parks has 

outperformed UK flagships, which mirrors pre-pandemic trends 

drive an evolution in office space and it will take time for city centre 
footfall to return to the levels seen pre-pandemic

 – Following the onset of the pandemic, leasing volumes fell 

significantly with brands pausing expansion plans

Our leasing teams worked to maximise rent collection rates in 
extremely challenging circumstances, but overall levels were 
significantly below historic rates. Throughout the pandemic we have 
been in constant dialogue with our brand partners and while some 
conversations have been difficult, the onset of Covid-19 has created an 
opportunity to work more collaboratively. 

Despite these challenges, the combination of Covid-19, and the shift to 
online, we should recognise the importance of physical retail in an 
omnichannel environment, as well as the strengths our portfolio 
possesses and its opportunities.

6

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 – An increased number of retailers launched CVAs or administrations 
in 2020, and we would expect to still see restructuring across the 
retail sector over the next 12 months. Group like-for-like Net Rental 
Income, excluding premium outlets, was down 41%, leading to 
adjusted earnings falling by 83% to £36.5 million

 – Rent collection rates have been significantly below normal levels. 
For the year as a whole, 76% was collected across the Group, down 
from 97% last year 

Looking ahead, we remain 
committed to setting Hammerson 
up for the long term and creating 
a business that can adapt swiftly 
and think differently. I am 
determined to put Hammerson 
back on the path of value and 
growth for our shareholders.

 – Occupancy remained high across our portfolio at 94% (2019: 97%) 
which helped ensure our destinations maintained their vibrancy

 – In December 2020, we completed a secondary listing on Euronext 
Dublin, given the importance and scale of our investor base and 
operations in the EU

Commitment to Positive Places 
remains unchanged
Our sustainability vision, of creating Positive Places, remains a clear 
priority. That means supporting communities and promoting 
diversity, as well as tackling climate change and helping to protect  
the environment. 

As part of our Positive Places strategy, we were the first major real estate 
business globally to commit to being Net Positive by 2030, and we 
continue to be at the forefront of the industry’s efforts in this regard.

 – While the pandemic delayed some of our projects in 2020, we 

completed the installation of two additional photo-voltaic arrays 
and are on track to link our French flagship, Les Terrasses du Port, 
Marseille, with the unique Thallassia thermal system in Marseille

 – Our long-term focus on energy efficiency meant that we already had 
systems in place to minimise power demand across our portfolio 
during periods of lockdown, delivering significant cost savings to the 
assets and our retailers

 – Our portfolio has very limited exposure to physical climate risk but I 

am keen to understand the wider transitional risk implications 
climate change will present for our business going forward. As 
recommended by the TCFD, we will be carrying out work to 
understand this better over the course of 2021

Looking ahead
Given the current market environment, my immediate priority is to 
focus on further tactical disposals in more liquid markets to build 
further balance sheet strength, liquidity and portfolio focus, alongside 
managing refinancing. To date we have contracted £73 million of 
disposals in 2021. We will also have a relentless focus on operations – 
maximising rent collection and reviving the lease pipeline – while at 
the same time undertaking a thorough strategic and organisational 
review to transform the business.

Developing a robust strategy to tackle the challenges and take 
advantage of future opportunities is vital. Bringing new perspectives to 
this task, we are working with the Board on a detailed review of the 
business. We will share the outcome of this in more detail in the 
coming months as we take stock of the impacts of the pandemic on the 
economy and consumption patterns.

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

C
h
e
f

i

E
x
e
c
u
t
i
v
e
’
s

r
e
v
e
w

i

Given the ongoing changes in our operating environment, we must 
also ensure that our current organisational structure is fit for purpose. 
In order to leverage the strength of our colleague base, an 
organisational review, aimed at ensuring we are agile, efficient and set 
up to take advantage of the future opportunities is underway. 

Over the past 12 months, colleagues have shown resilience and 
commitment and, particularly during present challenges, the health, 
safety and wellbeing of our colleagues will always be our utmost priority. 

We should assume that trading will continue to be challenging in 2021. 
While the rollout of vaccines is hugely welcome, any recovery, in terms 
of consumer confidence, spending, and footfall, is likely to take time.

That said, we have strong foundations to work from. Hammerson has 
great assets, centred on strong urban locations which will rebound 
once the pandemic has passed, we also have talented people. The 
ingredients are there for a recovery.

The polarisation of retail is likely to accelerate further in 2021, as 
omnichannel brands focus on the best locations to complement their 
online operations, and Hammerson is well placed here. Stores in our 
destinations help businesses generate physical sales, and also support 
online sales and Click & Collect. 

With structural shifts and the pandemic, we will take the opportunity 
to repurpose existing space and refocus our venues, to ensure they 
continue to meet the needs of consumers, brands and communities. 
This can add immediate value within the current portfolio, and we  
will evaluate opportunities for the longer-term. We also have unique 
development opportunities in thriving cities to create mixed-use 
neighbourhoods around our flagship destinations.

There are undoubtedly high levels of uncertainty about what lies 
ahead and we should be prepared for the significant impacts of the 
pandemic on communities and businesses to continue. My immediate 
focus is building balance sheet strength and portfolio focus, which  
will drive our near-term strategy. Looking ahead, we remain 
committed to setting Hammerson up for the long-term and creating a 
business that can adapt swiftly and think differently. I am determined 
to put Hammerson back on the path of delivering value and growth for 
our stakeholders. 

This has been a tough and relentless year. I’d like to thank our 
shareholders, colleagues and all our stakeholders for their support and 
look forward to updating you on our progress and strategy during 2021. 

www.hammerson.com 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
2020 Overview

Since the impact of Covid-19 on the business was first felt in March 2020, we have responded quickly 
to ensure all our stakeholders are supported and we operate a resilient business.

 Shareholders

  Brands 

While we were clear at the start of the financial year that disposals 
were a priority, activity in the investment markets slowed to a near 
standstill after the onset of the pandemic, which prevented us 
progressing deals. 

Despite exchanging unconditional contracts on 20 February, in  
April 2020 Orion European Real Estate Fund V announced that it  
did not intend to complete on the sale of a portfolio of seven retail 
parks for £400 million. The £21 million deposit from the transaction 
was retained. 

As the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic became clear, the Board took 
decisive action with two major transactions, a rights issue and the sale 
of substantially all of Hammerson’s 50% interest in VIA Outlets to our 
existing joint venture partner, APG. In total these transactions raised 
net proceeds of £804 million and these proactive measures 
strengthened the Company’s financial position.

In 2021, we will continue to target disposals to further strengthen the 
balance sheet and to date have sold three minority stakes in Brent 
South Shopping Park, London, Espace Saint Quentin and Nicetoile, 
Nice for a total of £73 million. Our near-term focus will be to dispose  
of assets either in the most liquid markets or those that are not 
strategically relevant for Hammerson.

From an investment perspective, our two onsite Paris extensions at 
Les 3 Fontaines, Cergy-Pontoise and Italie Deux, Paris 13ème were 
progressed although the first Covid-19 lockdown in March resulted in 
work stopping on both schemes and further delays have meant the 
opening dates have been pushed back by six months until March 2022 
and May 2021 respectively. Further details on these schemes can be 
found in the Property portfolio review on page 22.

The Group also has an enviable 100 acre land bank which provides 
multiple future opportunities. In 2020, we achieved a number of 
important milestones, firstly at Martineau Galleries, Birmingham 
where we were granted planning consent for a 7.5 acre mixed use 
masterplan in the city centre and also agreed the Section 106 
agreement. In December, we received approval from the Mayor of 
London for Hammerson and Ballymore’s plans to transform The 
Goodsyard, London on the edge of the City of London into an 
exemplary mixed-use urban quarter. This future scheme has the 
potential to help drive the recovery and growth of Shoreditch and the 
City of London over the next decade. 

We also announced the appointment of a design team including 
architects Grafton, RKD and MOLA for our planned regeneration 
project in Dublin’s northern inner-city, known as Dublin Central. We 
challenged these teams to deliver designs that respond to the rapidly 
evolving net zero carbon agenda and they have stepped up to the task.

As we continue to analyse our future opportunities, City Quarters is a 
mindset that we are applying to all our destinations, to ensure they 
evolve so we can continue to create thriving destinations which meet 
the needs of today’s consumer and tomorrow’s climate.

8

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Since the onset of the pandemic, we have recognised the need to 
support brands, particularly while destinations were closed. We 
worked hard to reach fair and reasonable agreements on rent during 
the initial lockdowns, and this enabled us to steadily increase rent 
collection rates, albeit from a low base, throughout the year. This 
involved a combination of rent deferrals, moving to monthly 
payments, and in some cases waivers, particularly for smaller and 
independent brands and F&B businesses. To prevent lengthy 
negotiations, we decided to offer rent free periods for half the duration 
of the second lockdown in November 2020 in the UK and Ireland, 
which was received positively. Across the Group, during the two main 
national lockdowns, the average rental waiver was 1.4 months with an 
average of 0.3 months deferral.

In spite of the proactive measures taken, rent collection was 
significantly below historic levels with 76% of rent due in 2020 
collected across the Group to date. This resulted in trade receivables 
increasing from £61 million to £170 million during 2020. In the UK, 
2020 collection rates were 75% and were significantly impacted by the 
rent moratorium introduced by the UK government. In France, a 
moratorium was put in place during the first lockdown with the 
government subsequently providing support for property owners and 
this resulted in 2020 rent collections of 79%. 

We also reviewed our service charge budgets, delivering full year 
savings of approximately 20% in in the UK, 15% in Ireland and 5% in 
France. These savings were supported by over £2m savings in utility 
costs and we continue to target savings in 2021.

Unsurprisingly, we saw an increased number of tenant failures, with 
many retailers pursuing CVAs to reduce their cost bases in the UK. 
Since the end of 2017, across the Group this has impacted 432 stores, 
resulting in an aggregate reduction in passing rent of £35 million at 
31 December 2020. The UK was hardest hit, with 257 stores and a £20 
million reduction in passing rent at 31 December 2020. 

The above adverse factors severely impacted net rental income, which 
was down 41% on a like-for-like basis across the Group, excluding 
premium outlets. Like-for-like NRI at UK flagships was 51% lower, 
18% lower in France, and 30% lower in Ireland, while NRI at retail 
parks reduced by 42%. 

The onset of the pandemic led to many brands pausing expansion 
activity and as a result, on a cumulative basis, leasing activity was down 
35% compared to 2019.

We worked hard to maintain occupancy, and while this was below our 
target level of 97%, it remained robust at 94%, with occupancy at UK 
flagships of 93%, France 95%, Ireland 98% and retail parks 93%.

2
0
2
0
O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

Whilst the leasing environment is challenging, we made progress in 
reshaping our portfolio. Following its administration in the Spring, we 
proactively took back all but two Debenhams units in the UK, and have 
since introduced a new NEXT Beauty & Home concept at The Oracle, 
Reading and a NEXT Outlet store at Centrale, Croydon. In the retail 
parks portfolio, we have replaced a Debenhams with a Flannels store 
at Ravenhead Retail Park, St. Helens.

In November 2020, we announced plans to bring forward a build-to-
rent residential scheme in the former Debenhams unit at Highcross, 
Leicester. The plans which have been submitted to Leicester City 
Council were developed in association with private-rented-sector 
specialist Packaged Living.

The Company has also continued to innovate and introduce new 
concepts and uses across the portfolio. We proactively helped two 
online operators, MATE. Bike and Tea Palace, take temporary stores at 
Bullring, Birmingham and Victoria Gate, Leeds. Both saw significant 
increases in sales conversion and online engagement in the local areas, 
and both are considering longer trials in other schemes and taking 
permanent space. At the end of the year, we leased car park space at 
Brent Cross, London to the Royal Mail to assist with their logistics 
operations and at the beginning of March 2021, we opened our first 
NHS Covid-19 vaccination centre at Centrale, Croydon. 

We have continued to experiment with new leasing models 
particularly in the UK, the most challenged market. We have signed 
leases which include some of the experimental elements we talked 
about at the half year such as indexation, mutual lease breaks and 
more sustainable rents. Progress has inevitably been slowed by the 
ongoing Covid-19 disruption, but there is appetite from retailers. 
There is no one size fits all approach, and it is not just about rental 
levels but tenant affordability, the sustainability of that cash flow over 
the long term, and the right occupier mix.

Footfall has been significantly below 2019 levels, with overall 
performance stronger in France, Ireland, and retail parks than in the 
UK flagships. Out-of-town locations, particularly destinations with 
significant outdoor space like retail parks, have outperformed city 
centre sites. This is partly due to more consumers working from home, 
and partly due to the perceived safety of these locations. Also, 
following strengthened Government guidance about social distancing 
and avoiding enclosed spaces, public transport use has declined 
significantly, and this severely impacted transport hubs and 
destinations reliant on the train network in particular. 

These trends are shown in the footfall figures where year-on-year footfall 
was lower by -53% at UK flagships, -33% in France, -36% in Ireland and 
-23% at retail parks. The national benchmarks also reported lower 
footfall of -47% in the UK, -28% in France, -36% in Ireland and -23% at 
retail parks. Reported sales information was less comprehensive due to 
the disruption caused by the pandemic, however based on data received, 
sales were down 51% at UK flagships and -30% in France. 

Offering an engaging experience is crucial for the future of physical 
retail, and core to the Hammerson Blueprint, and we have maintained 
our focus on that this year. During December 2020, we installed snow 
machines at five centres to guarantee our customers a white 
Christmas, and at Silverburn, Glasgow, we collaborated with a local 
artist with a huge cult following to design a new mural. We also 
successfully delivered two Covid-friendly cinema events at Brent 
Cross, London and Victoria Leeds and at the beginning of 2021 we 
partnered with the NHS to deliver a community base in Croydon for 
Covid-19 vaccinations. At Dundrum Town Centre, one of our 
pharmacy brands is also offering the vaccine. 

We did see increases across our markets in the use of our Click & 
Collect facilities, particularly in the UK where Click & Collect was 
permitted during the November 2020 and January 2021 lockdowns. 

Brands are also adapting to the changed environment we now operate 
in. The retail locations they choose to enable their brands to flourish 
and come together physically and digitally with consumers and 
communities are an essential part of their strategies. We are working 
closely with brands and other stakeholders to enable sustainable 
success and to add value to the relationships. 

To make our customers’ lives easier, we leveraged our digital 
infrastructure to launch a new feature on our destinations’ websites to 
help customers plan their visits. ‘Crowd Checker’ provides shoppers 
with live updates on how popular a venue is in real time, so that they 
know when to visit during quieter times. The feature was rolled out 
across all our destinations in the summer.

Pure play online cannot replace physical retail in its entirety, either as 
a point of sale, experiential brand window, or for fulfilment. Our 
destinations are in the right locations to ensure they offer the right mix 
of brands and experience.

 Consumers

Consumer confidence over the past year has been weak, which in turn 
has adversely impacted spending. 

With the closure of non-essential retail, inevitably we have seen an 
increase in online shopping, particularly in the UK, where 25% of retail 
transactions took place online in the past year compared to 17% in 
2019. Online penetration rates are lower in Ireland and France with 
14% and 13% respectively, compared to 10%, and 11% in 2019. While 
these historically high levels will fall back somewhat when physical 
retail reopens, the floor will remain higher than before.

www.hammerson.com 9

 
 
 
2020 overview continued

 Partners

 Communities 

As part of the work to safeguard the Company’s future and build 
balance sheet strength, we took a number of treasury related actions as 
explained in the Chief Executive’s review, and further details can be 
found in the Financial review on page 33. 

During 2020 we worked closely with our joint venture partners to 
ensure alignment when supporting tenants and managing our 
co-owned assets. 

Following the disposal of substantially all of the Group’s 50% interest 
in VIA Outlets, completed on 31 October 2020. The Group’s premium 
outlets investment in Value Retail represented 30% of the Group’s 
property value at 31 December 2020.

Covid-19 had a significant income impact on Value Retail, particularly 
when Villages were forced to close, due to the prevalence of turnover 
rents. The Group’s share of net rental income at Value Retail fell by 
48% on a like-for-like basis and resulted in an adjusted loss of  
£7 million compared with adjusted earnings of £31 million in 2019. 
Operational metrics were also significantly lower year-on-year, with 
brand sales 45% lower and footfall 44% lower than 2019. Following the 
spring lockdown there was a strong recovery, with monthly footfall at 
some Villages exceeding 90% of last year’s levels during the summer.

Despite the challenging market environment, the Value Retail team 
maintained leasing momentum and in total signed 247 leases, 
compared with 245 in 2019, demonstrating the continued popularity 
and relevance of the premium outlets market. These included the 
opening of Soho House’s first boutique outside of London at Bicester 
Village, Adidas signing in the remodelled area at La Roca Village, 
Barcelona and Prada opening a boutique at Wertheim Village, 
Frankfurt. In addition, Value Retail launched new initiatives in the 
areas of B2B partnerships, Clienteling and Virtual Shopping. These 
initiatives are already delivering positive results and are expected to be 
incremental revenue drivers going forward.

When Villages were open, the Value Retail team worked closely with 
brands to manage both safety and the customer experience. Brands 
offered a virtual queuing system where customers booked with a brand 
and received an SMS when it was their turn to enter a boutique. This 
helped maintain social distancing within the Villages whilst still 
providing a luxury shopping experience to customers.

While the premium outlets market has been impacted by the almost 
total cessation in global tourism, we expect it to begin to recover once 
Covid-19 restrictions are eased later in 2021, as demand among brands 
and consumers for these locations remains high.

We continue to work collaboratively with all our partners, and their 
support and counsel during what has been a very challenging period 
for the business have been extremely valuable. 

10

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Our destinations are vital components of their local communities,  
and in many cases part of a city’s identity. We take this responsibility 
very seriously. 

It became clear that the pandemic would challenge families, 
businesses, and community groups to an extent no one could have 
foreseen, so we moved quickly to provide support where we could.

This initially took the form of ad hoc donations. Thanks to our teams, we 
identified a need for toiletries at a hospice in Croydon, that Brent Cross, 
London could fulfil, and a Bristol care home desperate for sanitary 
equipment received some of the surplus stock from Cabot Circus.

Sadly, lockdown saw a spike in domestic violence incidents in many 
regions, and our French centres worked with partners to provide 
information and a range of support services to those affected. Building 
on this valuable work our team in Ireland arranged for Women’s Aid to 
have access to our safe spaces, so that we could facilitate drop in 
counselling sessions, and support those in need of help.

We’ve also been doing our bit to support our healthcare workers, by 
providing free parking for NHS staff at our centres. Over 3,300 people 
benefited from this initiative.

In the second half of the year, we launched the Giving Back Project, a 
new scheme designed to support those groups that have been 
particularly badly impacted by the pandemic, such as food banks and 
charities that support the homeless. The Giving Back Project saw 88 
groups receive grants of up to £2,000. Nine UK flagship destinations 
took part, distributing £180,000 in total. 

While this has undoubtedly been a very challenging year, we have 
retained our focus on sustainability. Prior to the March 2020 
lockdown, we completed the installation of Photovoltaic (PV) arrays at 
Cabot Circus, Bristol and Les Terrasses du Port, Marseille, providing 
clean electricity that is used on site. During 2020 3% of landlord 
electricity was supplied from our on site solar PV arrays.

The government enforced lockdowns did however impact other areas 
of our sustainability investment programme. The benefits we were 
expecting to see from LED, further PV installations and other projects 
were delayed into 2021.

Our continued focus on efficiency and our ability to closely monitor 
energy demand remotely has delivered results and strong cost 
reductions during this difficult period. The temporary or partial 
closure of our centres across Europe also significantly reduced our 
utility demand. Together, these factors contributed to a reduction in 
energy use of 18% and carbon emissions of 29%, and further 
information can be found in the Sustainability review on page 16. 

Hammerson was the first major real estate firm globally to commit to 
becoming Net Positive by 2030. Our focus during 2021 is on climate risk 
resilience and developing pathways to net zero for major destinations.

2
0
2
0
O
v
e
r
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

Westquay, Southampton

We continue to push boundaries with our developments and City 
Quarters plans. Our sustainability team is working closely with the 
Dublin Central design team to ensure resource efficiency, climate risk 
and health and wellbeing considerations are embedded at the outset of 
the design process. 

Buildings that come to market over the next decade will need the 
strongest sustainability credentials to be credible in an increasingly 
sophisticated market. Our sustainability strategy ensures that we are 
well placed to deliver on these expectations. 

 Colleagues

2020 has been a demanding year for our colleagues both professionally 
and personally, and teams from across the Company have truly gone 
above and beyond. 

This year more than ever, it has been important for us to consider the 
welfare of colleagues. In the interests of safety, the majority of 
colleagues have worked from home since March 2020, with those 
based at our destinations operating on a split team basis. This in itself 
has presented challenges, with colleagues isolated from friends, family, 
and each other. For further information on how we have supported 
colleagues please see the Our People section on page 20. 

Health and Safety
We have continued to embed a health, safety and security culture with 
consultation and participation from colleagues being essential. 
Throughout 2020, there has unsurprisingly been a significant focus on 
the health element of health and safety, and colleague wellbeing in 
particular as explained above. We are also working towards updating 
our health and safety management system to reflect the requirements 
of the new ISO 45001 standard and are targeting a transition date on 
June 2021. More details on this and our health and safety governance 
structure is available in our 2020 Sustainability Report. 

Response to Covid-19
As the onset of Covid-19 became clear, the Group used its well-
established risk based management systems to mitigate the risks and 
liabilities across its key stakeholder groups. 

In March 2020, we activated our dedicated core crisis group to 
coordinate our response to Covid-19 and this group reported regularly 
to the Group Executive Committee on our response. We also created a 
dedicated taskforce to coordinate the reopening of our destinations 
across the Company. This cross-portfolio collaboration was 
imperative in ensuring a consistent approach, knowledge sharing and 
best practice. An external consultancy endorsed our approach after 
independently reviewing and verifying all flagship reopening plans. 
This ensured that we complied with country specific government 
guidelines, legal requirements and ensured best practice was met to 
operate safely in a Covid-19 environment. 

Security
In late 2020 we rolled out a Security Management System that sits 
alongside the health and safety management system. This new security 
management system is fundamental to keeping our colleagues, 
visitors, contractor partners, tenants and flagships secure and is an 
essential cultural change ahead of the imminent Protect legislation in 
the UK, where more onus will be placed on companies to ensure the 
security of their properties.

www.hammerson.com 11

 
 
 
Market overview

We operate in European markets where our strategy and opportunities are influenced by two key market 
themes: the health and dynamics of the retail landscape, and the ongoing success of thriving cities.

Retail landscape

Thriving cities 

Covid-19

 – The full extent and future impact of Covid-19 is unknown. However, it has accelerated many pre-existing trends – a further shift to online, 

more home working and changing travel patterns – resulting in fewer and more focussed destination trips

 – Near-term increases in unemployment. GDP recovery to pre Covid-19, 2019 levels will not take place until the end of 2022 in UK and 

France. Ireland has faired better, escaping a recession despite a slump in consumer spending.1

 – Retail market to lag broader macroeconomic recovery due to pre-existing structural challenges (changing consumer shopper behaviour, 

rising multichannel costs, price deflation)

 – Cities to enliven as restrictions lifted and workers return to offices on a regular basis, although more flexible working practices to remain 

Macro-economic

 – UK growth underpinned by world leading service sectors. GDP average 
growth +4.6% p.a. 2021-23 .1 Risk of further Brexit related uncertainty 
impacting service sector

 – Increased urbanisation of leading cities. 89% of 

Northern Europeans to be living in cities by 20502  

 – Fall in inward EU migration, compensated for by 

 – Ireland long term growth reflective of its outward looking economy. GDP 

growing non-EU inwards migration3

average growth +2.4% p.a. 2021-23 1

 – France growth reliant on continued reforms to costly social welfare 

structures. GDP average growth +4.2% p.a 2021-23 1

 – Bigger cities will outperform economically. GDP 

growth 2020-30: London +32%, Birmingham +28%, 
Dublin +24%. EU Average +21% 1 

Consumer

 – Digitalisation. Growing level of digital engagement post-Covid. 20% rise in 

over 65s shopping online3

 – Younger groups still keen to engage with brands and socialise.4  Higher visit 

frequency makes them more valuable than older affluent shoppers5

 – 76% of consumers prefer spending on experiences rather than products6
 – Environmental concerns influence 40% of UK consumers when purchasing7

 – Younger, educated population offer more ‘global’ 
inward investment opportunities. Leading to 
development of flexible work spaces, Private Rented 
Sector (PRS) and Hotels

 – Rise in single person households. UK predicted to 

have three million more single households by 2039 3

Sector

 – UK facing greatest structural challenges. Online retail channel shift grew 

from 17% in 2019 to 25% in 20207 accelerated by the pandemic

 – UK also facing significant levels over-supply with shopping centre vacancy 
levels pre Covid-19 at 14%. In France vacancy was 10% and in Ireland 5%8
 – Failing legacy high street retail. 54 retail brands went into administration in 

2020 affecting 5,200 stores9

 – Oversupply of space: 43% of UK retail centres over-spaced4
 – Evolving role of store as a sales, marketing and distribution hubs 

(Click &Collect, returns, exchanges). Increasing investment in technology 
and logistics 

 – Polarisation of retail between discount vs. luxury and convenience  

vs. destination

 – Flexible working practices, regular home working
 – Shift to environmentally friendly and fluid transport 

methods – car sharing, ebike/scooter hiring

 – Residential – continued demand amongst students 

and young professionals for high quality PRS. Sector 
growth 12% p.a. prior to pandemic 10

 – Offices – to become lower density meeting and idea 
exchange venues. Recovery driven by new growth 
sectors e.g. fintech, life sciences, data and 
communications

 – Hotels – demand unlikely to recover until 2024, 
regional cities already had strong pipeline of 
development prior to pandemic

How we are responding 

 – Targeted disposals to focus on core markets and cities with the strongest population and economic growth 
 – Proactively managing, repurposing and diversifying space to unlock value creation underpinned by a flight to quality retail destinations
 – Repurpose large ‘legacy’ anchor operators and high street fashion. Successfully underway at multiple flagship destinations
 – Develop stronger partnership between tenant and landlord. Affordable, flexible and innovative leases. New approach being trialled
 – Use technology and data to enhance understanding of the commercial value of our physical stores 
 – Support retailers’ omnichannel ambitions, develop logistics and supply chain opportunities and attract digital native brands
 – Move beyond retail to urban ‘lifestyle’ offering: work, live, play, cultural, educational, healthcare ecosystems 
 – Investigate and deliver opportunities to unlock additional value from extensive landbank adjacent to key flagship destinations
 – Net Positive by 2030. A sustainability agenda to support communities, promote diversity, tackle climate change and protect the environment

1. Oxford Economics (February 2021 economic forecasting incorporating latest Brexit arrangements and Covid-19 impacts) 2. U.N., 3. ONS, 4. CACI, 5. Hammerson Exit Surveys, 
6. Momentum, 7. Global Data, 8. PMA, 9. Centre for Retail Research, 10. Savills & BPF.

12

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Our strategy and priorities  

Our 2020 strategy was designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the markets in which we 
operate. Covid-19 has severely hindered the delivery of this strategy, bringing new operational 
difficulties, exacerbating the impact of the structural shifts in retail and constraining investment markets. 
Following a rights issue and changes in senior leadership, a review of our longer term strategy is 
underway to unlock value creation by transforming our portfolio. Short term focus has been, and will 
continue to be, on managing the business through the pandemic in the interests and safety of all 
stakeholders – strengthening the balance sheet, securing disposals and rigorous portfolio management.

Capital efficiency

Optimised portfolio

Operational excellence

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

O
u
r

s
t
r
a
t
e
g
y
a
n
d
p
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

 – Balance sheet resilience – further 

disposal of assets 

 – Focus on cost control with capital 
expenditure aligned to disposals to 
maintain liquidity 

 – Manage Group financing position to 
ensure appropriate debt maturity 
profile and efficient cost of borrowing 

Original 2020 plan 

 – Complete sale of 12 retail parks and focus 
portfolio across core strategic flagships 
with City Quarters opportunities
 – Complete cross portfolio disposals  

in 2020

 – Capex of £270 million over 2020/21 to 
complete the extensions in Paris assets 
and repurpose space in the UK portfolio
 – Secure landbank planning permissions 

and commence work onsite

 – Rights issue and sale of VIA outlets 

 – £400m Retail Parks transaction fell 

Progress – and Covid-19 impact 

 – Start on site with department store 

repurposing 

 – Accelerate change in occupier landscape 
to broaden mix and consumer appeal

 – Continue to enhance customer 

experience to drive footfall and broaden 
events programme

 – Embed performance culture
 – Meet 2020 Net Positive targets and  

start next stage of plan to hit ambitious 
2025 targets

 – Onsite teams successfully closed and 
reopened centres across multiple 
lockdowns. Prioritising the health and 
safety of all colleagues 

 – Department store repurposing underway 

at multiple locations

raised £804 million to enhance liquidity 
and strengthen balance sheet 

 – Scrip dividend to maintain REIT and 

SIIC status 

 – Capital expenditure reduced from 

budget of £140 million to £67 million
 – Gross administration costs reduced by 

£5 million

 – Private placement senior notes 
covenant amendment agreed 

through – deposit of £21 million retained

 – Disposal of substantially all of 50% 

interest in VIA Outlets for £277 million
 – Les 3 Fontaines Dining concept opened 
 – Planning consents secured at Martineau 

Galleries and The Goodsyard

 – Leasing volumes severely impacted. 

Focused on income protection via lease 
renewals and rent collection. 2020 rent 
collections at 76%

 – Service charge and Marketing costs 
reduced significantly, supporting 
occupier cost reductions

 – Good progress on Net Positive targets 

 – Three assets sold in early 2021 for 

 – Targeted disposals to refocus business 

£73 million

on core markets

 – Maintain safe operating and trading 
environment for all stakeholders

2021 Focus

 – Leverage short term value creation 

 – Maximise income and collections and 

 – Further targeted disposals to strengthen 
balance sheet and secure business to 
enable long term value creation

 – Proactive refinancing to address debt 

maturities in 2022/23

 – Tight control over new capital 
commitments whilst disposals  
are progressed

opportunities – repurpose space to deliver 
against differing requirements for brands 
and businesses in city centre locations 
 – Deliver further planning consents to 

secure value of potential development 
sites for minimal spend 

 – Leverage strategic joint venture 

 – Maintain focus on operating cost control 

partnerships

 – Complete Italik extension and progress 
works and pre-letting at Les 3 Fontaines 
extension

working with brands to deliver 
affordable rents

 – Continue to deliver reduced service 
charge costs to assist with occupier 
operating costs

 – Accelerate change in occupier line-up 
adopting innovative leasing strategies, 
prioritising new entrants and digital brands
 – Plans in place to maximise footfall when 

retail fully opens 

 – Maintain focus on delivering Net 

Positive targets, now extended to include 
developments

 – Complete a strategic and organisational 

review

www.hammerson.com 13

 
 
 
 
 
Key Performance Indicators

We monitor Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, to measure our achievements against our strategic 
priorities. The KPIs comprise financial and operational measures and each links to the three pillars of 
our strategy.

Financial KPIs

Chart 1

Changes in adjusted 
EPS (%)

Chart 2

Chart 3

Chart 4

Net debt (£m)1 

Total property return (%) 

Change in like-for-like 
NRI (%)1

-1.6

-8.5

3,406

2,843

0.0

2,234
2,234

-5.6

-1.3

-4.2

-87.5

-18.3

-41.0

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

Adjusted earnings per share 
(EPS) is the Group’s primary 
profit measure and reflects 
underlying profit divided by the 
average number of shares in 
issue and is calculated based on 
EPRA guidelines, factoring in 
some Company specific 
adjustments as explained on 
page 154.

Performance
In 2020, adjusted EPS reduced 
by 87.5% to 1.6 pence per share. 
This reflects the restatement  
of the 2019 EPS from 28.0 to                 
12.8 pence following the rights 
issue in the year. The most 
significant factors in the decline 
were reductions in the Group’s 
net rental income and earnings 
from Value Retail as a 
consequence of Covid-19 and the 
intermittent closures across all 
properties since the pandemic.

Link to strategy

Net debt is the measure 
by which we monitor the 
indebtedness of our business, 
and comprises borrowings less 
cash and deposits.

Performance
The net proceeds of the rights 
issue and disposal of VIA 
Outlets, totalling £804 million, 
were the main drivers of the 
£609 million reduction in net 
debt during 2020. These were 
partially offset by capital 
expenditure, cash outflow from 
operations and foreign exchange 
movements. The Group's 
covenant metrics were all in line 
with or exceeded the Group’s 
internal guidelines, with the 
exception of interest cover.  
This metric was significantly 
adversely impacted by the 41% 
like-for-like reduction in net 
rental income. The ratio will 
remain under pressure until the 
Covid-19 restrictions are lifted 
and the Group's net rental 
income levels begin to recover.

The Group continues to actively 
pursue disposals to reduce debt 
and further strengthen the 
balance sheet. 

Total property return (TPR) 
measures the income and capital 
growth of our property portfolio. 
It is calculated on a monthly 
time-weighted basis consistent 
with MSCI methodology. 
We judge success in generating 
property returns by comparing 
our performance with a weighted 
MSCI All Retail benchmark 
which was -1.3% in 2018 and 
-8.0% in 2019. At the date of  
this report, our 2020 MSCI 
benchmark is not available.

Performance
During 2020, the Group’s 
properties produced a total 
return of -18.3%. For the flagship 
assets, the total returns were 
-33.7% in the UK, -11.9% in 
France and -14.8% in Ireland. 
The premium outlets generated 
a total return of -7.5%.

Valuation changes were the 
predominant driver impacting 
returns, resulting in a capital 
return of -20.9%, with reduced 
income levels causing 
approximately half of the 
reduction and higher yields 
approximately 40%. Income 
returns reduced by 150 basis 
points to 3.2%.

Net rental income (NRI) is 
the Group’s primary revenue 
measure. Like-for-like NRI 
growth is key to earnings and 
dividend growth.

Performance
Like-for-like NRI declined by 
41% in 2020. All sectors suffered 
a decline due to the impacts of 
the Covid-19 pandemic on 
revenue streams coupled with 
increased provisioning against 
receivables due to lower 
collection rates and further 
tenant failure.

The UK was the worst affected, 
with UK flagships and retail 
parks suffering like-for-like 
declines of -51% and -42% 
respectively, compared to -18% 
in France and -30% in Ireland.  

Consistent with our view of 
the business, as explained on 
page 25, NRI from premium 
outlets has been excluded from 
this metric as these are 
externally managed. 
Proportionally consolidating 
the premium outlets NRI 
decline of -47.6% would result in 
Group like-for-like NRI 
reduction of -43%.

More in the Financial review on 
page 27

More in the Financial review on 
page 32

More in the Property portfolio 
review on page 24

More in the Financial review on 
page 28

1.  Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets. See the Financial review on page 25 for further explanation.

14

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Link to remuneration
The remuneration of Executive Directors 
is aligned closely with our KPIs through 
the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (AIP), 
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and 
Restricted Share Scheme (RSS).

For 2020, the AIP contained the financial 
KPIs: change in adjusted EPS and net debt. 
For 2019 the AIP also included TPR.

Change in adjusted EPS and total property 
return are two of the three performance 
measures in the outstanding LTIPs. 

The performance against all of the KPIs is 
taken into account when considering the 
personal element of the AIP along with other 
specific objectives.

  Further information on page 60

Operational KPIs

Chart 5

Chart 6

Chart 7

Chart 8

Occupancy (%)1 

Leasing activity (£m)1 

97.2

97.2

27.7

22.6

94.394.3

14.614.6

Global emissions 
intensity ratio
(mtCO2e/£m) 

Voluntary employee 
turnover (%)

481481481

13.4

10.1

9.79.79.7

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

122

122

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

K
e
y
P
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
c
e
I
n
d
i
c
a
t
o
r
s

  Target (97.0)
  Target (97.0)

Keeping our properties occupied 
ensures we generate rental 
income and enlivens our 
destinations. 

The occupancy ratio measures 
the amount of space which  
is currently let. The ratio  
is calculated in line with  
EPRA guidance using the 
estimated rental value (ERV)  
of occupied space.

Performance
Occupancy fell below our 97% 
target in 2020, with 94.3% of the 
portfolio occupied at the end of 
2020, a 290 basis point 
reduction compared to 2019. 

All sectors suffered a decline, 
with the UK flagships the most 
impacted. Year end occupancy 
across our flagships was 93.2% 
in the UK, 95.3% in France and 
98.2% in Ireland.

Our leasing strategy is designed 
to improve brand mix towards 
winning brands and categories, 
and differentiate our assets. 
This KPI shows the amount 
of income secured across the 
investment portfolio, including 
new lettings and lease renewals. 

Performance
Leasing levels reduced by 35%  
to £14.6 million in 2020. 
£5.6 million of the decline 
was due to challenging leasing 
across the UK flagships, 
exacerbated by the ongoing 
closures resulting as a result of 
the pandemic.

In total there were 274 lettings, 
compared to 361 in the prior 
year. For principal leases, the 
rent was 10% below December 
2019 ERVs and 18% lower than 
the previous passing rent.

Reducing carbon emissions  
is a key sustainability target. 
This ratio measures the  
amount of emissions from  
our properties and facilities, 
including corporate offices. 
The denominator is adjusted 
profit before tax. This measure 
demonstrates our progress 
in decoupling business  
growth from increasing  
carbon emissions.

Performance
GHG emissions fell by 29% in 
2020 as energy demand declined. 
However, the ratio has increased 
substantially this year, reflecting 
the significant decrease in the 
profit denominator. 

Our focus on energy efficiency 
and investment in renewables 
across the estate continues to 
underpin our long term strategy 
to minimise carbon emissions 
for the business.

Our talented people are key to 
our success and we strive to 
retain, engage and develop them. 
We continue to monitor 
voluntary staff turnover, 
together with other people 
metrics including the annual 
staff survey, to highlight any 
potential signs of demotivation 
or other people-related issues 
and include both corporate and 
centre-based employees in 
this measure.

Performance
Voluntary employee turnover 
across the Group fell marginally 
from 10.1% in 2019 to 9.7% in 
2020. Voluntary turnover in the 
UK and Ireland increased from 
9.7% to 10.4% year-on-year, 
offset by a reduction from  
11.4% to 7.8% in France.

We continue to monitor  
leavers, retention rates and 
other employee metrics to 
ensure we are retaining talent 
within the organisation. 
Turnover remains low compared 
to the wider industry.

More in Table 70 on page 155

More in the 2020 overview on 
page 9

More in the Sustainability 
review on page 16

More in Our people on page 20

www.hammerson.com 15

 
 
 
 
 
Sustainability review – Positive Places

2020 has been an unprecedented year of global economic challenges during which sustainability  
has not just stayed on the agenda, but increased in significance. The results of our Positive Places 
sustainability strategy, set out here and in more detail in our 2020 Sustainability Report, illustrate  
how our long term, forward thinking approach continues to support our response, both capturing 
immediate cost benefits and reducing long term climate risk exposure. Our targets for the next decade 
remain challenging but will ensure we have a climate resilient business that is fit for the future.

Our Strategy in Action 
2020 saw significant reductions in environmental impacts across the 
portfolio, largely driven by the closure of assets for periods due to 
Covid-19. This also delayed planned CapEx investment projects. The 
2020 reporting data is therefore an outlier and our 2021 environmental 
targets will be based on our 2019 data. 

Despite the challenges of 2020, good progress has been made:

 – 1.2MWp of renewable energy capacity was installed across two 

sites bringing total capacity to 2.9MWp

 – Our design teams have worked hard to move us closer to Net Zero 
carbon new buildings – both operational and embodied – in our 
proposed Dublin schemes. 

 – We published our Net Zero Carbon Transition Pathway 

incorporates existing assets and developments

 – We have clear plans in place for 2021 designed to enable us to 
operate on a Net Positive basis for our scope 1 and 2 carbon 
emissions going forward

 – Our socio-economic work continues to deliver positive results in 

a targeted, impactful way. The focus on grass roots, local 
organisations enabled us to deliver much needed direct support 
to our communities, working with our delivery partners including 
Pop-Up Business School and the ULI, to switch rapidly to virtual 
and/or socially distanced models

2020 Key Highlights

Carbon emissions 

Energy demand

-29%*

(2019 -12%)

-18%*

(2019 -12%)

Waste diverted from landfill

Water demand 

99.9%

(2019 99.6%)

Operational waste 
recycled

57%

(2019 79%)

- 30%*

(2019 - 7%)

Invested in local  
socio-economic projects

£1.6m

(2019 £1.3m)
 *  EPRA like for like portfolio, v 2019.

Industry Engagement 
Cross-industry engagement by market leading businesses is essential to the good progress of our sector. Our engagement on sustainability 
remains strong and an important element of our Positive Places strategy. We hold a variety of industry roles including, but not limited to 
Chairing the Better Buildings Partnership, EPRA Sustainability Committee and BPF Sustainability Committee.

Our sustainability reporting complies with the EPRA Sustainability Best Practice Reporting Gold Standard. Key metrics are included in our 
non-financial disclosures on page 169. The data is publicly available from the EPRA website via the EPRA Sustainability Reporting database,  
a project we have strongly supported as a means of improving the quality of sustainability data made freely available to the market. We also 
participate in a number of industry benchmarks. 

Industry Benchmark Performance

GRESB
4 Star / 78%

MSCI
AA

Sustainalytics
11.1 Low Risk

RobecoSAM CSA/DJSI
72%

Climate Risk
The management of exposure to climate risk has been a driving force 
behind our sustainability agenda for over ten years. A physical climate 
risk review carried out in 2019 confirmed our portfolio to have low 
exposure, a view supported by our Sustainalytics rating. The most 
significant impacts will be through more extreme summer peak 
temperatures. We are expecting an additional 2-4°C to affect our 
assets between 2030 and 2050, increasing operational costs and stress 
on building systems. During 2021 we will incorporate measures to 
manage these changes into our five year asset business planning 
process, ensuring necessary upgrades are made cost-effectively as part 
of planned upgrades and maintenance programmes. Further work will 
also be done to review climate risk exposure and our response to it 
within our business strategy, looking in particular at risks associated 
with the transition to a Net Zero carbon economy. 

16

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Our work towards Net Positive has positioned our assets well in terms 
of responding to transition risks. Investment in onsite renewable 
energy, removal of gas for landlord services and moving assets to 
natural ventilation where possible, combined with consistent energy 
demand reductions have all reduced our exposure to transitional 
climate risks such as carbon and energy pricing. Achieving a Net Zero 
carbon position for each asset remains challenging. Using the Carbon 
Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) we have developed trajectories for 
individual assets to understand their exposure to stranding risk. This 
work is reflected in our asset business plans and also in our 
development pipeline with design teams targeting Net Zero carbon 
and Passivhaus standards in their work for us. More details of our 
targets and progress is available in our Sustainability Report which can 
be viewed on our corporate website at www.hammerson.com.  

 
S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

S
u
s
t
a
n
a
b

i

i

i
l
i
t
y
r
e
v
e
w
–
P
o
s
i
t
i
v
e
P
a
c
e
s

l

Our Net Positive Targets
We are now five years into our target to be Net Positive for carbon 
emissions, water, resource use and socio-economic impacts by 2030. 
Setting such ambitious targets has driven exceptional performance 
across our assets over the last 5 years, particularly for carbon. 

Our Net Positive footprint is calculated on a proportionate share basis 
and includes emissions from energy, water and waste at our directly 
managed destinations, corporate sites, and business travel. For further 
details of our Net Positive approach, what is covered under each phase, 
and our baseline footprints see our Sustainability Report or visit the 
Positive Places pages on our website at www.hammerson.com.

Becoming Net Positive for Carbon
Progress in Phase 1
We have achieved rapid emissions reductions over the last 5 years, 
from a 2015 baseline of 30,500 tonnes CO2e to approximately 10,000 
in 2020, in spite of a net increase in the area of the managed portfolio.  

We have focused on scope 1 and 2 emissions over the 5 years to the end 
of 2020, but our Net Positive programme is designed to encourage 
additional emissions reductions from within and beyond our value 
chain. Incorporating these further reductions in our overall emissions 
gives a net carbon emissions balance of 8,539 tonnes, a reduction of 
72% in five years.

Key to this has been our consistent focus on energy efficiency and 
demand management, investment in energy saving technology and in 
on-site renewables. In Q1 2020 we installed photo-voltaic arrays at 
Cabot Circus and Les Terrasses du Port, bringing capacity across the 
portfolio to 2.9MWp. We generated over 2000 MWH of clean 
electricity in 2020; over 3% of landlord electricity demand.

Additional carbon reductions have been achieved through working 
with our retailers on store efficiency and with contractors on low 
carbon materials procurement. Projects that tackle Scope 3 and 
embodied carbon are challenging but establishing these early in our 
Net Positive journey is vital to achieving our overall goal and ensures 
we maximise carbon reductions as quickly as possible. We are not yet 
Net Positive for carbon emission but elected not to purchase offsets for 
the remainder, focusing resource instead on driving our emissions 
down further and the development of innovative local offset projects.

Chart 9

Phase one footprint (Tonnes CO2e)  

0
0
5
0
3

,

0
0
0
7
2

,

0
0
0
5
2

,

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
0
0
8
1

,

0
0
0
3
1

,

0
0
0
0
1

,

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Phase one footprint

2021 Onwards 
As we look forward to life returning to normal in 2021, we will 
maintain our focus on driving reductions in our energy demand across 
the portfolio and increasing our onsite renewable capacity. Work on 
linking Les Terrasses du Port to the Thassalia geo-thermal system that 
uses the water of the Mediterranean to provide ambient temperature to 
the asset, is due to complete in Q1 2021. This is forecast to reduce 
carbon emissions by a further 44%. Les Terrasses du Port is the most 
carbon efficient asset in our portfolio today at 12kg CO2/M2 CPA/p.a. The 
project would reduce it to 6.3kg, achieving the CRREM 2039 Net Zero 
Carbon target in 2021.

What does Net Positive for Carbon mean?
Emissions avoided through our actions will exceed 
emissions generated by our business activities

Embodied Carbon
Entering Phase 2 of our Net Positive targets brings the embodied 
carbon impacts of the business into focus. 

Our development portfolio and strategy is central to this. We reported 
last year on the carbon savings achieved through early intervention 
with our supply chain at Les 3 Fontaines, Cergy, which continued 
through 2020. Building on this, we have engaged very early with the 
design team working on Dublin Central to set Net Zero carbon targets 
and, importantly, support them in developing solutions to this 
challenge. This collaboration is already delivering designs capable of 
achieving the LETI Net Zero carbon targets. We are looking forward to 
continuing this work to ensure we deliver assets suitable for a net zero 
carbon economy.

Scope 3 Carbon Emissions
Our 2019 carbon footprint estimated carbon emissions from the 
tenanted areas of our assets (Scope 3 emissions) to be 62,000 tonnes 
– significantly more than from the areas we control as landlords. 
Working with our retailers to reduce emissions from these areas is 
therefore a priority. Clear environmental standards are set within our 
fit-out guides and we engage with tenants through the retail delivery 
process to improve their stores. Through this process our retailers are 
already benefiting from lower energy demand and operational costs 
for their units and carbon emissions from our portfolio have fallen. 
Scope 3 carbon emissions from our portfolio have fallen approximately 
30% over the last five years delivering an estimated further 26,000 
tonnes of carbon savings.

We are also increasing the quantity of environmental data gathered 
each year from our tenants, allowing us to improve the robustness of 
our Scope 3 carbon footprint reporting. Tenant data coverage was 24% 
in 2020. More information on this is available in our 2020 
Sustainability Report. 

Our Net Zero Carbon Transition Pathway
As signatories to the Better Buildings Partnership Climate 
Commitment we published a Net Zero Carbon Transition Pathway in 
2020. Building on our Net Positive targets this sets out the pathway we 
will need to follow to bring our portfolio to a Net Zero carbon position, 
including operational, embodied and Scope 3 emissions. Our 
transition pathway is set out in Chart 10 below. 

Chart 10 

Transition Pathway (Tonnes CO2e)  

90,000

80,000

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

3
2
0
2

4
2
0
2

5
2
0
2

6
2
0
2

7
2
0
2

8
2
0
2

9
2
0
2

0
3
0
2

1
3
0
2

2
3
0
2

3
3
0
2

4
3
0
2

5
3
0
2

5
3
0
2

7
3
0
2

8
3
0
2

9
3
0
2

0
4
0
2

Scope 1 + 2 emissions (NP BoR)
Embodied carbon - Target scenarios
Operational Carbon emissions - scope 3
Hammerson Scope 1,2,3 footprint @equity share

www.hammerson.com 17

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sustainability review – Positive Places continued

Becoming Net Positive for Water
Progress in Phase 1
Our focus remains on driving down landlord water consumption 
through good management and investment in efficiencies and smart 
metering. Three of our assets: Brent Cross; The Oracle; and Centrale, 
were Net Positive for water in 2021. This was achieved through a 
combination of demand reduction and interventions to reduce leaks in 
tenant spaces. Demand was low due to Covid-19 but calculations show 
Centrale and The Oracle would be Net Positive for water based on the 
level of demand in 2019. This is a significant achievement and a clear 
example of what can be done with the right level of ambition, 
commitment and collaboration.

Our plans to work with organisations beyond our value chain, outside 
the business, to support additional water savings were delayed in 2020 
but will re-start in 2021.

Chart 11

Net Positive Water (m3) 

0
0
0
6
3
3

,

0
0
0
5
1
3

,

0
0
0
8
8
2

,

0
0
0
0
6
2

,

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0
0
0
5
8
1

,

0
0
0
6
7

,

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Net water demand

2021 Onwards
As we move into Phase 2 of our Net Positive targets we will retain our 
focus on landlord water demand, but work more closely with our 
development teams to identify water saving opportunities both during 
the construction process and through the design of buildings 
optimised for water efficiency. Designing in rainwater and greywater 
harvesting and ensuring our buildings are specified in a way that 
minimises demand are priorities within our sustainable development 
framework. We will also continue to work with tenants to support 
them in reducing water demand within their stores and extend work 
with community organisations to support water reductions in their 
buildings as we did with Whitely School in Reading in 2019. 

What does Net Positive for Water mean?
Water replenished or saved by external projects we support  
will exceed water consumed from mains supply for our  
business activities. 

Becoming Net Positive 
for Resource Use
Progress in Phase 1 
Our reduction strategy for resource use is currently focused on 
operational waste from our assets. Using the standard waste 
management hierarchy we seek to minimise, reuse and recycle waste 
that we manage for our retailers. We have seen a significant reduction 
in waste volumes in 2020 but, with many of our F&B operators open 
for Click & Collect and or deliveries, organic waste represented a 
greater proportion of total waste managed than is usual. Whilst the 
majority of this waste goes to anaerobic digestion to create bio-gas, the 
proportion of dry mixed waste available for recycling has fallen. We 
expect this to be resolved as we move back to a normal trading pattern. 

Chart 12  

Net Positive Resource Use (Tonnes)

0
0
5
8

,

0
0
8
7

,

0
0
8
7

,

9,000

7,500

6,000

4,500

3,000

1,500

0
0
7
4

,

0
0
4
3

,

0
0
3
,
1

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Net Resource use

2021 Onwards
We continue to work closely with our brands to drive down resource 
use and work towards our Net Positive resource use targets. We have 
established relationships with re-use organisations Globechain and 
Too Good to Go, to support this. 

Globechain provides a platform for offering surplus materials and 
equipment from store strip and fit out or seasonal display changes, for 
re-use by others, diverting potentially useful, valuable items from the 
waste stream. Too Good to Go enables food retailers to distribute food 
that would otherwise go to waste. This focus on re-use ahead of 
recycling is a priority within the waste hierarchy and an important 
characteristic of our approach.  

As we enter Phase 2 of Net Positive, resource use from major 
refurbishments and developments is brought into scope. We are 
working to increase demand for re-used and recycled materials both 
within and beyond our value chain. For example, specifying recycled 
content within the concrete used on a construction project 
significantly reduces the use of new materials as do the clear materials 
requirements we have set within our retail fit out standards.  

What does Net Positive for Resource 
Use mean? 
Waste avoided, recycled or re-used will exceed materials used 
that are neither recycled or re-used or are sent to landfill. 

18

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

S
u
s
t
a
n
a
b

i

i

i
l
i
t
y
r
e
v
e
w
–
P
o
s
i
t
i
v
e
P
a
c
e
s

l

Delivering Net Positive  
Socio-economic impacts
Progress in Phase 1
2020 has been a particularly challenging year for our communities 
given the city centre retail focus of our portfolio. Our strategy has 
always been to maintain strong relationships with local stakeholder 
organisations within our communities and to ensure our social impact 
work is focused on identified local needs. 

This approach has enabled us to respond quickly to provide support 
this year. From retailers in the early phase of the lock down to bring 
much needed cheer in the form of chocolate and toys to local women's 
refuges, to working with community foundations across our UK 
portfolio in Q4 to provide support to local organisations. Our Giving 
Back programme invested £180,000 in 88 local community 
organisations across the UK benefitting almost 39,000 people. 

 We also maintained elements of our planned programme of work in 
2020 including the delivery of enterprise programmes with local 
schools and new entrepreneurs, following an impressively fast 
transition to virtual delivery by our partners.

Table 13

Total Community Investment*
Number of organisations that benefited 
from Hammerson direct and indirect 
contributions
Hours volunteered by Hammerson 
employees

2019

£1.8m

2020

£1.6m

436

256

3,232

3,304

 * Calculated in accordance with London Benchmarking Group standards

What does Net Positive Socio-economic 
impact mean?
We will make a measurable positive impact on socio-economic issues 
relevant to our local communities beyond a measured baseline.

Stakeholder Engagement
Delivering our short term sustainability objectives and achieving  
our long-term Net Positive targets requires consistent, effective 
engagement with our stakeholders. This has been more challenging 
during the course of 2021 but has included:

meetings with 5 key shareholders (27% by value) through 
one-to-one and group meetings

work with 150 brands on improving fit-out standards, 
sharing data and supporting our communities

48 partners who completed our Supplier Survey

256 community groups supporting local people

100% of our colleagues

Full details of our stakeholder engagement work on sustainability in 
2020 are provided in our Sustainability Report.

Community Day
Community Day is a much loved part of the Hammerson corporate 
calendar. Spending so much time apart made it particularly important 
this year and inspired us to extend Community Day to Community 
Fortnight. Our UK and Ireland colleagues were challenged to travel by 
their own effort, a collective distance of 1,360 miles over the course of 
2 weeks to raise funds for four of our charity partners. The response 
was overwhelming, with activities including cycling, running, walking, 
kayaking and even mountain hikes. With a collective total of 4,571 
miles travelled, colleagues raised almost £7,000 for our charities 
whilst taking the opportunity to move away from desks and connect 
with others outside, socially distanced, for a good cause. Community 
Fortnight will return by popular demand in 2021.

Charitable Activities
Hammerson has long standing relationships with a range of charities, 
all of whom have been hard hit this year. We are keenly aware of the 
importance of these relationships and have sought to maintain 
support as far as possible. Through our matchfunding process we have 
also enhanced the fundraising activities of colleagues. 

Each of our assets continued to support local charities in 2020, 
maintaining bursaries, supporting local colleagues in fund raising 
activities and through our Giving Back project. We were particularly 
struck by the strong support for local charities at Christmas this year 
through our Giving Trees. At one centre alone over 740 gifts were 
donated by our visitors to local families in need.

Table 14

Charitable Donations (£000)

2019

173

2020

140

www.hammerson.com 19

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our people

At 31 December 2020, we employed 518 colleagues across the Group, 
of whom 373 were based in the UK and Ireland, and 145 in France. This 
relatively small headcount means our colleagues are a key stakeholder 
and individuals have the opportunity to make a real difference.  

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on our people. To support 
colleagues during this challenging period, we launched an extensive 
internal engagement programme, which involved daily communications 
from business leaders on strategy and key milestones. We also prepared 
support material for our leaders to help them and their teams, and 
produced regular video updates to help colleagues understand the 
human impact of Covid-19 as well as stay connected. 

An ongoing part of this journey is educating ourselves on the 
experiences of others. For many years, we have delivered a series of 
D&I events and these continued in 2020 with a programme of virtual 
sessions, including an event for Black History Month with the Rt Hon. 
David Lammy MP. 

The Company has considered how it can improve communication and 
engagement around D&I within the business. Our D&I plan provides a 
clear framework for our activities and we are placing a renewed focus 
on how this is communicated to ensure maximum impact and 
understanding across the business. To support, this we have created a 
new dedicated D&I hub on our intranet. 

The senior management team were cognisant of the need to maintain 
extensive dialogue with colleagues, so that their voices were heard. 
Our Group Employee Forum (GEF) played a key role in this - please 
see the section on Colleague engagement on page 46 for more 
information. 

We are committed to listening to the experiences of our colleagues 
from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups, and ran a number 
of focus groups facilitated by our D&I partners, Brook Graham. The 
feedback received from these sessions has been incorporated into our 
latest D&I plan.

We also conducted a Covid-19 pulse survey to gauge morale and 
wellbeing, and 85% of respondents believed the Company’s response 
to the pandemic has been well managed from a colleague perspective.  
We completed our annual employee engagement survey in November. 
The overall Trust Index for the Group increased from 72% in 2019 to 
74% in 2020 – a highly encouraging result in the circumstances. 

As Covid-19 resulted in the closure of the majority of the stores in the 
Group’s destinations on numerous occasions and for prolonged 
periods, we took part in government employee assistance programmes 
in both the UK and France. Across the Group, we claimed £1.2 million 
of support, of which £0.5 million was passed on to our tenants through 
service charge reductions. 

Wellbeing
The health and wellbeing of our colleagues has always been a high 
priority and in line with government advice in our regions, all of our 
office-based teams worked from home from mid-March 2020. We 
have proactively made changes to our working policies, notably 
creating an updated and more progressive philosophy on flexible and 
agile working, alongside reviewing our approach towards annual leave 
as a result of the impact of Covid-19.

We launched a dedicated mental health and wellbeing hub on our 
intranet, so that colleagues who needed it could seek help and 
guidance. We also produced support material for both leaders and 
colleagues covering bereavement, returning to the office, and on how 
to manage teams remotely. 

Retention and recognition
We work hard to maintain and develop our rich pool of committed 
talent and Group voluntary staff turnover during 2020 remained low 
at 9.7% (2019: 10.1%).

Rewarding commitment and hard work remains critical to delivering 
sustained growth and productivity. Over 58 colleagues were 
recognised in our new Thursday Thank You’s campaign, and given 
remote working we have encouraged our leaders to also regularly 
recognise performance and achievement informally. 

Diversity and inclusion
During the past 12 months, the inequalities in our societies have never 
been more apparent following the tragic death of George Floyd and the 
Black Lives Matter protests. While we have made significant progress 
on diversity and inclusion (D&I), we continue to strive to do more as 
we recognise its importance to colleagues and the business.

20

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

20 colleagues are also participating in the MissionINCLUDE cross-
company mentoring programme, which not only provides an exciting 
development opportunity for individuals, but also furthers education 
around the lived experiences of others from different backgrounds.

We continue to welcome and fully consider all applications 
irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation 
or disability. Support also exists for employees who become disabled 
to continue in their employment or to be retrained for other suitable 
roles.

Gender pay gap
As an organisation we are clear on our commitment to all aspects of 
equality and fair pay and reward are a key element of this. The gender 
representation across the Group is 46% male and 54% female – and for 
many years we have undertaken an internal pay audit to ensure that 
our reward practices are fair to all colleagues, particularly those 
undertaking like-for-like work. The results of our 2020 audit 
continued to demonstrate the fair reward practices in place. 

With regard to our UK Gender Pay Gap, the table below shows the 
progress we have made and in 2020 our mean pay gap reduced to 
35.7%. However, the gap remains high and we continue to take positive 
steps to ensure that we further improve female representation in our 
more highly paid, senior management roles over time. 

In support of this objective, we have put measures in place to support 
female colleagues in their career progression including a Women’s 
Career Development Programme and the MissionINCLUDE 
cross-company mentoring programme which also supports broader 
diversity. 

Table 15

Difference in mean hourly rate of pay:
Difference in median hourly rate of pay:
Difference in mean bonus pay:
Difference in median bonus pay:
Proportion of MALE employees who 
received bonus pay:
Proportion of FEMALE employees who 
received bonus pay:

2018

2019

2020

43.6% 42.2% 35.7%
27.0% 30.2% 31.4%
78.7% 73.4% 60.0%
56.3% 50.2% 47.7%

87.4% 94.8% 90.1%

90.5% 92.0% 87.3%

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
p
o
r
t
f
o

l
i

o
r
e
v
e
w

i

Property portfolio review

Investment markets
During 2020, the retail investment market has been adversely impacted by the closure of non-essential shops, compounding the recent structural 
changes and accelerating the shift online, particularly in the UK. Investment market transaction levels have remained subdued, with limited debt 
available to support acquisitions, and investors favouring supermarkets and out of town retail or alternative property sectors such as logistics or 
private residential.

In the UK, shopping centre transaction volumes totalled £0.3 billion, compared to £0.5 billion in 2019, significantly lower than the ten year average 
of c. £3 billion (Source: JLL). UK retail yields for prime shopping centres moved out by 125 basis points on average during 2020 (Source: CBRE).

In France, the retail investment market remained more active, recording €4.3 billion of disposals during the year, the most significant being the 
sale by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield of a portfolio of five shopping centres, completed in May (Source: JLL).

In the Irish investment market, yields softened by 25 to 50 basis points for prime shopping centres. Overseas investors accounted for approximately 
75% of the investment activity. However, shopping centre transactions totalled just €141 million compared to €0.7 billion in 2019 (Source: C&W). 

The UK retail park market has seen increased confidence across both the food and non-food sectors, tempered by investor concerns over exposure 
to fashion retailers. Transaction volumes were consistent with 2019 at £0.9 billion. Yield expansion ranged from 75 to 125 basis points, with the 
exception of traditional, convenience-led retail parks which saw a 25 basis point yield improvement (Source: C&W).

The Group’s sale of substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets for £277 million was the only significant outlets transaction during 2020, 
compared to total transaction volumes of €0.7 billion in the prior year, although there are a number of potential sales which have recently 
recommenced following a pause due to Covid-19. Demand remains for the best assets, driven by perceived resilience, potential rental growth and a 
lack of supply. Yields for prime European centres have moved out by 25 basis points since 2019, and now range from 4.75% to 5.75% (Source: C&W).

Portfolio valuation
In 2019, following the tender of the Group’s valuation instruction, a recommendation was made to the Board to broaden the Group’s external 
valuation instruction to include CBRE Limited (CBRE), Cushman & Wakefield LLP (C&W) and Jones Lang LaSalle Ltd (JLL). Consequently, for 
the year ended 31 December 2020, the UK flagship destinations have been valued by JLL and CBRE, the French portfolio by JLL, and the Irish 
portfolio, UK retail parks, premium outlets and Brent Cross have been valued by C&W. This diversification has broadened the valuation expertise 
across the Group.

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s total portfolio including premium outlets, was valued at £6,338 million, a reduction of £1,989 million or 24% 
during the year. This movement was primarily due to revaluation losses of £1,596 million and disposals totalling £759 million, including 
£716 million relating to the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets which was reclassified to assets held for sale on 30 June 2020. This has been 
partially offset by favourable exchange movements of £228 million. Movements in the portfolio valuation are shown in Table 16.

Table 16

Proportionally consolidated, including premium outlets

Value at 1 January 20202
Revaluation losses
Additions:

Acquisitions
Capital expenditure

Disposals3
Capitalised interest
Reversal of impairment on reclassification from assets held 
for sale

Exchange
Value at 31 December 2020

Investment
£m

5,068
(1,280)

–
20
20
(43)
1

24

115
3,905

Development
£m

Total
(excl. outlets)
£m

600 
(159)

–
47
47
–
4

(2)

19
509

5,668
(1,439)

–
67
67
(43)
5

22

134
4,414

Premium
outlets1
£m

2,659 
(157)

6
38
44
(716)
–

–

94 
1,924

Total
Group
£m

8,327
(1,596)

6
105
111
(759)
5

22

228
6,338

1. Includes the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets up to 30 June 2020 when it was reclassified to assets held for sale. See page 26 of the Financial review for further details.
2. Includes retail parks reclassified to assets held for sale at their impaired value at 31 December 2019.
3. Includes £716 million relating to the transfer of VIA Outlets to assets held for sale on 30 June 2020 and subsequent disposal on 31 October 2020.

www.hammerson.com 21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property portfolio review continued

Property additions
In 2020, property additions totalled £111 million. Table 17 shows the expenditure on a sector basis and analyses spend between the creation of 
additional area and the creation of value through the enhancement of existing space.

Table 17

Capital expenditure analysis

Proportionally consolidated, including premium outlets

Acquisitions 
Capital expenditure – no additional area
Capital expenditure – creating area
Capital expenditure – tenant incentives

France
£m

Ireland
£m

Flagship 
destinations 
£m

UK retail parks
£m

Developments 
and UK other
£m 

Total excl. 
Premium 
outlets
£m

Premium outlets
£m

Total Group
£m

–
6
10
3
19

–
1
7
–
8

–
17
17
(8)
26

–
1
–
(8)
(7)

–
7
40
1
48

–
25
57
(15)
67

6
24
15
(1)
44

6
49
72
(16)
111

UK 
£m

–
10
–
(11)
(1)

Further analysis of capital expenditure between Reported Group and Share of Property Interests is provided in Table 78 on page 160. 

Acquisitions of £6 million during 2020 related to the Group share of land acquired by Value Retail, adjacent to Bicester Village.

Capital expenditure where no additional area was created of £49 million included the progression of development schemes at Croydon, Dublin 
Central, The Goodsyard and Martineau Galleries totalling £7 million, with a further £18 million relating to other asset management initiatives and 
cladding works in Birmingham and Bristol. 

Non space-accretive capital expenditure on the premium outlets totalled £24 million, of which £8 million was the Group’s share of expenditure at 
VIA Outlets, prior to its disposal, primarily on reconfiguration works at Zweibrücken, Vila do Conde, Porto and Oslo Fashion Outlets. The balance 
of £16 million was the Group’s share of expenditure at Value Retail and principally related to asset management initiatives at Bicester Village, in 
addition to the impact of changes in the blended ownership of Wertheim and Kildare Villages.

Capital expenditure creating area of £72 million principally related to the two extension projects in France at Les 3 Fontaines, Cergy and Italik, 
Paris. These schemes were both delayed as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Italik is now expected to complete in May 2021 and at Les 3 
Fontaines, Cergy, the main extension is expected to complete in March 2022, with the leisure phase in the adjacent Cergy 3 expected to open in 
December 2023. 

During the year, revisions to the scheme at Les 3 Fontaines, coupled with outward valuation yield movements, resulted in the recognition of a 
revaluation loss of £45 million, and the scheme was valued at £182 million at 31 December 2020. Pre-letting is currently 49% and when fully 
complete and let, at current yields, the project is forecast to achieve an estimated additional revaluation uplift of £50 million and a yield on cost of 5%.

The Italik extension was amended in March 2020 to include an Iconik food hall, which has increased both the cost and the expected income. At     
31 December 2020, the project was 88% pre-let and valued at €43 million (£38 million) and has been forward sold as part of the 2019 disposal of 
75% of Italie Deux. The sale is due to complete in June 2022 and the contracted 75% sale price is forecast to be €44 million (£39 million), although 
the final price is dependent on the passing rent at the date of sale.

Space accretive capital expenditure on the premium outlets totalled £15 million, all at Value Retail in relation to the on-site schemes at La Roca 
Village, Barcelona and Kildare Village, Dublin. 

Disposals
Disposals reduced the portfolio valuation by £759 million during the year, comprising:

 – The disposal of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets on 31 October 2020 for net proceeds of £271 million, representing an 

18% discount to the gross asset value at 31 December 2019 of €778 million (£696 million at 2020 closing exchange rate)

 – The sale of Abbey Retail Park in February 2020 for £33 million and SQY Ouest in May 2020 for £9 million

In 2021, three further properties have been sold in line with their 31 December 2020 valuations:

 – On 5 February, the Group sold its 41% joint venture stake in Brent South Shopping Park for gross proceeds of £22 million

 – On 4 March, we exchanged contracts for the sale of the Group’s 25% interest in Espace Saint-Quentin and 10% interest in Nicetoile, Nice to the 

existing partner, Allianz, for combined gross proceeds of £51 million

22

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
Valuation change
Chart 18 below analyses the valuation change for the Group’s property portfolio, including premium outlets, allocating the underlying valuation 
movement between yield, income and development and other impacts.

Chart 18

Components of valuation change (£m)

(4)

(91) (108)

(100) (58)

(203)

(66) (53)

(2)

(121)

(158)

2

(10) (20)

(28)

24

(159)(159)

(56)

(125)

(157)

(139)

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
p
o
r
t
f
o

l
i

o
r
e
v
e
w

i

(706)

(820)

(1,665)

Premium
outlets

Group
portfolio

0

(383)

(456)

-500

(839)

-1000

-1500

-2000

UK flagships

France flagships

Ireland flagships

UK retail parks

UK other

Developments

Yield

Income

Development and other

Total

In 2020, the Group’s portfolio suffered a net revaluation deficit of £1,665 million. In addition to the revaluation losses of £1,596 million shown in 
Table 16, the above analysis includes a revaluation loss on the retail parks portfolio totalling £69 million. This comprises £91 million recognised on 
the reclassification of the retail parks to assets held for sale at 31 December 2019, together with the subsequent reversal of £22 million of the loss 
recognised in 2020. 

UK flagship destinations suffered a revaluation deficit of £839 million, of which £383 million was attributable to outward yield shift, averaging  
132 basis points across the portfolio. All UK flagships suffered revaluation deficits in the year. The remaining £456 million was attributable to 
lower income. 

The underlying value of the French portfolio fell by £203 million, with outward yield movements averaging 28 basis points accounting for  
£91 million of the reduction and lower income causing a further loss of £108 million. All assets were subject to yield expansion.

In Ireland, a combination of yield expansion averaging 41 basis points across the portfolio and a 7% reduction in ERVs, resulted in a valuation 
deficit of £158 million. 

UK retail parks suffered a valuation deficit of £121 million, predominantly due to outward yield movement averaging 106 basis points. The largest 
deficits were at Elliott’s Field, Rugby and Cyfarthfa Retail Park, Merthyr Tydfil, both of which have been impacted by the failure of Debenhams.

A deficit of £187 million was recognised on the Development and ‘UK other’ portfolio. This principally reflected the scheme revisions at Les 3 
Fontaines, Cergy as explained on page 22 and reductions to the value of the Group’s land holdings at Croydon, Dublin, Leeds and London.

As detailed in note 1D to the financial statements, at 31 December 2020 the Irish portfolio valuations, carried out by C&W, were reported subject 
to ‘material valuation uncertainty’, highlighting that less certainty, and a higher degree of caution, should be attached to the valuations than would 
ordinarily be the case. This does not mean that the valuations cannot be relied upon, but is intended to serve as a precaution in light of the current 
extraordinary circumstances. A ‘material valuation uncertainty’ has not been included by the valuers in respect of the valuation of the UK, French 
or premium outlets portfolios at 31 December 2020.

Further analysis is included in Table 76 in the Additional disclosures on page 159.

www.hammerson.com 23

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
 
Property portfolio review continued

Change in ERV

Table 19

Like-for-like ERV change

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets1

2020
2019

UK
%

(14.3)
(8.6) 

France
%

(4.9)
(1.9) 

Ireland
%

(6.5)
1.2 

Flagship 
destinations 
%

(10.6)
(5.5) 

UK retail parks
%

(10.9)
(6.7) 

Group investment 
portfolio 
% 

(10.8)
(5.9) 

1.  The ‘UK other’ portfolio is not shown above and reported a like-for-like ERV decline of -15.0% (2019: -11.4%). 

Like-for-like ERVs at the Group’s investment properties declined by 10.8% in 2020 compared to a reduction of 5.9% in 2019.

ERVs at UK flagships fell by 14.3% in 2020, compared with a decline of 8.6% in 2019. This was largely due to weak occupational demand and an 
over-supply of retail space due to CVAs and administrations and is consistent with 2020 leasing volumes being 50% lower than 2019. This was 
further exacerbated by closures during lockdown periods. The most significant reductions were at Victoria, Leeds and Westquay, Southampton, 
the latter incorporating a F&B and leisure complex which was particularly impacted by the closures. 

ERVs in France reduced by 4.9%, following a 1.9% decline in 2019. Rental values were reduced at all properties with the most significant 
movement at Les 3 Fontaines, Cergy, where the ongoing extension work has increased the supply of space at the centre.

In Ireland, ERVs fell by 6.5% following ERV growth of 1.2% in 2019. Covid-19 closures have had an adverse impact on the occupational market. 

ERVs at UK retail parks fell by 10.9%, compared with a 6.7% decline in the prior year, with the largest declines at Cyfarthfa Retail Park, Merthyr 
Tydfil and Elliott’s Field Retail Park, Rugby, both impacted by the failure of Debenhams.

Returns
Property returns

Table 20

Property returns analysis

2020

Proportionally consolidated, including premium outlets1

Income return
Capital return
Total return 

UK 
%

3.2
(35.8) 
(33.7)

France 
%

3.9
(15.3)
(11.9)

Ireland 
%

3.2
(17.5)
(14.8)

Flagship 
destinations 
%

UK retail parks 
%

Developments 
%

Premium outlets 
%

3.5
(26.2)
(23.6)

4.8
(23.3)
(19.5)

1.1
(24.2)
(23.3)

2.8
(10.0)
(7.5)

Group 
%

3.2
(20.9)
(18.3)

1.  The ‘UK other’ portfolio is not shown above and produced an income return of 3.6%, a capital return of -19.8% and a total return of -16.8%. The combined total return for the 

UK portfolio was -31.3%, with a capital return of -33.7% and an income return of 3.5%.

The Group’s property portfolio generated a total return of -18.3% in 2020, comprising a capital return of -20.9% and an income return of 3.2%. The 
capital return is consistent with the underlying valuation performance explained in the ‘Valuation change’ section on page 23 and an analysis of 
the capital and total returns by business segment is included in Table 76 in the Additional disclosures on page 159. 

We compare the individual portfolio returns against their respective MSCI benchmarks and compare the Group’s portfolio against a weighted 
50:50 UK All Retail Universe: Bespoke Europe (excluding UK) All Retail Universe index. These indices include returns from all types of retail 
property.

As the annual MSCI benchmarks are not available until after this Annual Report has been published, it is not yet possible to gauge the Group’s 
comparative performance. The UK MSCI Annual All Retail Universe for 2020 reported a total return for UK shopping centres of -27.3% , 640 basis 
points higher than the Group’s UK flagship return of -33.7%, and a total return of -10.1% for UK retail parks, against a Hammerson total return of 
-19.5%. 

In 2020, the Reported Group portfolio (see Financial review on page 25 for explanation) produced a total return of -18.2%, whilst properties held 
by our joint ventures and associates generated a total return of -18.4%. 

Shareholder returns

Table 21

Return

Total shareholder return over one year
Total shareholder return over three years p.a.
Total shareholder return over five years p.a.

%   Benchmark

(82.2)   FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK index over one year
(51.2)   FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK index over three years p.a.
(35.1)   FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK index over five years p.a.

%

(18.1)
(5.0)
(3.8)

Hammerson’s total shareholder return for 2020 was -82.2%, an underperformance compared with the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK index of 64.1 
percentage points as the retail property sub-sector has been hit harder by the Covid-19 global pandemic than the wider property index. Over the 
last five years, the Group’s average annual total shareholder return has been a reduction of 35.1%, compared to a decline of 3.8% for the FTSE 
EPRA/NAREIT UK index.

24

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Financial review

IFRS loss for the year1

Shareholders’ funds1

Net debt

£(1,735)m

(2019: £(781) million loss)

Adjusted EPS2

1.6p

(2019: 12.8p)

£3,209m

(2019: £4,377 million)

EPRA NTA per share3

£0.82

(2019: £1.16)

£2,234m

(2019: £2,843 million)

Gearing 

70%

(2019: 71%)

1.  Attributable to equity shareholders.
2.  See note 11B to the financial statements for calculation. Comparatives have been restated following the rights issue.
3.  See note 11E to the financial statements for calculation. Comparatives have been restated following the rights issue.

F
i
n
a
n
c
i
a

l

r
e
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

Presentation of financial information
The information presented in this Financial review is derived from the Group’s financial statements, prepared under IFRS. A significant 
proportion of the Group’s property interests are held in conjunction with third parties in joint ventures and associates. Under IFRS, the Group’s 
share of joint operations is proportionally consolidated and the results and net investment in joint ventures and associates are equity accounted 
and presented within single lines in the income statement and balance sheet.

The Group has property interests in a number of sectors and management reviews the performance of the Group’s property interests in flagship 
destinations, retail parks, UK other properties and developments on a proportionally consolidated basis to reflect the Group’s different ownership 
shares. Management does not proportionally consolidate the Group’s premium outlet interests, which are externally managed by experienced 
outlet operators, are independently financed and have operating metrics which differ from the Group’s other sectors. We review the performance 
of our premium outlet interests separately from the proportionally consolidated portfolio. 

The key financial metrics for our premium outlets are: income growth; earnings contribution; property valuations and returns. However, for a 
number of the Group’s Alternative Performance Measures (APMs), we aggregate the premium outlets for enhanced disclosure. These include 
like-for-like net rental income, property valuations and returns and certain credit metrics.

Within the Financial review, the Group financial statements and the Additional disclosures, properties which are wholly owned or where the 
Group’s share is in a joint operation, are defined as being held by the ‘Reported Group’, whilst those in joint ventures and associates are defined as 
‘Share of Property interests’.

Further explanation of the accounting treatments of the Group’s different types of ownership is provided in note 1F to the financial statements on 
page 106 and in the Glossary on pages 172 to 173.

Going concern statement
To assess whether it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s 2020 financial statements on a going concern basis, the Directors have undertaken a 
detailed review of the current and projected financial position of the Group. This is explained in note 1E to the financial statements on page 104. 

Under the review, the Group has significant liquidity forecast over the going concern period, and the Directors have considered that it is 
reasonable to conclude that the Group will continue in operational existence and meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least the next 12 months. 
Therefore, these financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. 

However, the Group is facing unprecedented levels of uncertainty, principally caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Group’s financial 
modelling is very sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions. There are also risks associated with a number of the Group’s secured debt 
facilities which benefit from temporary covenant waivers or amendments, or require refinancing within the going concern assessment period.

Given these circumstances, the Directors have concluded that attention should be drawn to the following factors as a material uncertainty that 
may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern:

 – the impact on income and property valuations associated with the terms and speed of future relaxations of Covid-19 restrictions and the 
strength and timeframe of the forecast recovery in the retail market and the broader economy. More adverse outcomes relative to those 
assumed in the scenario modelling, could result in breaches in the Group’s unsecured gearing and interest cover ratio covenants, regardless of 
the outcome of the secured debt facilities negotiations

 – the ability to satisfactorily conclude lender discussions on a number of the Group’s secured debt facilities by obtaining additional waivers or 
amendments, renegotiating terms, partly or fully prepaying facilities, or refinancing maturing loans. However, as these facilities are held in 
three of the Group’s joint ventures and Value Retail, the outcome of the discussions with the third party lenders is not solely within the Group’s 
control. In the highly unlikely event that lenders enforced their security interests to recover these loans and the Group were to lose the value of 
its equity investments, the Group would breach its unsecured gearing covenant in the Severe but plausible adverse scenario at 30 June 2022

No adjustments have been made to the financial statements that would result if the Group were unable to continue as a going concern.

www.hammerson.com 25

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
Financial review continued

Presentation of UK retail parks
At 31 December 2019, the UK retail parks portfolio was being actively marketed with an expectation of transacting within 12 months of the balance 
sheet date. Consequently, this met the IFRS 5 criteria of ‘held for sale’ and the retail parks portfolio, together with associated assets and liabilities, 
were separately classified as assets and liabilities held for sale in the balance sheet and in February 2020, the Group announced a sale of a portfolio 
of seven retail parks to Orion European Real Estate Fund V (Orion). As this constituted substantially the remainder of the segment, the results for 
2018 and 2019 were reclassified as discontinued operations within the 2019 Annual Report. 

In April 2020, Orion notified the Group that it no longer intended to complete on the sale, despite unconditional contracts having been exchanged. 
The Group subsequently terminated the sale agreement in May 2020 and retained the £21 million deposit. Management concluded that whilst the 
Group remains committed to near term disposals, the retail parks no longer met the criteria of ‘held for sale’ as defined by IFRS 5 as a sale was no 
longer deemed to be highly probable. Consequently, the UK retail parks portfolio was reclassified from assets held for sale in May 2020. The 
valuation at 30 June 2020, prepared for the purposes of the interim results, was used as a materially reasonable approximation of the value upon 
reclassification in May 2020. At 31 December 2020, the results for the comparative periods have been re-presented to disclose the retail parks as 
part of continuing operations, whilst balance sheet comparatives at 31 December 2019 remain unchanged. 

Presentation of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets (VIA)
In June 2020, the Group entered into negotiations for the sale of substantially all of its joint venture investment in VIA Outlets. At 30 June 2020, 
management completed its assessment and concluded that the proportion of investment in VIA Outlets identified for disposal met the IFRS 5 
criteria for ‘held for sale’ at the balance sheet date as the investment was being actively marketed at a reasonable price with an expectation of 
transacting within a year. A sale contract was subsequently exchanged in August, subject to the retention of a 7.3% stake in VIA Outlets 
Zweibrücken B.V., and the transaction completed on 31 October 2020 following shareholder approval and competition clearance for gross 
proceeds of £277 million. Consequently, the proportion of the investment to be sold was reclassified to assets held for sale at 30 June 2020 at its 
carrying value and re-measured at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs of disposal, in accordance with IFRS 5. At the date of 
reclassification, equity accounting ceased and subsequent changes in the fair value less costs of disposal between 30 June 2020 and completion 
have been recognised as impairment movements. The initial re-measurement and subsequent fair value changes have resulted in a £103.8 million 
impairment loss being recognised in the year. 

The residual investment in VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V., which is to be retained for the foreseeable future, continued to be held within 
investment in joint ventures until completion in October 2020, at which point it was reclassified to other investments as the Group no longer 
exercised joint control or significant influence over the investment. The carrying value of £9.7 million is based upon the Group’s retained 7.3% 
share of the underlying net assets of VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V.

Rights issue
On 6 August 2020, the Company announced its proposals for a rights issue. On 2 September 2020, the Group completed a capital reorganisation 
comprising the subdivision and subsequent consolidation of existing shares. On 25 September 2020, following shareholder and regulatory 
approval, the rights issue completed successfully, with 24 ordinary shares being offered for every one share at an offer price of 15 pence per share. 
This generated gross proceeds of £557 million, or net proceeds of £530 million after transaction costs, of which £2 million were accrued at the 
balance sheet date.

As detailed in note 11 to the financial statements, for the purposes of adjusted earnings and NAV metrics, comparative per share data has been 
restated to incorporate the impact of the rights issue on the number of shares. 

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
The Group uses a number of APMs, being financial measures not specified under IFRS, to monitor the performance of the business. These include 
a number of the Group’s Key Performance Indicators on pages 14 and 15. Many of these measures are based on the EPRA Best Practice 
Recommendations (BPR) reporting framework, which aims to improve the transparency, comparability and relevance of the published results of 
listed European real estate companies. The Group’s key EPRA metrics are shown in Table 68 within the Additional disclosures section on page 154. 
For other APMs, the Financial review and Additional disclosures sections contain supporting information, including reconciliations to the IFRS 
financial statements. Definitions for APMs are also included in the Glossary on pages 172 to 173.

As detailed in note 1D to the financial statements, the heightened risk environment has resulted in the Group revising its approach to determining 
the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) at 31 December 2020, and applied this to both trade receivables and unamortised tenant incentives. 
Consequently, two additional sources of impairment loss have been recognised within the consolidated income statement for the year ended  
31 December 2020: a provision for the impairment of unamortised tenant incentives, included within property outgoings; and a provision for 
amounts not yet recognised in the income statement. For the year ended 31 December 2020 and all subsequent reporting periods, the Group’s 
adjusted earnings metric will include an adjustment for the “provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement” as management 
believes this distorts earnings by reflecting the income and corresponding cost in different periods. Recognition of the provision on deferred 
income in one period, with recognition of the associated income in the following period would otherwise lead to ongoing timing differences, which 
a reader of the financial statements may find challenging to reconcile. Management believes this will present more relevant and useful information 
to users of financial statements by aligning the impairment cost with the period in which the revenue has been recognised.

As outlined above, the reclassification of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets to assets held for sale at 30 June 2020 resulted 
in the Group ceasing equity accounting from 30 June 2020, with any subsequent movements in the net assets of the investment between the date 
of reclassification and completion being incorporated within impairment movements. For the year ended 31 December 2020 and all subsequent 
reporting periods, the adjusted earnings from investments in joint ventures and associates from the date of reclassification to assets held for sale 
up to the completion date will be included within the Group’s adjusted earnings metric. Management believes this provides more relevant and 
useful information to users of the financial statements by incorporating all of the adjusted earnings to which the Group is entitled. Supporting 
calculations are provided in note 18B to the financial statements.

At 31 December 2020, the Group has adopted the new EPRA Net Asset Value (NAV) metrics: Net Reinvestment Value (NRV); Net Tangible Assets 
(NTA); and Net Disposal Value (NDV). Full reconciliations from the previous metrics have been provided in note 11F to the financial statements. 
EPRA NTA is regarded as the most relevant net asset metric for the business.

26

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Loss for the year
The Group’s IFRS loss for the year, attributable to equity shareholders, was £1,735 million, compared to a loss of £781 million in the prior year.  
The largest component of the loss was the net revaluation deficit on the Group’s property portfolio of £1,439 million compared with a loss of 
£1,028 million in 2019. Other contributing factors included: impairment losses on reclassification of VIA Outlets to assets held for sale of 
£104 million and impairment losses in relation to investments in associates and joint ventures totalling a further £104 million. On a proportionally 
consolidated basis, net rental income was £151 million lower than the prior year, of which £77 million related to increased provisioning, and the 
Group recognised a loss of £157 million in relation to its share of the property revaluation of premium outlets, compared to a gain of £200 million 
in the previous year. These movements were partially offset by a profit on disposal of £12 million compared to a loss of £92 million in 2019, and the 
unwinding of the impairment recognised on the reclassification of retail parks from assets held for sale during 2020, totalling £22 million.

F
i
n
a
n
c
i
a

l

r
e
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

Management principally reviews the Group’s performance on an adjusted basis to monitor the Group’s underlying earnings as it excludes capital 
and non-recurring items such as valuation movements, gains or losses on the disposal of properties and other one-off exceptional items. This 
approach is consistent with other property companies and we follow EPRA guidance to calculate adjusted figures. Any additional Company specific 
adjustments are detailed in note 11B to the financial statements. A reconciliation of the loss to adjusted earnings for the year is shown in Table 22.

Table 22

Reconciliation of IFRS loss for the year to adjusted earnings for the year

Proportionally consolidated, including premium outlets

Loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders
Adjustments:
Net revaluation losses on property portfolio*
Net revaluation losses/(gains) on premium outlets property portfolio
Impairment (gain)/loss on reclassification of UK retail parks (from)/to assets held for sale 
Impairment loss relating to assets held for sale: VIA Outlets
Impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates
Recycling of net exchange gain on disposal of foreign operations 
(Profit)/Loss on sale of properties
Change in fair value of derivatives*
Deferred tax on premium outlets
Change in provision for amounts not recognised in the income statement
Adjusted earnings from investment in VIA Outlets since reclassification to assets held for sale
Other adjustments (see note 11B)

Adjusted earnings for the year (note 11B)
Adjusted EPS, pence (comparative figure restated for the rights issue)

 * Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets.

Year ended  
31 December 
2020 
£m

(1,734.8)

Year ended  
31 December  
2019 
£m

(781.2)

1,438.8
157.3
(22.4)
103.8
103.9
(5.2)
(11.6)
(11.8)
(17.3)
12.0
8.1
15.7
36.5
1.6

1,028.0 
(199.8) 
92.0 
–
–
(13.8) 
91.7 
(3.6) 
6.4 
–
–
(5.7) 
214.0 
12.8

Analysis of the Group’s IFRS income statement split between ‘Adjusted’ profit and ‘Capital and other’ profit is shown in note 2 of the financial 
statements on page 108 and further details of the EPRA adjustments are provided in note 11B of the financial statements on page 118.

Adjusted earnings
The Group’s adjusted earnings for 2020 were £36.5 million, £177.5 million or 83% lower than in 2019. Table 23 bridges adjusted earnings and 
adjusted EPS between the two years. The movements in each line are shown at constant exchange rates with the impact of foreign exchange 
movements included in ‘Foreign exchange and other’. Explanations of the movements are provided later in this Financial review.

Table 23

Reconciliation of adjusted earnings for the year 

Including premium outlets 

Adjusted earnings – Year ended 31 December 2019
Rights issue dilution
(Decrease)/Increase in net rental income2
Decrease in net administration expenses
Increase in net finance costs
Increase/(Decrease) in premium outlets earnings
Foreign exchange and other

Adjusted (loss)/earnings– Year ended 31 December 2020

Reported Group 
£m

Share of joint 
ventures 
£m

Share of associates 
£m

Adjusted 
earnings for the 
year 
£m

Adjusted EPS1
pence

28.1 
–
(81.0)
4.3
(5.2)
–
2.7
(51.1)

153.1 
–
(63.4)
0.1
(0.6)
0.2
(0.2)
89.2

32.8 
–
4.0
–
–
(38.2)
(0.2)
(1.6)

214.0 
–

(140.4)
4.4
(5.8)
(38.0)
2.3
36.5

12.8 
(3.4)
(6.2)
0.2
(0.2)
(1.7)
0.1
1.6

1.  Restated following the rights issue.
2.  Excludes provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement as this does not constitute adjusted earnings as detailed on page 26.

Like-for-like NRI for the Reported Group was £42.6 million lower year-on-year. Like-for-like NRI relating to Share of joint ventures and 
associates, excluding premium outlets, fell by £58.8 million or -40.1% in 2020.

www.hammerson.com 27

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Net rental income

Table 24

Analysis of net rental income

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets

Like-for-like investment properties
Disposals
Developments and other
Impairment provision relating to items not yet recognised in 
the income statement
Foreign exchange

Net rental income

Reported Group 
£m

Share of Property
interests*
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
£m

Year ended 
31 December
 2019 
£m

60.3
0.1
18.3

(3.9)
–
74.9

85.9
(0.6)
5.6

(8.1)
–
82.7

146.2
(0.5)
23.9

(12.0)
–
157.6

247.6
29.0
33.4

–
(1.5)
308.5 

Change 
£m

(101.4)
(29.5)
(9.5)

(12.0)
1.5
(150.9)

In the year ended 31 December 2020, net rental income (NRI) fell by £150.9 million, or £152.4 million at constant exchange rates.

The like-for-like portfolio suffered reductions across all properties totalling £101.4 million, or 41%, comprising £67.0 million relating to the UK 
flagships, £15.0 million in UK retail parks and a further £19.4 million across France and Ireland. This was principally as a result of increased 
provisioning across the Group, totalling £64.8 million, due to the higher level of arrears and increased uncertainty as a consequence of the 
pandemic. In addition, a loss allowance provision of £14.8 million was recognised in respect of unamortised tenant incentives, £11.0 million of 
which was attributable to the like-for-like portfolio. Car park income, commercialisation income and turnover rents all fell due to the closure of 
the majority of stores in periods of Covid-19 lockdown during the year.

Disposals during 2019 and 2020 reduced net rental income by £29.5 million. The sale of four retail parks in 2019 and Abbey Retail Park in February 
2020 accounted for £12.7 million of the reduction, £16.1 million related to the sale of 75% of Italie Deux in December 2019 and the remaining 
£0.7 million was attributable to the disposal of SQY Ouest in May 2020.

Developments and other factors reduced net rental income year-on-year by £9.5 million, principally due to lower car park income at the two 
Croydon properties and Leeds during lockdown periods, and increased provisioning consistent with the rest of the portfolio.

The Group also recognised an impairment provision of £12.0 million against trade receivables for which the corresponding income relates to the 
period from 1 January 2021 onward. This has been excluded from like-for-like and adjusted earnings metrics as this distorts these metrics by 
reflecting the cost and corresponding income in different periods.

Further analysis of net rental income is provided in Table 73 of the Additional disclosures on page 157.

Administration expenses

Table 25

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets

Employee costs – excluding variable costs
Variable employee costs
Other corporate costs

Administration costs
Property fee income

Employee and corporate costs
Management fees receivable

Net administration expenses*

Year ended 
31 December 
2020 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2019 
£m

39.6
3.8
24.4
67.8
(15.2)
52.6
(8.5)
44.1

40.5
10.1
22.3 
72.9
(15.7)
57.2 
(8.9) 
48.3 

 * In 2020, £0.4 million (2019: £0.5 million) of the Group’s proportionally consolidated administration expenses related to the Group’s Share of Property interests.

For the year ended 31 December 2020, net administration expenses reduced by £4.2 million, or £4.4 million at constant exchange rates, to 
£44.1 million. Variable employee costs reduced by £6.3 million in the year, largely due to a lower bonus payment in relation to 2020. During 2020, 
employee costs include £1.2 million received from government employee assistance programmes, including the furlough scheme in the UK. 
£0.5 million of this related to centre-based colleagues and reduced service charges for our tenants.

Other corporate costs increased by £2.1 million, with increases in insurance costs and professional fees being partially offset by lower travel 
expenses as a result of Covid-19.

Our accounting policy is to capitalise the cost of colleagues working directly on onsite development projects. In 2020, £2.2 million of employee 
costs were capitalised on this basis, compared with £1.8 million in 2019.

Cost ratio
The EPRA cost ratio for the year ended 31 December 2020 was 54.9%, compared to 25.7% for the previous year. The increase is principally due to 
the property costs component of the ratio, which has increased from 11.9% to 39.0%. This is driven by the increase in provisioning against trade 
receivables due to lower collection rates and heightened risk of tenant failure, the recognition of impairment provisions against tenant incentives, 
and disposals of retail parks in 2019 and 2020, which have a lower cost base. The administration expenses element of the ratio has increased by 210 
basis points to 15.9% in spite of the overall reduction in administration costs due to the lower income denominator.

28

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Share of results of joint ventures and associates, including investments in premium outlets
The Group had interests in 16 joint ventures (2019: 16) during the year and the share of the results of joint ventures under IFRS for the year ended 
31 December 2020 was a loss of £882.7 million (2019: £429.1 million loss). Following the disposal of 75% of Italie Deux, Paris in December 2019, 
the remaining investment is now held as an associate, together with Value Retail (VR) and Nicetoile. The share of results from associates under 
IFRS for the year ended 31 December 2020 was a loss of £148.3 million (2019: £209.4 million profit). Further details are provided in notes 13 and 
14 to the financial statements.

During the year, management undertook an impairment review of non-financial assets. As a result, impairments were recognised in relation to the 
Group’s investments in VR and VIA of £94.3 million and £9.6 million respectively, equivalent to the goodwill previously reported as detailed in 
note 1D to the financial statements on page 102.

As explained at the beginning of the Financial review on page 25, for management reporting purposes we review the Group’s property portfolio on 
a proportionally consolidated basis, to reflect the Group’s different ownership shares. We do not proportionally consolidate the Group’s premium 
outlet investments. These are externally managed by experienced outlet operators, independently financed and have operating metrics which 
differ from the Group’s other properties. Due to the differing nature of the Group’s control, VIA is accounted for as a joint venture and VR is 
accounted for as an associate. As detailed on page 26, the reclassification of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets to assets held 
for sale at 30 June 2020 resulted in the Group ceasing equity accounting from 30 June 2020, with any subsequent movements in the net assets of 
the investment between the date of reclassification and completion being incorporated within impairment movements. For the year ended  
31 December 2020 and all subsequent reporting periods, the adjusted earnings from investments in joint ventures and associates from the date of 
reclassification to assets held for sale up to the completion date will be included within the Group’s adjusted earnings metric. The combined profit 
contribution from premium outlets is in Table 81 of the Additional disclosures on page 162.

Table 26 shows the contribution to the Group’s adjusted earnings from joint ventures and associates, split between the proportionally 
consolidated properties, assets held for sale and the investments in premium outlets.

F
i
n
a
n
c
i
a

l

r
e
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

Table 26

Contribution to adjusted earnings

Share of results – IFRS
Revaluation losses/(gains) on properties
Other adjustments (notes 13B/14B/18B)
Total adjustments

Adjusted earnings/(loss) 
contribution
Analysed as:
Share of Property interests
Premium outlets

Joint ventures 
(incl. VIA) 
£m

(882.7)
957.9
5.9
963.8

81.1

75.2
5.9

Assets held for 
sale – VIA  

£m

7.1
–
1.0
1.0

8.1

–
8.1

Associates 
(Incl. VR) 
£m

(148.3)
144.7
2.1
146.8

Year ended
31 December 
2020 
Total 
£m

(1,023.9)
1,102.6
9.0
1,111.6

Joint ventures 
(incl. VIA) 
£m

Associates
(incl. VR)
£m

(429.1) 
569.8 
12.4
582.2

209.4 
(167.9) 
(8.7) 
(176.6) 

Year ended 
31 December 
2019 
Total 
£m

(219.7) 
401.9
3.7
405.6

(1.5)

5.6
(7.1)

87.7

80.8
6.9

153.1

32.8 

185.9

138.5 
14.6 

1.6 
31.2 

140.1 
45.8 

Adjusted earnings from the Share of Property interests reduced by £59.3 million during 2020. This decline was almost entirely due to a reduction 
in NRI as a direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the most significant factor being the increase in provisioning. As detailed in note 1D to 
the financial statements, the level of trade receivables at the balance sheet date and increased uncertainty have resulted in a heightened risk of 
default, resulting in the Group recognising a loss allowance of £30.8 million within Share of property interests. Additionally, a further £5.3 million 
was recognised relating to the impairment of unamortised lease incentives, included within investment properties, reflecting the risk of the 
associated rental income stream ending earlier than anticipated under the current smoothing and amortisation timelines. In addition to the 
increased provisioning levels, base and turnover rents, net of smoothing, fell by £11.0 million and there was an £11.3 million decline in car park 
income due to reduced footfall during government enforced closure periods. 

On an adjusted basis, including earnings from VIA up to the date of sale on 31 October 2020, premium outlets reported a profit of £6.9 million in 
2020, £38.9 million lower than the prior year. This was largely due to a reduction in earnings from VR of £38.3 million, where rent abatements 
granted to tenants during the Covid-19 closure period reduced gross rental income by £64.0 million. Due to the differing lease structures, rental 
waivers granted by VR have not been treated as a lease modification and have therefore been recognised in the period to which they relate. The 
decline in GRI was partially offset by operational and administrative cost savings of £25.1 million.

Despite the sale at the end of October 2020, the Group’s share of VIA’s adjusted earnings fell by just £0.6 million in the year. VIA’s premium 
outlets suffered fewer closures than the Group’s other properties and 2020 earnings were enhanced by operational cost savings and a corporation 
tax rebate.

Finance costs
Net finance costs, calculated on a proportionally consolidated basis, totalled £83.6 million in 2020, £2.6 million lower than the prior year. 
£72.2 million related to the Reported Group and £11.4 million to the Share of Property interests as shown in note 2 to the financial statements.

Adjusted finance costs, which excludes the change in fair value of derivatives, debt cancellation costs and other non-recurring items, totalled  
£95.4 million for the year ended 31 December 2020, compared to £89.8 million in 2019. The increase in finance costs is due to lower interest 
received from foreign currency and interest rate swaps that matured during the year, being partially offset by reduced interest cost on the Group’s 
Revolving Credit Facilities due to lower drawings and interest rates.

Capitalised interest on our two Paris development schemes at Italie Deux and Les 3 Fontaines, Cergy totalled £5.0 million in 2020, compared 
with £2.8 million in 2019.

The supporting calculation for adjusted finance costs is shown in Table 84 of the Additional disclosures on page 164.

www.hammerson.com 29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Tax and dividends
The Group’s tax charge was £0.6 million in 2020, or £0.5 million on a Reported Group basis, compared to £2.2 million in the prior year. The Group 
is a UK REIT and a French SIIC. These tax regimes exempt the Group’s property income and gains from corporate taxes subject to its activities 
meeting certain conditions including, but not limited to, distributing at least 90% of the Group’s UK tax exempt profit as property income 
distributions (PID). The Irish assets are held in a QIAIF which provides a similar tax treatment to a UK REIT, but subjects distributions from 
Ireland to the UK to a 20% withholding tax. The residual businesses in the UK, France and Ireland are subject to corporate taxes as normal.  

In order to satisfy the REIT conditions, it is necessary for the Company, on an annual basis, to pass certain business tests. In respect of the year 
ended 31 December 2020, based on preliminary calculations, the Company has marginally breached the interest cover test and, in these 
circumstances, HMRC is able to impose a charge equivalent to corporation tax on the excessive finance cost. The Company estimates this charge 
would be £0.1 million. 

In view of the significant and unexpected impact of Covid-19 during the year, HMRC has agreed that no charge will be assessed on the Company.

We publish guidance explaining the Group’s tax strategy annually. ‘Hammerson’s Approach to Tax’ is available on the Group’s website  
www.hammerson.com.

Following the cancellation of the 2019 final dividend in March 2020, the Company had an outstanding PID obligation of approximately £70 million 
to pay before the end of 2020. On 11 November 2020, the Company declared a 2020 interim dividend of 0.2 pence per share in cash with an enhanced 
scrip dividend alternative of 2.0 pence per share. As detailed in note 10 to the financial statements, the total dividend of £71.5 million was paid on  
18 December 2020 as a PID, net of withholding tax where appropriate, satisfying the outstanding PID obligation.

A final dividend of 0.2 pence per share in cash has been proposed by the Board, to be paid entirely as a PID, net of withholding tax where applicable. 
The Company will again be offering an enhanced PID scrip dividend alternative of 2.0 pence per share.

Net assets
During 2020, equity shareholders’ funds decreased by £1,168 million, or 27%, to £3,209 million. Net assets, calculated on an EPRA Net Tangible 
Assets (NTA) basis, were £3,317 million and on a per share basis, restating the 2019 figure for the 2020 rights issue, reduced by 34 pence to 
82 pence. The movement during the year is shown in Table 27.

Table 27

Movement in net assets

Proportionally consolidated, including premium outlets
31 December 2019 – EPRA NAV
Adjustment to new metrics2
31 December 2019 – EPRA NTA
Rights issue – adjustment to number of shares

31 December 2019 – restated EPRA NTA
Property revaluation
Proportionally consolidated property portfolio
Premium outlet properties

Impairment relating to assets held for sale : VIA Outlets
Impairment on reclassification from assets held for sale: Retail parks
Impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates
Adjusted earnings for the year
Profit on sale of properties
Change in deferred tax3
Rights issue
Dividends
Foreign exchange and other movements

31 December 2020

 Equity shareholders’ 
funds  
£m

4,377 
–
4,377
–

4,377

(1,439)
(157)
(1,596)
(104)
22
(104)
37
12
4
530
(13)
44
3,209

Adjustments1  

£m

222 
(146)
76
–

76

–
–
–
–
–
98
–
–
(37)
–
–
(29)
108

EPRA 
net assets  

£m

EPRA NAV/NTA 
pence per share

4,599 
(146)
4,453
–

4,453

(1,439)
(157)
(1,596)
(104)
22
(6)
37
12
(33)
530
(13)
15
3,317

601
(19)
582
(466)

116

(35)
(4)
(39)
(3)
1
–
1
–
(1)
13
(6)
–
82

1.  Adjustments in accordance with EPRA best practice shown in note 11E to the financial statements on page 120.
2.  Following the changes to EPRA NAV metrics as detailed in note 11E on page 120, the EPRA NAV at 31 December 2019 has been represented as EPRA NTA for comparison purposes.
3.  The EPRA deferred tax adjustment principally relates to the de-recognition of 50% of the deferred tax balances of VIA Outlets following the disposal.

The reduction in EPRA net assets was primarily the result of net property revaluation losses, totalling £1,596 million as explained in the Property 
portfolio review on page 21 and impairment losses on the reclassification of VIA Outlets to assets held for sale and subsequent disposal. These were 
partially offset by net proceeds from the rights issue of £530 million.

Investment and development properties
The valuation of investment and development properties in the Reported Group at 31 December 2020 was £2,153 million, £54 million higher than 
the prior year. The movement primarily related to the reclassification of retail parks from assets held for sale of £416 million, favourable foreign 
exchange of £80 million and capital expenditure of £57 million, largely offset by revaluation losses of £494 million. The movement in investment 
and development properties is shown in note 12 to the financial statements.

The Group’s property portfolio valuation calculated on a proportionally consolidated basis plus the Group’s premium outlets is provided in note 
3B to the financial statements on page 112. 

30

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
Investment in joint ventures and associates, including investments in premium outlets
Details of the Group’s joint ventures and associates are shown in notes 13 and 14 to the financial statements. Table 28 shows the Group’s 
investment in joint ventures and associates on both IFRS and adjusted bases, split between the proportionally consolidated Share of Property 
interests and investments in premium outlets.

Table 28

Adjusted investment in joint ventures and associates

F
i
n
a
n
c
i
a

l

r
e
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

IFRS investment in joint ventures/associates 
Adjustments (see notes 13C/14D)

Adjusted investment in joint ventures/associates 
Analysed as:

Share of Property interests
Premium outlets

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Joint ventures
£m

Associates
(incl. VR)
£m

1,814
6
1,820

1,820
–

1,299
116
1,415

144
1,271

Total  
£m

3,113
122
3,235

1,964
1,271

Joint ventures
(incl. VIA)
£m

Associates
(incl. VR)
£m

3,017 
70 
3,087 

2,642 
445 

1,505 
150 
1,655 

149 
1,506 

Total  
£m

4,522 
220 
4,742 

2,791 
1,951 

The total adjusted investment in the Group’s Share of Property interests reduced by £827 million to £1,964 million during 2020. The most 
significant movement was net revaluation losses totalling £945 million, partially offset by adjusted earnings of £81 million.

During 2020, the Group’s total adjusted investment in premium outlets reduced by £680 million to £1,271 million. This was largely due to the 
disposal of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets during the year, with the remaining investment in Zweibrücken B.V. 
transferred to other investments. On a standalone basis, the Group’s adjusted investment in Value Retail reduced by £235 million due to 
revaluation losses of £127 million and the Group’s recognition of an impairment loss of £94 million against its investment, equivalent to the 
notional goodwill.

An analysis of the Group’s combined investment in premium outlets is shown in Table 82 in the Additional disclosures on page 162.

Receivables

As explained in note 1D to the financial statements, the Group has applied the simplified approach under IFRS 9 and adopted a provisioning 
matrix to determine the Expected Credit Loss (ECL). This involves grouping receivables dependent on the risk level, taking into account historic 
default rates, credit ratings, ageing, future expectations and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, and applying an appropriate provision percentage 
after taking account of rent deposits and personal or corporate guarantees held. 

At 31 December 2020, trade receivables totalled £170 million on a proportionally consolidated basis, compared to £61 million at 31 December 2019. 
The intermittent closures of the vast majority of non-essential retail across all regions in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, coupled with government 
restrictions on landlords’ ability to enforce collection, has resulted in a significant decline in collection rates and consequently, an increase in the 
level of trade receivables.

On a proportionally consolidated basis, after taking account of tenant deposits, guarantees and VAT, a total provision of £80 million was 
recognised at 31 December 2020, compared to £17 million at 31 December 2019, equating to a 64% provision against net trade receivables.

The table below analyses the total provision by region against the respective trade receivable balances, and splits this between the provision 
relating to amounts recognised in the income statement prior to 31 December and the component for which the corresponding credit to the 
income statement has been deferred. Further information on the ageing of receivables, application of the provisioning matrix and credit risk is 
provided in notes 1D, 15 and 21E to the financial statements.

Table 29

Trade receivables and provisioning

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Proportionally consolidated excluding 
premium outlets

Trade
receivables
£m

Trade receivables 
net of deposits  
and VAT 
£m

Provision for amounts 
recognised in the 
income statement 
£m

Provision for amounts 
not yet recognised in 
the income statement
£m

Total 
provision
£m

Trade 
receivables
£m

Total 
provision
£m

UK
France
Ireland 

Property portfolio
Less Share of Property interests

Reported Group 

101 
51 
18 
170 
(87)
83 

82
28 
15
125 
(67)
58

41
19 
8
68 
(36)
32

12
– 
– 
12
(8)
4

53
19 
8
80
(44)
36

22
36
3
61
(19)
42

6
10
1 
17
(7)
10

Financing
Our financing strategy is to borrow predominantly on an unsecured basis under the Group’s standard financial covenants to maintain flexibility 
at a low operational cost. Secured borrowings are occasionally used, mainly in conjunction with joint venture partners. Value Retail also 
predominantly uses secured debt in its financing strategy, although this is independent of the rest of the Group.

The Group’s borrowings are arranged to maintain short term liquidity and to ensure an appropriate maturity profile. Acquisitions may initially be 
financed using short term funds before being refinanced with longer term funding when market conditions are appropriate. Short term funding is 
raised principally through syndicated revolving credit facilities from a range of banks and financial institutions with which we maintain strong 
working relationships. Long term debt comprises the Group’s fixed rate unsecured bonds, private placement senior notes and secured borrowings 
within three of the Group’s joint ventures. 

www.hammerson.com 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Derivative financial instruments are used to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, but are not 
employed for speculative purposes. 

The Board regularly reviews the Group’s financing strategy and approves financing guidelines against which it monitors the Group’s financial 
structure. These guidelines, together with the relevant metrics, are summarised in Table 30 which shows the Group’s strong financial position at  
31 December 2020.

Key financing metrics

Table 30

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets

Net debt (£m)
Gearing (%)2,3
Loan to value – headline (%)3
Loan to value (%) – fully proportionally consolidated 3
Unencumbered asset ratio (times) 2,4
Secured borrowings/equity shareholders’ funds (%) 2
Liquidity (£m)
Weighted average interest rate (%)
Weighted average maturity of debt (years)
Interest cover (times)2

Net debt/EBITDA (times)5
FX hedging (%)
Debt fixed (%)

1.  Guidelines should not be exceeded for an extended period.
2.  Included in borrowing covenants as detailed on page 33.
3.  See Table 89 on page 165 for supporting calculation.
4.  See Table 91 on page 166 for supporting calculation.
5.  See Table 87 on page 165 for supporting calculation.

Net debt

Chart 31

Movement in proportionally consolidated net debt (£m)

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets

Guideline1

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

Maximum 85% 
No more than 40% 
No more than 45% 
At least 1.75 times 

At least 2.0 times

Less than 10.0
70-90%
At least 50%

2,234
70
40
46
1.89
13
1,748
3.0
3.5
1.81

14.1
73
97

2,843 
71 
38 
45 
1.86
15 
1,210 
2.6 
4.7
3.49

8.9 
73
86 

2,843

532

2,900

2,700

2,500

2,300

2,100

1,900

328

13

34

83

121

2,234

Net debt 
1 Jan 2020

Rights issue

Disposal net 
of selling costs

Dividends

Net cash outflow
from opertions

Capital 
expenditure

Exchange and
other flows

Net debt 
31 Dec 2020

On a proportionally consolidated basis, in 2020 net debt reduced by £609 million to £2,234 million at 31 December 2020. This comprised loans of 
£2,666 million and the fair value of currency swaps of £71 million, less cash and deposits of £503 million.

The Group’s weighted average interest rate was 3.0% for 2020, 40 basis points higher than the 2.6% average rate in 2019.

In the first half of the year, the Group applied to HM Treasury and the Bank of England's Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) and in June 
2020 received approval with a limit of £300 million. The facility carried no covenants, a margin of 40 basis points and matured within a year. The 
Group issued £75 million under the scheme on 6 July with a maturity in May 2021. This was repaid in December 2020 following receipt of 
proceeds from the rights issue and disposal of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets.

The Group’s liquidity at 31 December 2020, comprising cash and undrawn committed facilities, was £1,748 million, £538 million higher than at the 
beginning of the year. The Group’s weighted average maturity of debt reduced to 3.5 years (2019: 4.7 years).

32

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
Leverage
At 31 December 2020, the Group’s gearing ratio was 70% (2019: 71%) and headline loan to value ratio was 40% (2019: 38%). Supporting 
calculations are in Tables 90 and 89 in Additional disclosures on pages 166 and 165.

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s share of net debt in premium outlets totalled £689 million (2019: £897 million), relating solely to Value Retail 
(VR) following the sale of substantially all of the investment in VIA Outlets during the year. Proportionally consolidating this net debt with the 
Group’s share of net debt and including property values held by VR, the Group’s fully proportionally consolidated loan to value is 46% (2019: 45%). 

F
i
n
a
n
c
i
a

l

r
e
v
e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

Chart 32

Debt maturity profile at 31 December 2020 (£m)

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

249

447

447

115

50

358

347

81
299

62
199

16

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

Secured debt

Euro bonds

Private placements

Sterling bonds

Excludes unamortised fees of £3 million relating to revolving credit facilities.

Unsecured borrowings and covenants
The terms of the Group’s unsecured borrowings contain a number of covenants which provide protection to the lenders. The financial covenants 
within the Group’s borrowing are:

Bonds: Gearing and secured borrowings
 – Gearing should not exceed 150% for two of the bonds and 175% for the remaining bonds. All the bonds include a limitation that secured 

borrowings should not exceed 50% of equity shareholders’ funds

Bank facilities: Gearing, secured borrowings and interest cover
 – Gearing should not exceed 150%, secured borrowings should not exceed 50% of equity shareholders’ funds and interest cover should be not less 

than 1.25 times

Private placement notes: Gearing, secured borrowings, unencumbered assets and interest cover
 – Gearing should not exceed 150%, secured borrowings should not exceed 50% of equity shareholders’ funds, unencumbered assets should not be 

less than 150% of net unsecured borrowings and interest cover should be not less than 1.25 times 

As shown on page 32 the Group's covenant metrics all exceeded the Board's internal guidelines, with the exception of interest cover. This metric 
was significantly adversely affected by the 41% like-for-like reduction in net rental income in 2020 principally caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as 
explained on page 28. The ratio will remain under pressure until the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and the Group's net rental income levels begin 
to recover.

In response to pressures exacerbated by Covid-19, on 30 June 2020, the Group agreed an amendment to one of the covenants on its existing 
private placement notes, which increased the headroom available on the unencumbered asset ratio covenant until 31 December 2021. The 
covenant states that unencumbered assets should not be less than 150% of net unsecured borrowing. As at 30 June 2020, the ratio stood at 154%. 
The amendment relaxes this covenant to 125% for the 30 June 2020 test period and the next two test periods (December 2020 and June 2021) and 
140% at a new test date of 31 October 2021. The amendment period expires on 31 December 2021 unless terminated early by the Company. 
Conditions of the amendment include a temporary financial covenant, which requires the Company to maintain a 12 month forward liquidity of 
more than £100 million of cash and available facilities over and above the total amount of: debt maturities within one year, committed capital 
expenditure and declared dividends payable in cash within the covenant relief period. This covenant will be tested quarterly and only remain 
during the period of the amendment. The amendment period can be terminated after 31 December 2020 if the unencumbered asset ratio is above 
175%, or 150% after 30 June 2021. 

The Company and private placement noteholders also agreed that in the period to 31 December 2021 the Company will make an offer of                  
pre-payment at par (i.e. not including a make-whole amount) for 30% of any applicable proceeds from disposals or capital raising in excess of                
£50 million as part of the paydown of debt. Accordingly, following completion of the rights issue in September and the disposal of substantially all 
of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets in October (gross combined proceeds of £834 million), offers of prepayment at par were made for a total 
of £226 million, for which acceptances totalled £169 million. Prepayment, including closing out of related cross currency swaps, was made in 
December and will save approximately £4 million of interest cost on an annualised basis. The other pre-existing covenants on the private 
placement notes remain unchanged, namely: gearing should not exceed 150%; secured borrowings should not exceed 50% of equity shareholders' 
funds; and interest cover should be not less than 1.25 times. 

www.hammerson.com 33

 
 
 
Financial review continued

From a stress test perspective, the valuation of the Group’s property portfolio at 31 December 2020, would have to fall by 34%, or 57% for the UK 
portfolio only, to breach the unencumbered asset covenant in the private placement notes. Valuations would have to fall by 27% (UK only 77%) to 
breach the Group’s tightest gearing covenant. Net rental income would need to fall by 31% compared to 2020 levels in order to breach the interest 
cover covenant in the Group’s bank facilities and private placement notes. Compliance with covenants is a key consideration for the going concern 
assessment as detailed on page 25 and in note 1E to the financial statements.

In addition, some joint ventures and associates have secured debt facilities which include specific covenants to those properties, including 
covenants for loan to value and interest cover. This secured debt is non-recourse to the Group. 

The covenants for secured debt facilities are generally tested quarterly and include specific covenants, typically loan to value and interest cover. 
During the year, where deemed necessary to address the adverse financial effect of Covid-19 due to lower collection rates or property valuations, 
short term covenant waivers or amendments were obtained in relation to a number of these debt facilities to ensure they remain in compliance 
with their covenants. All facilities were in compliance with their covenants at 31 December 2020.

Credit ratings
Fitch and Moody’s rate Hammerson’s unsecured credit as BBB+ and Baa3 respectively. 

On 15 May 2020, Fitch reconfirmed the Group’s BBB corporate rating following completion of their annual review, changing the outlook from 
stable to negative due to pressures on rents and valuations. There is a one notch uplift from the corporate BBB rating for the senior unsecured 
BBB+ rating of the Group’s bonds, private placement notes and unsecured bank facilities. On 6 August 2020, Fitch re-affirmed these ratings 
stating that the rights issue and disposal of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets “provides immediate relief to its ratings”.

On 8 April 2020, Moody’s placed Hammerson’s Baa1 rating on “review for downgrade”, changing the outlook from “negative” to “rating under 
review”. On 13 May 2020, Moody’s downgraded Hammerson from Baa1 (rating under review) to Baa2 (rating under review). This was following the 
announcement that the retail parks disposal to Orion would not complete and therefore Hammerson would have higher leverage than expected. 
Moody’s also changed their methodology for measurement of leverage to recognise LTV on a fully proportionally consolidated basis in addition  
to the previous method which equity accounted for our investments in premium outlets. Further, on 16 July 2020, Moody’s downgraded 
Hammerson from Baa2 (rating under review) to Baa3 (rating under review) stating this “reflects continued strain of the coronavirus pandemic  
on the retail sector and Moody’s expectation of prolonged downward pressure on rents and values.” On 26 October 2020, Moody’s concluded the 
rating review and re-affirmed Hammerson’s Baa3 rating with a negative outlook, stating that the rights issue and sale of substantially all of the 
Group’s investment in VIA Outlets “are sufficient interim steps to protect the Company’s balance sheet and help it manage the business disruption 
that was triggered by the coronavirus outbreak”. 

Managing foreign exchange exposure
The Group’s exposure to foreign exchange translation differences on euro-denominated assets is managed through a combination of euro 
borrowings and derivatives. At 31 December 2020, the value of euro-denominated liabilities as a proportion of the value of euro-denominated 
assets was 73%, the same as at the beginning of the year. Interest on euro debt also acts as a partial hedge against exchange differences arising on 
net income from our overseas operations. Sterling strengthened against the euro during the year by 5%, which resulted in a modest reduction in 
net asset value but a marginal improvement to adjusted earnings in 2020.

Since the year end, following the UK and EU agreeing a trade and co-operation agreement, we have increased the level of euro-denominated 
liabilities as a proportion of the value of euro-denominated assets to approximately 90% to provide greater protection to the Group’s net assets 
from foreign exchange volatility.

34

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

R
i
s
k
s
a
n
d
u
n
c
e
r
t
a
n
t
i
e
s

i

Risks and uncertainties

Risk overview
2020 has been a year of unprecedented uncertainty and disruption, 
principally due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The restrictions introduced 
to fight the pandemic have severely affected the macro economy and 
wider society. The closure of non-essential retail has adversely 
impacted the vast majority of our brands. Footfall and sales were 
significantly lower than the prior year and this has led to valuation 
reductions, reduced rent collections and increased tenant failure. 

Against this backdrop, effective risk management is critical to protect 
the Group’s income, assets and reputation, underpin our business 
model (see page 4) and support the delivery of our strategy (see page 13). 
Covid-19 has impacted the majority of our principal risks and illustrates 
the complex inter-dependencies of risk management. 

Given the work undertaken during the year, the Board confirms that 
during 2020 it has carried out a robust assessment of the Group’s 
emerging and principal risks which are presented in this section of the 
Annual Report.

Risk management responsibilities
The Board is responsible for determining the Group’s risk appetite. 
This reflects its combined attitude to market, financial, operational 
and reputational risks. While responsibility for risk management 
ultimately rests with the Board, effective risk management can only 
occur if it is integrated throughout the business and embedded within 
the Group’s culture and values. Risks are also factored into the Group’s 
forecasting and business planning process. Chart 34 illustrates the key 
roles and responsibilities for risk management. It demonstrates the 
interaction between the Board, the Group’s management committees 
and our people in ensuring risk is effectively controlled throughout the 
Group.

Risk review process
To support the risk management process, the Group uses a number  
of key documents. The main document is the Risk Management 
Framework (RMF) which includes the Group’s key risks including  
10 principal risks. These are risks which have the potential to 
significantly affect the Group’s strategic objectives, operations or 
financial performance. The risks are also split between “external” 
risks, where market factors are the main influence on change, and 
“operational” risks which, while subject to external influence, are 
more in the control of management. The RMF also includes mitigating 
factors or actions and management responsibility and is summarised 
on pages 37 to 41. The framework helps the Board to assess the level of 
residual risk relative to its risk appetite. Where residual risk levels are 
deemed too high, additional mitigating actions are agreed. The RMF is 
also used to determine the Group’s annual internal audit plan (see 
page 57) which is structured to ensure an appropriate coverage of the 
Group’s principal risks. The plan is designed to review risks which 
have not been subject to recent audit, emerging risks or risks 
associated with significant changes in the Group. 

The Board reviews a Risk Dashboard, which is updated quarterly. This 
contains current and forward-looking metrics for each of the principal 
risks. Finally, the Heat Map (Chart 33) is used as a visual aid to show 
the Board’s current assessment of residual risk relative to its risk 
appetite and shows changes to this assessment over the previous year. 

To support the Board’s residual risk assessment, the risk tools are 
reviewed at each Audit Committee and Risk and Controls Committee 
meeting. They are also reviewed by the Group Executive Committee 
and divisional management. This process helps identify new or 
emerging risks, reviews the outlook for the various risks and ensures 
mitigating factors or actions are effective in managing each risk. 

Risk assessment during 2020
Covid-19
2020 was dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This adversely 
impacted the majority of the Group’s principal risks (as shown on the 
Heat Map). As at the date of this report, five of the Group’s principal 
risks are deemed to exceed the Group’s risk appetite as explained:

 – Macroeconomic – the pandemic has resulted in a record downturn 
in economic activity in the countries in which the Group operates 
with recovery not forecast to start until later in 2021

 – Retail market – as explained in the Market overview on page 12, 
Covid-19 has caused significant financial distress for the Group’s 
tenants. It has accelerated the structural changes associated with 
omnichannel retailing and shrinking physical store portfolios. This 
has resulted in higher vacancy levels, increased tenant failures and 
significantly reduced collections rates, as struggling occupiers 
closed stores and withheld rent payments 

 – Property investment – the ongoing retail market operational and 

financial challenges have acted to reduce investor demand for retail 
venues resulting in significant valuation reductions in the year

Chart 33

Residual Risk Heat Map

h
g
H

i

h
g
H

i

7

1

3

2

4

i

m
u
d
e
m
M
u
d
e
M

i

10

5

8

6

9

w
w
o
L
o
  L
t
c
a
p
m

I

Low

Medium

High

Probability

Note: Arrow indicates change in risk assessment over previous 12 months

1

2

Group’s principal risks
External (p. 37 - 39)
Macroeconomic
Retail market
Property investment
Catastrophic event
Tax and regulation
Climate

6

5

4

3

Operational (p. 40 - 41)

7

8

9

10

Treasury
Property development
People
Partnerships

Current risk appetite

Exceeds 
Group’s  
risk appetite

In line with 
Group’s  
risk appetite

Lower than 
Group’s  
risk appetite

www.hammerson.com 35

 
 
 
 
Risks and uncertainties continued

 – Catastrophic event – this reflects the direct operational challenges 
of Covid-19 for retail destinations due to government restrictions. 
These act to limit footfall and have closed non-essential stores for 
significant periods over the past 12 months

 – Treasury – the challenges caused by the pandemic to the retail 

market and associated property valuation reductions have adversely 
affected the Group’s balance sheet and credit metrics. Temporary 
covenant waivers and amendments have also been required to avoid 
covenant breaches in a number of the Group’s secured debt facilities

To address the impact of the pandemic, the Group implemented a 
number of mitigating actions. These included withdrawing the 
recommendation for the final 2019 dividend; raising £860 million 
from the rights issue and disposals; providing financial support for our 
tenants; improved health and safety procedures at our venues; and 
introducing new working practices and enhanced communications to 
support our colleagues. Further details of these mitigation actions are 
in the Chief Executive’s review on page 5.

Brexit
The uncertainty associated with the UK’s future relationship with the 
EU remained high during 2020 until the UK-EU Trade and Co-
operation Agreement was approved in late December. Under its 
headline terms, the UK and EU will continue tariff-free trade; 
however, businesses and individuals must deal with new regulations 
and procedures.

During the year, we continued to assess the potential impact of Brexit 
on the Group. Where necessary we took mitigation actions to address  
a number of potential corporate and operational risks including the 
secondary listing in Ireland and increasing stocks of replacement 
operational parts. However, as the Group does not directly rely on 
imports or exports, we are largely protected from the near term impact 
of the UK’s exit from the EU. Nonetheless, changes associated with 
“Tax and regulation” will be closely monitored and assessed. 

Our tenants, particularly those who rely on imports and exports, or 
those who employ EU nationals, face greater challenges under the new 
trading arrangements. 

Overall, it will take time for the full impact of Brexit from a 
macroeconomic, foreign investment, trading and individual 
perspective to emerge.

Emerging risks
Through its risk assessment process in 2020 the Board has not identified 
any new principal risks. The Group’s existing risks continue to evolve, 
particularly those associated with Covid-19, Brexit, tax and regulation, 
cyber security and climate change. These changes have been incorporated 
into the current residual risk assessment process and the Heat Map 
shows changes to the principal risks since the previous Annual Report. 

Climate risk
ESG is a key area of focus for our stakeholders with climate-related 
risks continuing to be an area of evolving practice. The Group’s 
portfolio-wide physical climate risk review indicates a very limited 
short term exposure. However, the Group’s strategy to be Net Positive 
by 2030 is driving our medium term risk mitigation plans. Actions to 
deliver these stretching environmental targets are embedded in asset 
plans with longer term risks being reflected in future project design. 

Short and medium term transitional risks are also mitigated by our Net 
Positive strategy, while longer term risks will be reviewed through our 
climate scenario analysis which is due to be completed in 2021. Further 
information is in the Sustainability review on page 16, in the Group’s 
separate Sustainability Report on www.sustainability.hammerson.com 
and in the “Climate” principal risk on page 39.

Going concern – material uncertainty
The Group’s going concern assessment is explained on page 104. This 
reflected the current and near term residual risk assessments for the 
Group’s five highest residual risks: Macroeconomic, Retail market, 
Property investment, Catastrophic event and Treasury. 

While the Directors concluded that the financial statements be 
prepared on a going concern basis, the going concern statement 
contains two factors which result in a material uncertainty which may 
cast doubt over the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. 
These factors concern the heightened uncertainty over future income 
projections and property valuations; and the outcome of lender 
negotiations in relation to the Group’s secured debt facilities held by 
three of the Group’s joint ventures and Value Retail. 

Future outlook
External factors are key to recovering from the pandemic, with the 
effective delivery of vaccination programmes the main focus. 
Nonetheless, retail and investment markets will take time to recover as 
restrictions are lifted. The Group is committed to moving quickly and 
decisively as conditions change to ensure the longer term success and 
viability of the business for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Chart 34

Key roles and responsibilities for the Group’s risk management strategy

y

t
i
l
i

b
i
s
n
o
p
s
e
r
g
n

i
t
r
o
p
e
r
d
n
a
g
n
i
r
o

t
i

n
o
M

Board

 – Overall responsibility for corporate strategy, governance, performance, internal controls and 

risk management

 – Defines the Group’s risk appetite and monitors risks to ensure they are managed effectively, 

including agreeing mitigation where necessary

Audit Committee

 – Reviews effectiveness of the RMF and internal controls on behalf of the Board
 – Monitors compliance with relevant legislation, rules and regulations

Group Executive 
Committee

 – Manages the business and delivery of strategy 
 – Reviews the RMF and prioritises mitigations and resources to manage risk effectively
 – Oversees Health and Safety

Risk and Controls 
Committee

 – Responsible for integration of the RMF throughout the business
 – Monitors compliance with the Group’s internal control systems
 – Manages the internal audit arrangements

Divisional management 
and other committees
(see page 46)

 – Responsible for implementing risk mitigation and monitoring compliance with internal 

controls and procedures at an operational level

 – Reviews the RMF to identify emerging or changing risk trends and recommend actions
 – Oversees UK and Ireland, France and premium outlets divisions, health and safety, climate 

risk, project-level and other specific risk management activities

Our people

 – Our people are key to implementing risk management mitigation and identifying emerging risks
 – Our culture, demonstrated through the Group values of ambition, collaboration, respect and 

responsibility, underpins the Group’s risk management approach

36

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

I

l

m
p
e
m
e
n
a

t

t
i

o
n
a
n
d
c
o
m
p

l
i

a
n
c
e

r
e
s
p
o
n
s
i
b

i
l
i
t

y

 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management framework
Further details of the Group’s 10 principal risks extracted from the Group’s RMF and their alignment to our strategy (see page 13) are shown below.

External risks

1. Macroeconomic

2. Retail market

Residual risk assessment:
High (in excess of risk appetite)

Link to 
strategy

Residual risk assessment:
High (in excess of risk appetite)

Link to 
strategy

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

R
i
s
k
s
a
n
d
u
n
c
e
r
t
a
n
t
i
e
s

i

Risk
 – Our financial performance is directly impacted by the 

macroeconomic environment in the countries in which we operate. 
Key factors affecting our tenants and shoppers are GDP, disposable 
income changes, employment levels, inflation, business and 
consumer confidence, interest rates and foreign exchange volatility

 – Major events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK’s exit 
from the EU create heightened macroeconomic and property 
market uncertainty, adversely impacting the Group’s performance

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Diversified portfolio (sectors, geography and tenants)
 – Flagship destinations in the heart of major European cities 
 – Premium outlets in affluent catchments with strong tourist appeal
 – Monitoring of macroeconomic research
 – Economic outlook incorporated into annual Business Plan
 – Brexit assessment undertaken and ongoing monitoring of post 

agreement impact

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

Covid-19 has caused a severe economic shock across Europe, with GDP 
forecast to have fallen in 2020 by 9.9% in the UK and 8.3% in France, 
and grown by a reduced rate of 2.1% in Ireland (source: Oxford 
Economics). The pandemic has also resulted in significant increases in 
government borrowing, higher unemployment and business failure, 
with the retail and F&B sectors particularly badly affected.

The elongated Brexit negotiations during 2020 also increased 
uncertainty until an agreement was reached in late December.

Whilst sterling weakened by 5% against the euro, inflation and interest 
rates have remained subdued during 2020. Nonetheless markets 
remain sensitive to external shocks.

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

The roll-out of vaccination programmes across Europe has provided 
optimism over future economic recovery in 2021 with growth of 5.5% 
forecast in UK and 4.2% for the EU (source: Oxford Economics). 

However, the recovery from the pandemic will take a number of years, 
and consumer confidence and spending are likely to lag headline GDP 
recovery due to elevated unemployment rates. Whilst interest rates 
are forecast to remain low for the foreseeable future, inflation 
pressures are building and governments will need to address their 
heightened debt levels and ensure future tax rises do not impair 
economic recovery. 

Any significant re-emergence of Covid-19 or new variants thereof could 
also result in the imposition of restrictions and further economic damage. 

See the Letter from the Chair of the Board 
on pages 2 and 3

Risk
 – We own and operate property in a rapidly evolving retail 

marketplace. Failure to anticipate and address structural changes 
in consumer and occupational markets, such as omnichannel 
retailing and digital technology, will impair future performance

 – Retailer profitability, particularly in the UK, has been under 

significant pressure due to increased costs, such as business rates 
and employment costs, and the erosion of margins from channel 
shift. These challenges have been severely exacerbated by the 
lockdowns and restrictions associated with Covid-19 

 – Changing consumer shopping habits, including channel shift, are 
adversely affecting certain retail categories, such as high street 
fashion and traditional department stores. This has resulted in 
tenant failures and shrinking store portfolios, causing an 
oversupply of physical retail space and falling rents 

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Flagship destinations in the heart of major European cities
 – Premium outlets in affluent catchments with strong tourist appeal
 – Diverse mix of retail categories and tenants 
 – Disposals to focus on key markets and provide capital for 
repurposing space away from challenged retail categories

 – Deep retailer insight and relationships
 – Dynamic, diverse and multi-skilled internal team
 – Digital innovation strategy to provide detailed consumer insight 

and communication with our shoppers

 – Ambitious Net Positive sustainability strategy 

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

The onset of the pandemic has accelerated the structural changes 
associated with the shift from physical stores to online sales and 
shrinking store portfolios. Covid-19 restrictions, including the closure 
of non-essential retail, have caused severe financial stress for much of 
the retail market and caused record tenant failures in the UK. 

We have agreed rental concessions to support our tenants; however, 
the moratorium on evictions has meant a significant number of 
tenants have withheld lease payments with only 76% of 2020 rent 
currently collected. The uncertain trading environment has also 
impeded leasing, with leasing volumes 35% lower during 2020.

Outlook commentary 

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

The current lockdowns and vaccination programmes have had a 
positive impact on infection and transmission levels and should allow 
Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted from Spring. This will support the 
recovery of the retail market. However, residual risk levels are forecast 
to remain high in 2021 as recovery is likely to be slow with further 
tenant failures predicted. 

Over the longer term we expect brands to focus their store portfolios 
on prime, high footfall locations which can support omnichannel 
retailing and offer consumers a differentiated experience. 

See Chief Executive’s review on pages 5 to 7 and Market 
overview on page 12

www.hammerson.com 37

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
 
Risks and uncertainties continued

3. Property investment

4. Catastrophic event

Residual risk assessment:
High (in excess of risk appetite)

Link to 
strategy

Residual risk assessment:
High (in excess of risk appetite)

Link to 
strategy

Risk
 – Retail property valuations continue to fall, adversely affecting the 

delivery of future strategic plans and the Group’s financial 
position, particularly debt covenants (see Treasury risk) 

 – Opportunities to divest properties are missed, or are limited by 

market conditions, which reduces financial returns and adversely 
affects the Group’s credit metrics and funding strategy

 – Poor investment decisions involving acquisitions and disposals 

result in sub-optimal returns

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Diversified portfolio limits impact of downturn or liquidity 

squeeze in a single market 

 – Board approval for all significant investment decisions with 

additional oversight from the Investment and Disposal Committee

 – Twice yearly external valuations with new roster of valuers 

introduced in 2020

 – Business planning incorporates valuation forecasts with downside 

scenarios and stress tests 

2020 Commentary

Risk
 – Restrictions to contain pandemic disease, such as Covid-19, 
adversely impact our operations due to the closure of stores, 
reduced footfall and additional health and safety procedures

 – Our operations, shopper safety, reputation or financial 

performance could be adversely affected by a major event such  
as a terrorist attack, flood, power shortage, civil unrest or  
pandemic disease

 – The increasing reliance on and use of digital technology heighten 

the risks associated with IT and cyber security. Risks are 
continually evolving and we must design, implement and monitor 
effective controls to protect the Group from cyber attack or major 
IT failure

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Coronavirus operational changes enacted (see page 5)
 – Continuity plans at both corporate and individual property levels
 – Core crisis group for dealing with major incidents with regular 
training and mock incidents to test processes and procedures
 – Physical security measures implemented and regularly reviewed
 – Dialogue with security agencies to assess threat levels and  

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

best practice

 With the heightened retail market uncertainty in 2020, there have 
been few sizeable transactions in retail property investment markets 
across Europe during the year (see page 21). 

The weak investor demand and sentiment has resulted in the Group’s 
properties falling in value by an average of 21% in 2020, which includes 
a reduction in UK flagship values of 36%.

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

This risk is forecast to remain high in the near term with downward 
pressure on values as the retail market remains fragile. Investor 
demand is forecast to improve with the broader recovery from 
Covid-19 and as the rental outlook stabilises. However, we expect 
demand to vary across the Group’s portfolio during 2021, with 
stronger investor demand for French flagship assets and UK  
retail parks. 

Over the longer term we expect our strategy of rebasing rents to 
sustainable levels, repurposing space and optimising tenant mix will 
result in improved tenant and investor demand for our flagship 
venues. Disposals will also enable us to optimise our portfolio to 
generate improved returns. 

See Property portfolio review on pages 21 to 24

 – Flood defences in place and regularly reviewed (see Climate risk)
 – Insurance cover for terrorism and property damage
 – Third party support and regular testing for IT security

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

The Group’s operations have been severely impacted in 2020 by the 
Covid-19 pandemic. Our Core Crisis Group co-ordinated the Group’s 
operational response to the pandemic, including managing 
communications with colleagues and brands and implementing 
enhanced health and safety procedures. This included managing the 
various lockdown restrictions which closed non-essential stores across 
the portfolio.

Terrorism and social unrest remain a threat and health, safety and 
security training was completed by all UK staff during the year. The Board 
was also kept informed of the good progress towards addressing the 
cyber security improvements recommended in the 2019 internal audit 
review and no major incidents were reported during the year. 

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

While non-essential retail was again closed at the majority of our 
venues at the beginning of 2021, Covid-19 restrictions are due to be 
lifted shortly.   

Although, the risks of new Covid-19 variants and the reintroduction of 
restrictions will remain during 2021, our destinations are forecast to 
recover as workers and shoppers return to city centres and brands 
focus their store portfolios towards high footfall flagships venues.  

See Chief Executive's review on pages 5 to 7

38

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Change:

Increasing

Decreasing

No change

5. Tax and regulation

6. Climate

Residual risk assessment:
Medium

Link to 
strategy

Residual risk assessment:
Low

Link to 
strategy

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

R
i
s
k
s
a
n
d
u
n
c
e
r
t
a
n
t
i
e
s

i

Risk
 – Governments have borrowed heavily to provide financial support 
during the Covid-19 pandemic. This debt will need to be repaid 
through increased taxes which could hinder future recovery

 – The real estate and physical retail sectors have suffered rising costs 
over recent years through higher business rates, living wage, stamp 
duty etc. These adversely impact the profitability of our tenants 
and the Group’s financial performance

 – There is an increasing burden from compliance and regulatory 
requirements which can impede operational and financial 
performance

 – The UK’s exit from the EU creates uncertainty over the future tax 

and regulatory environment

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Maintenance of the Group’s low-risk tax status
 – Regular meetings with key officials, including from HMRC and 

government 

 – Regular tax compliance reviews and audits
 – Advance planning for future regulatory and tax changes
 – Participation in policy consultations and in industry-led dialogue 
with policy makers through bodies such as REVO, BPF, EPRA etc.
 – Brexit assessment undertaken with ongoing monitoring of future 

regulation changes

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Impact 

During 2020, the tax and regulatory regimes under which the Group 
operates remained largely unchanged. However, uncertainty levels did 
reduce following the UK’s trade agreement with the EU in December. 
Brexit risks were monitored throughout the year (see page 36) with 
mitigation actions implemented including a secondary market listing 
in Ireland in December. This guarantees an EU-equivalent trading 
venue for the Group’s shares for the c. 30% of the Group’s investors 
who are based in the European Economic Area.

Governments have provided retail with various types of support 
during the pandemic, including employment subsidies, provision of 
loans, tax relief and protection from eviction. Despite lobbying, 
property owners have had significantly less support resulting in a 
severe adverse financial impact.

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

It is vital that governments continue to support the economic recovery 
from  Covid-19 and act fairly and thoughtfully when raising future 
taxes to reduce the increased debt burdens.

We support the growing demands for a reform of the UK business rates 
regime to more fairly reflect the reality of modern omnichannel retailing.  

See page 30 of Financial review and note 9 
to the financial statements on page 116

Risk
 – Physical climate risk – impact of extreme weather events and other 

physical manifestations of climate change on our assets

 – Transitional climate risk – impact of climate-change focused 

corporate and public policies on our operations 

 – Reputational risk – failure to establish and communicate a strategy 
that properly addresses ESG risk including the setting and meeting 
of appropriate targets could adversely impact the Group’s 
reputation, financial performance and investor demand
 – Compliance risk – emerging environmental regulations and 

legislation, including local climate-related initiatives, will increase 
reporting and compliance requirements and potential for 
non-compliance if not effectively managed

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Physical risk review completed and exposure identified as low with 

mitigation and management measures in business plans

 – Transitional risks addressed in our sustainability strategy and will 

be the subject of climate scenario work in 2021. Senior 
management and Board provided with TCFD training

 – Experienced sustainability team designs and implements our ESG 

strategy in collaboration with the wider business

 – Established ESG governance structure from asset to Board level, 
monitors key sustainability metrics, including performance and 
management of climate-related legislative and regulatory risk
 – Dedicated Sustainability Report produced to communicate ESG 
performance with external assurance of environmental reporting
 – Regular engagement with investors and across the wider property 

industry on ESG 

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

2020 has seen significant increase in focus on climate risk and rising 
ESG expectations from investors. Our long term sustainability strategy 
positions us well to respond to this. Our focus on energy demand 
management and investment in renewables reduces our exposure to 
carbon pricing, a key potential transitional risk. Minimum Energy 
Efficiency Standards (MEES) risk is limited and being managed out of 
the portfolio through asset management initiatives. We continue to 
report in line with TCFD recommendations (see page 51).

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

Climate-related risks continue to attract increasing external attention 
and this is expected to continue. National Carbon Budgets have been 
set that focus attention on the need for real assets to reduce carbon 
emissions significantly within the next ten years, as do investors’ Net 
Zero Carbon portfolio targets. We are reviewing the implications for 
our assets.

We have plans in place to enable us to operate on a Net Positive basis 
for our scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. Our Net Positive strategy will 
ensure we maintain the focus on material ESG matters from both an 
operational and a corporate perspective.

See Sustainability review on pages 16 to 19 and 
www.sustainability.hammerson.com

www.hammerson.com 39

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks and uncertainties continued

Operational risks

7. Treasury

8. Property development

Residual risk assessment:
High (in excess of risk appetite)

Link to 
strategy

Residual risk assessment:
Medium

Link to 
strategy

Risk
 – Reductions in valuations or income could result in a breach of debt 
covenants, relating to both secured and unsecured borrowings

 – Due to the adverse impact of Covid-19, temporary covenant 

waivers or amendments are required to avoid breaching covenants
 – Poor treasury planning or external factors, including failures in the 
banking market, ratings agency downgrades, or lack of access to 
capital on attractive terms, leads to the Group having insufficient 
liquidity to enable the delivery of our strategy objectives
 – Major fluctuations in sterling or euro exchange rates, or a 

significant increase in interest rates, could result in financial losses

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Annual Business Plan includes a financing plan, scenario modelling 

and covenant stress tests

 – Proactive treasury planning to monitor covenant levels forecasts; 
where necessary, negotiate waivers and amendments; and ensure 
adequate liquidity is maintained relative to debt maturities

 – Board approves and monitors key financing guidelines and metrics 
and all major investment approvals supported by a financing plan
 – Interest rate and currency hedging programmes used to mitigate 

market volatility

2020 Commentary

Risk
 – Property development is inherently risky due to its complexity and 
uncertain outcomes over the life of a project. Unsuccessful projects 
result in adverse financial and reputational outcomes

 – Major schemes have long delivery times with multiple milestones, 

including planning and leasing. 

 – Over-exposure to developments increases the potential financial 
impact of adverse valuation, cost inflation or other market factors 
which could overstretch the Group’s financial capacity

 – Projects require appropriate resource and can be management 
intensive and are challenging to amend or stop once onsite 

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Expertise and track record of developing iconic destinations
 – Group capital commitments at 31 December 2020 of £95 million 

(2019: £104 million)

 – Development plans and exposure included in annual business 

planning process

 – Board approves all major commitments and performs formal 

development reviews twice-yearly

 – Clear project ownership, resourcing plans and risk registers 
 – Projects typically use fixed price contracts and appraisals contain 

appropriate contingencies

 – Group’s land holdings provide flexible future delivery options and 

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

require limited near term expenditure to progress 

The severe impact from Covid-19, particularly on the occupational and 
investment retail markets, caused a significant weakening of the 
Group’s financial position. The rights issue and VIA disposal, which 
raised net proceeds of £804 million, strengthened the Group’s position 
and key credit metrics and covenant headroom, at 31 December 2020, 
are disclosed on page 32 of the Financial Review.  

Due to lower collections and valuations, short-term covenant 
relaxation was arranged for the unencumbered asset ratio covenant in 
the Group’s private placement notes and for a number of the secured 
debt facilities in joint ventures and Value Retail. The risks associated 
with these secured debt waivers and amendments are explained in the 
Outlook section below and are the principal reason for the increase in 
the Treasury residual risk assessment during the year.

Outlook commentary
Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

As explained in the “Property investment” principal risk on page 38, 
retail property valuations are forecast to fall during 2021 until there is 
a sustained economic and market recovery. This will reduce covenant 
headroom and increase the risk of a credit rating downgrade. 

We are targeting near term disposals to protect and strengthen the 
balance sheet and support refinancing of maturing debt. Discussions 
are also ongoing in relation to secured debt facilities to avoid covenant 
breaches and we expect these to be satisfactorily concluded. However, 
the outcome of these discussions is not certain and, given the 
continued challenges caused by Covid-19 to future income and 
valuations, these represent a material uncertainty in the Group’s going 
concern assessment. 

See Financial review on pages 31 to 34 and Going concern 
assessment on page 104

40

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

The Group’s development exposure is low with two onsite extension 
schemes in Paris, and at 31 December 2020 the development portfolio 
represented only 8% (2019: 7%) of the total portfolio valuation.

The construction and letting progress on both onsite schemes was 
delayed by the Covid-19 restrictions. Given the revised delivery 
timescales and weaker occupier demand, the Les 3 Fontaines scheme 
was reappraised in 2020 with additional cost contingencies and 
reduced income forecasts. This resulted in a £45 million revaluation 
deficit in the year (see page 22). 

For the Group’s longer term schemes, planning consents were secured 
on Martineau Galleries and The Goodsyard.

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

Risk levels are forecast to reduce with Italik opening in May 2021 and 
the Les 3 Fontaines extension completing in March 2022. However, 
further leasing is required ahead of these dates to deliver the forecast 
income and financial returns.

Expenditure on longer term projects will be tightly controlled until the 
Group’s financial position is strengthened through disposals and 
certainty over project viability improves. However, limited 
expenditure is required to progress these schemes to enhance value 
and provide flexible delivery options. 

See pages 21 to 24 of the Property portfolio review

 
 
 
S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

R
i
s
k
s
a
n
d
u
n
c
e
r
t
a
n
t
i
e
s

i

Change:

Increasing

Decreasing

No change

9. People

Residual risk assessment:
Low/Medium

10. Partnerships

Link to 
strategy

Residual risk assessment:
Medium/High

Link to 
strategy

Risk
 – A failure to retain or recruit key management and other employees 

Risk
 – A significant proportion of the Group’s properties are held in 

to provide diverse and skilled teams could adversely impact 
operational and corporate performance

conjunction with third parties. These structures limit the Group’s 
control and can reduce liquidity

 – Weaker financial performance and market uncertainty adversely 
impact employee morale, retention and external recruitment

 – Operational effectiveness and financing strategies may also be 
adversely impacted if partners are not strategically aligned

 – The Group’s organisational structure may hinder the achievement 
of strategic objectives, particularly in times of significant activity

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Annual Business Plan includes human resources plan covering 
team structures, training and talent management initiatives
 – Succession planning undertaken across the senior management 

team and direct reports

 – Board approval required for significant people-related changes
 – Training and development programmes and twice-yearly formal 

colleague appraisal process 

 – Annual ‘Great Place to Work’ survey to record engagement and 

 – A number of joint ventures and Value Retail contain secured debt 
facilities which due to the impact of Covid-19 on collections and 
valuation have required temporary covenant waivers

 – Our Value Retail investment is externally managed and this 
reduces control and transparency over performance and 
governance. The interests also contain transaction pre-emption 
rights in favour of the Group and other investors and limit the 
liquidity and investor appetite for this investment

Mitigating factors/actions
 – Track record of working effectively with diverse range of partners
 – Agreements provide liquidity for partners while protecting the 

capture colleague feedback

Group’s interests

 – Internal diversity and inclusion programme increases awareness 

 – Annual joint venture business plans ensure operational and 

and fosters engagement 

strategic alignment

 – Group Employee Forum established to enable formal Board 

 – Proactive covenant monitoring and negotiations with secured 

engagement with feedback incorporated in management plans

lenders to manage covenant stress and breaches

 – Organisational review underway (see below)

2020 Commentary

 – The Group operates significant influence through governance 

rights and Board representation for its Value Retail investments
 – Value Retail subject to local external audit and valuations, with 

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

oversight by the Audit Committee and the Group’s external auditor 

Covid-19 has placed enormous pressure on our people and a number of 
steps were taken to enhance internal communication and support the 
well-being of all colleagues. 

In addition to the operational changes explained in the “Catastrophic 
event” risk, they were significant corporate challenges in 2020. These 
included work to deliver the rights issue and VIA Outlets disposal, and 
brand negotiations to collect arrears. Much of this effort had to be 
undertaken whilst working at home, however the Group’s IT systems 
successfully supported these new working practices.

There were also a number of senior management changes during 2020, 
with a new Chair of the Board, Chief Executive and Chief Operating 
Officer and detailed induction programmes were undertaken. 

Against this backdrop, the Group’s voluntary employee turnover has 
reduced to 9.7% (2019: 10.1%) and the engagement score in the recent 
‘Great Places to Work’ survey improved. 

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability
Probability 

Near-term residual risk levels are forecast to increase modestly as the 
weak corporate performance may make recruitment more challenging.

Also, following the changes in senior management, an organisational 
review is underway to transform the Group’s teams, operational activities 
and systems to improve the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives.  

See Our people on page 20

2020 Commentary

2020 change: 

Impact 

Probability 

At 31 December 2020, 69% (2019: 72%) of the Group’s portfolio, 
including premium outlets, is held with third parties. The weighting 
fell slightly in 2020 following the sale of substantially all of the Group’s 
50% interest in VIA Outlets for net proceeds of £272 million. 

As at 31 December 2020, £965 million of secured debt facilities held by 
the Group’s joint ventures and Value Retail benefited from temporary 
interest cover or loan to value covenant waivers or amendments. 
Discussions are ongoing to obtain additional waivers, renegotiate 
terms, part prepay or fully refinance maturing facilities. This is a key 
risk for the Group’s going concern assessment as detailed on page 104.

Outlook commentary

Near term change: 
Medium term change:

Impact 
Impact 

Probability 
Probability 

We are targeting near term disposals, these may include properties 
held by joint ventures and associates which would simplify the Group’s 
structure. A disposal of the Group’s interests in Value Retail would be a 
major transaction and significantly strengthen the balance sheet. 
However, its complex structure and lack of control rights are likely to 
adversely affect both pricing and liquidity. 

Future partnership risk is also dependent on the ability to satisfactorily 
conclude the ongoing secured debt facilities discussions described in 
the Treasury risk.   

See notes 13 and 14 to the financial statements on pages 
123 to 131 and pages 29 and 31 of the Financial review

www.hammerson.com 41

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
Viability statement

The Directors have considered the future viability of the Group,  
taking into account its current position, strategy, risk assessment  
and future prospects. 

Assessment of prospects
Overview
The Group’s Strategic report on pages 1 to 43 explains the Group’s 
current strategy, business model, market trends, risks and 
uncertainties and provides an overview of the performance during 
2020 and future outlook. Following the changes in senior leadership in 
the second half of 2020, a strategic review is underway and will be 
announced later in the year.

The current strategic priorities, which will be the focus for 2021, are 
explained on page 13, and are summarised as follows:

 – Capital efficiency - strengthening the balance sheet by reducing debt 

and controlling costs

 – Optimised portfolio - targeted disposals, repurposing space at our 

flagship destinations and securing value of potential future 
development opportunities

 – Operational excellence - maintaining safe venues, maximising 

income and collections, achieving service charge savings for our 
tenants, commencing the next phases of our Net Positive strategy 
and completing an organisational review

Assessment of viability period
The current strategy formed the basis of the 2021 Business Plan (the 
Plan) which was approved by the Board in December 2020. The Plan 
was prepared during unprecedented levels of uncertainty and reflected 
the Group’s current and future risk assessment.

While the Plan was prepared over a five-year period, there are a 
number of key factors to consider in assessing the Group’s viability  
as follows:

 – the Group’s risk assessment and outlook, where currently five of the 
Group’s 10 principal risks exceed the Board’s risk appetite. Further 
details are in the Risks and uncertainties section on page 35

 – the Group’s debt maturity profile has reduced to an average 

maturity of 3.5 years at 31 December 2020 (2019: 4.7 years). While 
the Group has liquidity of £1,748 million at 31 December 2020 it also 
has significant refinancing to undertake over the Plan period. Of the 
Group’s loans at 31 December 2020 of £2,666 million, calculated on 
a proportionally consolidated basis excluding Value Retail, 23% 
mature by the end of 2022, 40% by the end of 2023, and 76% by the 
end of the Plan period in 2025. In addition, the Group’s share of 
loans in Value Retail is £767 million

 – the two factors which create a material uncertainty in the Group’s 
going concern assessment as explained in note 1E to the financial 
statements on page 104. These factors concern the heightened 
uncertainty over future income projections and property valuations; 
and the outcome of lender negotiations in relation to the Group’s 
secured debt facilities held by three of the Group’s joint ventures 
and Value Retail

 – the diversity of the Group’s income, where at 31 December 2020, the 
largest tenant represented only 3.3% of Group passing rent and the 
average unexpired lease term was 5.1 years (2019: 5.5 years)

The Directors believe in the long term future of the Group and the new 
management team’s ability to deliver the Group’s 2021 strategic 
priorities to enhance the position of the Group. However, when 
compared to the prior year, the key factors explained above have all 
worsened in 2020 and there is also a heightened level of uncertainty 
associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. In these circumstances, the 
Directors have decided to reduce the Group’s viability assessment 
period from five years to three years to 31 December 2023 for the 
purposes of the 2020 viability assessment.  

Plan summary
The Plan contained income, balance sheet and cash flow forecasts, 
financing strategies and portfolio plans, including disposals, asset 
management initiatives and capital projects. The Plan also forecast 
financing and debt covenant metrics including absolute stress tests 
and compliance with the Group’s unsecured debt covenants was 
maintained throughout the viability assessment period in the Core 
Plan. The Plan also included a number of different scenarios to enable 
the Board to understand the impact of different assumptions on 
performance and the Group’s projected resilience. The forecasts were 
compiled on a detailed, lease-by-lease basis and the key Core Plan 
assumptions included:

 – a slow, but sustained recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic during 

2021 driven by successful vaccination programmes

 – continued difficulties in the retail property market in 2021, 

including tenant restructuring, rent collection challenges and falling 
property values, with the most adverse impact in UK flagships

 – a stabilisation and recovery in retail markets from 2022 onwards 

with a transition to sustainable rental levels

 – a slow recovery in international travel, particularly hindering 

premium outlets recovery

 – targeted disposals to reduce debt levels

 – financial markets remaining available to the Group, on reasonable 

commercial terms, in relation to both unsecured and secured 
borrowings to negotiate any necessary short-term covenant waivers 
or amendments and to refinance maturing facilities and bonds

Assessment of viability
For the purposes of reviewing the Group's viability, the most relevant Plan scenario was the Group’s Downside scenario, which has been updated 
to reflect the year end out-turn and latest Covid-19 outlook and was also the basis of the Severe but plausible adverse case used in the Group’s 
going concern assessment. Relative to the Core Plan, this incorporated assumptions concerning adverse changes to rental income, property 
values, capital expenditure, disposals and refinancing plans. These key assumptions reflect the Group’s principal risks which are most likely to 
impact the near to medium term viability of the Group and are explained in the table below:

Principal risk explanation
Macroeconomic and Catastrophic event
 – The future performance of the Group is dependent on  
the speed and strength of the forecast recovery from  
the Covid-19 pandemic and the lifting of the current  
government restrictions

Downside key assumptions (relative to Core Plan)
 – A prolonged period of Covid-19 restrictions with non-essential retail 

remaining closed until end of May 2021

 – A weak economic and consumer recovery adversely impacted by the 

re-imposition of some restrictions in the second half of 2021, although 
followed by a slow but sustained recovery from the beginning of 2022

 – Lower levels of international travel and tourism in 2021, with slow  

recovery thereafter

42

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c

r
e
p
o
r
t

i

V
a
b

i
l
i
t
y
s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t

Principal risk explanation
Retail market
 – The majority of the Group’s tenants have been severely  
impacted by Covid-19, particularly given the closure of  
non-essential stores during periods of lockdown. This increases 
the risk of tenant restructuring and makes the collection of 
outstanding arrears and future rents more challenging

Downside key assumptions (relative to Core Plan)

 – A further deterioration in the occupational retail market, with additional 

tenant restructuring, the provision of concessions to support brands, and the 
impairment and write-offs of outstanding arrears

 – This results in lower income projections, with Group NRI on a like-for-like basis, 
excluding Value Retail, being approximately 50% lower in 2021 than in 2019; 
before recovering such that NRI is approximately 27% lower in 2023 than in 2019 

Property investment
 – Retail property valuations have fallen significantly over  

recent years due to the challenges in the retail market and,  
in 2020, the adverse impact of Covid-19. Further valuation 
reductions will weaken the Group’s financial position
 – Capital expenditure, whilst enhancing the quality of the 
portfolio, increases debt levels and is often dependent on 
securing reasonable commercial terms with tenants, to 
support asset management and development initiatives

 – Severe property valuation reductions, principally in 2021, with a Group capital 
return over the viability assessment period from January 2021 to December 
2023 of -24%, with the majority of the reduction in 2021. At a portfolio level, 
this represents capital returns over the same period of -33% for UK flagships, 
-23% for French flagships, -25% for Irish flagships, -15% for UK retail parks 
and -17% for Value Retail’s premium outlets

 – Given the challenging investment property markets, no future disposals have 

been assumed

 – Significant reduction in capital expenditure, such that expenditure averages 

approximately £60 million p.a. over the viability assessment period

Treasury
 – Reductions in valuations or income could result in a breach  
of debt covenants, relating to both secured and unsecured 
borrowings. This is particularly relevant as there are currently 
a number of short-term covenant waivers or amendments 
relaxing the unencumbered asset ratio covenant in the 
Group’s unsecured private placement notes and covenants  
in a number of the Group’s secured debt facilities in three 
joint ventures and in Value Retail which expire during 2021
 – The Group must maintain access to credit markets, on reasonable 
commercial terms, to enable refinancing of maturing borrowings

 – The Group retains access to capital markets to address debt and bank facility 
maturities on reasonable commercial terms, albeit less attractive than in the 
Core Plan. The forecast therefore assumes that the £1,067m of debt maturing 
over the viability assessment period can be refinanced using existing or  
new liquidity

 – The ongoing discussions to address short term covenant waivers and 
near-term debt maturities in the Group’s secured debt facilities are 
satisfactorily concluded such that loans remain compliant with their 
covenants for the remainder of the viability assessment period. The forecast 
includes part prepayments in 2021 totalling approximately £125 million to 
address potential loan to value covenant issues

Scenario outcome
Under the Downside scenario, the Group’s financial performance is 
forecast to weaken significantly, and from an unsecured borrowing 
covenant perspective over the viability assessment period the 
following is forecast:

 – minimal headroom under the gearing covenants in the bank 

facilities and private placement notes from 31 December 2021 to     
31 December 2022, before recovering in 2023 as valuations are 
forecast to stabilise

 – a breach in the unencumbered asset covenant in the private 
placement notes at December 2021. For scenario modelling 
purposes, this covenant breach is assumed to be mitigated as the 
Group is forecast to have sufficient liquidity to exercise its rights to 
redeem these notes ahead of their maturities for the outstanding 
value of the notes plus a make-whole amount

 – due to the impact of the current lockdown and slow forecast 

recovery, there is minimal headroom projected under the interest 
cover covenant in the bank facilities and private placement notes at 
the 30 June 2021 test date. However, given the projected reopening 
of non-essential retail, headroom is projected to improve for future 
six monthly test dates from 31 December 2021 onwards

The outcome of the scenario modelling is very sensitive to changes in 
the underlying assumptions. These are more difficult to forecast than 
normal given the heightened levels of uncertainty caused by the 
Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing challenges in the Group’s markets. 

Conclusion
As explained above, relative to the prior year, the key factors and risks 
affecting the Group’s viability have worsened. There is also a 
heightened level of current and near-term uncertainty associated with 
the Covid-19 pandemic meaning that the financial forecasts are less 
robust than usual and cannot be relied on for viability assessment 
purposes over the full five-year planning period. The Directors have 
therefore decided to reduce the Group’s viability period from five to 
three years. 

In making this judgement and performing this assessment, the 
Directors have made the following key assumptions:

 – the assessment is based on the Group’s current strategy and has not 

prejudged the outcome of the ongoing strategic review 

 – the impact of Covid-19 and ongoing retail and property investment 

market challenges are not more prolonged or severe, from an 
income or valuation perspective, than as assumed in the Downside 
scenario

 – the Group is able to satisfactorily conclude the lender discussions on 
the secured debt facilities, in three of the Group’s joint ventures and 
Value Retail, by obtaining additional waivers or amendments, 
renegotiating terms, partly or fully prepaying facilities, or 
refinancing maturing loans

 – the Group is able to refinance its £1.1 billion debt maturities over the 
viability assessment period by using existing or new liquidity on 
reasonable commercial terms

Mitigation actions
While the Downside scenario does not assume any future disposals, 
the Group is committed to near-term disposals which were included in 
the Group’s Business Plan. 

Based on their detailed assessment the Directors confirm that they 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue 
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period to 
31 December 2023. 

Even in challenging markets, the Group has raised disposal proceeds of 
£1.0 billion over the last 24 months, including £73 million already in 
2021, and the diversity of the Group’s portfolio, in terms of location 
and sector, provides access to a range of investment markets. 

Disposals would be expected to improve the financial forecasts, 
however their precise impact on the financial projections and Group’s 
debt covenants is dependent on the timing of a sale; the level of 
proceeds relative to book value; the ownership structure; and whether 
any debt is secured against the properties sold. In addition, disposal 
proceeds would provide additional liquidity to support the refinancing 
requirements over the viability assessment period.

2020 Strategic Report
Pages 1 to 43 of this Annual Report constitute the Strategic report which 
was approved and signed on behalf of the Board on 11 March 2021.

Rita-Rose Gagné
Director

James Lenton
Director

www.hammerson.com 43

Strategic Report Xxxxxx 
 
 
Corporate Governance report

Board of Directors 

Key to Committee membership

A

I

N

Audit Committee
Investment and Disposal Committee
Nomination Committee

R

Remuneration Committee
Committee Chair

Full biographical details for 
each Director and full details 
of external appointments  
can be found on our website 
at www.hammerson.com

You can view details  
of our Group Executive 
Committee members  
on our website at  
www.hammerson.com

I

N

R

A

N

I

N

R

A

N

R

Gwyn Burr
Non-Executive 
Director and Senior 
Independent Director

Appointed to the 
Board
21 May 2012 and 
appointed as Senior 
Independent Director 
on 25 January 2019

Gwyn’s contribution to 
the Board is enhanced by 
her broad expertise in 
marketing, customer 
services, sustainability, 
HR and strategy gained 
through senior roles at 
major retail brands, such 
as Asda and Sainsbury’s. 
Gwyn’s wide-ranging 
experience and 
management expertise 
underpin her role as the 
Senior Independent 
Director.

External Listed 
Directorships
Non-Executive Director 
of Taylor Wimpey plc 
and Member of the 
Supervisory Board at 
Metro AG and Just Eat 
Takeaway.com N.V.

Robert Noel
Chair of the Board

Rita-Rose Gagné
Chief Executive 

James Lenton
Chief Financial 
Officer

Pierre Bouchut
Non-Executive 
Director

Méka Brunel
Non-Executive 
Director 

Appointed to the 
Board
1 September 2020 and 
appointed as Chair on 
7 September 2020

Robert brings extensive 
property industry 
knowledge and 
experience having built a 
long and successful 
career spanning over 30 
years in the real estate 
sector. He was CEO at 
Land Securities Group 
plc from 2012 until 
March 2020. Robert was 
also Property Director at 
Great Portland Estates 
plc from 2002 to 2009 
and from 1992 to 2002 
he was a Director of 
Nelson Bakewell, the 
property services group.

External Listed 
Directorships
Senior Independent 
Director at Taylor 
Wimpey plc.

Appointed to the 
Board
 2 November 2020

Rita-Rose has a wealth of 
experience in global real 
estate investment, asset 
management, M&A and 
strategy. She has worked 
in property markets 
across the world and her 
expertise spans across 
various asset classes and 
mixed-use assets, 
including residential, 
retail, office and logistics. 
Prior to Hammerson, she 
held various executive 
roles at the global real 
estate company, Ivanhoé 
Cambridge. Most 
recently, Rita-Rose was 
President of Growth 
Markets, where she 
managed over $7.6bn of 
real estate assets plus 
development projects 
across markets in Asia 
and Latin America. She is 
Non-Executive Director 
of Value Retail plc.

Appointed to the 
Board
16 September 2019 
and appointed as 
Chief Financial Officer 
on 1 October 2019

James brings to the 
Board extensive 
experience in financing, 
capital allocation and 
business transformation 
as well as notable 
successes in working 
with and managing 
complex organisations 
through periods of 
substantial change. 
From 2014 to 2018 
James was CFO at  
AIG’s European Group, 
where he delivered new 
profitability and 
financing strategies. 
Prior to AIG, he was 
Partner at EY, providing 
a range of assurance and 
advisory services 
including M&A, finance 
and external audit.

Appointed to the 
Board
13 February 2015 

Appointed to the 
Board
1 December 2019

Pierre has previously 
held a variety of 
non-executive and 
executive roles managing 
significant listed 
companies, including 
CEO of Casino and CFO 
at Schneider Electric, 
Carrefour and Delhaize. 
He therefore brings a 
highly knowledgeable 
perspective to Board 
discussions relating to 
business operations 
across Europe including 
a deep insight into how 
strategic changes may 
affect retail and property 
sectors. 

External Listed 
Directorships
Non-Executive Director 
of Albioma SA and 
Entain plc.

Méka has broad 
experience in the 
European real estate 
sector which, together 
with her knowledge and 
skills in property outside 
of retail, strengthens the 
Board’s expertise. Her 
previous roles include 
Director of Strategic 
Development at Gecina 
in 2003 and CEO of 
Eurosic in 2006. In 
2009, she joined Ivanhoé 
Cambridge as European 
President before 
returning to Gecina in 
2014 as a Non-Executive 
Director and CEO in 
2017. Méka is Chair of 
the European Public 
Real Estate Association.

External Listed 
Directorships
CEO and Board member 
of Gecina. 

A

N

I

N

A

N

A

I

N

N

R

Mike 
Butterworth
Non-Executive 
Director

Des de Beer
Non-Executive 
Director 

Andrew Formica
Non-Executive 
Director

Adam Metz
Non-Executive 
Director 

Carol Welch
Non-Executive 
Director 

Appointed to the 
Board
1 January 2021

Appointed to the 
Board
15 June 2020

Appointed to the 
Board
26 November 2015

Appointed to the 
Board
22 July 2019

Appointed to the 
Board
1 March 2019 

Mike brings to the Board 
25 years’ experience in 
senior finance roles in 
businesses across a range 
of sectors including 
technology, 
manufacturing, 
communications, 
healthcare and 
beverages. Previously he 
was CFO of Incepta 
Group plc and Cookson 
Group plc, as well as 
Non-Executive Director 
at Johnston Press plc, 
Kin and Carta Group plc 
and Cambian Group plc. 

External Listed 
Directorships
Non-Executive Director 
of Stock Spirits Group 
plc and Pressure 
Technologies plc.

Des has wide experience 
in property investment 
and management, and 
spent his early career at 
Nedcor Investment Bank 
as General Manager, 
Corporate Equity and 
Executive Committee 
member. He was a 
founder of Resilient 
REIT, a South African 
Real Estate Investment 
Trust, serving as its CEO 
since listing in 2002. He 
was also a founder of 
NEPI Rockcastle plc and 
served on its board until 
May 2020.

External Listed 
Directorships
CEO at Resilient REIT 
Ltd and Non-Executive 
Director of Lighthouse 
Capital Ltd.

44

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Andrew brings deep 
experience in capital 
markets and fund 
management, including 
property management, 
and has managed 
portfolios and businesses 
across Europe and 
globally. In particular, he 
has experience of 
managing complex 
businesses through 
periods of change. 
Andrew previously spent 
10 years as CEO of 
Henderson Group plc 
and then Co-CEO of 
Janus Henderson after 
its merger in 2017. 

External Listed 
Directorships
CEO of Jupiter Fund 
Management plc.

Adam brings to the 
Board wide-ranging 
knowledge in retail and 
commercial real estate, 
and extensive 
investment experience 
gained at Blackstone 
Group, TPG Capital and 
the Carlyle Group. His 
comprehensive 
experience in real estate 
investment and strategy 
in the US, Europe and 
Asia, through listed 
companies and private 
equity, enables him to 
make a valuable 
contribution to our 
Board. He is also a 
Non-Executive Director 
of the Morgan Stanley 
Direct Lending Fund and 
SL Investment Corp.

Carol brings a wealth of 
experience in marketing, 
innovation and digital 
gained while working in 
senior roles at global 
businesses, such as 
PepsiCo, Cadbury 
Schweppes and 
Associated British 
Foods. She also brings 
useful leisure, retail and 
hospitality experience 
gained through her roles 
as Chief Marketing 
Officer at Costa Coffee as 
well as her current role 
as Managing Director 
UK & Ireland and Chief 
Commercial Officer, 
Europe, at ODEON.

Carol is our Nominated 
Non-Executive Director 
for colleague engagement.

Corporate Governance report

Strategic focus on a strengthened balance sheet to position the business over 
the medium-term

Dear Shareholders

I am pleased to present the Corporate Governance report for 2020. 
The Company is reporting against the principles of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the Code). I confirm that the Company has 
complied with the provisions of the Code in full during 2020. The 
Code is available on the website of the Financial Reporting Council 
at www.frc.org.uk.

The purpose of the Code is to require companies to be transparent and 
to promote the highest ethical standards for UK listed businesses. The 
Company’s compliance with the Code is reported against each of the 
five main sections of the Code: Board Leadership and Company 
Purpose; Division of Responsibilities; Composition, Succession and 
Evaluation; Audit, Risk and Internal Control; and Remuneration. 

Board Leadership and Company Purpose

Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company is detailed on page 44 and 
further information on each Director can be found on the Company’s 
website at www.hammerson.com. 

Purpose
The purpose of the Group is to create vibrant, continually evolving 
spaces in and around thriving cities, where people and brands want  
to be. We seek to deliver value for all our stakeholders and to create  
a positive and sustainable impact for generations to come. The  
Board is committed to the delivery of a clear strategy, underpinned  
by the three pillars of capital efficiency, an optimised portfolio and 
operational excellence. For more information on our strategy, please 
see pages 2 to 42. 

Strategy
The Board was required to undertake decisive steps in 2020 to ensure 
the future of the Group with the significant disruptions caused by the 
Covid-19 pandemic. The focus has been to strengthen the Group’s 
balance sheet and ensure sufficient liquidity during a very challenging 
year by raising capital, undertaking further disposals, implementing 
cost reduction and cash retention. Further information is set out in 
the CFO’s Financial Review on pages 25 to 34. 

Following the appointment of Rita-Rose Gagné as the Chief Executive 
in November 2020, a detailed review of the business is being carried 
out to determine the future strategic direction of the Group, given the 
continued structural changes to the retail environment. The review is 
expected to be completed by the half year. 

Stakeholders
We seek to deliver value for all our stakeholders. The Board is also 
aware that its actions and decisions impact our stakeholders including 
the communities in which we operate. Effective engagement with 
stakeholders is important to the Board as it strengthens the business 
and helps to deliver a positive result for all our stakeholder groups. It 
also assists the Directors with understanding their views. Our 
stakeholders’ views are a key consideration for the Board when making 
decisions. In order to comply with Section 172 of the Companies Act, 
the Board is required to take into consideration the interests of 
stakeholders and include a statement setting out the way in which 

Directors have discharged this duty during the year. Further 
information of the actions carried out in 2020 by the Board to comply 
with its obligations to the Group’s stakeholders are detailed on pages 
48 to 50 and the statement of compliance with Section 172 is set out  
on page 50.

Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures 
Details of the Board’s work to comply with the requirements of the 
Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) are 
shown on page 51. The TCFD articulates the direct link between 
climate risk and financial risk. 

Culture
The Board receives relevant updates on how the application of the 
Group’s culture and values are embedded for colleagues and the 
Group’s wider stakeholders. The results of the annual “Great Place to 
Work” colleague survey are presented to the Board and the findings 
considered. The clearly defined values of ambition, respect, 
collaboration and responsibility are embedded in the business. New 
joiners receive a detailed induction programme where the values are 
explained and they are reinforced through the internal 
communications programme, community engagement projects and 
the commitment to the Net Positive strategy.

The Group is committed to fully complying with all laws and 
regulations and has high standards of governance and compliance. The 
Code of Conduct has been prepared to help colleagues and Directors to 
fulfil their personal responsibilities to investors and stakeholders. The 
Code of Conduct covers the following areas:

 – Compliance and accountability

 – The required standards of personal behaviour 

 – The Group’s dealings with stakeholders 

 – Measures to prevent fraud, bribery and corruption 

 – Share dealing 

 – Security of information

The colleague induction programme includes compulsory modules  
on unconscious bias and equality, health and safety, anti-bribery, 
modern slavery, sustainability, protection of confidential and  
inside information, data protection, and management of expenses 
which are delivered in the UK via the Group’s online Learning 
Management System.

The Directors remain committed to zero tolerance of bribery and 
corruption by colleagues and the Group’s suppliers. The Audit 
Committee received a report on the Company’s policies and procedures 
in place to prevent bribery and corruption and for detecting and 
preventing fraud. The Board has received the annual Whistleblowing 
Report and reviewed the arrangements in place for individuals to raise 
concerns and the mechanism for the investigation of such matters. 
During 2020 no concerns were raised using that facility and no other 
issues were raised that have been treated as whistleblowing. 

The Group’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is 
submitted to the Board for approval each year, and the statement is 
published on the Company’s website at www.hammerson.com.

www.hammerson.com 45

GovernanceCorporate Governance reportCorporate Governance report continued

The Board has a well-established and detailed process for the 
management of conflicts of interests. On appointment, a Director is 
required to disclose any conflicts to the General Counsel and Company 
Secretary. At each scheduled meeting of the Board, a governance 
report is reviewed, containing details of conflicts of interests for each 
Director noting any changes. As part of the year end reporting, each 
Director confirms all conflicts of interests to the General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. There is regular dialogue between Directors 
outside of Board meetings on any important issues that require 
discussion and resolution. If necessary, any unresolved matters that 
are raised with the Chair of the Board, the Senior Independent 
Director and the General Counsel and Company Secretary would be 
recorded in the minutes of the next Board meeting. The Chair of the 
Board encourages a culture of frank debate, challenge and discussion 
at meetings and outside of the formal environment. This helps to 
ensure that any concerns can be considered and resolved. 

Colleague Engagement
Our people are central to the business and their performance is critical to 
its long-term success. Colleague engagement in our business is therefore 
high on our agenda at non-executive and executive board levels.  

Regular engagement surveys and communication forums are the main 
focus of these activities, but to complement these a Group Employee 
Forum (GEF) was established in May 2019 comprising 12 colleagues 
from across the Group. The GEF enhances two-way dialogue between 
the Board and colleagues, offering a structured environment for the 
Board to listen to feedback from our colleagues and allowing issues to 
be highlighted and resolved. The GEF focus is to support employee 
engagement in line with the Group’s values of collaboration, respect, 
responsibility and ambition. While some of the GEF’s initiatives were 
curtailed due to Covid-19, it played an important role in ensuring 
communication and dialogue between the Company and its employees 
while working remotely or on furlough. In addition, the GEF worked 
with the HR and Communications teams on the following initiatives:

 – A formalised update to the Company’s agile working policy

 – Promotion of content and tools to support colleague mental health, 

well-being and greater awareness of Hammerson’s Employee 
Assistance Programme

Table 35

Governance Structure

 – Supporting the evolution of the Company’s Diversity and Inclusion 
plans, including the launch of Mission Include alongside virtual 
events and speakers

 – Identifying tools that will enable colleagues to provide 360 degree 

feedback to improve performance

 – A revision of ongoing governance to ensure GEF initiatives  

are accelerated

Carol Welch has been the designated Non-Executive Director for 
colleague engagement since May 2020, replacing Judy Gibbons. The 
purpose of the role is to:

 – Act as the Board’s eyes and ears to understand colleagues’ views on 
company culture, and the degree to which behaviours and values in 
the business are aligned with culture and values agreed by the Board

 – Provide guidance and feedback, with insight gained from the GEF, 

on achieving effective internal communication

 – Provide independent advice and guidance to the Chief Executive, 

Human Resources Director and Group Executive Committee (GEC) 
on matters of employee engagement

 – Speak on behalf of the Board at the GEF’s events

 – Assist the Board in understanding colleagues’ views based on insight 

from the GEF and provide guidance to the Board on how their 
decisions may impact colleagues

Carol attends quarterly meetings with the GEF in addition to separate 
discussions with its Chair, the Group HR Director and Group 
Marketing Communications Director. Focus has been on key issues 
affecting colleagues given changes at board level during 2020 and the 
impact on the business of the pandemic. Carol submitted a report to 
the Board in December 2020 on the focus of colleague engagement and 
progress made by the GEF. Carol also held discussions with the GEC 
on engagement and future focus as part of its review of the Group 
employee survey results.

Further information on the Group’s policies and procedures for 
colleagues is detailed on page 20.

Hammerson plc Board

Group Executive 
Committee

Audit  
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Investment  
and Disposal 
Committee

UK and Ireland 
Management Board

Hammerson France 
Management Board

Risk and Controls 
Committee

Group Capital 
Committee

Positive Places Corporate Responsibility Board

Health and Safety Committee

46

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Division of Responsibilities – Governance 
Role of the Board
The primary duty of the Board is to promote the long-term success of 
the Company through setting a clear purpose and strategy which 
creates long-term value for stakeholders. It aligns the strategy, 
purpose and values with the Group’s culture and sets the strategic 
direction, governance and desired values of the Group and has 
ultimate responsibility for its management, direction and 
performance. The Board approves major acquisitions, disposals, 
capital expenditure and financing in accordance with the Matters 
Reserved to the Board, which were updated in 2020. The Board 
oversees the system of internal controls, corporate governance and 
risk management, including climate risk, and approves the annual 
Business Plan, and has assigned certain responsibilities to its Audit, 
Nomination, Remuneration and Investment and Disposal 
Committees. These are fully documented in the Articles of 
Association, the Schedule of Matters Reserved for the Board and the 
Committees’ terms of reference, which are all available on the 
Company’s website at www.hammerson.com. 

Board Leadership
The Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive have separate roles 
and responsibilities which are clearly defined. The Chair of the Board 
is responsible for the operation of the Board and the Chief Executive 
leads and manages the business within the parameters of the 
authorities delegated by the Directors. When the Chair was appointed 
to the Board in September 2020, he was considered to be independent. 
The Non-Executive Directors are identified in their biographies on 
page 44 and over half of the Board (including the Chair) is considered 
to be independent, in accordance with the provisions of the Code. 

Gwyn Burr was appointed as Senior Independent Director in January 
2019 and is available to discuss shareholders’ concerns on governance 
and other matters. She can deputise for the Chair of the Board in his 
absence, act as a sounding board for the Chair and counsel Board 
colleagues. The Non-Executive Directors hold a meeting without the 
presence of the Chair of the Board annually to discuss his 
performance. The General Counsel and Company Secretary, whose 
appointment or removal is decided by all Directors, provides 
independent advice to the Board on legal and governance matters. 

Directors’ Time Commitment
As part of the selection process for any potential directors, any 
significant external time commitments are considered before an 
appointment is agreed. All Directors are required to consult with the 
Chair of the Board and obtain the approval of the Board, before taking 
on additional appointments. Executive Directors are not permitted to 
take on more than one external appointment as a director of a listed 
company or any other substantial appointment. The Board has 
adopted a policy on overboarding which introduces limits on the 
number of external appointments which can be held by any Director. 
Details of the policy are set out on page 53. 

Investment and Disposal Committee
The Investment and Disposal Committee oversees the Group’s 
acquisitions, capital expenditure and disposals and assists the Board in 
delivering the strategy. The Committee is chaired by Robert Noel and 
its members are all Non-Executive Directors, each bringing significant 
experience in the development of strategy, the review and execution of 
the proposals presented by the Executive Directors and the senior 
management team. The Committee’s terms of reference and list of 
members can be found on the Company’s website. During 2020, the 
Committee met five times and the agenda for each meeting reflects the 
status of investment and disposal projects under consideration by 
management. It reviews progress by reviewing written reports and 
also receives regular updates on market conditions. Proposals are 
scrutinised by the Committee and recommendations to proceed with 
transactions valued over £50million are then made to the Board for 
final approval. Verbal updates on the Committee’s meetings are 
provided at the next meeting of the Board. 

Executive Leadership 
The Group Executive Committee (GEC) supports the Board by 
providing executive management of the Group within the agreed 
strategy and Business Plan. It manages the operation of the business 
on a day-to-day basis, sets financial and operational targets and 
oversees the Group’s risk management. It is chaired by the Chief 
Executive and comprises the senior leadership team. The members of 
the GEC and their biographies are shown on the Group’s website at 
www.hammerson.com. 

The GEC monitors performance of the Group and receives regular 
reports on finance, trading and marketing, the property portfolio, 
human resources, corporate communications, investor relations and 
risk management, including climate risk. The GEC also receives 
updates on the performance of Value Retail which is externally 
managed. The GEC is supported in turn by a number of sub-
committees which provide regular reports on their proceedings, 
highlighting any matters of concern. 

Composition, Succession and Evaluation 
The Board’s Nomination Committee recommends appointments to 
the Board and oversees the succession planning of the Directors and 
the process for succession planning to the senior management team. It 
ensures that there is an appropriate mix of skills and experience on the 
Board. The Committee also promotes diversity on the Board and in the 
Group. Its report is set out on pages 52 to 55. 

The relevant skills and experience of the Directors are set out in Table 
36 on page 53. The attendance by each Director at Board and committee 
meetings during the year is disclosed in Table 41 on page 55. 

The results of the Board effectiveness review carried out in 2020 are 
summarised on page 55.

Audit, Risk and Internal Control
The Audit Committee oversees the Group’s financial reporting and 
monitors the independence of the internal and external audits. It is 
responsible for internal controls and monitors risk management 
including the identification of emerging risks. The Committee 
oversees the valuation of the property portfolio and is responsible for 
the relationship with the External Auditor. Its report for the year is set 
out on pages 56 to 59. 

The Risk and Controls Committee supports the Audit Committee by 
promoting the integration of the Risk Management Framework across 
the Group. It monitors compliance with the Group’s internal control 
systems and manages the internal audit programme. More 
information on the Group’s approach to risk can be found on pages 35 
to 41 and a report of the Committee’s activities during the year is set 
out on page 57 as part of the Audit Committee report. 

Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for establishing a 
remuneration policy and setting the remuneration for the Chair of the 
Board, Executive Directors and members of the GEC. It oversees 
remuneration policies and practices across the Group. The Committee 
is responsible for the alignment of reward, incentives and culture and 
approves bonus plans and long term incentive plans for the Executive 
Directors and members of the GEC. The Committee’s report for the 
year is set out on pages 60 to 79.

Robert Noel
Chair of the Board

www.hammerson.com 47

GovernanceCorporate Governance reportCorporate Governance report continued

Our stakeholders

Key stakeholders

Key areas of interest

How we engage 

Shareholders
We have a broad range of institutional investors and private 
shareholders. We actively engage with them throughout the year and 
undertake regular communications to ensure that they understand the 
performance of the business.

 – Current and future financial performance
 – Strategy
 – Corporate governance
 – Sustainability

Brands
Our business strategy and future success is aligned with that of all of 
our brands which fill our destinations – retailers, food and beverage 
and leisure occupiers, as well as direct-to-consumer brands.

 – Shared commercial objectives;  

attracting customers

 – Vibrant and well-operated destinations
 – Sustainability

Consumers
We create vibrant destinations that meet the needs of the wide range 
of consumers that engage with them. In an omnichannel environment, 
we provide more than just a place to shop.

Partners
We work with a wide range of partners over the long-term, including 
joint venture partners, suppliers and debt capital partners, making our 
business stronger and delivering a competitive edge. 

Communities
Our assets rely on a strong, positive connection with thriving local 
communities. This is where we draw our customers from, and over 
80% of the employees in our flagship destinations.

Our people
Talented and motivated colleagues are vital to the success of  
the business. 

 – Vibrant destinations with engaging  

occupier mix

 – Future winning brands
 – Continuous improvement to enhance 
customer engagement and experience

 – Sustainability

 – Current and future financial performance
 – Operational excellence
 – Corporate governance
 – Innovation
 – Consumer trends and insight
 – Sustainability

 – Measurable positive impact in socio-

economic issues relevant to the communities 
in which we operate

 – Community projects focus on four areas:

 – Employment and skills
 – Local investment and enterprise
 – Young people
 – Health and well-being

 – Strategy
 – Employee engagement
 – Reward
 – Diversity and inclusion
 – Training and development
 – Health and well-being
 – Sustainability

48

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 – We take a proactive approach to investor relations and hold numerous meetings with shareholders and analysts. Meetings were held 

throughout the year with institutional shareholders to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business, the rights issue, 

management changes and questions of governance. 

 – Key shareholder publications including the annual report, the full year and half year results announcements, sustainability report and press 

releases and the information for investors on the Company’s website.

 – The AGM provides the opportunity to engage with shareholders and allows all shareholders to vote on resolutions. In September, a general 

meeting was held to approve resolutions for the sale of the Company’s 50% stake in VIA, the rights issue and the share consolidation. In 

December 2020, a general meeting was also convened to approve proposals for an enhanced scrip dividend alternative. Although the AGM 

and subsequent general meetings had to be held behind closed doors in response to the pandemic to comply with UK Government 

regulations, shareholders were given the opportunity to submit questions prior to the meetings.

 – The Chair of the Board, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, the General Counsel and Company Secretary and Group Head of 

Sustainability undertake a range of governance discussions with investors.

 – Our dedicated leasing team has a leasing strategy for each asset, underpinned by the Group’s strategic objectives.

 – On behalf of the Board, the GEC oversaw the extensive discussions with our tenants in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, on the 

interruption to trading, the collection of outstanding revenue and future leasing structures.

 – We hold regular executive management meetings with retailer counterparts.

 – The Board receives reports from the senior management team on the performance of brands, which are discussed at its meetings.

 – We have a targeted programme of engagement for future occupiers.

 – We are a member of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 

 – We undertake both quantitative and qualitative insight to understand consumer needs.

 – Our marketing, leasing and asset management strategies are focussed on ensuring that we create desirable destinations for shopping, 

leisure and socialising.

 – We invest in optimising space and tenant mix and improving customer facilities.

 – The Directors receive regular reports on consumer behaviours and associated needs which provides useful insights into emerging trends at 

a local and national level and will inform investment decisions and identify future revenue drivers.

 – We hold quarterly joint venture board meetings approve asset business plans annually, setting parameters for the next year and over the 

longer term.

 – Ad hoc meetings with partners are organised to highlight key areas of focus, including sustainability, customer experience and innovation.

 – Proactive approach to engaging with debt capital partners with numerous meetings held during 2020.

 – Regular discussions were held with our joint venture partners during 2020 on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the assets, including 

the arrangements to comply with government restrictions, tenant failures and rent arrears.

 – We are signatories to the Prompt Payment Code, to support our partners and suppliers. 

 – Our local community impacts are positive, and our business activities attract significant additional investment into local economies.

 – We establish a clear placemaking strategy for each asset, that reflects the needs of our local communities, delivered through our asset 

 – We set community engagement plans that address issues identified as relevant to local communities. 

 – We develop long-term partnerships with organisations that share our focus areas, and use the London Benchmarking Group to measure our 

management programme.

socio-economic performance.

 – The Directors received a report of the progress against our Net Positive socio-economic targets as part of the Group’s sustainability strategy.

 – The Group’s Charity Committee considers donations to charities, including local charities, complementing our sustainability goals.

 – We have a dedicated internal communications resource and OnDemand intranet platform.

 – We held regular briefings of colleagues by the Chief Executive and other members of the senior management team.

 – Updates on current business is delivered via “town hall” and “virtual town hall” meetings.

 – Our colleague conference is held every two to three years.

 – The Group Employee Forum was established in May 2019 and we have a designated Non-Executive Director for colleague engagement.

 – Our Group Employee Survey is undertaken annually, with the results presented to the Board and to colleagues and used to shape  

colleague engagement.

 – We have a rolling programme of diversity and inclusion events.

 – Our comprehensive programme for new joiners includes online training and a two day programme which is usually attended by all new 

starters although this was suspended while our offices were closed in accordance with Government guidance on Covid-19.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Key stakeholders

Key areas of interest

How we engage 

Shareholders

 – Current and future financial performance

We have a broad range of institutional investors and private 

shareholders. We actively engage with them throughout the year and 

undertake regular communications to ensure that they understand the 

 – Strategy

 – Corporate governance

 – Sustainability

performance of the business.

Brands

Our business strategy and future success is aligned with that of all of 

our brands which fill our destinations – retailers, food and beverage 

and leisure occupiers, as well as direct-to-consumer brands.

 – Shared commercial objectives;  

attracting customers

 – Vibrant and well-operated destinations

 – Sustainability

 – We take a proactive approach to investor relations and hold numerous meetings with shareholders and analysts. Meetings were held 
throughout the year with institutional shareholders to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business, the rights issue, 
management changes and questions of governance. 

 – Key shareholder publications including the annual report, the full year and half year results announcements, sustainability report and press 

releases and the information for investors on the Company’s website.

 – The AGM provides the opportunity to engage with shareholders and allows all shareholders to vote on resolutions. In September, a general 
meeting was held to approve resolutions for the sale of the Company’s 50% stake in VIA, the rights issue and the share consolidation. In 
December 2020, a general meeting was also convened to approve proposals for an enhanced scrip dividend alternative. Although the AGM 
and subsequent general meetings had to be held behind closed doors in response to the pandemic to comply with UK Government 
regulations, shareholders were given the opportunity to submit questions prior to the meetings.

 – The Chair of the Board, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, the General Counsel and Company Secretary and Group Head of 

Sustainability undertake a range of governance discussions with investors.

 – Our dedicated leasing team has a leasing strategy for each asset, underpinned by the Group’s strategic objectives.
 – On behalf of the Board, the GEC oversaw the extensive discussions with our tenants in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, on the 

interruption to trading, the collection of outstanding revenue and future leasing structures.

 – We hold regular executive management meetings with retailer counterparts.
 – The Board receives reports from the senior management team on the performance of brands, which are discussed at its meetings.
 – We have a targeted programme of engagement for future occupiers.
 – We are a member of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 

Consumers

We create vibrant destinations that meet the needs of the wide range 

of consumers that engage with them. In an omnichannel environment, 

we provide more than just a place to shop.

 – Vibrant destinations with engaging  

occupier mix

 – Future winning brands

 – Continuous improvement to enhance 

customer engagement and experience

 – Sustainability

 – We undertake both quantitative and qualitative insight to understand consumer needs.
 – Our marketing, leasing and asset management strategies are focussed on ensuring that we create desirable destinations for shopping, 

leisure and socialising.

 – We invest in optimising space and tenant mix and improving customer facilities.
 – The Directors receive regular reports on consumer behaviours and associated needs which provides useful insights into emerging trends at 

a local and national level and will inform investment decisions and identify future revenue drivers.

 – Current and future financial performance

 – We hold quarterly joint venture board meetings approve asset business plans annually, setting parameters for the next year and over the 

longer term.

 – Ad hoc meetings with partners are organised to highlight key areas of focus, including sustainability, customer experience and innovation.
 – Proactive approach to engaging with debt capital partners with numerous meetings held during 2020.
 – Regular discussions were held with our joint venture partners during 2020 on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the assets, including 

the arrangements to comply with government restrictions, tenant failures and rent arrears.

 – We are signatories to the Prompt Payment Code, to support our partners and suppliers. 

 – Our local community impacts are positive, and our business activities attract significant additional investment into local economies.
 – We establish a clear placemaking strategy for each asset, that reflects the needs of our local communities, delivered through our asset 

management programme.

 – We set community engagement plans that address issues identified as relevant to local communities. 
 – We develop long-term partnerships with organisations that share our focus areas, and use the London Benchmarking Group to measure our 

socio-economic performance.

 – The Directors received a report of the progress against our Net Positive socio-economic targets as part of the Group’s sustainability strategy.
 – The Group’s Charity Committee considers donations to charities, including local charities, complementing our sustainability goals.

 – We have a dedicated internal communications resource and OnDemand intranet platform.
 – We held regular briefings of colleagues by the Chief Executive and other members of the senior management team.
 – Updates on current business is delivered via “town hall” and “virtual town hall” meetings.
 – Our colleague conference is held every two to three years.
 – The Group Employee Forum was established in May 2019 and we have a designated Non-Executive Director for colleague engagement.
 – Our Group Employee Survey is undertaken annually, with the results presented to the Board and to colleagues and used to shape  

colleague engagement.

 – We have a rolling programme of diversity and inclusion events.
 – Our comprehensive programme for new joiners includes online training and a two day programme which is usually attended by all new 

starters although this was suspended while our offices were closed in accordance with Government guidance on Covid-19.

www.hammerson.com 49

Partners

We work with a wide range of partners over the long-term, including 

joint venture partners, suppliers and debt capital partners, making our 

business stronger and delivering a competitive edge. 

 – Operational excellence

 – Corporate governance

 – Innovation

 – Consumer trends and insight

 – Sustainability

Communities

Our assets rely on a strong, positive connection with thriving local 

communities. This is where we draw our customers from, and over 

80% of the employees in our flagship destinations.

Our people

the business. 

Talented and motivated colleagues are vital to the success of  

 – Measurable positive impact in socio-

economic issues relevant to the communities 

in which we operate

 – Community projects focus on four areas:

 – Employment and skills

 – Local investment and enterprise

 – Young people

 – Health and well-being

 – Strategy

 – Reward

 – Employee engagement

 – Diversity and inclusion

 – Training and development

 – Health and well-being

 – Sustainability

GovernanceCorporate Governance report 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance report continued

Stakeholder Engagement
We seek to deliver value for all our stakeholders. The Board is also 
aware that its actions and decisions impact our stakeholders including 
the communities in which we operate. Effective engagement with 
stakeholders is important to the Board as it strengthens the business 
and helps to deliver a positive result for all our stakeholder groups. 

In order to comply with Section 172 of the Companies Act, the Board is 
required to take into consideration the interests of stakeholders and 
include a statement setting out the way in which Directors have 
discharged this duty during the year.

The Board seeks to understand the needs and the key areas of interest 
of each stakeholder group and consider them during deliberations and 
as part of the decision-making process. It reviews the long-term 
consequences of decisions on each stakeholder group by ensuring that 
the Group builds and nurtures strong working relationships with our 
shareholders, tenants, suppliers, joint venture partners, debt capital 
providers, consumers, and the wider community and government 
agencies which are important to the success of the Group. It does this 
by overseeing the work undertaken by management to maintain and 
seek to enhance these relationships. The Board receives detailed 
reports and when relevant these include assessments of the impact of 
a proposal or project on stakeholders, and if required, the Directors 
receive appropriate input from the senior management team. 

The Board is responsible for ensuring that an effective policy of 
engagement is undertaken within the business. The Board engages 
with our stakeholders on a regular basis.

The stakeholders have been determined by the Board and are shown 
on page 48. Further details on how the Company has engaged with its 
stakeholders during the year can be found on pages 48 to 49. 

Statement on AGM 2020 votes against
At the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 28 April 
2020, 20% or more of votes were cast against resolution 9. In the 
announcement released immediately following the AGM, the Board 
outlined the actions that it intended to take to understand and address 
shareholder concerns and an update is provided below. 

Although Resolution 9, to re-elect Pierre Bouchut, was passed with the 
necessary majority, 24.3% of votes received were against. The negative 
vote is understood to be the result of an overboarding analysis by one 
shareholder. The Board is fully satisfied with Pierre Bouchut’s 
contribution and time commitment to the Company both as Chair of 
the Audit Committee and as a Non-Executive Director. However, the 
Company has discussed the matter with the relevant shareholder. 

Following discussions with its shareholders, the Board adopted a 
policy on the permitted limit of external public directorships for 
Directors, in line with guidelines issued by Institutional Shareholder 
Services. More information is set out in the Nomination Committee 
report on page 53. All Directors currently comply with this policy. 

Section 172(1) statement 
The Directors of the Company have acted in a way that they 
considered, in good faith, to be most likely to promote the success of 
the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and, in doing so, 
had regard, amongst other matters, to those matters set out in section 
172(1)(a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006, being: 

 – the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term

 – the interests of the Company’s employees 

 – the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with 

suppliers, customers and others

 – the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and  

the environment 

 – the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high 

standards of business conduct 

 – the need to act fairly as between members of the Company 

The Board has identified its key stakeholders as being its: 
shareholders; brands; consumers; partners; communities and our 
people. Building and nurturing these relationships based on 
professionalism, fair dealing and integrity is critical to our success. 

Our extensive engagement efforts help to ensure that the Board can 
understand, consider and balance broad stakeholder interests when 
making decisions to deliver long-term sustainable success. 

While the Board will engage directly with stakeholders on certain 
issues, stakeholder engagement will often take place at an operational 
level with the Board receiving regular updates on stakeholder views 
from the Executive Directors and the senior management team. 
Directors receive a briefing regarding their duties under s172. Board 
papers for all key decisions are required to include a specific section 
reviewing the impact of the proposal on relevant stakeholder groups as 
well as other s172(1) considerations. 

Summary of the Corporate Governance report

Code Section

Board Leadership and Purpose

Division of Responsibilities
Composition, Succession and Evaluation

Audit, Risk and Internal Control

Remuneration

50

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Contents

Board of Directors
Purpose and Strategy
Culture and Colleague Engagement
Stakeholder Engagement

Section 172 statement
Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
Governance Structure
Nomination Committee report
Relevant skills and experience  
on the Board
Board and Committee meetings attendance
Board effectiveness review 2020
Audit Committee report
Risk and internal control
Chair’s annual statement
Annual Remuneration report

Page

45
45
45-46
45, 
48-49
50
51
46-47
52-55
53

55
55
56-59
57
60-61
63-79

Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

This is our third year of reporting in line with the recommendations  
of the TCFD. We welcome the acceleration of this process becoming a 
regulatory requirement in 2022. Our ability to report in line with these 
recommendations is an endorsement of the proactive, forward-looking 
stance Hammerson has taken on climate change and broader 
sustainability issues for over a decade. 

The table below provides an overview of our responses and provides 
links to relevant coverage in this report, our Sustainability Report  
and our website. In 2020 we published a separate TCFD Report. This 
has been updated for 2021 and is available on our website at  
www.hammerson.com.

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting 
requirements (SECR)
SECR has extended carbon and energy reporting requirements to an 
estimated 11,000 business in the UK. This move to expanding a relatively 
light touch regulation is helpful in increasing transparency and the 
availability of data. Our mandatory GHG emissions reporting data is set 
out on page 169. Our full energy and carbon reporting which covers all 
SECR requirements is set out in our 2020 Sustainability Report.

Responding to the TCFD Reporting Requirements 

Requirement

Progress

1 Describe the board’s oversight of climate-related 

risks and opportunities.

Board level oversight is with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Board.
See page 35 of this report and page 15 of our Sustainability Report and our  
TCFD Report.

2 Describe management’s role in assessing and 

managing climate-related risks and opportunities.

Our Group Head of Sustainability leads our response to climate risk and develops 
our climate risk strategy. Our Senior Management team is responsible for 
ensuring our strategy is delivered and for identifying climate risks and 
opportunities within their business streams and working with the Group Head  
of Sustainability to manage them. 

3 Describe the climate-related risks and 

opportunities the organisation has identified over 
the short-, medium-, and long-term.

See page 36 of this report, and page 13 of our Sustainability Report where our approach 
to managing and mitigating risks is addressed. Our Sustainability Risk Matrix includes 
our climate risks and is available on our website at www.hammerson.com.

4 Describe the impact of climate-related risks and 
opportunities on the organisation’s businesses, 
strategy, and financial planning.

See page 36 of this report and pages 3 to 5 and 16 to 17 of our Sustainability Report 
and our TCFD Report.

5 Describe the resilience of the organisation’s 
strategy, taking into consideration different 
climate-related scenarios, including a 2o C or 
lower scenario.

Our sustainability strategy incorporates climate risk assessments and is 
embedded within our business planning and management processes. Climate 
scenario work will begin in 2021. See page 39 of this report and pages 12 to 14 and 
28 to 31 of our Sustainability Report and our TCFD Report.

6 Describe the organisation’s processes for 

identifying and assessing climate-related risks.

See page 39 of this report and pages 12 to 15 of our Sustainability Report.
Our sustainability strategy responds to short and medium term risks. Work on 
climate scenarios to understand longer term business risks will begin in 2021.
See page 35 and pages 28 to 33 of our Sustainability Report and our TCFD Report. 

7 Describe the organisation’s process for managing 

climate-related risks.

We take a proactive approach to climate risk to ensure early identification of risks 
for existing and new assets, both acquired and developed. See page 39 of this report, 
pages 28 to 33 and 44 to 45 of our Sustainability Report and our TCFD Report.

8 Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, 
and managing climate-related risks are integrated 
into the organisation’s overall risk management.

9 Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to 
assess climate-related risks and opportunities in 
line with its strategy and risk management.

Our climate-related risks are managed through our corporate risk management 
framework. See pages 12 to 15 of our Sustainability Report and our TCFD Report.

See pages 35 to 36 of this report, pages 22 to 27 of our Sustainability Report and 
the sustainability pages of our website at www.hammerson.com.

10 Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if appropriate, 

Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the 
related risks.

We report extensively on our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. See pages 16 to 19 and 169 
of this report and pages 22 to 23 and 28 to 33 of our Sustainability Report and our 
TCFD Report.

11 Describe the targets used by the organisation to 
manage climate-related risks and opportunities 
and performance against targets.

See pages 15 and 39 of this report and pages 26 to 27, 32 to 33 and 44 to 45 of our 
Sustainability Report  and our TCFD Report.

www.hammerson.com 51

GovernanceCorporate Governance report 
Nomination Committee report

Ensuring the Board has the right mix of experience and skills by introducing 
new Directors from across the property, retail and leisure sectors 

Nomination Committee members 

Robert Noel 
(Chair – appointed 7 September 2020) 

David Tyler  
(Chair – resigned 7 September 2020)

Pierre Bouchut

Méka Brunel

Gwyn Burr

Mike Butterworth (appointed 1 January 2021)

Des de Beer (appointed 15 June 2020)

Andrew Formica

Judy Gibbons (resigned 28 April 2020)

Adam Metz

Carol Welch

Dear Shareholders

I am pleased to present the report of the Nomination Committee (the 
Committee) covering the work of the Committee during 2020 in 
relation to composition of and succession to the Board and its 
Committees. It has been a busy year for the Committee with a number 
of changes to the Board and the senior management team. 

The Committee comprises all our Non-Executive Directors and  
its terms of reference can be found on the Company’s website at  
www.hammerson.com. The Committee is responsible for 
recommending appointments to the Board and ensures that plans 
have been put in place for the orderly succession to the Board, its 
Committees and the senior management team. This includes the 
development of a pipeline of potential candidates, bearing in mind 
gender and ethnic diversity, to the Board and the senior management 
team with the necessary skills and experience. 

During the year, the Committee has undertaken searches for the Chair 
of the Board, the Chief Executive and a Non-Executive Director. It 
engaged external search consultancies to assist with the process and to 
identify potential candidates from the wider market. Other than in the 
provision of recruitment services, none of the consultancies engaged 
has any connection with the Company or any of its Directors. Each is 
accredited with the FTSE 350 category of the Enhanced Voluntary 
Code of Conduct for Executive Search Firms. The Committee also 
oversaw the arrangements for the appointment of Des de Beer as a 
Non-Executive Director. More details of the process are set out below.

Appointment of the Chief Executive 
In May 2020, the Committee started the process to find a Chief 
Executive, following the resignation of David Atkins. 

The Committee agreed on the selection of Spencer Stuart as executive 
search consultant for the purposes of this role. A job specification was 

52

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

prepared in conjunction with Spencer Stuart. A shortlist of internal and 
external candidates was drawn up and interviews were conducted by the 
Nomination Committee. The Committee then made a recommendation 
for the appointment of Rita-Rose Gagné to the Board. 

Rita-Rose joined the Board on 2 November 2020 as an Executive 
Director and Chief Executive. During her first month with the Group, 
she completed a comprehensive and tailored induction programme 
and met with operational and functional members of the senior 
management team and met with key external advisers to the Board 
and the Group.

Appointment of Chair of the Board 
During the search process for Chief Executive, the Committee 
widened the scope of services of Spencer Stuart to include potential 
candidates for Chair of the Board. 

A wide range of candidates were considered and discussed by the 
Committee and a final recommendation was made to the Board. The 
outcome of the process was my appointment to the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2020 and as Chair of the 
Board on 7 September 2020. 

Appointment of Non-Executive Directors
On 15 June 2020, Des de Beer joined the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director. This followed a period of discussion between the Board and 
Lighthouse Capital Limited, a property company which invests in 
direct property and listed real estate securities and is currently a 
significant shareholder in Hammerson. Des de Beer is a non-executive 
director of Lighthouse Capital and has significant experience in 
property investment and management. His skills and experience were 
considered by the Committee to be particularly helpful to the Board as 
the Group faced significant challenges in the macro-economic 
environment. As a result, the Committee did not engage an executive 
search consultant for this appointment. Des is a member of the 
Nomination Committee.

In November 2020, the Committee engaged Russell Reynolds to 
facilitate a search for an additional Non-Executive Director with 
extensive financial and audit experience with UK listed companies to 
bring additional expertise to the Board and the Audit Committee. A role 
specification was prepared in conjunction with Russell Reynolds. A 
shortlist of candidates was drawn up by the consultant and interviews 
were conducted by the Committee. The Committee then made a 
recommendation for the appointment of Mike Butterworth to the 
Board. Mike joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1 January 
2021. He is also a member of the Audit and Nomination Committees. 

Induction of Non-Executive Directors
On appointment to the Board, the Non-Executive Directors were given 
a thorough induction on the Group which involves meeting with 
members of the senior management team with responsibility for 
operational and functional areas and with key external advisors to the 
Board to gain wider perspectives on Hammerson and its sector, and 
the law and governance issues relevant to the Directors. The induction 
meetings were carried out remotely to comply with the regulations 
introduced in the UK and Europe to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. 

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

N
o
m
n
a
t
i
o
n
C
o
m
m

i
t
t
e
e
r
e
p
o
r
t

The Non-Executive Directors will be invited to visit the Group’s assets 
and meet with local management to gain important insights into the 
business and the strategy, once the travel restrictions are lifted.

Board balance, composition and skills
The Board currently comprises eleven Directors: the Chair of the 
Board, two Executive Directors and eight Non-Executive Directors. 
During the year and in accordance with its usual practice, the 
Committee reviewed the composition and balance of the Board. The 
review considered the membership of the Committees of the Board, 
the balance on the Board between Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors, the tenure of the Directors, diversity on the Board and the 
independence of the Non-Executive Directors. All Non-Executive 
Directors other than Des de Beer are currently considered to be 
independent as at the date of this report. Des de Beer is a director of a 
large shareholder, Lighthouse Capital, and is therefore deemed to be a 
connected director. On appointment to the Board, I was considered to 
be independent in accordance with the terms of the Code. 

Gwyn Burr will have given nine years of service in May 2021 and was 
planning to step down at the 2021 AGM in compliance with the Board’s 
policy that Non-Executive Directors can serve a maximum of three 
three-year terms. However, the Committee recommended to the 
Board that Gwyn Burr remain on the Board for an extended period  
of up to 12 months, subject to shareholder approval. Given the extent 
of recent Board changes the Committee considers that it is beneficial 
to retain Gwyn Burr’s experience for an extended period as we 
navigate a transitional period for the Company and the Board. 
Although she will not be regarded as independent for the purposes  
of the Code, the Board is satisfied she remains independent in every 
respect. Gwyn Burr does not have any involvement in the day-to-day 
running of the business and still continues to act independently when 
exercising her duties as a Non-Executive Director.

Since the year end James Lenton, our Chief Financial Officer, has 
given notice of his resignation and is currently serving his 12 month 
notice period. The Committee has engaged Odgers Berndtson to 
facilitate a search for his successor. Two further changes to the  
Board have been agreed. Pierre Bouchut, Chair of the Audit 
Committee, has informed the Board that he will not be standing for 
re-election at the AGM and will step down as a Director at the end of 
the meeting. The Board has asked Mike Butterworth to assume the 
Chair of the Audit Committee following the AGM. The Company also 
confirmed the appointment of Habib Annous to the Board with effect 
from 5 May 2021. Habib will also become a member of the Audit, 
Nomination and Remuneration Committees. The Committee engaged 
Odgers Berndtson to assist it with his appointment. Gwyn Burr will 

step down from the Audit Committee on 5 May 2021, following 
Habib’s appointment. 

The Committee is satisfied that the Board has the necessary mix of 
skills and experience to fulfil its role effectively. All Directors are 
subject to annual re-election. The biographies of the Directors, set out 
on page 44, contain more information on the reasons why the Board 
recommends the re-election or election of each Director. There is a 
range of relevant skills on the Board gained in diverse business 
environments and different sectors. This gives the Board varying 
perspectives during debates on a wide range of issues. The skills and 
experience of the Directors are summarised in Table 36 on page 53. All 
Directors are required to attend all meetings of the Board, the 
meetings of those Committees on which they serve, and the Annual 
General Meeting (AGM). They are expected to devote sufficient time 
to the Company’s affairs to enable them to fulfil their duties as 
Directors. The attendance at the meetings for each Director during 
2020 is shown in Table 41 on page 55.

Directors’ Overboarding Policy
In December 2020, the Committee considered an analysis of the 
Board’s external commitments against relevant voting guidelines 
published by leading proxy advisers and large institutional 
shareholders. Although the Code does not recommend a limit for 
external appointments, this has been an increasing focus by investors. 
The Board agreed to adopt a policy on external directorships in line 
with the guidelines recently published by the Institutional 
Shareholder Services (ISS). The policy is set out below:

Directors may hold five mandates on publicly-listed companies. For 
the purpose of calculating this limit:

 – A non-executive directorship counts as one mandate;

 – A non-executive chair counts as two mandates; and

 – A position as executive director (or comparable role) is counted as 

three mandates.

The Company will consider the nature and scope of the various 
appointments and the companies concerned, and if any exceptional 
circumstances exist. A stricter view may apply for Directors who serve 
on the boards of complex companies, those in highly regulated sectors, 
or Directors who chair a number of key committees. Likewise, a more 
lenient view may apply for directors who serve on the boards of less 
complex companies, for example, smaller, less regulated companies 
(such as those listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative 
Investment Market and externally managed investment companies). 

Table 36

Relevant skills and experience on the Board as at the AGM 2021

Rita-Rose
Gagné 

James 
Lenton

Robert 
Noel

Pierre 
Bouchut

Gwyn 
Burr

Méka 
Brunel

Mike 
Butterworth

Des 
de Beer

Andrew 
Formica

Adam 
Metz

Carol 
Welch

Audit and risk management

Finance, banking, financial services 
and fund management
Mergers & 
acquisitions
Property, regeneration & development 
Business transformation & innovation

Retail

Marketing
Customer service & customer 
behaviours & digital technology
Shareholder relations
International business and markets

  Executive Director

  Non-Executive Director

www.hammerson.com 53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nomination Committee report continued

Table 37

Board Policy diversity objectives

Progress update

Consider all aspects of diversity including gender and ethnicity when 
reviewing the composition and balance of the Board and when  
conducting the annual Board effectiveness review.
Aim to improve gender diversity at Board and senior management level  
by working to achieve at least one third women on the Board and the 
Company’s senior management by 2020.

Aim to improve ethnic diversity at Board and senior management level 
with a target of having at least one non-white director on the Board by 
December 2024.
Encourage and monitor the development of talented employees.

Oversee succession plans to ensure that they meet current and future 
needs of the business.
Oversee plans for diversity and inclusion and assess progress annually  
by monitoring gender and ethnic diversity of the members of the 
Company’s senior management.
Only engage executive search firms who have signed up to the voluntary 
Code of Conduct on gender diversity and best practice.

Ensure that candidate lists for Non-Executive Director positions are 
compiled by drawing from a broad and diverse range of candidates, 
including those who may not have previous listed company experience  
but who possess suitable skills or qualities. Consider candidates for 
Non-Executive Director positions against objective criteria with regard  
to the benefits of diversity.

The candidate lists for the appointment of the Chair of the Board, the 
Chief Executive and one of the appointments as Non-Executive 
Director during 2020 met the criteria. 
The Board comprises 36.36% female Directors. Options are being 
considered to improve gender diversity on the GEC where only 12.5% 
of the members are female. 20% of the senior management team  
are female.
The Group continues to make progress in this area as it seeks to 
recruit colleagues from non-white backgrounds.

The Committee received periodic updates from the Group HR 
Director on learning and career development opportunities for 
talented individuals. In addition, colleagues below management level 
attend and present at Board and committee meetings and meet the 
Directors during visits to assets.
Succession plans are reviewed annually by the Nomination Committee.

With additional input from the designated Non-Executive Director for 
colleague engagement, the Committee has reviewed plans to improve 
diversity and inclusion and this will be a particular focus in 2021.
The Committee engaged Russell Reynolds, Spencer Stuart and, since 
the year end, Odgers Berndtson who all comply with the FTSE 350 
category of the Enhanced Voluntary Code of Conduct for Executive 
Search Firms.
The candidate lists for the appointment of Robert Noel and Mike 
Butterworth met the criteria.

Succession Planning
The Committee discussed succession planning and was involved in the 
changes to the senior management team which were implemented in 
2020. Discussions were held with the Executive Directors and the senior 
management team on matters of career development and succession. 

The Committee also considered the senior management succession 
plan for the Group Executive Committee (GEC) and all senior 
management roles in the business. The plan identifies potential 
successors for the majority of these roles in the short- and long-term, 
although there is more work to be done to ensure that plans remain 
sufficiently robust to enable vacancies to be filled on a short- to 
medium-term basis. The plans take account of the continuing need to 
consider gender and ethnic diversity with the objective of at least 33% 
female representation in the roles included in the plan in less than 
three years, in accordance with the guidelines set down by the 
Hampton-Alexander Review. The Committee reviewed progress 
against this objective which has been met with 39.5% of senior 
management roles having potential female successors within the 
period. In addition, the Committee aims to meet the Parker review 

target by having at least one non-white director on the Board by 2024. 
I confirm that the Committee has carried out its role in succession 
planning effectively during this difficult year and will increase its focus 
in 2021 to ensure that a strong pipeline of talented individuals is 
available to support the Group in meeting its future business 
objectives and deliver the strategy to shareholders. 

Diversity 
The Board Diversity Policy was approved and adopted by the Board on 
22 February 2018 and last revised on 1 December 2020. It sets out the 
Company’s approach to diversity in respect of the Board and senior 
management. The Board recognises that diversity, in the broadest 
sense, enables wider perspectives which encourage more effective 
discussions and better decision-making. The policy can be read in full 
on the Group’s website at www.hammerson.com. Table 37 sets out the 
progress made during the year against its key objectives.

Robert Noel
Chair of the Nomination Committee

Chart 38

Chart 39

Chart 40

Directors: gender split*

Non-Executive Directors: 
years of service*

Directors: ages*

Male (7): 63.64%

Female (4): 36.36%

0-3 years (8): 72.73%

3-6 years (1):   9.09%

6-9 years (2): 18.18%

41-50 (3): 27.27%

51-60 (6): 54.55%

61-70 (2): 18.18%

 * As at 11 March 2021.

54

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

N
o
m
n
a
t
i
o
n
C
o
m
m

i
t
t
e
e
r
e
p
o
r
t

Table 41

Board and Committee meetings attendance – 2020 

Robert Noel
David Tyler
Rita-Rose Gagné
David Atkins
James Lenton
Pierre Bouchut
Méka Brunel
Gwyn Burr
Des de Beer
Andrew Formica
Judy Gibbons
Adam Metz
Carol Welch

Scheduled Board 
meetings

Additional Board 
meetings

Audit Committee 
meetings

Remuneration 
Committee meetings 
(scheduled and 
additional)

Investment and 
Disposal Committee 
meetings (scheduled 
and additional)

Nomination 
Committee meetings 
(scheduled and 
additional)

2/2
5/5
1/1
6/6
7/7
7/7
6/6
7/7
4/4
7/7
2/2
7/7
7/7 

4/4
15/15
2/2
15/15
16/18
14/18
13/18
15/18
5/5
17/18
5/5
16/18
18/18

–
–
–
–
–
5/5
–
5/5
–
5/5
2/2
3/3
–

2/2
6/6
–
–
–
–
3/3
7/7
–
–
2/2
–
7/7

–
–
–
–
–
4/5
2/2
–
–
5/5
–
5/5
–

2/2
1/1
–
–
–
3/3
2/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
–
2/3
3/3

Notes to Table 41
1.   Robert Noel joined the Board on 1 September 2020.
2.  David Tyler resigned from the Board on 7 September 2020.
3.   David Atkins resigned as a Director on 2 November 2020.
4.  Rita-Rose Gagné joined the Board on 2 November 2020.
4.  Des de Beer was appointed as a Director on 15 June 2020.
5.   Méka Brunel and Adam Metz joined the Remuneration and Audit Committees on 28 April 2020. 
6.  A number of the Board and Committee meetings were scheduled at short notice to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business. As a result, some Directors 

were unable to attend some meetings due to other commitments. A full briefing was given to these Directors on the proceedings at these meetings. 

7.   Total number of meetings of the Board and its Committees held in 2020:

Board (scheduled)
Board (additional)
Audit Committee
Remuneration Committee
Investment and Disposal Committee

Nomination Committee

7
18
5
7
5

3

Board effectiveness review 2020

The process
A review of the effectiveness of the Board is conducted each year. Under the provisions of the Code, the review must be carried out using an 
external consultant every three years. As an external review was completed in December 2019, it was agreed that the 2020 evaluation would 
be conducted internally, by the General Counsel and Company Secretary. Since Robert Noel was only appointed as the Chair of the Board on 
7 September 2020, it was further agreed that the Senior Independent Director will conduct the next review of the Chair of the Board in 2021.

Alice Darwall, the General Counsel and Company Secretary, held individual meetings with each Director and provided copies of the actions 
from the 2019 effectiveness review to act as a basis for the discussions. A paper was presented to the Board at its meeting in December 2020 
summarising the outcome of the meetings. 

Recommendations and actions
Overall, the Directors believed that the Board was functioning well and had risen to the extreme challenges presented to the Group by the 
Covid-19 pandemic. It had been necessary to hold a significant number of additional Board and Committee meetings during the year to deal 
with the impact of the pandemic and the Non-Executive Directors had unstintingly given additional time to attend the meetings. However, 
the current environment and challenges for the Company presented an opportunity to reflect on how the Board and its operation could 
evolve to best meet the needs of all stakeholders as the Group recovered from the crisis under the new management team. 

The results and recommendations were discussed in full by the Board and the following actions were agreed:

1.  A renewed focus on tracking progress against strategic and business objectives in Board papers, for which management would need to 

develop improved data analytics capability;

2. Refocusing Board agendas and discussions on strategic matters and business performance, with condensed focus on financial and 

operational issues; and

3. The Chief Executive would reassess Company strategy and present to the Board for approval.

www.hammerson.com 55

 
 
Audit Committee report

Safeguarding the business by thoroughly reviewing and testing its processes 
to ensure it is managing risk, delivering transparent and accurate reporting, 
and acting in the long-term interests of its stakeholders

Audit Committee members 

Pierre Bouchut (Chair)

Gwyn Burr

Mike Butterworth (appointed 1 January 2021)

Andrew Formica

Judy Gibbons (retired 28 April 2020)

Adam Metz (appointed 28 April 2020)

Dear Shareholders

I am pleased to present the report of the Audit Committee (the 
Committee) for the year. This report provides insight into the 
activities of the Committee in the year and sets out its performance 
against the terms of reference and information on its key activities in 
accordance with the annual work plan. 

It continues to have a governance role for the Company and reviews, 
on behalf of the Board and shareholders, important matters relating to 
financial reporting, internal controls and risk management. The terms 
of reference of the Committee are available on the Group’s website at 
www.hammerson.com.

Audit Committee members
Each member of the Committee is an Independent Non-Executive 
Director. The Chair of the Board is not a member of the Committee but 
may attend its meetings by invitation. The Committee has a deep 
knowledge and significant business experience in financial reporting, 
risk management, internal control and strategic management. This 
combined knowledge and experience enables us to perform our duties 
properly. In addition, the Board considers that the members of the 
Committee as a whole have relevant sector knowledge. I also meet the 
requirement to bring recent financial experience to the Committee. 
More information about the Committee members’ skills and 
experience are set out on page 44.

The role of the Audit Committee
The Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in 
relation to:

 – Ensuring that management has systems and procedures in place to 

ensure the integrity of financial information

 – Reviewing the Company’s internal audit arrangements

 – Managing the relationship with the External Auditor

 – Reviewing the effectiveness, objectivity and the independence of the 
External Auditor, including agreeing the scope of work and the level 
of audit fees 

 – Risk management 

 – Consideration of financial judgements

 – Overseeing the valuations of the Group’s property portfolio

56

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Audit Committee meetings
The Committee met five times during the year. The agenda for each 
meeting reflects the annual reporting cycle of the Group and includes 
particular matters for the Committee’s consideration. A report is given 
to the Board following each meeting of the Committee. 

The Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial 
Officer and other members of the senior finance management team, 
together with senior representatives of the Company’s External 
Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), are invited to attend all 
or part of meetings as appropriate. In order to fulfil its duties as set out 
in its terms of reference, the Audit Committee receives presentations 
and reviews reports from the Group’s senior management, consulting 
as necessary with PwC.

The Committee meets with no Company management present at least 
once a year with PwC, and at least once with the Group’s Risk and 
Controls Manager who is responsible for the internal audit function. 
In addition, it meets annually with the Risk and Controls Manager and 
the Director of Finance to discuss internal control matters.

The Valuers (Cushman & Wakefield, JLL and CBRE) and PwC have 
full access to one another, and the Chair of the Audit Committee met 
with the Valuers and PwC separately to discuss the half-year and year 
end valuation process to ensure each is satisfied that there has been a 
full and open exchange of information and views.

Audit Committee effectiveness review
For 2020, the review of the Audit Committee was carried out 
internally. I can confirm that the Committee continues to perform 
well with no significant concerns. The private sessions of the 
Committee also provide further opportunities to discuss matters in 
connection with its effectiveness. 

The External Auditor and external audit
The appointment of PwC is subject to ongoing monitoring and the 
Committee considered the effectiveness of PwC as part of the 2020 
year end process. The Committee took a number of factors into 
account when considering the effectiveness of the external audit, 
including the quality and scope of the audit plan and reporting. The 
Committee also sought the views of key members of the finance team, 
senior management and Directors on the audit process and the quality 
and experience of the audit partner engaged in the audit. Their 
feedback confirmed that PwC continues to perform well and provides 
an appropriate level of challenge to management. The Committee has 
concluded that overall PwC has carried out its audit for 2020 
effectively and efficiently. During the year, the audit partner retired 
and was replaced by Sonia Copeland. 

During the year the Committee reviewed and approved the proposed 
audit fees and terms of engagement for the 2020 audit and 
recommended to the Board that it propose to shareholders that PwC be 
reappointed as the Group’s External Auditor at the AGM on 4 May 2021. 

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

A
u
d
i
t
C
o
m
m

i
t
t
e
e
r
e
p
o
r
t

There are no contractual obligations which restrict the Audit 
Committee’s choice of external auditor or which put in place a 
minimum period for their tenure. There are no current plans to 
re-tender the services of the External Auditor, which was last 
undertaken in 2017. The Committee confirmed that it has complied 
with The Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market 
Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Processes and Audit 
Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014, published by the 
Competition and Markets Authority on 26 September 2014.

PwC’s remuneration as External Auditor for the year ended  
31 December 2020 was £0.9 million (2019: £0.6 million). PwC also 
received £0.3 million (2019: £0.4 million) for the Company’s share of 
the audit services undertaken on behalf of its joint ventures. The 
External Auditor also received £0.3 million (2019: £0.2 million) for 
audit related assurance services, being principally the half-year review 
of the Company’s financial statements. Confirmation was also sought 
that the fee payable for the annual audit is sufficient to enable PwC to 
perform its obligations in accordance with the scope of the audit. The 
overall increase from 2019 reflects the expansion of the scope and 
complexity of the audit and the resources required from PwC. 

In addition, during 2020, PwC also provided other services in relation 
to reporting accountant work to support the Group’s rights issue. 
Further details are explained below.

Non-audit services
The Committee takes steps to ensure that the External Auditor 
remains objective and independent. It considers how such objectivity 
might be, or appear to be, compromised through the provision of 
non-audit services by the External Auditor. It is responsible for 
developing, implementing and monitoring the Group’s policy on the 
engagement of the External Auditor to supply non-audit services. 
Following the publication of the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2019 
in December 2019, we have published a new non-audit services policy 
on the Company’s website at www.hammerson.com. The principal 
requirements of the new policy are that:

 – The External Auditor may only provide services which are included 

on the FRC’s “whitelist” of services 

 – Where services are provided, each occasion is specifically assessed 

and authorised by the Chair of the Committee up to a limit of 
£50,000 and above that level by the Audit Committee

 – The provision of non-audit services will be closely monitored to 

ensure compliance with the 70% non-audit services cap calculated 
as the average of the fees paid to the Group’s external auditor in the 
last three consecutive financial years for audit services

During the year, given the exceptional circumstances caused by 
Covid-19, approval was obtained from the FRC to waive the non-audit 
fee cap for 2020 to allow PwC to act as reporting accountant to support 
the Company’s rights issue completed in September 2020. PwC were 
paid fees of £0.9 million for this work. Having considered the matter, 
the Committee satisfied itself of the continued independence of PwC, 
despite the non-audit services undertaken in relation to the rights 
issue in 2020 and those provided in 2018 linked to the takeover bid 
from Klepierre and the aborted bid for Intu. 

Further details of the provision of non-audit services and associated 
fees paid to PwC during the year are shown in note 5 to the financial 
statements on page 113. 

Risk and internal control
On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee has discussed the 
heightened risks and challenges to the Group from Covid-19, market 
conditions, the macro economy and the financial position of the 
Group. The Committee uses the Risk Management Framework as a 
basis for the review. The framework is regularly reviewed by the senior 
management team to ensure that the current risks are properly 
identified and managed and the potential impact on the Group 
assessed. More information on the Group’s approach to risk 

management is contained in the Risks and Uncertainties section on 
pages 35 to 41.

Having monitored the Group’s risk management and internal controls, 
and the effectiveness of the material controls, the Directors have not 
identified any significant failings and weaknesses in the Group’s 
internal control structure during the year.

Risk and Controls Committee
The Risk and Controls Committee supports the Audit Committee. It is 
not a committee of the Board but comprises senior management from 
across the business. It is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and 
reports its activities to the Group Executive Committee. The role of 
the Committee is to:

 – Promote the application and maintenance of the risk management 

framework across the Group

 – Monitor compliance with the Group’s internal control systems

 – Manage the annual internal audit programme

 – Consider the results of the internal audit reviews and the 

recommendations to management

 – Monitor the implementation of recommendations

 – Oversee the Group’s business continuity plans

 – Monitor data protection compliance

 – Oversee overall compliance with legislation, laws and regulations

Internal audit
The Group operates a co-sourced internal audit function. The majority 
of the reviews are undertaken internally but are supplemented when 
required with additional external resource and specialist expertise. 
This allows the Risk and Controls Manager, who leads internal audit 
activities, to draw on technical knowledge for certain internal audit 
reviews. In the development of the plan for 2020, the Group’s Risk 
Management Framework was reviewed and key risks which had not 
been subject to recent internal audit and key areas of change were 
identified. The proposals were discussed with the Risk and Controls 
Committee before being reviewed and approved by the Committee. 
During 2020 audits were carried out on the following activities:

 – Payment practices

 – Lease management (UK and Ireland)

 – Joint venture relationship manager (UK and Ireland)

 – Capital expenditure controls (France)

As a result of the impact of the restrictions implemented in the UK, 
France and Ireland to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not 
possible or effective to complete some additional audits originally 
planned for 2020 and these have been factored into the planning for 
the 2021 internal audit programme. 

The Committee received an internal audit update report at each 
meeting to review progress of the plan. Each of the audits confirmed 
the related areas were appropriately controlled. Some 
recommendations for improvement were identified and agreed with 
management and responsibility for implementation assigned. The 
Committee also received a regular update on any outstanding actions 
from earlier audits and the expected timetable for their completion.

In 2021, the Committee expects to continue to follow a risk-based 
approach to internal audit and approved the internal audit work plan 
for 2021 in December 2020. Risk areas scheduled for Group-wide 
audits in 2021 are as follows:

 – Turnover rents (Group)

 – Service charge management (Group)

 – Invoicing (UK and Ireland)

 – Flagship destination operations (UK, Ireland and France)

www.hammerson.com 57

 
 
Audit Committee report continued

The Committee is satisfied that the internal audit arrangements 
continue to provide effective assurance over the Group’s risk and 
controls environment.

A robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the 
Company has been carried out during the year. A procedure has been 
established to identify and manage the emerging risks.

The Committee regularly reports to the Board on key risks to the 
business. The Board allocates responsibility for the management of 
each key risk to the Executive Directors and the senior management 
team. The Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities 
relating to the adequacy and effectiveness of the control environment 
and compliance systems in the Group. 

Throughout the year, the Committee monitored the effectiveness of 
the Group’s risk management and internal control systems, including 
material financial, operational and compliance controls. In particular, 
it reviewed the following:

 – Internal audit reports, including monitoring the implementation of 

recommendations arising from them

 – Reports on the system of internal controls and the Risk 

Management Framework

 – The Company’s approach to compliance with legislation and the 

prevention of fraud

 – The effectiveness of the control environment to ensure compliance 

with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

 – Overview of the Group’s anti-bribery systems

The Group’s risk management and internal control systems are 
designed to:

 – Safeguard assets against unauthorised use or disposition

 – Ensure the maintenance of proper accounting records

 – Enable regular reporting of financial performance to the Board to 

support management’s review process, including the production of 
external financial results

 – Provide timely and reliable information

 – Identify and, as far as possible, mitigate potential impediments to 

the Group achieving its objectives

 – Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, rules and regulations

The Group’s internal controls provide reasonable but not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss. The review of the 
controls involves analysis and evaluation of the key risks to the Group, 
including a review of all the material controls. This includes the plans 
for the continuity of the Group and its operations in the event of 
unforeseen interruption. 

Significant issues and judgements 
The Committee considered a number of significant issues or judgements during the year. These related to areas requiring management to exercise 
particular judgement or a high degree of estimation. The Committee assesses whether the judgements and estimates made by management are 
reasonable and appropriate and how they were addressed by the Committee in the year are set out below:

Significant issue or judgement

How the issue was addressed by the Committee

Going concern 
The appropriateness of preparing the Group 
financial statements on a going concern basis and 
the disclosure of going concern assessment.

The Committee reviewed management’s assessment of the basis for preparing the Group’s financial statements 
on a going concern basis. This included reviewing and challenging financial forecasts, and their underlying 
assumptions, of the Group’s cash flow and liquidity position and projections for the financial covenants within 
the Group’s borrowing facilities. The Committee reviewed, discussed and challenged the going concern 
disclosures in the Annual Report.

The Committee also received a report from the external auditor on their evaluation of the going concern 
assessment, financial forecasts and disclosure.

As a result of the assessment undertaken, the Committee satisfied itself that the going concern basis of 
preparation remained appropriate. It also agreed with the two factors resulting in a material uncertainty that 
may cast doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

See the Going Concern statement on page 25 with the detailed going 
concern assessment in Note 1E of the financial statements on page 104

Viability statement 
The assessment and disclosure of management’s 
work on the prospects and the viability of the 
Group.

The Committee reviewed management’s work on assessing the viability of the business, considering the Group’s 
current position, strategy, risk assessment and future prospects. 

The Committee was satisfied that management had conducted a robust assessment and agreed with the 
proposed reduction in the viability assessment period from five to three years. The Committee therefore 
recommended to the Board that it could approve the Viability statement. 

Valuation of the Group’s  
property portfolio
The valuation of the Group’s property portfolio is 
a key recurring risk due to its significance in the 
context of the Group’s net asset value. 

Valuations are inherently subjective due to the 
assumptions and judgements required 
concerning capitalisation yields and market 
rental income (ERV). This is further complicated 
by a lack of transaction evidence in 2020.

Valuations are undertaken by the Group’s three 
external valuers and are thoroughly reviewed by 
management and the Group’s External Auditor. 

See the Viability statement on page 42 

For the 31 December 2020 valuations, the external valuers each presented their valuations to the Committee in 
January 2021. These were scrutinised, challenged and debated. The Committee asked the valuers to highlight 
any significant judgements or disagreements encountered during the valuation process.

The Committee also held private meetings with each valuer at which they discussed and challenged the 
valuation process. This allowed the Committee to satisfy themselves that the valuation process was independent 
and objective. 

The Committee noted the inclusion of a `material valuation uncertainty' clause in respect of the Irish portfolio 
only. This does not mean that the valuations cannot be relied upon, but is intended to ensure transparency and 
to provide further insight as to the market context under which the valuation opinion was prepared, recognising 
the potential for market conditions to move rapidly in response to changes in the control or future spread of 
Covid-19, and the uncertain impact of the Brexit agreement. Consequently, the Committee considered and 
concluded that there is a wider acceptable range for the Irish valuations as at 31 December 2020. Therefore, the 
inputs to the sensitivity analysis in Note 1D have been widened, relative to the rest of the portfolio.

The Committee received a report from the external auditors detailing their review of the valuation process and year 
end values. This area was discussed in the private meeting between the Chair of the Committee and External Auditor. 

Based on the work undertaken, the Committee concluded that the valuation of the Group’s property portfolio 
had been carried out in an appropriate manner with reference to the widest range of available evidence and was 
therefore suitable for inclusion in the Group’s financial statements.

58

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

See Note 1D of the financial statements on page 101

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

A
u
d
i
t
C
o
m
m

i
t
t
e
e
r
e
p
o
r
t

Significant issue or judgement

How the issue was addressed by the Committee

The Committee reviewed management’s report explaining the proposed accounting treatment for transactions 
completed during the year. The accounting for these transactions was also addressed in the External Auditor’s 
year end report to the Committee.

The Committee reviewed and challenged the proposed accounting treatment and was satisfied with the 
treatment and disclosure adopted in the 31 December 2020 financial statements. 

See Note 1C of the financial statements on page 100

The Committee reviewed management’s paper on the proposed impairment of trade receivables and tenant 
incentives.

This explained that the Group has applied the simplified approach under IFRS 9 and adopted a provisioning 
matrix to determine the Expected Credit Loss (ECL), grouping receivables dependent on the risk level, taking 
into account historic default rates, future expectations, credit ratings, ageing, and the anticipated impact of 
Covid-19, and applying an appropriate provision percentage after taking account of VAT, rent deposits and 
personal or corporate guarantees held. This issue was also addressed in the External Auditor’s year end report to 
the Committee.

The Committee was satisfied with the treatment and disclosure adopted in the 31 December 2020 financial 
statements. 

See Note 1D of the financial statements on page 101

The Committee reviewed management’s paper on its approach to the impairment of non-financial assets and 
liabilities. This explained that the Group’s investment and development properties are carried at fair value 
under IAS40. 

The Group’s investment in joint ventures and associates are accounted for under the equity method which in 
this case, equates to the Group’s share of the entity’s Net Asset Value (NAV). NAV is based on the fair value of the 
underlying net assets of the relevant investee. As the Group's investment in these joint ventures and associates 
already equals the share of the underlying net assets, of which the principal asset, investment property, is 
already carried at fair value, these investments are already held at their recoverable amount and no impairment 
is required.

The exception to this was the Group’s investments in premium outlets which at the beginning of the year held 
notional goodwill. Due to the adverse impact of the pandemic, an impairment review was undertaken resulting in 
the carrying value of VIA Outlets and Value Retail being impaired by £9.6 million and £94.3 million as at 30 June 
2020, equivalent to the notional goodwill. At 31 December 2020, management reassessed the carrying value of its 
investment in Value Retail by reference to the value in use, and concluded the impairment is still appropriate. 

See Note 1D of the financial statements on page 101

The Committee reviewed management’s paper supporting the judgement that the Annual Report presents a fair, 
balanced and understandable view of the Group’s position, performance, business model and strategy. The 
Committee also reviewed the changes to APMs for the year ended 31 December 2020 and concluded these 
presented the most relevant and useful information to users of financial statements, being: the exclusion of a 
new line item, ‘provisions for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement’ from the Group’s adjusted 
earnings metric, and; the recognition of the Group’s share of adjusted earnings in respect of investments in joint 
ventures and associates from the date of reclassification to assets held for sale until completion within the 
adjusted earnings metric. Further details are in note 1B to the financial statements on page 99.

As in previous years, an internal editorial team led the process to produce the Annual Report. Feedback was also 
sought from the Group’s External Auditors and report designers. The Committee and the Board were provided 
with an early draft of the Annual Report in order to provide feedback which was incorporated into the report. A 
further draft was provided to the Committee and the Board prior to its approval. The Committee also reviewed 
the disclosure and commentary in the Annual Report including the relative prominence of APMs and IFRS 
financial measures and consistency with previous disclosures. 

Following its review, the Committee is of the opinion that the 2020 Annual Report and financial statements are 
representative of the year and present a fair, balanced and understandable overview of the Group’s position, 
performance, business model and strategy.  See page 25 of the Financial Review for more information.

Accounting for significant 
transactions
The accounting treatment of significant property 
or corporate transactions is a recurring risk for 
the Group because of the financial significance 
and complexity of such transactions. For 
property transactions, judgement is required to 
determine the transfer of risks and rewards 
associated with each transaction and the 
appropriate disclosure requirements. While 
corporate transactions often entail complex 
accounting treatments and judgements.

The accounting treatment for key transactions in 
2020 reviewed by the Committee included the 
abortive sale of a portfolio of retail parks in April 
2020; the rights issue and associated capital 
reorganisation; and the disposal of substantially 
all of the Group’s 50% interest in VIA Outlets.
Impairment of trade receivables 
and tenant incentives
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a severe adverse 
impact on the Group’s operations, with 
non-essential retail being closed for period of 
lockdown in 2020. Restrictions have also been 
imposed on landlords’ ability to enforce rent 
collection in the UK and France. These factors 
have resulted in a significant decline in collection 
rates across the Group, and trade receivables 
increased from £61.3million to £170.3 million at 
31 December 2020, on a proportionally 
consolidated basis, excluding Value Retail.

The estimation of expected credit losses against 
these balances requires a degree of estimation 
about future events and is therefore inherently 
subjective. 
Impairment of non-financial 
assets
Management concluded that the impact of 
Covid-19 on the business is evidence of potential 
impairment and accordingly, an impairment 
review of non-financial assets has been 
undertaken. This assessed whether the carrying 
value of these investments exceeded the higher of 
fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use.

The Group’s key non-financial assets are 
investment and development properties and 
investments in joint ventures and associates. 
Given the severe adverse impact of Covid-19 on 
the Group in 2020, these assets were assessed for 
impairment. 

Presentation of information – 
fair, balanced and 
understandable
The Group uses a number of Alternative 
Performance Measures (APMs), being financial 
measures not specified under IFRS, to monitor 
the performance of the business. Management 
principally reviews the Group on a proportionally 
consolidated basis, except for the Group’s 
premium outlets investments. 

Judgement is required to ensure disclosures and 
associated commentary clearly explain the 
performance of the business and provide 
reconciliations to the IFRS financial statements. 

This is an elevated issue for 2020, given the severe 
adverse impact of Covid-19, to ensure disclosures 
have been applied consistently with previous 
disclosure and results in the Annual Report and 
financial statements present a fair, balanced and 
understandable view of the Group’s position, 
performance, business model and strategy.

Pierre Bouchut 
Chair of the Audit Committee

www.hammerson.com 59

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report 
Chair's annual statement

Aligning remuneration with our strategy and shareholder interests

Ensuring our remuneration reflects market conditions and support the ongoing focus on strengthening 
our balance sheet 

Remuneration Committee members 
during 2020 

Gwyn Burr (Chair)

Méka Brunel (appointed 28 April 2020)

Judy Gibbons (resigned 28 April 2020)

Robert Noel (appointed 7 September 2020)

David Tyler (resigned 7 September 2020)

Carol Welch

Dear Shareholders 

As Chair of the Remuneration Committee (the Committee) I am 
pleased to present our Directors’ Remuneration report (the Report) 
for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

Context for the Committee’s decisions
The Committee carried out its duties with the backdrop of difficult 
conditions in the wider economy, and stress within our market where 
the challenge of major structural change in the retail sector has been 
exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19. In difficult circumstances the 
Company undertook two major transactions in 2020 to strengthen its 
financial position; a rights issue to raise net proceeds of approximately 
£529m and the disposal of the Company’s interest in VIA Outlets. 

Response to Covid-19 and the impact on 
remuneration
Covid-19 has had a materially adverse impact on the Group. The 
closure of non-essential retail for extended periods during the year 
and into 2021 has led to stress in the retail sector resulting in a 
significant reduction in our rent collection. As a result of the closures 
and reduced revenue, the Company undertook the following measures 
to conserve cash:

 – Cancelling the final dividend for 2019. In order to maintain the 

Group’s REIT and SIIC status, a dividend with an enhanced scrip 
alternative was paid in December 2020 

 – Placing a number of colleagues in the UK on furlough with the 
Company topping up the government’s payments to full pay  
and benefits

 – Introducing cost saving measures which included making a small 

number of redundancies

 – Delaying non-essential capital expenditure

 – Undertaking a rights issue and debt restructuring

On 25 March 2020, the Company provided an update on two changes 
in relation to the proposed implementation of the new Remuneration 
Policy (the Policy) in 2020 following the publication of the Annual 
Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Company 
sought shareholder approval at the AGM to introduce the Restricted 

60

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Share Scheme (RSS) for Executive Directors and had indicated in  
the 2019 Report that the initial grant in 2020 would be over shares 
worth, at the time of grant, 75% of salary. In light of the then current 
market conditions:

 – The Executive and Non-Executive Directors asked that their salary 
and fee increases (set out in the 2019 Report and due to take effect 
on 1 April 2020) be cancelled

 – Given the fall in the Company’s share price since the proposed 

Remuneration Policy and its 2020 implementation were included in 
the 2019 Report, the Committee decided to defer a decision on the 
timing and number of the shares to be granted to Executive 
Directors in order to ensure that the RSS and Policy operated as 
intended, and that the grant would be subject to a 75% cap of salary

 – In addition, the Non-Executive and Executive Directors waived 20% 
of their fees and salaries for the period 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020

Furthermore, no Executive Director or member of the Group 
Executive Committee received a bonus (Annual Incentive Plan or AIP) 
in respect of 2020. 

Remuneration policy
At the AGM on 28 April 2020, the new Policy was approved by 
shareholders with 91.34% of shares voted in favour. The Policy will 
remain in force until a revised policy is approved by shareholders at 
the AGM in 2023 at the latest. Further information on the application 
of the Policy during 2020 is detailed on pages 75 to 79. The Policy is 
shaped by the following underlying principles that aim to achieve:

 – Alignment of remuneration with strategy and stakeholder interests

 – The long-term success of the Company

 – Consistency and transparency

 – The reward of performance with competitive remuneration

 – Support for the Company's values

 – A mixture of fixed remuneration, short-term and long-term incentives

Executive Director changes
The Company announced on 27 May 2020 that David Atkins would be 
stepping down as Chief Executive and from the Board, though would 
continue in role until the appointment of his successor. On 2 
November 2020, David Atkins stepped down as Chief Executive and 
Executive Director and Rita-Rose Gagné joined the Company as Chief 
Executive and Executive Director. Further details on her terms of 
appointment are set out in the Report but briefly comprise: 

 – A lower pension allowance. The Committee took the opportunity  
to reduce the pension salary supplement to below that offered  
to colleagues

 – Equivalent ongoing bonus and RSS (compared with that envisaged 
for her predecessor) although her initial RSS grant was set at the 
policy maximum of 150%

 – She was not considered for a bonus for the 2020 financial year

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

The remuneration arrangements relating to Mr Atkins’ resignation are 
also detailed in the Report. When approving these arrangements for 
Mr Atkins and Ms Gagné, the Committee complied with the terms of 
the Policy.

James Lenton’s 12 months’ notice of his resignation as Chief Financial 
Officer and Executive Director of the Company took effect on 18 
January 2021, and he will continue in role until his successor is 
appointed. Mr Lenton will not be eligible for a bonus for 2021. Under 
the relevant share plan rules, the Committee has discretion over the 
treatment of any outstanding deferred bonus and LTIP/ RSS awards 
and will consider the position in due course.

Long term incentive arrangements 
The RSS was approved by shareholders at the AGM in April. The RSS 
has replaced the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) as the vehicle for 
making long-term share-based awards to the Executive Directors. 

Following the successful completion of the rights issue and disposal of 
the Company’s interest in VIA Outlets, the Committee agreed in 
October 2020 to grant James Lenton, the Chief Financial Officer, an 
RSS award equivalent to 75% of base salary. Further to receiving 
notice of his resignation, the Committee will consider the treatment of 
any outstanding LTIP and RSS awards to James Lenton in due course.

Rita-Rose Gagné was made an award under the RSS equivalent to 
150% of base salary upon her appointment, as permitted under the 
Policy. It is envisaged that subsequent grants will be made at the 
normal level of 100% in accordance with the Policy. While the 
Committee recognises that 150% is a high level, particularly in the 
context of the current share price, it considered this level to be 
necessary and appropriate to secure her appointment given the 
challenges facing both the Company and the retail sector at this time. 

Incentive pay performance
Given the difficult year, and despite the success in completing the 
rights issue and the disposal of VIA Outlets, no bonuses were payable 
to the Executive Directors and the members of the Group Executive 
Committee (GEC) under the 2020 Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and 
the 2017 LTIP is not expected to meet its performance conditions.

Stakeholder engagement
We communicate with, and receive feedback from, the Company's 
colleagues through a variety of channels, including an annual survey, 
regular colleague briefings and through the Group Employee Forum 
which you can read about it on page 46. These channels allow us  
to communicate with employees on remuneration matters  
where appropriate.

The Committee is regularly updated on colleague pay and benefits 
throughout the Group and considers colleague remuneration, as well as 
feedback from Carol Welch, the Designated Non-Executive Director for 
Colleague Engagement, as part of its review of executive remuneration.

Following the approval of the Policy at last year’s AGM there have been 
no issues or concerns raised by shareholders. Therefore, no formal 
consultation with shareholders on remuneration was carried out since 
the AGM and there are no changes to the Policy proposed this year. 
However, the Chair of the Board is regularly in communication with a 
significant proportion of the Company’s shareholders on a variety of 
matters, including remuneration, as is the General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. During these discussions, certain shareholders 
were asked to provide feedback on the remuneration package awarded 
to Rita-Rose Gagné.

Remuneration alignment to strategy
All aspects of remuneration are regularly considered by the 
Committee to ensure they support and are aligned to strategy. To 
support the ongoing focus on reducing debt and sustaining the 
business, the Committee has determined that the 2021 AIP financial 
performance measures will be based on adjusted Earnings per Share 
(EPS); reduction of net debt; and reduction in administration costs. 
Further information on the 2021 AIP performance measures and 
targets is on page 76. 

2021 pay approach
The Chief Executive is not eligible to be considered for an increase to 
her salary in 2021, having joined the Company in November 2020. 
Furthermore, James Lenton is not eligible having given notice of his 
resignation. There will be no general salary increases for other 
colleagues across the Group in 2021.

Exercise of discretion and judgement
The Committee exercised its discretion and judgement by varying the 
post-cessation share ownership guidelines set out in the Policy for David 
Atkins as he had agreed to remain as Chief Executive until a successor 
could be appointed. The post-cessation holding period was reduced 
from 24 months to 12 months in return for Mr. Atkins agreeing to hold 
such shares for this period given that the guidelines had only been 
introduced less than a month previously with insufficient time for the 
envisaged enforcement processes to be in place. 

Conclusion
In summary:

 – No variable pay was earned by the Executive Directors in respect  

of 2020

 – The former Chief Executive left the Company and was succeeded  
by a new Chief Executive on equivalent terms but with a lower 
pension allowance 

 – The new Chief Executive was not eligible for a bonus in 2020 and 

received an initial RSS grant in accordance with the Policy (at 150% 
of salary which was felt necessary to secure an executive of the 
calibre necessary to drive the turnaround required at the Company)

 – The GEC members have not received an AIP award in respect of 2020

 – No general salary increases have been awarded for 2021 for 

colleagues across the Group

 – The Chief Financial Officer served notice of his resignation 

following the year-end and will not be eligible for a 2021 bonus. The 
treatment of any outstanding share-based awards will be considered 
by the Committee in due course

 – The new RSS was launched following the refinancing and provides 
suitable alignment of the treatment of the continuing Executive 
Directors with our long-term shareholders with any vesting subject 
to robust performance underpins

At the 2021 AGM, the Remuneration Report will be submitted to 
shareholders as an advisory vote. I am grateful for the engagement and 
support provided by shareholders during the year and I look forward 
to receiving your continued support at the AGM. 

Gwyn Burr
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

www.hammerson.com 61

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Table 42 

Summary of major activities and decisions of the Committee in 2020 

Salary and benefits

Annual Incentive Plan  
and Long Term Incentive 
Schemes

Governance
Other

2020 Executive Directors’ pay review and subsequent cancellation
Salary reductions for Executive Directors and fee reductions for the Chair of the Board and Non-Executive Directors 
in response to Covid-19
Review and approval of the resignation arrangements for David Atkins
Review and approval of new Chair’s fee
Review and approval of the service agreement for Rita-Rose Gagné
Waiver of increases to Directors’ fees and salaries 
Consideration of AIP 2019 outturn and confirmation of bonus payments
Review and approval of 2020 AIP structure, performance targets and personal objectives
Consideration of 2016 LTIP performance outturn and approval of vesting outcomes
Review of likely 2020 AIP outturn and options for 2021
Review and approval of the RSS award levels 
Consideration of the delay in making awards under the RSP to colleagues 
Review of reward for senior management
Consideration of the timing and basis of making RSP awards to colleagues in light of Covid-19
Review of the shareholder consultation on the new remuneration policy
Review of AGM season remuneration report results, and investor and proxy agencies’ views on remuneration
Review of 2020 Annual Remuneration Report
Employee share plan award activity
Updates to incentive plan rules
Review of remuneration consultant costs and re-appointment
Review of emerging remuneration practice

62

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Annual Remuneration Report

The Annual Remuneration Report (Report) sets out how the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (Policy) was put into practice in 2020 and how we 
intend to implement it in 2021. It is divided into three sections:

Section 1: Single Figure Tables

Section 2: Further information on 2020 remuneration

Section 3: Implementation of Remuneration Policy in 2021

The auditors have reported on certain sections of this Report and stated whether, in their opinion, those sections have been properly prepared. 
Those sections which have been subject to audit are clearly indicated with an asterisk (*).

The Policy was approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 28 April 2020 and is available to view on the investor relations section of the 
Company’s website at www.hammerson.com. A summary of the key provisions for each element of the Remuneration Policy is set out in this 
report on pages 75 to 79.

Section 1: Single Figure Tables
This section contains the single figure tables showing 2020 remuneration for the Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors, and 
information that relates directly to the composition of these figures.

All figures highlighted in GREEN in the Report relate directly to a figure that is found in the Single Figure Table, table 43.

Executive Directors’ remuneration: Single Figure Table*
Table 43 below shows the remuneration of the Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2020, and the comparative figures for the year 
ended 31 December 2019.

Table 43

Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2020

Rita-Rose Gagné1

James Lenton2

David Atkins3

Timon Drakesmith4

Total

2020
2019

2020
2019

2020
2019

2020
2019

2020
2019

Salary 
£000

Benefits 
£000

Pension 
£000

Fixed Total 
£000

Annual Bonus 
(AIP)  
£000

Long Term 
Incentive Plan 
(LTIP) £000

Variable Total 
£000

112
–

409
126

516
655

–
357

1,037
1,138

25
–

18
5

15
18

–
14

58
37

11
–

57
18

136
197

–
71

204
286

148
–

484
149

667
870

–
442

1,299
1,461

–
–

–
83

–
522

–
–

–
605

–
–

–
–

-
16

–
–
–
16

–
–

–
83

-
538

–
–
–
621

Total  
£000

148
–

484
232

667
1,408

–
442

1,299
2,082

1.  Rita-Rose Gagné was appointed as a Director of Hammerson plc with effect from 2 November 2020.
2.  James Lenton was appointed as a Director of Hammerson plc with effect from 16 September 2019.
3.  David Atkins ceased to be a Director of Hammerson plc with effect from 2 November 2020 but remained an employee for the remainder of the year to 31 December 2020. 

These disclosures only include his emoluments while a Director. 

4.  Timon Drakesmith ceased to be a Director of Hammerson plc with effect from 1 October 2019.
5.  No Director received a bonus under the 2020 AIP.  

For further information on the AIP, LTIP and truing up of 2019 Single Figure Table numbers 
see pages 64 to 65

Commentary on the Single Figure Table*
Fixed Remuneration
Salary
The salary increases due to take effect on 1 April 2020 of 2% were waived by the Non-Executive Directors. The Executive Directors and Non-
Executive Directors took a salary and fee reduction of 20% from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 in response to the impact of the pandemic on the 
Group’s operations and share price by voluntary waiver.

The following Executive Directors waived 20% of salary and pension cash payments as follows:- David Atkins – £50,085 and James Lenton – 
£24,510. The above figures in the Single Figure Table are net of these amounts.

www.hammerson.com 63

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Benefits
Taxable benefits include a car allowance (£16,000), private health insurance and permanent health insurance. UK Executive Directors are eligible 
to participate in the Company’s all-employee share plan arrangements (SIP and Sharesave). There was no award of SIP free shares to participants 
during 2020. 

The Company paid £22,000 plus VAT towards the legal fees of Rita-Rose Gagné in respect of the negotiation of her service contract.

Pension
Executive Directors receive a salary supplement in lieu of pension benefits. Rita-Rose Gagné received a salary supplement of 10% of base salary. 
David Atkins received a salary supplement of 26.36% of base salary. James Lenton received a salary supplement of 14%. All salary supplements 
paid to Executive Directors in lieu of pension benefits are subject to deductions required for income tax in the UK.

Information on the accrued pension benefit for David Atkins under the Company’s closed defined benefit scheme is on page 72.

Variable Remuneration*
Annual bonus for 2020
At the start of the year targets were set in the normal way with each of the two then Executive Directors given an opportunity of up to 175% for the 
Chief Executive (reduced from the normal 200% level on a one-time basis as announced last year) and 150% for the Chief Financial Officer.

25% of the opportunity was linked to a range of personal objectives, including sustainability objectives. The other 75% was split equally between 
adjusted EPS and net debt targets. These targets were not rebased in light of the impact of Covid-19. No Executive Director received a bonus in 
respect of 2020.

The original EPS range was 18p to 21p and the net debt range £2.259bn to £1.659bn. Given the impact of the rights issue and the disposal of VIA 
Outlets, some level of adjustment may have been necessary to allow the AIP to operate as intended so these numbers cannot be directly compared 
with the actual achievement. 

Long Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP is an award programme for Executive Directors which was designed to incentivise the creation of long-term returns for shareholders. 
The LTIP was replaced by the Restricted Share Scheme (RSS) in April 2020 for future awards. No awards under the LTIP were therefore made in 
2020. For LTIP awards up to 2019, the LTIP is assessed over differing performance periods. Total Shareholder Return (TSR) is assessed over a 
period of four years from the date of grant, and Total Property Return (TPR) and Earnings per Share (EPS) are assessed over a period of four 
financial years commencing with the financial year in which the award is granted. 

The Single Figure Table for 2020 is required to report the value of the LTIP element for which the performance period ends during 2020. 
Consequently, the LTIP values shown in the Single Figure Table comprise the value of the TSR element of the 2016 award (where the performance 
period ended 24 March 2020) and the TPR and EPS elements of the 2017 award (where the performance period ended 31 December 2020).

Achievement against targets
The table below shows the level of performance achieved against the targets set for the three performance components that drive the value of the 
LTIP vesting in 2021.

Table 44

LTIP outcome

Performance against targets 

 Notes

Performance measure 
and period

TSR (estimated 
outcome)
(24/3/16 – 
24/3/20)

TPR (estimated 
outcome)
(1/1/17 – 31/12/20)

Entry threshold target 
(25% vesting at threshold)

Full vesting target

Median

Upper quartile

Result  

achieved

Vesting percentage 
against target

Below median 
rank

0%

IPD+0%p.a.

IPD+1.5% p.a

Below  
threshold

0%

TPR element of the LTIP award 
granted in 2017. Award is 
scheduled to vest in March 2021.

Adjusted EPS
(1/1/17 – 31/12/20)

CPI+3% p.a.

CPI+7% p.a.

Below 
threshold

0%

EPS element of the LTIP award 
granted in 2017. Award is 
scheduled to vest in March 2021.

64

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vesting value achieved
Table 45 shows the level of vesting outcome for the three components that drive the 2020 LTIP vesting as shown in the Single Figure Table. 

Table 45

TSR
Performance period: 24/3/16 – 24/3/20
(TSR component of the 2016 LTIP)

TPR
Performance period: 1/1/17 – 31/12/20
(TPR component of the 2017 LTIP)

EPS
Performance period: 1/1/17 – 31/12/20
(EPS component of the 2017 LTIP)

David Atkins

Shares 
available

82,913

Vesting % 
against 
target

Number of 
shares that 
vested

Value
£000

Shares 
available

Vesting % 
against 
target 

Number of 
shares due
to vest2

Value
£000

Shares 
available

Vesting % 
against 
target 

Number of 
shares due
to vest2

–

–

– 186,673

–

–

– 186,673

–

–

Value
£000

–

Total 
value 
(shown 
in Single 
Figure 
Table)

–

Notes
1.  The number of shares includes any notional dividend shares awarded to date. 

2. No discretion has been exercised by the Committee to the final result of the award as a result of share price appreciation or depreciation.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Truing up of 2019 Single Figure Table numbers*
Each year the outcome of AIP and LTIP elements dependent on TPR are estimated because the data regarding TPR performance of the relevant 
index is not available at the date of the Annual Report. On publication of the 2019 Annual Report, the data for the TPR had been published so no 
figures were included as estimates. The 2019 LTIP figure contained a value for the TPR of the 2016 LTIP where the performance period ended on 
31 December 2019. The 2019 LTIP figure in the Single Figure Table on page 63 has therefore been adjusted to reflect the actual share price of 
64.36p on the vesting date (28 April 2020). The share price as at 31 December 2019 was 308.7p. 

Non-Executive Directors: Single Figure Table*
Table 46 below shows the remuneration of Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2020 and the comparative figures for the year 
ended 31 December 2019.

Table 46

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2020

Committee membership and other responsibilities

Fees

Benefits

Total

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Other

2020 
£000 

2019 
£000

2020 
£000 

2019 
£000

2020 
£000 

2019 
£000

Robert Noel
David Tyler
Pierre Bouchut3
Gwyn Burr
Méka Brunel4
Desmond de Beer5

Member
Member

Chair of the Board1
Chair of the Board2

Chair
Member

Chair
Member

Senior Independent Director

Andrew Formica

Member

Judy Gibbons6

Member Member

Adam Metz7 

Member 

Carol Welch8

Total

Member 

Designated Non-Executive Director 
for Colleague Engagement

96
226
73
87
62
33

63

24

62

63

–
346
77
91
5
–

67

72

28

55

789

741

1
–
6
–
3
–

–

1

33

–

44

–
–
12
–
2
–

–

1

66

–

81

97
226
79
87
65
33

63

25

95

63

–
346
89
91
7
–

67

73

94

55

833

822

The following Non-Executive Directors waived 20% of fees as follows:- David Tyler – £17,275, Gwyn Burr – £4,575, Pierre Bouchut – £3,825, 
Andrew Formica – £3,325, Carol Welch – £3,325, Méka Brunel – £2,316 and Adam Metz – £2,316. The above figures in the Single Figure Table are 
net of these amounts.

1.  Robert Noel was appointed as a Director on 1 September 2020 and as Chair of the Board on 7 September 2020.
2.  David Tyler resigned as a Director and as Chair of the Board on 7 September 2020.
3.  Pierre Bouchut is based in continental Europe. This is reflected in his benefits figure – see Benefits note on page 66.
4.  Méka Brunel is based in France. This is reflected in her benefits figure – see Benefits note on page 66.
5.  Desmond de Beer was appointed to the Board on 15 June 2020 and is based in South Africa. 
6.  Judy Gibbons resigned as a Director on 28 April 2020.
7.  Adam Metz is based in the USA. This is reflected in his benefits figure – see Benefits note on page 66.
8.  With effect from 1 January 2021, Carol Welch receives an additional fee of £8,000 per annum for her role as the Designated Non-Executive Director for Colleague Engagement.
9.  The 2020 fee increases were waived by the Non-Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Directors took a voluntary reduction of fees of 20% in response to the Covid-19 

pandemic from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020.

www.hammerson.com 65

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Benefits
The benefits disclosed in Table 46 on page 65 relate to the reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses incurred in attending Board 
meetings at the Company’s head office. For those Non-Executive Directors based outside of the UK, this includes the cost of international travel 
and accommodation. The grossed-up value has been disclosed. In accordance with the Policy, any tax arising is settled by the Company.

Robert Noel is entitled to private medical insurance which is taxed as a benefit in kind. 

Fees payable to Non-Executive Directors
The Chair of the Board’s fee was reviewed by the Committee and the Non-Executive Directors’ fees were reviewed by the Board in February 2020. 
The Chair of the Board and the Non-Executive Directors did not wish to be considered for fee increases in 2020. The annual fees payable to 
Non-Executive Directors are set out in Table 47 below. There is no fee for membership of the Nomination Committee or the Investment and 
Disposal Committee. 

Table 47

Chair of the Board and Non-Executive Directors’ 2020 annual fees

Chair of the Board 1
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent Director
Audit Committee Chair
Remuneration Committee Chair
Audit/Remuneration Committee member

£

300,000
61,500
10,000
15,000
15,000
5,000

Notes
1. The fee for the Chair of the Board has been reduced from £345,500 paid to David Tyler, who resigned as a Director on 7 September 2020. 

66

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Section 2: Further information on 2020 remuneration
Directors’ shareholdings and share plan interests*

Table 48

Summary of all Directors’ shareholdings and share plan interests as at 31 December 2020* 
(including Persons Closely Associated)

Outstanding scheme interests at 31/12/20

 Actual shares held

Unvested scheme 
interests (subject 
to performance
measures)1

Unvested 
scheme interests 
(not subject to 
performance
measures)2

Vested but  

unexercised
scheme interests3

Total shares 
subject  
to outstanding 
scheme interests4

As at  
1 January  
2020  
(or joining date if 
later)

As at  
31 December  
2020  
(or leaving date if 
earlier)5

Total of all share 
scheme interests  
and shareholdings  
at 31/12/20  
(or leaving date  
if earlier) 

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Executive Directors

Rita-Rose Gagné (appointed as a  
Director on 2 November 2020)
James Lenton 
David Atkins (ceased to be a Director  
on 2 November 2020)

Non-Executive Directors
Robert Noel (appointed as a Director  
on 1 September 2020)
David Tyler (ceased to be a Director  
on 7 September 2020)
Pierre Bouchut
Gwyn Burr
Méka Brunel
Desmond de Beer (appointed as a 
Director on 15 June 2020)
Andrew Formica
Judy Gibbons (ceased to be a Director  
on 28 April 2020)
Adam Metz
Carol Welch

6,087,302
2,134,446

–
41,996

1,495,116

262,906

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Notes
1.  LTIP and RSS awards still subject to performance measures.

2. DBSS and Sharesave awards that have not vested.

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

6,087,302
2,176,442

–
–

–
–

6,087,302
2,176,442

1,758,022

795,747

3,075,253

4,833,275

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

150,000

815,387

815,387

77,370
20,279
5,182
–

636,850
108,445
27,706
24,650

636,850
108,445
27,706
24,650

–
44,000

40,540,256
239,180

40,540,256
239,180

4,115
48,071
7,692

4,115
497,806
41,131

4,115
497,806
41,131

3. LTIP and DBSS awards that have vested but remain unexercised plus any notional dividend shares.

4. All share plan interests, vested, unvested and unexercised together with any holdings of ordinary shares.

5. The share interests have been adjusted to show the position following the completion of the share consolidation and rights issue in 

September 2020. 

Between 1 January 2021 and 11 March 2021, the Executive and Non-Executive Directors’ beneficial interests in Table 48 above remained unchanged.

Directors’ share ownership guidelines*
Table 49 below shows the Executive Directors actual share ownership compared with the current share ownership guidelines. Executive Directors 
are normally expected to achieve the minimum shareholding guidelines within seven years of appointment. Non-Executive Directors are also 
encouraged to acquire a shareholding in the Company. 

Table 49

Executive Directors’ shareholdings as a percentage of salary

Rita-Rose Gagné  
(appointed as Director on 2 November 2020)
James Lenton

Shares held as at  
31 December 2020  

(or leaving date if earlier)

Vested but 
unexercised share
scheme interests1

Guideline on
share ownership
as % of salary

Actual beneficial 
share ownership
as % of salary2

Guideline met

–
–

– 
– 

250%
250%

0%
0%

No
No

Notes
1.  The number of shares shown is on a net of income tax and national insurance in accordance with the Company’s share ownership guidelines.

2. As at and based on the share price of 24.85p on 31 December 2020. 

www.hammerson.com 67

 
 
 
 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Executive Directors’ share plan interests (including share options)*
Table 50 below set out the Executive Directors’ interests under the Deferred Bonus Share Scheme (DBSS), the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), 
the Restricted Share Scheme (RSS) and the Sharesave scheme.

Performance conditions and form of awards*
Awards under the DBSS and Sharesave scheme are not subject to any performance conditions (other than continued employment on the vesting 
date). The LTIP awards are subject to performance conditions, details of which are in Tables 48 and 50. The RSS awards are subject to a material 
underperformance underpin, details of which are in Table 50.

Awards to UK based Executive Directors under the LTIP, RSS and DBSS are made in the form of nil-cost options. 

Accrual of dividend shares
DBSS, RSS and LTIP awards accrue notional dividend shares to the date of vesting (including any holding period). The Sharesave scheme does not 
accrue notional dividend shares. 

Face values*
Face values for the DBSS, RSS and LTIP awards are calculated by multiplying the number of shares granted during 2020 by the average share price 
for the five business days preceding the awards. Notional dividend shares are not included in the face value calculations. 

Dilution limits
The Committee confirms that it has fully complied with the dilution limits as set out in the rules of the Company’s share incentive plans during  
the year. 

Executive Directors’ share plan interests 2020*

Table 50

Date of  
award

Vesting date

Number of 
awards held 
as at  

1 January
20202

Notional 
dividend 
shares 
accrued

Awarded

Exercised/
vested

Lapsed

Number of 
awards held 
as at  

31 December
2020

Face value 
of awards 
granted 
during 2020 
£000

Grant price 
in pence

Rita-Rose Gagné  
RSS1,4

02/11/2020

Nov-23 
Nov-24 
Nov-25

– 5,690,414

396,888

–

–

6,087,302

17.71

1,078

Number of 
awards held 
 as at  

Date of  
award

Vesting or 
exercise date

1 January
20202

Awarded

Notional 
dividend 
shares 
accrued

Exercised/
vested

Lapsed

Number of 
awards held 
as at  

31 December
2020

Face value 
of awards 
granted 
during 2020
£000

Grant price 
in pence

James Lenton 
RSS1,4

LTIP2,4
DBSS (A)

David 
Atkins3,5
LTIP2,4

DBSS (A)2
DBSS (A) 
Sharesave2

– 1,820,593

126,892

02/11/2020

Nov-23 
Nov-24 
Nov-25
20/09/2019
Sept-23
10/03/2020 Mar-20

Date of  
award

Vesting or 
exercise date

174,772
–

–
39,258

Number of 
awards held 
as at  
1 January 
2020

Awarded

24/03/2016 Mar-20
Apr-21
03/04/2017

248,739
558,689

–
–

06/03/2018 Mar-22
05/03/2019 Mar-23
02/05/2018 May-20
10/03/2020 Mar-22
23/03/2017 May-20
01/04/2019 May-21

709,218
816,152
59,985
–
765
4,686

–
–
245,765
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

Exercised/
vested

Lapsed

1,947,485

17.71

345

186,961
41,996

269.42
–

–
–

Number of 
awards held 
as at  

31 December
2020

Face value 
of awards 
granted 
during 2020
£000

Grant price 
in pence

24,625
–

–
–
59,985
–
–
–

224,114
37,638
222,779

473,893
–
–
765
4,686

–

560,020

535,905
399,191
–
262,906
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

12,189
2,738

Notional 
dividend 
shares 
accrued

–
38,969

49,466
56,932
–
17,141
–
–

68

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Notes:
1.  RSS awards vest one third on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of award. 

2. Awards made before the share consolidation and rights issue in September 2020 and remaining outstanding after the ex-rights date have 

been adjusted in accordance with the TERPS calculation. 

3. David Atkins remained an employee of the Company until 31 December 2020. In accordance with the rules of the LTIP and DBSS, the 

outstanding and unvested awards were pro-rated to his last date of employment. 

4. The performance period for the purpose of the performance conditions is the same as the vesting period.

5. David Atkins exercised nil costs options as follows:- DBSS (A) award on 12 March 2020 at a price of 157.2p per share and an LTIP award on  

19 November 2020 at a price of 22.82p per share. 

Detail of RSS awards
As approved in at the AGM on 28 April 2020, the Company launched this scheme as an alternative to the LTIP from 2020. The first RSS awards 
were made on 2 November 2020 over shares worth 150% and 75% of salary respectively to Rita-Rose Gagné and James Lenton. James Lenton’s 
resignation as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Company took effect on 18 January 2021, and the Committee will consider the 
treatment of James’ RSS awards in due course in accordance with the RSS plan rules. David Atkins did not receive any grant. Details of the RSS 
awards are shown in Table 50 on page 68. 

These awards were granted subject to both, (i) a general underpin in respect of the entire awards so that the Remuneration Committee may reduce 
on vesting if it feels that the level of vesting is not appropriate in all the circumstances; and (ii) in addition, a further underpin in respect of half the 
award that the Company’s TSR must be positive over the three years following grant.

Executive Directors’ SIP interests*
The Executive Directors’ interests in ordinary shares of the Company under the Share Incentive Plan (SIP) as at 31 December 2020 (or at their 
leaving date if earlier) are shown in Table 51 below. The shares are held in a SIP trust. 

Table 51

Total SIP shares  
1 January 2020

Partnership shares 
purchased

Matching shares 
awarded

Free shares 
awarded

Dividend shares 
awarded

Capital 
reorganisation

Total SIP 
shares  
31 December 
2020 (or date 
of cessation 

Rights issue

if earlier)1,2

Rita-Rose Gagné
James Lenton
David Atkins (ceased to be a 
Director on 2 November 2020)

–
–

16,435

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–

(13,148)

28,342

31,629

Notes:
1.  The share interests have been adjusted to show the position following the completion of the share consolidation and rights issue in 

September 2020. 

2. On 2 September 2020 following the Capital Reorganisation undertaken by the Company, David Atkins’ total SIP holding was 3,287 shares. 
These 3,287 shares were held at the record date to participate in the Rights Issue on 9 September 2020, meaning that there were a total of 
78,888 rights attached to his SIP shares. David Atkins opted to 'tail swallow' on the rights attached to his SIP shares; 50,546 shares were sold 
to fund the take up on 28,342 rights.

Total Shareholder Return 
Chart 52 below shows the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) in respect of the Company’s ordinary shares of 5 p each for the 10 years ended  
31 December 2020 against the return of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK Index, which comprises shares of the Company’s peers. The total 
shareholder return is rebased to 100 at 31 December 2010. The other points shown on the chart are the values at intervening financial year ends.

Chart 52

Total Shareholder return index (31 December 2010=100)

250

200

150

100

50

0

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2011

31 Dec 2012

31 Dec 2013

31 Dec 2014

31 Dec 2015

31 Dec 2016

31 Dec 2017

31 Dec 2018

31 Dec 2019

31 Dec 2020

  Hammerson        FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK     

www.hammerson.com 69

 
 
  
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Remuneration of the Chief Executive over the last 10 years
Table 53 shows the remuneration of the holder of the office of Chief Executive for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020.

Table 53

Chief Executive’s remuneration history

Year

2020 (Rita-Rose Gagné) from 2 November 2020
2020 (David Atkins) to 2 November 2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011

Total 
remuneration
£000 

Annual bonus3

LTIP vesting3

148
667
1,408
1,109
1,795
2,681
2,147
1,568
2,216
2,451
1,515

–
–
37.1%
–
47.5%
65.3%
77.3%
65.3%
56.2%
88.9%
51.7%

–
0
29.7%
51.5%
56.4%
64.9%
–
–
51.6%
52.6%
–

Notes
1.  David Atkins stepped down as Chief Executive on 2 November 2020 and was succeeded by Rita-Rose Gagné.

2. The total remuneration reported in the 2019 Annual Report contained estimates; the numbers given here are the actual values. 

3. See the Single Figure Table (Table 43) on page 63.

4. All numbers are expressed as a percentage of the maximum that could have vested in that year.

Relative importance of spend on pay
Table 54 below shows the Company’s total employee costs compared with dividends paid and share buybacks. 

Table 54

Total employee costs compared with dividends paid 

2020
2019

Percentage change

Employee costs1

Dividends2

£48.9m
£55.3m

(11.6%)

£71.5m
£198.4m

(64.0%)

Notes
1.  These figures have been extracted from note 5 (Administration expenses) to the financial statements on page 113.

2. These figures have been extracted from note 10 (Dividends) to the financial statements on page 117.

Remuneration for the Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors compared with UK 
employees of the Hammerson Group
Table 55 shows the percentage change from 31 December 2019 to 31 December 2020 in base salary, taxable benefits and bonus for the Executive 
and Non-Executive Directors compared with all other employees of the Hammerson Group in the UK. Hammerson Plc does not have any 
employees. This data has been prepared using the employees of the UK subsidiaries.

Table 55

Percentage change in the Executive Directors’ base salary, taxable benefits and bonus

Rita-Rose Gagné (CEO)
David Atkins (ceased to be a Director and CEO on 2 November 2020)
James Lenton (CFO)
Total UK employees

Salary

N/A
-6.10%
-5.70%
3.7%

Change %

Benefits

Annual bonus

N/A
-0.70%
4.50%
-5.30%

N/A
-100%
-100%
-73.8%

70

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Notes
The percentage movement in annual bonus is based on calculations that incorporate an estimated value for the TPR performance measure 
within the AIP. The calculation of the percentage change in total remuneration excludes pensions, LTIP and RSS.

The three Executive Directors have been excluded from the UK employees’ calculation. Data for the UK employees’ calculation includes 
bonuses. The Group calculation uses a weighted average headcount for the year. Employees received an average salary increase of 0% during 
2020, although this is not reflected in the above figures due to the number of leavers and joiners.

James Lenton was appointed as an Executive Director as 16 September 2019.

Given the number of directors who had not served for the whole of the two years being compared, any part year has been annualised on the 
basis of days served on the Board. While this is slightly simplistic, it provides a fairer overall position of the year on year changes than taking the 
unadjusted earnings in each year. This applies to Table 55 and Table 56.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Table 56

Percentage change in the Non-Executive Directors’ fee and taxable benefits 

Robert Noel – Chair of the Board
David Tyler – Chair of the Board (ceased to be a Director on 7 September 2020)
Pierre Bouchut – Chair of the Audit Committee
Gwyn Burr – Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Méka Brunel
Desmond de Beer 
Andrew Formica
Judy Gibbons (ceased to be a Director on 28 April 2020)
Adam Metz
Carol Welch
Total UK employees

Table 57

Chief Executive (CEO) pay ratio

Change %

Fees

Benefits

N/A
-4.80%
-5.20%
-4.40%
-1.90%
N/A
-6.0%
2.5%
-1.70%
-4.30%
3.70%

N/A
0.0%
-50.0%
0.0%
-87.70%
N/A
0.0%
207.6%
-77.80%
0.0%
-5.30%

Bonus

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Year

2019
2020

Method

Option A
Option A

25th percentile pay ratio

Median pay ratio

75th percentile pay ratio

36:1
21:1

22:1
13:1

12:1
7:1

Total UK employee pay and benefits figures used to calculate the 2020 CEO Pay Ratio

Salary
Total UK employee pay and benefits

25th  
percentile pay 
£000

Median pay 
£000

75th  
percentile pay 
£000

35
39

52
63

80
111

Notes
The Company has chosen the Option A methodology to prepare the pay ratio calculation as this is the most statistically robust method and is in line 
with the general preference of institutional investors. While not required to disclose these ratios, the Committee has chosen to do so voluntarily. 
Starting from 2020, we will build to a 10 year rolling history.

As ratios could be unduly impacted by joiners and leavers who may not participate in all remuneration arrangements in the year of joining and 
leaving, the Committee has modified the statutory basis to exclude any employee not employed throughout the financial year. 

Employee pay data is based on full-time equivalent (FTE) pay for UK employees as at 31 December 2020. For each employee, total pay is calculated 
in line with the single figure methodology (i.e. fixed pay accrued during the financial year and the value of performance-based incentive awards 
vesting in relation to the performance year). Leavers and joiners are excluded. Employees on maternity or other extended leave, including furlough, 
are included pro-rata for their FTE salary, benefits and short-term incentives. No other calculation adjustments or assumptions have been made.

CEO pay is per the single total figure of remuneration for 2020, as set out in Table 43 on page 63 and is calculated using David Atkins’ salary to 2 
November 2020, when he ceased to be a Director, and the salary of Rita-Rose Gagné from her date of appointment on 2 November 2020. 

Bonus amounts for the CEO, CFO and eligible employees are based on calculations that incorporate an estimate for the TPR performance measure 
within the AIP as the relevant data is not available at the time of the publication of the Annual Report. 

Each of the three individuals identified was a full-time employee during the year and received remuneration in line with the Policy.

James Lenton become a Director on 16 September 2019.

The primary reason for the reduction in the CEO pay ratio from 2019 to 2020 was the nil outturns for the AIP and LTIP in 2020 for Executive 
Directors. In addition, Rita-Rose Gagné receives a lower pension allowance than David Atkins.

www.hammerson.com 71

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Supporting information for the Chief Executive Pay Ratio
Generally, the Remuneration Policy supports a greater variable pay opportunity the more senior the employee as these employees are able to 
influence Company performance more directly. Executive Directors participate in the RSS linked to long-term strategy whilst other employees 
may participate in the Restricted Share Plan (RSP). The lower quartile, median and upper quartile employees identified this year are not 
participants in either the RSS or RSP. However, the median pay ratio reflects the Company’s policy to pay good fixed rewards to its employees with 
an opportunity to benefit from the annual bonus plan. With a significant proportion of the Executive Directors’ pay linked to performance and 
share price over the longer term, it is expected that the ratio will depend to a significant extent on RSS and RSP outcomes each year, and 
accordingly may fluctuate from year to year.

Remuneration terms for Rita-Rose Gagné
Rita-Rose Gagné joined the Board as Chief Executive Officer. Her employment terms are in line with the Policy. Her gross annual salary is 
£672,000 and her pension allowance is 10% of base salary which was set below the rate available to the majority of colleagues. Upon joining, she 
received an award under the RSS of 150% of salary in line with the Policy. Following her relocation to London from Canada in February 2021, she 
received a gross relocation allowance of £400,000. The Company paid £22,000 plus VAT towards her legal fees in respect of the negotiation of her 
service contract and will pay £5,000 per annum towards personal tax advice during her term of employment. In addition, a payment of up to 
£15,000 will be made in respect of her tax advisory fees in relation to her relocation to the UK. The remuneration package for Rita-Rose Gagné was 
appropriate to secure an executive of her calibre to lead and transform the business.

Payments to past Directors*
The value of LTIP awards vesting in 2020 to former Executive Directors were: Peter Cole – £8,955 and Jean-Philippe Mouton – £8,579 
(resigned as Directors on 31 December 2018).

Payments for loss of office*
David Atkins ceased to be a Director on 2 November 2020 but remained an employee until 31 December 2020 and continued to receive salary and 
benefits during this period. As the Company exercised its right to bring forward the date of termination of his employment from 25 May 2021 to  
31 December 2020, he will receive his salary and benefits in monthly instalments in lieu of notice for the duration of the 12 month notice period 
and a payment of £29,148 in respect of accrued but untaken holiday entitlement. He did not receive any bonus in respect of 2020. His long-term 
incentive awards granted in 2017, 2018 and 2019 (plus accrued dividend shares) shall remain capable of vesting on their scheduled normal vesting 
dates to the extent that the relevant performance conditions have been met at the end of the respective performance periods. Awards will be 
subject to pro-rating for time in employment. The deferred bonus award over 262,906 shares (plus accrued dividend shares) granted on 10 March 
2020 will continue to be capable of vesting in March 2022. The Company has agreed to cover the costs of an executive outplacement programme in 
an amount up to £50,000 plus VAT and legal fees of up to £12,300 plus VAT. All payments are in accordance with David Atkins’ service contract 
and the Company’s approved remuneration policy. 

Detail of Executive Directors’ accrued pension benefits*
Following the closure of the Company’s defined benefit pension scheme (Scheme) in 2014, David Atkins remains eligible for a deferred pension 
based on his pensionable salary and service at the point he ceased to accrue further benefits in the Scheme. The normal retirement age under the 
Scheme is 60. Members may draw their pension from the age of 55, subject to actuarial reduction and the Trustees’ consent. Further information 
concerning the Scheme is in note 7 to the financial statements on page 114.

Table 58 below shows the total accrued benefit at 31 December 2020, representing the annual pension that is expected to be payable on retirement 
and the transfer values of Executive Directors’ accrued entitlements. The transfer value figures do not represent sums paid or payable to individual 
Executive Directors but represent a potential liability of the Scheme. Any increase or decrease in transfer value over the year represents a change 
in the transfer value assumptions that the Scheme applies.

Executive Directors’ accrued pension benefits and transfer values

Table 58

David Atkins

Total accrued benefit at 31 December 

Transfer value at 31 December 
of total accrued benefit

2020 
£000

90

2019 
£000

89

2020 
£000

2,475 

2019 
£000

2,216

72

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
Service agreements and notice periods for current Executive Directors

Date of service contract
Notice period

Rita-Rose Gagné
29 September 2020
12 months’ notice (both from and to the 
Executive Director).

James Lenton
20 August 2019
12 months’ notice (both from and to the 
Executive Director).

Payment in lieu of notice (PILON)

If the Company serves notice of termination 
within the Executive Director’s first 12 months’, 
then such notice shall expire on the second 
anniversary of the start of employment. 
Employment can be terminated by the Company 
with immediate effect by making a PILON in 
respect of the outstanding notice period 
comprising base salary and the value of benefits 
in respect of pension, private medical insurance 
and car allowance. 

Employment can be terminated by the Company 
with immediate effect by making a PILON in 
respect of the outstanding notice period 
comprising base salary and the value of benefits 
in respect of pension, private medical insurance 
and car allowance.

No PILON in event of gross misconduct.

No PILON in event of gross misconduct.

The Company has the discretion to make any 
PILON on a phased basis, subject to mitigation.

The Company has the discretion to make any 
PILON on a phased basis, subject to mitigation.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Rita-Rose Gagné and James Lenton will be eligible to be considered at the Committee‘s discretion for payment of an award under the AIP even if 
the Company or Director has served notice of termination provided that the Director is employed as at the bonus award date. The treatment of 
leavers under the AIP, DBSS and RSS arrangements are in the accordance with the plan’s rules. The Company will pay any additional statutory 
entitlements where applicable. 

Table 59 below shows the dates of the appointments of the Non-Executive Directors in office as at 31 December 2020 

Table 59

Robert Noel
Pierre Bouchut
Gwyn Burr
Méka Brunel
Andrew Formica
Des de Beer
Adam Metz 
Carol Welch

Date of original 

appointment to Board Commencement date of current term

Unexpired term as at April 2021

1 September 2020
13 February 2015
21 May 2012
1 December 2019
26 November 2015
15 June 2020
22 July 2019
1 March 2019

1 September 2020
N/A
21 May 2018
1 December 2019
26 November 2018
15 June 2020
22 July 2019
1 March 2019

2 years, 5 months
N/A
1 month
1 year, 8 months
8 months
2 years, 3 months
1 year, 3 months
11 months

www.hammerson.com 73

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

External board appointments
Where Board approval is given for an Executive Director to accept an external non-executive directorship, the individual is entitled to retain any 
fees received. Rita-Rose Gagné and James Lenton do not currently hold any external non-executive directorships. 

Committee process
In order to avoid any conflict of interest, remuneration is managed through well-defined processes ensuring no individual is involved in the 
decision-making process related to their own remuneration. In particular, the remuneration of all Executive Directors is set and approved by the 
Committee; none of the Executive Directors are involved in the determination of their own remuneration arrangements. The Committee also 
receives support from external advisors and evaluates the support provided by those advisers annually to ensure that advice is independent, 
appropriate and cost-effective. The members of the Committee are shown on page 60. 

Advisors
The Committee appointed FIT Remuneration Consultants (FIT) in place of Aon Hewitt in 2011 following a tendering exercise. FIT has no other 
connection with the Company or its Directors. Directors may serve on the Remuneration Committees of other companies for which FIT acts as 
Remuneration Consultants. The Committee is satisfied that all advice given was objective and independent. FIT is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group and subscribes to its Code of Conduct. Details of the fees and services provided by FIT are set out below.

Table 60

Advisor

FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP (FIT)

Appointed by

Remuneration 
Committee  
(August 2011)

Services provided  
to the Committee

Reward structures 
and levels and other 
aspects of the 
Company’s 
Remuneration  
Policy 

Fees paid for services to  
the committee in 2020  
and basis of charge 

£62,698 (excluding 
VAT) (2019: £71,964, 
excluding VAT)

Charged on normal  
FIT time basis

Other services provided  
to the Company

None. Terms of 
engagement (available 
on request to 
shareholders) specify 
that FIT will only 
provide advice  
expressly authorised  
by or on behalf of the 
Remuneration 
Committee

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP provides legal advice and Lane Clark & Peacock LLP provides actuarial advice to the Company. The Committee may 
seek advice from both firms where it relates to matters within its remit. In addition, the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Group 
Human Resources Director attend Committee meetings by invitation. The General Counsel and Company Secretary is the Secretary to the 
Committee. The Chief Executive, senior human resources staff and the General Counsel and Company Secretary provided advice to the 
Committee on matters relating to the Remuneration Policy and Company practices. No one is present during discussions concerning their own 
remuneration. 

Statement of voting at Annual General Meeting
Table 61 below shows votes cast by proxy at the AGM held on 28 April 2020 in respect of the Directors' Remuneration report and the Directors' 
Remuneration Policy.

Table 61

Statement of voting on remuneration

To receive and approve the 2019 Directors’ Remuneration report  
(2020 AGM)

To receive and approve the Remuneration Policy (2020 AGM)

Votes for number of shares and 
percentage of shares voted

555,143,064
90.04%
562,599,919
91.34%

Votes against
number of shares and 
percentage of shares 

61,395,336
9.96%
53,325,844
8.66%

Votes withheld
number of shares

3,825,661

4,438,298

74

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
Section 3: Implementation of Remuneration Policy in 2021
This section sets out information on how the Remuneration Policy will be implemented in 2021.

In implementing the Remuneration Policy, the Committee will continue to take into account factors such as remuneration packages available 
within comparable companies: the Company’s overall performance; internal relativities; achievement of corporate objectives; individual 
performance and experience; published views of institutional investors; general market and wider economic trends.

Table 62

Summary of planned implementation of the Remuneration Policy during 2021

Salary 
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Performance measures

Operation

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

To continue to retain and attract quality leaders.

Not applicable.

To recognise accountabilities, skills, experience and value.

Reviewed but not necessarily increased annually by 
the Committee.

The base salary for any existing Executive Director 
will not exceed £850,000 (or the equivalent if 
denominated in a different currency), with this limit 
increasing annually at the rate of UK CPI from the 
date of the 2017 AGM.

Implementation
In February 2021, James Lenton was not considered for an increase to salary. The Committee agreed with management’s recommendation 
that no general salary increase be awarded to colleagues in the Group given the challenging business environment.

2021 Executive Directors’ salaries

Rita-Rose Gagné
James Lenton

£000

672
430

Note
In accordance with the terms of her service contract, Rita-Rose Gagné is not entitled to be considered for an increase to her base salary 
for 2021. 

Benefits
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Performance measures

Operation

To provide a range of benefits in line with market practice.

Not applicable.

To continue to retain and attract quality leaders.

The aggregate value received by each Executive 
Director (based on value of P11D tax calculations or 
equivalent basis for a non-UK based Executive 
Director) will not exceed £100,000, with this 
maximum increasing annually at the rate of UK CPI 
from the date of the 2017 AGM.

Implementation
In 2021, these benefits will continue to include a car allowance, enhanced sick pay, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance and 
life assurance. 

Pension
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Performance measures

Operation

To provide market competitive retirement benefits.

Not applicable.

To continue to retain and attract quality leaders.

Executive Directors may receive a non-contributory 
allowance (Pension Choice) to be paid as, or as a 
combination of: (i) an employer contribution to the 
Company’s defined contribution pension plan; (ii)  
a payment to a personal pension plan; or (iii) a  
salary supplement.

Pension Choice is limited to an aggregate maximum 
age-related limit of 18.5% of base salary. Rita-Rose 
Gagné receives a lower allowance of 10%.

Implementation
Executive Directors will continue to receive a salary supplement by way of pension provision. The allowance for new Executive Directors will 
be aligned with the arrangements available to the majority of staff employed in the UK and Ireland (age-related and subject to employee 
contribution) from time to time. Rita-Rose Gagné receives a salary supplement of 10% by way of pension provision. The Committee has agreed 
that future Executive Directors will receive a salary supplement of 10% for pension provision to align with the Group’s policy on pension 
contributions for other colleagues. 

www.hammerson.com 75

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and deferral under the Deferred Bonus Share Scheme (DBSS)
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Performance measures

Operation

To align Executive Director remuneration with 
annual financial and Company strategic targets  
as determined by the Company’s Business Plan

To differentiate appropriately, in the view of  
the Committee, on the basis of performance

The partial award in shares aligns interests  
with shareholders and supports retention

The annual bonus operates by reference to 
financial and personal performance measures 
assessed over one year. The weighting of 
financial measures will be at least 60% of the 
total opportunity.

Awards are paid in a mix of cash and deferred 
shares, with the deferred shares element  
being at least 40% of the total award. The 
deferral period is at least two years and may  
not be shorter.

Awards are subject to clawback and malus 
provisions.

Implementation
The AIP maximum will remain at 200% of base salary for the Chief Executive. James Lenton will not be eligible to receive a bonus in 2021. 

Performance measures for the AIP for Executive Directors in 2021 will be weighted at 67% towards Group financial targets and 33% towards 
personal objectives. The Group financial targets for 2021 are in the process of being agreed and will relate to Adjusted EPS, the reduction of the 
Group’s net debt and net administration costs. Adjusted EPS and net debt are retained from prior year AIP performance measures. 

As is demonstrated in this report in respect of previous years, the Committee designs the financial targets and personal objectives to align with 
the Company’s strategy, as well as to the Business Plan and the priorities for the coming year. It is therefore felt that the specific financial 
targets and important personal objectives are commercially sensitive such that, having considered this carefully, the Board is of the view that it 
is in the Company’s interests not to disclose this information in advance. However, personal objectives for the year are grouped under the 
following headings: Group strategy; near term delivering and disposals; operational excellence, development and repurposing; people, culture 
and engagement; investor relations; and ESG. 

Full details of the specific targets and key personal objectives set will be disclosed in the 2021 Annual Report.

40% of the 2021 AIP vesting will be deferred by making an award of shares under the DBSS, with a deferral period of two years. No change to 
current arrangements is proposed for 2021.

Restricted Share Scheme
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Performance measures

Operation

To incentivise the creation of long-term  
returns for shareholders.

To align interests of Executive Directors 
with shareholders and support retention.

To create alignment with the workforce.

Subject to underpin as described in full in the 
Remuneration Policy. The underpin requires 
that the Group’s performance and delivery of  
strategy is sufficient to justify vesting against  
the consideration of absolute and relative TSR 
net debt and TPR. In addition, a further  
underpin applies in respect of half the award 
that the TSR must be positive over the three 
years following grant.

A discretionary annual award up to a value of 
100% of base salary. The Committee reserves the 
discretion to increase the maximum award to 
150% of base salary in exceptional circumstances.

Awards are subject to clawback and malus 
provisions.

Implementation
Annual award of 100% of base salary for the CEO. James Lenton will not receive a grant following his notice of resignation. Vesting of the award 
is subject to an underpin described in the Policy.

76

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Participation in all-employee arrangements
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

Performance measures

Operation

In order to be able to offer participation in 
all-employee plans to employees generally, the 
Company is either required by the relevant UK 
and French legislation to allow Executive 
Directors to participate on the same terms or 
chooses to do so.

Not generally applicable. Any award of free 
shares under the SIP may be subject to a 
Company performance target.

Executive Directors are eligible to participate in 
all-employee incentive arrangements on the 
same terms as other employees.

Implementation 
All-employee arrangements currently offered in the UK are Sharesave and SIP share awards. The opportunity to participate in all-employee 
arrangements continues on the same basis as for all staff in the UK. No change to current arrangements is proposed for 2021. 

Set out below is an illustration of the reward mix for Rita-Rose Gagné at minimum, on target and maximum performance under the Policy. James 
Lenton will not be entitled to be awards under the RSS in 2020.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

Chart 63

Illustration of application of the Policy

2021fixed

759 (100%)

2021on-target

759 (36%)

672 (32%)

672 (32%)

£2,103

2021maximum

759 (27%)

1,344 (49%)

672 (24%)

£2,755

2021maximum 
+ share price growth 
(based on value of 
award)  

759 (24%)

1,344 (43%)

672 (22%)

366 (11%)
366 (11%)

£3,111

Rita-Rose Gagné

Fixed

Annual variable

Long term incentives

50% Share price growth

Share ownership guidelines
The Company has in place a share ownership policy for the Executive Directors. Executive Directors are normally required to achieve the 
minimum shareholding requirement within seven years of the date of appointment. An annual calculation as a percentage of salary is made against 
the guidelines as at 31 December each year based on the middle-market value of a share price on the last business day in December. Executive 
Directors are expected to accumulate and maintain a holding in ordinary shares in the Company equivalent to no less than 250% of base salary. 
The Company has a post-cessation share ownership guideline of 250% of salary for two years after termination of employment.

Implementation
250% of base salary for the Chief Executive and all other Executive Directors. 

David Atkins ceased to be an Executive Director on 2 November 2020 and continued as an employee until 31 December 2020 under the terms 
of his service agreement. The Committee exercised its discretion to vary the share ownership requirements. For six months following his last 
date of employment, David Atkins is required to continue to hold the same number of shares, together with any connected person, held at this 
date. In the period commencing six months following the last date of employment, he is permitted to sell no more than one half of that number. 
No restrictions on the sale of shares shall apply following this date. 

www.hammerson.com 77

 
 
Directors' Remuneration report continued

Chair of the Board and Non-Executive Directors’ Fees
Policy

Purpose and link to strategy

To ensure the Company continues to  
attract and retain high-quality Chair and 
Non-Executive Directors by offering  
market competitive fees

Performance measures

Not applicable

Operation

The Chair of the Board’s fee is determined by the 
Committee. Other Non-Executive Directors’ 
fees are determined by the Board on the 
recommendation of the Executive Directors. 
Aggregate total fees payable annually to all 
Non-Executive Directors are subject to the limit 
stated in the Company’s Articles of Association 
(currently £1,000,000).

Implementation
The Chair of the Board and Non-Executive Directors’ fees were reviewed in March 2021. No increase was made to Non-Executive Director fees 
or to the Chair’s fee.

Chair and Non-Executive Directors’ 2021 annual fees

Chair of the Board
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent Director
Audit Committee Chair
Remuneration Committee Chair
Audit/Remuneration Committee Member
Designated Non-Executive Director for Colleague Engagement

£000

300,000
61,500
10,000
15,000
15,000
5,000
8,000

Remuneration for employees below Board level in 2021
A summary of the remuneration structure for employees below Board level is set out below. 

Remuneration packages for all Group employees may comprise both fixed and variable elements. Generally, the more senior the individual, the 
greater the variable pay offer as a proportion of overall pay due to the ability of senior managers to impact more directly upon Company 
performance. As well as assessing the remuneration packages of the Executive Directors, the Committee reviews the remuneration of the senior 
management team and is kept informed of remuneration developments and principles for pay and reward across the Group. This includes any 
salary increases and benefits of the wider employee population and considers them in relation to the implementation of the Remuneration Policy 
for Executive Directors, ensuring there is an appropriate degree of alignment throughout the Group. In accordance with prevailing commercial 
practice, the Committee does not consult with employees in preparing the Remuneration Policy.

Summary of 2021 remuneration structure for employees below Board level

Table 64

Element

Base salary

Annual bonus

Pension

Share schemes

Employee benefits

Approach/Policy

An assessment is made each year on pay increases across the Group. The assessment may include benchmarking exercises 
for different roles. Other factors taken into consideration are Company performance, competition in the marketplace and 
general economic climate, specifically rates of inflation and wage growth. Pay increases are expected to be in line with 
market rates and any increase awarded to an individual will reflect competence and experience. Exceptional pay increases 
are sometimes awarded to bring pay in line with market practice or recognition of an individual’s development within a 
role. More usually exceptional personal performance is recognised through variable pay.
An annual cash bonus scheme is operated throughout the Group. Although there are some minor differences in 
application of the scheme according to jurisdiction of employment, the same principle applies to all employees in that 
there is an opportunity to receive a bonus based on personal or company performance or a mixture of both. Generally, the 
more senior the employee the more the weighting is towards Company performance. The maximum cash bonus 
opportunity varies according to seniority. In addition to Executive Directors, GEC members have a proportion of their 
award deferred into shares.
The pension offering forms an important part of the reward package across the Group. All employees may participate in 
one of a number of defined contribution pension arrangements across the UK and Ireland. Employee and employer 
contribution structures vary depending on the scheme.
A variety of all-employee and discretionary share schemes are in operation across the Group. Generally, where local 
legislation allows, eligible employees, including Executive Directors, may participate in an all-employee share scheme 
such as the Sharesave scheme operated in the UK and Ireland. In addition, a number of UK employees have the 
opportunity to join the UK Share Incentive Plan (SIP), with the potential for an annual SIP Free Share Award based on 
Company stretch performance. Employees of Hammerson France are eligible to participate in a profit share plan which 
rewards performance against certain performance measures. Senior employees in the UK may participate in the 
Restricted Share Plan (a separate scheme to the Executive Director RSS) and in France in the Free Shares Award Scheme. 
Benefits offered by the Group include life assurance, private medical care, car allowances, permanent health insurance  
and health checks. The offer of a particular benefit to an employee will depend on location within the business, their role 
and seniority.

78

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
r
e
p
o
r
t

2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) considerations
The Committee has considered the factors set out in provision 40 of the Code. In the Committee’s view, the Policy addresses those factors as set 
out below:

Factor

How addressed

Remuneration policy and arrangements are clearly disclosed each year in the Annual Report. The 
Committee proactively seeks engagement with shareholders on remuneration matters (see 
description of consultation on proposed Policy above), and is regularly updated on workforce pay 
and benefits across the Group during the course of its activity.
Our remuneration structure is comprised of fixed and variable remuneration, with the 
performance conditions for variable elements clearly communicated to, and understood by, 
participants. The RSS provides a mechanism for aligning Executive Director and shareholder 
interests, removes the difficult challenge of setting robust, appropriately challenging and easily 
understandable performance targets in a volatile market which could lead to potentially 
unintended remuneration outcomes and significantly reduces the maximum pay available to 
Executive Directors.
The rules of the AIP, RSS and LTIP provide discretion to the Committee to reduce award levels and 
awards are subject to malus and clawback provisions. The Committee also has overriding 
discretion to reduce awards to mitigate against any reputational or other risk from such awards 
being considered excessive. The RSS reduces the risk of unintended remuneration outcomes 
associated with complex performance conditions.
The RSS increases the predictability of reward values (removing the risk of potentially unintended 
outcomes). Maximum award levels and discretions are set out in the chart above on page 77.

Variable performance related elements represent a significant proportion of the total 
remuneration opportunity for our Executive Directors. The Committee considers the appropriate 
financial and personal performance measures each year to ensure that there is a clear link to 
strategy. Discretions available to the Committee ensure that awards can be reduced if necessary to 
ensure that outcomes do not reward poor performance.
The Committee seeks to ensure that personal performance measures under the AIP incentivise 
behaviours consistent with the Company’s culture, purpose and values. The RSS clearly aligns 
Executive Director interests with those of shareholders by ensuring a focus on delivering against 
strategy to generate long-term value for shareholders.

Clarity – remuneration arrangements  
should be transparent and promote  
effective engagement with shareholders  
and the workforce
Simplicity – remuneration structures should 
avoid complexity and their rationale and 
operation should be easy to understand

Risk – remuneration arrangements should 
ensure that reputational and other risks from 
excessive rewards, and behavioural risks that 
can arise from target-based incentive plans, 
are identified and mitigated
Predictability – the range of possible reward 
values to individual directors and any other 
limits or discretions should be identified and 
explained at the time of approving the policy
Proportionality – the link between individual 
awards, the delivery of strategy and the 
long-term performance of the company 
should be clear. Outcomes should not reward 
poor performance
Alignment to culture – incentive schemes 
should drive behaviours consistent with 
company purpose, values and strategy

By order of the Board

Gwyn Burr
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
11 March 2021

www.hammerson.com 79

 
 
Directors' report

This report (Directors’ report) forms part of the management report  
as required under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules 
(DTR). The Strategic report on pages 1 to 43 includes an indication  
of likely future developments in the Company, details of important 
events since the year ended 31 December 2020 and the Company’s 
business model and strategy. The Corporate Governance report on 
pages 44 to 79 is incorporated in this Directors’ report by reference.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association (Articles) may be amended by 
special resolution in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 (Act) 
and are available at www.hammerson.com.

Branches
Details of the Company’s French and Irish branches are provided on 
page 150.

Directors
Details of the Directors who served during the year ended 31 December 
2020 and continue to serve at the date of approval of the Directors’ 
report are set out on page 44. Judy Gibbons stepped down as a  
Director on 28 April 2020, David Tyler stepped down as a Director on  
7 September 2020 and David Atkins stepped down as a Director on  
2 November 2020. Desmond de Beer, Robert Noel, Rita-Rose Gagné 
and Mike Butterworth were appointed as Directors on 15 June 2020,  
1 September 2020, 2 November 2020 and 1 January 2021, respectively. 
Habib Annous has been appointed as a Director with effect from  
5 May 2021. On 18 January 2021, James Lenton served notice of his 
resignation as Chief Financial Officer and as a Director of the 
Company, and will remain in role until his successor has been 
appointed. Pierre Bouchut has informed the Board that he will not be 
standing for re-election at the AGM and will step down as a Director 
from the Board at the end of the meeting. 

Directors are appointed and replaced in accordance with the Articles, 
the Act and the UK Corporate Governance Code. The powers of the 
Directors are set out in the Articles and the Act.

Directors’ interests
Details of the Directors’ share interests can be found on pages 67 to 69.

Disclosure of information to auditors
The Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, including confirmation of 
the disclosure of information to the External Auditor, can be found on 
page 82.

Dividend
Details of the recommended final dividend can be found on page 30 
and in note 10 to the financial statements on page 117.

Employees
Details of the Group’s policies regarding the employment of disabled 
persons are provided on page 20.

Employees receive regular briefings and updates via the Group’s 
intranet to inform them of the performance of the business and 
opportunities to participate in employee share schemes. Details of 
engagement with employees can be found on pages 20, 46 and 48 to 49.

Financial instruments
Details of the Group’s risk management in relation to its financial 
instruments are available in note 21 to the financial statements on 
pages 135 to 142.

Going Concern and Viability statements
The Company’s Going Concern and Viability statements can be found 
on pages 25 and 42 to 43.

80

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Greenhouse gas emissions reporting
Information regarding the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions can be 
found on page 169.

Indemnification of and insurance for Directors 
and officers
The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, 
which is reviewed annually. The Company’s Directors and officers are 
adequately insured in accordance with best practice. Directors are 
indemnified under the Articles and through a Deed Poll of Indemnity. 
As disclosed in the combined prospectus and circular dated 6 August 
2020 relating to the rights issue, the Company set up a trust for the 
benefit of Directors in order to ensure equivalent arrangements were 
in place whilst adequate directors’ and officers’ liability insurance  
was sought.

Listing Rule 9.8.4R disclosures
Table 65 sets out where disclosures required in compliance with 
Listing Rule 9.8.4R are located.

Table 65

Interest capitalised and tax relief
Publication of unaudited financial information
Details of long term incentive schemes
Waiver of emoluments by a director
Waiver of future emoluments by a director
Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash
Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash by major 
subsidiary undertakings
Parent company participation in a placing by a listed 
subsidiary
Contracts of significance
Provision of services by a controlling shareholder
Agreements with controlling shareholders 
Shareholder waivers of dividends
Shareholder waivers of future dividends 

Page

115
n/a
61 
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a 
81
81

Post balance sheet events
Details of post balance sheet events can be found in note 29 to the 
financial statements on page 145.

Provisions on change of control
Four of the five outstanding bonds issued by the Company contain 
covenants specifying that the bondholders may request repayment at 
par, if the Company’s credit rating is downgraded to below investment 
grade due to a change of control, and the rating remains below 
investment grade for a period of six months thereafter. In addition, 
under the Company’s credit facilities and private placement notes, 
the lending banks or holders may request repayment of outstanding 
amounts within 30 and 52 days respectively of any change of control.

Purchase of own shares
At the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Company was 
granted authority by shareholders to purchase up to 76,629,361 
ordinary shares (representing approximately 10% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital as at 9 March 2020). This authority will 
expire at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM, at which a resolution will be 
proposed for its renewal, or, if earlier, on 28 July 2021. Details of 
shares purchased by the Company during 2020 can be found in note 
24 to the financial statements on page 143.

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s

'

r
e
p
o
r
t

Some of our relevant policies

Energy policy1
Environmental policy1
Climate change policy1
Biodiversity policy1
Responsible procurement policy1 
Code of conduct1
Flexible working and equal 
opportunities policy1
Health and safety policy1

Modern slavery and human 
trafficking statement1
Responsible procurement policy1
Code of conduct1
Responsible procurement policy1
Health and safety policy1

Code of conduct1
Anti-bribery and corruption policy2
Whistleblowing policy2
Responsible procurement policy1 

Responsibility statement
The Statement of Directors’ responsibilities is set out on page 82.

Non-Financial Information Statement
Table 66

Reporting requirement

Environmental matters

Where to read more about our policies and their outcomes, including the principal 
risks relating to these matters 

Sustainability review
Risks and uncertainties – Climate
Sustainability Report 20201

Employees

Human Rights

Social matters

Engaging with our stakeholders
Our people
Health, safety and security
Risks and uncertainties – People
Board Leadership and Company Purpose – Culture  
Board Leadership and Company Purpose – Culture 

Engaging with our stakeholders
Sustainability review
Health, safety and security
Risks and uncertainties – Catastrophic event
Board Leadership and Company Purpose – Engagement with 
stakeholders
Sustainability Report 20201

Page

16-19
39

48-49
20
11
41
45-46
45-46

48-49
16-19
11
38
45

Anti-bribery and corruption Board Leadership and Company Purpose – Culture

45-46

Business model
Non-financial KPIs 

Our business model 
Operational KPIs
Operating review 

4
15
8-11

1.  Available on our website at www.hammerson.com.
2.  Available to all employees through the Hammerson intranet. Not published externally.

Interests disclosed under DTR 5
Table 67

APG Asset Management N.V.
Lighthouse Capital Limited
Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc

1.  Interests disclosed above as at 10 March 2021.

Number of voting rights attached to shares or 
held through financial instruments

% of total voting rights disclosed  

to the Company

918,621,334
869,670,310
262,340,942

22.64
21.43
6.47

Share capital
Details of the Company’s capital structure are set out in note 24 to the 
financial statements on page 143. The rights and obligations attached 
to the Company’s shares are set out in the Articles. There are no 
restrictions on the transfer of shares except the UK Real Estate 
Investment Trust restrictions.

Shares held in the Employee Share  
Ownership Plan
The Trustees of the Hammerson Employee Share Ownership Plan 
hold Hammerson plc shares in trust to satisfy awards under the 
Company’s employee share plans. The Trustees have waived their 
right to receive dividends on shares held in the Company. As at  
31 December 2020, 962,180 shares were held in trust for employee 
share plans purposes.

Substantial shareholders
Interests in voting rights over the issued share capital of the Company 
disclosed in accordance with DTR 5 can be found in Table 67.

Suppliers and customers
Details of the Company’s engagement with suppliers, customers and 
others in a business relationship with the Company can be found on 
pages 48 to 50.

Alice Darwall
General Counsel and Company Secretary

11 March 2021 

www.hammerson.com 81

 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the 
preparation of the financial statements 

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

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements  
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the 
Group financial statements in accordance with international accounting 
standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006, and Company financial statements in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’, and applicable law). Additionally, the Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules require the 
Directors to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to 
Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union 
(IFRS adopted by the European Union as at 31 December 2020). 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 Company and of the profit or loss of the Group 
and Company for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the 
Directors are required to: 

–  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently 
–  State whether International Accounting Standards in conformity with 

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International 
Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) 
No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union (IFRS adopted by 
the European Union as at 31 December 2020) have been followed for 
the Group financial statements, and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, comprising FRS 101, have been followed for the Company 
financial statements, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements 

–  Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent 

The Directors 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 and 
Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy. 

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in 
the Corporate Governance report, confirms that to the best of 
their knowledge: 

–  The Company financial statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 
‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’, and applicable law), give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss  
of the Company 

–  The Group financial statements, which have been prepared in 

accordance with international accounting standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and international 
financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 
1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of the Group 

–  The Strategic report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Group and 
Company, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face 

In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ report 
is approved: 

–  So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information  

of which the Group and Company’s auditors are unaware 

–  They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a 

Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group and Company’s auditors 
are aware of that information 

By order of the Board 

–  Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless  
it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Company will 
continue in business 

Rita-Rose Gagné  
Chief Executive  

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and Company and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration report 
comply with the Companies Act 2006. 

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions. 

James Lenton  
Chief Financial Officer 

11 March 2021 

82   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

82

 
 
 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc 

Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the 

preparation of the financial statements 

The Directors 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 and 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 

Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy. 

financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed in 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements  

the Corporate Governance report, confirms that to the best of 

for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the 

their knowledge: 

Group financial statements in accordance with international accounting 

standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 

2006, and Company financial statements in accordance with United 

Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 

Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 

Framework’, and applicable law). Additionally, the Financial Conduct 

Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules require the 

Directors to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 

international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to 

Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union 

(IFRS adopted by the European Union as at 31 December 2020). 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 Company and of the profit or loss of the Group 

and Company for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the 

Directors are required to: 

–  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently 

–  State whether International Accounting Standards in conformity with 

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International 

Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) 

No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union (IFRS adopted by 

the European Union as at 31 December 2020) have been followed for 

the Group financial statements, and United Kingdom Accounting 

Standards, comprising FRS 101, have been followed for the Company 

financial statements, subject to any material departures disclosed and 

explained in the financial statements 

–  Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent 

–  The Company financial statements, which have been prepared in 

accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 

Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 

‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’, and applicable law), give a true 

and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss  

of the Company 

–  The Group financial statements, which have been prepared in 

accordance with international accounting standards in conformity 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and international 

financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 

1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, give a true and fair 

view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of the Group 

–  The Strategic report includes a fair review of the development and 

performance of the business and the position of the Group and 

Company, together with a description of the principal risks and 

uncertainties that they face 

In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ report 

is approved: 

–  So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information  

of which the Group and Company’s auditors are unaware 

–  They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a 

Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 

information and to establish that the Group and Company’s auditors 

are aware of that information 

By order of the Board 

–  Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless  

it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Company will 

continue in business 

Rita-Rose Gagné  

Chief Executive  

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 

that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and Company’s 

transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 

financial position of the Group and Company and enable them to ensure 

that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration report 

comply with the Companies Act 2006. 

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 

Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 

prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 

Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 

preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 

legislation in other jurisdictions. 

James Lenton  

Chief Financial Officer 

11 March 2021 

Report on the audit of the financial statements  

Opinion 

In our opinion: 

–  Hammerson plc’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of 

the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the Group’s loss and the Group’s cash flows for the year then ended; 
–  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the 

requirements of the Companies Act 2006; 

–  the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 

(United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law); and 

–  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report, which comprise: the Consolidated and Company balance sheets as at 
31 December 2020; the Consolidated income statement and the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated cash flow 
statement, and the Consolidated and Company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, 
which include a description of the significant accounting policies. 

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee. 

Separate opinion in relation to international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) 
No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union 

As explained in note 1 to the financial statements, the Group, in addition to applying international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006, has also applied international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 
1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. 

In our opinion, the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards adopted 
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence 
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 
UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. 

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group. 
As described in the Audit Committee Report on page 57, given the exceptional circumstances caused by Covid-19, approval was obtained from the FRC 
to waive the non-audit fee cap for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

Other than those disclosed in note 5 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group in the period under audit. 

Material uncertainty related to going concern 

In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures made in note 1 of the 
Group’s financial statements and note A of the Company’s financial statements concerning the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. Prior to considering the impact of secured debt within joint ventures and associates, under a severe but plausible scenario the Group is 
forecast to have minimal headroom on the gearing and interest cover covenants within its unsecured borrowings during the period to 30 June 2022. 
When combined with the volatility in the current retail real estate market, such that forecasting future rental income and property valuations is highly 
uncertain, this creates significant uncertainty around the Group’s ability to comply with these covenants. Additionally within the Group’s joint 
ventures and associates there are forecast to be certain interest cover and loan to value covenant breaches on secured debt, as well as four tranches of 
secured debt requiring refinancing, within the period to 30 June 2022. While the Group is not legally obliged to inject further capital into these joint 
ventures and associates, were unresolved breaches to eventuate or refinancing not be completed, the Group would be at risk of losing all or part of its 
equity investment in those joint ventures and associates. This, in turn, would cause the Group to breach the gearing covenant on its unsecured 
borrowings. The mitigating actions available to the Group, namely asset disposals, refinancing of secured debt, and obtaining covenant waivers, are not 
confirmed as at this time nor within the Group’s control. These conditions, along with the other matters explained in those notes to the financial 
statements, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group and the Company were unable to continue as a 
going concern. 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the 
financial statements is appropriate. 

82   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

83   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 83

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included: 

–  We agreed the underlying cash flow projections to Board approved forecasts and assessed how these forecasts were compiled. We compared the 
prior year forecasts to actual performance to assess management’s ability to forecast accurately, both in the period before Covid-19 but also 
considering the performance of the Group since the first lockdown in March 2020; 

–  We evaluated the key assumptions within the projections, namely forecast property valuations and the levels of forecast net rental income, 

under both a base scenario and severe but plausible scenario. We did so with reference to available 3rd party data sources, contractual rental 
income, together with the most recent data on levels of expected rental concessions/tenant failure. We considered whether the severe but 
plausible scenario included appropriate sensitivities to factor in severe but plausible variances from the base scenario in respect of both forecast 
property valuations and net rental income; 

–  We examined the minimum committed facility headroom under the base and severe but plausible scenarios, and evaluated whether the Directors’ 
conclusion, that sufficient liquidity headroom existed to continue trading operationally throughout the period to 30 June 2022, was appropriate; 
–  We reviewed the terms of financing agreements to determine whether forecast covenant calculations were in line with those agreements and to 

determine whether the maturity profile of the debt included within the projections was accurate; 

–  We obtained and reperformed the Group’s forecast covenant compliance calculations, under both the base and severe but plausible scenarios to 
assess the Directors’ conclusions on covenant compliance. We reperformed the covenant compliance modelling both excluding the impact of 
secured debt issues within the joint ventures and associates, and then including the impact of the secured debt challenges; 

–  We obtained reporting from our component auditors in respect of going concern and considered the impact of their conclusions in our procedures. 
One component auditor included a material uncertainty in respect of going concern for their component within their reporting to us. We ensured 
management appropriately factored this conclusion into their Group going concern assessment; 

–  We assessed the impact of the mitigating actions available to management including their ability to obtain covenant waivers and enact asset 

disposals; and 

–  We reviewed the disclosures relating to the going concern basis of preparation and we found that these provided an explanation of the Directors’ 

assessment that was consistent with the evidence we obtained. 

In relation to the Company’s reporting on how it has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, other than the material uncertainty referred to 
above, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the 
Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting, or in respect of the Directors’ identification in the financial 
statements of any material uncertainties to the Company’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

Our audit approach 

Overview 

Audit scope 
–  The UK, French and Value Retail components were subject to a full scope audit. Together these components account for 89% of the Group’s  

total assets.  

–  The Irish component was subject to an audit over certain account balances (including investment property). 

Key audit matters 
–  Material uncertainty related to going concern (Group and Company) 
–  Valuation of investment property, either held directly or within joint ventures (Group) 
–  Accounting for the investment in Value Retail and valuation of investment property held by Value Retail (Group) 
–  Expected Credit Losses on accounts receivable and unamortised tenant incentives (Group) 
–  Impact of Covid-19 (Group and Company) 
–  Valuation of investments in subsidiary companies and intercompany receivables (Company) 

Materiality 
–  Overall Group materiality: £44.0 million (2019: £55.0 million) based on 0.75% of the Group's total assets. 
–  Specific Group materiality: £7.3 million (2019: £10.6 million) based on 5% of the Group's weighted average adjusted earnings from 2018 to 2020. 
–  Overall Company materiality: £53.5 million (2019: £66.0 million) based on 0.75% of the Company's total assets. 
–  Overall performance materiality: £33.0 million (Group), specific performance materiality: £5.5 million (Group) and overall performance materiality: 

£40.1 million (Company).  

84   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

84

 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included: 

–  We agreed the underlying cash flow projections to Board approved forecasts and assessed how these forecasts were compiled. We compared the 

prior year forecasts to actual performance to assess management’s ability to forecast accurately, both in the period before Covid-19 but also 

considering the performance of the Group since the first lockdown in March 2020; 

–  We evaluated the key assumptions within the projections, namely forecast property valuations and the levels of forecast net rental income, 

under both a base scenario and severe but plausible scenario. We did so with reference to available 3rd party data sources, contractual rental 

income, together with the most recent data on levels of expected rental concessions/tenant failure. We considered whether the severe but 

plausible scenario included appropriate sensitivities to factor in severe but plausible variances from the base scenario in respect of both forecast 

property valuations and net rental income; 

–  We examined the minimum committed facility headroom under the base and severe but plausible scenarios, and evaluated whether the Directors’ 

conclusion, that sufficient liquidity headroom existed to continue trading operationally throughout the period to 30 June 2022, was appropriate; 

–  We reviewed the terms of financing agreements to determine whether forecast covenant calculations were in line with those agreements and to 

determine whether the maturity profile of the debt included within the projections was accurate; 

–  We obtained and reperformed the Group’s forecast covenant compliance calculations, under both the base and severe but plausible scenarios to 

assess the Directors’ conclusions on covenant compliance. We reperformed the covenant compliance modelling both excluding the impact of 

secured debt issues within the joint ventures and associates, and then including the impact of the secured debt challenges; 

–  We obtained reporting from our component auditors in respect of going concern and considered the impact of their conclusions in our procedures. 

One component auditor included a material uncertainty in respect of going concern for their component within their reporting to us. We ensured 

management appropriately factored this conclusion into their Group going concern assessment; 

–  We assessed the impact of the mitigating actions available to management including their ability to obtain covenant waivers and enact asset 

disposals; and 

–  We reviewed the disclosures relating to the going concern basis of preparation and we found that these provided an explanation of the Directors’ 

assessment that was consistent with the evidence we obtained. 

In relation to the Company’s reporting on how it has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, other than the material uncertainty referred to 

above, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the 

Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting, or in respect of the Directors’ identification in the financial 

statements of any material uncertainties to the Company’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of 

approval of the financial statements. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

Our audit approach 

Overview 

Audit scope 

total assets.  

–  The UK, French and Value Retail components were subject to a full scope audit. Together these components account for 89% of the Group’s  

–  The Irish component was subject to an audit over certain account balances (including investment property). 

Key audit matters 

–  Material uncertainty related to going concern (Group and Company) 

–  Valuation of investment property, either held directly or within joint ventures (Group) 

–  Accounting for the investment in Value Retail and valuation of investment property held by Value Retail (Group) 

–  Expected Credit Losses on accounts receivable and unamortised tenant incentives (Group) 

–  Impact of Covid-19 (Group and Company) 

–  Valuation of investments in subsidiary companies and intercompany receivables (Company) 

Materiality 

–  Overall Group materiality: £44.0 million (2019: £55.0 million) based on 0.75% of the Group's total assets. 

–  Specific Group materiality: £7.3 million (2019: £10.6 million) based on 5% of the Group's weighted average adjusted earnings from 2018 to 2020. 

–  Overall Company materiality: £53.5 million (2019: £66.0 million) based on 0.75% of the Company's total assets. 

–  Overall performance materiality: £33.0 million (Group), specific performance materiality: £5.5 million (Group) and overall performance materiality: 

£40.1 million (Company).  

The scope of our audit 
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.  

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud 
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, 
including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. 

Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to tax 
legislation including the Real Estate Investment Trust (‘REIT’) requirements, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a 
material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial 
statements such as the Companies Act 2006. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial 
statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to 
increase revenue, and management bias in accounting estimates. The Group engagement team shared this risk assessment with the component 
auditors so that they could include appropriate audit procedures in response to such risks in their work. Audit procedures performed by the Group 
engagement team and/or component auditors included: 

– Discussions with management and internal audit, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and 

regulation and fraud; 

– Evaluation of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities; 
– Evaluation of the Group’s compliance with the REIT requirements, including considering the impact of the breach of the REIT interest cover test as 

disclosed in note 9, and validating that the Group received a waiver from HMRC to avoid any additional tax charges as a result; 

– Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to the valuation of 
investment property and Expected Credit Loss provisions in respect of accounts receivable and unamortised tenant incentives (see related key audit 
matters below); and 

– Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted to revenue with unusual account combinations or posted by senior 

management. 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws 
and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for 
example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of 
the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, 
including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of 
the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

In addition to the Group and Company going concern, described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section above, we determined the 
matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

Expected Credit Losses on accounts receivable and unamortised tenant incentives and the impact of Covid-19 are new key audit matters this year. 
Otherwise, the key audit matters below are consistent with last year. 

Key audit matter 

Valuation of investment property, either held directly or within 
joint ventures (Group) 
Refer to page 58 (Audit Committee Report), pages 101 to 102 (Significant 
estimates – Property valuations), page 107 (Significant accounting 
policies – Property portfolio) and pages 122 to 128 (Notes to the financial 
statements – notes 12 and 13). 
The Group directly owns, or owns via joint ventures or associates, a 
property portfolio which includes shopping centres, retail parks, 
developments and premium outlets. The total value of this portfolio as at 
31 December 2020 was £6,338 million (2019: £8,327 million) and has 
been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
Of this portfolio £2,153 million (2019: £2,099 million) is held by 
subsidiaries within ‘Investment and development properties’, and £2,123 
million (2019: £3,658 million) is held by joint ventures within 
‘Investment in joint ventures’. Additionally the portfolio includes £nil 
(2019: £456 million) of retail parks held within ‘Assets held for sale’ and 
£nil (2019: £694 million) relating to VIA Outlets previously held within 
‘Investment in joint ventures’. Together these properties are spread 
across the UK, French and Irish components.  
The remainder of the portfolio is held within associates, £2,062 million 
(2019: £2,114 million), primarily in respect of Value Retail with the 
balance held in Italie Deux and Nicetoile. The Group’s share of Value 
Retail’s investment property is £1,924 million (2019: £1,966 million). The 
valuation of Value Retail’s property is discussed within the subsequent 
key audit matter.  

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Given the inherent subjectivity involved in the valuation of investment 
properties, the need for deep market knowledge when determining the 
most appropriate assumptions and the technicalities of valuation 
methodology, we engaged our internal valuation experts (qualified 
chartered surveyors) to assist us in our audit of this matter.  
Assessing the valuers’ expertise and objectivity 
We assessed each of the external valuers’ qualifications and expertise 
and read 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. We 
also considered fee arrangements between the external valuers and the 
Group, and other engagements which might exist between the Group 
and the valuers. We found no evidence to suggest that the objectivity of 
the external valuers, in their performance of the valuations, was 
compromised. 
Data provided to the valuers 
We checked the accuracy of the underlying lease data and capital 
expenditure used by the external valuers in their valuation of the 
portfolio by tracing the data back to the relevant component accounting 
records and signed leases on a sample basis. No exceptions were 
identified from this work. 
Assumptions and estimates used by the valuers 
We read the external valuation reports for the properties and confirmed 
that the valuation approach for each was in accordance with RICS 
standards and suitable for use in determining the final value for the 
purpose of the financial statements. 

84   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 85
www.hammerson.com 

85 

Financial Statements  
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Key audit matter 

This was identified as a key audit matter given the valuation of the 
investment property portfolio is inherently subjective and complex due 
to, among other factors, the individual nature of each property, its 
location, and the expected future rental streams for that particular 
property. The wider challenges currently facing the retail real estate 
occupier and investor markets, which have been compounded by the 
impact of Covid-19, has resulted in a relative lack of both comparable 
transactions and leasing activity. These factors have, significantly 
increased the subjectivity within these valuations for the year ended  
31 December 2020. 
The closing valuations were carried out by CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle  
and Cushman & Wakefield (the “external valuers”), in accordance with 
the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards and the Group accounting 
policies which incorporate the requirements of International  
Accounting Standard 40, ‘Investment Property’ and IFRS 13 ‘Fair  
value measurement’.  
The external valuers engaged by management to value the £861 million  
of investment property within the Irish component have included a 
material valuation uncertainty clause in their report. This clause 
highlights that less certainty, and consequently a higher degree of caution, 
should be attached to the valuation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
This represents a significant estimation uncertainty in relation to the 
valuation of investment properties. No material valuation uncertainty 
clauses were included in the external valuations of the remaining 
properties in the Group’s portfolio but the valuers instead included 
wording suggested by the RICS to describe market uncertainty and 
highlighting the importance of the valuation date. Therefore there still 
remains significant estimation uncertainty in relation to those valuations. 
The properties’ fair value is primarily determined by their investment 
value reflecting the fact that the properties are largely existing 
operational properties currently generating rental income. Shopping 
centres and retail parks are primarily valued using the income 
capitalisation method.  
Those development properties that are subject to an active ongoing 
development are valued using the residual valuation approach. Certain 
operational properties, which have development potential, are valued 
under the income capitalisation method but adjusted to account for 
development potential. Development land is valued on a land per  
acre basis. 
Shopping centres and retail parks 
In determining the valuation of a shopping centre the valuers take into 
account property specific information such as the current tenancy 
agreements and rental income. They then apply judgemental 
assumptions such as estimated rental value (“ERV”) and yield, which are 
influenced by prevailing market yields and where available comparable 
market transactions and leasing evidence, to arrive at the final valuation. 
Due to the unique nature of each property the judgemental assumptions 
to be applied are determined having regard to the individual property 
characteristics at a detailed, tenant by tenant level, as well as considering 
the qualities of the property as a whole. 
Developments 
In determining the valuation of development property under a residual 
valuation the valuers take into account the property specific information 
such as the development plans for the site. They then apply a number of 
judgemental assumptions including ERV and yield within the gross 
development value, estimated costs to complete and developers profit to 
arrive at the valuation. Due to the unique nature of an ongoing 
development the judgemental assumptions to be applied are determined 
having regard to the nature and risks associated with each development. 
In determining the valuation of operational properties with development 
potential the valuers initially follow the same methodology as described 
previously to arrive at an income capitalisation value. Having regard to 
the unique nature of each property, the likelihood of the development 
progressing and the status of planning consents for the development, the 
valuers then make adjustments to the valuation to reflect development 
potential. In determining the value of development land the valuers 
primarily have regard for the value per acre achieved by recent 
comparable land transactions. 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

  We held discussions with each of the external valuers to discuss and 

challenge the valuation process, the key assumptions, and the rationale 
behind the more significant valuation movements during the year. It was 
evident from our interaction with the external valuers, and from our 
review of the valuation reports, that close attention had been paid to 
each property’s individual characteristics at a detailed, tenant by tenant 
level, as well as considering the property specific factors such as the 
latest leasing activity, tenant mix, the impact of CVAs and 
administrations, geographic location, the desirability of the asset as a 
whole, and the impact that Covid-19 has had on the asset. 
In addition we performed the following procedures for each type of 
property. We were able to obtain sufficient evidence to support the 
valuation and did not identify any material issues during our work. 
−  Shopping centres and retail parks 

For shopping centres and retail parks we obtained details of each 
property and set an expected range for yield and capital value 
movement, determined by reference to published benchmarks and 
using our experience and knowledge of the market. We compared the 
yield and capital movement of each property with our expected range. 
We also considered the reasonableness of other assumptions that are 
not so readily comparable with published benchmarks, in particular 
ERV where, for a sample of individual retail units, we specifically 
challenged the valuers to support their individual ERV assumption 
with reference to available evidence and in the context of the impact 
of Covid-19 on retailers. Where assumptions were outside the 
expected range or otherwise appeared unusual we undertook further 
investigations and, when necessary, obtained corroborating evidence 
to support explanations received. This enabled us to assess the 
property specific factors that had an impact on value, including recent 
comparable transactions and leasing evidence where available, and to 
conclude on the reasonableness of the assumptions utilised. 

−  Developments 

For significant ongoing developments valued via the residual 
valuation method we obtained the development appraisal and 
assessed the reasonableness of the valuers’ key assumptions. This 
included comparing the yield to comparable market benchmarks, 
comparing the costs to complete estimates to development plans and 
contracts, and considering the reasonableness of other assumptions 
that are not so readily comparable with published benchmarks, such 
as ERV, cost contingencies and developers profit. Where assumptions 
appeared unusual we undertook further investigations and, when 
necessary, obtained corroborating evidence to support explanations 
received.  
For operational properties with development potential we performed 
the same procedures as described previously for shopping centres and 
retail parks. We also considered the reasonableness of any additional 
value recognised for development potential by reviewing the stage of 
progress of the proposed development including verifying any 
planning consents obtained.  
For development land valued on a per acre basis we obtained details of 
the comparable land transactions utilised by the valuers. We verified 
the value of these transactions to supporting evidence and considered 
their comparability to the asset being valued. 

Material valuation uncertainty clause in respect of the Irish investment 
and development properties 
We considered the adequacy of the disclosures made in notes 1D 
(significant estimates) and 12 (investment properties) to the financial 
statements. These notes explain that there is significant estimation 
uncertainty in relation to the valuation of investment properties within 
the Irish component of £861 million included in the Consolidated 
balance sheet as at 31 December 2020. We challenged management 
regarding the key assumptions within the Irish valuations, including 
yield and ERV, in line with those procedures set out previously in this 
Key audit matter. Accordingly we obtained sufficient appropriate audit 
evidence to demonstrate that management’s assessment of the 
suitability of the inclusion of the valuation in the Consolidated balance 
sheet is appropriate. Notwithstanding this we would highlight that the 
inclusion of the material valuation uncertainty clause means that there 
is a higher degree of caution attached to these valuations, and that there 
is a wider acceptable range as at 31 December 2020 for the valuations 
than would normally be the case. This is illustrated by the wider range 
used in the sensitivity analysis in respect of these properties as disclosed 
within note 1D. We are satisfied these disclosures are appropriate. 

86   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Overall findings 
We found that the assumptions used in the valuations were 
predominantly consistent with our expectations and comparable 
benchmarking information for the asset type, and that the assumptions 
were applied appropriately and reflected available comparable market 
transactions and leasing evidence. Furthermore we found that the 
valuers had appropriately reflected the significant impact that Covid-19 
has had on these properties within their valuations. Where assumptions 
did not fall within our expected range we were satisfied that variances 
were due to property specific factors such as location and tenant mix. 
Therefore, while subject to a greater degree of subjectivity than in 
previous years, we concluded that the assumptions used in the 
valuations by the external valuers were supportable. 

Investment property valuation 
As Group auditors we formally instructed the component auditors of 
Value Retail to perform a full scope audit over the financial information 
of Value Retail. This included audit work over the valuation of 
investment property within Value Retail. 
Our component auditors obtained details of each property. They 
assessed the reasonableness of each property’s key assumptions 
comparing its yield, discount rate and rental income growth rates to 
comparable market benchmarks. In doing so they had regard to property 
specific factors and knowledge of the market, including comparable 
transactions and leasing evidence where appropriate, as well as the 
impact that Covid-19 is likely to have on rental income levels in the short 
to medium term. They obtained corroborating evidence to support 
explanations received from the valuers where appropriate. 
We have obtained reporting from the component auditors and have 
reviewed the results and quality of their work over investment  
property valuation. 
In addition the Group audit team participated in the meeting held 
between Cushman & Wakefield and the component auditors and 
reviewed the component auditors’ working papers. 
We have no issues to report and have obtained sufficient audit  
comfort over the investment property balances within the Value Retail 
financial information. 
Accounting for the investment in Value Retail 
In respect of the complexity within the calculation of the Group’s 
investment in Value Retail, we obtained the ownership structure for 
Value Retail as at 31 December 2020. We instructed the component 
auditor to verify the Group’s percentage ownership of each entity within 
the Value Retail group. We have obtained reporting from the component 
auditors on this procedure and have reviewed the results and quality of 
their work. 
We have tested the adjustments made within the Group consolidation in 
accordance with IAS 28 ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’, in 
arriving at the Group’s equity accounted investment in Value Retail to 
determine whether they are appropriate. 
We have no issues to report in respect of this work. 

Accounting for the investment in Value Retail and valuation of 
investment property held by Value Retail (Group) 
Refer to pages 101 to 102 (Significant estimates – Property valuations), 
page 106 and 107 (Significant accounting policies – Joint operations, joint 
ventures and associates and Property portfolio) and pages 129 to 131 
(Notes to the financial statements – note 14). 
The Group has an investment in Value Retail, a separate group owning a 
number of premium outlets in the United Kingdom and across Europe. 
The Group equity accounts for its interest in Value Retail as an associate. 
The Group’s investment as at 31 December 2020 was £1,154 million 
(2019: £1,355 million). 
Investment property valuation 
The valuation of the Group’s investment in Value Retail is predominantly 
driven by the valuation of the property assets within the Value Retail 
portfolio. The value of the properties was £5,263 million as at 31 
December 2020 (2019: £5,365 million). The Group’s share of the Value 
Retail property, which is included within the wider Group portfolio of 
£6,338 million (2019: £8,327 million), was £1,924 million (2019: £1,966 
million) and has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
The closing valuation was carried out by Cushman & Wakefield, in 
accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards and the 
Group accounting policies which incorporate the requirements of 
International Accounting Standard 40, ‘Investment Property’ and IFRS 
13 ‘Fair value measurement’. The premium outlets’ fair value is 
determined by their investment value utilising a discounted cash flow 
(“DCF”) basis.  
In determining the valuation of a premium outlet the valuers take into 
account property specific information such as current tenancy 
agreements, rental income generated by the asset, as well as property 
operating costs. They then apply judgmental assumptions such as yield, 
discount rate and expected rental income growth rates, which are 
influenced by prevailing market yields and where appropriate 
comparable market transactions, to arrive at the final valuation. Due to 
the unique nature of each property, the judgmental assumptions to be 
applied are determined having regard to the individual property 
characteristics at a detailed, unit by unit level, as well as considering the 
qualities of the property as a whole. 
Accounting for the investment in Value Retail 
Value Retail has a complex ownership structure whereby each investing 
party owns differing proportions of each of the entities, and hence 
properties, within the Value Retail group. As such this creates significant 
complexity in determining the overall investment in Value Retail held 
within the Group consolidated financial statements. 
Therefore, on the basis of the significant judgement within the 
investment property valuation, and the complexity in determining  
the overall investment in Value Retail, we identified this as a key  
audit matter. 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

This was identified as a key audit matter given the valuation of the 

  We held discussions with each of the external valuers to discuss and 

investment property portfolio is inherently subjective and complex due 

challenge the valuation process, the key assumptions, and the rationale 

to, among other factors, the individual nature of each property, its 

location, and the expected future rental streams for that particular 

property. The wider challenges currently facing the retail real estate 

occupier and investor markets, which have been compounded by the 

impact of Covid-19, has resulted in a relative lack of both comparable 

transactions and leasing activity. These factors have, significantly 

behind the more significant valuation movements during the year. It was 

evident from our interaction with the external valuers, and from our 

review of the valuation reports, that close attention had been paid to 

each property’s individual characteristics at a detailed, tenant by tenant 

level, as well as considering the property specific factors such as the 

latest leasing activity, tenant mix, the impact of CVAs and 

increased the subjectivity within these valuations for the year ended  

administrations, geographic location, the desirability of the asset as a 

31 December 2020. 

The closing valuations were carried out by CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle  

and Cushman & Wakefield (the “external valuers”), in accordance with 

the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards and the Group accounting 

policies which incorporate the requirements of International  

Accounting Standard 40, ‘Investment Property’ and IFRS 13 ‘Fair  

value measurement’.  

The external valuers engaged by management to value the £861 million  

of investment property within the Irish component have included a 

material valuation uncertainty clause in their report. This clause 

highlights that less certainty, and consequently a higher degree of caution, 

should be attached to the valuation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

This represents a significant estimation uncertainty in relation to the 

valuation of investment properties. No material valuation uncertainty 

clauses were included in the external valuations of the remaining 

properties in the Group’s portfolio but the valuers instead included 

wording suggested by the RICS to describe market uncertainty and 

highlighting the importance of the valuation date. Therefore there still 

remains significant estimation uncertainty in relation to those valuations. 

The properties’ fair value is primarily determined by their investment 

value reflecting the fact that the properties are largely existing 

whole, and the impact that Covid-19 has had on the asset. 

In addition we performed the following procedures for each type of 

property. We were able to obtain sufficient evidence to support the 

valuation and did not identify any material issues during our work. 

−  Shopping centres and retail parks 

For shopping centres and retail parks we obtained details of each 

property and set an expected range for yield and capital value 

movement, determined by reference to published benchmarks and 

using our experience and knowledge of the market. We compared the 

yield and capital movement of each property with our expected range. 

We also considered the reasonableness of other assumptions that are 

not so readily comparable with published benchmarks, in particular 

ERV where, for a sample of individual retail units, we specifically 

challenged the valuers to support their individual ERV assumption 

with reference to available evidence and in the context of the impact 

of Covid-19 on retailers. Where assumptions were outside the 

expected range or otherwise appeared unusual we undertook further 

investigations and, when necessary, obtained corroborating evidence 

to support explanations received. This enabled us to assess the 

property specific factors that had an impact on value, including recent 

comparable transactions and leasing evidence where available, and to 

operational properties currently generating rental income. Shopping 

conclude on the reasonableness of the assumptions utilised. 

centres and retail parks are primarily valued using the income 

−  Developments 

capitalisation method.  

Those development properties that are subject to an active ongoing 

development are valued using the residual valuation approach. Certain 

operational properties, which have development potential, are valued 

under the income capitalisation method but adjusted to account for 

development potential. Development land is valued on a land per  

acre basis. 

Shopping centres and retail parks 

In determining the valuation of a shopping centre the valuers take into 

account property specific information such as the current tenancy 

agreements and rental income. They then apply judgemental 

assumptions such as estimated rental value (“ERV”) and yield, which are 

influenced by prevailing market yields and where available comparable 

market transactions and leasing evidence, to arrive at the final valuation. 

Due to the unique nature of each property the judgemental assumptions 

to be applied are determined having regard to the individual property 

For significant ongoing developments valued via the residual 

valuation method we obtained the development appraisal and 

assessed the reasonableness of the valuers’ key assumptions. This 

included comparing the yield to comparable market benchmarks, 

comparing the costs to complete estimates to development plans and 

contracts, and considering the reasonableness of other assumptions 

that are not so readily comparable with published benchmarks, such 

as ERV, cost contingencies and developers profit. Where assumptions 

appeared unusual we undertook further investigations and, when 

necessary, obtained corroborating evidence to support explanations 

received.  

For operational properties with development potential we performed 

the same procedures as described previously for shopping centres and 

retail parks. We also considered the reasonableness of any additional 

value recognised for development potential by reviewing the stage of 

progress of the proposed development including verifying any 

characteristics at a detailed, tenant by tenant level, as well as considering 

planning consents obtained.  

the qualities of the property as a whole. 

Developments 

In determining the valuation of development property under a residual 

valuation the valuers take into account the property specific information 

For development land valued on a per acre basis we obtained details of 

the comparable land transactions utilised by the valuers. We verified 

the value of these transactions to supporting evidence and considered 

their comparability to the asset being valued. 

such as the development plans for the site. They then apply a number of 

Material valuation uncertainty clause in respect of the Irish investment 

judgemental assumptions including ERV and yield within the gross 

and development properties 

development value, estimated costs to complete and developers profit to 

arrive at the valuation. Due to the unique nature of an ongoing 

development the judgemental assumptions to be applied are determined 

having regard to the nature and risks associated with each development. 

We considered the adequacy of the disclosures made in notes 1D 

(significant estimates) and 12 (investment properties) to the financial 

statements. These notes explain that there is significant estimation 

uncertainty in relation to the valuation of investment properties within 

In determining the valuation of operational properties with development 

the Irish component of £861 million included in the Consolidated 

potential the valuers initially follow the same methodology as described 

balance sheet as at 31 December 2020. We challenged management 

previously to arrive at an income capitalisation value. Having regard to 

the unique nature of each property, the likelihood of the development 

regarding the key assumptions within the Irish valuations, including 

yield and ERV, in line with those procedures set out previously in this 

progressing and the status of planning consents for the development, the 

Key audit matter. Accordingly we obtained sufficient appropriate audit 

valuers then make adjustments to the valuation to reflect development 

evidence to demonstrate that management’s assessment of the 

potential. In determining the value of development land the valuers 

primarily have regard for the value per acre achieved by recent 

comparable land transactions. 

suitability of the inclusion of the valuation in the Consolidated balance 

sheet is appropriate. Notwithstanding this we would highlight that the 

inclusion of the material valuation uncertainty clause means that there 

is a higher degree of caution attached to these valuations, and that there 

is a wider acceptable range as at 31 December 2020 for the valuations 

than would normally be the case. This is illustrated by the wider range 

used in the sensitivity analysis in respect of these properties as disclosed 

within note 1D. We are satisfied these disclosures are appropriate. 

86   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 87
www.hammerson.com 

87 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Key audit matter 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Expected Credit Losses on accounts receivable and unamortised 
tenant incentives (Group) 
Refer to page 59 (Audit Committee Report), page 99 (Basis of preparation 
- Impairment provisioning), pages 102 to 103 (Significant estimates - 
Impairment of trade receivables and tenant incentives), page 106 
(Significant accounting policies), page 132 (Notes to the financial 
statements – note 15) and pages 137 to 138 (Notes to the financial 
statements – note 21E). 
The total value of accounts receivables recognised within the Group’s 
subsidiaries is £83 million (2019: £42 million) and within joint ventures 
and associates (excluding Value Retail) was £87 million (2019: £19 
million) at 31 December 2020, against which an Expected Credit Loss 
(‘ECL’) provision of £36 million (2019: £10 million) and £44 million 
(2019: £7 million) has been recognised. Total unamortised tenant 
incentives across the Group’s subsidiaries is £44 million (2019: £37 
million) and across joint ventures and associates (excluding Value Retail) 
was £24 million (2019: £23 million) at 31 December 2020, against which 
an ECL provision of £10 million (2019: £nil) and £5 million (2019: £nil) 
has been recognised. 
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of the Group’s 
properties at various times during the year. This, together with the wider 
pre-existing challenges in the retail market, has caused a significant 
increase in the level of arrears as at 31 December 2020. The effects of the 
pandemic are likely to continue to be experienced for some time. In this 
context the estimation of an ECL provision against accounts receivables 
and unamortised tenant incentives is highly subjective and contains 
significant estimation uncertainty.  
The Directors have utilised a provisioning matrix methodology to 
determine the ECL provision. Under this approach each tenant has been 
placed into a risk category based on the perceived risk of tenant default. 
Multiple data points have been used to drive this categorisation 
including: the size and type of business, payment history, latest current 
trading performance, credit information, forward-looking economic 
factors and ongoing tenant negotiations. A provisioning percentage has 
then been applied to each category to reflect the expected portion of 
tenants within each category for which an ECL provision is required. 
On the basis of the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the 
appropriate level of ECL provisions to be recognised given the ongoing 
impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the retail sector, we 
identified this as a key audit matter. 

Impact of Covid-19 (Group and Company) 
Refer to pages 35 to 41 (Risks and uncertainties), pages 42 to 43 (Viability 
statement), pages 101 to 103 (Significant estimates), pages 104 to 105 
(Going concern) and page 148 (Company– Going concern).  
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Group, 
severely reducing both property valuations and net rental income. The 
extent of the negative impact of the pandemic on future performance is 
difficult to predict as government intervention continues, such as the UK 
rent moratorium, and wider structural challenges in the retail sector 
remain.  
The most significant impacts of Covid-19 on the Group and Company 
financial statements have been: 
–  The assessment of the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. The Directors’ have forecast the expected impact of 
Covid-19 into their base scenario, and then applied appropriate 
sensitivities to ascertain a severe but plausible scenario. As described in 
the Material uncertainty related to going concern section of this report 
they have then modelled the impact on both liquidity and covenant 
compliance of these scenarios.  

–  The valuations of investment and development properties across the 
Group’s shopping centres, retail parks, developments and premium 
outlets, have fallen, in some cases significantly, during the year. The 
lower levels of transactional activity and leasing evidence has also 
served to heighten the estimation uncertainty within the valuation, as 
described in the key audit matters above.  

  We have evaluated the methodology utilised by the Directors in 
determining the ECL provisions as at 31 December 2020. We are 
satisfied the approach is compliant with the requirements of IFRS 9 
Financial Instruments. 
We have tested the mathematical accuracy of the ECL provision on 
both accounts receivables and unamortised tenant incentives, and 
verified it is accurate. 
On a sample basis, we have performed detailed testing over the 
underlying data and information used in the ECL analysis including 
but not limited to verifying: the tenant’s year end outstanding 
receivable balance net of deposits; the tenant’s year end unamortised 
lease incentive balance; tenant’s credit histories and their current 
trading performance; status of ongoing discussions with tenants, the 
ageing of the balances; the level of cash collections both during the year 
and post year end; and the forward looking macroeconomic 
environment amongst other factors.  
We have tested the key assumptions within the ECL provision 
calculation, being the categorisation of tenants and the percentage 
provisioning rates applied to each category. In doing so we had direct 
regard to the underlying data and information described above. We are 
satisfied the assumptions utilised are reasonable. 
We have performed sensitivity analysis to understand the impact that 
reasonable changes in the provisioning percentage assumptions has on 
the overall ECL provision.  
We have assessed the appropriateness of related disclosures included 
in the notes to the Group financial statements and consider them to be 
reasonable.  
We have no issues to report in respect of this work. 

Key audit matters and material uncertainty related to going concern 
Our conclusions in respect of the Group and Company’s going concern 
are set out separately within this report within the “Material 
uncertainty related to going concern section” above. 
Our procedures in respect of the valuation of investment and 
development properties across shopping centres, retail parks, 
developments and premium outlets are covered in the related key 
audit matters above.  
Our procedures in respect of the Expected Credit Losses provisions 
recognised against accounts receivable balances and unamortised 
tenant incentives are covered in the related key audit matter above.  
Our procedures in respect of the Company’s investments in subsidiary 
undertakings and intercompany receivables are covered in the related 
key audit matter below.  
Business processes and controls 
We considered whether changes to management’s working practices 
as a result of Covid-19 had an adverse impact on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s business processes and controls, including IT general controls. 
Our planned tests of controls did not identify any evidence of a 
material deterioration in the control environment in relation to 
financial reporting processes.  

88   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

  How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

–  The Expected Credit Loss provisions recognised against accounts 

receivable balances and unamortised tenant incentives have 
significantly increased during the year as a result of the distress being 
experienced by retailers as a result of Covid-19. This is described in the 
key audit matter above. 

–  The assessment of the carrying value of the Company’s investments in 

subsidiary companies and intercompany receivables, which are directly 
linked to the underlying property valuations, has resulted in significant 
valuation reductions during the year as described in the related key 
audit matter below. 

Disclosures 
In addition to the procedures above, we assessed the disclosures 
presented in the Annual Report in relation to Covid-19, by reading the 
other information, including the Risks and uncertainties and Viability 
statement set out in the Strategic Report, and assessing its consistency 
with the financial statements and the evidence we obtained in our 
audit. We have nothing to report in respect of these disclosures.  
We also considered the appropriateness of the disclosures in the 
financial statements around the increased estimation uncertainty on 
certain Group and Company accounting estimates. We consider these 
disclosures to be adequate.  

Valuation of investments in subsidiary companies and intercompany 
receivables (Company) 
Refer to page 148 (Accounting Policies) and page 149 (Notes to the 
financial statements – note C and D). 
The Company has investments in subsidiary companies of £2,409 million 
(2019: £3,775 million) and intercompany receivables of £4,308 million 
(2019: £4,953 million) as at 31 December 2020. This is following the 
recognition of a £1,369 million (2019: £1,287 million) revaluation loss on 
investments in subsidiary companies and an Expected Credit Loss 
impairment of £310 million (2019: £nil) recognised on intercompany 
receivables in the year.  
The Company’s accounting policy for investments is to hold them at fair 
value, while intercompany receivables are carried at amortised cost but 
subject to the Expected Credit Loss impairment requirements. Given the 
inherent judgement and complexity in assessing both the fair value of a 
subsidiary company, and the Expected Credit Loss of intercompany 
receivables, this was identified as a key audit matter for our audit of the 
Company.  
The primary determinant and key judgement within both the fair value of 
each subsidiary company and the Expected Credit Loss of intercompany 
receivables is the value of the investment property held by each 
investee/counterparty. As such it was over this area to which we applied 
the most focus and audit effort. 

  We obtained the Directors’ valuation for the value of investments held 
in subsidiary companies and their Expected Credit Loss assessment of 
intercompany receivables as at 31 December 2020.  
We assessed the accounting policy for investments and intercompany 
receivables to ensure they were compliant with FRS 101 “Reduced 
Disclosure Framework”. 
We verified that the methodology used by the Directors in arriving at 
the fair value of each subsidiary, and the Expected Credit Loss ‘general 
approach’ provision for intercompany receivables, was compliant with 
FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”.  
We identified the key judgement within both the valuation of 
investments held in subsidiary companies and intercompany 
receivables to be the valuation of investment property held by each 
investee/counterparty. For details of our procedures over investment 
property valuations please refer to the related Group key audit  
matter above. 
We have no issues to report in respect of this work. 

How we tailored the audit scope 
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking 
into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate. 

The Group owns and invests in a number of shopping centres, retail parks, developments and premium outlets across the United Kingdom and Europe. 
These are held within a variety of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. 

Based on our understanding of the Group we focussed our audit work primarily on four components being: UK, France, Ireland and Value Retail. 

The UK, French and Value Retail components were subject to a full scope audit given their financial significance to the Group. Ireland was subject to an 
audit over certain account balances (including investment property), based on our assessment of risk and materiality of the Group’s operations at each 
component. 

The UK, French and Value Retail components account for 89% (2019: 88%) of the Group’s total assets. The UK and Irish components were audited by 
the Group team. The French and Value Retail components were audited by component teams. 

Detailed instructions were sent to both component teams. These instructions covered the significant areas that should be addressed by the component 
auditors (which included the relevant risks of material misstatement) and set out the information required to be reported back to the Group audit team. In 
addition, regular meetings were held with the component audit teams, with the Group audit team attending the clearance meeting for all component audits. 
Finally the Group audit team performed a detailed review of the working papers of all component teams to ensure the work performed was appropriate. 

These procedures, together with additional procedures performed at the Group level (including audit procedures over the consolidation and 
consolidation adjustments), gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. 

In respect of the audit of the Company, the Group audit team performed a full scope statutory audit. 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Expected Credit Losses on accounts receivable and unamortised 

  We have evaluated the methodology utilised by the Directors in 

tenant incentives (Group) 

Refer to page 59 (Audit Committee Report), page 99 (Basis of preparation 

- Impairment provisioning), pages 102 to 103 (Significant estimates - 

Impairment of trade receivables and tenant incentives), page 106 

(Significant accounting policies), page 132 (Notes to the financial 

statements – note 15) and pages 137 to 138 (Notes to the financial 

statements – note 21E). 

determining the ECL provisions as at 31 December 2020. We are 

satisfied the approach is compliant with the requirements of IFRS 9 

Financial Instruments. 

We have tested the mathematical accuracy of the ECL provision on 

both accounts receivables and unamortised tenant incentives, and 

verified it is accurate. 

On a sample basis, we have performed detailed testing over the 

The total value of accounts receivables recognised within the Group’s 

underlying data and information used in the ECL analysis including 

subsidiaries is £83 million (2019: £42 million) and within joint ventures 

but not limited to verifying: the tenant’s year end outstanding 

and associates (excluding Value Retail) was £87 million (2019: £19 

receivable balance net of deposits; the tenant’s year end unamortised 

million) at 31 December 2020, against which an Expected Credit Loss 

lease incentive balance; tenant’s credit histories and their current 

(‘ECL’) provision of £36 million (2019: £10 million) and £44 million 

(2019: £7 million) has been recognised. Total unamortised tenant 

incentives across the Group’s subsidiaries is £44 million (2019: £37 

trading performance; status of ongoing discussions with tenants, the 

ageing of the balances; the level of cash collections both during the year 

and post year end; and the forward looking macroeconomic 

million) and across joint ventures and associates (excluding Value Retail) 

environment amongst other factors.  

was £24 million (2019: £23 million) at 31 December 2020, against which 

an ECL provision of £10 million (2019: £nil) and £5 million (2019: £nil) 

has been recognised. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of the Group’s 

We have tested the key assumptions within the ECL provision 

calculation, being the categorisation of tenants and the percentage 

provisioning rates applied to each category. In doing so we had direct 

regard to the underlying data and information described above. We are 

properties at various times during the year. This, together with the wider 

satisfied the assumptions utilised are reasonable. 

We have performed sensitivity analysis to understand the impact that 

reasonable changes in the provisioning percentage assumptions has on 

the overall ECL provision.  

We have assessed the appropriateness of related disclosures included 

in the notes to the Group financial statements and consider them to be 

reasonable.  

We have no issues to report in respect of this work. 

pre-existing challenges in the retail market, has caused a significant 

increase in the level of arrears as at 31 December 2020. The effects of the 

pandemic are likely to continue to be experienced for some time. In this 

context the estimation of an ECL provision against accounts receivables 

and unamortised tenant incentives is highly subjective and contains 

significant estimation uncertainty.  

The Directors have utilised a provisioning matrix methodology to 

determine the ECL provision. Under this approach each tenant has been 

placed into a risk category based on the perceived risk of tenant default. 

Multiple data points have been used to drive this categorisation 

including: the size and type of business, payment history, latest current 

trading performance, credit information, forward-looking economic 

factors and ongoing tenant negotiations. A provisioning percentage has 

then been applied to each category to reflect the expected portion of 

tenants within each category for which an ECL provision is required. 

On the basis of the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the 

appropriate level of ECL provisions to be recognised given the ongoing 

impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the retail sector, we 

identified this as a key audit matter. 

Impact of Covid-19 (Group and Company) 

Key audit matters and material uncertainty related to going concern 

Refer to pages 35 to 41 (Risks and uncertainties), pages 42 to 43 (Viability 

Our conclusions in respect of the Group and Company’s going concern 

statement), pages 101 to 103 (Significant estimates), pages 104 to 105 

are set out separately within this report within the “Material 

(Going concern) and page 148 (Company– Going concern).  

uncertainty related to going concern section” above. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Group, 

severely reducing both property valuations and net rental income. The 

Our procedures in respect of the valuation of investment and 

development properties across shopping centres, retail parks, 

extent of the negative impact of the pandemic on future performance is 

developments and premium outlets are covered in the related key 

difficult to predict as government intervention continues, such as the UK 

audit matters above.  

rent moratorium, and wider structural challenges in the retail sector 

remain.  

The most significant impacts of Covid-19 on the Group and Company 

financial statements have been: 

–  The assessment of the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a 

going concern. The Directors’ have forecast the expected impact of 

Covid-19 into their base scenario, and then applied appropriate 

sensitivities to ascertain a severe but plausible scenario. As described in 

the Material uncertainty related to going concern section of this report 

they have then modelled the impact on both liquidity and covenant 

compliance of these scenarios.  

–  The valuations of investment and development properties across the 

Group’s shopping centres, retail parks, developments and premium 

outlets, have fallen, in some cases significantly, during the year. The 

lower levels of transactional activity and leasing evidence has also 

served to heighten the estimation uncertainty within the valuation, as 

described in the key audit matters above.  

Our procedures in respect of the Expected Credit Losses provisions 

recognised against accounts receivable balances and unamortised 

tenant incentives are covered in the related key audit matter above.  

Our procedures in respect of the Company’s investments in subsidiary 

undertakings and intercompany receivables are covered in the related 

key audit matter below.  

Business processes and controls 

We considered whether changes to management’s working practices 

as a result of Covid-19 had an adverse impact on the effectiveness of the 

Group’s business processes and controls, including IT general controls. 

Our planned tests of controls did not identify any evidence of a 

material deterioration in the control environment in relation to 

financial reporting processes.  

88   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 89
www.hammerson.com 

89 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with 
qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual 
financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial 
statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

Overall materiality 

£44.0 million (2019: £55.0 million). 

£53.5 million (2019: £66.0 million). 

How we determined it 

0.75% of the Group's total assets 

0.75% of the Company's total assets 

Rationale for benchmark applied  We determined materiality based on total assets given the 

valuation of investment properties, whether held directly or 
through joint ventures and associates, is the key determinant of 
the Group's value. This materiality was utilised in the audit of 
investing and financing activities. 

Specific materiality 

£7.3 million (2019: £10.6 million). 

How we determined it 

5% of the Group's weighted average adjusted earnings from 2018 
to 2020 (2019: 5% of the Group’s 2019 adjusted profit). 

Given the Hammerson plc entity is 
primarily a holding company we 
determined total assets to be the 
appropriate benchmark. 

Not applicable. 

Not applicable. 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

In arriving at this materiality we had regard to the fact that 
adjusted earnings is a secondary financial indicator of the Group 
(refer to note 11 of the financial statements which includes a 
reconciliation between IFRS and adjusted earnings) and a 
weighted average of the last three years from 2018 to 2020 was 
utilised to reflect the one off impact of Covid-19 on the Group’s 
results in 2020. 
This materiality was utilised in the audit of operating activities. 

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality 
allocated across components for investing and financing activities was £22.0 million to £38.0 million. The range of materiality allocated across 
components for operating activities was £3.2 million to £6.5 million. 

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature and 
extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining sample sizes. Our performance materiality 
for investing and financing activities was 75% of overall materiality, amounting to £33.0 million for the Group financial statements and £40.1 million 
for the Company financial statements. Our performance materiality for operating activities was 75% of specific materiality, amounting to £5.5 million 
for the Group financial statements. 

In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors - the history of misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation risk 
and the effectiveness of controls - and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £2.2 million (Group audit) (2019: 
£2.7 million) for investing and financing activities, £0.7 million (Group audit) (2019: £1.1 million) for operating activities, and £2.7 million (Company 
audit) (2019: £3.3 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Reporting on other information  
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. The 
Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we 
do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether 
there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report 
based on these responsibilities. 

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors' report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have 
been included. 

Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below. 

90   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

90

 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Materiality 

statements as a whole. 

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with 

qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual 

financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

Overall materiality 

£44.0 million (2019: £55.0 million). 

£53.5 million (2019: £66.0 million). 

How we determined it 

0.75% of the Group's total assets 

0.75% of the Company's total assets 

Rationale for benchmark applied  We determined materiality based on total assets given the 

valuation of investment properties, whether held directly or 

through joint ventures and associates, is the key determinant of 

the Group's value. This materiality was utilised in the audit of 

appropriate benchmark. 

investing and financing activities. 

Given the Hammerson plc entity is 

primarily a holding company we 

determined total assets to be the 

Specific materiality 

£7.3 million (2019: £10.6 million). 

Not applicable. 

How we determined it 

5% of the Group's weighted average adjusted earnings from 2018 

Not applicable. 

to 2020 (2019: 5% of the Group’s 2019 adjusted profit). 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

In arriving at this materiality we had regard to the fact that 

adjusted earnings is a secondary financial indicator of the Group 

(refer to note 11 of the financial statements which includes a 

reconciliation between IFRS and adjusted earnings) and a 

weighted average of the last three years from 2018 to 2020 was 

utilised to reflect the one off impact of Covid-19 on the Group’s 

results in 2020. 

This materiality was utilised in the audit of operating activities. 

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality 

allocated across components for investing and financing activities was £22.0 million to £38.0 million. The range of materiality allocated across 

components for operating activities was £3.2 million to £6.5 million. 

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 

misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature and 

extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining sample sizes. Our performance materiality 

for investing and financing activities was 75% of overall materiality, amounting to £33.0 million for the Group financial statements and £40.1 million 

for the Company financial statements. Our performance materiality for operating activities was 75% of specific materiality, amounting to £5.5 million 

for the Group financial statements. 

In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors - the history of misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation risk 

and the effectiveness of controls - and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £2.2 million (Group audit) (2019: 

£2.7 million) for investing and financing activities, £0.7 million (Group audit) (2019: £1.1 million) for operating activities, and £2.7 million (Company 

audit) (2019: £3.3 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Reporting on other information  

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. The 

Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we 

do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 

information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 

misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether 

there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 

performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report 

based on these responsibilities. 

been included. 

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors' report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have 

Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below. 

Strategic Report and Directors' report 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors' report for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not identify 
any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors' report. 

Directors’ Remuneration 
In our opinion, the part of the Directors' Remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Corporate governance statement 
The Listing Rules require us to review the Directors’ statements in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the corporate 
governance statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. Our 
additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other information are described in the Reporting on other 
information section of this report. 

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance statement, 
included within the Corporate Governance report is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit, 
and, except for the matters reported in the section headed ‘Material uncertainty related to going concern’, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to: 

–  The Directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks; 
–  The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures are in place to identify emerging risks and an explanation 

of how these are being managed or mitigated; 

–  The Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at 
least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements; 

–  The Directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the Group's and Company’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is 

appropriate; and 

–  The Directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the period of its assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications  
or assumptions. 

Our review of the Directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the Group was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted 
of making inquiries and considering the Directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is in alignment with the relevant 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the statement is consistent with the financial statements and our 
knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. 

In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance 
statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 

–  The Directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the information 

necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company's position, performance, business model and strategy; 

–  The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems; and 
–  The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit Committee. 

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the Directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the Code 
does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 
Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements 
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in 
accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Directors are also responsible for such internal 
control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to 
liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 
error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data auditing techniques. However, it 
typically involves selecting a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will often seek to target particular items 
for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit sampling to enable us to draw a conclusion about the population 
from which the sample is selected. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report. 

90   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 91
www.hammerson.com 

91 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Use of this report 
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any 
other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

Other required reporting 

Companies Act 2006 exception reporting 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

–  we have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 
–  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited 

by us; or 

–  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
–  the financial statements and the part of the Directors' Remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment 
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the members on 25 April 2017 to audit the financial statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2017 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 4 years, covering the years ended 
31 December 2017 to 31 December 2020. 

Sonia Copeland (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 

11 March 2021 

92   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

92

  
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Hammerson plc continued  

Use of this report 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 

Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any 

other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

Other required reporting 

Companies Act 2006 exception reporting 

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

–  we have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 

by us; or 

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

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment 

–  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited 

–  the financial statements and the part of the Directors' Remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. 

Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the members on 25 April 2017 to audit the financial statements for the 

year ended 31 December 2017 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 4 years, covering the years ended 

31 December 2017 to 31 December 2020. 

Sonia Copeland (Senior Statutory Auditor) 

for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 

London 

11 March 2021 

Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Revenue 

Operating profit before other net losses and share of results of joint ventures  
and associates2,3 

Profit/(Loss) on sale of properties 
Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, recycled on disposal of foreign operations 
Revaluation losses on properties  
Impairment relating to assets held for sale: VIA Outlets4 
Impairment recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale: Retail parks 
Reversal of impairment on reclassification from assets held for sale: Retail parks 
Other losses5 
Other net losses 

Share of results of joint ventures 
Impairment of investment in joint ventures 
Share of results of associates 
Impairment of investment in associates 
Operating loss 

Finance costs 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Finance income 
Net finance costs 
Loss before tax 

Tax charge 
Loss for the year  

Attributable to: 
Equity shareholders 
Non-controlling interests 
Loss for the year  

Basic loss per share6 
Diluted loss for share6 

Notes 

4 

2 

2020
£m
182.9

20191
£m
246.2

31.2

111.0

11.6
5.2
(493.5)
(103.8)
–
22.4
(0.4)
(558.5)

(882.7)
(9.6)
(148.3)
(94.3)
(1,662.2)

(95.5)
13.7
9.6
(72.2)
(1,734.4)

(0.5)
(1,734.9)

(1,734.8)
(0.1)
(1,734.9)

2 

13A 

13D 

14A 

14E 

2 

8 

9A 

11B 

11B 

(76.9)p
(76.9)p

(105.8)
13.8
(412.2)
–
(91.6)
–
–
(595.8)

(429.1)
–
209.4
–
(704.5)

(102.5)
6.2
21.5
(74.8)
(779.3)

(1.9)
(781.2)

(781.2)
–
(781.2)

(46.6)p
(46.6)p

1.  Retail parks presented as discontinued for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been re-presented as continuing operations as the IFRS 5 criteria ceased to be met in 2020 as 

detailed in note 1B. 

2.  Included within ‘Operating profit before other net losses and share of results of joint ventures and associates’ is a loss allowance provision charge against trade receivables 
totalling £25.2 million, comprising £21.3 million in relation to income recognised up to 31 December 2020 (included in other property outgoings in note 2) and £3.9 million 
relating to amounts not yet recognised in the consolidated income statement (separately identified in note 2). The provision charge for the year ended 31 December 2019 was 
£1.4 million which all related to income for the year. Refer to note 1D for further details. 

3.  Included within ‘Operating profit before other net losses and share of results of joint ventures and associates’ is a £9.5 million provision for impairment of lease incentives  

(2019: £nil). Refer to note 1D for further details. 

4.  The Group reclassified substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets to assets held for sale on 30 June 2020, recognising an impairment loss of £103.8 million. This 

investment was subsequently sold on 31 October 2020 for net proceeds of £270.7 million. Refer to note 18A for further details. 

5.  Other losses comprise £0.3 million relating to indirect costs of the rights issue and £0.1 million change in fair value of other investments. 
6.  The 2019 comparative per share data has been restated in accordance with IAS 33 following the share consolidation and rights issue in September 2020. Refer to note 11D for 

further details. 

92   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 93
www.hammerson.com 

93 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Items recycled through the consolidated income statement on disposal of foreign operations  
Exchange gain previously recognised in the translation reserve 
Exchange loss previously recognised in the net investment hedge reserve 
Net exchange gain relating to equity shareholders* 

Items that may subsequently be recycled through the consolidated income statement 
Foreign exchange translation differences 
(Loss)/Gain on net investment hedge 
Net gain on cash flow hedge 
Share of other comprehensive loss of associates 

Items that may not subsequently be recycled through the consolidated income statement 
Net actuarial losses on pension schemes 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 

Loss for the year 
Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Attributable to: 
Equity shareholders 
Non-controlling interests 
Total comprehensive loss for the year 

*  Relates to the sale of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets in 2020 and a 75% interest in Italie Deux, Paris in 2019. 

2020
£m

(26.0)
20.8
(5.2)

171.1
(109.2)
4.8
(1.0)
65.7

(12.8)
47.7

(1,734.9)
(1,687.2)

(1,687.1)
(0.1)
(1,687.2)

2019
£m

(69.1)
55.3
(13.8)

(204.4)
138.6
6.8
(4.0)
(63.0)

(1.5)
(78.3)

(781.2)
(859.5)

(859.4)
(0.1)
(859.5)

94   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Items recycled through the consolidated income statement on disposal of foreign operations  

Exchange gain previously recognised in the translation reserve 

Exchange loss previously recognised in the net investment hedge reserve 

Net exchange gain relating to equity shareholders* 

Items that may subsequently be recycled through the consolidated income statement 

Items that may not subsequently be recycled through the consolidated income statement 

Foreign exchange translation differences 

(Loss)/Gain on net investment hedge 

Net gain on cash flow hedge 

Share of other comprehensive loss of associates 

Net actuarial losses on pension schemes 

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Attributable to: 

Equity shareholders 

Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

*  Relates to the sale of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets in 2020 and a 75% interest in Italie Deux, Paris in 2019. 

2020

£m

(26.0)

20.8

(5.2)

171.1

(109.2)

4.8

(1.0)

65.7

(12.8)

47.7

(1,734.9)

(1,687.2)

(1,687.1)

(0.1)

(1,687.2)

2019

£m

(69.1)

55.3

(13.8)

(204.4)

138.6

6.8

(4.0)

(63.0)

(1.5)

(78.3)

(781.2)

(859.5)

(859.4)

(0.1)

(859.5)

Consolidated balance sheet 
As at 31 December 2020 

Non-current assets 
Investment and development properties 
Interests in leasehold properties 
Right-of-use assets 
Plant and equipment  
Investment in joint ventures 
Investment in associates 
Other investments 
Derivative financial instruments 
Restricted monetary assets 
Receivables 

Current assets 
Receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Restricted monetary assets 
Cash and deposits 

Assets held for sale 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Loans 
Payables 
Tax 
Derivative financial instruments 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale 

Non-current liabilities 
Loans  
Deferred tax 
Derivative financial instruments 
Obligations under head leases 
Payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Translation reserve 
Net investment hedge reserve 
Cash flow hedge reserve 
Merger reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Investment in own shares 

Equity shareholders’ funds 
Non-controlling interests  

Total equity 

EPRA net tangible assets value per share 

*   Restated as a result of the rights issue. For more information refer to note 11F.  

Notes 

12 

13A 

14C 

18A 

21A 

16 

15 

21A 

16 

17 

18C 

20 

19 

21A 

18C 

20 

21A 

22 

23 

24 

28C 

11E 

2020
£m

2019
£m

2,152.8
38.6
6.7
2.3
1,813.6
1,298.4
9.7
6.6
21.4
3.4

5,353.5

105.9
9.1
28.3
409.5

552.8
– 

552.8

2,098.7
34.3
10.1
3.2
3,017.1
1,504.5
–
31.6
–
3.4

6,702.9

96.3
0.8
21.5
28.2

146.8
465.7

612.5

5,906.3

7,315.4

(115.0)
(205.0)
(1.3)
(2.3)

(323.6)
– 

(323.6)

(2,143.7)
(0.4)
(84.7)
(41.8)
(103.2)

(2,373.8)

(2,697.4)

3,208.9

202.9
1,611.9
666.0
(519.2)
3.4
374.1
207.1
663.0
(0.4)

3,208.8
0.1

3,208.9

£0.82

–
(193.5)
(1.5)
(4.1)

(199.1)
(19.7)

(218.8)

(2,504.9)
(0.4)
(70.7)
(36.9)
(106.5)

(2,719.4)

(2,938.2)

4,377.2

191.6
1,266.0
520.9
(430.8)
(1.4)
374.1
25.6
2,433.2
(2.2)

4,377.0
0.2

4,377.2

£1.16*

94   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 95
www.hammerson.com 

95 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 March 2021. Signed on behalf of the Board: 

Rita-Rose Gagné 
Director 

James Lenton
Director 

Registered in England No. 360632

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net 
investment 
hedge 
reserve 
£m
(430.8)
–
–
–

Cash 
flow 
hedge 
reserve 
£m

Merger 
reserve 
£m
(1.4) 374.1
–
–
–

–
–
–

Translation 
reserve  
£m 
520.9 
– 
– 
– 

Retained 
earnings 
£m
2,433.2
–
–
–

Investment 
in own 
shares4 
£m 
(2.2) 
– 
– 
– 

Equity 
shareholders’ 
funds  
£m 
4,377.0 
– 
556.6 
(26.8) 

Non- 
controlling 
Total 
interests
equity
£m
£m
0.2 4,377.2
–
556.6
(26.8)

–
–
–

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Share 
capital  
£m 

(183.9) 
183.9 
– 

Share 
premium 
£m 
Balance at 1 January 2020  191.6  1,266.0 
Capital reorganisation1 
– 
Rights issue1 
372.7 
Rights issue expenses2 
(26.8) 
Share-based employee 
remuneration (note 5) 
Cost of shares awarded  
to employees 
Transfer on award of own 
shares to employees 
Proceeds on award of own 
shares to employees 
Purchase of own shares 
Dividends (note 10) 
Scrip dividend related 
share issue (note 10) 

–  
–  
– 

– 
– 
– 

11.3 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Exchange (gain)/loss 
previously recognised in 
equity recycled on 
disposal of foreign 
operations 
Foreign exchange 
translation differences 
Loss on net investment 
hedge 
Loss on cash flow hedge 
Loss on cash flow hedge 
recycled to net finance 
costs 
Share of other 
comprehensive loss of 
associates (note 14E) 
Net actuarial losses on 
pension schemes 
(note 7C) 
Loss for the year 
Total comprehensive 
income/(loss) for the year 
Balance at 31 December 
2020 

–  

–  

–  
–  

–  

–  

–  
–  

–  

–  

–  

– 
–  

–  

– 

–  
–  

–  

Other
reserves3
£m
25.6
183.9
–
–

2.2

(2.0)

–
–
–

–

– 

– 

–
–

– 

–

–  

–  

–  

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–
–
–

–

(26.0) 

20.8

171.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–
–
–

–

– 

– 

– 
–  

–  

– 

–  
–  

(109.2)
–

– 
(3.4)

–

–

– 
– 

8.2

–

– 
– 

145.1 

(88.4)

4.8

–

– 

–

–
–
–

–

–

– 

– 
– 

– 

–

– 
– 

– 

(2.6)

2.6

– 

– 

0.2
–
(71.5)

–  

2.2 

2.0 

–  

–  
(0.2) 
– 

–  

–  

0.2 
(0.2) 
(71.5) 

47.1

– 

58.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–
–

–

– 

– 

–
– 

– 

– 

2.2

– 

–

0.2
(0.2)
(71.5)

58.4

(5.2)

171.1

(109.2)
(3.4)

8.2

(1.0)

– 

– 

– 
–

–

(1.0)

(5.2) 

171.1 

(109.2) 
(3.4) 

8.2 

(1.0) 

–  

– 

– 
– 

– 

–  

–  
–  

–  

– 
– 

(12.8)
(1,734.8)

– 

(1,748.6)

(12.8) 
(1,734.8) 

– 

(12.8)
(0.1) (1,734.9)

(1,687.1) 

(0.1) (1,687.2)

202.9  1,611.9 

666.0 

(519.2)

3.4

374.1

207.1

663.0

(0.4) 

3,208.8 

0.1 3,208.9

1.  During the year the Company completed a capital reorganisation and rights issue. For further information see note 24. 
2.  Only costs directly related to the rights issue have been recognised in the share premium account. A further £0.3 million of indirect costs have been recognised in the 

consolidated income statement. 

3.  Other reserves comprise capital redemption reserves of £198.2 million (2019: £14.3 million) and share-based employee remuneration reserves of £8.9 million  

(2019: £11.3 million). Capital redemption reserves comprise £14.3 million (2019: £14.3 million) relating to share buybacks and £183.9 million (2019: £nil) resulting from  
the cancellation of the Company’s shares as part of the reorganisation of share capital in 2020. See note 24 for further details.  

4.  Investment in own shares is stated at cost. 

96   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Share 

Share 

Translation 

hedge 

hedge 

capital  

premium 

reserve  

reserve 

reserve 

Merger 

reserve 

Other

reserves3

Retained 

earnings 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m

£m

£m

Investment 

Equity 

Non- 

in own 

shareholders’ 

controlling 

£m

shares4 

£m 

funds  

interests

£m 

£m

Net 

investment 

Cash 

flow 

Balance at 1 January 2020  191.6  1,266.0 

520.9 

(430.8)

(1.4) 374.1

2,433.2

(2.2) 

4,377.0 

0.2 4,377.2

Capital reorganisation1 

(183.9) 

– 

183.9 

372.7 

– 

(26.8) 

Rights issue1 

Rights issue expenses2 

Share-based employee 

remuneration (note 5) 

Cost of shares awarded  

to employees 

Transfer on award of own 

shares to employees 

Proceeds on award of own 

shares to employees 

Purchase of own shares 

Dividends (note 10) 

Scrip dividend related 

share issue (note 10) 

Exchange (gain)/loss 

previously recognised in 

equity recycled on 

disposal of foreign 

operations 

Foreign exchange 

translation differences 

Loss on net investment 

hedge 

Loss on cash flow hedge 

Loss on cash flow hedge 

recycled to net finance 

costs 

Share of other 

comprehensive loss of 

associates (note 14E) 

Net actuarial losses on 

pension schemes 

(note 7C) 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive 

income/(loss) for the year 

Balance at 31 December 

11.3 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

(3.4)

8.2

(26.0) 

20.8

171.1 

(109.2)

– 

(2.0)

2.0 

2.6

0.2

–

(71.5)

47.1

(0.2) 

£m

25.6

183.9

–

–

2.2

(2.6)

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

–

–

– 

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

– 

556.6 

(26.8) 

2.2 

–  

–  

0.2 

(0.2) 

(71.5) 

58.4 

(5.2) 

171.1 

(109.2) 

(3.4) 

8.2 

(1.0) 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

–  

Total 

equity

£m

–

556.6

(26.8)

2.2

– 

–

0.2

(0.2)

(71.5)

58.4

(5.2)

171.1

(109.2)

(3.4)

8.2

(1.0)

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

(1.0)

(12.8)

(1,734.8)

(12.8) 

– 

(12.8)

(1,734.8) 

(0.1) (1,734.9)

2020 

202.9  1,611.9 

666.0 

(519.2)

3.4

374.1

207.1

663.0

(0.4) 

3,208.8 

0.1 3,208.9

1.  During the year the Company completed a capital reorganisation and rights issue. For further information see note 24. 

2.  Only costs directly related to the rights issue have been recognised in the share premium account. A further £0.3 million of indirect costs have been recognised in the 

consolidated income statement. 

3.  Other reserves comprise capital redemption reserves of £198.2 million (2019: £14.3 million) and share-based employee remuneration reserves of £8.9 million  

(2019: £11.3 million). Capital redemption reserves comprise £14.3 million (2019: £14.3 million) relating to share buybacks and £183.9 million (2019: £nil) resulting from  

the cancellation of the Company’s shares as part of the reorganisation of share capital in 2020. See note 24 for further details.  

4.  Investment in own shares is stated at cost. 

Share 
capital  
£m 
191.6 

Share 
premium 
£m 
1,266.0 

Translation 
reserve 
£m
794.3

Net 
investment 
hedge 
reserve 
£m
(624.7)

Cash 
flow 
hedge 
reserve 
£m
(8.2)

Merger 
reserve 
£m
374.1

Other
reserves1
£m
27.2

Retained 
earnings 
£m
3,415.3

Investment  
in own 
shares2 
£m  
(3.0) 

Equity 
shareholders’ 
funds 
£m
5,432.6

Non- 
controlling 
interests
£m
0.3

Total 
equity
£m
5,432.9

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

(69.1)

55.3

(204.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

138.6
–

–
(8.4)

–

–

–
–

15.2

–

–
–

(273.4)

193.9

6.8

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

3.0

(2.6)

0.8

–

–

(2.0)

2.0

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

0.2
–
(198.4)

–

–

–
–

–

(4.0)

(1.5)
(781.2)

(786.7)

– 

– 

2.6 

– 

– 
(1.8) 
– 

0.8

3.0

–

–

0.2
(1.8)
(198.4)

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

0.8

3.0

–

–

0.2
(1.8)
(198.4)

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

(13.8)

–

(13.8)

(204.3)

(0.1)

(204.4)

138.6
(8.4)

15.2

(4.0)

(1.5)
(781.2)

–
–

–

–

–
–

138.6
(8.4)

15.2

(4.0)

(1.5)
(781.2)

(859.4)

(0.1)

(859.5)

191.6 

1,266.0 

520.9

(430.8)

(1.4)

374.1

25.6 2,433.2

(2.2) 

4,377.0

0.2

4,377.2

Balance at 1 January 2019 
Share buyback – release of 
2018 accrual 
Share-based employee 
remuneration (note 5) 
Cost of shares awarded  
to employees 
Transfer on award of own 
shares to employees 
Proceeds on award of own 
shares to employees 
Purchase of own shares 
Dividends (note 10) 

Exchange (gain)/loss 
previously recognised in 
equity recycled on 
disposal of foreign 
operations 
Foreign exchange 
translation differences 
Gain on net investment 
hedge 
Loss on cash flow hedge 
Loss on cash flow hedge 
recycled to net finance 
costs 
Share of other 
comprehensive loss of 
associates (note 14E) 
Net actuarial losses on 
pension schemes 
(note 7C) 
Loss for the year 
Total comprehensive 
(loss)/income for the year 
Balance at 31 December 
2019 

145.1 

(88.4)

4.8

– 

(1,748.6)

(1,687.1) 

(0.1) (1,687.2)

1.  Other reserves comprise a capital redemption reserve of £14.3 million (2018: £14.3 million) relating to share buybacks and £11.3 million (2018: £12.9 million) relating to share-

based employee remuneration. 

2.  Investment in own shares is stated at cost. 

96   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 97
www.hammerson.com 

97 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Operating activities 
Operating profit before other net losses and share of results of joint ventures and associates 
Increase in receivables 
Increase in restricted monetary assets 
Decrease in payables1 
Adjustment for non-cash items2 
Cash (incurred)/generated from operations 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Tax paid 
Distributions and other income from joint ventures 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Investing activities 
Property acquisitions 
Developments and major refurbishments 
Other capital expenditure 
Sale of properties 
Sale of investment in VIA Outlets 
Advances to joint ventures 
Acquisition of interest in joint venture 
Acquisition of interest in associates 
Distributions received from associates 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Financing activities 
Proceeds from rights issue 
Rights issue expenses 
Proceeds from award of own shares 
Purchase of own shares 
Share buyback 
Proceeds from new borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings 
Net decrease in borrowings 
Equity dividends paid 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Net increase in cash and deposits 
Opening cash and deposits 
Cash and deposits reclassified from assets held for sale 
Exchange translation movement 
Closing cash and deposits 
Less: cash and deposits classified as held for sale 
Closing cash and deposits as stated on balance sheet3 

Notes 

2 

26 

1C 

13D 

25 

10 

17 

2020
£m

2019
£m

31.2
(44.9)
(25.2)
(17.5)
41.4
(15.0)
19.6
(101.8)
(0.8)
15.6
(82.4)

(0.2)
(49.6)
(18.5)
56.4
272.0
(13.1)
– 
– 
6.1
253.1

556.6
(24.9)
0.2
(0.2)
– 
75.0
(385.8)
(310.8)
(13.4)
207.5
378.2
28.2
1.6
1.5
409.5
– 
409.5

111.0
(0.1)
(0.2)
(8.3)
8.9
111.3
21.4
(102.9)
(1.9)
139.2
167.1

(0.7)
(40.2)
(39.7)
536.1
– 
(29.1)
(29.0)
(1.3)
30.5
426.6

– 
– 
0.2
(1.8)
(1.5)
48.2
(439.9)
(391.7)
(198.9)
(593.7)
– 
31.2
–
(1.4)
29.8
(1.6)
28.2

1.  £24.4 million (2019: £4.7 million) of the decrease in payables related to employer contributions and net benefits paid relating to the pension scheme. 
2.  In 2020 the adjustment for non-cash items has increased due to additional loss allowance provisioning against trade receivables and impairment provisions recognised against 

lease incentives, totalling £34.7 million (2019: £1.4 million). 

3.  An analysis of the movement in net debt is provided in note 25 on page 144. 

98   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities 

Operating profit before other net losses and share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Increase in receivables 

Increase in restricted monetary assets 

Decrease in payables1 

Adjustment for non-cash items2 

Cash (incurred)/generated from operations 

Interest received 

Interest paid 

Tax paid 

Distributions and other income from joint ventures 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Investing activities 

Property acquisitions 

Developments and major refurbishments 

Other capital expenditure 

Sale of properties 

Sale of investment in VIA Outlets 

Advances to joint ventures 

Acquisition of interest in joint venture 

Acquisition of interest in associates 

Distributions received from associates 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Financing activities 

Proceeds from rights issue 

Rights issue expenses 

Proceeds from award of own shares 

Purchase of own shares 

Share buyback 

Proceeds from new borrowings 

Repayment of borrowings 

Net decrease in borrowings 

Equity dividends paid 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and deposits 

Opening cash and deposits 

Cash and deposits reclassified from assets held for sale 

Exchange translation movement 

Closing cash and deposits 

Less: cash and deposits classified as held for sale 

Closing cash and deposits as stated on balance sheet3 

Notes 

2 

26 

1C 

13D 

25 

10 

17 

2020

£m

31.2

(44.9)

(25.2)

(17.5)

41.4

(15.0)

19.6

(101.8)

(0.8)

15.6

(82.4)

(0.2)

(49.6)

(18.5)

56.4

272.0

(13.1)

– 

– 

6.1

253.1

556.6

(24.9)

0.2

(0.2)

– 

75.0

(385.8)

(310.8)

(13.4)

207.5

378.2

28.2

1.6

1.5

409.5

– 

409.5

2019

£m

111.0

(0.1)

(0.2)

(8.3)

8.9

111.3

21.4

(102.9)

(1.9)

139.2

167.1

(0.7)

(40.2)

(39.7)

536.1

– 

(29.1)

(29.0)

(1.3)

30.5

426.6

– 

– 

0.2

(1.8)

(1.5)

48.2

(439.9)

(391.7)

(198.9)

(593.7)

31.2

– 

–

(1.4)

29.8

(1.6)

28.2

1.  £24.4 million (2019: £4.7 million) of the decrease in payables related to employer contributions and net benefits paid relating to the pension scheme. 

2.  In 2020 the adjustment for non-cash items has increased due to additional loss allowance provisioning against trade receivables and impairment provisions recognised against 

lease incentives, totalling £34.7 million (2019: £1.4 million). 

3.  An analysis of the movement in net debt is provided in note 25 on page 144. 

Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies 

A.  Statement of compliance 
The consolidated financial statements of Hammerson plc have been 
prepared in accordance with both international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and 
International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to 
Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, 
(IFRS adopted by the European Union as at 31 December 2020), as well 
as SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting 
Practices committee. The following new and revised Standards and 
Interpretations have been issued: 

Issued, and effective: 
–  Definition of Material – amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 
–  Definition of a Business – amendments to IFRS 3 
–  Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 

and IFRS 7 

–  Revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 

None of the above standards has had a material impact on the Group’s 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

The Group also elected to adopt the following amendments early, 
although there is no material impact as this only applies to lessees:  
–  Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions – amendments to IFRS 16  

Issued, but not yet effective: 
–  Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 – Amendments to IFRS 9, 
IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 (effective from 1 January 2021) 

–  Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: 

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current  

–  Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations; IAS 16 Property, 

Plant and Equipment; IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and 
Contingent Assets 

B.  Basis of preparation 
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, as 
explained in the Financial review section of the Strategic report on page 25. 

The financial statements are presented in sterling. They are prepared  
on the historical cost basis, except that investment and development 
properties and derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. 

The accounting policies have been applied consistently year on year. 
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which 
the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period. If the 
revision affects both current and future periods, the change is recognised 
over those periods. 

The methods of computation of the results have been applied 
consistently with the following exceptions: 

–  The inclusion of two additional line items relating to provisioning 
within note 2 as detailed in “Impairment provisioning” below;  

–  The restatement of comparative earnings per share and NAV per share 
to adjust for the impact of the rights issue in the year as detailed in 
note 11, to enable meaningful comparison year on year; 

–  The restatement to the new EPRA net asset value metrics, effective 

from 1 January 2020, for 2019 to enable meaningful comparison year 
on year; and 

–  Re-presentation of the retail parks as continuing operations as 

detailed in note 1C. 
Impairment provisioning 
As detailed in Risks and uncertainties section on page 35, the Group is 
operating in an environment of heightened uncertainty caused by  
Covid-19 and consequently additional scrutiny and judgement is 
required in assessing revenue recognition and the potential impairment 
of financial assets.  

For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group has applied the 
simplified approach under IFRS 9 and adopted a loss allowance 
provisioning matrix to determine the Expected Credit Loss (ECL), 
incorporating historic default information, latest credit metrics and 
expectations for future losses. This approach has been applied to both 
trade receivables and unamortised tenant incentives, which are 
presented within investment property. As disclosed in the 2018 and 2019 
Annual Reports, up to and including 31 December 2019, the Group’s 
collection rates were high, and therefore specific provision was made 
against trade receivables based on risk characteristics and ageing, with 
the effectiveness of this approach being measured retrospectively by 
comparing the actual loss experienced against provision estimates in 
prior periods. Historically, as previously disclosed, this approach 
provided an outcome which was consistent with the ECL model and was 
IFRS 9 compliant. However, the current uncertain operating 
environment has meant this approach is no longer valid given the 
increased risk profile. This does not constitute a change in accounting 
policy nor a change in estimate, but is a revision to methodology to 
incorporate recent market developments. 

As a result of the current environment, two additional sources of 
impairment loss have been recognised within the consolidated income 
statement for the year ended 31 December 2020: 

–  Provision for impairment of unamortised tenant incentives: The 
movement in the loss allowance provision in the period against 
unamortised tenant incentives held within investment properties, 
including cash incentives and rent free periods, included within other 
property outgoings. Tenant incentive amortisation will continue to be 
recognised within revenue. 

–  Provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement: 
The movement in the loss allowance provision in the period against 
trade receivables at the balance sheet date which relate to a future 
reporting period and where the corresponding liability is classified 
within payables, including rent and service charge arrears. This 
principally relates to quarterly demands in advance in the UK which 
were due on 25 December 2020. This cost is not deemed to be a direct 
property operating expense, as it is not attributable to income 
recognised in the financial period and has therefore been excluded 
from property outgoings as defined in the Glossary, but included as a 
separate line item within net rental income in note 2: Loss for the 
period on page 109. Bad debt expense relating to amounts recognised 
in the income statement in the period will continue to be recorded 
within other property outgoings. 

Analysis of the application of the provisioning matrix is provided in note 
1D on page 103, together with an allocation of the loss allowance 
provision on arrears between those amounts recognised within net 
rental income in the income statement for the current reporting period, 
and those where the income recognition is deferred. 

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) 
For the year ended 31 December 2020 and all subsequent reporting 
periods, the Group’s adjusted earnings metric will include an adjustment 
for the “provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income 
statement” as management believes this distorts earnings by reflecting 
the cost and corresponding income in different periods. Recognition of 
the provision on deferred income in one period, with recognition of the 
associated income in the following period would otherwise lead to 
ongoing timing differences which a reader of the financial statements 
may find challenging to reconcile. Management believes the treatment 
adopted will present more relevant and useful information to users of 
financial statements by aligning the impairment cost with the period in 
which the revenue has been recognised. 

98   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 99
www.hammerson.com 

99 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued 

Under IFRS 5, equity accounting ceases from the date of reclassification 
of investments in associates and joint ventures to assets held for sale. For 
the year ended 31 December 2020 and subsequent reporting periods, the 
adjusted earnings from investments in joint ventures and associates 
from the date of reclassification to assets held for sale up to the 
completion date will be included within the Group’s adjusted earnings 
metric. Management believes this provides more relevant and useful 
information to users of the financial statements by incorporating all of 
the adjusted earnings to which the Group is entitled and is consistent 
with the income from investments in joint ventures and associates which 
are sold without first being reclassified to assets held for sale. Supporting 
calculations are provided in note 18B to the financial statements. 

C.  Significant judgements  
The preparation of the financial statements requires management  
to exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting policies and 
may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and 
expenses. These judgements are considered each year by the Audit 
Committee, as explained on pages 58 and 59, and are set out below. 

Accounting for assets held for sale, previously recognised as 
discontinued operations – retail parks 
In July 2018, the Group announced its intention to dispose of the retail 
parks portfolio over the medium term. For properties identified for 
disposal at the balance sheet date, management must assess whether the 
property should be classified as ‘held for sale’ and excluded from 
investment and development properties. This judgement is based on 
criteria outlined in IFRS 5 which states that: assets should be available 
for sale in their present condition; management must be committed to a 
plan to sell; an active programme must be in place to locate a buyer; they 
must be being actively marketed at a reasonable price; significant 
changes to the plan are unlikely and that completion of the sale is 
expected within a year.  

Prior to 31 December 2019, the portfolio had not been reclassified to 
‘held for sale’ as, despite the strategic intention to sell, the properties 
were not being actively marketed and it was not sufficiently certain that 
completion would be reached within the prescribed 12-month period. 

At 31 December 2019, management completed their assessment and 
concluded that the UK retail parks met the IFRS 5 criteria for ‘held for 
sale’ at the balance sheet date as a portfolio of retail parks was being 
actively marketed at a reasonable price with an expectation of 
transacting within a year. This was further evidenced by the exchange  
of contracts for the disposal of a portfolio of seven properties to  
Orion European Real Estate Fund V (“Orion”) in February 2020. 
Consequently, all assets and liabilities associated with retail parks were 
reclassified to assets held for sale at 31 December 2019. On transfer to 
‘assets held for sale’, the retail parks property portfolio was re-measured 
at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, in 
accordance with IFRS 5, resulting in a £91.6 million impairment loss 
(£92.0 million on a proportionally consolidated basis) being recognised 
in 2019, predominantly a reflection of the portfolio discount.  

Additionally, as the sale of the UK retail parks represented an identifiable 
segment of the business and formed part of a co-ordinated disposal plan, 
the entire segment was treated as a discontinued operation for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 and the results for the year and the 
comparatives were disclosed separately from the rest of the business. 

In April 2020, Orion notified the Group that it no longer intended to 
complete on the portfolio sale, despite unconditional contracts having 
been exchanged. The Group subsequently terminated the Sale and 
Purchase Agreement in May 2020, retaining the £21.0 million non-
refundable deposit held by solicitors on exchange, which has been 
recognised within “profit on sale of properties” in the year as detailed  
in note 2. 

Consequently, in May 2020, management concluded that whilst the 
Group remained committed to near-term disposals, this no longer met 
the criteria of ‘held for sale’ as defined by IFRS 5 as the properties were 
not being actively marketed and it was not anticipated that completion 
would be reached within the prescribed 12-month period.  

Therefore the UK retail parks portfolio was reclassified from assets  
held for sale in May 2020, and £22.4 million of the aforementioned  
£91.6 million impairment was reversed, reflecting the reversal of the 
portfolio discount applied at 31 December 2019, resulting in a net 
revaluation deficit from the formal valuation at 31 December 2019 of 
£69.2 million. The formal valuation by Cushman and Wakefield LLP at  
30 June 2020 was used as a materially reasonable approximation of the 
value upon reclassification in May 2020. Results for the comparative 
periods have been re-presented to disclose the retail parks portfolio as 
part of continuing operations, whilst balance sheet comparatives at  
31 December 2019 remain unchanged. From May 2020 the retail park 
portfolio has been treated as a continuing operation in the consolidated 
income statement, and as part of investment and development properties 
in the balance sheet. 

Accounting for the sale of substantially all of the Group’s 
investment in VIA Outlets and retained interest in Zweibrücken 
In June 2020, the Group entered into negotiations for the sale of 
substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets (VIA), subject to 
retention of a 7.3% stake in VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V.. At 30 June 
2020, management completed their assessment and concluded that the 
proportion of investment in VIA identified for disposal met the IFRS 5 
criteria for ‘held for sale’ at 30 June 2020 as the investment was being 
actively marketed at a reasonable price with an expectation of 
transacting within a year. This was further evidenced by the exchange of 
contracts for the sale of the investment on 6 August 2020. Consequently, 
the proportion of the investment in joint venture to be sold was 
reclassified to assets held for sale at 30 June 2020 at its carrying value of 
£376.3 million and re-measured at the lower of the carrying amount and 
fair value less costs of disposal, in accordance with IFRS 5. The fair value 
was based upon the transaction price, which is in turn linked to the net 
asset value of VIA, and resulted in a £103.8 million impairment loss being 
recognised in the year ended 31 December 2020. Movements in the fair 
value of the Group’s investment in VIA since initial reclassification 
include changes to retained earnings and foreign exchange from 1 July 
2020 to completion on 31 October, specific price adjustments as agreed 
in the sale contract, and amendments to selling costs. 

Following reclassification to assets held for sale equity accounting ceased 
and consequently, the Group’s share of results from VIA Outlets from  
1 July 2020 to 31 October 2020 have been included within the movement 
in impairment, as these drive the underlying net asset value of the 
investment and therefore the transaction price and fair value. 

The investment in VIA Outlets has not been treated as discontinued 
operations in either the current or prior period as this investment only 
forms part of the wider premium outlets segment of the business and is 
not a separate segment in its own right. 

The residual investment in VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V., which is to be 
retained for the foreseeable future, was reclassified from investments in 
joint ventures to other investments when the sale of the majority stake in 
VIA completed on 31 October 2020, as the Group no longer exercises 
joint control or significant influence over this investment. The transfer 
to other investments was recognised at its fair value on 31 October 2020 
of £9.8 million, based on the Group’s retained 7.3% share of the 
underlying net assets of VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V., and subsequent 
changes in fair value have been recognised through the profit and loss 
account, resulting in a £0.1 million change in fair value of other 
investments being recognised in the year as detailed in note 2. 

100   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

100

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued 

Under IFRS 5, equity accounting ceases from the date of reclassification 

of investments in associates and joint ventures to assets held for sale. For 

the year ended 31 December 2020 and subsequent reporting periods, the 

adjusted earnings from investments in joint ventures and associates 

from the date of reclassification to assets held for sale up to the 

completion date will be included within the Group’s adjusted earnings 

metric. Management believes this provides more relevant and useful 

information to users of the financial statements by incorporating all of 

the adjusted earnings to which the Group is entitled and is consistent 

with the income from investments in joint ventures and associates which 

are sold without first being reclassified to assets held for sale. Supporting 

calculations are provided in note 18B to the financial statements. 

C.  Significant judgements  

The preparation of the financial statements requires management  

to exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting policies and 

may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and 

expenses. These judgements are considered each year by the Audit 

Committee, as explained on pages 58 and 59, and are set out below. 

Accounting for assets held for sale, previously recognised as 

discontinued operations – retail parks 

In July 2018, the Group announced its intention to dispose of the retail 

parks portfolio over the medium term. For properties identified for 

disposal at the balance sheet date, management must assess whether the 

property should be classified as ‘held for sale’ and excluded from 

investment and development properties. This judgement is based on 

criteria outlined in IFRS 5 which states that: assets should be available 

for sale in their present condition; management must be committed to a 

plan to sell; an active programme must be in place to locate a buyer; they 

must be being actively marketed at a reasonable price; significant 

changes to the plan are unlikely and that completion of the sale is 

expected within a year.  

Prior to 31 December 2019, the portfolio had not been reclassified to 

‘held for sale’ as, despite the strategic intention to sell, the properties 

were not being actively marketed and it was not sufficiently certain that 

completion would be reached within the prescribed 12-month period. 

Consequently, in May 2020, management concluded that whilst the 

Group remained committed to near-term disposals, this no longer met 

the criteria of ‘held for sale’ as defined by IFRS 5 as the properties were 

not being actively marketed and it was not anticipated that completion 

would be reached within the prescribed 12-month period.  

Therefore the UK retail parks portfolio was reclassified from assets  

held for sale in May 2020, and £22.4 million of the aforementioned  

£91.6 million impairment was reversed, reflecting the reversal of the 

portfolio discount applied at 31 December 2019, resulting in a net 

revaluation deficit from the formal valuation at 31 December 2019 of 

£69.2 million. The formal valuation by Cushman and Wakefield LLP at  

30 June 2020 was used as a materially reasonable approximation of the 

value upon reclassification in May 2020. Results for the comparative 

periods have been re-presented to disclose the retail parks portfolio as 

part of continuing operations, whilst balance sheet comparatives at  

31 December 2019 remain unchanged. From May 2020 the retail park 

portfolio has been treated as a continuing operation in the consolidated 

income statement, and as part of investment and development properties 

in the balance sheet. 

Accounting for the sale of substantially all of the Group’s 

investment in VIA Outlets and retained interest in Zweibrücken 

In June 2020, the Group entered into negotiations for the sale of 

substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets (VIA), subject to 

retention of a 7.3% stake in VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V.. At 30 June 

2020, management completed their assessment and concluded that the 

proportion of investment in VIA identified for disposal met the IFRS 5 

criteria for ‘held for sale’ at 30 June 2020 as the investment was being 

actively marketed at a reasonable price with an expectation of 

transacting within a year. This was further evidenced by the exchange of 

contracts for the sale of the investment on 6 August 2020. Consequently, 

the proportion of the investment in joint venture to be sold was 

reclassified to assets held for sale at 30 June 2020 at its carrying value of 

£376.3 million and re-measured at the lower of the carrying amount and 

fair value less costs of disposal, in accordance with IFRS 5. The fair value 

was based upon the transaction price, which is in turn linked to the net 

asset value of VIA, and resulted in a £103.8 million impairment loss being 

recognised in the year ended 31 December 2020. Movements in the fair 

value of the Group’s investment in VIA since initial reclassification 

At 31 December 2019, management completed their assessment and 

include changes to retained earnings and foreign exchange from 1 July 

concluded that the UK retail parks met the IFRS 5 criteria for ‘held for 

2020 to completion on 31 October, specific price adjustments as agreed 

sale’ at the balance sheet date as a portfolio of retail parks was being 

in the sale contract, and amendments to selling costs. 

actively marketed at a reasonable price with an expectation of 

transacting within a year. This was further evidenced by the exchange  

of contracts for the disposal of a portfolio of seven properties to  

Orion European Real Estate Fund V (“Orion”) in February 2020. 

Consequently, all assets and liabilities associated with retail parks were 

reclassified to assets held for sale at 31 December 2019. On transfer to 

‘assets held for sale’, the retail parks property portfolio was re-measured 

at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, in 

accordance with IFRS 5, resulting in a £91.6 million impairment loss 

Following reclassification to assets held for sale equity accounting ceased 

and consequently, the Group’s share of results from VIA Outlets from  

1 July 2020 to 31 October 2020 have been included within the movement 

in impairment, as these drive the underlying net asset value of the 

investment and therefore the transaction price and fair value. 

The investment in VIA Outlets has not been treated as discontinued 

operations in either the current or prior period as this investment only 

forms part of the wider premium outlets segment of the business and is 

(£92.0 million on a proportionally consolidated basis) being recognised 

not a separate segment in its own right. 

in 2019, predominantly a reflection of the portfolio discount.  

Additionally, as the sale of the UK retail parks represented an identifiable 

segment of the business and formed part of a co-ordinated disposal plan, 

the entire segment was treated as a discontinued operation for the year 

ended 31 December 2019 and the results for the year and the 

comparatives were disclosed separately from the rest of the business. 

In April 2020, Orion notified the Group that it no longer intended to 

complete on the portfolio sale, despite unconditional contracts having 

been exchanged. The Group subsequently terminated the Sale and 

Purchase Agreement in May 2020, retaining the £21.0 million non-

refundable deposit held by solicitors on exchange, which has been 

recognised within “profit on sale of properties” in the year as detailed  

in note 2. 

The residual investment in VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V., which is to be 

retained for the foreseeable future, was reclassified from investments in 

joint ventures to other investments when the sale of the majority stake in 

VIA completed on 31 October 2020, as the Group no longer exercises 

joint control or significant influence over this investment. The transfer 

to other investments was recognised at its fair value on 31 October 2020 

of £9.8 million, based on the Group’s retained 7.3% share of the 

underlying net assets of VIA Outlets Zweibrücken B.V., and subsequent 

changes in fair value have been recognised through the profit and loss 

account, resulting in a £0.1 million change in fair value of other 

investments being recognised in the year as detailed in note 2. 

A material valuation uncertainty clause was not included in the valuation 
reports for the remainder of the property portfolio at 31 December 2020. 
The approach across countries differs due to the Irish market being 
smaller and therefore taking longer for clarity on sentiment to emerge. 

Valuation methodology 
Investment properties, excluding properties held for development, are 
valued by adopting the ‘investment method’ of valuation. This approach 
involves applying capitalisation yields to estimated future rental income 
streams reflecting contracted income reverting to ERV with appropriate 
adjustments for income voids arising from vacancies, lease expiries or 
rent-free periods. These capitalisation yields and future income streams 
are derived from comparable property and leasing transactions and are 
considered to be the key inputs to the valuations. Where comparable 
evidence of yield movement is lacking, valuers are reliant on sentiment 
or the movement of less comparable assets. At 31 December 2020, the 
valuers have also incorporated a number of changes across all assets to 
reflect the impact of Covid-19, including deductions to rent of up to six 
months for non-essential retailers, reduced income due to vacancy and a 
widening of yields to reflect the greater risk of tenant failure. Other 
factors that are taken into account include, but are not limited to, the 
location and physical attributes of the property, tenure, tenancy details, 
local taxes and environmental and structural conditions. 

A tailored approach is taken to the valuation of the Group’s 
developments due to their unique nature. In the case of on-site 
developments, the approach applied is the ‘residual method’ of valuation, 
which is the investment method of valuation as described above with a 
deduction for all costs necessary to complete the development, together 
with a further allowance for remaining risk and developers’ profit. 
Properties held for future development are valued using the highest and 
best use method, by adopting the higher of the residual method of 
valuation allowing for all associated risks, and the investment method of 
valuation for the existing asset.  

Valuations of the Group’s properties within the premium outlets 
investments are calculated on a discounted cash flow basis, utilising key 
assumptions such as net operating income, exit yield, discount rate and 
forecast sales density growth. 

Inputs to the valuations, some of which are ‘unobservable’ as defined by 
IFRS 13, include capitalisation yields (nominal equivalent yield) and 
market rental income (ERV). These inputs to the valuations are analysed 
by segment in the rental and valuation data tables on pages 155 and 159 
and the valuation change analysis in the Property portfolio review on 
page 23. All other factors remaining constant, an increase in rental 
income would increase valuations, whilst increases in capitalisation 
yields and discount rates would result in a fall in values and vice versa. 
However, there are interrelationships between unobservable inputs as 
they are determined by market conditions. The existence of an increase 
of more than one unobservable input would augment the impact on 
valuation. The impact on the valuation would be mitigated by the 
interrelationship between unobservable inputs moving in opposite 
directions. For example, an increase in rents may be offset by an increase 
in yield, resulting in no net impact on the valuation.  

As outlined on page 58 of the Audit Committee report, the Directors have 
satisfied themselves that the valuation process is sufficiently rigorous 
and supports the carrying value of the Group’s properties in the financial 
statements. 

A sensitivity analysis showing the impact on valuations of changes in 
yields and market rental income is detailed in the table on page 102. 

D. Significant estimates 
Property valuations 
The property portfolio is valued six-monthly by external valuers in 
accordance with RICS Valuation – Global Standards.  

Valuation backdrop 
The valuation of the Group’s properties, which are carried in the 
consolidated balance sheet at fair value, is the most material area of 
estimation due to its inherent subjectivity, reliance on assumptions and 
sensitivity to market fluctuations. The outbreak of Covid-19 has 
impacted many aspects of the global economy, with some real estate 
markets, particularly the retail sector, having experienced lower levels  
of transaction activity and liquidity. Travel restrictions have been 
implemented by most countries and “lockdowns” applied to varying 
degrees resulting in restrictions to trading hours or closures. Local and 
national lockdowns may continue to be deployed as necessary across the 
Group’s locations and the emergence of significant further outbreaks is 
possible. The pandemic and measures taken to tackle Covid-19 continue 
to affect economies and real estate markets globally, impacting both the 
investment and occupier markets. Furthermore, the longer-term 
impacts of Britain’s exit from the EU on 31 January 2020 and the 
subsequent conclusion of the trade deal in December 2020 are as  
yet unknown. 

The valuation of the portfolio is further complicated by both a lack of 
transactional evidence to support yields, and a lack of rental evidence to 
support estimated rental values (ERVs), compared to prior years. 
Consequently, valuers are faced with an unprecedented set of 
circumstances on which to base their assumptions and significantly 
greater estimation uncertainty. Key areas of judgement highlighted in 
the valuation reports included estimation of ERVs based on limited data 
points, the consideration of appropriate levels of void costs and rent-free 
periods, the impact of non-payment of rent as a consequence of Covid-19 
and the basis of yield assumptions given the lack of relevant transactions 
of scale. 

As detailed in note 12, following the tender of the Group’s valuation 
instruction in late 2019, the valuation of the portfolio has been split 
between Cushman and Wakefield LLP (C&W), CBRE Limited (CBRE) 
and Jones Lang LaSalle Limited (JLL). At 30 June 2020, all three valuers 
stated that it had been necessary to make significant judgements at the 
balance sheet date in the context of the rapidly changing market 
conditions caused by Covid-19 and consequently reported the valuation 
of the property portfolio at 30 June 2020 on the basis of ‘material 
valuation uncertainty’ as per VPS3 and VPGA 10 of the RICS Red Book 
Global, citing a lack of transactional evidence, an increased level of 
tenant restructuring (CVAs and administrations) and reduced rent 
collections levels.  

At 31 December 2020, C&W have stated that in respect of £860.5 million 
of the Irish property portfolio only, the valuations remain subject to 
‘material valuation uncertainty’ as set out in VPS 3 and VPGA 10 of the 
RICS Valuation – Global Standards and a higher degree of caution should 
therefore be attached to these valuations than would normally be the case. 
It should be noted that this does not mean that these valuations cannot be 
relied upon, but is intended to ensure transparency and to provide further 
insight as to the market context under which the valuation opinion was 
prepared, recognising the potential for market conditions to move rapidly 
in response to changes in the control or future spread of Covid-19, and the 
uncertain impact of the Brexit agreement. There is therefore a higher 
likelihood that the assumptions upon which the external valuers have 
based their valuations may prove to be inaccurate. Consequently, there is 
a wider acceptable range for the Irish valuations as at 31 December 2020, 
and therefore the inputs to the sensitivity analysis on page 102 have been 
widened, relative to the rest of the portfolio, to reflect a 150 basis point 
yield movement and a 15% change in ERVs. C&W have, however, 
highlighted that on 18 January 2021, the Society of Chartered Surveyors 
Ireland made a recommendation that the material valuation uncertainty 
clause may no longer be appropriate for inclusion in valuation reports 
relating to retail property and that whilst the material valuation 
uncertainty clause remains in place at 31 December 2020, it would not be 
in place for valuation dates after 18 January 2021. 

100   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 101
www.hammerson.com  101 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued  

Key unobservable inputs sensitivity analysis – 31 December 2020 
UK flagships 
France flagships 
Ireland flagships 
UK retail parks 
UK other 
Premium outlets (Value Retail) 
Total Group (excluding developments) 

Impact on valuation of change in  
nominal equivalent yield 

Impact on valuation of change 
in ERV

Investment 
properties 
valuation
£m
1,511
1,147
757
384
106
1,924
5,829

Yield 
change
bp

100

100

150

100

100

100

Decrease
£m
241
295
325
52
13
318
1,244

Increase 
£m 
(183) 
(195) 
(175) 
(41) 
(10) 
(221) 
(825) 

ERV 
change 
% 

10 

10 

15 

10 

10 

10 

Increase
£m
151
115
114
38
11
52
481

Decrease
£m
(151)
(115)
(114)
(38)
(11)
(52)
(481)

Impairment of non-financial assets and liabilities 
Most of the Group’s non-financial assets are investment and 
development properties and are already carried at their fair value under 
IAS 40. Investments in joint ventures and associates fall within the scope 
of IAS 28 and are therefore only assessed for impairment where 
indicators of impairment exist as a result of one or more events that 
occurred after the initial recognition of the original investment.  

Management concluded that the impact of Covid-19 is evidence of 
potential impairment and accordingly, an impairment review of non-
financial assets has been undertaken, assessing whether the carrying 
value of these investments exceeded the higher of fair value less cost of 
disposal and the value in use.  

Within the Group’s investments in premium outlets, notional goodwill 
has arisen historically as the acquisition price has exceeded the fair 
value of the net assets acquired, principally associated with deferred 
tax liabilities. As a consequence of recognising notional goodwill, the 
carrying value of the investment in premium outlets exceeds the Group’s 
share of the underlying net assets. Given the recent uncertainty and 
challenging investment markets following the pandemic, at 30 June 
2020, management concluded it was no longer appropriate to maintain a 
carrying value in excess of the underlying net assets of the investee. The 
recoverable amount was determined by reference to the value in use of 
the underlying investment, the future cash flows of both investments 
having been captured by the formal property valuations. Consequently, 
the investments in VIA Outlets and Value Retail were impaired by  
£9.6 million and £94.3 million respectively in 2020 (2019: £nil), 
equivalent to the notional goodwill, as detailed in notes 13D and 14E.  
At 31 December 2020, management has reassessed the carrying value  
of its investment in Value Retail by reference to the value in use, and 
concluded that this impairment is still appropriate. No further 
impairment has been necessary as the underlying properties are carried 
at fair value. 

Joint ventures and associates, excluding premium outlets, are accounted 
for under the equity method, which in this case, equates to the Group’s 
share of the entity’s Net Asset Value (NAV). NAV is based on the fair 
value of the underlying assets. As the Group's investment in these joint 
ventures and associates already equals the Group's share of the 
underlying net assets of the relevant investee, of which the principal 
asset, investment property, is already carried at fair value, these 
investments are already held at their recoverable amount and no 
impairment is required.  

Impairment of trade receivables and tenant incentives 
The estimation of expected credit losses requires a degree of estimation 
about future events and is therefore inherently subjective.  

Trade receivables 
As detailed in note 1A, the Group has applied the simplified approach 
under IFRS 9 and adopted a provisioning matrix to determine the 
Expected Credit Loss (ECL), grouping receivables dependent on the risk 
level, taking into account historic default rates, future expectations, 
credit ratings, ageing, and the anticipated impact of Covid-19, and 
applying an appropriate provision percentage after taking account of 
VAT, rent deposits and personal or corporate guarantees held. Where 
information is available to suggest that a higher level of provisioning is 
required due to tenant failure or restructuring, a loss allowance provision 
is made against 100% of the trade receivable or tenant incentive. 

The closure of the vast majority of non-essential retail across all regions 
as a result of the global pandemic, coupled with government restrictions 
in the UK and France on landlords’ ability to enforce rent collection, has 
resulted in a significant decline in rent collection rates and consequently, 
an increase in the level of trade receivables from £61.3 million at 
31 December 2019 to £170.3 million at 31 December 2020 on a 
proportionally consolidated basis, excluding premium outlets. 

On a proportionally consolidated basis, after taking account of tenant 
deposits, guarantees and VAT, all of which are fully recoverable, a total 
loss allowance of £79.8 million was recognised at 31 December 2020, 
compared to £16.9 million at 31 December 2019, equivalent to a 64% 
provision against net receivables. On a Reported Group basis, a total  
loss allowance of £35.8 million was recognised, representing 62% of  
net receivables.  

The table at the top of page 103 analyses the total loss allowance by 
region against the respective trade receivable balances, allocating the 
provision between amounts recognised before 31 December 2020 and 
those for which the corresponding credit to the consolidated income 
statement has yet to be recognised. On a proportionally consolidated basis, 
a 10 percentage point increase in the loss allowance rate, to 74%, would 
reduce earnings by £12.5 million, or £10.6 million on an adjusted basis. On  
a Reported Group basis, increasing the provision rate by 10 percentage 
points to 72% would reduce earnings by £5.8 million, or £5.2 million on an 
adjusted basis. 

102   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

102

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued  

Key unobservable inputs sensitivity analysis – 31 December 2020 

UK flagships 

France flagships 

Ireland flagships 

UK retail parks 

UK other 

Premium outlets (Value Retail) 

Total Group (excluding developments) 

Impairment of non-financial assets and liabilities 

Most of the Group’s non-financial assets are investment and 

development properties and are already carried at their fair value under 

IAS 40. Investments in joint ventures and associates fall within the scope 

of IAS 28 and are therefore only assessed for impairment where 

indicators of impairment exist as a result of one or more events that 

occurred after the initial recognition of the original investment.  

Management concluded that the impact of Covid-19 is evidence of 

potential impairment and accordingly, an impairment review of non-

financial assets has been undertaken, assessing whether the carrying 

value of these investments exceeded the higher of fair value less cost of 

disposal and the value in use.  

Within the Group’s investments in premium outlets, notional goodwill 

has arisen historically as the acquisition price has exceeded the fair 

value of the net assets acquired, principally associated with deferred 

tax liabilities. As a consequence of recognising notional goodwill, the 

carrying value of the investment in premium outlets exceeds the Group’s 

share of the underlying net assets. Given the recent uncertainty and 

challenging investment markets following the pandemic, at 30 June 

2020, management concluded it was no longer appropriate to maintain a 

carrying value in excess of the underlying net assets of the investee. The 

recoverable amount was determined by reference to the value in use of 

the underlying investment, the future cash flows of both investments 

having been captured by the formal property valuations. Consequently, 

the investments in VIA Outlets and Value Retail were impaired by  

£9.6 million and £94.3 million respectively in 2020 (2019: £nil), 

equivalent to the notional goodwill, as detailed in notes 13D and 14E.  

At 31 December 2020, management has reassessed the carrying value  

of its investment in Value Retail by reference to the value in use, and 

concluded that this impairment is still appropriate. No further 

impairment has been necessary as the underlying properties are carried 

at fair value. 

Joint ventures and associates, excluding premium outlets, are accounted 

for under the equity method, which in this case, equates to the Group’s 

share of the entity’s Net Asset Value (NAV). NAV is based on the fair 

value of the underlying assets. As the Group's investment in these joint 

ventures and associates already equals the Group's share of the 

underlying net assets of the relevant investee, of which the principal 

asset, investment property, is already carried at fair value, these 

investments are already held at their recoverable amount and no 

impairment is required.  

Impact on valuation of change in  

Impact on valuation of change 

nominal equivalent yield 

in ERV

Investment 

properties 

valuation

Yield 

change

£m

1,511

1,147

757

384

106

1,924

5,829

bp

100

100

150

100

100

100

Decrease

Increase 

change 

Increase

Decrease

£m

241

295

325

52

13

318

1,244

£m 

(183) 

(195) 

(175) 

(41) 

(10) 

(221) 

(825) 

ERV 

% 

10 

10 

15 

10 

10 

10 

£m

151

115

114

38

11

52

481

£m

(151)

(115)

(114)

(38)

(11)

(52)

(481)

Impairment of trade receivables and tenant incentives 

The estimation of expected credit losses requires a degree of estimation 

about future events and is therefore inherently subjective.  

Trade receivables 

As detailed in note 1A, the Group has applied the simplified approach 

under IFRS 9 and adopted a provisioning matrix to determine the 

Expected Credit Loss (ECL), grouping receivables dependent on the risk 

level, taking into account historic default rates, future expectations, 

credit ratings, ageing, and the anticipated impact of Covid-19, and 

applying an appropriate provision percentage after taking account of 

VAT, rent deposits and personal or corporate guarantees held. Where 

information is available to suggest that a higher level of provisioning is 

required due to tenant failure or restructuring, a loss allowance provision 

is made against 100% of the trade receivable or tenant incentive. 

The closure of the vast majority of non-essential retail across all regions 

as a result of the global pandemic, coupled with government restrictions 

in the UK and France on landlords’ ability to enforce rent collection, has 

resulted in a significant decline in rent collection rates and consequently, 

an increase in the level of trade receivables from £61.3 million at 

31 December 2019 to £170.3 million at 31 December 2020 on a 

proportionally consolidated basis, excluding premium outlets. 

On a proportionally consolidated basis, after taking account of tenant 

deposits, guarantees and VAT, all of which are fully recoverable, a total 

loss allowance of £79.8 million was recognised at 31 December 2020, 

compared to £16.9 million at 31 December 2019, equivalent to a 64% 

provision against net receivables. On a Reported Group basis, a total  

loss allowance of £35.8 million was recognised, representing 62% of  

net receivables.  

The table at the top of page 103 analyses the total loss allowance by 

region against the respective trade receivable balances, allocating the 

provision between amounts recognised before 31 December 2020 and 

those for which the corresponding credit to the consolidated income 

statement has yet to be recognised. On a proportionally consolidated basis, 

a 10 percentage point increase in the loss allowance rate, to 74%, would 

reduce earnings by £12.5 million, or £10.6 million on an adjusted basis. On  

a Reported Group basis, increasing the provision rate by 10 percentage 

points to 72% would reduce earnings by £5.8 million, or £5.2 million on an 

adjusted basis. 

Proportionally consolidated, 
excluding premium outlets 
UK 
France 
Ireland 
Property portfolio 
Less Share of Property 
interests 
Reported Group  

31 December 2020 

31 December 2019 

Trade 
receivables net 
of deposits 
and VAT
£m
82.1
28.6
14.7
125.4

Loss allowance 
provision for 
amounts 
recognised in the 
income statement
£m 
41.2
18.9
7.7
67.8

Loss allowance 
provision for 
amounts not yet 
recognised in the 
income statement
£m
11.9
– 
0.1 
12.0

Trade 
receivables 
£m 
101.4 
51.3 
17.6 
170.3 

Total loss 
allowance
 provision
£m
53.1 
18.9 
7.8 
79.8 

Total loss 
allowance 
provision (net) 
% 
65 
66 
53 
64 

(87.5) 
82.8 

(67.2)
58.2

(35.9)
31.9

(8.1)
3.9

(44.0)
35.8 

65 
62 

Trade 
receivables
£m 
22.5 
36.0 
2.8 
61.3 

(19.3)
42.0 

Total loss 
allowance
 provision1
£m
6.0 
10.4 
0.5 
16.9

(7.0)
9.9 

1.  No provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement was recognised at 31 December 2019. 

The table below groups trade receivables and the associated provision for loss allowance by the level of credit risk, based on the ECL matrix approach 
adopted at 31 December 2020, shown on both a proportionally consolidated and Reported Group basis. 

31 December 2020 
Credit risk 
Low 
Medium 
High 
Very high 
Total  

Trade 
receivables
£m 

Proportionally consolidated
Net 
receivable 
£m

Loss 
allowance
£m

Trade  
receivable  
£m 

Loss 
allowance 
£m

Reported Group
Net 
receivable 
£m

52.7
18.7
34.0
64.9
170.3

(12.1)
(4.4)
(16.1)
(47.2)
(79.8)

40.6
14.3
17.9
17.7
90.5

25.4 
12.3 
16.0 
29.1 
82.8 

(4.4)
(2.9)
(7.0)
(21.5)
(35.8)

21.0
9.4
9.0
7.6
47.0

Tenant incentives 
The ECL approach has also been applied to tenant incentives, by 
grouping unamortised incentives dependent on the risk level, taking into 
account historic default rates, future expectations, credit ratings and the 
anticipated impact of Covid-19, and applying an appropriate provision 
percentage. Unamortised lease incentives at 31 December 2020 totalled 
£68.0 million on a proportionally consolidated basis, excluding premium 
outlets, against which a provision of £14.8 million has been recognised.  

The table below analyses the provision across the regions between the 
proportionally consolidated portfolio and Share of Property interests. 
Provisioning rates against unamortised tenant incentives are lower than 
those against trade receivables as the credit risk of tenants not paying 
rent for future periods, and hence unamortised tenant incentives not 
being recovered, is lower than the credit risk on trade receivables 
currently overdue as a result of the pandemic. A 10 percentage point 
increase in the impairment provision rate would increase the total 
impairment charge by £6.8 million on a proportionally consolidated 
basis, or £4.4 million on a Reported Group basis. 

UK 
France 
Ireland 
Property portfolio 
Less Share of Property interests 
Reported Group  

Unamortised 
tenant 
incentives 
£m 
56.6  
8.2  
3.2  
68.0  
(23.7) 
44.3  

Total loss 
allowance 
provision
£m
12.8
1.1
0.9
14.8
(5.3)
9.5

31 December 2020 
Total loss 
allowance 
provision
%
23
13
28
22
22
21

102   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 103
www.hammerson.com  103 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued  

E. Going concern 
Introduction 
To ascertain whether it was appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on a going concern basis, the Directors have performed  
a detailed review of the current and projected financial position of  
the Group. 

This involved preparing two forecast scenarios: a Base case and a Severe but 
plausible adverse case. The scenarios take into account the current and near 
term assessment of the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties, which are 
explained on page 35 and where five of the Group’s principal risks currently 
exceed the Board’s risk appetite. The underlying assumptions therefore 
reflect the unprecedented levels of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 
pandemic and the ongoing challenges from a macroeconomic perspective, 
and in the Group’s retail and property investment markets. Both scenarios 
consider the market outlook and incorporate assumptions from an 
accounting and cash flow perspective in respect of: 

–  property valuations and capital expenditure 
–  net rental income including collection rates, concessions and the 

impact of tenant restructuring 

–  net administration expenses  
–  interest rates and financing, including debt maturities 

The scenarios assess the Group’s cash flow and liquidity position and 
projections for the financial covenants within the Group’s borrowing 
facilities, including those held within joint ventures and associates. 

As the Directors have to make the going concern assessment over at least a 
12 month period from the date of signing the financial statements, the 
scenario modelling has been undertaken over the period to 30 June 2022. 
This period has been chosen as it captures the six monthly, 30 June 2022, 
covenant test date for the Group’s unsecured borrowing facilities.  

Financing overview 
As explained on page 31 of the Financial Review, the Group 
predominantly borrows on an unsecured basis, although a number of 
joint ventures and associates have secured debt facilities. These 
borrowings contain covenants that require specified financial ratios to be 
maintained and compliance with certain other financial restrictions.  

At 31 December 2020, the Group complied with all applicable borrowing 
covenants, within both unsecured and secured facilities, and had 
substantial liquidity of £1,748 million.  

i.Unsecured borrowings 
The Group’s unsecured borrowings are in the form of bonds, bank 
facilities and private placement notes and totalled £2,259 million at 
31 December 2020. These contain a number of financial covenants, 
which are explained on page 33. Covenants on the bank facilities and 
private placement notes are tested semi-annually in June and December, 
while covenants under the Group’s unsecured bonds are tested annually 
in December.  

ii.Secured borrowings 
At 31 December 2020, the Group’s joint ventures and associates had 
£3,012 million of secured facilities, of which the Group’s proportionate 
share was £1,174 million. These relate to loans secured against three 
properties owned by joint ventures: Dundrum, Highcross and O’Parinor, 
and loans held by Value Retail, which is an associate. £623 million 
(Group’s share £160 million) of these facilities mature over the period to 
30 June 2022. These facilities are non-recourse to the Group and a 
covenant breach or acceleration of any of these facilities would not cause 
a cross-default under any of the Group’s unsecured borrowings or any of 
the secured facilities of other joint ventures or associates. 

The covenants for secured debt facilities are generally tested quarterly 
and include specific covenants typically, loan to value and interest cover. 
During 2020, where deemed necessary to address the adverse financial 
effect of Covid-19 due to lower collection rates or property valuations, 
covenant waivers or amendments have been obtained. As at 31 December 
2020, £2,262 million (Group’s share £965 million) of secured facilities 
benefited from interest cover covenant waivers or amendments, with one 

joint venture loan also benefiting from a loan to value waiver, such that as 
at 31 December 2020 all applicable borrowing requirements were 
complied with. 

Taking into account extensions to a number of interest cover covenant 
waivers or amendments obtained in early 2021, these waivers or 
amendments expire at various dates through to 31 December 2021. If 
further covenant waivers or amendments are not obtained, terms 
appropriately renegotiated or maturing loans refinanced, there is a risk 
that the Group and its partners may need to part or fully repay a number 
of these facilities to prevent the lenders enforcing their security interests 
on the property assets. This risk is a critical consideration in this going 
concern assessment.  

Scenario assumptions 
Retail occupational and investment markets have been increasingly 
challenging over recent years, particularly in the UK. The Covid-19 
pandemic has significantly adversely affected the Group’s operations 
with the imposition of restrictions including limiting footfall at our 
venues and the closure of non-essential retail; reduced collections; and 
an increased level of tenant concessions and restructuring. These factors 
have resulted, and are expected to continue to result, in further 
downward pressure on both rents and property valuations. The Group’s 
scenario modelling has been undertaken against this backdrop and the 
key assumptions adopted for the scenarios are as follows: 

i. Base case scenario 
–  a gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions from April 2021. This 

scenario is consistent with the ‘best case’ timing of the opening of non-
essential retail in England and Wales on 12 April 2021, as included in 
the “Roadmap out of lockdown’ announced by the UK Prime Minister 
on 22 February 2021;  

–  a slow, but sustained, recovery in sales and footfall; 
–  a challenging retail occupational and investment market, particularly 

in the UK, with further tenant restructuring and concessions to 
support weaker brands; and falling property valuations, principally 
in 2021; and 

–  a resumption and slow recovery of international travel and tourism. 

ii. Severe but plausible adverse scenario 
Assumptions are as per the Base case scenario with the following 
additional adverse assumptions: 

– a slower relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, with non-essential retail 

remaining closed until the end of May 2021 and a weaker economic and 
consumer recovery thereafter including the re-imposition of some 
restrictions in the second half of 2021; 

– a further deterioration in the occupational retail market, with 

additional tenant restructuring, the provision of concessions to support 
brands, and the impairment and write-off of outstanding arrears. Also, 
lower levels of international travel and tourism. This results in lower 
income projections, with Group net rental income, excluding Value 
Retail, on a like-for-like basis being approximately 50% lower in 2021 
than in 2019; and 

– more severe property valuation reductions, principally in 2021, with a 
Group capital return over the period from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 
2022 of -22%. This includes capital returns of -30% for UK flagships, 
-22% for French flagships,-25% for Irish flagships, -13% for UK retail 
parks and -14% for Value Retail’s premium outlets. 

Scenario outcome  
The scenario outcomes, particularly in terms of the impact on the 
Group’s unsecured borrowings covenants, are significantly affected by 
the risk of covenant breaches and refinancing requirements in the non-
recourse secured debt facilities held by three of the Group’s joint 
ventures and Value Retail. For this reason, the outcome of the scenarios 
are explained, both excluding and including the secured debt risks. 

i. Scenario outcomes excluding secured debt risks 
Excluding the risks associated with the Group’s secured debt facilities, 
under both the Base case and Severe but plausible adverse scenarios the 
Group retains significant liquidity over the going concern period.  

104   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

104

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued  

E. Going concern 

Introduction 

To ascertain whether it was appropriate to prepare the financial 

statements on a going concern basis, the Directors have performed  

a detailed review of the current and projected financial position of  

the Group. 

joint venture loan also benefiting from a loan to value waiver, such that as 

at 31 December 2020 all applicable borrowing requirements were 

complied with. 

Taking into account extensions to a number of interest cover covenant 

waivers or amendments obtained in early 2021, these waivers or 

amendments expire at various dates through to 31 December 2021. If 

further covenant waivers or amendments are not obtained, terms 

appropriately renegotiated or maturing loans refinanced, there is a risk 

This involved preparing two forecast scenarios: a Base case and a Severe but 

that the Group and its partners may need to part or fully repay a number 

plausible adverse case. The scenarios take into account the current and near 

of these facilities to prevent the lenders enforcing their security interests 

term assessment of the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties, which are 

on the property assets. This risk is a critical consideration in this going 

explained on page 35 and where five of the Group’s principal risks currently 

concern assessment.  

–  net rental income including collection rates, concessions and the 

have resulted, and are expected to continue to result, in further 

Financing overview 

As explained on page 31 of the Financial Review, the Group 

in 2021; and 

exceed the Board’s risk appetite. The underlying assumptions therefore 

reflect the unprecedented levels of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 

pandemic and the ongoing challenges from a macroeconomic perspective, 

and in the Group’s retail and property investment markets. Both scenarios 

consider the market outlook and incorporate assumptions from an 

accounting and cash flow perspective in respect of: 

–  property valuations and capital expenditure 

impact of tenant restructuring 

–  net administration expenses  

–  interest rates and financing, including debt maturities 

The scenarios assess the Group’s cash flow and liquidity position and 

projections for the financial covenants within the Group’s borrowing 

facilities, including those held within joint ventures and associates. 

As the Directors have to make the going concern assessment over at least a 

12 month period from the date of signing the financial statements, the 

scenario modelling has been undertaken over the period to 30 June 2022. 

This period has been chosen as it captures the six monthly, 30 June 2022, 

covenant test date for the Group’s unsecured borrowing facilities.  

predominantly borrows on an unsecured basis, although a number of 

joint ventures and associates have secured debt facilities. These 

borrowings contain covenants that require specified financial ratios to be 

maintained and compliance with certain other financial restrictions.  

At 31 December 2020, the Group complied with all applicable borrowing 

covenants, within both unsecured and secured facilities, and had 

substantial liquidity of £1,748 million.  

i.Unsecured borrowings 

The Group’s unsecured borrowings are in the form of bonds, bank 

facilities and private placement notes and totalled £2,259 million at 

31 December 2020. These contain a number of financial covenants, 

which are explained on page 33. Covenants on the bank facilities and 

private placement notes are tested semi-annually in June and December, 

while covenants under the Group’s unsecured bonds are tested annually 

in December.  

ii.Secured borrowings 

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s joint ventures and associates had 

£3,012 million of secured facilities, of which the Group’s proportionate 

share was £1,174 million. These relate to loans secured against three 

and loans held by Value Retail, which is an associate. £623 million 

(Group’s share £160 million) of these facilities mature over the period to 

30 June 2022. These facilities are non-recourse to the Group and a 

covenant breach or acceleration of any of these facilities would not cause 

a cross-default under any of the Group’s unsecured borrowings or any of 

the secured facilities of other joint ventures or associates. 

The covenants for secured debt facilities are generally tested quarterly 

and include specific covenants typically, loan to value and interest cover. 

Scenario assumptions 

Retail occupational and investment markets have been increasingly 

challenging over recent years, particularly in the UK. The Covid-19 

pandemic has significantly adversely affected the Group’s operations 

with the imposition of restrictions including limiting footfall at our 

venues and the closure of non-essential retail; reduced collections; and 

an increased level of tenant concessions and restructuring. These factors 

downward pressure on both rents and property valuations. The Group’s 

scenario modelling has been undertaken against this backdrop and the 

key assumptions adopted for the scenarios are as follows: 

i. Base case scenario 

–  a gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions from April 2021. This 

scenario is consistent with the ‘best case’ timing of the opening of non-

essential retail in England and Wales on 12 April 2021, as included in 

the “Roadmap out of lockdown’ announced by the UK Prime Minister 

on 22 February 2021;  

–  a slow, but sustained, recovery in sales and footfall; 

–  a challenging retail occupational and investment market, particularly 

in the UK, with further tenant restructuring and concessions to 

support weaker brands; and falling property valuations, principally 

–  a resumption and slow recovery of international travel and tourism. 

ii. Severe but plausible adverse scenario 

Assumptions are as per the Base case scenario with the following 

additional adverse assumptions: 

– a slower relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, with non-essential retail 

remaining closed until the end of May 2021 and a weaker economic and 

consumer recovery thereafter including the re-imposition of some 

restrictions in the second half of 2021; 

– a further deterioration in the occupational retail market, with 

additional tenant restructuring, the provision of concessions to support 

brands, and the impairment and write-off of outstanding arrears. Also, 

lower levels of international travel and tourism. This results in lower 

income projections, with Group net rental income, excluding Value 

Retail, on a like-for-like basis being approximately 50% lower in 2021 

than in 2019; and 

– more severe property valuation reductions, principally in 2021, with a 

Group capital return over the period from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 

2022 of -22%. This includes capital returns of -30% for UK flagships, 

-22% for French flagships,-25% for Irish flagships, -13% for UK retail 

Scenario outcome  

The scenario outcomes, particularly in terms of the impact on the 

Group’s unsecured borrowings covenants, are significantly affected by 

the risk of covenant breaches and refinancing requirements in the non-

recourse secured debt facilities held by three of the Group’s joint 

ventures and Value Retail. For this reason, the outcome of the scenarios 

are explained, both excluding and including the secured debt risks. 

properties owned by joint ventures: Dundrum, Highcross and O’Parinor, 

parks and -14% for Value Retail’s premium outlets. 

During 2020, where deemed necessary to address the adverse financial 

i. Scenario outcomes excluding secured debt risks 

effect of Covid-19 due to lower collection rates or property valuations, 

Excluding the risks associated with the Group’s secured debt facilities, 

covenant waivers or amendments have been obtained. As at 31 December 

under both the Base case and Severe but plausible adverse scenarios the 

2020, £2,262 million (Group’s share £965 million) of secured facilities 

Group retains significant liquidity over the going concern period.  

benefited from interest cover covenant waivers or amendments, with one 

In the Base case scenario, the Group remains compliant with all its 
unsecured borrowing covenants. The forecast valuation reductions act to 
reduce the headroom under the gearing and unencumbered asset ratio 
covenants, the latter covenant only relating to the Group’s private 
placement notes. While the gearing ratio remains <100% (covenant limit 
<150%), there is minimal headroom under the unencumbered asset ratio 
covenant at 31 December 2021 and 30 June 2022.  

i. Lender and partner negotiations  
Negotiations are currently underway in relation to the secured debt 
facilities which currently benefit from covenant relaxations. The 
discussions are to obtain additional waivers, renegotiate terms, part 
prepay or fully refinance maturing facilities. If, as the Directors expect, 
these discussions conclude satisfactorily, this would significantly 
improve the scenario outcomes.  

Also, in the Base case scenario, due to the adverse impact on the Group’s  
net rental income caused by the current lockdown, the net rental income 
headroom under the interest cover ratio covenant, in the Group’s unsecured 
bank facilities and private placement notes, falls to approximately 20% at  
30 June 2021, compared with 31% at 31 December 2020. 

In the Severe but plausible adverse scenario, covenant stress is  
increased. The more adverse valuation reductions in this scenario  
result in only minimal headroom under the unsecured gearing covenants 
at 31 December 2021 and 30 June 2022 and the unencumbered asset 
ratio covenant in the private placement notes is projected to breach at 
31 December 2021. This latter covenant breach can be mitigated as the 
Group is forecast to have sufficient liquidity to exercise its rights to 
redeem these notes ahead of their maturities for the outstanding value  
of the notes plus a make-whole amount.  

In addition, under the Severe but plausible scenario, due to the 
prolonged lockdown and weaker recovery assumptions in this scenario, 
there is only minimal net rental income headroom projected under the 
interest cover ratio covenant in the Group’s unsecured bank facilities 
and private placement notes at the 30 June 2021 test date. Headroom  
is projected to improve for the 31 December 2021 and 30 June 2022  
test dates.  

Given the heightened uncertainty associated with the Covid-19 
pandemic, the above covenant assessments are very sensitive to 
downside risks associated with lower valuations, collections, increased 
tenant concessions and the adverse impact of tenant restructuring. 

ii. Scenario outcomes including secured debt risks 
As explained in the Financing overview section above, the Group’s 
secured borrowings are held by three of its joint ventures and in Value 
Retail. At 31 December 2020, £965 million of these facilities benefitted 
from temporary interest cover waivers or amendments, with one joint 
venture loan also having a short-term loan to value waiver. In addition, 
£623 million (Group’s share £160 million) of secured facilities mature 
over the period to 30 June 2022.  

For the interest cover ratio covenants in the secured facilities, when the 
waivers or amendments expire over the course of 2021, if income levels 
have not recovered sufficiently or further waivers or amendment are not 
agreed, the loans would breach. In these circumstances, the lenders 
could demand repayment of these facilities. This would also apply to 
loans which matured over the period to 30 June 2022, if refinancing 
cannot be arranged and to loan to value breaches if further covenant 
waivers or amendments are not obtained and the Group and its partners 
do not part prepay facilities to comply with covenants.  

If the loans were not repaid, the lenders could enforce their security 
interests over the properties. This could result in the Group’s net assets 
reducing by the difference between the book value of the property (and 
other applicable security interests) and the loan balance, increasing the 
Group’s gearing ratio.  

The Directors believe this outcome to be highly unlikely. Nonetheless, in 
the Severe but plausible adverse scenario, if lenders were to enforce their 
security over the properties and the Group lost the full value of its equity 
investment, the Group’s gearing ratio on its unsecured bank and private 
placement notes would breach the 150% covenant limit at 30 June 2022. 

Mitigating actions 
There are two principal mitigating actions available to the Group to 
improve the outcomes forecast in the scenario modelling, and avoid the 
unsecured borrowing covenant breaches: 

However, as these negotiations are between third party lenders and the 
Group’s joint ventures and Value Retail, the outcome of these 
negotiations is not solely within the Group’s control.  

Also, if a breach of the Group’s unsecured borrowing covenants was 
deemed likely, the Group would negotiate with its lenders to seek to 
obtain covenant waivers or amendments, or renegotiate terms to avoid 
breaches. This approach was demonstrated in the first half of 2020 when 
the Group agreed a short-term amendment to reduce the unencumbered 
asset ratio covenant in the private placement notes over the period to 
31 December 2021, further details are on page 33. 

ii. Disposals 
As explained on page 22, the Group is committed to near term disposals 
to strengthen the Group’s financial position. Even in challenging 
markets, the Group has raised disposal proceeds of £1.0 billion over the 
last 24 months, including £73 million already in 2021, and the diversity of 
the Group’s portfolio, in terms of location and sector, provides access to a 
range of investment markets.  

The precise impact of disposals on the financial projections would be 
dependent on the timing of a sale, the level of proceeds relative to book 
value, the ownership structure and whether any debt is secured against 
the properties sold.  

Conclusion 
Having undertaken the assessment described above, given the significant 
liquidity forecast over the going concern period, the Directors have 
considered that it is reasonable to conclude that the Group will continue 
in operational existence and meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 
the next 12 months. Therefore, these financial statements have been 
prepared on the going concern basis.  

However, as explained in the Introduction section of this assessment, the 
Group is facing unprecedented levels of uncertainty, principally caused 
by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Group’s financial modelling is very 
sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions. Depending on the 
outcome of ongoing secured debt discussions, the Severe but plausible 
adverse scenario projects a potential breach in the Group’s unsecured 
gearing covenant and minimal interest cover covenant headroom. Given 
these circumstances, the Directors have concluded that attention should 
be drawn to the following factors as a material uncertainty that may cast 
significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern: 

–  the impact on income and property valuations associated with the 

terms and speed of future relaxations of Covid-19 restrictions and the 
strength and timeframe of the forecast recovery in the retail market 
and the broader economy. More adverse outcomes relative to those 
assumed in the scenario modelling could result in breaches in the 
Group’s unsecured gearing and interest cover ratio covenants, 
regardless of the outcome of the secured debt facilities negotiations. 
–  the ability to satisfactorily conclude lender discussions on a number  
of the Group’s secured debt facilities by obtaining additional waivers 
or amendments, renegotiating terms, partly or fully prepaying 
facilities, or refinancing maturing loans. However, as these facilities 
are held in three of the Group’s joint ventures and Value Retail, the 
outcome of the discussions with the third party lenders is not solely 
within the Group’s control. In the highly unlikely event that lenders 
enforced their security interests to recover these loans and the Group 
were to lose the value of its equity investments, the Group would 
breach its unsecured gearing covenant in the Severe but plausible 
adverse scenario at 30 June 2022. 

No adjustments have been made to the financial statements that would 
result if the Group were unable to continue as a going concern. 

104   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 105
www.hammerson.com  105 

Financial Statements  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued  

F. Other financial information 
Basis of consolidation 
Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. The Group 
controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the entity.  

Foreign currency 
Foreign currency transactions 
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at 
exchange rates approximating to the exchange rate ruling at the date of 
the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies at the balance sheet date are translated into sterling at the 
exchange rate ruling at that date and, unless they relate to the hedging  
of the net investment in foreign operations, differences arising on 
translation are recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated 
financial statements from the date that control commences until the 
date that control ceases. All intragroup transactions, balances, income 
and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. 

Financial statements of foreign operations 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and 
fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated into 
sterling at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.  

Joint operations, joint ventures and associates 
The accounting treatment for joint operations, joint ventures and 
associates requires an assessment to determine the degree of control  
or influence that the Group may exercise over them and the form of 
that control.  

The Group’s interest in joint arrangements is classified as either: 

1.  a joint operation, not operated through an entity, whereby the joint 
controlling parties have rights to the assets and obligations for the 
liabilities, relating to the arrangement; or 

2. a joint venture, whereby the joint controlling parties have rights  

to the net assets of the arrangement. 

The Group’s interests in its joint arrangements are commonly driven  
by the terms of partnership agreements, which ensure that control is 
shared between the partners.  

Associates are those entities over which the Group is in a position to 
exercise significant influence, but not control or joint control. 

The Group’s share of interests in joint operations is proportionally 
consolidated into the Group financial statements.  

The results, assets and liabilities of joint ventures and associates are 
accounted for using the equity method. Investments in joint ventures 
and associates are carried in the consolidated balance sheet at cost as 
adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net 
assets of the joint venture or associate, less any impairment. Losses of a 
joint venture or associate in excess of the Group’s interest in that entity 
are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or 
constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the entity. 

Loans to joint ventures and associates are separately presented from 
equity interests within the notes to the financial statements, although 
aggregated in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. Where the Group’s 
share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the 
entity, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred 
obligations or made payments on behalf of the other entity. The Group 
eliminates upstream and downstream transactions with its joint 
ventures, including interest and management fees. 

Distributions and income associated with the underlying operating 
profit of joint ventures are included within “Cash flows from operating 
activities” within the Cash flow statements, whilst all other cash flows are 
recognised as investing activities. 

Accounting for acquisitions 
An acquisition is recognised when the risks and rewards of ownership 
have transferred. This is usually on completion of the transaction. 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. 
Any excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net 
assets acquired is recognised as goodwill, and reviewed annually for 
impairment. Any discount received or acquisition-related costs are 
recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

The operating income and expenses of foreign operations are translated 
into sterling at the average exchange rates for the year. Significant 
transactions, such as property sales, are translated at the foreign 
exchange rate ruling at the date of each transaction.  

The principal exchange rate used to translate foreign currency-
denominated amounts in the consolidated balance sheet is the rate 
at the end of the year, £1 = €1.117 (2019: £1 = €1.18). The principal 
exchange rates used for the consolidated income statement are the 
following quarterly average rates: 

Quarter 1 
Quarter 2 
Quarter 3 
Quarter 4 

2020 
£1 = €1.161  
£1 = €1.127 
£1 = €1.105 
£1 = €1.108 

2019 
£1 = €1.147
£1 = €1.144
£1 = €1.109
£1 = €1.163

Net investment in foreign operations 
Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment 
in foreign operations are taken to the translation reserve. They are 
released to the consolidated income statement upon disposal of the 
foreign operation. 

Cash, receivables, other investments, payables and 
borrowings 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted monetary assets 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short term bank 
deposits with an original maturity of three months or less which 
are readily accessible. 

Restricted monetary assets relate to cash balances which legally belong 
to the Group but which the Group cannot readily access, including cash 
and monies held in escrow accounts for a specified purpose. These do not 
meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents and consequently are 
presented separately from cash and deposits in the consolidated 
balance sheet. 

Trade and other receivables and payables 
Trade and other receivables and payables are initially measured at fair 
value, subsequently measured at amortised cost and, where the effect  
is material, discounted to reflect the time value of money. Trade 
receivables are shown net of any loss allowance provision. 

Loans receivable 
Loans receivable are financial assets which are initially measured at fair 
value, plus acquisition costs, and are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost, using the effective interest method, less any impairment. 

Other investments 
Other investments are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently 
remeasured at fair value, with changes recognised in the consolidated 
income statement.  

106   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

106

 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued  

F. Other financial information 

Basis of consolidation 

Subsidiaries 

Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. The Group 

controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 

returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect 

those returns through its power over the entity.  

Foreign currency 

Foreign currency transactions 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at 

exchange rates approximating to the exchange rate ruling at the date of 

the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 

currencies at the balance sheet date are translated into sterling at the 

exchange rate ruling at that date and, unless they relate to the hedging  

of the net investment in foreign operations, differences arising on 

translation are recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated 

financial statements from the date that control commences until the 

date that control ceases. All intragroup transactions, balances, income 

and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. 

Financial statements of foreign operations 

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and 

fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated into 

sterling at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.  

Joint operations, joint ventures and associates 

The accounting treatment for joint operations, joint ventures and 

associates requires an assessment to determine the degree of control  

or influence that the Group may exercise over them and the form of 

The operating income and expenses of foreign operations are translated 

into sterling at the average exchange rates for the year. Significant 

transactions, such as property sales, are translated at the foreign 

exchange rate ruling at the date of each transaction.  

that control.  

The Group’s interest in joint arrangements is classified as either: 

1.  a joint operation, not operated through an entity, whereby the joint 

controlling parties have rights to the assets and obligations for the 

liabilities, relating to the arrangement; or 

2. a joint venture, whereby the joint controlling parties have rights  

to the net assets of the arrangement. 

The Group’s interests in its joint arrangements are commonly driven  

by the terms of partnership agreements, which ensure that control is 

shared between the partners.  

Associates are those entities over which the Group is in a position to 

exercise significant influence, but not control or joint control. 

The principal exchange rate used to translate foreign currency-

denominated amounts in the consolidated balance sheet is the rate 

at the end of the year, £1 = €1.117 (2019: £1 = €1.18). The principal 

exchange rates used for the consolidated income statement are the 

following quarterly average rates: 

Quarter 1 

Quarter 2 

Quarter 3 

Quarter 4 

2020 

£1 = €1.161  

£1 = €1.127 

£1 = €1.105 

£1 = €1.108 

2019 

£1 = €1.147

£1 = €1.144

£1 = €1.109

£1 = €1.163

Net investment in foreign operations 

Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment 

in foreign operations are taken to the translation reserve. They are 

released to the consolidated income statement upon disposal of the 

The Group’s share of interests in joint operations is proportionally 

consolidated into the Group financial statements.  

foreign operation. 

The results, assets and liabilities of joint ventures and associates are 

Cash, receivables, other investments, payables and 

accounted for using the equity method. Investments in joint ventures 

borrowings 

and associates are carried in the consolidated balance sheet at cost as 

adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net 

assets of the joint venture or associate, less any impairment. Losses of a 

joint venture or associate in excess of the Group’s interest in that entity 

are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or 

constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the entity. 

Loans to joint ventures and associates are separately presented from 

equity interests within the notes to the financial statements, although 

aggregated in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. Where the Group’s 

share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the 

entity, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred 

obligations or made payments on behalf of the other entity. The Group 

eliminates upstream and downstream transactions with its joint 

ventures, including interest and management fees. 

Distributions and income associated with the underlying operating 

profit of joint ventures are included within “Cash flows from operating 

recognised as investing activities. 

Accounting for acquisitions 

An acquisition is recognised when the risks and rewards of ownership 

have transferred. This is usually on completion of the transaction. 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. 

Any excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net 

assets acquired is recognised as goodwill, and reviewed annually for 

impairment. Any discount received or acquisition-related costs are 

recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted monetary assets 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short term bank 

deposits with an original maturity of three months or less which 

are readily accessible. 

Restricted monetary assets relate to cash balances which legally belong 

to the Group but which the Group cannot readily access, including cash 

and monies held in escrow accounts for a specified purpose. These do not 

meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents and consequently are 

presented separately from cash and deposits in the consolidated 

balance sheet. 

Trade and other receivables and payables 

Trade and other receivables and payables are initially measured at fair 

value, subsequently measured at amortised cost and, where the effect  

is material, discounted to reflect the time value of money. Trade 

receivables are shown net of any loss allowance provision. 

Loans receivable are financial assets which are initially measured at fair 

value, plus acquisition costs, and are subsequently measured at 

amortised cost, using the effective interest method, less any impairment. 

Other investments 

income statement.  

Other investments are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently 

remeasured at fair value, with changes recognised in the consolidated 

activities” within the Cash flow statements, whilst all other cash flows are 

Loans receivable 

Borrowings 
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, after taking account of 
any discount on issue and attributable transaction costs. Subsequently, 
borrowings are held at amortised cost, such that discounts and costs are 
charged to the consolidated income statement over the term of the 
borrowing at a constant return on the carrying amount of the liability. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to economically hedge 
its exposure to foreign currency movements and interest rate risks. 
Hedge accounting is applied in respect of net investments in foreign 
operations and of debt raised in non-functional currencies. Derivative 
financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value, which equates 
to cost and subsequently remeasured at fair value, with changes in fair 
value being included in the income statement, except where hedge 
accounting is applied. 

Derivative financial instruments are presented as current assets or 
liabilities if they are expected to be settled within 12 months after the  
end of the reporting period, otherwise they are held as non-current 
assets or liabilities. 

The fair value gain or loss on remeasurement of derivative financial 
instruments and the exchange differences on non-derivative financial 
instruments that are designated in a net investment hedge are 
recognised in the net investment hedge reserve in total comprehensive 
income, to the extent they are effective, and the ineffective portion is 
recognised in the income statement within net finance costs. Amounts 
are reclassified from the net investment hedge reserve to the income 
statement when the associated hedged item is disposed of. 

The fair value gain or loss on re-measurement of derivative financial 
instruments that are designated in a cash flow hedge are recognised in the 
cash flow hedge reserve in total comprehensive income, to the extent they 
are effective, and the ineffective portion is recognised in the income 
statement within net finance costs. Amounts are reclassified from the 
cash flow hedge reserve to the consolidated income statement when the 
associated hedged transaction affects the consolidated income statement. 

Cash movements relating to derivative financial instruments are 
included within the net increase or decrease in borrowings in the Cash 
flow statement. 

Finance costs 
Net finance costs 
Net finance costs include interest payable on debt, derivative financial 
instruments, interest on head leases and other lease obligations, debt  
and loan facility cancellation costs, net of interest capitalised, interest 
receivable on funds invested and derivative financial instruments, and 
changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments. 

Capitalisation of interest 
Interest is capitalised if it is directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of development properties or the significant 
redevelopment of investment properties. Capitalisation commences 
when the activities to develop the property start on site and continues 
until the property is substantially ready for its intended use, normally 
practical completion. Capitalised interest is calculated with reference to 
the actual rate payable on borrowings for development purposes or, for 
that part of the development cost financed out of general funds, at the 
Group’s weighted average interest rate. 

Property portfolio 
Investment and development properties 
Investment properties are stated at fair value, being market value 
determined by professionally qualified external valuers, and changes  
in fair value are included in the consolidated income statement.  

Properties acquired with the intention of redevelopment are classified  
as development properties and stated at fair value, being market value 
determined by professionally qualified external valuers. Changes in fair 

value are included in the consolidated income statement. All costs 
directly associated with the purchase and construction of a development 
property are capitalised. When development properties are completed, 
they are reclassified as investment properties. Further details are given 
in note 12. 

Accounting for disposals 
The Group accounts for the disposal of a property or corporate entity 
when the risks and rewards of ownership transfer, usually on the date  
of completion of a contract for sale.  

Gains or losses on the sale of properties are calculated by reference to the 
carrying value at the end of the previous year, adjusted for subsequent 
capital expenditure, unless reclassified to assets held for sale prior to 
disposal. Where a corporate entity, whose primary asset is a property,  
is disposed, the associated gains or losses on the sale of the entity are 
included within the gain or loss on sale of properties.  

A property may be classed as ‘held for sale’ and excluded from investment 
and development properties if it meets the criteria of IFRS 5 at the 
balance sheet date.  

If an investment in a joint venture or associate is reclassified to assets 
held for sale, equity accounting ceases on the date of reclassification and 
any subsequent movements in the fair value are recognised as 
impairment gains or losses. However, earnings relating to this period are 
included in adjusted earnings as detailed on page 118. 

In the event that assets held for sale form an identifiable business 
segment, the results for both the current and prior year are reclassified  
as ‘discontinued operations’. 

Leasehold properties 
The Group owns a number of properties on long leaseholds. These are 
leased out to tenants under operating leases, are classified as investment 
properties or development properties as appropriate, and included in the 
balance sheet at fair value. The obligation to the freeholder or superior 
leaseholder for the buildings element of the leasehold is included in the 
balance sheet at the present value of the minimum lease payments at 
inception. Payments to the freeholder or superior leaseholder are 
apportioned between a finance charge and a reduction of the outstanding 
liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease 
term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability.  

Contingent rents payable, such as rent reviews or those related to rental 
income, are charged as an expense in the period in which they are 
incurred. An asset equivalent to the leasehold obligation is recorded  
in the consolidated balance sheet within ‘Interests in leasehold 
properties’, and is depreciated over the lease term. 

Right-of-use assets 
The Group has leases for each of its offices in London, Dublin, Paris and 
Reading. IFRS 16 requires a lessee to recognise, for each lease, a right-of-
use asset and related lease liability representing the obligation to make 
lease payments. Interest expense on the lease liability and depreciation on 
the right-of-use asset is recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

Tenant leases 
Management has exercised judgement in considering the potential 
transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership, in accordance with  
IFRS 16 Leases, for properties leased to tenants and has determined that 
such leases are operating leases. Payments made under operating leases 
are charged to the consolidated income statement on a straight line basis 
over the lease term. 

Depreciation 
In accordance with IAS 40 Investment Property, no depreciation is 
provided in respect of investment and development properties, which 
are carried at fair value.  

106   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 107
www.hammerson.com  107 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued 

Plant and equipment  
Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. 
Depreciation is charged to the consolidated income statement on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, which is generally 
between three and five years, or in the case of leasehold improvements, 
the lease term. 

Revenue 
Revenue comprises gross rental income (consisting of base and turnover 
rents, income from car parks, lease incentive recognition and other 
rental income), service charge income, property fee income and joint 
venture and associate management fees as set out in note 4 of the 
financial statements.  

Rental income and lease incentives are recognised in accordance with 
IFRS 16 Leases. Rental income from investment property is recognised 
as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives 
and costs associated with entering into tenant leases are amortised over 
the lease term. Rent waivers granted during the Covid-19 period have 
been recognised as lease modifications under IFRS 16 and amortised 
from the date of agreement to the end of the lease term. Rent reviews are 
recognised when such reviews have been agreed with tenants. 

Tax 
Tax exempt status 
The Company has elected for UK REIT, French SIIC and Irish QIAIF 
status. To continue to benefit from these tax regimes, the Group is 
required to comply with certain conditions as outlined in note 9A to  
the financial statements. Management intends that the Group will 
continue as a UK REIT, a French SIIC and an Irish QIAIF for the 
foreseeable future. 

Current and deferred tax 
Tax is included in the consolidated income statement except to the 
extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case 
the related tax is recognised in equity.  

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the non-tax exempt income 
for the period, net of allowable expenses and tax deductions, using the 
tax rate(s) prevailing during the accounting period, together with any 
adjustment in respect of previous periods.  

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 tax purposes. The following temporary differences are not 
provided for:  

Car park income, service charge income, property fee income and joint 
venture and associate management fees are recognised in accordance 
with IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers, which prescribes 
the use of a five-step model for the recognition of revenue. These income 
streams are recognised as revenue in the period in which they are earned. 

–  goodwill not deductible for tax purposes  
–  the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither 

accounting nor taxable profit  

–  differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that 

they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future 

Government grants 
In accordance with IAS 20, any government grants received in relation to 
the Covid-19 period are being recognised as income over the period for 
which it is intended to compensate.  

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of 
realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, 
using tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability 
is settled or the asset is realised.  

Management fees 
Management fees are recognised in the period to which they relate. 
Performance fee-related elements are recognised when the fee can be 
reliably estimated.  

Employee benefits 
Defined contribution pension plans 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are 
charged to the consolidated income statement as incurred. 

Defined benefit pension plans 
The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans 
comprises the amount of future benefit that employees have earned, 
discounted to determine a present value, less the fair value of the pension 
plan assets. The calculation is performed by a qualified external actuary 
using the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and losses are 
recognised in equity. Where the assets of a plan are greater than its 
obligations, the asset included in the balance sheet is limited to the 
present value of any future refunds from the plan or reduction in future 
contributions to the plan. 

Share-based employee remuneration 
Share-based employee remuneration is determined with reference to  
the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are 
granted and charged to the consolidated income statement over the 
vesting period on a straight-line basis. The fair value of share options is 
calculated using the binomial option pricing model and is dependent on 
factors including the exercise price, expected volatility, option life and 
risk-free interest rate. The fair value of the market-based element of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plans is calculated using the Monte Carlo Model 
and is dependent on factors including the expected volatility, vesting 
period and risk-free interest rate.  

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. 

2: Loss for the year 

As stated in the Financial review on page 25 and in note 3, management 
reviews the performance of the Group’s property portfolio on a 
proportionally consolidated basis. Management does not proportionally 
consolidate the Group’s premium outlet investments in Value Retail and 
VIA Outlets (up to its sale in October 2020), and reviews the 
performance of these investments separately from the rest of the 
proportionally consolidated portfolio. 

The following tables have been prepared on a basis consistent with how 
management reviews the performance of the business and show the 
Group’s loss for the year on a proportionally consolidated basis in 
column C, by aggregating the Reported Group results (shown in column 
A) with those from its Share of Property interests (shown in column B), 
the latter being reallocated to the relevant financial statement lines. 
Further analysis of Share of Property interests is in Table 79 of the 
Additional disclosures. 

The Group’s share of results arising from its interests in premium outlets 
has not been proportionally consolidated and hence has not been 
reallocated to the relevant financial statement lines, but is shown within 
‘Share of results of joint ventures’ and ‘Share of results of associates’ in 
column C. The Group’s proportionally consolidated loss for the year in 
column C is then allocated between ‘Adjusted’ and ‘Capital and other’ for 
the purposes of calculating figures in accordance with EPRA best 
practice. Company specific adjustments which differ from EPRA 
guidelines are detailed in note 11B. As detailed in note 1C, the retail parks 
operations presented as discontinued for the year ended 31 December 
2019 have been re-presented as continuing operations as the IFRS 5 
criteria ceased to be met in May 2020. 

108   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

108

 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1: Significant accounting policies continued 

Tax 

Plant and equipment  

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. 

Depreciation is charged to the consolidated income statement on a 

straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, which is generally 

between three and five years, or in the case of leasehold improvements, 

Tax exempt status 

The Company has elected for UK REIT, French SIIC and Irish QIAIF 

status. To continue to benefit from these tax regimes, the Group is 

required to comply with certain conditions as outlined in note 9A to  

the financial statements. Management intends that the Group will 

continue as a UK REIT, a French SIIC and an Irish QIAIF for the 

the lease term. 

Revenue 

foreseeable future. 

Current and deferred tax 

Revenue comprises gross rental income (consisting of base and turnover 

rents, income from car parks, lease incentive recognition and other 

rental income), service charge income, property fee income and joint 

venture and associate management fees as set out in note 4 of the 

financial statements.  

Rental income and lease incentives are recognised in accordance with 

IFRS 16 Leases. Rental income from investment property is recognised 

as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives 

and costs associated with entering into tenant leases are amortised over 

the lease term. Rent waivers granted during the Covid-19 period have 

been recognised as lease modifications under IFRS 16 and amortised 

from the date of agreement to the end of the lease term. Rent reviews are 

Tax is included in the consolidated income statement except to the 

extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case 

the related tax is recognised in equity.  

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the non-tax exempt income 

for the period, net of allowable expenses and tax deductions, using the 

tax rate(s) prevailing during the accounting period, together with any 

adjustment in respect of previous periods.  

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 tax purposes. The following temporary differences are not 

recognised when such reviews have been agreed with tenants. 

provided for:  

Car park income, service charge income, property fee income and joint 

–  goodwill not deductible for tax purposes  

venture and associate management fees are recognised in accordance 

–  the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither 

with IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers, which prescribes 

accounting nor taxable profit  

the use of a five-step model for the recognition of revenue. These income 

streams are recognised as revenue in the period in which they are earned. 

–  differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that 

they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future 

Government grants 

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of 

In accordance with IAS 20, any government grants received in relation to 

realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, 

the Covid-19 period are being recognised as income over the period for 

using tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability 

Management fees are recognised in the period to which they relate. 

Performance fee-related elements are recognised when the fee can be 

be utilised. 

which it is intended to compensate.  

Management fees 

reliably estimated.  

Employee benefits 

Defined contribution pension plans 

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are 

charged to the consolidated income statement as incurred. 

Defined benefit pension plans 

The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans 

comprises the amount of future benefit that employees have earned, 

discounted to determine a present value, less the fair value of the pension 

plan assets. The calculation is performed by a qualified external actuary 

using the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and losses are 

recognised in equity. Where the assets of a plan are greater than its 

obligations, the asset included in the balance sheet is limited to the 

present value of any future refunds from the plan or reduction in future 

contributions to the plan. 

Share-based employee remuneration 

Share-based employee remuneration is determined with reference to  

the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are 

granted and charged to the consolidated income statement over the 

vesting period on a straight-line basis. The fair value of share options is 

calculated using the binomial option pricing model and is dependent on 

factors including the exercise price, expected volatility, option life and 

risk-free interest rate. The fair value of the market-based element of the 

Long-Term Incentive Plans is calculated using the Monte Carlo Model 

and is dependent on factors including the expected volatility, vesting 

period and risk-free interest rate.  

is settled or the asset is realised.  

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 

2: Loss for the year 

As stated in the Financial review on page 25 and in note 3, management 

reviews the performance of the Group’s property portfolio on a 

proportionally consolidated basis. Management does not proportionally 

consolidate the Group’s premium outlet investments in Value Retail and 

VIA Outlets (up to its sale in October 2020), and reviews the 

performance of these investments separately from the rest of the 

proportionally consolidated portfolio. 

The following tables have been prepared on a basis consistent with how 

management reviews the performance of the business and show the 

Group’s loss for the year on a proportionally consolidated basis in 

column C, by aggregating the Reported Group results (shown in column 

A) with those from its Share of Property interests (shown in column B), 

the latter being reallocated to the relevant financial statement lines. 

Further analysis of Share of Property interests is in Table 79 of the 

Additional disclosures. 

The Group’s share of results arising from its interests in premium outlets 

has not been proportionally consolidated and hence has not been 

reallocated to the relevant financial statement lines, but is shown within 

‘Share of results of joint ventures’ and ‘Share of results of associates’ in 

column C. The Group’s proportionally consolidated loss for the year in 

column C is then allocated between ‘Adjusted’ and ‘Capital and other’ for 

the purposes of calculating figures in accordance with EPRA best 

practice. Company specific adjustments which differ from EPRA 

guidelines are detailed in note 11B. As detailed in note 1C, the retail parks 

operations presented as discontinued for the year ended 31 December 

2019 have been re-presented as continuing operations as the IFRS 5 

criteria ceased to be met in May 2020. 

Reported 
Group
£m

Share of Property 
interests  
£m 

2020
  Proportionally consolidated
Capital 
and other
£m

Adjusted
£m

Proportionally 
consolidated 
£m 

Notes (see page 110) 

Gross rental incomeE 
Ground and equity rents payable 
Gross rental income, after rents payable 
Service charge income 
Service charge expenses  
Net service charge expenses 
Inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 
Other property outgoings 
Property outgoings 
Change in the provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income 
statement1 

Net rental income 

Administration costs 
Property fee income 
Employee and corporate costs 
Joint venture and associate management fees 
Net administration expenses 
Operating profit/(loss) before other net losses and share of results 
of joint ventures and associates 
Profit on sale of properties2 
Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, recycled on disposal of 
foreign operations 
Revaluation losses on properties 
Impairment relating to assets held for sale: VIA Outlets 
Reversal of impairment on reclassification from assets held for sale:  
Retail parks 
Indirect costs of rights issue 
Change in fair value of other investments 
Other net (losses)/gains 

Share of results of joint ventures  
Impairment of investment in joint ventures 
Share of results of associates 
Impairment of investment in associates 
Operating (loss)/profit 

Net finance (costs)/incomeF 
(Loss)/Profit before tax 
Tax charge 
(Loss)/Profit for the year  
Non-controlling interests 
(Loss)/Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders 

Notes

3A 

1D 

3A 

A 
131.5
(1.3)
130.2
27.7
(31.7)
(4.0)
(3.0)
(44.4)
(51.4)

(3.9)

74.9

(67.4)
15.2
(52.2)
8.5
(43.7)

31.2
11.6

5.2
(493.5)
(103.8)

22.4
(0.3)
(0.1)
(558.5)

(882.7)
(9.6)
(148.3)
(94.3)
(1,662.2)

(72.2)
(1,734.4)
(0.5)
(1,734.9)
0.1
(1,734.8)

1C, 18A 

1C, 18C 

1C,18A 

13A, 13B 

13D 

14A, 14B 

14E 

8 

9A 

28C 

11B 

B 
155.4 
(1.0) 
154.4 
28.6 
(34.2) 
(5.6) 
(3.4) 
(54.6) 
(63.6) 

C 
286.9 
(2.3) 
284.6 
56.3 
(65.9) 
(9.6) 
(6.4) 
(99.0) 
(115.0) 

D 
286.9
(2.3)
284.6
56.3
(65.9)
(9.6)
(6.4)
(99.0)
(115.0)

D 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–
– 
– 
– 

(8.1) 

(12.0) 

–

(12.0)

82.7 

157.6 

169.6

(12.0)

(0.4) 
–  
(0.4) 
–  
(0.4) 

82.3 
–  

–  
(945.3) 
–  

– 
– 
–  
(945.3) 

862.0 
–  
12.5  
–  
11.5 

(11.4) 
0.1 
(0.1) 
–  
– 
– 

(67.8) 
15.2 
(52.6) 
8.5 
(44.1) 

113.5 
11.6 

5.2 
(1,438.8) 
(103.8) 

22.4 
(0.3) 
(0.1) 
(1,503.8) 

(20.7) 
(9.6) 
(135.8) 
(94.3) 
(1,650.7) 

(83.6) 
(1,734.3) 
(0.6) 
(1,734.9) 
0.1 
(1,734.8) 

(67.8)
15.2
(52.6)
8.5
(44.1)

125.5
– 

– 
– 
8.1 

–
–
– 
8.1 

5.9
– 
(7.1)
– 
132.4

(95.4)
37.0
(0.6)
36.4
0.1
36.5

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(12.0)
11.6

5.2
(1,438.8)
(111.9)

22.4
(0.3)
(0.1)
(1,511.9)

(26.6)
(9.6)
(128.7)
(94.3)
(1,783.1)

11.8
(1,771.3)
– 
(1,771.3)
–
(1,771.3)

1.  Relates to the impairment of trade receivables relating to the period after 1 January 2021 where the corresponding deferred income balance is classified as an other payable <1yr. 
2.  Includes £17.4 million relating to the non-refundable deposit of £21.0 million received on the abortive sale of the retail parks portfolio, less associated fees. 

108   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 109
www.hammerson.com  109 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
(91.7)

13.8
(1,028.0)
(92.0)
(1,197.9)

19.7
179.4
(998.8)

3.6
(995.2)
–
(995.2)

Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

2: Loss for the year continued  

Gross rental incomeE 
Ground and equity rents payable 
Gross rental income, after rents payable 
Service charge income 
Service charge expenses  
Net service charge expenses 
Inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 
Other property outgoings 
Property outgoings 

Notes

3A 

Reported 
Group
£m

Share of Property
interests 
£m

Proportionally 
consolidated 
£m 

2019
Proportionally consolidated
Capital 
and other
£m

Adjusted
£m

A 
182.1
(1.4)
180.7
39.5
(43.5)
(4.0)
(4.7)
(13.2)
(21.9)

B 
178.9
(1.8)
177.1
32.7
(37.6)
(4.9)
(2.9)
(19.6)
(27.4)

C 
361.0 
(3.2) 
357.8 
72.2 
(81.1) 
(8.9) 
(7.6) 
(32.8) 
(49.3) 

D 
361.0
(3.2)
357.8
72.2
(81.1)
(8.9)
(7.6)
(32.8)
(49.3)

Net rental income 

3A 

158.8

149.7

308.5 

308.5

Administration costs 
Property fee income 
Employee and corporate costs 
Joint venture and associate management fees 
Net administration expenses 
Operating profit before other net losses and share of results  
of joint ventures and associates 
(Loss)/Profit on sale of propertiesG 
Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, recycled on disposal 
of foreign operations 
Revaluation losses on propertiesG 
Impairment recognised on reclassification to held for sale: retail parks 
Other net losses 

Share of results of joint ventures  
Share of results of associates 
Operating (loss)/profit 

Net finance (costs)/incomeF 
(Loss)/Profit before tax 
Tax charge 
(Loss)/Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders 

1C 

13A, 13B 

14A, 14B 

8 

9A 

11B 

(72.4)
15.7
(56.7)
8.9
(47.8)

111.0
(105.8)

13.8
(412.2)
(91.6)
(595.8)

(429.1)
209.4
(704.5)

(74.8)
(779.3)
(1.9)
(781.2)

(0.5)
–
(0.5)
–
(0.5)

149.2
14.1

–
(615.8)
(0.4)
(602.1)

463.4
1.2
11.7

(11.4)
0.3
(0.3)
–

(72.9) 
15.7 
(57.2) 
8.9 
(48.3) 

260.2 
(91.7) 

13.8 
(1,028.0) 
(92.0) 
(1,197.9) 

34.3 
210.6 
(692.8) 

(86.2) 
(779.0) 
(2.2) 
(781.2) 

(72.9)
15.7
(57.2)
8.9
(48.3)

260.2
–

–
–
–
–

14.6
31.2
306.0

(89.8)
216.2
(2.2)
214.0

Notes 
A.  Reported Group results as shown in the consolidated income statement on page 93. 
B.  Property interests reflect the Group’s share of results of Property joint ventures as shown in note 13A plus the Group’s share of Nicetoile and Italie Deux as included within note 14A. 
C.  Aggregated results on a proportionally consolidated basis showing Reported Group together with Share of Property interests.  
D.  Aggregated results on a proportionally consolidated basis allocated between ‘Adjusted’ and ‘Capital and other’ for the purposes of calculating adjusted earnings per share as 

shown in note 11B.  

E.  Included in gross rental income on a proportionally consolidated basis in Column C is £3.8 million (2019: £8.9 million) of contingent rents calculated by reference to 

tenants’ turnover.  

F.  Adjusted net finance costs presented on a proportionally consolidated basis are shown in Table 84 on page 164. 
G.  Reclassification of £14.1 million between ‘(Loss)/Profit on sale of properties’ and ‘Revaluation losses on properties’ in column B, to present the sale of the 75% interest in Italie 

Deux on a proportionally consolidated basis. 

110   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

2: Loss for the year continued  

Gross rental incomeE 

Ground and equity rents payable 

Gross rental income, after rents payable 

Service charge income 

Service charge expenses  

Net service charge expenses 

Other property outgoings 

Property outgoings 

Inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 

Net rental income 

Administration costs 

Property fee income 

Employee and corporate costs 

Joint venture and associate management fees 

Net administration expenses 

Operating profit before other net losses and share of results  

Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, recycled on disposal 

Impairment recognised on reclassification to held for sale: retail parks 

1C 

of joint ventures and associates 

(Loss)/Profit on sale of propertiesG 

of foreign operations 

Revaluation losses on propertiesG 

Other net losses 

Share of results of joint ventures  

Share of results of associates 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Net finance (costs)/incomeF 

(Loss)/Profit before tax 

Tax charge 

3A 

158.8

149.7

308.5 

308.5

Reported 

Share of Property

Group

interests 

Proportionally 

consolidated 

Notes

3A 

Proportionally consolidated

2019

Capital 

and other

£m

D 

£m

A 

182.1

(1.4)

180.7

39.5

(43.5)

(4.0)

(4.7)

(13.2)

(21.9)

(72.4)

15.7

(56.7)

8.9

(47.8)

111.0

(105.8)

13.8

(412.2)

(91.6)

(595.8)

(429.1)

209.4

(704.5)

(74.8)

(779.3)

(1.9)

(781.2)

£m

B 

178.9

(1.8)

177.1

32.7

(37.6)

(4.9)

(2.9)

(19.6)

(27.4)

(0.5)

(0.5)

–

–

(0.5)

149.2

14.1

£m 

C 

361.0 

(3.2) 

357.8 

72.2 

(81.1) 

(8.9) 

(7.6) 

(32.8) 

(49.3) 

(72.9) 

15.7 

(57.2) 

8.9 

(48.3) 

260.2 

(91.7) 

–

13.8 

(615.8)

(1,028.0) 

(0.4)

(92.0) 

(602.1)

(1,197.9) 

463.4

1.2

11.7

(11.4)

0.3

(0.3)

–

34.3 

210.6 

(692.8) 

(86.2) 

(779.0) 

(2.2) 

(781.2) 

Adjusted

£m

D 

361.0

(3.2)

357.8

72.2

(81.1)

(8.9)

(7.6)

(32.8)

(49.3)

(72.9)

15.7

(57.2)

8.9

(48.3)

260.2

–

–

–

–

–

14.6

31.2

306.0

(89.8)

216.2

(2.2)

214.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(91.7)

13.8

(1,028.0)

(92.0)

(1,197.9)

19.7

179.4

(998.8)

3.6

(995.2)

–

(995.2)

13A, 13B 

14A, 14B 

8 

9A 

11B 

(Loss)/Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders 

Notes 

A.  Reported Group results as shown in the consolidated income statement on page 93. 

B.  Property interests reflect the Group’s share of results of Property joint ventures as shown in note 13A plus the Group’s share of Nicetoile and Italie Deux as included within note 14A. 

C.  Aggregated results on a proportionally consolidated basis showing Reported Group together with Share of Property interests.  

D.  Aggregated results on a proportionally consolidated basis allocated between ‘Adjusted’ and ‘Capital and other’ for the purposes of calculating adjusted earnings per share as 

shown in note 11B.  

tenants’ turnover.  

E.  Included in gross rental income on a proportionally consolidated basis in Column C is £3.8 million (2019: £8.9 million) of contingent rents calculated by reference to 

F.  Adjusted net finance costs presented on a proportionally consolidated basis are shown in Table 84 on page 164. 

G.  Reclassification of £14.1 million between ‘(Loss)/Profit on sale of properties’ and ‘Revaluation losses on properties’ in column B, to present the sale of the 75% interest in Italie 

Deux on a proportionally consolidated basis. 

3: Segmental analysis 

The factors used to determine the Group’s reportable segments are the sectors in which it operates and geographic locations. These are generally 
managed by separate teams and are the basis on which performance is assessed and resources allocated. As stated in the Financial review on page 25, 
the Group has property interests in a number of sectors and management reviews the performance of the Group’s property interests in flagship 
destinations, retail parks, other UK properties and developments on a proportionally consolidated basis to reflect the Group’s different ownership 
shares. Management does not proportionally consolidate the Group’s premium outlet investments in Value Retail and VIA Outlets (substantially all of 
which was sold in October 2020), which are externally managed by experienced outlet operators, independently financed and have operating metrics 
which differ from the Group’s other sectors. We review the performance of our premium outlet investments separately from the proportionally 
consolidated portfolio. The key financial metrics for our premium outlet investments are: income growth; earnings contribution; property valuations 
and returns; and capital growth. However, for a number of the Group’s APM’s we aggregate the premium outlets for enhanced disclosure. These include 
like-for-like net rental, LTV ratios, property valuations and returns.  

The segmental analysis has been prepared on the same basis that management uses to review the business, rather than on a statutory basis. Property 
interests represent the Group’s non wholly-owned properties which management proportionally consolidates when reviewing the performance of the 
business. For reconciliation purposes the Reported Group figures, being properties either wholly owned or held within joint operations, are shown in 
the following tables.  

Gross rental income represents the Group’s revenue from its tenants and customers. As stated in the Key Performance Indicators section on page 14, 
net rental income is the Group’s primary revenue measure and is used to determine the performance of each sector. Total assets are not monitored by 
segment and resource allocation is based on the distribution of property assets between segments. 

A: Income and profit by segment 

Flagship destinations 
UK 
France 
Ireland  

UK retail parks 
UK other 
Investment portfolio 
Developments 
Property portfolio 
Less Share of Property interests* 
Reported Group 

Gross rental 
income 
£m

2020 
Net rental  
income  
£m 

Gross rental 
income 
£m

2019
Net rental 
income 
£m

128.0
63.1
37.7
228.8

35.4
9.7
273.9
13.0
286.9
(155.4)
131.5

53.7 
47.8 
26.4 
127.9 

19.8 
3.8 
151.5 
6.1 
157.6 
(82.7) 
74.9 

158.2
82.1
41.8
282.1

52.5
11.3
345.9
15.1
361.0
(178.9)
182.1

130.7
72.0
38.0
240.7

49.1
8.2
298.0
10.5
308.5
(149.7)
158.8

*  For the year ended 31 December 2019, the results of the UK retail parks were separately identified as discontinued operations. At 31 December 2020, the UK retail parks no 
longer met the criteria of IFRS 5 as detailed in note 1C, consequently the results for the UK retail parks have not been separately identified as discontinued operations in the 
current year and the results for the comparative year have been re-presented as continuing operations. Gross rental income of £1.8 million and net rental income of £1.7 million 
relating to Brent South Shopping Park, which were previously included within discontinued operations, have been reclassified to ‘Share of Property interests’. 

110   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 111
www.hammerson.com  111 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

3: Segmental analysis continued  

B: Investment and development property assets by segment 

Flagship destinations 
UK 
France 
Ireland 

UK retail parks1,2 
UK other 
Investment portfolio 
Developments 
Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets 
Premium outlets 
Total Group 
Less premium outlets 
Less Share of Property interests 
Less assets held for sale1 
Reported Group – property portfolio 

Property 
valuation
£m 

Property
additions
£m

2020
Revaluation 
losses 
£m

Property  
valuation  
£m 

Property
additions 
£m

2019
Revaluation 
(losses)/gains 
£m

1,511.2
1,146.9
757.1
3,415.2

384.0
106.2
3,905.4
508.4
4,413.8
1,924.2
6,338.0
(1,924.2)
(2,261.0)
–
2,152.8

(1.5)
19.4
8.0
25.9

(6.6)
0.8
20.1
47.4
67.5
43.9
111.4
(43.9)
(15.9)
5.7
57.3

(838.6)
(202.7)
(158.0)
(1,199.3)

(121.6)
(27.8)
(1,348.7)
(159.3)
(1,508.0)
(157.3)
(1,665.3)
157.3
945.3
69.2
(493.5)

2,351.3 
1,269.0 
860.0 
4,480.3 

453.3 
134.5 
5,068.1 
599.6 
5,667.7 
2,659.1 
8,326.8 
(2,659.1) 
(3,112.5) 
(456.5) 
2,098.7 

12.3
22.8
5.2
40.3

4.1
2.4
46.8
50.9
97.7
88.0
185.7
(88.0)
(19.8)
(4.2)
73.7

(581.8)
(130.6)
(71.6)
(784.0)

(124.9)
(41.2)
(950.1)
(77.9)
(1,028.0)
199.8
(828.2)
(199.8)
615.8
–
(412.2)

1.  At 31 December 2019, the Group’s UK retail parks portfolio was reclassified to assets held for sale and impaired to the anticipated transaction price less selling costs . In May 
2020, following the termination of the sale agreement, the remaining retail parks were reclassified out of assets held for sale. Further details of the movements are provided  
in note 18D. For the purposes of segmental reporting for the “Total Group” detailed above, revaluation (losses)/gains and additions exclude the accounting impact of the 
reclassification to assets held for sale, which has then been added back to reach the Reported Group position under IFRS. Accordingly, revaluation losses of £121.6 million  
for 2020 include £69.2 million comprising the impairment loss of £91.6 million recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale at 31 December 2019 and the subsequent 
reversal on reclassification from assets held for sale of £22.4 million as detailed in note 2. Similarly, property additions from 1 January 2020 until the date of reclassification out 
of assets held for sale totalling £(5.7) million, principally in relation to the amortisation of tenant incentives, have been included within the total UK retail parks additions of 
£(6.6) million. 

2.  Included in the £453.3 million retail parks property valuation at 31 December 2019 is £24.9 million relating to Brent South Shopping Park which was held in investment in  

joint ventures. 

C: Analysis of non-current assets employed 

UK 
Continental Europe 
Ireland 

Non-current assets employed
2019
£m
3,013.0
2,943.8
746.1
6,702.9

2020
£m
2,172.0
2,569.6
611.9
5,353.5

Included in the above table are investments in joint ventures of £1,813.6 million (2019: £3,017.1 million), which are further analysed in note 13 on pages 
123 to 128. The Group’s share of the property valuations held within Property interests of £2,261.0 million (2019: £3,112.5 million) has been included in 
note 3B above, of which £1,427.8 million (2019: £2,145.5 million) relates to the UK, £229.9 million (2019: £281.6 million) relates to Continental Europe 
and £603.3 million (2019: £685.4 million) relates to Ireland.  

4: Revenue 

Base rent 
Turnover rent 
Car park income2 
Lease incentive recognition 
Other rental income 
Gross rental income 
Service charge income2 
Property fee income2 
Joint venture and associate management fees2 
Revenue  

2020
£m
114.2
1.4
9.6
2.8
3.5
131.5
27.7
15.2
8.5
182.9

20191
£m
161.0
4.0
14.7
(3.3)
5.7
182.1
39.5
15.7
8.9
246.2

1.  Comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been re-presented to recognise revenue relating to retail parks within continuing operations. See note 1C. 
2.  The above income streams reflect revenue recognised under IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and total £61.0 million (2019: £78.8 million). All other revenue 

streams relate to income recognised under IFRS 16 Leases. 

112   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

3: Segmental analysis continued  

B: Investment and development property assets by segment 

Flagship destinations 

UK 

France 

Ireland 

UK retail parks1,2 

UK other 

Investment portfolio 

Developments 

Premium outlets 

Total Group 

Less premium outlets 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets 

Less Share of Property interests 

Less assets held for sale1 

Reported Group – property portfolio 

Property 

valuation

£m 

Property

additions

£m

2020

Revaluation 

losses 

£m

Property  

valuation  

£m 

Property

additions 

£m

2019

Revaluation 

(losses)/gains 

£m

1,511.2

1,146.9

757.1

3,415.2

384.0

106.2

3,905.4

508.4

4,413.8

1,924.2

6,338.0

(1,924.2)

(2,261.0)

–

2,152.8

(1.5)

19.4

8.0

25.9

(6.6)

0.8

20.1

47.4

67.5

43.9

111.4

(43.9)

(15.9)

5.7

57.3

(838.6)

(202.7)

(158.0)

(1,199.3)

(121.6)

(27.8)

(1,348.7)

(159.3)

(1,508.0)

(157.3)

(1,665.3)

157.3

945.3

69.2

(493.5)

2,351.3 

1,269.0 

860.0 

4,480.3 

453.3 

134.5 

5,068.1 

599.6 

5,667.7 

2,659.1 

8,326.8 

(2,659.1) 

(3,112.5) 

(456.5) 

2,098.7 

12.3

22.8

5.2

40.3

4.1

2.4

46.8

50.9

97.7

88.0

185.7

(88.0)

(19.8)

(4.2)

73.7

(581.8)

(130.6)

(71.6)

(784.0)

(124.9)

(41.2)

(950.1)

(77.9)

(1,028.0)

199.8

(828.2)

(199.8)

615.8

–

(412.2)

1.  At 31 December 2019, the Group’s UK retail parks portfolio was reclassified to assets held for sale and impaired to the anticipated transaction price less selling costs . In May 

2020, following the termination of the sale agreement, the remaining retail parks were reclassified out of assets held for sale. Further details of the movements are provided  

in note 18D. For the purposes of segmental reporting for the “Total Group” detailed above, revaluation (losses)/gains and additions exclude the accounting impact of the 

reclassification to assets held for sale, which has then been added back to reach the Reported Group position under IFRS. Accordingly, revaluation losses of £121.6 million  

for 2020 include £69.2 million comprising the impairment loss of £91.6 million recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale at 31 December 2019 and the subsequent 

reversal on reclassification from assets held for sale of £22.4 million as detailed in note 2. Similarly, property additions from 1 January 2020 until the date of reclassification out 

of assets held for sale totalling £(5.7) million, principally in relation to the amortisation of tenant incentives, have been included within the total UK retail parks additions of 

2.  Included in the £453.3 million retail parks property valuation at 31 December 2019 is £24.9 million relating to Brent South Shopping Park which was held in investment in  

Included in the above table are investments in joint ventures of £1,813.6 million (2019: £3,017.1 million), which are further analysed in note 13 on pages 

123 to 128. The Group’s share of the property valuations held within Property interests of £2,261.0 million (2019: £3,112.5 million) has been included in 

note 3B above, of which £1,427.8 million (2019: £2,145.5 million) relates to the UK, £229.9 million (2019: £281.6 million) relates to Continental Europe 

and £603.3 million (2019: £685.4 million) relates to Ireland.  

C: Analysis of non-current assets employed 

£(6.6) million. 

joint ventures. 

UK 

Ireland 

Continental Europe 

4: Revenue 

Base rent 

Turnover rent 

Car park income2 

Lease incentive recognition 

Other rental income 

Gross rental income 

Service charge income2 

Property fee income2 

Joint venture and associate management fees2 

Revenue  

Non-current assets employed

2020

£m

2,172.0

2,569.6

611.9

5,353.5

2019

£m

3,013.0

2,943.8

746.1

6,702.9

2020

£m

114.2

1.4

9.6

2.8

3.5

131.5

27.7

15.2

8.5

182.9

20191

£m

161.0

4.0

14.7

(3.3)

5.7

182.1

39.5

15.7

8.9

246.2

1.  Comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been re-presented to recognise revenue relating to retail parks within continuing operations. See note 1C. 

2.  The above income streams reflect revenue recognised under IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and total £61.0 million (2019: £78.8 million). All other revenue 

streams relate to income recognised under IFRS 16 Leases. 

5: Administration costs 

Administration costs include the following items: 

Employee costs 

Salaries and wages 
Performance-related bonuses 

– payable in cash 
– payable in shares2 

Other share-based employee remuneration2 
Social security 
Net pension expense 
Government Covid-19 employee assistance programs in the UK and France3 
Total 

– defined contribution scheme 

Note 

7A 

2020
£m
36.2
1.5
– 
1.5
2.2
6.7
3.5
(1.2)
48.9

20191
£m
35.7
6.2
0.6
6.8
2.4
7.2
3.2
–
55.3

1.  Administration costs of £1.3 million relating to the retail parks portfolio and presented as discontinued for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been re-presented as 

continuing operations as the IFRS 5 criteria ceased to be met in the current year. 

2.  Total share-based employee remuneration is £2.2 million (2019: £3.0 million) comprising ‘performance-related bonuses – payable in shares’ of £nil (2019: £0.6 million) and 

‘other share-based employee remuneration’ of £2.2 million (2019: £2.4 million). 

3.  Of the £1.2 million received from Government Covid-19 employee assistance programs, £0.5 million was attributable to the service charge. 

Of the total in the above table, £2.2 million (2019: £1.8 million) was capitalised in respect of development projects. 

Employees throughout the Company, including Executive Directors, participate in a performance-related bonus scheme which, for certain senior 
employees, is part payable in cash and part payable in shares. The Company also operates a number of share plans under which employees, including 
Executive Directors, are eligible to participate. Further details of share-based payment arrangements, some of which have performance conditions,  
are provided in the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 60 to 79.  

Employee numbers 

Average number of employees 
Employees recharged to tenants, included above 

Other information 

Auditors’ remuneration: 

Audit of the Company’s annual financial statements 
Audit of subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation 
Audit-related assurance services1 
Audit and audit-related assurance services 
Other fees2 
Total auditor’s remuneration3 

Depreciation of plant and equipment  
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 

2020
Number
538
232

2019
Number
536
232

2020
£m
0.5
0.4
0.3
1.2
0.9
2.1
1.4
3.5

2019
£m
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.8
–
0.8
1.6
3.5

1.  Relates principally to the review of the Group’s half year financial statements and other audit related services. 
2.  £0.9 million of other fees relate to the reporting accountant work on the rights issue as detailed in note 24. 
3.  In addition, £0.3 million (2019: £0.4 million) relates to the Group’s share of the audit services undertaken on behalf of its joint ventures. In 2020, other fees were payable to the 
Group’s auditor, PwC, for reporting accountant work to support the rights issue. Further details on audit and non-audit fees are given in the Audit Committee report on page 57. 

6: Directors’ emoluments 

Full details of the Directors’ emoluments, as required by the Companies Act 2006, are disclosed in the audited sections of the Directors’ Remuneration 
report on pages 60 to 79. The Company did not grant any credits, advances or guarantees of any kind to its Directors during the current and  
preceding years. 

112   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 113
www.hammerson.com  113 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

7: Pensions 

A: Defined contribution pension scheme 
The Company operates a UK funded approved Group Personal Pension Plan, which is a defined contribution pension scheme. The Group’s cost for the 
year was £3.5 million (2019: £3.2 million), as disclosed in note 5. 

B: Defined benefit pension schemes 
Hammerson Group Management Limited Pension & Life Assurance Scheme (the Scheme). 
The Scheme is funded and the funds, which are administered by trustees, are independent of the Group’s finances. The Scheme was closed to new 
entrants on 31 December 2002 and was closed to future accrual for all participating employees on 30 June 2014. 

Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Schemes 
The Company also operates three Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Schemes. Two schemes provide pension benefits to two former Executive 
Directors, the other meets pension commitment obligations to former US employees. 

C: Changes in present value of defined benefit pension schemes 

Obligations 
£m
(125.2)

Assets 
£m
79.9

2020
Net 
£m
(45.3)

Obligations  
£m 
(117.6) 

Assets 
£m
69.8

2019
Net 
£m
(47.8)

(2.5)

1.8

(0.7)

(3.3) 

2.0

(1.3)

At 1 January 
Amounts recognised in the income statement 
–  interest (cost)/income1 
Amounts recognised in equity 
–  actuarial experience gains 
–  actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions 
–  actuarial (losses)/gains from changes in demographic assumptions 

Contributions by employer2 
Benefits 
Exchange (losses)/gains 
At 31 December 
Analysed as: 
Present value of the Scheme 
Present value of Unfunded Retirement Schemes 

Analysed as: 
Current liabilities (note 19) 
Non-current liabilities (note 23) 

2.1
(16.8)
(0.4)
(15.1)
– 
10.4
(0.1)
(132.5)

(121.1)
(11.4)
(132.5)

2.3
– 
– 
2.3
23.2
(9.2)
– 
98.0

98.0
– 
98.0

0.3 
(10.3) 
0.6 
(9.4) 
– 
4.5 
0.6 
(125.2) 

(112.6) 
(12.6) 
(125.2) 

4.4
(16.8)
(0.4)
(12.8)
23.2
1.2
(0.1)
(34.5)

(23.1)
(11.4)
(34.5)

(0.9)
(33.6)
(34.5)

7.9
–
–
7.9
3.5
(3.3)
–
79.9

79.9
–
79.9

2020
£m
64.5
21.1
85.6
12.4
98.0

8.2
(10.3)
0.6
(1.5)
3.5
1.2
0.6
(45.3)

(32.7)
(12.6)
(45.3)

(0.9)
(44.4)
(45.3)

2019
£m
54.4
24.1
78.5
1.4
79.9

1.  Included in Other interest payable (note 8). 
2.  The Group expects to make contributions totalling £14.9 million to the Scheme during 2021 and 2022, and a further £6.3 million in 2023. 

D:  Summary of Scheme assets 

Diversified Growth Funds 
Equities 
Total invested assets 
Cash and other net current assets 
Total Scheme assets 

114   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

114

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

7: Pensions 

A: Defined contribution pension scheme 

year was £3.5 million (2019: £3.2 million), as disclosed in note 5. 

B: Defined benefit pension schemes 

The Company operates a UK funded approved Group Personal Pension Plan, which is a defined contribution pension scheme. The Group’s cost for the 

Hammerson Group Management Limited Pension & Life Assurance Scheme (the Scheme). 

The Scheme is funded and the funds, which are administered by trustees, are independent of the Group’s finances. The Scheme was closed to new 

entrants on 31 December 2002 and was closed to future accrual for all participating employees on 30 June 2014. 

Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Schemes 

The Company also operates three Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Schemes. Two schemes provide pension benefits to two former Executive 

Directors, the other meets pension commitment obligations to former US employees. 

C: Changes in present value of defined benefit pension schemes 

At 1 January 

Amounts recognised in the income statement 

–  interest (cost)/income1 

Amounts recognised in equity 

–  actuarial experience gains 

–  actuarial losses from changes in financial assumptions 

–  actuarial (losses)/gains from changes in demographic assumptions 

Contributions by employer2 

Benefits 

Exchange (losses)/gains 

At 31 December 

Analysed as: 

Present value of the Scheme 

Analysed as: 

Current liabilities (note 19) 

Non-current liabilities (note 23) 

Present value of Unfunded Retirement Schemes 

D:  Summary of Scheme assets 

Diversified Growth Funds 

Equities 

Total invested assets 

Cash and other net current assets 

Total Scheme assets 

Obligations 

£m

(125.2)

Assets 

£m

79.9

2020

Net 

£m

(45.3)

Obligations  

£m 

(117.6) 

(0.7)

(3.3) 

(2.5)

2.1

(16.8)

(0.4)

(15.1)

– 

10.4

(0.1)

(132.5)

(121.1)

(11.4)

(132.5)

1.8

2.3

– 

– 

2.3

23.2

(9.2)

– 

98.0

98.0

– 

98.0

0.3 

(10.3) 

0.6 

(9.4) 

– 

4.5 

0.6 

(125.2) 

(112.6) 

(12.6) 

(125.2) 

4.4

(16.8)

(0.4)

(12.8)

23.2

1.2

(0.1)

(34.5)

(23.1)

(11.4)

(34.5)

(0.9)

(33.6)

(34.5)

Assets 

£m

69.8

2.0

7.9

–

–

7.9

3.5

(3.3)

–

79.9

79.9

–

79.9

2020

£m

64.5

21.1

85.6

12.4

98.0

2019

Net 

£m

(47.8)

(1.3)

8.2

(10.3)

0.6

(1.5)

3.5

1.2

0.6

(45.3)

(32.7)

(12.6)

(45.3)

(0.9)

(44.4)

(45.3)

2019

£m

54.4

24.1

78.5

1.4

79.9

1.  Included in Other interest payable (note 8). 

2.  The Group expects to make contributions totalling £14.9 million to the Scheme during 2021 and 2022, and a further £6.3 million in 2023. 

E: Principal actuarial assumptions used for defined benefit pension schemes 

Discount rate for Scheme liabilities 
Increase in retail price index 
Increase in pensions in payment 

Life expectancy from age 60 for Scheme members:  

Male aged 60 at 31 December 
Male aged 40 at 31 December 

Weighted average maturity 
The Scheme 
UK Unfunded Retirement Scheme 
French Unfunded Retirement Scheme 
US Unfunded Retirement Scheme 

2020
%
1.3
2.8
2.8

Years
27.6
29.1

Years
18.2
12.2
11.0
6.2

2019
%
2.1
2.9
2.9

Years
27.5
29.0

Years
17.4
12.2
12.0
5.9

The present value of defined benefit obligations has been calculated by an external actuary. This was taken as the present value of accrued benefits and 
pensions in payment calculated using the projected unit credit method.  

F: Sensitivities to changes in assumptions and conditions 

(Decrease)/Increase in net balance sheet liability of the Scheme at 31 December
Discount rate + 0.1% 
Price inflation + 0.1% 
Long-term improvements in longevity 1.5% per annum 
Asset value falls 5% 

8: Net finance costs 

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 
Interest on other borrowings 
Interest on obligations under head leases 
Interest on other lease obligations  
Other interest payable 
Gross interest costs 
Less: Interest capitalised 
Finance costs 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Finance income 
Reported Group – total 

2020
£m
(1.9)
1.9
1.2
4.9

2020
£m
9.1
87.7
2.3
0.1
1.3
100.5
(5.0)
95.5
(13.7)
(9.6)
72.2

2019
£m
(1.9)
1.8
1.0
4.0

2019*
£m
15.1
86.2
2.2
0.2
1.6
105.3
(2.8)
102.5
(6.2)
(21.5)
74.8

*  Comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been re-presented to recognise finance costs of £0.2 million relating to retail parks within continuing operations. See 

note 1C. 

114   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 115
www.hammerson.com  115 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

9: Tax 

A: Tax charge 

UK current tax 
Foreign current tax 
Tax charge 

2020
£m
0.1
0.4
0.5

2019
£m
0.1
1.8
1.9

The Group’s tax charge remains low because it has tax exempt status in its principal operating countries. In the UK, the Group has been a REIT since 
2007 and a SIIC in France since 2004. These tax regimes exempt the Group’s property income and gains from corporate taxes provided a number of 
conditions in relation to the Group’s activities are met including, but not limited to, distributing at least 90% of the Group’s UK tax-exempt profit as 
property income distributions (PID). The residual businesses in both the UK and France are subject to corporation tax as normal. The Irish properties 
are held in a QIAIF which provides similar tax benefits to those of a UK REIT but which subjects distributions and, since 2019, certain excessive 
interest payments from Ireland to the UK to a 20% withholding tax. 

In order to satisfy the REIT conditions, it is necessary for the Company, on an annual basis, to pass certain business tests. In respect of the year ended  
31 December 2020, based on preliminary calculations, the Company has marginally breached the interest cover test and, in these circumstances, 
HMRC is able to impose a charge equivalent to corporation tax on the excessive finance cost. The Company estimates this charge would be £0.1 million.  
In view of the significant and unexpected impact of Covid-19 during the year, HMRC has agreed that no charge will be assessed on the Company. 

B: Tax charge reconciliation 

Loss before tax  
Less: Loss after tax of joint ventures  
Less: Loss/(Profit) after tax of associates 
Loss on ordinary activities before tax 
Loss multiplied by the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2019: 19%) 
UK REIT tax exemption  
French SIIC tax exemption 
Irish QIAIF tax exemption 
Losses for the year not utilised 
Non-deductible and other items 
Tax charge 

Notes 

2 

13A 

14A 

2020
£m
(1,734.4)
882.7
148.3
(703.4)
(133.6)
61.1
27.6
12.9
28.8
3.7
0.5

2019
£m
(779.3)
429.1
(209.4)
(559.6)
(106.3)
68.1
30.9
5.9
2.0
1.3
1.9

C: Unrecognised deferred tax 
A deferred tax asset is not recognised for UK revenue losses or capital losses where their future utilisation is uncertain. At 31 December 2020, the total 
of such losses was £524 million (2019: £490 million) and £489 million (2019: £505 million) respectively, and the potential tax effect of these was  
£99 million (2019: £84 million) and £92 million (2019: £86 million) respectively. 

Deferred tax is not provided on potential gains on investments in subsidiaries when the Group can control whether gains crystallise and it is probable 
that gains will not arise in the foreseeable future. At 31 December 2020, the total of such gains was £290 million (2019: £272 million) and the potential 
tax effect before the offset of losses was £55 million (2019: £46 million). 

If a UK REIT sells a property within three years of completion of development, the REIT exemption will not apply. At 31 December 2020, the value of 
such completed properties was £62 million (2019: £212 million). If these properties were to be sold without the benefit of the tax exemption, the tax 
arising would be £nil (2019: £nil) due to the availability of capital losses. 

116   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

116

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10: Dividends  

The proposed final dividend of 0.2 pence per share, was recommended by the Board on 11 March 2021 and, subject to approval by shareholders, 
is payable on 13 May 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 6 April 2021. The dividend will be paid entirely as a PID, net of 
withholding tax at the basic rate (currently 20%). 

As an alternative to a cash dividend, the Company has offered an enhanced scrip dividend of 2 pence per share. The REIT rules require that for a scrip 
dividend, a cash alternative must be offered to shareholders. The Company received clearance from HMRC that the cash alternative may be set at a 
different level to the scrip dividend thereby permitting, following shareholder approval, the 2020 interim dividend to be paid as an enhanced scrip 
dividend. This clearance also applies to the proposed 2020 final dividend. 

The aggregate amount of the 2020 final dividend is £81.1 million, assuming all shareholders elect to receive the scrip alternative. This has been 
calculated using the total number of eligible shares outstanding, at 31 December 2020, at their estimated market value.  

The interim dividend of 0.2 pence per share in cash, or 2 pence per share as an enhanced scrip alternative, was paid on 18 December 2020 as a PID, 
net of withholding tax where appropriate.  

In February 2020, the Board recommended a 2019 final dividend of 14.8 pence per share for approval at the Annual General Meeting in April 2020. In 
March 2020, the Company announced that given the significant uncertainty around the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant impact on 
cash and liquidity, the Board had withdrawn the dividend resolution. 

Current year 
2020 final dividend  
2020 interim dividend 

Prior years 
2019 interim dividend1 
2018 final dividend 
Dividends as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity2 

Less: settled as a scrip dividend3 

Dividends impact on retained earnings 

Less: settled as a scrip dividend – increase in share capital4  

Dividends payable in cash 
2018 interim dividend withholding tax (paid 2019) 
2019 interim dividend withholding tax (paid 2020) 
2020 interim dividend withholding tax (payable 2021) 
Dividends paid as reported in the consolidated cash flow statement 

 Pence 
per 
 share 

Equity
dividends
2020
£m

0.2 (enhanced scrip 2.0) 
0.2 (enhanced scrip 2.0) 
0.4 (enhanced scrip 4.0) 

5.1 

– 
71.5

– 
– 
71.5

(47.1)

Equity
dividends
2019
£m

–
–

84.9
113.5
198.4

–

24.4

198.4

(11.3)

13.1
– 
12.2 
(11.9)
13.4

–

198.4
12.7
(12.2)
–
198.9

1.  The comparative per share data has been restated following the capital reorganisation and rights issue in September 2020. Per note 11 below, the rights issue adjustment factor 
relating to the post-consolidation number of shares is stated as 10.95. As the ‘per share’ information for 2019 above relates to pre-consolidation share numbers, the rights issue 
adjustment factor applied to the 2019 interim dividend is 2.19, as the consolidation was done on a 1 for 5 basis. 

2.  Equity dividends are shown at the market value of the shares issued to satisfy the scrip dividend, in addition to cash dividends payable. 
3.  Represents the difference between the market value and nominal value of scrip dividends settled in shares. 
4.  Represents the nominal value of shares issued as a result of the scrip dividend. 

11: (Loss)/Earnings per share and net asset value per share 

The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) has issued recommended bases for the calculation of certain per share information and these are 
included in the following tables B and E. Commentary on (loss)/earnings and net asset value per share is provided in the Financial review on pages 25 to 
34. Headline earnings per share has been calculated and presented in note 11C as required by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing requirements. 

In September 2020, following a 1 for 5 share consolidation, the Company issued 3,678,209,328 new ordinary shares through a rights issue. Further 
details are provided in note 24. To reflect the rights issue, the number of shares previously used to calculate the ‘per share’ data, has been amended as 
per the table in note 11A below. An adjustment factor of 10.95 has been applied to the post-consolidation number of shares. This is based on the ratio of 
the Company’s share price of £2.806 per share on 23 September 2020, the day before the Record Date for the rights issue, and the theoretical ex-rights 
price at that date of 25.6p per share. For a summary of the restated metrics refer to note 11D.  

A: Number of shares for per share calculations 

Shares (million) 

Basic, EPRA 
and adjusted
2,257.3

20202 

Diluted 
2,257.3 

Basic, EPRA and 
adjusted
1,676.2

2019 restated1, 2

Diluted
1,676.2 

1.  The number of shares in 2019 has been restated from 765.3 million shares to 1,676.2 million shares, as a result of the rights issue detailed above.  
2.  In 2020 and 2019, there was no difference in the weighted average number of shares used for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share as the effect of all potentially 

dilutive shares outstanding was anti-dilutive. The total number of shares including potentially dilutive shares at 31 December 2020 was 2,263.0 million (2019: 1,677.3 million). 

The calculations for (loss)/earnings per share use the weighted average number of shares, which excludes those shares held in the Hammerson 
Employee Share Ownership Plan, which are treated as cancelled. The calculations for net asset value per share use the number of shares in issue at  
31 December as shown in note 11E. 

www.hammerson.com 117
www.hammerson.com  117 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

11: (Loss)/Earnings per share and net asset value per share continued 

B: (Loss)/Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted 

Adjustments: 
Revaluation losses on properties: 

(Profit)/Loss on sale of properties: 

Reported Group 
Share of Property interests2 

Reported Group  
Share of Property interests2  

Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, 
recycled on disposal of foreign operations: 

Reported Group 

Impairment recognised/(reversed) on 
reclassification to/(from) held for sale:  
Retail parks 

Reported Group  
Share of Property interests  

Impairment recognised on assets held for sale:  
VIA Outlets 

Reported Group 

(Loss)/
Earnings
£m
(1,734.8)

2020 

Pence 
per share 
(76.9) 

(Loss)/
Earnings
£m
(781.2)

2019 restated1

Pence
per share
(46.6)

Notes

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

493.5
945.3
1,438.8

(11.6)
– 
(11.6)

21.9 
41.8 
63.7 

(0.5) 
–  
(0.5) 

412.2
615.8
1,028.0

105.8
(14.1)
91.7

(5.2)

(0.2) 

(13.8)

(22.4)
–
(22.4)

(1.0) 
– 
(1.0) 

103.8

4.6 

(13.7)
1.9
(11.8)

0.1
0.3
0.4

157.3
14.7
(17.3)
0.1
154.8
1,750.7
15.9

(0.6) 
0.1 
(0.5) 

– 
– 
– 

7.0 
0.7 
(0.8) 
– 
6.9 
77.6 
0.7 

91.6
0.4
92.0

–

–

(6.2)
2.6
(3.6)

–
–
–

(199.8)
(5.1)
6.4
(0.3)
(198.8)
995.5
214.3

24.6
36.7
61.3

6.3
(0.8)
5.5

(0.8)

5.5
–
5.5

–

–

(0.4)
0.2
(0.2)

–
–
–

(11.9)
(0.3)
0.3
–
(11.9)
59.4
12.8

– 

–

Impairment of investments in joint ventures and 
associates 

Reported Group 

1D, 2 

103.9

4.6 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Reported Group 
Share of Property interests 

Other adjustments 

Reported Group 

Change in fair value of other 
investments 
Indirect costs of rights issue 

8 

13B 

2 

Premium outlets 

Total adjustments 
EPRA 
Other adjustments 

Adjusted  

Revaluation losses/(gains)  
on properties 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Deferred tax 
Other adjustments 

13B, 14B 

13B, 14B 

13B, 14B 

13B, 14B 

Translation movement on 
intragroup funding loan:  
VIA Outlets 
Change in provision for amounts 
not recognised in the income 
statement 
Adjusted earnings from 
investment in VIA Outlets since 
reclassification to assets held 
for sale 

13B 

0.5

– 

(0.3)

1D, 2 

12.0

0.5 

–

18B 

8.1
36.5

0.4 
1.6 

–
214.0

–
12.8

1.  The number of shares in note 11A, and consequently the (loss)/earnings per share figures presented above, have been restated following the rights issue. For further information 

refer to note 24.  

2.  The revaluation losses on properties relating to the Share of Property interests includes: £927.2 million (2019: £598.9 million) in respect of Property joint ventures (note 13B), 

£18.1 million (2019: £2.8 million) in respect of associates (note 14B) and the reclassification of £nil (2019: £14.1 million) from ‘loss on sale of properties’, referred to in footnote G 
of note 2, to reflect the sale of a 75% interest in Italie Deux.  

118   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11B 

14B 

Notes 

11B 

11B 

11B 

14B 

14B 

18B 

2020
Earnings
£m
(1,734.8)
1,438.8
(11.6)

2019
Earnings
£m
(781.2)
1,028.0
91.7

(5.2)

(13.8)

11: (Loss)/Earnings per share and net asset value per share continued 

C: Headline earnings per share 

Loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders 
Revaluation losses on properties: Reported Group and Share of Property interests  
(Profit)/Loss on sale of properties: Reported Group and Share of Property interests  
Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, recycled on disposal of foreign 
operations: Reported Group 
Impairment recognised/(reversed) on reclassification to held for sale – Retail parks: Reported Group and 

Share of Property interests 

Impairment of assets held for sale: VIA Outlets: Reported Group 
Impairment of investments: Reported Group 
Indirect costs of rights issue 
Revaluation losses/(gains) on properties: Premium outlets 
Deferred tax: Premium outlets 
Translation movements on intragroup funding loan: Premium outlets 
Headline earnings  

Basic headline earnings per share (pence) 
Diluted headline earnings per share (pence) 

Reconciliation of headline earnings to adjusted earnings 
Headline earnings as above 
Change in fair value of derivatives: Reported Group and Share of Property interests 
Change in fair value of other investments  
Change in fair value of derivatives: Premium outlets 
Change in fair value of financial assets: Premium outlets 
Change in provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement 
Adjusted earnings from investment in VIA Outlets since reclassification to assets held for sale 
Adjusted earnings 

*   Restated as a result of the rights issue. For more information refer to note 24.  

D: Restatement of prior year (loss)/earnings per share*  

Basic and diluted loss per share 
EPRA earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share 
Basic and diluted headline earnings per share 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

8 

13B 

2 

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

B: (Loss)/Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted 

Adjustments: 

Revaluation losses on properties: 

Reported Group 

Share of Property interests2 

Reported Group  

Share of Property interests2  

(Profit)/Loss on sale of properties: 

Net exchange gain previously recognised in equity, 

recycled on disposal of foreign operations: 

Reported Group 

Impairment recognised/(reversed) on 

reclassification to/(from) held for sale:  

Retail parks 

(Loss)/

Earnings

2020 

Pence 

Notes

£m

per share 

(1,734.8)

(76.9) 

(Loss)/

Earnings

£m

(781.2)

2019 restated1

Pence

per share

(46.6)

493.5

945.3

1,438.8

(11.6)

– 

(11.6)

21.9 

41.8 

63.7 

(0.5) 

–  

(0.5) 

412.2

615.8

1,028.0

105.8

(14.1)

91.7

(5.2)

(0.2) 

(13.8)

Reported Group  

Share of Property interests  

(22.4)

–

(22.4)

(1.0) 

– 

(1.0) 

91.6

0.4

92.0

Impairment recognised on assets held for sale:  

VIA Outlets 

associates 

Impairment of investments in joint ventures and 

Reported Group 

103.8

4.6 

Reported Group 

1D, 2 

103.9

4.6 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Reported Group 

Share of Property interests 

Other adjustments 

Reported Group 

(0.6) 

0.1 

(0.5) 

(6.2)

2.6

(3.6)

(0.4)

0.2

(0.2)

(13.7)

1.9

(11.8)

0.1

0.3

0.4

157.3

14.7

(17.3)

0.1

154.8

1,750.7

15.9

– 

– 

– 

7.0 

0.7 

(0.8) 

– 

6.9 

77.6 

0.7 

(199.8)

(5.1)

6.4

(0.3)

(198.8)

995.5

214.3

13B 

0.5

– 

(0.3)

1D, 2 

12.0

0.5 

Change in fair value of other 

investments 

Indirect costs of rights issue 

Revaluation losses/(gains)  

on properties 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Deferred tax 

Other adjustments 

13B, 14B 

13B, 14B 

13B, 14B 

13B, 14B 

Translation movement on 

intragroup funding loan:  

VIA Outlets 

Change in provision for amounts 

not recognised in the income 

statement 

Adjusted earnings from 

investment in VIA Outlets since 

reclassification to assets held 

for sale 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Premium outlets 

Total adjustments 

EPRA 

Other adjustments 

Adjusted  

refer to note 24.  

1.  The number of shares in note 11A, and consequently the (loss)/earnings per share figures presented above, have been restated following the rights issue. For further information 

2.  The revaluation losses on properties relating to the Share of Property interests includes: £927.2 million (2019: £598.9 million) in respect of Property joint ventures (note 13B), 

£18.1 million (2019: £2.8 million) in respect of associates (note 14B) and the reclassification of £nil (2019: £14.1 million) from ‘loss on sale of properties’, referred to in footnote G 

of note 2, to reflect the sale of a 75% interest in Italie Deux.  

18B 

8.1

36.5

0.4 

1.6 

214.0

–

12.8

24.6

36.7

61.3

6.3

(0.8)

5.5

(0.8)

5.5

–

5.5

–

–

–

–

–

(11.9)

(0.3)

0.3

–

(11.9)

59.4

12.8

– 

–

*   The purpose of the table above is to show the effect of the rights issue on (loss)/earnings per share as was previously stated in the 2019 Annual Financial Statements.  

118   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 119
www.hammerson.com  119 

92.0
–
–
–
(199.8)
6.4
(0.3)
223.0

13.3p*
13.3p*

2019
Earnings
£m
223.0
(3.6)
–
(5.1)
(0.3)
–
–
214.0

2019
Restated
(pence)
(46.6)
12.8
12.8
13.3

(22.4)
103.8
103.9
0.3
157.3
(17.3)
0.5
13.3

0.6p
0.6p

2020
Earnings
£m
13.3
(11.8)
0.1
14.7
0.1
12.0
8.1
36.5

2019
Previously stated
(pence)
(102.1)
28.0
28.0
29.1

Notes 

11B 

11B 

11B 

11C 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

11: (Loss)/Earnings per share and net asset value per share continued 

E: Net asset value per share 
In October 2019 EPRA published new best practice recommendations for financial disclosures by public real estate companies. Three new net asset 
value metrics were introduced: 

–  EPRA Net Reinvestment Value (NRV) 
–  EPRA Net Tangible Assets (NTA) 
–  EPRA Net Disposal Value (NDV) 

The Group has adopted these new metrics for accounting periods beginning 1 January 2020 and included the previously reported EPRA NAV metrics 
for comparative purposes. NAV metrics for the comparative periods have also been re-calculated on the new basis to further aid comparison. EPRA 
NTA is regarded as the most relevant metric for the business as this focuses on reflecting a company’s tangible assets. 

In addition to the above changes, in September 2020, the Company completed a share consolidation followed by a rights issue which increased the 
number of issued shares. The comparative NAV metrics have been restated as a result, and note 11F summarises the restated NAV metrics after taking 
account of the rights issue. This ensures a fair comparison of the metrics across periods. 

31 December 2020 
Basic and diluted NAV 

Exclude:   Deferred tax1 

– Reported Group 
– Share of Property interests 
– Premium outlets 

Fair value of interest rate swaps 
– Share of Property interests 
– Premium outlets 

Include:   Purchasers’ costs2 

Fair value of currency swaps as a result of interest rates  

– Reported Group3  
Fair value of borrowings 
– Reported Group 
– Share of Property interests 

NAV metrics 
Number of shares for per share calculations (millions) 
NAV per share metrics 

Notes

Previously reported metrics
NNNAV
£m
3,208.8

NAV
£m
3,208.8

NRV 
£m 
3,208.8 

NTA
£m
3,208.8

New metrics
NDV
£m
3,208.8

13C 

14D 

13C 

14D 

21H 

0.4
0.1
197.3
197.8

5.9
17.7
23.6

– 

– 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

– 

– 

0.4 
0.1 
197.3 
197.8 

5.9 
17.7 
23.6 

0.2
–
98.7
98.9

5.9
17.7
23.6

415.9 

– 

(14.4) 

(14.4)

– 
–
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
3,430.2
4,057.3
£0.85

(55.8)
(1.8)
(57.6)
3,151.2
4,057.3
£0.78

– 
– 
–  
3,831.7 
4,057.3 
£0.94 

–
–
– 
3,316.9
4,057.3
£0.82

(55.8)
(1.8)
(57.6)
3,151.2
4,057.3
£0.78

1.  For the purposes of the NTA metric, the Group has applied the EPRA guidance in excluding 50% of deferred taxes. Previously reported NAV and the new NRV metrics exclude all 

deferred tax balances.  

2.  In line with EPRA guidance this represents property transfer taxes and fees payable should the Group’s property portfolio, including premium outlets, be acquired at period end 

market values.  

3.  The fair value adjustment to currency swaps as a result of interest rates after ignoring the impact of foreign exchange rates. 

In 2020, investments in associates and joint ventures were impaired to their recoverable amount, resulting in the recognition of an impairment charge 
of £103.9 million in the income statement, equivalent to the carrying value of the notional goodwill. For the purposes of the adjusted NAV calculations 
above, no adjustment has been recognised for the notional goodwill, as it is deemed fully impaired.  

120   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

120

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

11: (Loss)/Earnings per share and net asset value per share continued 

In October 2019 EPRA published new best practice recommendations for financial disclosures by public real estate companies. Three new net asset 

E: Net asset value per share 

value metrics were introduced: 

–  EPRA Net Reinvestment Value (NRV) 

–  EPRA Net Tangible Assets (NTA) 

–  EPRA Net Disposal Value (NDV) 

The Group has adopted these new metrics for accounting periods beginning 1 January 2020 and included the previously reported EPRA NAV metrics 

for comparative purposes. NAV metrics for the comparative periods have also been re-calculated on the new basis to further aid comparison. EPRA 

NTA is regarded as the most relevant metric for the business as this focuses on reflecting a company’s tangible assets. 

In addition to the above changes, in September 2020, the Company completed a share consolidation followed by a rights issue which increased the 

number of issued shares. The comparative NAV metrics have been restated as a result, and note 11F summarises the restated NAV metrics after taking 

account of the rights issue. This ensures a fair comparison of the metrics across periods. 

31 December 2020 

Basic and diluted NAV 

Exclude:   Deferred tax1 

– Reported Group 

– Share of Property interests 

– Premium outlets 

Fair value of interest rate swaps 

– Share of Property interests 

– Premium outlets 

– Reported Group3  

Fair value of borrowings 

– Reported Group 

– Share of Property interests 

Include:   Purchasers’ costs2 

Fair value of currency swaps as a result of interest rates  

Previously reported metrics

NAV

£m

NNNAV

£m

NRV 

£m 

NTA

£m

New metrics

NDV

£m

Notes

3,208.8

3,208.8

3,208.8 

3,208.8

3,208.8

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

13C 

14D 

13C 

14D 

21H 

0.4

0.1

197.3

197.8

5.9

17.7

23.6

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.4 

0.1 

197.3 

197.8 

5.9 

17.7 

23.6 

415.9 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

0.2

–

98.7

98.9

5.9

17.7

23.6

– 

–

–

– 

(14.4) 

(14.4)

(55.8)

(1.8)

(57.6)

– 

– 

–  

3,430.2

4,057.3

£0.85

3,151.2

4,057.3

£0.78

3,831.7 

4,057.3 

£0.94 

3,316.9

4,057.3

£0.82

(55.8)

(1.8)

(57.6)

3,151.2

4,057.3

£0.78

Number of shares for per share calculations (millions) 

NAV metrics 

NAV per share metrics 

deferred tax balances.  

market values.  

1.  For the purposes of the NTA metric, the Group has applied the EPRA guidance in excluding 50% of deferred taxes. Previously reported NAV and the new NRV metrics exclude all 

2.  In line with EPRA guidance this represents property transfer taxes and fees payable should the Group’s property portfolio, including premium outlets, be acquired at period end 

3.  The fair value adjustment to currency swaps as a result of interest rates after ignoring the impact of foreign exchange rates. 

In 2020, investments in associates and joint ventures were impaired to their recoverable amount, resulting in the recognition of an impairment charge 

of £103.9 million in the income statement, equivalent to the carrying value of the notional goodwill. For the purposes of the adjusted NAV calculations 

above, no adjustment has been recognised for the notional goodwill, as it is deemed fully impaired.  

See page 120 for footnotes 

31 December 2019 
Basic NAV 
Dilutive share schemes 
Diluted NAV 

Exclude:   Deferred tax1 

– Reported Group 
– Share of Property interests 
– Premium outlets 

Fair value of interest rate swaps 

– Reported Group 
– Share of Property interests 
– Premium outlets 

Goodwill as a result of deferred tax 

Include:   Purchasers’ costs2 

Fair value of currency swaps as a result of interest rates  

– Reported Group3  

Other goodwill per IFRS balance sheet 

– Premium outlets 
Fair value of borrowings 
– Reported Group 
– Share of Property interests 

NAV metrics 
Number of shares for per share calculations (millions) 
NAV per share metrics 

Notes

Previously reported metrics 
NNNAV 
£m 
4,377.0 
1.6 
4,378.6 

NAV
£m
4,377.0
1.6
4,378.6

NRV 
£m 
4,377.0 
1.6 
4,378.6 

NTA
£m
4,377.0
1.6
4,378.6

New metrics
NDV
£m
4,377.0
1.6
4,378.6

0.4
0.1
270.2
270.7

(0.7)
3.9
16.7
19.9

(70.6)

–

–

–

– 
– 
–  
–  

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

–  

– 

0.4 
0.1 
270.2 
270.7 

(0.7) 
3.9 
16.7 
19.9 

0.2
0.1
135.1
135.4

(0.7)
3.9
16.7
19.9

(70.6) 

(70.6) 

555.4  

– 

17.0 

17.0

–
–
–
– 

–
–
–
– 

–

– 

– 

– 

(27.6)

(98.2)

21H 

–
– 
– 
4,598.6
765.6
£6.01

(180.9) 
(2.4) 
(183.3) 
4,195.3 
765.6 
£5.48 

– 
– 
–  
5,171.0 
765.6 
£6.75 

– 
– 
– 
4,452.7
765.6
£5.82

F: NAV metrics restated to take account of the rights issue  

Basic NAV 
Diluted NAV 
EPRA NNNAV 
EPRA NAV 
EPRA NRV 
EPRA NTA 
EPRA NDV 

2019
Previously stated
(£)
5.71
5.72
5.48
6.01
6.75
5.82
5.35

Notes 

11E 

11E 

11E 

11E 

11E 

(180.9)
(2.4)
(183.3)
4,097.1
765.6
£5.35

2019
Restated
(£)
1.14
1.14
1.10
1.20
1.35
1.16
1.07

As disclosed in note 11E, the 2019 NAV ‘per share’ metrics have been restated to take account of the rights issue. Further information on the rights issue 
can be found in note 24. 

120   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 121
www.hammerson.com  121 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

12: Investment and development properties 

Valuation at 1 January 
Exchange adjustment 
Additions   – Asset acquisitions 

– Capital expenditure 

Transfer from assets held for sale – retail parks* 
Transfer to investments in associates  
Disposals  
Capitalised interest  
Revaluation losses  
Valuation at 31 December – total portfolio 
Less: transfer to assets held for sale* 
Valuation at 31 December  

Investment 
properties 
£m
1,747.2
64.5
0.2
13.1
13.3
414.5
– 
(10.1)
0.8
(398.6)
1,831.6
– 
1,831.6

Development
properties 
£m
351.5
15.7
–
44.0
44.0
1.2
– 
(0.5)
4.2
(94.9)
321.2
– 
321.2

2020

Total
£m
2,098.7
80.2
0.2
57.1
57.3
415.7
– 
(10.6)
5.0
(493.5)
2,152.8
– 
2,152.8

Investment 
properties  
£m 
3,440.7 
(95.6) 
– 
29.9 
29.9 
– 
(121.1) 
(637.5) 
0.5 
(349.7) 
2,267.2 
(520.0) 
1,747.2 

Development 
properties 
£m
389.7
(17.3)
0.9
47.1
48.0
–
–
(5.5)
2.3
(62.5)
354.7
(3.2)
351.5

2019

Total
£m
3,830.4
(112.9)
0.9
77.0
77.9
–
(121.1)
(643.0)
2.8
(412.2)
2,621.9
(523.2)
2,098.7

*   On 31 December 2019, properties valued at £523.2 million included within the Reported Group were transferred to assets held for sale and subsequently impaired by 

£91.6 million, resulting in a carrying value of £431.6 million as disclosed in note 18C. As detailed in note 1C, with the exception of Abbey Retail Park whose sale completed in 
February 2020, the remaining properties were transferred from assets held for sale to investment properties in May 2020 as the criteria for IFRS 5 were no longer met, 
resulting in a £22.4 million reversal of the impairment. See note 18D for an analysis of the movements during the year. 

Analysis of properties by tenure 
Valuation at 31 December 2020 
Valuation at 31 December 2019 

Freehold 
£m 
1,231.4 
1,151.4 

Long leasehold
£m
921.4
947.3

Total
£m
2,152.8
2,098.7

Properties are stated at fair value as at 31 December 2020, valued by professionally qualified external valuers, in accordance with RICS Valuation – 
Global Standards, and based on certain assumptions as set out in note 1D. Following the decision to tender the Group’s valuation instruction during 
2019, valuations at 31 December 2020 have been performed by the following: 

Cushman and Wakefield LLP (C&W) 

Brent Cross, Irish portfolio, UK retail parks and premium outlets (as included in note 14) 

CBRE Limited (CBRE) 

UK flagships and UK other 

Jones Lang LaSalle Limited (JLL) 

UK flagships and UK other, French portfolio 

Valuation fees are based on a fixed amount agreed between the Group and the valuers and are independent of the portfolio value. A summary of the 
valuers’ reports is available on the Company’s website: www.hammerson.com. 

In the case of leasehold properties, valuations are net of any obligation to freeholders or superior leaseholders. To comply with IAS 40 and IFRS 16 
these obligations and the related leasehold assets are shown separately in the balance sheet within ‘Obligations under head leases’ (note 22) and 
‘Interests in leasehold properties’ respectively. Further information is provided in ‘Significant accounting policies’ on page 107. 

As noted in note 1D on page 101, real estate valuations are complex, derived from data which is not widely publicly available and involve a significant 
degree of estimation. For these reasons, and consistent with EPRA’s guidance, we have classified the valuations of our property portfolio as Level 3 as 
defined by IFRS 13. The potential impact on property valuations of changes in the underlying input assumptions has been outlined in the sensitivity 
analysis in note 1D on page 102. 

At 31 December 2020, C&W have stated that in respect of the Irish properties only, the valuations remain subject to ‘material valuation uncertainty’ as 
set out in VPS 3 and VPGA 10 of the RICS Valuation – Global Standards and a higher degree of caution should therefore be attached to these valuations 
than would normally be the case. For further details refer to note 1D on page 101. 

The total amount of interest included in development properties at 31 December 2020 was £8.0 million (2019: £3.8 million). Capitalised interest 
is calculated using the cost of secured debt or the Group’s weighted average cost of borrowings, as appropriate, and the effective rate applied in 2020 was 
3.0% (2019: 2.6%). At 31 December 2020, the historical cost of investment and development properties was £2,660.9 million (2019: £2,698.6 million, 
including properties classified as assets held for sale and included in note 18C). 

Included within investment properties at 31 December 2020 is £38.5 million relating to the onsite extension of Italie Deux, called Italik, on which 
contracts have been exchanged for a forward sale in June 2022. 

Joint operations 
At 31 December 2020, investment properties included a 50% interest in the Ilac Centre, Dublin and a 50% interest in Swords Pavilions, Dublin, totalling 
£175.3 million (2019: £199.5 million). These properties are both held within joint operations which are jointly controlled and proportionally consolidated.  

122   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

122

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

12: Investment and development properties 

Valuation at 1 January 

Exchange adjustment 

Additions   – Asset acquisitions 

– Capital expenditure 

Transfer from assets held for sale – retail parks* 

Transfer to investments in associates  

Disposals  

Capitalised interest  

Revaluation losses  

Valuation at 31 December – total portfolio 

Less: transfer to assets held for sale* 

Valuation at 31 December  

Analysis of properties by tenure 

Valuation at 31 December 2020 

Valuation at 31 December 2019 

Investment 

Development

properties 

properties 

Development 

properties 

351.5

2,098.7

2020

Total

£m

80.2

0.2

57.1

57.3

415.7

– 

(10.6)

5.0

(493.5)

2,152.8

– 

£m

15.7

–

44.0

44.0

1.2

– 

(0.5)

4.2

(94.9)

321.2

– 

£m

1,747.2

64.5

0.2

13.1

13.3

414.5

– 

(10.1)

0.8

(398.6)

1,831.6

– 

1,831.6

321.2

2,152.8

Investment 

properties  

£m 

3,440.7 

(95.6) 

– 

29.9 

29.9 

– 

(121.1) 

(637.5) 

0.5 

(349.7) 

2,267.2 

(520.0) 

1,747.2 

3,830.4

(112.9)

2019

Total

£m

0.9

77.0

77.9

–

(121.1)

(643.0)

2.8

(412.2)

2,621.9

(523.2)

2,098.7

£m

389.7

(17.3)

0.9

47.1

48.0

–

–

(5.5)

2.3

(62.5)

354.7

(3.2)

351.5

Freehold 

Long leasehold

£m 

1,231.4 

1,151.4 

£m

921.4

947.3

Total

£m

2,152.8

2,098.7

*   On 31 December 2019, properties valued at £523.2 million included within the Reported Group were transferred to assets held for sale and subsequently impaired by 

£91.6 million, resulting in a carrying value of £431.6 million as disclosed in note 18C. As detailed in note 1C, with the exception of Abbey Retail Park whose sale completed in 

February 2020, the remaining properties were transferred from assets held for sale to investment properties in May 2020 as the criteria for IFRS 5 were no longer met, 

resulting in a £22.4 million reversal of the impairment. See note 18D for an analysis of the movements during the year. 

Properties are stated at fair value as at 31 December 2020, valued by professionally qualified external valuers, in accordance with RICS Valuation – 

Global Standards, and based on certain assumptions as set out in note 1D. Following the decision to tender the Group’s valuation instruction during 

2019, valuations at 31 December 2020 have been performed by the following: 

Cushman and Wakefield LLP (C&W) 

Brent Cross, Irish portfolio, UK retail parks and premium outlets (as included in note 14) 

CBRE Limited (CBRE) 

UK flagships and UK other 

Jones Lang LaSalle Limited (JLL) 

UK flagships and UK other, French portfolio 

Valuation fees are based on a fixed amount agreed between the Group and the valuers and are independent of the portfolio value. A summary of the 

valuers’ reports is available on the Company’s website: www.hammerson.com. 

In the case of leasehold properties, valuations are net of any obligation to freeholders or superior leaseholders. To comply with IAS 40 and IFRS 16 

these obligations and the related leasehold assets are shown separately in the balance sheet within ‘Obligations under head leases’ (note 22) and 

‘Interests in leasehold properties’ respectively. Further information is provided in ‘Significant accounting policies’ on page 107. 

As noted in note 1D on page 101, real estate valuations are complex, derived from data which is not widely publicly available and involve a significant 

degree of estimation. For these reasons, and consistent with EPRA’s guidance, we have classified the valuations of our property portfolio as Level 3 as 

defined by IFRS 13. The potential impact on property valuations of changes in the underlying input assumptions has been outlined in the sensitivity 

analysis in note 1D on page 102. 

At 31 December 2020, C&W have stated that in respect of the Irish properties only, the valuations remain subject to ‘material valuation uncertainty’ as 

set out in VPS 3 and VPGA 10 of the RICS Valuation – Global Standards and a higher degree of caution should therefore be attached to these valuations 

than would normally be the case. For further details refer to note 1D on page 101. 

The total amount of interest included in development properties at 31 December 2020 was £8.0 million (2019: £3.8 million). Capitalised interest 

is calculated using the cost of secured debt or the Group’s weighted average cost of borrowings, as appropriate, and the effective rate applied in 2020 was 

3.0% (2019: 2.6%). At 31 December 2020, the historical cost of investment and development properties was £2,660.9 million (2019: £2,698.6 million, 

including properties classified as assets held for sale and included in note 18C). 

Included within investment properties at 31 December 2020 is £38.5 million relating to the onsite extension of Italie Deux, called Italik, on which 

contracts have been exchanged for a forward sale in June 2022. 

Joint operations 

At 31 December 2020, investment properties included a 50% interest in the Ilac Centre, Dublin and a 50% interest in Swords Pavilions, Dublin, totalling 

£175.3 million (2019: £199.5 million). These properties are both held within joint operations which are jointly controlled and proportionally consolidated.  

13: Investment in joint ventures 

The Group has investments in a number of jointly controlled property and corporate interests, which have been equity accounted under IFRS in the 
consolidated financial statements.  

As explained in the Financial review on page 25, management reviews the business principally on a proportionally consolidated basis, except for its 
premium outlet investments. Prior to the disposal of substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets, as explained below, the Group’s share  
of assets and liabilities of joint ventures is split between Property joint ventures, being joint ventures which are proportionally consolidated, and VIA 
Outlets, a premium outlets investment, which is not proportionally consolidated. The Group’s significant joint venture interests are set out in the table 
below. Further details of the Group’s interests in joint ventures at 31 December 2020 are shown in note G on pages 152 and 153.  

At 30 June 2020, substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets, held through its investments in VIA Limited Partnership, VIA Outlets  
B.V and VIA Germany B.V., was transferred to assets held for sale and impaired to the selling price less costs of disposal. The sale to APG completed on 
31 October 2020. Following reclassification to assets held for sale, equity accounting ceased and the Group’s share of profit from VIA Outlets for the 
period from 1 July 2020 to the completion date have been included within the movement in impairment, as these drive the underlying net asset 
value of the investment and therefore the transaction price and fair value. Accordingly, note 13A comprises the results of VIA Outlets up to 30 June 
2020 when the investment was reclassified to assets held for sale and the results of the residual investment in Zweibrücken B.V up to 31 October 2020 
when the sale completed, following which this investment was reclassified to other investments. As detailed in note 18B, the adjusted earnings for this 
period have been incorporated into the Group’s adjusted earnings metric. The 7.3% retained stake in Zweibrücken has been included in ‘other 
investments’ on the consolidated balance sheet. 

Partner

Principal property1 

Group share
%

United Kingdom 
Bishopsgate Goodsyard Regeneration Limited 
Brent Cross Partnership 
Brent South Shopping Park2.4 
Bristol Alliance Limited Partnership 
Croydon Limited Partnership/Whitgift Limited Partnership 
Grand Central Limited Partnership 
Highcross Leicester Limited Partnership 

Silverburn Unit Trust3 
The Bull Ring Limited Partnership 
The Oracle Limited Partnership 
The West Quay Limited Partnership 
Ireland 
Dundrum Retail Limited Partnership / 
Dundrum Car Park Limited Partnership 
France 
SCI ESQ 5 
SCI RC Aulnay 1 and SCI RC Aulnay 2 

Ballymore Properties 
Aberdeen Standard Investments 
Aberdeen Standard Investments 
AXA Real Estate  
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield 
CPPIB 
Asian investor introduced by  
M&G Real Estate 
CPPIB 
Nuveen, CPPIB 
ADIA 
GIC 

The Goodsyard 
Brent Cross 
Brent South 
Cabot Circus 
Centrale/Whitgift 
Grand Central 
Highcross 

Silverburn 
Bullring 
The Oracle 
Westquay 

Allianz 

Dundrum 

Allianz 
Client of Rockspring Property 
Investment Managers 

Espace Saint-Quentin 
O’Parinor 

50
41
41
50
50
50
50

50
50
50
50

50

25
25

1.  The names of the principal properties operated by each partnership have been used in the summary income statements and balance sheets in note 13A. The two Dundrum 

partnerships are presented together as ‘Dundrum’. The Goodsyard, Espace Saint-Quentin and O’Parinor are presented together as ‘Other’. 

2.  At 31 December 2019, the Group’s investment in Brent South Shopping Park was reclassified as ‘assets held for sale’ as detailed in note 18C and its results for 2019 were classified 
as discontinued operations. In 2020, following the termination of the sale agreement, the Group’s investment was reclassified to investment in joint ventures and its results for 
2019 and 2020 are included within continuing operations.  

3.  Registered in Jersey (see note G on page 153). 
4.  On 5 February 2021, the Group completed the sale of Brent South Shopping Park for £22 million as detailed in note 29 to the financial statements. 
5.  On 4 March 2021, the Group exchanged contracts to sell its 25% interest in Espace Saint-Quentin for £28 million as detailed in note 29. 

The Reported Group’s investment in joint ventures at 31 December 2020 was £1,813.6 million (2019: £3,017.1 million). An analysis of the movements  
in the year is provided in note 13D on page 128. The figures in the summarised income statements and balance sheets in note 13A, which show 100% of 
the results, assets and liabilities of joint ventures, have been restated to the Group’s accounting policies where applicable and exclude all balances which 
are eliminated on consolidation.  

122   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 123
www.hammerson.com  123 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

13: Investment in joint ventures continued 

A. Summary financial statements of joint ventures 
Share of results of joint ventures for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Ownership (%) 
Gross rental income 
Net rental income 
Net administration expenses 
Operating profit before other net losses 
Revaluation losses 
Operating loss 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Translation movement on intragroup funding loan 
Other finance (costs)/income 
Net finance (costs)/income 
Loss before tax 
Current tax (charge)/credit 
Deferred tax credit 
Loss for the year 
Hammerson share of loss for the year 
Hammerson share of distributions payable1 

Brent Cross
£m
41
35.9
23.5
(0.1)
23.4
(252.6)
(229.2)
–
–
(0.4)
(0.4)
(229.6)
–
–
(229.6)
(93.2)
4.7

Cabot Circus
£m
50
29.6
12.2
–
12.2
(152.7)
(140.5)
–
–
(0.8)
(0.8)
(141.3)
–
–
(141.3)
(70.7)
–

Bullring
£m
50
45.2
24.5
–
24.5
(335.7)
(311.2)
–
–
–
–
(311.2)
–
–
(311.2)
(155.6)
2.4

Share of assets and liabilities of joint ventures as at 31 December 2020 

Non-current assets 
Investment and development properties  
Other non-current assets2 

Current assets 
Other current assets3 
Cash and deposits4 

Current liabilities 
Other payables 
Loans – secured 

Non-current liabilities 
Loans – secured 
Derivative financial instruments 
Obligations under head leases 
Other payables 
Deferred tax 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Hammerson share of net assets 
Balance due to Hammerson5,6 
Total investment in joint ventures 

Brent Cross
£m

Cabot Circus 
£m

Bullring 
£m

561.6
12.8
574.4

15.4
17.3
32.7

(19.0)
–
(19.0)

–
–
(12.8)
(1.0)
–
(13.8)
574.3

233.2
–
233.2

321.6
14.0
335.6

10.5
21.3
31.8

(15.0)
–
(15.0)

–
–
(14.1)
(1.1)
–
(15.2)
337.2

168.6
–
168.6

627.8
–
627.8

17.0
29.2
46.2

(24.5)
–
(24.5)

–
–
–
(2.0)
–
(2.0)
647.5

323.8
–
323.8

Grand 
Central 
£m 
50 
10.2 
4.2 
(0.1) 
4.1 
(76.6) 
(72.5) 
– 
– 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
(72.6) 
– 
– 
(72.6) 
(36.3) 
– 

Grand 
Central 
£m 

128.6 
2.7 
131.3 

8.4 
8.8 
17.2 

(7.5) 
– 
(7.5) 

– 
– 
(2.8) 
(0.8) 
– 
(3.6) 
137.4 

68.7 
– 
68.7 

The Oracle
£m
50
24.9
9.2
–
9.2
(173.5)
(164.3)
–
–
–
–
(164.3)
(0.1)
–
(164.4)
(82.2)
–

Westquay
£m
50
28.5
12.5
–
12.5
(198.2)
(185.7)
–
–
(0.4)
(0.4)
(186.1)
–
–
(186.1)
(93.0)
–

The Oracle 
£m

Westquay 
£m

279.1
–
279.1

9.6
13.6
23.2

(11.2)
–
(11.2)

–
–
–
(2.3)
(0.2)
(2.5)
288.6

144.3
–
144.3

332.4
4.2
336.6

10.4
14.5
24.9

(12.1)
–
(12.1)

–
–
(4.2)
(698.2)
–
(702.4)
(353.0)

–
171.7
171.7

1.  In addition to the distributions payable, the Group received interest from its joint ventures of £1.5 million (2019: £12.3 million). See note 28A.  
2.  Other non-current assets include interests in leasehold properties. 
3.  Included within the 100% other current assets figures are restricted monetary assets totalling £30.9 million (2019: £30.8 million) and £5.2 million (2019: £nil) in respect of 
Croydon and Dundrum, which relate to cash held in escrow for specified development costs and restricted cash as a condition of the loan covenant waiver, respectively. 

4.  Included within the 100% cash and deposits figures are balances of £2.7 million (2019: £5.0 million) and £8.0 million (2019: £7.2 million) in respect of Highcross and Dundrum 

respectively, which are classed as ‘restricted’ under the terms of the loan agreements. 

5.  The Group and its partners invest in joint ventures principally by way of equity investment. To provide further clarity of this investment, those balances which are not equity 

have been included within other payables as a liability of the joint venture, and the Group’s interest has been shown separately. 

6.  The Group's policy is to initially recognise its share of the losses in joint ventures against its equity investment. Once the Group's equity investment is nil, its share of the  

losses of joint ventures are recognised against other long term interests. In accordance with this policy the Group's equity investment in the Westquay joint venture is nil as at  
31 December 2020, with the Group's share of losses for the year recognised against the long term loan due to Hammerson, which has a closing carrying value of £171.7 million at 
31 December 2020. In the prior year financial statements the Group's share of cumulative Westquay losses were incorrectly presented against the Group's equity interest rather 
than against the long term loan, resulting in the equity investment being negative. Accordingly the Group’s investment in Westquay at 31 December 2019 has been re-presented 
to present the Group's equity investment in the Westquay joint venture as nil and the Group's loan to the Westquay joint venture as £264.9m as at 31 December 2019.

124   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Silverburn 
£m 
50 
19.5 
10.2 
(0.1) 
10.1 
(80.3) 
(70.2) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(70.2) 
– 
– 
(70.2) 
(35.1) 
– 

Croydon 
£m  
50 
16.7 
4.3 
(0.1) 
4.2 
(134.1) 
(129.9) 
– 
– 
0.2 
0.2 
(129.7) 
(0.2) 
– 
(129.9) 
(65.0) 
– 

Highcross 
£m 
50 
22.1 
8.0 
(0.1) 
7.9 
(145.0) 
(137.1) 
(3.1) 
– 
(5.1) 
(8.2) 
(145.3) 
– 
– 
(145.3) 
(72.6) 
1.9 

Dundrum
£m
50
55.1
37.9
(0.3)
37.6
(254.0)
(216.4)
(0.7)
–
(10.9)
(11.6)
(228.0)
–
–
(228.0)
(114.0)
0.9

VIA Outlets
£m
50
44.8
30.9
(6.7)
24.2
(62.7)
(38.5)
(0.2)
(1.0)
(9.9)
(11.1)
(49.6)
1.3
9.4
(38.9)
(20.7)
–

Share of assets and liabilities of joint ventures as at 31 December 2020 

Brent Cross

Cabot Circus 

£m

£m

Bullring 

£m

The Oracle 

Westquay 

£m

£m

Silverburn 
£m 

Croydon 
£m  

Highcross 
£m 

Dundrum
£m

VIA Outlets
£m

158.0 
0.2 
158.2 

8.1 
15.8 
23.9 

(8.8) 
– 
(8.8) 

– 
– 
– 
(0.4) 
– 
(0.4) 
172.9 

86.5 
– 
86.5 

188.6 
– 
188.6 

93.0 
14.8 
107.8 

(23.5) 
– 
(23.5) 

– 
– 
– 
(66.8) 
– 
(66.8) 
206.1 

103.0 
25.0 
128.0 

248.2 
– 
248.2 

8.8 
6.6 
15.4 

(13.2) 
– 
(13.2) 

(158.3) 
(7.1) 
– 
(0.6) 
– 
(166.0) 
84.4 

42.2 
– 
42.2 

1,206.7
0.4
1,207.1

24.7
26.8
51.5

(13.7)
–
(13.7)

(557.0)
(4.7)
–
(1.3)
–
(563.0)
681.9

341.0
–
341.0

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

13: Investment in joint ventures continued 

A. Summary financial statements of joint ventures 

Share of results of joint ventures for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Ownership (%) 

Gross rental income 

Net rental income 

Net administration expenses 

Operating profit before other net losses 

Revaluation losses 

Operating loss 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Translation movement on intragroup funding loan 

Other finance (costs)/income 

Net finance (costs)/income 

Loss before tax 

Current tax (charge)/credit 

Deferred tax credit 

Loss for the year 

Hammerson share of loss for the year 

Hammerson share of distributions payable1 

Non-current assets 

Investment and development properties  

Other non-current assets2 

Current assets 

Other current assets3 

Cash and deposits4 

Current liabilities 

Other payables 

Loans – secured 

Non-current liabilities 

Loans – secured 

Derivative financial instruments 

Obligations under head leases 

Other payables 

Deferred tax 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Hammerson share of net assets 

Balance due to Hammerson5,6 

Total investment in joint ventures 

Brent Cross

Cabot Circus

Bullring

The Oracle

Westquay

£m

41

35.9

23.5

(0.1)

23.4

£m

50

29.6

12.2

–

12.2

£m

50

45.2

24.5

–

24.5

(252.6)

(229.2)

(152.7)

(140.5)

(335.7)

(311.2)

(173.5)

(164.3)

(198.2)

(185.7)

(0.4)

(0.4)

(0.8)

(0.8)

(229.6)

(141.3)

(311.2)

(72.6) 

(164.3)

(186.1)

(229.6)

(93.2)

4.7

(141.3)

(70.7)

(311.2)

(155.6)

2.4

(72.6) 

(36.3) 

(164.4)

(82.2)

(186.1)

(93.0)

Grand 

Central 

£m 

50 

10.2 

4.2 

(0.1) 

4.1 

(76.6) 

(72.5) 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Grand 

Central 

£m 

128.6 

2.7 

131.3 

8.4 

8.8 

17.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2.8) 

(0.8) 

(3.6) 

137.4 

68.7 

– 

68.7 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

50

24.9

9.2

–

9.2

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

50

28.5

12.5

–

12.5

(0.4)

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

561.6

12.8

574.4

15.4

17.3

32.7

321.6

14.0

335.6

10.5

21.3

31.8

627.8

–

627.8

17.0

29.2

46.2

279.1

–

279.1

9.6

13.6

23.2

332.4

4.2

336.6

10.4

14.5

24.9

(19.0)

(15.0)

(24.5)

(7.5) 

(11.2)

(12.1)

(19.0)

(15.0)

(24.5)

(7.5) 

(11.2)

(12.1)

(12.8)

(1.0)

(13.8)

574.3

(14.1)

(1.1)

(15.2)

337.2

(2.0)

(2.0)

647.5

233.2

168.6

323.8

233.2

168.6

323.8

(2.3)

(0.2)

(2.5)

288.6

144.3

–

144.3

(4.2)

(698.2)

(702.4)

(353.0)

171.7

171.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.  In addition to the distributions payable, the Group received interest from its joint ventures of £1.5 million (2019: £12.3 million). See note 28A.  

2.  Other non-current assets include interests in leasehold properties. 

3.  Included within the 100% other current assets figures are restricted monetary assets totalling £30.9 million (2019: £30.8 million) and £5.2 million (2019: £nil) in respect of 

Croydon and Dundrum, which relate to cash held in escrow for specified development costs and restricted cash as a condition of the loan covenant waiver, respectively. 

4.  Included within the 100% cash and deposits figures are balances of £2.7 million (2019: £5.0 million) and £8.0 million (2019: £7.2 million) in respect of Highcross and Dundrum 

respectively, which are classed as ‘restricted’ under the terms of the loan agreements. 

5.  The Group and its partners invest in joint ventures principally by way of equity investment. To provide further clarity of this investment, those balances which are not equity 

have been included within other payables as a liability of the joint venture, and the Group’s interest has been shown separately. 

6.  The Group's policy is to initially recognise its share of the losses in joint ventures against its equity investment. Once the Group's equity investment is nil, its share of the  

losses of joint ventures are recognised against other long term interests. In accordance with this policy the Group's equity investment in the Westquay joint venture is nil as at  

31 December 2020, with the Group's share of losses for the year recognised against the long term loan due to Hammerson, which has a closing carrying value of £171.7 million at 

31 December 2020. In the prior year financial statements the Group's share of cumulative Westquay losses were incorrectly presented against the Group's equity interest rather 

than against the long term loan, resulting in the equity investment being negative. Accordingly the Group’s investment in Westquay at 31 December 2019 has been re-presented 

to present the Group's equity investment in the Westquay joint venture as nil and the Group's loan to the Westquay joint venture as £264.9m as at 31 December 2019.

Other
£m
Various
31.4
24.4
(0.1)
24.3
(201.0)
(176.7)
–
–
(3.0)
(3.0)
(179.7)
(0.1)
–
(179.8)
(44.3)
0.7

Other
£m

482.1
–
482.1

20.9
20.2
41.1

(15.7)
(197.9)
(213.6)

–
–
–
(184.7)
–
(184.7)
124.9

40.9
64.7
105.6

100%
Total
2020
£m

Property joint  
ventures 
£m 

Hammerson share
Total
2020
£m

VIA Outlets
£m

363.9
201.8
(7.6)
194.2
(2,066.4)
(1,872.2)
(4.0)
(1.0)
(30.4)
(35.4)
(1,907.6)
0.9
9.4
(1,897.3)
(882.7)
10.6

148.4 
77.1 
(0.4) 
76.7 
(927.2) 
(850.5) 
(1.9) 
– 
(9.5) 
(11.4) 
(861.9) 
(0.1) 
– 

20.0
12.9
(3.3)
9.6
(30.7)
(21.1)
(0.1)
(0.5)
(4.6)
(5.2)
(26.3)
0.9
4.7

168.4
90.0
(3.7)
86.3
(957.9)
(871.6)
(2.0)
(0.5)
(14.1)
(16.6)
(888.2)
0.8
4.7

(862.0) 

(20.7)

(882.7)

100%
Total
2020
£m

Property joint  
ventures 
£m 

Hammerson share
Total
2020
£m

VIA Outlets
£m

4,534.7
34.3
4,569.0

226.8
188.9
415.7

(164.2)
(197.9)
(362.1)

(715.3)
(11.8)
(33.9)
(959.2)
(0.2)
(1,720.4)
2,902.2

1,552.2
261.4
1,813.6

2,122.8 
18.1 
2,140.9 

99.7 
87.8 
187.5 

(76.6) 
(49.5) 
(126.1) 

(357.6) 
(5.9) 
(15.8) 
(9.3) 
(0.1) 
(388.7) 

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

2,122.8
18.1
2,140.9

99.7
87.8
187.5

(76.6)
(49.5)
(126.1)

(357.6)
(5.9)
(15.8)
(9.3)
(0.1)
(388.7)

1,813.6 

–

1,813.6

124   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 125
www.hammerson.com  125 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

13: Investment in joint ventures continued 

A. Summary financial statements of joint ventures 
Share of results of joint ventures for the year ended 31 December 2019 

See page 124 for footnotes. 

Ownership (%) 
Gross rental income 
Net rental income 
Net administration expenses 
Operating profit before other net (losses)/gains 
Revaluation (losses)/gains on properties 
Impairment recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale 
Operating (loss)/profit 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Translation movement on intragroup funding loan 
Other finance (costs)/income 
Net finance (costs)/income 
(Loss)/Profit before tax 
Current tax charge 
Deferred tax charge 
(Loss)/Profit for the year 
Hammerson share of (loss)/profit for the year 
Hammerson share of distributions payable1 

Brent Cross
£m
41
43.7
40.2
(0.1)
40.1
(214.4)
(1.0)
(175.3)
–
–
(0.4)
(0.4)
(175.7)
–
–
(175.7)
(71.4)
16.7

Cabot Circus
£m
50
35.5
29.9
–
29.9
(107.1)
–
(77.2)
–
–
(0.7)
(0.7)
(77.9)
–
–
(77.9)
(38.9)
21.6

Bullring
£m
50
55.0
46.1
–
46.1
(189.0)
–
(142.9)
–
–
–
–
(142.9)
–
–
(142.9)
(71.4)
24.0

Grand Central 
£m 
50 
11.3 
9.1 
(0.1) 
9.0 
(83.1) 
– 
(74.1) 
– 
– 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
(74.2) 
– 
– 
(74.2) 
(37.1) 
5.1 

The Oracle
£m
50
33.1
28.0
–
28.0
(120.1)
–
(92.1)
–
–
–
–
(92.1)
(0.2)
–
(92.3)
(46.1)
14.9

Westquay6
£m
50
34.6
26.8
–
26.8
(124.8)
–
(98.0)
–
–
(0.3)
(0.3)
(98.3)
–
–
(98.3)
(49.1)
5.3

Share of assets and liabilities of joint ventures as at 31 December 2019 

Non-current assets 
Investment and development properties  
Goodwill 
Other non-current assets2 

Current assets 
Other current assets3 
Cash and deposits4 

Current liabilities 
Other payables 
Loans – secured 

Non-current liabilities 
Loans – secured 
Derivative financial instruments 
Obligations under head leases 
Other payables 
Deferred tax 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Hammerson share of net assets 
Balance due to Hammerson5 
Total investment in joint ventures 

Brent Cross
£m

Cabot Circus 
£m

Bullring 
£m

Grand Central 
£m 

The Oracle 
£m

Westquay 
£m

754.4
–
12.8
767.2

8.7
9.4
18.1

(15.2)
–
(15.2)

–
–
(12.8)
(0.4)
–
(13.2)
756.9

307.4
–
307.4

470.2
–
13.8
484.0

6.7
15.9
22.6

(13.4)
–
(13.4)

–
–
(14.1)
(0.7)
–
(14.8)
478.4

239.2
–
239.2

961.2
–
–
961.2

16.4
12.7
29.1

(24.4)
–
(24.4)

–
–
–
(1.5)
–
(1.5)
964.4

482.2
–
482.2

203.8 
– 
2.7 
206.5 

5.0 
9.1 
14.1 

(7.0) 
– 
(7.0) 

– 
– 
(2.8) 
(0.7) 
– 
(3.5) 
210.1 

105.0 
– 
105.0 

454.1
–
–
454.1

7.3
4.1
11.4

(10.7)
–
(10.7)

–
–
–
(1.4)
(0.2)
(1.6)
453.2

226.6
–
226.6

530.6
–
4.2
534.8

6.7
4.8
11.5

(11.3)
–
(11.3)

–
–
(4.2)
(697.5)
–
(701.7)
(166.7)

–
264.9
264.9

126   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

126

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

13: Investment in joint ventures continued 

A. Summary financial statements of joint ventures 

Share of results of joint ventures for the year ended 31 December 2019 

See page 124 for footnotes. 

Ownership (%) 

Gross rental income 

Net rental income 

Net administration expenses 

Operating profit before other net (losses)/gains 

Revaluation (losses)/gains on properties 

Impairment recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Translation movement on intragroup funding loan 

Other finance (costs)/income 

Net finance (costs)/income 

(Loss)/Profit before tax 

Current tax charge 

Deferred tax charge 

(Loss)/Profit for the year 

Hammerson share of (loss)/profit for the year 

Hammerson share of distributions payable1 

Non-current assets 

Investment and development properties  

Goodwill 

Other non-current assets2 

Current assets 

Other current assets3 

Cash and deposits4 

Current liabilities 

Other payables 

Loans – secured 

Non-current liabilities 

Loans – secured 

Derivative financial instruments 

Obligations under head leases 

Other payables 

Deferred tax 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Hammerson share of net assets 

Balance due to Hammerson5 

Total investment in joint ventures 

Brent Cross

Cabot Circus

Bullring

Grand Central 

The Oracle

Westquay6

29.9

(107.1)

46.1

(189.0)

28.0

(120.1)

26.8

(124.8)

(77.2)

(142.9)

(74.1) 

(92.1)

(98.0)

£m

41

43.7

40.2

(0.1)

40.1

(214.4)

(1.0)

(175.3)

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

(0.4)

(175.7)

(175.7)

(71.4)

16.7

754.4

–

12.8

767.2

8.7

9.4

18.1

–

–

–

–

(12.8)

(0.4)

(13.2)

756.9

307.4

–

307.4

£m

50

35.5

29.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.7)

(0.7)

(77.9)

(77.9)

(38.9)

21.6

470.2

–

13.8

484.0

6.7

15.9

22.6

–

–

–

–

(14.1)

(0.7)

(14.8)

478.4

239.2

–

239.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

50

55.0

46.1

(142.9)

(142.9)

(71.4)

24.0

16.4

12.7

29.1

(1.5)

(1.5)

964.4

482.2

–

482.2

£m 

50 

11.3 

9.1 

(0.1) 

9.0 

(83.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

(74.2) 

(74.2) 

(37.1) 

5.1 

– 

2.7 

5.0 

9.1 

14.1 

(7.0) 

– 

(7.0) 

– 

– 

(2.8) 

(0.7) 

– 

(3.5) 

210.1 

105.0 

– 

105.0 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

50

33.1

28.0

(92.1)

(0.2)

(92.3)

(46.1)

14.9

7.3

4.1

11.4

(1.4)

(0.2)

(1.6)

453.2

226.6

–

226.6

£m

50

34.6

26.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

(98.3)

(98.3)

(49.1)

5.3

–

4.2

6.7

4.8

11.5

–

–

–

–

–

(4.2)

(697.5)

(701.7)

(166.7)

264.9

264.9

(15.2)

(13.4)

(24.4)

(10.7)

(11.3)

(15.2)

(13.4)

(24.4)

(10.7)

(11.3)

961.2

203.8 

454.1

530.6

961.2

206.5 

454.1

534.8

Silverburn 
£m 
50 
21.1 
19.0 
(0.1) 
18.9 
(80.1) 
– 
(61.2) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(61.2) 
– 
– 
(61.2) 
(30.6) 
6.2 

Croydon 
£m  
50 
21.1 
13.0 
(0.1) 
12.9 
(57.2) 
– 
(44.3) 
– 
– 
0.2 
0.2 
(44.1) 
(0.4) 
– 
(44.5) 
(22.2) 
– 

Highcross 
£m 
50 
28.9 
22.6 
(0.1) 
22.5 
(81.2) 
– 
(58.7) 
(2.6) 
– 
(5.1) 
(7.7) 
(66.4) 
– 
– 
(66.4) 
(33.2) 
4.6 

Dundrum
£m
50
61.6
54.5
(0.4)
54.1
(134.5)
–
(80.4)
(2.5)
–
(10.7)
(13.2)
(93.6)
–
–
(93.6)
(46.8)
18.0

VIA Outlets
£m
50
94.9
66.4
(13.6)
52.8
60.3
–
113.1
(2.0)
0.6
(17.2)
(18.6)
94.5
(5.3)
(18.2)
71.0
34.3
–

Share of assets and liabilities of joint ventures as at 31 December 2019 

Brent Cross

Cabot Circus 

Bullring 

Grand Central 

The Oracle 

Westquay 

£m

£m

£m

£m 

£m

£m

Silverburn 
£m 

Croydon 
£m  

Highcross 
£m 

Dundrum
£m

VIA Outlets
£m

238.8 
– 
– 
238.8 

6.3 
5.9 
12.2 

(7.4) 
– 
(7.4) 

– 
– 
– 
(0.2) 
– 
(0.2) 
243.4 

121.7 
– 
121.7 

316.8 
– 
– 
316.8 

82.4 
20.9 
103.3 

(15.1) 
– 
(15.1) 

– 
– 
– 
(68.1) 
– 
(68.1) 
336.9 

168.4 
26.0 
194.4 

391.8 
– 
– 
391.8 

8.7 
13.9 
22.6 

(12.5) 
– 
(12.5) 

(163.9) 
(4.0) 
– 
(2.1) 
– 
(170.0) 
231.9 

115.9 
– 
115.9 

1,370.8
–
0.8
1,371.6

17.2
26.4
43.6

(16.4)
–
(16.4)

(526.6)
(3.8)
–
(14.1)
–
(544.5)
854.3

427.1
6.6
433.7

1,386.9
–
11.9
1,398.8

29.7
59.4
89.1

(47.2)
(6.6)
(53.8)

(527.9)
(8.0)
–
(12.3)
(138.4)
(686.6)
747.5

379.0
–
379.0

Other
£m
various
32.6
28.9
(0.1)
28.8
(92.4)
–
(63.6)
–
–
(2.9)
(2.9)
(66.5)
(0.1)
–
(66.6)
(16.6)
0.5

Other
£m

645.9
–
–
645.9

11.2
18.5
29.7

(9.5)
–
(9.5)

(186.7)
–
–
(179.7)
–
(366.4)
299.7

84.2
62.9
147.1

100%
Total
2019
£m

Property joint  
ventures 
£m 

VIA Outlets
£m

Hammerson share
Total
2019
£m

473.4
384.5
(14.6)
369.9
(1,223.6)
(1.0)
(854.7)
(7.1)
0.6
(37.2)
(43.7)
(898.4)
(6.0)
(18.2)
(922.6)
(429.1)
116.9

100%
Total
2019
£m

7,725.3
–
46.2
7,771.5

206.3
201.0
407.3

(190.1)
(6.6)
(196.7)

(1,405.1)
(15.8)
(33.9)
(978.7)
(138.6)
(2,572.1)
5,410.0

2,656.7
360.4
3,017.1

177.1 
148.1 
(0.5) 
147.6 
(598.9) 
(0.4) 
(451.7) 
(2.6) 
– 
(8.8) 
(11.4) 
(463.1) 
(0.3) 
– 

45.6
31.8
(6.5)
25.3
29.1
–
54.4
(0.9)
0.3
(8.2)
(8.8)
45.6
(2.5)
(8.8)

222.7
179.9
(7.0)
172.9
(569.8)
(0.4)
(397.3)
(3.5)
0.3
(17.0)
(20.2)
(417.5)
(2.8)
(8.8)

(463.4) 

34.3

(429.1)

Property joint  
ventures 
£m 

VIA Outlets
£m

Hammerson share
Total
2019
£m

2,964.6 
– 
18.2 
2,982.8 

78.0 
65.3 
143.3 

(69.0) 
– 
(69.0) 

(391.9) 
(3.9) 
(15.8) 
(7.3) 
(0.1) 
(419.0) 

693.5
8.9
6.0
708.4

11.1
29.7
40.8

(23.6)
(3.3)
(26.9)

(263.9)
(4.0)
–
(6.2)
(69.2)
(343.3)

3,658.1
8.9
24.2
3,691.2

89.1
95.0
184.1

(92.6)
(3.3)
(95.9)

(655.8)
(7.9)
(15.8)
(13.5)
(69.3)
(762.3)

2,638.1 

379.0

3,017.1

126   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 127
www.hammerson.com  127 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

13: Investment in joint ventures continued 

B. Reconciliation to adjusted earnings 

(Loss)/Profit for the year  
Revaluation losses/(gains) on properties  
Impairment recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale 
Change in the provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income 
statement 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Translation movements on intragroup funding loan3 
Deferred tax (credit)/charge 
Total adjustments 
Adjusted earnings  

Property
joint
ventures 
£m
(862.0)
927.2
–

8.1
1.9
–
–
937.2
75.2

VIA
Outlets2
£m
(20.7)
30.7
–

–
0.1
0.5
(4.7)
26.6
5.9

Total 
2020 
£m 
(882.7) 
957.9 
– 

8.1 
2.0 
0.5 
(4.7) 
963.8 
81.1 

Property 
 joint 
ventures1 
£m 
(463.4) 
598.9 
0.4 

– 
2.6 
– 
– 
601.9 
138.5 

VIA
 Outlets
£m
34.3
(29.1)
–

–
0.9
(0.3)
8.8
(19.7)
14.6

Total
2019
£m
(429.1)
569.8
0.4

–
3.5
(0.3)
8.8
582.2
153.1

1.  Comparatives for 2019 have been re-presented to show Brent South Shopping Park as part of continuing operations. See note 1C 
2.  Comprises results of VIA Outlets up to 30 June 2020 when this was reclassified to assets held for sale and the results of the Group’s investment in Zweibrücken B.V. up to 

31 October 2020 when it was transferred to other investments upon completion of the sale of substantially all of VIA Outlets. 

3.  Foreign exchange differences on intragroup loan balances which are either commercially hedged or arise upon retranslation of euro-denominated loans between entities with 
different functional currencies from the euro-denominated VIA Outlets group. These exchange differences do not give rise to any cash flow exposures in the VIA Outlets group 
and are therefore excluded from the Group’s adjusted earnings.  

C. Reconciliation to adjusted investment in joint ventures 

Investment in joint ventures 
Fair value of derivatives 
Deferred tax* 
Goodwill as a result of deferred tax 
Other goodwill per IFRS balance sheet 
Total adjustments 
Adjusted investment 

Property
joint
ventures 
£m
1,813.6
5.9
–
–
–
5.9
1,819.5

Total 
2020 
£m 
1,813.6 
5.9 
– 
– 
– 
5.9 
1,819.5 

Property 
 joint  
ventures  
£m 
2,638.1 
3.9 
0.1 
– 
– 
4.0 
2,642.1 

VIA
 Outlets
£m
379.0
4.0
34.6
(7.4)
(1.5)
29.7
408.7

Total
2019
£m
3,017.1
7.9
34.7
(7.4)
(1.5)
33.7
3,050.8

*   Per note 11E, the Group has adopted the Net Tangible Assets (NTA) metric for measuring EPRA net asset value per share. The adjusted figures in the above table are prepared on 

an NTA basis and the Group has chosen to exclude 50% of deferred tax balances in accordance with EPRA guidance.  

D. Reconciliation of movements in investment in joint ventures 

Balance at 1 January 
Share of results of joint ventures  
Impairment of investment in joint ventures  
Acquisition 
Advances 
Distributions and other receivables 
Transfer from/(to) assets held for sale  
Transfer to other investments 
Exchange and other movements 
Balance at 31 December 

Property
joint
ventures 
£m
2,638.1
(862.0)
–
–
0.5
(16.5)
25.1
–
28.4
1,813.6

VIA
 Outlets
£m
379.0
(20.7)
(9.6)
–
12.6
–
(376.3)
(9.8)
24.8
–

Total 
2020 
£m 
3,017.1 
(882.7) 
(9.6) 
– 
13.1 
(16.5) 
(351.2) 
(9.8) 
53.2 
1,813.6 

Property 
 joint  
ventures  
£m 
3,278.2 
(463.4) 
– 
– 
19.7 
(139.2) 
(25.1) 
– 
(32.1) 
2,638.1 

VIA
 Outlets
£m
326.3
34.3
–
29.0
9.4
–
–
–
(20.0)
379.0

Total
2019
£m
3,604.5
(429.1)
–
29.0
29.1
(139.2)
(25.1)
–
(52.1)
3,017.1

128   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

128

 
 
1.  Comparatives for 2019 have been re-presented to show Brent South Shopping Park as part of continuing operations. See note 1C 

2.  Comprises results of VIA Outlets up to 30 June 2020 when this was reclassified to assets held for sale and the results of the Group’s investment in Zweibrücken B.V. up to 

31 October 2020 when it was transferred to other investments upon completion of the sale of substantially all of VIA Outlets. 

3.  Foreign exchange differences on intragroup loan balances which are either commercially hedged or arise upon retranslation of euro-denominated loans between entities with 

different functional currencies from the euro-denominated VIA Outlets group. These exchange differences do not give rise to any cash flow exposures in the VIA Outlets group 

and are therefore excluded from the Group’s adjusted earnings.  

C. Reconciliation to adjusted investment in joint ventures 

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

13: Investment in joint ventures continued 

B. Reconciliation to adjusted earnings 

(Loss)/Profit for the year  

Revaluation losses/(gains) on properties  

Impairment recognised on reclassification to assets held for sale 

Change in the provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income 

statement 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Translation movements on intragroup funding loan3 

Deferred tax (credit)/charge 

Total adjustments 

Adjusted earnings  

Investment in joint ventures 

Fair value of derivatives 

Deferred tax* 

Goodwill as a result of deferred tax 

Other goodwill per IFRS balance sheet 

Total adjustments 

Adjusted investment 

Balance at 1 January 

Share of results of joint ventures  

Impairment of investment in joint ventures  

Acquisition 

Advances 

Distributions and other receivables 

Transfer from/(to) assets held for sale  

Transfer to other investments 

Exchange and other movements 

Balance at 31 December 

Property

joint

ventures 

£m

(862.0)

927.2

–

8.1

1.9

–

–

937.2

75.2

VIA

Outlets2

£m

(20.7)

30.7

–

–

0.1

0.5

(4.7)

26.6

5.9

Total 

2020 

£m 

(882.7) 

957.9 

– 

8.1 

2.0 

0.5 

(4.7) 

963.8 

81.1 

Property 

 joint 

ventures1 

£m 

(463.4) 

598.9 

0.4 

2.6 

– 

– 

– 

601.9 

138.5 

Property

joint

ventures 

£m

Total 

2020 

£m 

Property 

 joint  

ventures  

£m 

1,813.6

1,813.6 

2,638.1 

5.9

5.9 

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

5.9

5.9 

3.9 

0.1 

– 

– 

4.0 

Property

joint

ventures 

£m

2,638.1

(862.0)

–

–

0.5

(16.5)

25.1

–

28.4

VIA

 Outlets

£m

379.0

(20.7)

(9.6)

12.6

–

–

(376.3)

(9.8)

24.8

Total 

2020 

£m 

3,017.1 

(882.7) 

(9.6) 

– 

13.1 

(16.5) 

(351.2) 

(9.8) 

53.2 

1,813.6

–

1,813.6 

Property 

 joint  

ventures  

£m 

3,278.2 

(463.4) 

– 

– 

– 

19.7 

(139.2) 

(25.1) 

(32.1) 

2,638.1 

VIA

 Outlets

£m

34.3

(29.1)

–

–

0.9

(0.3)

8.8

(19.7)

14.6

VIA

 Outlets

£m

379.0

4.0

34.6

(7.4)

(1.5)

29.7

VIA

 Outlets

£m

326.3

34.3

29.0

9.4

–

–

–

–

(20.0)

379.0

Total

2019

£m

(429.1)

569.8

0.4

–

3.5

(0.3)

8.8

582.2

153.1

Total

2019

£m

3,017.1

7.9

34.7

(7.4)

(1.5)

33.7

Total

2019

£m

3,604.5

(429.1)

–

29.0

29.1

(139.2)

(25.1)

–

(52.1)

3,017.1

*   Per note 11E, the Group has adopted the Net Tangible Assets (NTA) metric for measuring EPRA net asset value per share. The adjusted figures in the above table are prepared on 

an NTA basis and the Group has chosen to exclude 50% of deferred tax balances in accordance with EPRA guidance.  

1,819.5

1,819.5 

2,642.1 

408.7

3,050.8

D. Reconciliation of movements in investment in joint ventures 

14: Investment in associates 

At 31 December 2020, the Group had three associates: Value Retail PLC and its group entities (‘VR’), a 25% interest in Italie Deux and a 10% interest in 
Nicetoile. Hammerson is the asset manager for both Italie Deux and Nicetoile. The three investments are equity accounted under IFRS, although the 
share of results in Italie Deux and Nicetoile are included with the Group’s Share of Property interests when presenting figures on a proportionally 
consolidated basis. Further details are provided in the Financial review on page 25. 

Summaries of aggregated income and investment for the interest in premium outlets, which includes VR and the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets 
which was accounted for as a joint venture up to its reclassification to assets held for sale on 30 June 2020 (see note 18), are provided in Tables 81 and 82 
of the Additional disclosures on page 162.  

A: Share of results of associates 

Gross rental income 
Net rental income 
Net administration expenses 
Operating profit before other net losses  
Revaluation losses on properties 
Operating loss 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Change in fair value of participative loans – 
revaluation movement 
Change in fair value of participative loans – 
other movement 
Other net finance costs 
Net finance costs 
Loss before tax 
Current tax charge 
Deferred tax credit 
Loss for the year 

Gross rental income 
Net rental income 
Net administration expenses 
Operating profit before other net 
gains/(losses)  
Revaluation gains/(losses) on properties 
Operating profit/(loss) 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Change in fair value of participative loans – 
revaluation movement 
Change in fair value of participative loans – 
other movement 
Other net finance costs 
Net finance costs 
Profit/(loss) before tax 
Current tax charge 
Deferred tax credit 
Profit/(loss) for the year 

Value Retail
Hammerson
share
£m
71.7
45.7
(33.9)
11.8
(126.6)
(114.8)
3.0

100%
£m
232.4
143.1
(118.2)
24.9
(331.8)
(306.9)
18.8

Nicetoile
Hammerson
share
£m
1.4
1.1
–
1.1
(5.0)
(3.9)
–

100%
£m
14.0
11.0
(0.1)
10.9
(49.9)
(39.0)
–

Italie Deux 
Hammerson 
share 
£m 
5.6 
4.5 
– 
4.5 
(13.1) 
(8.6) 
– 

100% 
£m 
22.3 
18.2 
(0.2) 
18.0 
(52.2) 
(34.2) 
– 

2020
Total
Hammerson
share
£m
78.7
51.3
(33.9)
17.4
(144.7)
(127.3)
3.0

100%
£m
268.7
172.3
(118.5)
53.8
(433.9)
(380.1)
18.8

–

(17.6)

–

–

– 

– 

–

(17.6)

–
(52.9)
(34.1)
(341.0)
(3.3)
50.3
(294.0)

1.1
(19.4)
(32.9)
(147.7)
(0.7)
12.6
(135.8)

Value Retail
Hammerson
share
£m
135.7
95.1
(44.4)

50.7
170.7
221.4
(28.5)

100%
£m
404.4
277.7
(140.0)

137.7
444.4
582.1
(107.8)

–

34.5

–
(59.5)
(167.3)
414.8
(15.6)
6.8
406.0

5.1
(21.0)
(9.9)
211.5
(3.3)
2.4
210.6

–
–
–
(39.0)
(0.1)
–
(39.1)

100%
£m
15.3
13.5
–

13.5
(22.9)
(9.4)
–

–

–
–
–
(9.4)
(0.1)
–
(9.5)

1.1
(19.4)
(32.9)
(160.2)
(0.7)
12.6
(148.3)

2019
Total
Hammerson
share
£m
137.5
96.7
(44.4)

52.3
167.9
220.2
(28.5)

–
–
–
(3.9)
–
–
(3.9)

– 
– 
– 
(34.2) 
– 
– 
(34.2) 

– 
– 
– 
(8.6) 
– 
– 
(8.6) 

–
(52.9)
(34.1)
(414.2)
(3.4)
50.3
(367.3)

Nicetoile
Hammerson
share
£m
1.5
1.3
–

1.3
(2.3)
(1.0)
–

–

–
–
–
(1.0)
–
–
(1.0)

100% 
£m 
1.2 
1.2 
– 

1.2 
(2.0) 
(0.8) 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
(0.8) 
– 
– 
(0.8) 

Italie Deux 
Hammerson 
share 
£m 
0.3 
0.3 
– 

0.3 
(0.5) 
(0.2) 
– 

100%
£m
420.9
292.4
(140.0)

152.4
419.5
571.9
(107.8)

– 

–

34.5

– 
– 
– 
(0.2) 
– 
– 
(0.2) 

–
(59.5)
(167.3)
404.6
(15.7)
6.8
395.7

5.1
(21.0)
(9.9)
210.3
(3.3)
2.4
209.4

128   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 129
www.hammerson.com  129 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

14: Investment in associates continued  

B: Reconciliation to adjusted earnings 

Loss/(Profit) for the year 
Revaluation losses/(gains) on properties 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Change in fair value of participative loans – 
revaluation movement 
Change in fair value of financial assets 
Deferred tax credit 
Total adjustments 
Adjusted (losses)/earnings of associates 

Value Retail
£m
(135.8)
126.6
(3.0)

Nicetoile
£m
(3.9)
5.0
–

Italie Deux
£m
(8.6)
13.1
–

17.6
0.1
(12.6)
128.7
(7.1)

–
–
–
5.0
1.1

–
–
–
13.1
4.5

Total
2020
£m
(148.3)
144.7
(3.0)

17.6
0.1
(12.6)
146.8
(1.5)

Value Retail 
£m 
210.6 
(170.7) 
28.5 

Nicetoile 
£m 
(1.0) 
2.3 
– 

Italie Deux
£m
(0.2)
0.5
–

(34.5) 
(0.3) 
(2.4) 
(179.4) 
31.2 

– 
– 
– 
2.3 
1.3 

–
–
–
0.5
0.3

Total
2019
£m
209.4
(167.9)
28.5

(34.5)
(0.3)
(2.4)
(176.6)
32.8

When aggregated, the Group’s share of Value Retail’s adjusted earnings for the year ended 31 December 2020 amounted to 23% (2019: 52%). This figure 
is dependent on the relative profitability of the component Villages in which the Group has differing ownership shares. 

C: Share of assets and liabilities of associates 

Goodwill on acquisition1 
Investment properties  
Other non-current assets 
Non-current assets 
Other current assets 
Cash and deposits 
Current assets 
Total assets 
Other payables 
Loans 
Current liabilities 
Loans  
Derivative financial instruments 
Other payables 
Participative loan liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Participative loans 
Impairment of investment* 
Investment in associates 

Value Retail
Hammerson
share
£m
94.3
1,924.2
61.5
2,080.0
27.7
77.4
105.1
2,185.1
(73.6)
(32.1)
(105.7)
(734.6)
(17.7)
(15.4)
(88.4)
(164.8)
(1,020.9)
(1,126.6)
1,058.5
189.9
(94.3)
1,154.1

100%
£m
–
5,263.1
232.2
5,495.3
61.9
238.8
300.7
5,796.0
(98.3)
(129.8)
(228.1)
(1,968.5)
(50.3)
(40.0)
(357.8)
(602.6)
(3,019.2)
(3,247.3)
2,548.7
357.8
– 
2,906.5

Nicetoile
Hammerson
share
£m
–
22.2
–
22.2
0.7
1.5
2.2
24.4
(0.5)
–
(0.5)
–
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)
(0.6)
23.8
–
– 
23.8

100%
£m
–
221.6
–
221.6
7.2
15.3
22.5
244.1
(4.6)
–
(4.6)
–
–
(1.4)
–
–
(1.4)
(6.0)
238.1
–
– 
238.1

Italie Deux 
Hammerson 
share 
£m 
– 
116.0 
– 
116.0 
3.9 
4.2 
8.1 
124.1 
(2.9) 
– 
(2.9) 
– 
– 
(0.7) 
– 
– 

100%
£m
–
5,948.6
232.2
6,180.8
84.8
270.9
355.7
6,536.5
(114.4)
(129.8)
(244.2)
(1,968.5)
(50.3)
(44.3)
(357.8)
(602.6)
(0.7)  (3,023.5)
(3,267.7)
(3.6) 
3,268.8
120.5 
357.8
– 
– 
–  
3,626.6
120.5 

100% 
£m 
– 
463.9 
– 
463.9 
15.7 
16.8 
32.5 
496.4 
(11.5) 
– 
(11.5) 
– 
– 
(2.9) 
– 
– 
(2.9) 
(14.4) 
482.0 
– 
–  
482.0 

2020
Total
Hammerson
share
£m
94.3
2,062.4
61.5
2,218.2
32.3
83.1
115.4
2,333.6
(77.0)
(32.1)
(109.1)
(734.6)
(17.7)
(16.2)
(88.4)
(164.8)
(1,021.7)
(1,130.8)
1,202.8
189.9
(94.3)
1,298.4

*   In 2020, management performed a review of the carrying value of its investments in associates and concluded that an impairment was required. The impairment is equivalent to 

the notional goodwill on the investment in Value Retail. Further details are provided in note 1D. 

The analysis in the tables above excludes liabilities in respect of distributions received in advance from Value Retail amounting to £25.4 million  
(2019: £24.1 million) which are included within payables – non-current liabilities in note 23.  

In addition to the above investments, non-current receivables of the Group include loans to Value Retail European Holdings BV, totalling €2.0 million 
(£1.8 million), (2019: €2.0 million, £1.7 million) secured against a number of VR assets and maturing on 30 November 2043. 

At 31 December 2020, Hammerson’s economic interest in Value Retail is calculated as 40% (2019: 40%) adjusting for the participative loans, which are 
included within non-current liabilities. 

130   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

14: Investment in associates continued  

B: Reconciliation to adjusted earnings 

Loss/(Profit) for the year 

Revaluation losses/(gains) on properties 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Change in fair value of participative loans – 

revaluation movement 

Change in fair value of financial assets 

Deferred tax credit 

Total adjustments 

Adjusted (losses)/earnings of associates 

Value Retail

Nicetoile

Italie Deux

Value Retail 

Nicetoile 

Italie Deux

£m

(135.8)

126.6

(3.0)

17.6

0.1

(12.6)

128.7

(7.1)

£m

(3.9)

5.0

–

–

–

–

5.0

1.1

Total

2020

£m

(148.3)

144.7

(3.0)

17.6

0.1

(12.6)

146.8

(1.5)

£m

(8.6)

13.1

–

–

–

–

13.1

4.5

£m 

210.6 

(170.7) 

28.5 

(34.5) 

(0.3) 

(2.4) 

(179.4) 

31.2 

Total

2019

£m

209.4

(167.9)

28.5

(34.5)

(0.3)

(2.4)

(176.6)

32.8

£m

(0.2)

0.5

–

–

–

–

0.5

0.3

£m 

(1.0) 

2.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2.3 

1.3 

When aggregated, the Group’s share of Value Retail’s adjusted earnings for the year ended 31 December 2020 amounted to 23% (2019: 52%). This figure 

is dependent on the relative profitability of the component Villages in which the Group has differing ownership shares. 

C: Share of assets and liabilities of associates 

Goodwill on acquisition1 

Investment properties  

Other non-current assets 

Non-current assets 

Other current assets 

Cash and deposits 

Current assets 

Total assets 

Other payables 

Loans 

Loans  

Current liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other payables 

Participative loan liabilities 

Deferred tax 

Non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Participative loans 

Impairment of investment* 

Investment in associates 

5,263.1

1,924.2

221.6

22.2

463.9 

116.0 

5,948.6

2,062.4

5,495.3

2,080.0

221.6

22.2

463.9 

116.0 

6,180.8

2,218.2

Value Retail

Hammerson

share

£m

94.3

100%

£m

–

232.2

61.5

5,796.0

2,185.1

61.9

238.8

300.7

(98.3)

(129.8)

(228.1)

(1,968.5)

(50.3)

(40.0)

(357.8)

(602.6)

27.7

77.4

105.1

(73.6)

(32.1)

(105.7)

(734.6)

(17.7)

(15.4)

(88.4)

(164.8)

Nicetoile

Hammerson

share

£m

100%

£m

Italie Deux 

Hammerson 

share 

£m 

100% 

£m 

Hammerson

2020

Total

share

£m

94.3

100%

£m

–

232.2

61.5

– 

– 

3.9 

4.2 

8.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

124.1 

6,536.5

2,333.6

(2.9) 

(114.4)

(129.8)

84.8

270.9

355.7

(1,968.5)

(50.3)

(44.3)

(357.8)

(602.6)

32.3

83.1

115.4

(77.0)

(32.1)

(109.1)

(734.6)

(17.7)

(16.2)

(88.4)

(164.8)

7.2

15.3

22.5

244.1

(4.6)

0.7

1.5

2.2

24.4

(0.5)

15.7 

16.8 

32.5 

496.4 

(11.5) 

(4.6)

(0.5)

(11.5) 

(2.9) 

(244.2)

(1.4)

(0.1)

(2.9) 

(0.7) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,019.2)

(1,020.9)

(3,247.3)

(1,126.6)

(1.4)

(6.0)

2,548.7

1,058.5

238.1

357.8

– 

189.9

(94.3)

(0.1)

(0.6)

23.8

–

– 

(2.9) 

(14.4) 

(0.7)  (3,023.5)

(1,021.7)

(3.6) 

(3,267.7)

(1,130.8)

482.0 

120.5 

3,268.8

1,202.8

– 

–  

357.8

– 

189.9

(94.3)

2,906.5

1,154.1

238.1

23.8

482.0 

120.5 

3,626.6

1,298.4

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

*   In 2020, management performed a review of the carrying value of its investments in associates and concluded that an impairment was required. The impairment is equivalent to 

the notional goodwill on the investment in Value Retail. Further details are provided in note 1D. 

The analysis in the tables above excludes liabilities in respect of distributions received in advance from Value Retail amounting to £25.4 million  

(2019: £24.1 million) which are included within payables – non-current liabilities in note 23.  

In addition to the above investments, non-current receivables of the Group include loans to Value Retail European Holdings BV, totalling €2.0 million 

(£1.8 million), (2019: €2.0 million, £1.7 million) secured against a number of VR assets and maturing on 30 November 2043. 

At 31 December 2020, Hammerson’s economic interest in Value Retail is calculated as 40% (2019: 40%) adjusting for the participative loans, which are 

included within non-current liabilities. 

Goodwill 
Investment properties  
Other non-current assets 
Non-current assets 
Other current assets 
Cash and deposits 
Current assets 
Total assets 
Other payables 
Current liabilities 
Loans  
Derivative financial instruments 
Other payables 
Participative loan liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Participative loans 
Investment in associates 

Value Retail
Hammerson
share
£m
89.3
1,965.6
71.1
2,126.0
32.5
61.4
93.9
2,219.9
(55.5)
(55.5)
(719.6)
(12.7)
(14.5)
(90.6)
(166.9)
(1,004.3)
(1,059.8)
1,160.1
195.2
1,355.3

100%
£m
–
5,364.5
260.8
5,625.3
80.6
201.6
282.2
5,907.5
(90.3)
(90.3)
(1,971.6)
(38.7)
(36.7)
(366.6)
(616.8)
(3,030.4)
(3,120.7)
2,786.8
–
2,786.8

100%
£m
–
262.0
–
262.0
–
10.3
10.3
272.3
(4.6)
(4.6)
–
–
(1.6)
–
–
(1.6)
(6.2)
266.1
–
266.1

D: Reconciliation to adjusted investment in associates 

Investment in associates 
Fair value of derivatives 
Deferred tax1,2 
Deferred tax within participative loans1 
Goodwill as a result of deferred tax3 
Other goodwill per IFRS balance sheet 
Total adjustments 
Adjusted investment  

Value Retail
£m
1,154.1
17.7
82.1
16.6
–
–
116.4
1,270.5

Nicetoile
£m
23.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
23.8

Italie Deux
£m
120.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
120.5

Nicetoile
Hammerson
share
£m
–
26.2
–
26.2
–
1.0
1.0
27.2
(0.4)
(0.4)
–
–
(0.2)
–
–
(0.2)
(0.6)
26.6
–
26.6

Total
2020
£m
1,298.4
17.7
82.1
16.6
–
–
116.4
1,414.8

Italie Deux 
Hammerson 
share 
£m 
– 
121.7 
– 
121.7 
1.2 
1.3 
2.5 
124.2 
(0.6)
(0.6)
– 
– 
(1.0)
– 
– 
(1.0)
(1.6)
122.6 
– 
122.6 

100% 
£m 
– 
486.7 
– 
486.7 
4.9 
5.4 
10.3 
497.0 
(2.6) 
(2.6) 
– 
– 
(3.9) 
– 
– 
(3.9) 
(6.5) 
490.5 
– 
490.5 

Value Retail 
£m 
1,355.3 
12.7 
83.4 
17.1 
(63.2) 
(26.1) 
23.9 
1,379.2 

Nicetoile 
£m 
26.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
26.6 

2019
Total
Hammerson
share
£m
89.3
2,113.5
71.1
2,273.9
33.7
63.7
97.4
2,371.3
(56.5)
(56.5)
(719.6)
(12.7)
(15.7)
(90.6)
(166.9)
(1,005.5)
(1,062.0)
1,309.3
195.2
1,504.5

Total
2019
£m
1,504.5
12.7
83.4
17.1
(63.2)
(26.1)
23.9
1,528.4

100%
£m
–
6,113.2
260.8
6,374.0
85.5
217.3
302.8
6,676.8
(97.5)
(97.5)
(1,971.6)
(38.7)
(42.2)
(366.6)
(616.8)
(3,035.9)
(3,133.4)
3,543.4
–
3,543.4

Italie Deux
£m
122.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
122.6

1.  Per note 11E, the Group has adopted the Net Tangible Assets (NTA) metric for measuring EPRA net asset value per share. The adjusted figures in the above table have been 

prepared on an NTA basis and the Group has chosen to exclude 50% of deferred tax balances in accordance with EPRA guidance.  

2. Shown net of a deferred tax asset of £0.7 million (2019: £0.2 million), which is included in non-current assets in note 14C. 
3. An adjustment for goodwill has not been included in 2020 following the impairment of an amount equal to notional goodwill as detailed in note 14C. 

E: Reconciliation of movements in investment in associates 

Balance at 1 January 
Share of results of associates 
Impairment of investment in associates 
Acquisitions 
Distributions 
Transfer of investment property from 
Reported Group 
Share of other comprehensive loss of associate* 
Exchange and other movements 
Balance at 31 December 

Value Retail
£m
1,355.3
(135.8)
(94.3)
–
(5.9)

Nicetoile
£m
26.6
(3.9)
–
–
(0.1)

Italie Deux
£m
122.6
(8.6)
–
–
(0.1)

–
(1.0)
35.8
1,154.1

–
–
1.2
23.8

–
–
6.6
120.5

Total
2020
£m
1,504.5
(148.3)
(94.3)
–
(6.1)

–
(1.0)
43.6
1,298.4

Value Retail 
£m 
1,211.1 
210.6 
– 
1.4 
(30.9) 

– 
(4.0) 
(32.9) 
1,355.3 

Nicetoile 
£m 
30.4 
(1.0)
– 
– 
(0.6)

– 
– 
(2.2)
26.6 

Italie Deux
£m
–
(0.2)
–
–
– 

121.1
–
1.7
122.6

Total
2019
£m
1,241.5
209.4
–
1.4
(31.5)

121.1
(4.0)
(33.4)
1,504.5

*   Relates to the change in fair value of derivative financial instruments in an effective hedge relationship within Value Retail. 

130   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 131
www.hammerson.com  131 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

15: Receivables: current assets 

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Corporation tax 
Prepayments 

2020
£m
47.0
51.4
0.8
6.7
105.9

2019
£m
32.1
60.4
0.7
3.1
96.3

Trade receivables are shown after deducting a loss allowance provision of £35.8 million (2019: £9.9 million), as set out in the table below. Further 
details of the methodology applied, together with analysis of the provisioning rates, are provided in notes 1D and 21E. 

Other receivables are shown after deducting a loss allowance provision of £2.8 million (2019: £nil). Further details are provided in note 21E. 

Credit risk is explained further in note 21E. 

Not yet due 
1-30 days overdue 
31-60 days overdue 
61-90 days overdue 
91-120 days overdue 
More than 120 days overdue 

16:  Restricted monetary assets 

Cash held by managing agents 
Cash held in escrow 

Analysed as: 
Non-current assets1 
Current assets2 

Gross
receivable
£m
7.9
7.1
4.7
1.0
10.2
51.9
82.8

Loss 
allowance
£m
(0.7)
(3.2)
(2.0)
(0.6)
(4.8)
(24.5)
(35.8)

2020 
Net  
receivable 
£m 
7.2 
3.9 
2.7 
0.4 
5.4 
27.4 
47.0 

Gross 
receivable 
£m 
18.6 
3.2 
–  
0.8 
4.0 
15.4 
42.0 

Loss
 allowance
£m
–
– 
– 
– 
(0.6)
(9.3)
(9.9)

2019
Net
receivable
£m
18.6
3.2
– 
0.8
3.4
6.1
32.1

2020
£m
28.3
21.4
49.7

21.4
28.3
49.7

2019
£m
21.5
–
21.5

–
21.5
21.5

1.  Non-current restricted monetary assets relate to funds held in escrow which are available to satisfy the Company’s obligations under indemnities granted by the Company in 
favour of indemnified persons under the Company’s Articles of Association, if such obligations are not satisfied by the Company or covered by Directors’ and Officers’ liability 
insurance. Unless suitable insurance can be procured, the funds will remain in trust until the later of December 2026, or, if there are outstanding claims at that date, the date on 
which all claims are resolved. 

2.  Current restricted monetary assets relate to cash held by managing agents on behalf of Group’s tenants and co-owners to meet future service charge costs and related 

expenditure, and amounts held in escrow accounts for a specified purpose. The cash has restricted use and, as such, does not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents as 
defined in IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows.  

17: Cash and deposits 

Cash at bank 
Currency profile 
Sterling 
Euro 

*   At 31 December 2019, £1.6 million of cash was reclassified to assets held for sale. See note 18C. 

2020
£m
409.5

376.0
33.5
409.5

2019*
£m
28.2

1.7
26.5
28.2

132   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

132

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade receivables are shown after deducting a loss allowance provision of £35.8 million (2019: £9.9 million), as set out in the table below. Further 

details of the methodology applied, together with analysis of the provisioning rates, are provided in notes 1D and 21E. 

Other receivables are shown after deducting a loss allowance provision of £2.8 million (2019: £nil). Further details are provided in note 21E. 

Credit risk is explained further in note 21E. 

receivable

allowance

receivable 

receivable 

 allowance

receivable

Gross

£m

7.9

7.1

4.7

1.0

10.2

51.9

82.8

Loss 

£m

(0.7)

(3.2)

(2.0)

(0.6)

(4.8)

(24.5)

(35.8)

2020 

Net  

£m 

7.2 

3.9 

2.7 

0.4 

5.4 

27.4 

47.0 

Gross 

£m 

18.6 

3.2 

–  

0.8 

4.0 

15.4 

42.0 

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

15: Receivables: current assets 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Corporation tax 

Prepayments 

Not yet due 

1-30 days overdue 

31-60 days overdue 

61-90 days overdue 

91-120 days overdue 

More than 120 days overdue 

Cash held by managing agents 

Cash held in escrow 

Analysed as: 

Non-current assets1 

Current assets2 

16:  Restricted monetary assets 

which all claims are resolved. 

defined in IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows.  

17: Cash and deposits 

Cash at bank 

Currency profile 

Sterling 

Euro 

*   At 31 December 2019, £1.6 million of cash was reclassified to assets held for sale. See note 18C. 

2020

£m

47.0

51.4

0.8

6.7

105.9

Loss

£m

–

– 

– 

– 

(0.6)

(9.3)

(9.9)

2020

£m

28.3

21.4

49.7

21.4

28.3

49.7

2019

£m

32.1

60.4

0.7

3.1

96.3

2019

Net

£m

18.6

3.2

– 

0.8

3.4

6.1

32.1

2019

£m

21.5

–

21.5

–

21.5

21.5

2020

£m

409.5

376.0

33.5

409.5

2019*

£m

28.2

1.7

26.5

28.2

18: Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale 

A: Assets held for sale: VIA Outlets 
At 30 June 2020, substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets was reclassified from investments in joint ventures to assets held for sale 
and subsequently impaired to its fair value less costs of disposal. On 31 October 2020, the Group completed the sale of this investment. Further 
information is provided in note 1C. An analysis of the movements during the current year between investments in joint ventures, other investments 
and assets held for sale is provided in the table below: 

Balance at 1 January 2020  
Share of results to 30 June 2020 
Impairment of investment  
Advances 
Exchange and other movements to 30 June 2020 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Share of results of Zweibrücken B.V. from 1 July to 31 October 2020 
Reclassification to other investments 
Exchange movements 
Share of results from 1 July 2020 to 31 October 2020 (note 18B) 
Transaction price adjustments from 1 July 2020 to 31 October 2020  
Remainder of the impairment  
Impairment relating to assets held for sale: VIA Outlets 
Disposal at transaction price less selling costs 
Fair value movement on other investments 
Investment in VIA Outlets – 31 December 2020  

Investment in 
joint ventures
£m
379.0
(20.9)
(9.6)
12.6
24.8
(376.3)
0.2
(9.8)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 

Other  
investments 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
9.8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.1) 
9.7 

Assets held 
for sale
£m
–
–
–
–
–
376.3
–
–
(1.8)
7.1
(1.6)
(109.3)
(103.8)
(270.7)
–
– 

Total
£m
379.0
(20.9)
(9.6)
12.6
24.8
–
0.2
–
(1.8)
7.1
(1.6)
(109.3)
(103.8)
(270.7)
(0.1)
9.7 

B: Adjusted earnings from assets held for sale: VIA Outlets – 1 July 2020 to 31 October 2020 
In accordance with IFRS 5, equity accounting ceased from the date of reclassification from investment in joint ventures to assets held for sale, and 
therefore subsequent movements in earnings, where these impacted the final transaction price and therefore the fair value, are reflected in the 
impairment movement. However, for the purposes of calculating the Group’s adjusted earnings metric, the Group’s share of profit from assets held for 
sale for the period from 1 July 2020 to the completion date as shown in the table below have been included as the Group remained entitled to its 50% 
share for that period. Management believes this provides more relevant and useful information to users of the financial statements by incorporating all 
of the adjusted earnings to which the Group is entitled. A summary of adjusted earnings from assets held for sale is detailed below. 

1.  Non-current restricted monetary assets relate to funds held in escrow which are available to satisfy the Company’s obligations under indemnities granted by the Company in 

favour of indemnified persons under the Company’s Articles of Association, if such obligations are not satisfied by the Company or covered by Directors’ and Officers’ liability 

insurance. Unless suitable insurance can be procured, the funds will remain in trust until the later of December 2026, or, if there are outstanding claims at that date, the date on 

2.  Current restricted monetary assets relate to cash held by managing agents on behalf of Group’s tenants and co-owners to meet future service charge costs and related 

expenditure, and amounts held in escrow accounts for a specified purpose. The cash has restricted use and, as such, does not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents as 

Profit for the period* 
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Translation movements on intragroup funding loan 
Total adjustments 
Adjusted earnings  

Total
2020
£m
7.1
(0.2)
1.2
1.0
8.1

*  Excludes revaluation and deferred tax movements in the period as these were fixed at 30 June 2020 values in accordance with the sale agreement. These would, however, have 

been excluded for the purposes of calculating adjusted earnings. 

C: Assets held for sale: Retail parks 
At 31 December 2019, the retail parks portfolio was reclassified to assets held for sale and impaired to its fair value less anticipated selling costs, totalling 
£446.0 million. Following the cancellation of the sale of a portfolio of retail parks in May 2020, management concluded that the retail parks portfolio no 
longer met the criteria of IFRS 5. Therefore, the portfolio, including all assets and liabilities, has been reclassified from assets held for sale and the 
impairment reversed to the fair value at 30 June 2020, being a materially reasonable approximation of the value at date of reclassification. This resulted 
in a £22.4 million credit to the consolidated income statement in the year in relation to the reversal of the impairment. Further explanation 
surrounding the judgements reached is provided in note 1C 

Investment properties 
Interests in leasehold properties 
Investment in joint ventures 
Current receivables 
Restricted monetary assets 
Cash and deposits 
Assets held for sale 

Obligations under head leases  
Current payables 
Non-current payables 
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale 

Net assets associated with assets held for sale 

2020 
£m
–
–
– 
–
–
–
–

–
– 
–
–

–

2019 
£m
431.6
3.0
24.7
3.0
1.8
1.6
465.7

(3.0)
(16.6)
(0.1)
(19.7)

446.0

132   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 133
www.hammerson.com  133 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

18: Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale continued  

D: Movements in assets held for sale: retail parks 

Net assets associated with assets held for sale: Retail parks – 1 January 20201 
Disposal2 
Other movements 
Reversal of impairment on reclassification from assets held for sale (note 1C) 
Reclassification from assets held for sale – transfer to Reported Group 
Assets held for sale: Retail parks – 31 December 2020 

Investment 
 properties 
£m 
431.6 
(32.6) 
(5.7) 
22.4 
(415.7) 
–  

Other assets and 
liabilities
£m
14.4
32.6
– 
– 
(47.0)
– 

Net assets held
for sale
£m
446.0
– 
(5.7)
22.4
(462.7)
– 

1.  Included within assets held for sale at 1 January 2020 was £24.7 million relating to Brent South Shopping Park which was transferred to assets held for sale on 31 December 2019 
at its carrying value of £25.1 million and subsequently impaired by £0.4 million. In May 2020, the impairment was reversed by £0.4 million and Brent South Shopping Park was 
transferred from assets held for sale to joint ventures at £25.1 million as detailed in note 13D. 

2.  On 12 February 2020, the Group exchanged and completed contracts for the sale of Hammerson (Abbey) Limited which owned Abbey Retail Park, Belfast. 

19: Payables: current liabilities 

Trade payables 
Net pension liability (note 7C) 
Withholding tax on interim dividends (note 10) 
Capital expenditure payables 
Other payables* 
Accruals 
Deferred income 

2020
£m
19.2
0.9
11.9
22.5
63.9
76.4
10.2
205.0

2019
£m
13.1
0.9
12.2
24.1
57.6
78.1
7.5
193.5

*  Other payables include lease liabilities of £3.2 million (2019: £3.5 million) in relation to the Group’s offices in London, Reading, Dublin and Paris. The non-current portion is 

included in note 23. 

20: Loans 

Unsecured1 
£200 million 7.25% sterling bonds due April 2028 
£300 million 6% sterling bonds due February 2026 
£350 million 3.5% sterling bonds due October 2025 
€500 million 1.75% euro bonds due March 2023 
€500 million 2% euro bonds due July 2022 
Sterling bank loans and overdrafts2 
Senior notes due January 20313 
Senior notes due January 20283 
Senior notes due June 20263 
Senior notes due January and June 20243 
Senior notes due June 20213 

Analysed as: 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

2020
£m

2019
£m

198.7
298.6
347.2
446.5
446.5
(2.9)
16.4
62.1
81.2
249.4
115.0
2,258.7

115.0
2,143.7
2,258.7

198.6
298.4
346.7
422.3
422.0
127.6
20.3
88.1
84.8
352.4
143.7
2,504.9

–
2,504.9
2,504.9

1.  During the year, the Group secured a ‘Covid Corporate Financing Facility’ (CCFF) in conjunction with HM Treasury and the Bank of England. The £300 million facility, is 

repayable within 12 month, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of forty basis points, is unsecured and has no covenants. In July 2020, £75 million was drawn down on the 
facility and repaid in full in December 2020. 

2.  The debit balance of £2.9 million in 2020 relates to unamortised fees in relation to the Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) against which no funds had been drawn at  

31 December 2020. 

3.  Senior notes are analysed in note 21F on page 139. During the year, £169.1 million of senior notes were repaid at par, comprising £29.6 million denominated in Sterling,  

£39.8 million denominated in Euro and £99.7 million denominated in US dollar. 

At 31 December 2020 and 2019, no loans were repayable by instalments.  

134   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

18: Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale continued  

21:  Financial instruments and risk management 

D: Movements in assets held for sale: retail parks 

Other assets and 

Net assets held

Net assets associated with assets held for sale: Retail parks – 1 January 20201 

Disposal2 

Other movements 

Reversal of impairment on reclassification from assets held for sale (note 1C) 

Reclassification from assets held for sale – transfer to Reported Group 

Assets held for sale: Retail parks – 31 December 2020 

Investment 

 properties 

£m 

431.6 

(32.6) 

(5.7) 

22.4 

(415.7) 

–  

1.  Included within assets held for sale at 1 January 2020 was £24.7 million relating to Brent South Shopping Park which was transferred to assets held for sale on 31 December 2019 

at its carrying value of £25.1 million and subsequently impaired by £0.4 million. In May 2020, the impairment was reversed by £0.4 million and Brent South Shopping Park was 

transferred from assets held for sale to joint ventures at £25.1 million as detailed in note 13D. 

2.  On 12 February 2020, the Group exchanged and completed contracts for the sale of Hammerson (Abbey) Limited which owned Abbey Retail Park, Belfast. 

*  Other payables include lease liabilities of £3.2 million (2019: £3.5 million) in relation to the Group’s offices in London, Reading, Dublin and Paris. The non-current portion is 

205.0

193.5

A:  Financing strategy 
The Group borrows predominantly on an unsecured basis under its standard financial covenants in order to maintain operational flexibility at a low 
operational cost. Borrowings are arranged to maintain short term liquidity and ensure an appropriate maturity profile. Acquisitions may be financed 
initially using short term funds before being refinanced for the longer term when market conditions are appropriate. Long term debt mainly comprises 
the Group’s fixed rate unsecured bonds and private placement senior notes. Short term funding is raised principally through syndicated revolving 
credit facilities from a range of banks and financial institutions with which the Group maintains strong working relationships. An analysis of the 
maturity of the undrawn element of these revolving credit facilities is shown in note 21D. 

(47.0)

(462.7)

The Group’s borrowing position at 31 December 2020 is summarised below:  

Note 
Bonds  
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Senior notes 
Fair value of currency swaps 
Borrowings, loans and derivative financial 
instruments 

Current
 assets
£m

Non-current 
assets 
£m

Derivative financial instruments 
Non-current 
liabilities 
£m 

Current 
liabilities 
£m

–
–
–
(9.1)

–
–
–
(6.6)

(9.1)

(6.6)

–
–
–
2.3

2.3

– 
– 
– 
84.7 

84.7 

Loans 
< 1 year 
£m 

20 
– 
– 
115.0 
– 

Loans
> 1 year
£m

20 
1,737.5
(2.9)
409.1
–

2020
Total
£m

1,737.5
(2.9)
524.1
71.3

115.0 

2,143.7

2,330.0

The Group’s borrowing position at 31 December 2019 is summarised below:  

Note 
Bonds  
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Senior notes 
Fair value of currency swaps 
Borrowings 
Fair value of interest rate swaps 
Loans and derivative financial instruments 

Current
 assets
£m

Non-current
 assets 
£m

Derivative financial instruments 
Non-current 
liabilities 
£m 

Current 
 liabilities  
£m 

–
–
–
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.7)
(0.8)

–
–
–
(31.6)
(31.6)
–
(31.6)

– 
– 
– 
4.1 
4.1 
– 
4.1 

– 
– 
– 
70.7 
70.7 
– 
70.7 

Loans
> 1 year
£m

20 
1,688.0
127.6
689.3
–
2,504.9
–
2,504.9

2019
Total
£m

1,688.0
127.6
689.3
43.1
2,548.0
(0.7)
2,547.3

liabilities

£m

14.4

32.6

– 

– 

– 

2020

£m

19.2

0.9

11.9

22.5

63.9

76.4

10.2

2020

£m

198.7

298.6

347.2

446.5

446.5

(2.9)

16.4

62.1

81.2

249.4

115.0

2,258.7

115.0

2,143.7

2,258.7

for sale

£m

446.0

– 

(5.7)

22.4

– 

2019

£m

13.1

0.9

12.2

24.1

57.6

78.1

7.5

2019

£m

198.6

298.4

346.7

422.3

422.0

127.6

20.3

88.1

84.8

352.4

143.7

2,504.9

–

2,504.9

2,504.9

19: Payables: current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Net pension liability (note 7C) 

Withholding tax on interim dividends (note 10) 

Capital expenditure payables 

Other payables* 

Accruals 

Deferred income 

included in note 23. 

20: Loans 

Unsecured1 

£200 million 7.25% sterling bonds due April 2028 

£300 million 6% sterling bonds due February 2026 

£350 million 3.5% sterling bonds due October 2025 

€500 million 1.75% euro bonds due March 2023 

€500 million 2% euro bonds due July 2022 

Sterling bank loans and overdrafts2 

Senior notes due January 20313 

Senior notes due January 20283 

Senior notes due June 20263 

Senior notes due January and June 20243 

Senior notes due June 20213 

Analysed as: 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

1.  During the year, the Group secured a ‘Covid Corporate Financing Facility’ (CCFF) in conjunction with HM Treasury and the Bank of England. The £300 million facility, is 

repayable within 12 month, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of forty basis points, is unsecured and has no covenants. In July 2020, £75 million was drawn down on the 

facility and repaid in full in December 2020. 

31 December 2020. 

2.  The debit balance of £2.9 million in 2020 relates to unamortised fees in relation to the Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) against which no funds had been drawn at  

3.  Senior notes are analysed in note 21F on page 139. During the year, £169.1 million of senior notes were repaid at par, comprising £29.6 million denominated in Sterling,  

£39.8 million denominated in Euro and £99.7 million denominated in US dollar. 

At 31 December 2020 and 2019, no loans were repayable by instalments.  

134   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 135
www.hammerson.com  135 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

B: Interest rate and foreign currency management 
Derivative financial instruments are used to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, but are not 
employed for speculative purposes. Interest rate swaps are used to manage the interest rate basis of the Group’s debt, allowing changes from fixed 
to floating rates or vice versa. Clear guidelines exist for the Group’s ratio of fixed to floating rate debt and management regularly reviews the interest 
rate profile against these guidelines.  

In April 2020, the Group’s interest rate swaps of £250.0 million matured, leaving no interest rates swaps in place at 31 December 2020.  
At 31 December 2019, the Group had interest rate swaps of £250.0 million, on which interest was paid at a rate linked to LIBOR and interest was 
received at a rate of 6.875%. At 31 December 2019, the fair value of interest rate swaps was an asset of £0.7 million which was excluded from the 
Group’s borrowings as the fair value crystallised over the life of the instruments rather than at maturity. The Group does not hedge account for its 
interest rate swaps and states them at fair value with changes in fair value included in the consolidated income statement.  

Interest rate profile 
Sterling 
Euro 
US dollar 

Interest rate profile 
Sterling 
Euro 
US dollar 

%
6.2
2.1
–
3.1

%
5.4
2.2
–
2.7

Fixed rate borrowings 
£m 
Years
558.7 
6
1,771.9 
3
–
– 
2,330.6 
4

Fixed rate borrowings 
£m 
337.2 
1,829.0 
– 
2,166.2 

Years
11
4
–
5

Floating rate 
borrowings
£m
122.8
(116.4)
(7.0)
(0.6)

Floating rate 
borrowings
£m
104.4
284.5
(7.1)
381.8

2020
Total
£m
681.5
1,655.5
(7.0)
2,330.0

2019
Total
£m
441.6
2,113.5
(7.1)
2,548.0

Net investment hedge 
To manage the foreign currency exposure on its net investments in euro-denominated entities, the Group has designated all euro borrowings or 
synthetic euro borrowings, including euro-denominated bonds, senior notes and currency swaps, as net investment hedges. This designation allows 
exchange differences on hedging instruments to be recognised directly in equity and offset against the exchange differences on net investments in euro-
denominated entities also recognised in equity. The notional and carrying amount of these euro-denominated liabilities designated in a net investment 
hedge, and the average hedged exchange rate is shown below. 

2020 
Euro notional2 (€m) 
Carrying amount3 (£m) 
Average hedged exchange rate 

2019 
Euro notional2 (€m) 
Carrying amount3 (£m) 
Average hedged exchange rate 

Bonds1
1,000.0
893.0
£1=€1.264

Foreign 
exchange 
swaps 
(130.0)
1.9
£1=€1.172 £1=€1.298  £1=€1.099

Cross currency 
swaps 
796.5 
75.9 

Senior notes
192.9
172.7

Bonds1 
1,000.0
844.3
£1=€1.264

Senior notes
237.0
200.8
£1=€1.176

Cross currency 
swaps 
905.0 
41.0 
£1=€1.282 

Foreign 
exchange 
swaps 
335.7
3.6
£1=€1.195

Total
1,859.4
1,143.5

Total
2,477.7
1,089.7

1.  The fair value of euro-denominated bonds at 31 December 2020 was £871.8 million (2019: £879.8 million). 
2.  The euro notional is the amount due at maturity without netting any receivable of different currency under the same instrument. 
3.  The carrying amount is the book value at which euro-denominated financial instruments are recognised within borrowings. 

Cash flow hedge 
To manage the impact of foreign exchange movements on the Group’s $392 million US dollar borrowings, the Group has used derivatives at an average 
hedged exchange rate of £1 = $1.418, to swap all the cash flows to either euro or sterling, the sterling element of which is designated as a cash flow hedge.  
At 31 December 2020, the carrying value of derivatives designated in a cash flow hedge was an asset of £13.9 million (2019: £22.1 million). Currency 
basis is not included in this designation and a cost of hedging reserve is not presented separately as it is considered to be immaterial. This designation 
allows exchange differences on hedging instruments to be recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve and then recycled to net finance costs in the 
consolidated income statement, to offset against the exchange differences on US dollar borrowings also recognised in net finance costs. The critical 
terms of the US dollar borrowings and the derivatives match. 

136   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

136

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

B: Interest rate and foreign currency management 

Derivative financial instruments are used to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, but are not 

employed for speculative purposes. Interest rate swaps are used to manage the interest rate basis of the Group’s debt, allowing changes from fixed 

to floating rates or vice versa. Clear guidelines exist for the Group’s ratio of fixed to floating rate debt and management regularly reviews the interest 

rate profile against these guidelines.  

In April 2020, the Group’s interest rate swaps of £250.0 million matured, leaving no interest rates swaps in place at 31 December 2020.  

At 31 December 2019, the Group had interest rate swaps of £250.0 million, on which interest was paid at a rate linked to LIBOR and interest was 

received at a rate of 6.875%. At 31 December 2019, the fair value of interest rate swaps was an asset of £0.7 million which was excluded from the 

Group’s borrowings as the fair value crystallised over the life of the instruments rather than at maturity. The Group does not hedge account for its 

interest rate swaps and states them at fair value with changes in fair value included in the consolidated income statement.  

To manage the foreign currency exposure on its net investments in euro-denominated entities, the Group has designated all euro borrowings or 

synthetic euro borrowings, including euro-denominated bonds, senior notes and currency swaps, as net investment hedges. This designation allows 

exchange differences on hedging instruments to be recognised directly in equity and offset against the exchange differences on net investments in euro-

denominated entities also recognised in equity. The notional and carrying amount of these euro-denominated liabilities designated in a net investment 

hedge, and the average hedged exchange rate is shown below. 

%

6.2

2.1

–

3.1

%

5.4

2.2

–

2.7

Fixed rate borrowings 

Years

Floating rate 

borrowings

6

3

–

4

11

4

–

5

£m 

558.7 

1,771.9 

– 

2,330.6 

£m 

337.2 

1,829.0 

– 

2,166.2 

£m

122.8

(116.4)

(7.0)

(0.6)

Floating rate 

borrowings

£m

104.4

284.5

(7.1)

381.8

Fixed rate borrowings 

Years

2020

Total

£m

681.5

1,655.5

(7.0)

2,330.0

2019

Total

£m

441.6

2,113.5

(7.1)

2,548.0

Bonds1

Senior notes

Cross currency 

swaps 

796.5 

75.9 

192.9

172.7

1,000.0

893.0

£1=€1.264

£1=€1.172 £1=€1.298  £1=€1.099

Bonds1 

1,000.0

844.3

Senior notes

237.0

200.8

Cross currency 

swaps 

905.0 

41.0 

£1=€1.264

£1=€1.176

£1=€1.282 

£1=€1.195

Foreign 

exchange 

swaps 

(130.0)

1.9

Foreign 

exchange 

swaps 

335.7

3.6

Total

1,859.4

1,143.5

Total

2,477.7

1,089.7

Interest rate profile 

Sterling 

Euro 

US dollar 

Interest rate profile 

Sterling 

Euro 

US dollar 

Net investment hedge 

2020 

Euro notional2 (€m) 

Carrying amount3 (£m) 

Average hedged exchange rate 

2019 

Euro notional2 (€m) 

Carrying amount3 (£m) 

Average hedged exchange rate 

Cash flow hedge 

1.  The fair value of euro-denominated bonds at 31 December 2020 was £871.8 million (2019: £879.8 million). 

2.  The euro notional is the amount due at maturity without netting any receivable of different currency under the same instrument. 

3.  The carrying amount is the book value at which euro-denominated financial instruments are recognised within borrowings. 

To manage the impact of foreign exchange movements on the Group’s $392 million US dollar borrowings, the Group has used derivatives at an average 

hedged exchange rate of £1 = $1.418, to swap all the cash flows to either euro or sterling, the sterling element of which is designated as a cash flow hedge.  

At 31 December 2020, the carrying value of derivatives designated in a cash flow hedge was an asset of £13.9 million (2019: £22.1 million). Currency 

basis is not included in this designation and a cost of hedging reserve is not presented separately as it is considered to be immaterial. This designation 

allows exchange differences on hedging instruments to be recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve and then recycled to net finance costs in the 

consolidated income statement, to offset against the exchange differences on US dollar borrowings also recognised in net finance costs. The critical 

terms of the US dollar borrowings and the derivatives match. 

C: Income statement and balance sheet management 
The Group maintains internal guidelines for interest cover, gearing, unencumbered assets and other credit ratios. Management monitors the Group’s 
current and projected financial position against these guidelines. Further details of these ratios are provided in the Financial review on page 32. 

D: Cash management and liquidity 
Cash levels are monitored to ensure sufficient resources are available to meet the Group’s operational requirements. Short term money market 
deposits are used to manage cash resources to maximise the rate of return, giving due consideration to risk. Liquidity requirements are met with  
an appropriate mix of short and longer term debt as explained in note 21A.  

The maturity analysis of the undrawn element of the revolving credit facilities at 31 December 2020 is summarised below:  

Expiry 
Within one to two years 
Within two to five years 

2020
£m

425.0
820.0
1,245.0

2019
£m

–
1,113.0
1,113.0

E: Credit risk 
The Group’s credit risk arises from trade receivables, other receivables, restricted monetary assets, cash and deposits, balances due from joint ventures, 
other investments, loans receivable, participative loans to associates and derivative financial instruments. The Group determines the level of risk 
associated with financial assets, and whether this has increased, by reference to changes in the levels of default experienced, tenant credit ratings and 
increasing tenant failure, and wider macroeconomic factors, ensuring that all receivables are regularly monitored. The credit risk of loans due from 
joint ventures and associates is monitored by reference to changes in the underlying assets, principally driven by investment property valuation 
changes. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in increased risk across a number of the Group’s financial assets. 

Risk management 
The credit risk on cash and deposits and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks, who are committed lenders  
to the Group, with high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. At 31 December 2020, the fair value of interest rate and currency 
swap assets was £15.7 million (2019: £32.4 million), and the fair value of currency swap liabilities was £87.0 million (2019: £74.8 million), as shown in 
note 21A. These financial instruments have interest accruals of £1.3 million (2019: £11.0 million) which are recognised within other receivables in note 
15. After taking into account the netting impact included within our International Swap and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements with each 
counterparty (which are enforceable on the occurrence of future credit events such as a default), the net positions, including accrued interest would be 
derivative financial assets of £2.3 million (2019: £9.3 million) and derivative financial liabilities of £72.3 million (2019: £40.7 million). The combined 
value of derivative financial instruments at 31 December 2020 was therefore a liability of £70.0 million (2019: £31.4 million).  

The credit risk on restricted monetary assets, being cash held by the Group and its managing agents on behalf of third parties, and cash held for 
restricted purposes, is similarly considered low. 

Trade receivables consist principally of rents and service charges due from tenants. Prior to 2020, outstanding trade receivables balances were low 
relative to the scale of the consolidated balance sheet due to a diversified tenant base. However, due to structural changes in the retail environment, 
exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant moratorium restricting the Group’s ability to enforce rent collections, there has been a significant 
increase in the level of trade receivables and therefore the associated credit risk. The Group’s most significant tenants are set out in Table 74 of the 
Additional disclosures (unaudited) on page 158. To mitigate the risk of default, the Group reviews the creditworthiness of tenants prior to entering into 
contractual arrangements and requests cash deposits where appropriate. 

Balances due from joint ventures comprise loans from the Group to establish and fund the partnership. These form part of the total investment in joint 
ventures and have been assessed for recoverability under the IFRS 9 Expected Credit Loss model. Management has concluded that the resultant 
impairment is immaterial.  

Participative loans to associates and other investments are carried at fair value based on the underlying assets and the credit risk is low. 

Other receivables include VAT recoverable, deposits, floats, forward funding on service charges and accrued income in relation to management fees 
receivable. The credit risk ranges from low to moderate dependent on the nature of the receivable. 

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk was £760.6 million (2019: £347.0 million) which excludes derivative financial 
instruments and balances supported by investment properties. 

Security 
For most trade receivables, the Group obtains security in the form of rental deposits or guarantees which can be called upon if the counterparty is in 
default. Both of these serve to limit the potential exposure to credit risk. 

Impairment of financial assets 
Detailed below are those financial assets subject to the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) model, a summary of the movements in the year and details of the 
application of the ECL model across the Group’s financial assets. 

Loss allowance at 1 January 2020 
Loss allowance measured under lifetime ECL 
Amounts written off during the year2 
Reversal of loss allowance brought forward 
Loss allowance at 31 December 2020 

Trade 
receivables 
£m 
9.9 
28.8 
(1.7) 
(1.2) 
35.8 

Other 
receivables
£m
–
1.6
–
–
1.6

Unamortised
tenant incentives1
£m
–
9.5
–
–
9.5

1.  Unamortised tenant incentives are included as capital expenditure additions within investment and development properties. 
2.  £3.9 million was written off in the year in relation to unamortised tenant incentives. However, as there was no opening loss allowance, an unwinding of the provision is not required. 

136   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 137
www.hammerson.com  137 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

(i) Trade receivables 
The Group has applied the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, using a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables. 

To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have first been grouped based on the level of credit risk, determined by reference to credit 
scores, latest information on tenants’ financial standing, and the relative risk of the retail subsector in which they operate. Expected loss allowance 
rates have then been applied, taking into consideration: historic default rates; anticipated concessions specific to the Covid-19 pandemic; and the wider 
macroeconomic impact of the pandemic. Loss allowance rates have been applied to the net trade receivables balance, after making deductions for VAT 
and deposits held which are both fully recoverable. 

An additional loss allowance provision has been applied to those trade receivables more than 120 days old to reflect the heightened risk associated with 
aged balances. 

Where the likelihood of default is deemed to be very high, due to latest information on tenant failure or restructuring, trade receivables have been 
provided against in full. Trade receivables are written off when there is no feasible possibility of recovery and enforcement activity has ceased. 

As a result of the application of the expected credit loss model, a total loss allowance of £35.8 million has been recognised for the year ended 31 
December 2020, equivalent to 62% of the trade receivables net of VAT and deposits, compared to £9.9 million in 2019. Refer to notes 1D and 15 for 
further information. The increase in the loss allowance provision during the year ended 31 December 2020 comprised £27.6 million relating to 
increased provisioning less £1.7 million relating to amounts written off during the year as uncollectable. 

As this is a significant area of estimation for the Group, sensitivity analysis has been prepared and included in note 1D. 

Loss allowances on trade receivables are presented as part of other property outgoings within operating profit, with the exception of loss allowance 
provisions relating to amounts not yet recognised in the consolidated income statement, which are identified as a separate line item as detailed in note 1B. 

(ii) Unamortised tenant incentives 
The Group has applied the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, using a lifetime expected loss allowance for all unamortised 
tenant incentives. Prior to 2020, provision had not been made for the impairment of unamortised tenant incentives due to the low credit risk and 
therefore relative immateriality. The adoption of the expected credit loss model for the year ended 31 December 2020 reflects the heightened risk of 
tenant failure. 

To measure the expected credit losses, unamortised tenant incentives have first been grouped based on the level of credit risk, determined by reference 
to credit scores, latest information on tenants’ financial standing, and the relative risk of the retail subsector within which they operate. Expected loss 
allowance rates have then been applied, taking into consideration: historic default rates and anticipated default specific to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Where the likelihood of default is deemed to be very high, due to latest information on tenant failure or restructuring, unamortised tenant incentives 
have been provided against in full. Unamortised tenant incentives are written off when tenants have vacated the unit. 

As a result of the application of the expected credit loss model, a total loss allowance of £9.5 million has been recognised for the year ended 31 December 
2020, equivalent to 22% of unamortised tenant incentives. Refer to note 1D for further information. The increase in the loss allowance provision during 
the year ended 31 December 2020 is solely related to increased provisioning. In addition to this, £3.9 million of unamortised tenant incentives were 
written off during the year. 

As this is a significant area of estimation for the Group, sensitivity analysis has been prepared and included in note 1D. 

Impairment losses on unamortised tenant incentives have been presented as part of other property outgoings within operating profit. 

(iii) Other receivables 
Other receivables include VAT, deposits, floats, forward funding, accrued management fees and other sundry receivables. The Group has reviewed 
other receivables for potential impairment given the increased uncertainty and heightened risk environment. In assessing the expected credit loss 
arising, other receivables were first categorised, excluding those such as VAT for which the credit risk is deemed to be extremely low. The remaining 
receivables were then grouped based on type, contractual terms, the financial standing of the debtor and the ageing. The simplified approach was then 
adopted, applying a loss allowance rate dependent on categorisation based on historic default information, factoring in the impact of Covid-19 on both 
the current and future levels of credit risk. This has resulted in a total loss allowance of £1.6 million being recognised within other property outgoings 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: £nil). 

Other receivables are written off when there is no feasible possibility of recovery and enforcement activity has ceased. 

(iv) Amounts due from joint ventures 
Amounts due from joint ventures have been assessed for impairment under IFRS 9 dependent on the terms of agreement. The most material balance, 
relating to loans due from Westquay Limited Partnership, is repayable on demand, although the Group does not expect this loan to be recalled in the 
foreseeable future. Consequently, the expected credit loss has been calculated by discounting the outstanding loan balance over the period until it is 
anticipated that the cash will be realised, at the interest rate implicit in the loan. The resultant expected credit loss was not material to the Group and 
therefore no loss has been recognised for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

(v) Investments in joint ventures and associates 
Following the impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates of £103.8 million during the year, as detailed in note 1C, the carrying value of 
investments in joint ventures and associates equates to the Group’s share of the underlying net assets of the investment. The most significant 
component of underlying net assets is investment properties, which are carried at fair value. Consequently, the expected credit loss is very low and 
therefore no loss has been recognised for the year ended 31 December 2020.  

Significant estimates and judgements 
As detailed in note 1D, the loss allowances for financial assets are based on assumptions about risk of default and expected loss rates. The Group uses 
judgement in making these assumptions and selecting the inputs to the impairment calculation, based on historical data, existing macroeconomic and 
tenant specific information, and forward-looking estimations.  

138   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

138

 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

(i) Trade receivables 

The Group has applied the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, using a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables. 

To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have first been grouped based on the level of credit risk, determined by reference to credit 

scores, latest information on tenants’ financial standing, and the relative risk of the retail subsector in which they operate. Expected loss allowance 

rates have then been applied, taking into consideration: historic default rates; anticipated concessions specific to the Covid-19 pandemic; and the wider 

macroeconomic impact of the pandemic. Loss allowance rates have been applied to the net trade receivables balance, after making deductions for VAT 

and deposits held which are both fully recoverable. 

An additional loss allowance provision has been applied to those trade receivables more than 120 days old to reflect the heightened risk associated with 

aged balances. 

Where the likelihood of default is deemed to be very high, due to latest information on tenant failure or restructuring, trade receivables have been 

provided against in full. Trade receivables are written off when there is no feasible possibility of recovery and enforcement activity has ceased. 

As a result of the application of the expected credit loss model, a total loss allowance of £35.8 million has been recognised for the year ended 31 

December 2020, equivalent to 62% of the trade receivables net of VAT and deposits, compared to £9.9 million in 2019. Refer to notes 1D and 15 for 

further information. The increase in the loss allowance provision during the year ended 31 December 2020 comprised £27.6 million relating to 

increased provisioning less £1.7 million relating to amounts written off during the year as uncollectable. 

As this is a significant area of estimation for the Group, sensitivity analysis has been prepared and included in note 1D. 

Loss allowances on trade receivables are presented as part of other property outgoings within operating profit, with the exception of loss allowance 

provisions relating to amounts not yet recognised in the consolidated income statement, which are identified as a separate line item as detailed in note 1B. 

(ii) Unamortised tenant incentives 

The Group has applied the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, using a lifetime expected loss allowance for all unamortised 

tenant incentives. Prior to 2020, provision had not been made for the impairment of unamortised tenant incentives due to the low credit risk and 

therefore relative immateriality. The adoption of the expected credit loss model for the year ended 31 December 2020 reflects the heightened risk of 

tenant failure. 

To measure the expected credit losses, unamortised tenant incentives have first been grouped based on the level of credit risk, determined by reference 

to credit scores, latest information on tenants’ financial standing, and the relative risk of the retail subsector within which they operate. Expected loss 

allowance rates have then been applied, taking into consideration: historic default rates and anticipated default specific to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Where the likelihood of default is deemed to be very high, due to latest information on tenant failure or restructuring, unamortised tenant incentives 

have been provided against in full. Unamortised tenant incentives are written off when tenants have vacated the unit. 

As a result of the application of the expected credit loss model, a total loss allowance of £9.5 million has been recognised for the year ended 31 December 

2020, equivalent to 22% of unamortised tenant incentives. Refer to note 1D for further information. The increase in the loss allowance provision during 

the year ended 31 December 2020 is solely related to increased provisioning. In addition to this, £3.9 million of unamortised tenant incentives were 

As this is a significant area of estimation for the Group, sensitivity analysis has been prepared and included in note 1D. 

Impairment losses on unamortised tenant incentives have been presented as part of other property outgoings within operating profit. 

written off during the year. 

(iii) Other receivables 

Other receivables include VAT, deposits, floats, forward funding, accrued management fees and other sundry receivables. The Group has reviewed 

other receivables for potential impairment given the increased uncertainty and heightened risk environment. In assessing the expected credit loss 

arising, other receivables were first categorised, excluding those such as VAT for which the credit risk is deemed to be extremely low. The remaining 

receivables were then grouped based on type, contractual terms, the financial standing of the debtor and the ageing. The simplified approach was then 

adopted, applying a loss allowance rate dependent on categorisation based on historic default information, factoring in the impact of Covid-19 on both 

the current and future levels of credit risk. This has resulted in a total loss allowance of £1.6 million being recognised within other property outgoings 

for the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: £nil). 

Other receivables are written off when there is no feasible possibility of recovery and enforcement activity has ceased. 

(iv) Amounts due from joint ventures 

Amounts due from joint ventures have been assessed for impairment under IFRS 9 dependent on the terms of agreement. The most material balance, 

relating to loans due from Westquay Limited Partnership, is repayable on demand, although the Group does not expect this loan to be recalled in the 

foreseeable future. Consequently, the expected credit loss has been calculated by discounting the outstanding loan balance over the period until it is 

anticipated that the cash will be realised, at the interest rate implicit in the loan. The resultant expected credit loss was not material to the Group and 

therefore no loss has been recognised for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

(v) Investments in joint ventures and associates 

Following the impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates of £103.8 million during the year, as detailed in note 1C, the carrying value of 

investments in joint ventures and associates equates to the Group’s share of the underlying net assets of the investment. The most significant 

component of underlying net assets is investment properties, which are carried at fair value. Consequently, the expected credit loss is very low and 

therefore no loss has been recognised for the year ended 31 December 2020.  

Significant estimates and judgements 

As detailed in note 1D, the loss allowances for financial assets are based on assumptions about risk of default and expected loss rates. The Group uses 

judgement in making these assumptions and selecting the inputs to the impairment calculation, based on historical data, existing macroeconomic and 

tenant specific information, and forward-looking estimations.  

F: Financial maturity analysis 
The following table is a maturity analysis for the Group’s borrowings, cash and deposits and loans receivable. Borrowings are stated net of unamortised 
fees of £11.8 million (2019: £15.4 million), the maturity of which is analysed in note 21J. 

Unsecured sterling fixed rate bonds 
Unsecured euro fixed rate bonds 
Senior notes 
– £65 million Sterling  
– €193 million Euro  
– $392 million US dollar  
Unsecured sterling bank loans and overdrafts 
Fair value of currency swaps* 
Borrowings (note 21A) 
Cash and deposits (note 17) 
Loans receivable (note 14C) 

Unsecured sterling fixed rate bonds 
Unsecured euro fixed rate bonds 
Senior notes 
– £95 million Sterling  
– €237 million Euro  
– $523 million US dollar  
Unsecured sterling bank loans and overdrafts 
Fair value of currency swaps* 
Borrowings (note 21A) 
Cash and deposits (note 17) 
Loans receivable (note 14C) 

Less than 
one year
£m
–
–

One to two
years
£m
–
446.5

Two to five 
years 
£m 
347.2 
446.5 

More than five 
years 
£m
497.3
–

–
13.9
101.1
–
(6.8)
108.2
(409.5)
–
(301.3)

Less than 
one year
£m
–
–

–
–
–
–
4.0
4.0
(28.2)
–
(24.2)

–
–
–
(0.5)
–
446.0
–
–
446.0

30.6 
32.9 
186.0 
(2.4) 
78.1 
1,118.9 
– 
– 
1,118.9 

34.4
125.2
–
–
–
656.9
–
(1.8)
655.1

One to two
years
£m
–
–

Two to five 
years 
£m 
– 
844.3 

More than five 
years 
£m
843.7
–

–
19.1
124.6
–
(18.9)
124.8
–
–
124.8

45.0 
38.5 
268.9 
127.6 
(6.5) 
1,317.8 
– 
– 
1,317.8 

50.0
143.2
–
–
64.5
1,101.4
–
(1.7)
1,099.7

2020 Maturity

Total
£m
844.5
893.0

65.0
172.0
287.1
(2.9)
71.3
2,330.0
(409.5)
(1.8)
1,918.7

2019 Maturity

Total
£m
843.7
844.3

95.0
200.8
393.5
127.6
43.1
2,548.0
(28.2)
(1.7)
2,518.1

*  The fair value of currency swaps of £71.3 million (2019: £43.1 million) is included within derivative financial instruments as shown in note 21A. 

G: Sensitivity analysis 
In managing interest rate and currency risks, the Group aims to reduce the impact of short term fluctuations on the Group’s earnings. Changes 
in foreign exchange and interest rates may have an impact on consolidated earnings over the longer term. The tables below provide indicative 
sensitivity data.  

Effect on loss before tax: 
Increase/(Decrease) 

Increase in 
interest rates 
by 1%
£m
– 

2020 
Decrease in 
interest rates 
by 1% 
£m 
–  

Increase in 
interest rates 
by 1%
£m
3.8

2019
Decrease in 
interest rates 
by 1%
£m
(3.8)

There would have been no effect on amounts recognised directly in equity. The sensitivity has been calculated by applying the interest rate change to 
the floating rate borrowings, net of interest rate swaps, at the year end.  

Effect on financial instruments: 
Increase/(Decrease) in net gain taken to equity 
(Decrease)/Increase in loss before tax 

Strengthening 
of sterling 
against euro 
by 10%
£m
151.3
(8.1)

2020 
Weakening 
of sterling 
against euro 
by 10% 
£m 
(185.0) 
9.9 

Strengthening 
of sterling
against euro
by 10%
£m
190.9
(9.4)

2019
Weakening
of sterling
against euro
by 10%
£m
(233.3)
11.5

The effect on the net gain taken to equity would be more than offset by the effect of exchange rate changes on the euro-denominated assets included  
in the Group’s financial statements. This has been calculated by retranslating the year end euro-denominated financial instruments at the year end 
foreign exchange rate changed by 10%. Forward foreign exchange contracts have been included in this estimate. 

138   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 139
www.hammerson.com  139 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

H: Fair values of financial instruments 
The fair values of the Group’s borrowings, interest rate swaps, other investments and participative loans, together with their book value included in the 
balance sheet, are as follows: 

Unsecured bonds 
Senior notes 
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts 
Fair value of currency swaps 
Borrowings 
Fair value of interest rate swaps 
Fair value of other investments 
Participative loans to associates 

Hierarchy level

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3 

Book value
£m
1,737.5
524.1
(2.9)
71.3
2,330.0
– 
9.7
189.9

Fair value
£m
1,765.4
549.1
– 
71.3
2,385.8
– 
9.7
189.9

2020
Variance
£m
27.9
25.0
2.9
–
55.8
– 
–
– 

Book value 
£m 
1,688.0 
689.3 
127.6 
43.1 
2,548.0 
(0.7) 
– 
195.2 

Fair value
£m
1,847.2
706.6
132.0
43.1
2,728.9
(0.7)
–
195.2

The following valuation techniques have been applied to determine the fair values of financial instruments: 

Valuation technique 
Quoted market prices 
Calculating present value of cash flows using appropriate market  
discount rates 

Calculation based on the underlying net asset values of the Villages/Centre in 
which the Reported Group holds interests; the assets of the Villages/Centre 
mainly comprise properties held at professional valuation (see note 14C) 

Financial instrument
Unsecured bonds 
Senior notes, unsecured bank loans and overdrafts, fair value of 
currency swaps and fair value of interest rate swaps 

Participative loans to associates and other investments 

Level 3 financial instruments  
Balance at 1 January 
Total gains 

Other movements 

Balance at 31 December 

– in share of results of associates 
– in the income statement 
– in other comprehensive income 
– reclassified from investment in joint ventures 
– acquisitions 
– movement in advances 

Participative 
loans
£m
195.2
(16.5)
–
11.2 
– 
– 
– 
189.9

Other 
investments 
£m 
– 
– 
(0.1) 
– 
9.8 
– 
– 
9.7 

2020

Total
£m
195.2
(16.5)
(0.1)
11.2 
9.8 
– 
– 
199.6

2019
Variance
£m
159.2
17.3
4.4
–
180.9
–
–
–

2019

Total
£m
169.4
39.6
–
(9.9)
–
0.9
4.8
195.2

The valuation technique applied for Level 3 financial instruments is described in the above table. All other factors remaining constant, an increase of 
5% in the net asset values of the Villages would increase the carrying amount of the Level 3 financial instruments by £10.3 million. Similarly, a decrease 
of 5% would decrease the carrying amount by £10.3 million. The fair values of all other financial assets and liabilities equate to their book values. 

140   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured bonds 

Senior notes 

Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts 

Fair value of currency swaps 

Borrowings 

Fair value of interest rate swaps 

Fair value of other investments 

Participative loans to associates 

Valuation technique 

Quoted market prices 

discount rates 

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

H: Fair values of financial instruments 

balance sheet, are as follows: 

The fair values of the Group’s borrowings, interest rate swaps, other investments and participative loans, together with their book value included in the 

Hierarchy level

Book value

Fair value

£m

1,737.5

524.1

£m

1,765.4

549.1

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3 

(2.9)

71.3

– 

9.7

– 

71.3

– 

9.7

189.9

189.9

2020

Variance

£m

27.9

25.0

2.9

–

– 

–

– 

Book value 

£m 

1,688.0 

689.3 

127.6 

43.1 

(0.7) 

– 

195.2 

Fair value

£m

1,847.2

706.6

132.0

43.1

(0.7)

–

195.2

2,330.0

2,385.8

55.8

2,548.0 

2,728.9

180.9

The following valuation techniques have been applied to determine the fair values of financial instruments: 

Financial instrument

Unsecured bonds 

Calculating present value of cash flows using appropriate market  

Senior notes, unsecured bank loans and overdrafts, fair value of 

currency swaps and fair value of interest rate swaps 

Calculation based on the underlying net asset values of the Villages/Centre in 

Participative loans to associates and other investments 

which the Reported Group holds interests; the assets of the Villages/Centre 

mainly comprise properties held at professional valuation (see note 14C) 

Level 3 financial instruments  

Balance at 1 January 

Total gains 

Other movements 

– reclassified from investment in joint ventures 

– in share of results of associates 

– in the income statement 

– in other comprehensive income 

– acquisitions 

– movement in advances 

Participative 

Other 

investments 

£m 

loans

£m

195.2

(16.5)

11.2 

–

– 

– 

– 

2020

Total

£m

195.2

(16.5)

(0.1)

11.2 

9.8 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

9.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Balance at 31 December 

189.9

9.7 

199.6

The valuation technique applied for Level 3 financial instruments is described in the above table. All other factors remaining constant, an increase of 

5% in the net asset values of the Villages would increase the carrying amount of the Level 3 financial instruments by £10.3 million. Similarly, a decrease 

of 5% would decrease the carrying amount by £10.3 million. The fair values of all other financial assets and liabilities equate to their book values. 

2019

Variance

£m

159.2

17.3

4.4

–

–

–

–

2019

Total

£m

169.4

39.6

(9.9)

–

–

0.9

4.8

195.2

I: Carrying amounts, gains and losses on financial instruments 
The tables below show the classification of financial instruments under accounting standards IFRS 9.  

Balances due from joint ventures 
Loans receivable: non-current assets 
Other receivables: non-current assets 
Restricted monetary assets: non-current assets 
Trade and other receivables: current assets 
Restricted monetary assets: current assets 
Cash and deposits 
Assets held for sale* 
Financial assets at amortised cost 

Participative loans to associates 
Other investments 
Assets at fair value through profit and loss 

Derivative financial instruments 
Net liabilities at fair value through profit and loss 

Payables 
Loans 
Obligations under head leases 
Financial liabilities at amortised cost 
Total for financial instruments 

Balances due from joint ventures 
Loans receivable: non-current assets 
Other receivables: non-current assets 
Trade and other receivables: current assets 
Restricted monetary assets: current assets 
Cash and deposits 
Assets held for sale/discontinued operations 
Financial assets at amortised cost 

Participative loans to associates 
Assets at fair value through profit and loss 

Derivative financial instruments 
Net liabilities at fair value through profit and loss 

Payables 
Loans 
Obligations under head leases 
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale/discontinued operations 
Financial liabilities at amortised cost 
Total for financial instruments 

*   ‘Loss to income’ represents the net impairment of assets held for sale on VIA Outlets. See note 18A. 

Notes

13A 

14C 

15 

16 

17 

14C 

21A 

21J 

20 

22 

Notes

13A 

14C 

15 

16 

17 

14C 

21A 

21J 

20 

22 

Carrying  
amount 
£m 
261.4 
1.8 
1.6 
21.4 
98.4 
28.3 
409.5 
–  
822.4 

Gain/(Loss) to 
income
£m
– 
0.1
– 
– 
(25.2)
– 
– 
(103.8)
(128.9)

2020
Gain/(Loss) to 
equity
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

189.9 
9.7 
199.6 

(71.3) 
(71.3) 

(251.6) 
(2,258.7) 
(41.8) 
(2,552.1) 
(1,601.4) 

Carrying  
amount 
£m 
360.4 
1.7 
1.7 
92.5 
21.5 
28.2 
6.2 
512.2 

195.2 
195.2 

(42.4) 
(42.4) 

(235.0) 
(2,504.9) 
(36.9) 
(13.1) 
(2,789.9) 
(2,124.9) 

(16.5)
(0.1)
(16.6)

(6.1)
(6.1)

(0.1)
(84.3)
(2.3)
(86.7)
(238.3)

11.2
–
11.2

(24.3)
(24.3)

– 
(59.3)
– 
(59.3)
(72.4)

Gain/(Loss) to 
income
£m
–
0.1
–
(1.4)
–
–
–
(1.3)

2019
Gain/(Loss) to 
equity
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

39.6
39.6

(43.0)
(43.0)

(0.2)
(84.3)
(2.2)
(0.2)
(86.9)
(91.6)

(9.9)
(9.9)

139.8
139.8

–
60.9
– 
–
60.9
190.8

140   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 141
www.hammerson.com  141 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

The equity losses of £83.6 million, on hedging instruments, shown as the total movement in the net investment and cash flow hedge reserves in the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 96 comprise losses in relation to derivative financial instruments of £24.3 million and losses in 
relation to loans of £59.3 million as shown in the table on page 141. This includes cumulative losses of £20.8 million recycled from the net investment 
hedge reserve to the income statement on disposal of foreign operations. In 2019, the equity gains of £200.7 million, on hedging instruments, shown as 
the total movement in the net investment and cash flow hedge reserves on page 96 comprise gains in relation to derivative financial instruments of 
£139.8 million and gains in relation to loans of £60.9 million. This included a loss of £55.3 million recycled from the net investment hedge reserve. The 
Group risk management strategies and hedge documentation comply with the requirements of IFRS 9 and are thus treated as continuing hedges. As at 
31 December 2020, amounts relating to continuing hedges in the net investment hedge reserve were £207.7 million (2019: £120.2 million). These 
hedges are due to mature between 2021 and 2031. 

The movements in the net investment hedge reserve offset foreign exchange translation gains during the year of £171.1 million (2019: £204.3 million losses) 
which arise from the retranslation of the net investment in foreign operations and £26.0 million (2019: £69.1 million) of cumulative gains recycled 
on disposal of foreign operations. These are shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity as movements in the translation reserve on 
pages 96 and 97.  

The Group designated as a cash flow hedge the cross currency swaps used to manage its foreign currency risk on US dollar loans. In 2020, a loss  
of £3.4 million (2019: £8.4 million) was recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve in respect of these derivatives of which a £8.2 million loss 
(2019: £15.2 million) was recycled to net finance costs. At 31 December 2020, the cash flow hedge reserve includes a gains of £3.4 million  
(2019: £1.4 million loss), all of which relates to continuing cash flow hedges. The cash flows are expected to occur between 2021 and 2024. 

The ratio for hedging instruments designated in both net investment and cash flow hedge relationships was 1:1. Ineffectiveness could be recognised  
on either hedging relationship due to significant changes in counterparty credit risk or a reduction in the notional amount of the hedged item during 
the designated hedging period. No ineffectiveness was recognised in 2020 or 2019. 

J: Maturity analysis of financial liabilities 
The remaining contractual non-discounted cash flows for financial liabilities are as follows: 

Payables* 
Derivative financial liability cash inflows 
Derivative financial liability cash outflows 
Non-derivative borrowings 
Non-derivative unamortised borrowing costs  
Non-derivative interest  
Head leases  

Payables* 
Derivative financial liability cash inflows 
Derivative financial liability cash outflows 
Non-derivative borrowings 
Non-derivative unamortised borrowing costs  
Non-derivative interest  
Head leases  

Notes

20 

22 

Notes

20 

22 

Less than 
one year
£m
182.0
(139.5)
138.4
115.0
–
77.9
2.4
376.2

One to two
years
£m
11.6
(16.1)
12.7
446.0
1.7
74.0
2.4
532.3

Two to five
years
£m
11.3
(514.4)
596.8
1,040.8
7.4
170.5
7.3
1,319.7

Five to 25 
years  
£m 
46.7 
– 
– 
656.9 
2.7 
69.6 
48.8 
824.7 

More than 25 
years 
£m
– 
–
–
–
–
–
100.7
100.7

Less than 
one year
£m
182.6
(297.3)
296.4
–
–
84.9
2.3
268.9

One to two
years
£m
9.5
(17.9)
12.8
143.7
–
84.8
2.3
235.2

Two to five
years
£m
13.6
(226.0)
215.3
1,324.4
8.1
231.8
7.0
1,574.2

Five to 25 
 years  
£m 
39.3 
(362.3) 
415.0 
1,036.8 
7.3 
166.8 
46.5 
1,349.4 

More than 25 
years 
£m
– 
–
–
–
–
–
99.4
99.4

2020 Maturity

Total
£m
251.6
(670.0)
747.9
2,258.7
11.8
392.0
161.6
3,153.6

2019 Maturity

Total
£m
245.0
(903.5)
939.5
2,504.9
15.4
568.3
157.5
3,527.1

*  Comprises current and non-current payables excluding withholding tax on interim dividends of £11.9 million (2019: £12.2 million), deferred income of £10.2 million  

(2019: £14.2 million) and net pension liabilities of £34.5 million (2019: £45.3 million) as these do not meet the definition of financial liabilities. Total payables of £245.0 million  
in 2019 includes £235.0 million relating to continuing operations and £10.0 million relating to discontinued operations. 

K: Capital structure 
The Group’s financing policy is to optimise the weighted average cost of capital by using an appropriate mix of debt and equity, the latter in the form of 
share capital. Further information on debt is provided in the Financial review on pages 31 to 34, and information on share capital and changes therein is 
set out in note 24 on page 143 and in the consolidated statement of changes in equity on pages 96 and 97. 

142   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

The equity losses of £83.6 million, on hedging instruments, shown as the total movement in the net investment and cash flow hedge reserves in the 

consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 96 comprise losses in relation to derivative financial instruments of £24.3 million and losses in 

relation to loans of £59.3 million as shown in the table on page 141. This includes cumulative losses of £20.8 million recycled from the net investment 

hedge reserve to the income statement on disposal of foreign operations. In 2019, the equity gains of £200.7 million, on hedging instruments, shown as 

the total movement in the net investment and cash flow hedge reserves on page 96 comprise gains in relation to derivative financial instruments of 

£139.8 million and gains in relation to loans of £60.9 million. This included a loss of £55.3 million recycled from the net investment hedge reserve. The 

Group risk management strategies and hedge documentation comply with the requirements of IFRS 9 and are thus treated as continuing hedges. As at 

31 December 2020, amounts relating to continuing hedges in the net investment hedge reserve were £207.7 million (2019: £120.2 million). These 

hedges are due to mature between 2021 and 2031. 

The movements in the net investment hedge reserve offset foreign exchange translation gains during the year of £171.1 million (2019: £204.3 million losses) 

which arise from the retranslation of the net investment in foreign operations and £26.0 million (2019: £69.1 million) of cumulative gains recycled 

on disposal of foreign operations. These are shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity as movements in the translation reserve on 

pages 96 and 97.  

The Group designated as a cash flow hedge the cross currency swaps used to manage its foreign currency risk on US dollar loans. In 2020, a loss  

of £3.4 million (2019: £8.4 million) was recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve in respect of these derivatives of which a £8.2 million loss 

(2019: £15.2 million) was recycled to net finance costs. At 31 December 2020, the cash flow hedge reserve includes a gains of £3.4 million  

(2019: £1.4 million loss), all of which relates to continuing cash flow hedges. The cash flows are expected to occur between 2021 and 2024. 

The ratio for hedging instruments designated in both net investment and cash flow hedge relationships was 1:1. Ineffectiveness could be recognised  

on either hedging relationship due to significant changes in counterparty credit risk or a reduction in the notional amount of the hedged item during 

the designated hedging period. No ineffectiveness was recognised in 2020 or 2019. 

J: Maturity analysis of financial liabilities 

The remaining contractual non-discounted cash flows for financial liabilities are as follows: 

Payables* 

Derivative financial liability cash inflows 

Derivative financial liability cash outflows 

Non-derivative borrowings 

Non-derivative unamortised borrowing costs  

Non-derivative interest  

Head leases  

Payables* 

Derivative financial liability cash inflows 

Derivative financial liability cash outflows 

Non-derivative borrowings 

Non-derivative unamortised borrowing costs  

Non-derivative interest  

Head leases  

Less than 

One to two

Two to five

Five to 25 

More than 25 

2020 Maturity

years 

£m

446.0

1,040.8

376.2

532.3

1,319.7

Notes

20 

22 

20 

22 

Notes

one year

£m

182.0

(139.5)

138.4

115.0

–

77.9

2.4

Less than 

one year

£m

182.6

(297.3)

296.4

–

–

84.9

2.3

268.9

years

£m

11.6

(16.1)

12.7

1.7

74.0

2.4

years

£m

9.5

(17.9)

12.8

143.7

–

84.8

2.3

235.2

years

£m

11.3

(514.4)

596.8

7.4

170.5

7.3

years

£m

13.6

(226.0)

215.3

1,324.4

8.1

231.8

7.0

years  

£m 

46.7 

– 

– 

656.9 

2.7 

69.6 

48.8 

824.7 

 years  

£m 

39.3 

(362.3) 

415.0 

1,036.8 

7.3 

166.8 

46.5 

100.7

100.7

years 

£m

– 

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

Total

£m

251.6

(670.0)

747.9

2,258.7

11.8

392.0

161.6

3,153.6

Total

£m

245.0

(903.5)

939.5

2,504.9

15.4

568.3

157.5

3,527.1

One to two

Two to five

Five to 25 

More than 25 

2019 Maturity

1,574.2

1,349.4 

99.4

99.4

21:  Financial instruments and risk management continued 

22: Obligations under head leases 

Head lease obligations in respect of rents payable on leasehold properties are payable as follows: 

After 25 years 
From five to 25 years 
From two to five years 
From one to two years 
Within one year 

Minimum 
lease 
payments
£m
100.7
48.8
7.3
2.4
2.4
161.6

2020
Present value
of minimum
lease
 payments
£m
36.5
4.8
0.3
0.1
0.1
41.8

Interest
£m
(64.2)
(44.0)
(7.0)
(2.3)
(2.3)
(119.8)

Minimum  
lease  
payments 
£m 
73.3 
44.2 
6.6 
2.2 
2.2 
128.5 

2019*
Present value
of minimum
lease 
payments
£m
32.1
4.3
0.3
0.1
0.1
36.9

Interest
£m
(41.2)
(39.9)
(6.3)
(2.1)
(2.1)
(91.6)

*  Excludes £3.0 million associated with assets held for sale, as shown in note 18C, being minimum lease payments of £29.0 million, less interest of £26.0 million.   

23: Payables: non-current liabilities 

Net pension liability (note 7C) 
Other payables* 

2020
£m
33.6
69.6
103.2

2019
£m
44.4
62.1
106.5

*  Other payables include lease liabilities of £3.6 million (2019: £6.7 million) which are payable as follows: £2.1 million (2019: £3.1 million) from one to two years, £1.5 million  

(2019: £3.5 million) from two to five years and £nil (2019: £0.1 million) from five to 25 years. 

24:  Share capital 

Called-up, allotted and fully paid 
Ordinary shares of 5p each (2019: 25p each) 
The authorised share capital was removed from the Company’s Articles of Association in 2010. 

Movements in number of shares in issue 
Number of shares in issue at 1 January 2020 
Share consolidation  
Issued in respect of rights issue 
Issued in respect of scrip dividend 
Number of shares in issue at 31 December 2020 

2020
£m
202.9

2019
£m
191.6

Number

766,293,613
(613,034,891)
3,678,209,328
225,830,124
4,057,298,174

On 2 September 2020, the Company completed a capital reorganisation whereby each ordinary share of 25 pence in nominal value was subdivided  
into one ordinary share of 1 pence and one deferred share of 24 pence. The ordinary shares were then consolidated on the basis of one ordinary share  
of 5 pence for every five ordinary shares of 1 pence. Thereafter the deferred shares were cancelled and the ordinary shares of 5 pence each in nominal 
value, remain.  

On 25 September 2020, following shareholder and regulatory approval, the rights issue of 24 ordinary shares for every one share, at an offer price of  
15 pence per share, was completed and 3,678,209,328 ordinary shares were issued at a nominal value of 5 pence each.  

Share schemes 
In 2020, the Restricted Share Scheme replaced the Long Term Incentive Plan, and the latter, although closed to new awards, will continue until the end 
of the 2019 award’s vesting period in 2024. The number and weighted average exercise price of share options which remain outstanding in respect of 
the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme are shown in the tables below, together with details of expiry periods and range of exercise price. The 
number of ordinary shares which remain outstanding in respect of the Restricted Share Plan, Restricted Share Scheme, and Long Term Incentive Plan 
are shown, together with their year of grant.  

*  Comprises current and non-current payables excluding withholding tax on interim dividends of £11.9 million (2019: £12.2 million), deferred income of £10.2 million  

(2019: £14.2 million) and net pension liabilities of £34.5 million (2019: £45.3 million) as these do not meet the definition of financial liabilities. Total payables of £245.0 million  

in 2019 includes £235.0 million relating to continuing operations and £10.0 million relating to discontinued operations. 

K: Capital structure 

The Group’s financing policy is to optimise the weighted average cost of capital by using an appropriate mix of debt and equity, the latter in the form of 

share capital. Further information on debt is provided in the Financial review on pages 31 to 34, and information on share capital and changes therein is 

set out in note 24 on page 143 and in the consolidated statement of changes in equity on pages 96 and 97. 

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 
Restricted Share Plan 
Restricted Share Scheme 
Long Term Incentive Plan 

Number
1,270,053
–
–
–

Year of expiry
2021-2025
–
–
–

Weighted
average 
exercise price
n/a*
–
–
–

Share options 

Exercise price 
(pence) 
76.2-214.6 
– 
– 
– 

2020 
Ordinary shares of 5p each 

Number
–

Year of grant
–
13,772,868 2018-2020
2020
2017-2019

7,511,007
3,376,305

142   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 143
www.hammerson.com  143 

*  The ‘exercise price’ column represents the range of possible exercise prices for the options outstanding at 31 December 2020. During the year no options under the Savings-

Related Share Option scheme were exercised and as a result there was no weighted average exercise price. 

Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 
Restricted Share Plan 
Long Term Incentive Plan 

Number
541,480
–
–

Year of expiry
2020-2025
–
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£3.57
–
–

Share options* 

Exercise price  
(pence) 
170.4-540.4 
– 
– 

2019
Ordinary shares of 25p each 

Number
–
1,383,179
2,065,609

Year of grant
–
2017-2019
2016-2019

*  The number and exercise price of share options has not been adjusted for the rights issue. 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued  
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

25: Analysis of movement in net debt 

Notes 
At 1 January 
Cash and deposits transferred from assets held for sale 
Cash flow 
Change in fair value of currency swaps 
Exchange 
At 31 December  
Cash and deposits reclassified as assets held for sale 
At 31 December – excluding assets held for sale 

Cash and
 deposits
£m

17 
28.2
1.6
378.2
– 
1.5
409.5
– 
409.5

Borrowings 
£m

21F 
(2,548.0)
–
310.8
23.9
(116.7)
(2,330.0)
– 
(2,330.0)

2020

Net debt
£m

(2,519.8)
1.6
689.0
23.9
(115.2)
(1,920.5)
– 
(1,920.5)

Cash and 
 deposits 
£m 

17 
31.2 
– 
–  
–  
(1.4) 
29.8 
(1.6) 
28.2 

26: Adjustment for non-cash items in the cash flow statement 

Amortisation of lease incentives and other costs 
Increase in loss allowance provision 
Increase in impairment of unamortised tenant incentives 
Increase in accrued rents receivable 
Depreciation  
Share-based employee remuneration (note 5) 
Other 

Borrowings 
£m

21F 
(3,098.8)
–
391.7
10.7
148.4
(2,548.0)
–
(2,548.0)

2020
£m
7.7
25.2
9.5
(6.7)
4.9
2.2
(1.4)
41.4

2019

Net debt
£m

(3,067.6)
–
391.7
10.7
147.0
(2,518.2)
(1.6)
(2,519.8)

2019
£m
6.2
1.4
– 
(1.3)
5.1
3.0
(5.5)
8.9

27:  Contingent liabilities and capital commitments 

There are contingent liabilities of £103.9 million (2019: £159.2 million) relating to guarantees given by the Reported Group and a further £58.3 million 
(2019: £60.4 million) relating to claims against the Reported Group arising in the normal course of business, which are considered to be unlikely to 
crystallise. In addition, the Group’s share of contingent liabilities arising within joint ventures is £6.8 million (2019: £18.8 million). Contingent liabilities 
have decreased during the year mainly as a result of the settlement of invoices where payment for works on the Group’s properties was guaranteed. 

The Reported Group also had capital commitments of £56.6 million (2019: £70.6 million) in relation to future capital expenditure on investment  
and development properties. The Group’s share of the capital commitments arising within joint ventures is £38.8 million (2019: £33.2 million). 

The risks and uncertainties facing the Group are detailed on pages 35 to 41.  

28: Related party transactions and non-controlling interests 

A. Joint ventures and associates 
Related party transactions with the Group’s joint ventures and associates primarily comprise management fees, interest receivable, loan balances and 
other amounts due. The amounts shown below represent the Group’s transactions and balances with its related parties and are shown before any 
consolidation adjustments. 

Management fees from joint ventures 
Management fees from associates 
Interest receivable from joint ventures 
Interest receivable from associates 

Loan balances due from joint ventures (note 13A) 
Other amounts due from joint ventures  
Other amounts due to joint ventures 
Participative loans to associates (note 14C) 
Loans to associates (note 14C) 

2020
£m
13.2
1.5
1.5
0.1

261.4
12.3
(17.6)
189.9
1.8

2019
£m
14.7
1.1
12.3
0.1

443.7
8.0
(14.4)
195.2
1.7

On 31 October 2020, the Group sold substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets to joint venture partner, APG for £277.0 million, see note 1C for 
further details. 

144   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

144

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B. Key management 
The remuneration of the Directors and other members of the Group Executive Committee (GEC), who are the key management of the Group, is set 
out below in aggregate. The members of the GEC, including their biographies, are set out on the Group’s website. Further information about the 
remuneration of the individual Directors is disclosed in the audited sections of the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 60 to 79.  

Salaries and short-term benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share-based payments 
Total remuneration 

2020
£m
5.4
0.6
0.6
6.6

2019
£m
5.5
0.7
1.0
7.2

C. Non-controlling interests 
The Group’s non-controlling interest represents a 35.5% interest held by Assurbail in a French entity which owned Place des Halles, Strasbourg.  
The entity disposed of its interest in this property in December 2017 and has incurred post-disposal costs of £0.4 million to 31 December 2020. 

As a result of income statement movements of £0.1 million during the year, at 31 December 2020, non-controlling interests in the consolidated balance 
sheet were £0.1 million (2019: £0.2 million). No distributions were paid to Assurbail in the current or prior year. 

29: Post balance sheet events 

On 5 February 2021, the Group sold its 41% interest in Brent South Shopping Park for gross proceeds of £22.3 million. This was included within 
investments in joint ventures at 31 December 2020 at its carrying value of £21.4 million. Whilst management concluded that the criteria for 
reclassification to assets held for sale had been met at the balance sheet date, the reclassification is immaterial and adds complexity to the financial 
statements and was therefore not recognised at the balance sheet date. 

On 4 March 2021, contracts were exchanged for the sale of the Group’s 25% interest in Espace Saint-Quentin, Paris and 10% interest in Nicetoile, Nice 
to the existing partner, Allianz, for combined gross proceeds of £50.4 million, equal to the book value at 31 December 2020. At the balance sheet date, 
these assets did not meet the criteria for reclassification to assets held for sale under IFRS 5 as they were not being actively marketed and substantive 
terms had yet to be agreed. Consequently, they have been included within investments in joint ventures and associates at their respective carrying 
values of £28.0 million and £22.4 million at 31 December 2020.

(2,548.0)

(2,519.8)

(3,098.8)

(3,067.6)

Borrowings 

£m

21F 

–

310.8

23.9

(116.7)

2020

Net debt

£m

1.6

689.0

23.9

(115.2)

Cash and

 deposits

£m

17 

28.2

1.6

378.2

– 

1.5

– 

Cash and 

 deposits 

£m 

17 

31.2 

– 

–  

–  

(1.4) 

29.8 

(1.6) 

28.2 

Cash and deposits reclassified as assets held for sale 

At 31 December – excluding assets held for sale 

409.5

(2,330.0)

(1,920.5)

409.5

(2,330.0)

(1,920.5)

– 

– 

(2,548.0)

(2,518.2)

–

(1.6)

(2,548.0)

(2,519.8)

26: Adjustment for non-cash items in the cash flow statement 

Notes to the financial statements continued  

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

25: Analysis of movement in net debt 

Cash and deposits transferred from assets held for sale 

Change in fair value of currency swaps 

Notes 

At 1 January 

Cash flow 

Exchange 

At 31 December  

Amortisation of lease incentives and other costs 

Increase in loss allowance provision 

Increase in impairment of unamortised tenant incentives 

Increase in accrued rents receivable 

Depreciation  

Other 

Share-based employee remuneration (note 5) 

Borrowings 

£m

21F 

–

391.7

10.7

148.4

2020

£m

7.7

25.2

9.5

(6.7)

4.9

2.2

(1.4)

41.4

2019

Net debt

£m

–

391.7

10.7

147.0

2019

£m

6.2

1.4

– 

(1.3)

5.1

3.0

(5.5)

8.9

27:  Contingent liabilities and capital commitments 

There are contingent liabilities of £103.9 million (2019: £159.2 million) relating to guarantees given by the Reported Group and a further £58.3 million 

(2019: £60.4 million) relating to claims against the Reported Group arising in the normal course of business, which are considered to be unlikely to 

crystallise. In addition, the Group’s share of contingent liabilities arising within joint ventures is £6.8 million (2019: £18.8 million). Contingent liabilities 

have decreased during the year mainly as a result of the settlement of invoices where payment for works on the Group’s properties was guaranteed. 

The Reported Group also had capital commitments of £56.6 million (2019: £70.6 million) in relation to future capital expenditure on investment  

and development properties. The Group’s share of the capital commitments arising within joint ventures is £38.8 million (2019: £33.2 million). 

The risks and uncertainties facing the Group are detailed on pages 35 to 41.  

28: Related party transactions and non-controlling interests 

Related party transactions with the Group’s joint ventures and associates primarily comprise management fees, interest receivable, loan balances and 

other amounts due. The amounts shown below represent the Group’s transactions and balances with its related parties and are shown before any 

A. Joint ventures and associates 

consolidation adjustments. 

Management fees from joint ventures 

Management fees from associates 

Interest receivable from joint ventures 

Interest receivable from associates 

Loan balances due from joint ventures (note 13A) 

Other amounts due from joint ventures  

Other amounts due to joint ventures 

Participative loans to associates (note 14C) 

Loans to associates (note 14C) 

2020

£m

13.2

1.5

1.5

0.1

261.4

12.3

(17.6)

189.9

1.8

2019

£m

14.7

1.1

12.3

0.1

443.7

8.0

(14.4)

195.2

1.7

On 31 October 2020, the Group sold substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets to joint venture partner, APG for £277.0 million, see note 1C for 

further details. 

144   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 145
www.hammerson.com  145 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company balance sheet 
as at 31 December 2020 

Non-current assets 
Investments in subsidiary companies 
Derivative financial instruments 
Receivables 

Current assets 
Receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and deposits 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Loans 
Payables 
Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current liabilities 
Loans  
Derivative financial instruments 

Total liabilities 
Net assets 

Equity 
Called up share capital 
Share premium 
Merger reserve 
Other reserves 
Revaluation reserve 
Retained earnings 
Investment in own shares 
Equity shareholders’ funds 

Notes 

2020
£m

2019
£m

C 

F 

D 

F 

F 

E 

F 

F 

F 

24 

2,409.0
6.6
4,331.2
6,746.8

3.3
9.1
374.9
387.3
7,134.1

(115.0)
(1,579.5)
(2.3)
(1,696.8)

(2,143.7)
(84.7)
(2,228.4)
(3,925.2)
3,208.9

202.9
1,611.9
374.1
198.2
299.0
523.2
(0.4)
3,208.9

3,774.9
31.6
4,955.5
8,762.0

11.2
0.8
2.1
14.1
8,776.1

–
(1,819.2)
(4.1)
(1,823.3)

(2,504.9)
(70.7)
(2,575.6)
(4,398.9)
4,377.2

191.6
1,266.0
374.1
14.3
1,668.3
865.1
(2.2)
4,377.2

The loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders and included within retained earnings was £320.9 million (2019: £428.6 million profit). 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 March 2021. 

Signed on behalf of the Board 

Rita-Rose Gagné 
Director 

James Lenton
Director 

Registered in England No. 360632 

146   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share 
capital 
£m

(183.9)
183.9
–
– 
– 
– 
11.3

Share 
premium
£m
191.6 1,266.0
–
372.7
(26.8)
– 
– 
– 
–

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1,369.3) 

–  

– 

(1,369.3)

– 
– 
– 
202.9

–
–
–
1,611.9

– 
–
–
374.1

–
–
–
198.2

– 
– 
(1,369.3) 
299.0 

3.4 
(320.9) 
(317.5) 
523.2 

– 
– 
– 
(0.4)

3.4
(320.9)
(1,686.8)
3,208.9

Merger 
reserve 
£m
374.1
–
–
–
– 
– 
– 
– 

Other
 reserves1
£m  
14.3
183.9
–
–
–
–
– 
– 

Revaluation 
reserve 
 £m 
1,668.3 
– 
– 
– 
–  
–  
–  
–  

Retained 
earnings 
 £m 
865.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–  
(71.5) 
47.1  

Investment
in own
shares2
£m
(2.2)
–
–
–
2.0
(0.2)
– 
– 

Equity
shareholders’
funds 
£m
4,377.2
–
556.6
(26.8)
2.0
(0.2)
(71.5)
58.4

Company statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Balance at 1 January 2020 
Capital reorganisation3 
Rights issue3 
Rights issue expenses4 
Cost of shares awarded to employees 
Purchase of own shares 
Dividends (note 10) 
Scrip dividend related share issue (note 10) 

Revaluation losses on investments in subsidiary 
companies (note C) 
Foreign exchange translation differences on net 
investment in subsidiaries (note C) 
Loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders 
Total comprehensive loss for the year 
Balance at 31 December 2020 

Company balance sheet 

as at 31 December 2020 

Non-current assets 

Investments in subsidiary companies 

Derivative financial instruments 

Receivables 

Current assets 

Receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and deposits 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Loans 

Payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current liabilities 

Loans  

Derivative financial instruments 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Called up share capital 

Share premium 

Merger reserve 

Other reserves 

Revaluation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Investment in own shares 

Equity shareholders’ funds 

Notes 

2020

£m

2019

£m

C 

F 

D 

F 

F 

E 

F 

F 

F 

24 

2,409.0

6.6

4,331.2

6,746.8

3.3

9.1

374.9

387.3

7,134.1

3,774.9

31.6

4,955.5

8,762.0

11.2

0.8

2.1

14.1

8,776.1

(115.0)

(1,579.5)

(2.3)

–

(1,819.2)

(4.1)

(1,696.8)

(1,823.3)

(2,143.7)

(2,504.9)

(84.7)

(2,228.4)

(3,925.2)

3,208.9

(70.7)

(2,575.6)

(4,398.9)

4,377.2

202.9

1,611.9

374.1

198.2

299.0

523.2

(0.4)

3,208.9

191.6

1,266.0

374.1

14.3

1,668.3

865.1

(2.2)

4,377.2

The loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders and included within retained earnings was £320.9 million (2019: £428.6 million profit). 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 March 2021. 

Signed on behalf of the Board 

Rita-Rose Gagné 

Director 

James Lenton

Director 

Registered in England No. 360632 

1.  Other reserves comprise capital redemption reserves of £14.3 million (2019: £14.3 million) relating to share buybacks and £183.9 million (2019: £nil) resulting from the 

cancellation of the Company’s shares as part of the reorganisation of share capital. See note 24 for further details. 

2.  Investment in own shares is stated at cost. 
3.  During the year the Company completed a capital reorganisation and rights issue. For further information see note 24. 
4.  Only costs directly related to the rights issue have been recognised in the share premium account. A further £0.3 million of indirect costs have been recognised in the Company’s 

loss for the year. 

Balance at 1 January 2019 
Share buyback – release of 2018 accrual 
Cost of shares awarded to employees 
Purchase of own shares 
Dividends (note 10) 

Revaluation losses on investments in subsidiary 
companies (note C) 
Foreign exchange translation differences on net 
investment in subsidiaries (note C) 
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders 
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year 
Balance at 31 December 2019 

Share
 capital 
£m
191.6
–
–
–
–

Share 
premium
£m
1,266.0
–
–
–
–

Merger 
reserve 
£m
374.1
–
–
–
–

Other 
reserves1
£m
14.3
–
–
–
–

Revaluation 
reserve 
 £m 
2,955.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Retained 
earnings 
 £m 
634.5 
0.8 
– 
– 
(198.4) 

Investment
in own
shares2
£m
(3.0)
–
2.6
(1.8)
–

Equity
shareholders’
funds 
£m
5,432.9
0.8
2.6
(1.8)
(198.4)

–

–

–

–

(1,287.1) 

– 

–

(1,287.1)

–
–
–
191.6

–
–
–
1,266.0

–
–
–
374.1

–
–
–
14.3

– 
– 
(1,287.1) 
1,668.3 

(0.4) 
428.6 
428.2 
865.1 

–
–
–
(2.2)

(0.4)
428.6
(858.9)
4,377.2

1.  Other reserves comprise a capital redemption reserve relating to share buybacks. 
2.  Investment in own shares is stated at cost. 

The merger reserve comprises the premium on the share placing in September 2014. With regard to this transaction, no share premium is recorded in 
the Company’s financial statements, through the operation of the merger relief provisions of the Companies Act 2006.  

146   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 147
www.hammerson.com  147 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the company financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

A: Accounting policies 

Basis of accounting 
The Hammerson plc Company financial statements presented in this section are prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101  
(FRS 101) ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ as issued by the Financial Reporting Council.  

The financial statements are presented in sterling. They are prepared on the historical cost basis, except that the investments in subsidiary companies 
and derivative financial instruments are included at fair value. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange 
for the goods and services. 

Disclosure exemptions adopted 
In preparing these financial statements, Hammerson plc has taken advantage of certain exemptions conferred by FRS 101. Therefore these financial 
statements do not include: 

–  certain comparative information as otherwise required by IFRS 
–  certain disclosures regarding the Company’s capital 
–  a statement of cash flows 
–  certain disclosures in respect of financial instruments 
–  the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted 
–  disclosure of related party transactions with wholly-owned members of the Group 

The above disclosure exemptions have been adopted because equivalent disclosures are included in the consolidated Group financial statements into 
which Hammerson plc is consolidated.  

Going concern 
The Company from a going concern perspective is inextricably linked to the Group. As explained in note 1E to the Group financial statements, the 
Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial statements on a going concern basis. This conclusion also applies to the 
preparation of the Company’s financial statements for the reasons set out in that note. 

However, consistent with the rationale and conclusion set out in note 1E for the Group financial statements, the Directors have concluded that there is 
a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on both the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments 
have been made to the financial statements that would result if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern. For further details refer to 
note 1E of the Group financial statements. 

Accounting policies 
The significant accounting policies relevant to the Company are the same as those set out in the accounting policies for the Group in note 1, except  
for significant judgements and key estimates and investments in subsidiary companies, which are included at fair value. Revaluation movements are 
included within equity in the revaluation reserve. 

The Company’s key areas of estimation uncertainty are in respect of the valuation of investments in subsidiary companies, and the impairment of 
amounts due from subsidiaries as detailed below. 

The Directors determine the valuations of investments in subsidiary companies with reference to the net assets of the entities. The principal assets  
of the entities are the investment and development properties either held by the subsidiary or its fellow group undertakings which are valued by 
professional external valuers. The Directors must ensure they are satisfied that the Company’s investment in subsidiary companies is appropriate  
for the financial statements. The basis of valuation of the Group’s investment and development properties is set out in the notes to the financial 
statements. See note 1 on page 101 and note 12 on page 122. Consistent with the Group’s deferred tax recognition treatment, as explained in note 9C,  
in calculating the net asset values of the subsidiaries, no deduction is made for deferred tax.  

Additionally, as required by IFRS 9, management has assessed the recoverability of amounts due to Hammerson plc from its subsidiaries and other 
related undertakings, including joint ventures. The principal assets of the subsidiaries and related undertakings are investment and development 
properties which are valued by professional external valuers. In assessing the Company’s strategy for the recovery of amounts due, management  
has considered the value of these underlying assets, incorporating any illiquidity impact in the event of an immediate recovery being required. At  
31 December, the Company has recognised a £310.4 million impairment in the Company’s financial statements, principally in relation to loans with 
WestQuay and Croydon joint ventures. 

There are no other significant areas of judgement. 

B: Result for the year and dividend 

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement of the Company is not presented as part of these financial statements.  
The loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders within the financial statements of the Company was £320.9 million (2019: £428.6 million  
profit) and includes a net loss of £116.3 million (2019: £125.2 million gain) in respect of foreign exchange translation movements on the Company’s  
euro and US dollar denominated receivables and borrowings, and an impairment of amounts owed by subsidiaries and other related undertakings of 
£310.4 million (2019: £nil). 

Dividend information is provided in note 10 to the financial statements. 

148

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

www.hammerson.com  148 

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the company financial statements 

for the year ended 31 December 2020 

A: Accounting policies 

Basis of accounting 

The Hammerson plc Company financial statements presented in this section are prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101  

(FRS 101) ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ as issued by the Financial Reporting Council.  

The financial statements are presented in sterling. They are prepared on the historical cost basis, except that the investments in subsidiary companies 

and derivative financial instruments are included at fair value. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange 

for the goods and services. 

Disclosure exemptions adopted 

statements do not include: 

–  certain comparative information as otherwise required by IFRS 

–  certain disclosures regarding the Company’s capital 

–  a statement of cash flows 

–  certain disclosures in respect of financial instruments 

–  the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted 

–  disclosure of related party transactions with wholly-owned members of the Group 

which Hammerson plc is consolidated.  

Going concern 

The above disclosure exemptions have been adopted because equivalent disclosures are included in the consolidated Group financial statements into 

The Company from a going concern perspective is inextricably linked to the Group. As explained in note 1E to the Group financial statements, the 

Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial statements on a going concern basis. This conclusion also applies to the 

preparation of the Company’s financial statements for the reasons set out in that note. 

However, consistent with the rationale and conclusion set out in note 1E for the Group financial statements, the Directors have concluded that there is 

a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on both the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments 

have been made to the financial statements that would result if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern. For further details refer to 

note 1E of the Group financial statements. 

Accounting policies 

included within equity in the revaluation reserve. 

amounts due from subsidiaries as detailed below. 

The Directors determine the valuations of investments in subsidiary companies with reference to the net assets of the entities. The principal assets  

of the entities are the investment and development properties either held by the subsidiary or its fellow group undertakings which are valued by 

professional external valuers. The Directors must ensure they are satisfied that the Company’s investment in subsidiary companies is appropriate  

for the financial statements. The basis of valuation of the Group’s investment and development properties is set out in the notes to the financial 

statements. See note 1 on page 101 and note 12 on page 122. Consistent with the Group’s deferred tax recognition treatment, as explained in note 9C,  

in calculating the net asset values of the subsidiaries, no deduction is made for deferred tax.  

Additionally, as required by IFRS 9, management has assessed the recoverability of amounts due to Hammerson plc from its subsidiaries and other 

related undertakings, including joint ventures. The principal assets of the subsidiaries and related undertakings are investment and development 

properties which are valued by professional external valuers. In assessing the Company’s strategy for the recovery of amounts due, management  

has considered the value of these underlying assets, incorporating any illiquidity impact in the event of an immediate recovery being required. At  

31 December, the Company has recognised a £310.4 million impairment in the Company’s financial statements, principally in relation to loans with 

WestQuay and Croydon joint ventures. 

There are no other significant areas of judgement. 

B: Result for the year and dividend 

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement of the Company is not presented as part of these financial statements.  

The loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders within the financial statements of the Company was £320.9 million (2019: £428.6 million  

profit) and includes a net loss of £116.3 million (2019: £125.2 million gain) in respect of foreign exchange translation movements on the Company’s  

euro and US dollar denominated receivables and borrowings, and an impairment of amounts owed by subsidiaries and other related undertakings of 

£310.4 million (2019: £nil). 

Dividend information is provided in note 10 to the financial statements. 

In preparing these financial statements, Hammerson plc has taken advantage of certain exemptions conferred by FRS 101. Therefore these financial 

Investments are stated at Directors’ valuation, as explained on page 148. 

C: Investments in subsidiary companies 

Balance at 1 January 
Additions 
Exchange adjustment 
Revaluation loss 
Balance at 31 December 

Cost
£m
2,072.7
– 
3.4
– 
2,076.1

2020 
Valuation  
£m 
3,774.9 
–  
3.4 
(1,369.3) 
2,409.0 

Cost
£m
1,561.7
511.4
(0.4)
–
2,072.7

2019
Valuation 
£m
4,551.0
511.4
(0.4)
(1,287.1)
3,774.9

A list of the subsidiary companies and other related undertakings at 31 December 2020 is included in note G. 

D: Receivables: non-current assets 

Amounts owed by subsidiaries and other related undertakings* 
Loans receivable from associate (note 14C) 
Restricted monetary asset (note 16) 

*  Includes an expected credit loss impairment provision of £310.4 million (2019: £nil). 

2020
£m
4,308.0
1.8
21.4
4,331.2

2019
£m
4,953.8
1.7
–
4,955.5

Amounts owed by subsidiaries and other related undertakings are unsecured and bear interest at floating rates based on LIBOR. This includes amounts 
which are repayable on demand; however, it is the Company’s current intention not to seek repayment of these amounts before 31 December 2021. 

E: Payables: current liabilities 

Amounts owed to subsidiaries and other related undertakings 
Withholding tax on interim dividends (note 10) 
Accruals 

2020
£m
1,530.9
11.9
36.7
1,579.5

2019
£m
1,765.1
12.2
41.9
1,819.2

The significant accounting policies relevant to the Company are the same as those set out in the accounting policies for the Group in note 1, except  

for significant judgements and key estimates and investments in subsidiary companies, which are included at fair value. Revaluation movements are 

The amounts owed to subsidiaries and other related undertakings are unsecured, repayable on demand and bear interest at floating rates based  
on LIBOR. 

The Company’s key areas of estimation uncertainty are in respect of the valuation of investments in subsidiary companies, and the impairment of 

F: Loans and derivative financial instruments 

Bonds  
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Senior notes 
Fair value of currency swaps 
Borrowings 
Fair value of interest rate swaps  
Loans and derivative financial instruments 

Current 
assets
£m
–
–
–
(9.1)
(9.1)
–
(9.1)

Derivative financial instruments
Non-current 
liabilities
£m
–
–
–
84.7
84.7
–
84.7

Current 
liabilities 
£m
–
–
–
2.3
2.3
–
2.3

Non-current 
assets 
£m
–
–
–
(6.6)
(6.6)
–
(6.6)

Loans 
< 1 year 
£m 

Loans 
> 1 year 
£m 
–  1,737.5 
– 
(2.9) 
409.1 
115.0 
–  
–  
115.0  2,143.7 
– 
115.0  2,143.7 

– 

2020
Total
£m
1,737.5
(2.9)
524.1
71.3
2,330.0
–
2,330.0

2019
Total
£m
1,688.0
127.6
689.3
43.1
2,548.0
(0.7)
2,547.3

Details of the Group’s loans and derivative financial instruments are given in notes 20 and 21 to the financial statements. The fair value of the 
Company’s loans and derivative financial instruments is equal to that of the Reported Group as shown in note 21H.  

www.hammerson.com  148 

www.hammerson.com 149
www.hammerson.com  149 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the company financial statements continued  

G: Subsidiaries and other related undertakings 

The Company’s subsidiaries and other related undertakings at 31 December 2020 are listed below. No Group entities have been excluded from the 
consolidated financial results.  
Direct subsidiaries 
The Company has a 100% interest in the ordinary share capital of the following entities, which are registered/operate in the countries as shown: 

England and Wales 
Registered office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE 
Grantchester Holdings Limited 
Hammerson Company Secretarial Limited 
Hammerson Employee Share Plan Trustees Limited 
Hammerson Group Management Limited 
Hammerson Group Management Limited – Irish branch* 
Hammerson Group Limited 

* Registered office: Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland. 
France  
Registered office: 40/48 rue Cambon – 23 rue des Capucines 75001 Paris 
Hammerson Holding France SAS 

Hammerson International Holdings Limited 
Hammerson Pension Scheme Trustees Limited 
Hammerson Share Option Scheme Trustees Limited 
Hammerson Via No 1 Limited 
Hammerson Via No 2 Limited 

Hammerson plc – French branch 

Indirect subsidiaries and other wholly-owned entities  
Unless otherwise stated, the Company has an indirect 100% interest in the ordinary share capital of the following entities, which are registered/operate 
in the countries as shown: 

England and Wales 
Registered office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE (See page 151 for footnotes)
280 Bishopsgate Investments Limited 
Abbey Retail Park Limited (Northern Ireland)1 
Christchurch UK Limited 
Crocusford Limited 
Governeffect Limited 
Grantchester Developments (Birmingham) Limited 
Grantchester Developments (Falkirk) Limited 
Grantchester Group Limited 
Grantchester Investments Limited 
Grantchester Limited 
Grantchester Properties (Gloucester) Limited 
Grantchester Properties (Luton) Limited 
Grantchester Properties (Middlesbrough) Limited 
Grantchester Properties (Nottingham) Limited 
Grantchester Properties (Port Talbot) Limited 
Grantchester Properties (Sunderland) Limited 
Grantchester Property Management Limited 
Hammerson (60 Threadneedle Street) Limited 
Hammerson (9-13 Grosvenor Street) Limited 
Hammerson (Bicester No. 2) Limited 
Hammerson (Brent Cross) Limited 
Hammerson (Brent South) Limited 
Hammerson (Bristol Investments) Limited 
Hammerson (Bristol) Limited 
Hammerson (Cardiff) Limited 
Hammerson (Centurion) Limited 
Hammerson (Coventry) Limited 
Hammerson (Cramlington I) Limited 
Hammerson (Cricklewood) Limited 
Hammerson (Croydon) Limited 
Hammerson (Didcot) Limited 
Hammerson (Didcot II) Limited 
Hammerson (Euston Square) Limited 
Hammerson (Exeter II) Limited 
Hammerson (Folkestone) Limited  
Hammerson (Grosvenor Street) Limited 
Hammerson (Kingston) Limited 
Hammerson (Leeds Developments) Limited 
Hammerson (Leeds GP) Limited 
Hammerson (Leeds Investments) Limited 
Hammerson (Leeds) Limited 
Hammerson (Leicester GP) Limited 
Hammerson (Lichfield) Limited 
Hammerson (Merthyr) Limited  

Hammerson (Milton Keynes) Limited  
Hammerson (Moor House) Properties Limited  
Hammerson (Newcastle) Limited  
Hammerson (Newtownabbey) Limited 
Hammerson (Oldbury) Limited 
Hammerson (Renfrew) Limited 
Hammerson (Rugby) Limited 
Hammerson (Silverburn) Limited (Isle of Man) 2 
Hammerson (Staines) Limited 
Hammerson (Telford) Limited 
Hammerson (Value Retail Investments) Limited 
Hammerson (VIA GP) Limited 
Hammerson (Victoria Gate) Limited 
Hammerson (Victoria Investments) Limited 
Hammerson (Victoria Quarter) Limited 
Hammerson (Watermark) Limited 
Hammerson (Whitgift) Limited 
Hammerson Birmingham Properties Limited 
Hammerson Bull Ring Limited 
Hammerson Croydon (GP1) Limited 
Hammerson Croydon (GP2) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 12) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 13) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 16) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 23) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 26) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 35) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 36) Limited 
Hammerson Investments (No. 37) Limited 
Hammerson Investments Limited 
Hammerson Junction (No 3) Limited 
Hammerson Junction (No 4) Limited 
Hammerson LLC (United States) 3 
Hammerson Martineau Galleries Limited 
Hammerson MGLP Limited 
Hammerson MGLP 2 Limited 
Hammerson MLP Limited 
Hammerson Moor House (LP) Limited 
Hammerson Operations Limited 
Hammerson Oracle Investments Limited 
Hammerson Oracle Properties Limited 
Hammerson Peterborough (GP) Limited 
Hammerson Peterborough (No 1) Limited 
Hammerson Peterborough (No 2) Limited  

150   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

150

 
Notes to the company financial statements continued  

G: Subsidiaries and other related undertakings 

consolidated financial results.  

Direct subsidiaries 

England and Wales 

Registered office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE 

Grantchester Holdings Limited 

Hammerson Company Secretarial Limited 

The Company’s subsidiaries and other related undertakings at 31 December 2020 are listed below. No Group entities have been excluded from the 

The Company has a 100% interest in the ordinary share capital of the following entities, which are registered/operate in the countries as shown: 

Hammerson Employee Share Plan Trustees Limited 

Hammerson Share Option Scheme Trustees Limited 

Hammerson Group Management Limited 

Hammerson Group Management Limited – Irish branch* 

Hammerson Via No 1 Limited 

Hammerson Via No 2 Limited 

Hammerson International Holdings Limited 

Hammerson Pension Scheme Trustees Limited 

Unless otherwise stated, the Company has an indirect 100% interest in the ordinary share capital of the following entities, which are registered/operate 

Hammerson Group Limited 

* Registered office: Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland. 

France  

Registered office: 40/48 rue Cambon – 23 rue des Capucines 75001 Paris 

Hammerson Holding France SAS 

Indirect subsidiaries and other wholly-owned entities  

Registered office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE (See page 151 for footnotes)

280 Bishopsgate Investments Limited 

Abbey Retail Park Limited (Northern Ireland)1 

in the countries as shown: 

England and Wales 

Christchurch UK Limited 

Crocusford Limited 

Governeffect Limited 

Grantchester Developments (Birmingham) Limited 

Grantchester Developments (Falkirk) Limited 

Grantchester Group Limited 

Grantchester Investments Limited 

Grantchester Limited 

Grantchester Properties (Gloucester) Limited 

Grantchester Properties (Luton) Limited 

Grantchester Properties (Middlesbrough) Limited 

Grantchester Properties (Nottingham) Limited 

Grantchester Properties (Port Talbot) Limited 

Grantchester Properties (Sunderland) Limited 

Grantchester Property Management Limited 

Hammerson (60 Threadneedle Street) Limited 

Hammerson (9-13 Grosvenor Street) Limited 

Hammerson (Bicester No. 2) Limited 

Hammerson (Brent Cross) Limited 

Hammerson (Brent South) Limited 

Hammerson (Bristol Investments) Limited 

Hammerson (Bristol) Limited 

Hammerson (Cardiff) Limited 

Hammerson (Centurion) Limited 

Hammerson (Coventry) Limited 

Hammerson (Cramlington I) Limited 

Hammerson (Cricklewood) Limited 

Hammerson (Croydon) Limited 

Hammerson (Didcot) Limited 

Hammerson (Didcot II) Limited 

Hammerson (Euston Square) Limited 

Hammerson (Exeter II) Limited 

Hammerson (Folkestone) Limited  

Hammerson (Grosvenor Street) Limited 

Hammerson (Kingston) Limited 

Hammerson (Leeds Developments) Limited 

Hammerson (Leeds GP) Limited 

Hammerson (Leeds Investments) Limited 

Hammerson (Leeds) Limited 

Hammerson (Leicester GP) Limited 

Hammerson (Lichfield) Limited 

Hammerson (Merthyr) Limited  

150   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc – French branch 

Hammerson (Milton Keynes) Limited  

Hammerson (Moor House) Properties Limited  

Hammerson (Newcastle) Limited  

Hammerson (Newtownabbey) Limited 

Hammerson (Oldbury) Limited 

Hammerson (Renfrew) Limited 

Hammerson (Rugby) Limited 

Hammerson (Staines) Limited 

Hammerson (Telford) Limited 

Hammerson (Silverburn) Limited (Isle of Man) 2 

Hammerson (Value Retail Investments) Limited 

Hammerson (VIA GP) Limited 

Hammerson (Victoria Gate) Limited 

Hammerson (Victoria Investments) Limited 

Hammerson (Victoria Quarter) Limited 

Hammerson (Watermark) Limited 

Hammerson (Whitgift) Limited 

Hammerson Birmingham Properties Limited 

Hammerson Bull Ring Limited 

Hammerson Croydon (GP1) Limited 

Hammerson Croydon (GP2) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 12) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 13) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 16) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 23) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 26) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 35) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 36) Limited 

Hammerson Investments (No. 37) Limited 

Hammerson Investments Limited 

Hammerson Junction (No 3) Limited 

Hammerson Junction (No 4) Limited 

Hammerson LLC (United States) 3 

Hammerson Martineau Galleries Limited 

Hammerson MGLP Limited 

Hammerson MGLP 2 Limited 

Hammerson MLP Limited 

Hammerson Moor House (LP) Limited 

Hammerson Operations Limited 

Hammerson Oracle Investments Limited 

Hammerson Oracle Properties Limited 

Hammerson Peterborough (GP) Limited 

Hammerson Peterborough (No 1) Limited 

Hammerson Peterborough (No 2) Limited  

Indirect subsidiaries and other wholly-owned entities continued 
England and Wales continued 
Registered office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE 
Hammerson Project Management Limited 
Hammerson Ravenhead Limited 
Hammerson (Milton Keynes) Limited  
Hammerson (Moor House) Properties Limited  
Hammerson (Newcastle) Limited  
Hammerson Shelf Co 10 Limited 
Hammerson Shelf Co 11 Limited 
Hammerson Shelf Co 12 Limited 
Hammerson Shelf Co 13 Limited 
Hammerson Shelf Co 14 Limited 
Hammerson UK Properties plc 
Hammerson Wrekin LLP 6 
Junction Nominee 1 Limited 
Junction Nominee 2 Limited 
Leeds (GP1) Limited 
Leeds (GP2) Limited 
London & Metropolitan Northern 
LWP Limited Partnership 6 
Martineau Galleries (GP) Limited 
Martineau Galleries No. 1 Limited 
Martineau Galleries No. 2 Limited 
Mentboost Limited 
Monesan Limited (Northern Ireland) 1 
New Southgate Limited  

Precis (1474) Limited (Ordinary and Deferred) 
Hammerson Renewable Energy Limited 
Hammerson Retail Parks Holdings Limited 
Hammerson Sheffield (NRQ) Limited  
RT Group Developments Limited 
RT Group Property Investments Limited 
SEVCO 5025 Limited 4 
Spitalfields Developments Limited 
Spitalfields Holdings Limited (Ordinary and Preference) 
The Junction (General Partner) Limited 
The Junction (Thurrock Shareholder GP) Limited 
The Junction Limited Partnership 6 
The Junction Thurrock (General Partner) Limited 
The Junction Thurrock Limited Partnership 6 
The Martineau Galleries Limited Partnership 6 
Thurrock Shares 1 Limited 
Thurrock Shares 2 Limited 
Union Square Developments Limited (Scotland) 5 
West Quay (No.1) Limited 
West Quay (No.2) Limited 
West Quay Shopping Centre Limited 
Westchester Holdings Limited 
Westchester Property Holdings Limited 

Registered offices: (1) 50 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7FW (2) First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 4DF (3) 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, 
Wilmington, Delaware 19808, United States; country of operation is the United Kingdom (4) SG House, 6 St. Cross Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9HX (5) 1 George Square, 
Glasgow, G2 1AL (6) No shares in issue for Limited Partnerships. 

France 
Registered office: 40/48 rue Cambon – 23 rue des Capucines, 75001 Paris
BFN10 GmbH (Germany) 1 
Cergy Expansion 1 SAS 
Espace Plus SCI 
Hammerson SAS 
Hammerson Asset Management SAS 
Hammerson Centre Commercial Italie SAS 
Hammerson Cergy SASU 
Hammerson Cergy 1 SCI 
Hammerson Cergy 2 SCI 
Hammerson Cergy 4 SCI 
Hammerson Cergy 5 SCI 
Hammerson Développement SCI 
Hammerson Europe BV (Netherlands) 2 
Hammerson Fontaine SCI 
Hammerson France SAS 
Hammerson Marketing et Communication SAS 
Hammerson Marseille SC 
Hammerson Property Management SAS 
Hammerson Troyes SCI 
Les Pressing Réunis SARL 
RC Aulnay 3 SCI 

SCI Cergy Cambon SCI 
SCI Cergy Capucine SCI 
SCI Cergy Honoré SCI 
SCI Cergy Lynx SCI 
SCI Cergy Madeleine SCI 
SCI Cergy Office 1 SCI 
SCI Cergy Office 2 SCI 
SCI Cergy Office 3 SCI 
SCI Cergy Office 4 SCI 
SCI Cergy Office 5 SCI 
SCI Cergy Office 6 SCI 
SCI Cergy Opéra SCI 
SCI Cergy Paix SCI 
SCI Cergy Royale SCI 
SCI Cergy Trois SCI 
SCI Cergy Tuileries SCI 
SCI Cergy Vendôme SCI 
SCI Nevis SCI 
SCI Paris Italik SCI  
SNC Cergy Expansion 2  
Teycpac-H-Italie SAS 

Registered offices: (1) Schlossstraße 1, 12163 Berlin, Germany (2) Spoorsinge, 2871 TT, Schoonhoven, Netherlands. 

www.hammerson.com 151
www.hammerson.com  151 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the company financial statements continued  

G: Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued 

Indirect subsidiaries and other wholly-owned entities continued 
Ireland 
Dublin Central GP Limited2 
Dublin Central Limited Partnership 1,2 
Dundrum R&O Park Management Limited2 
Dundrum Town Centre Management Limited2 

Dundrum Village Management Company Limited2 
Hammerson Ireland Investments Limited2 
Hammerson Operations (Ireland) Limited2 
The Hammerson ICAV3 

(1) No shares in issue for Limited Partnerships. Registered offices: (2) Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland (3) 1-2 Victoria Buildings, Haddington Road, 
Dublin 4, Ireland. 

Jersey 
Registered office: 47 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE1 0BD 
Hammerson Birmingham Investments Limited 2 
Hammerson Bull Ring (Jersey) Limited 2 
Hammerson Croydon Investments Limited 
Hammerson Highcross Investments Limited 
Hammerson Junction (No 1) Limited 
Hammerson Junction (No 2) Limited 
Hammerson Victoria Quarter Unit Trust 1 

Hammerson VIA (Jersey) Limited 
Hammerson VRC (Jersey) Limited 
Hammerson Whitgift Investments Limited 
The Junction Thurrock Unit Trust 1 
The Junction Unit Trust 1 
The Telford Forge Retail Park Unit Trust 1 

(1) No shares in issue for Unit Trusts. The registered office address is that of the appropriate trustee (2) Registered office: 44 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 9WG. 

Indirectly held joint venture entities 

See page 153 for footnotes 
Bishopsgate Goodsyard Regeneration Limited 
Brent Cross Partnership 
Bristol Alliance (GP) Limited 
Bristol Alliance Limited Partnership 
Bristol Alliance Nominee No. 1 Limited 
Bristol Alliance Nominee No. 2 Limited 
BRLP Rotunda Limited 
Bull Ring (GP) Limited 
Bull Ring (GP2) Limited 
Bull Ring Joint Venture Trust 
Bull Ring No. 1 Limited 
Bull Ring No. 2 Limited 
Croydon (GP1) Limited 
Croydon (GP2) Limited 
Croydon Car Park Limited 
Croydon Jersey Unit Trust 
Croydon Limited Partnership 
Croydon Management Services Limited 
Croydon Property Investments Limited 
Dundrum Car Park GP Limited 
Dundrum Car Park Limited Partnership 
Dundrum Retail GP Designated Activity Company 
Dundrum Retail Limited Partnership 
Grand Central (GP) Limited 
Grand Central Limited Partnership 
Grand Central No 1 Limited 
Grand Central No 2 Limited 
Grand Central Unit Trust 
Highcross (GP) Limited 
Highcross Leicester (GP) Limited 
Highcross Leicester Holdings Limited 
Highcross Leicester Limited 
Highcross Leicester Limited Partnership 

Country of registration 
or operation
England and Wales 1  
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
Jersey 2  
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
Jersey 3 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
Ireland 4 
Ireland 4 
Ireland 4 
Ireland 4 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
Jersey 2 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
England and Wales 1 
Jersey 3 
England and Wales 1 

Class of share held 
Ordinary  
N/A 
Ordinary  
N/A  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
N/A  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
N/A  
N/A  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary 
N/A 
Ordinary 
N/A 
Ordinary  
N/A 
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
N/A 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary  
N/A 
N/A 

Ownership %
50 
41 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 

152   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) No shares in issue for Limited Partnerships. Registered offices: (2) Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland (3) 1-2 Victoria Buildings, Haddington Road, 

Notes to the company financial statements continued  

G: Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued 

Indirect subsidiaries and other wholly-owned entities continued 

(1) No shares in issue for Unit Trusts. The registered office address is that of the appropriate trustee (2) Registered office: 44 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 9WG. 

Bishopsgate Goodsyard Regeneration Limited 

England and Wales 1  

Ordinary  

Class of share held 

Ownership %

Ireland 

Dublin Central GP Limited2 

Dublin Central Limited Partnership 1,2 

Dundrum R&O Park Management Limited2 

Dundrum Town Centre Management Limited2 

Dublin 4, Ireland. 

Jersey 

Registered office: 47 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE1 0BD 

Hammerson Birmingham Investments Limited 2 

Hammerson Bull Ring (Jersey) Limited 2 

Hammerson Croydon Investments Limited 

Hammerson Highcross Investments Limited 

Hammerson Junction (No 1) Limited 

Hammerson Junction (No 2) Limited 

Hammerson Victoria Quarter Unit Trust 1 

Indirectly held joint venture entities 

See page 153 for footnotes 

Brent Cross Partnership 

Bristol Alliance (GP) Limited 

Bristol Alliance Limited Partnership 

Bristol Alliance Nominee No. 1 Limited 

Bristol Alliance Nominee No. 2 Limited 

BRLP Rotunda Limited 

Bull Ring (GP) Limited 

Bull Ring (GP2) Limited 

Bull Ring Joint Venture Trust 

Bull Ring No. 1 Limited 

Bull Ring No. 2 Limited 

Croydon (GP1) Limited 

Croydon (GP2) Limited 

Croydon Car Park Limited 

Croydon Jersey Unit Trust 

Croydon Limited Partnership 

Croydon Management Services Limited 

Croydon Property Investments Limited 

Dundrum Car Park GP Limited 

Dundrum Car Park Limited Partnership 

Dundrum Retail GP Designated Activity Company 

Dundrum Retail Limited Partnership 

Grand Central (GP) Limited 

Grand Central Limited Partnership 

Grand Central No 1 Limited 

Grand Central No 2 Limited 

Grand Central Unit Trust 

Highcross (GP) Limited 

Highcross Leicester (GP) Limited 

Highcross Leicester Holdings Limited 

Highcross Leicester Limited 

Highcross Leicester Limited Partnership 

Dundrum Village Management Company Limited2 

Hammerson Ireland Investments Limited2 

Hammerson Operations (Ireland) Limited2 

The Hammerson ICAV3 

Hammerson VIA (Jersey) Limited 

Hammerson VRC (Jersey) Limited 

Hammerson Whitgift Investments Limited 

The Junction Thurrock Unit Trust 1 

The Junction Unit Trust 1 

The Telford Forge Retail Park Unit Trust 1 

Country of registration 

or operation

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

Jersey 2  

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

Jersey 3 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

Ireland 4 

Ireland 4 

Ireland 4 

Ireland 4 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

Jersey 2 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

England and Wales 1 

Jersey 3 

England and Wales 1 

N/A 

Ordinary  

N/A  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

N/A  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

N/A  

N/A  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

N/A 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary  

N/A 

N/A 

50 

41 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

Indirectly held joint venture entities continued 

Highcross (No.1) Limited 
Highcross (No.2) Limited 
Highcross Residential (Nominees 1) Limited 
Highcross Residential (Nominees 2) Limited 
Highcross Residential Properties Limited 
Highcross Shopping Centre Limited 
Moor House General Partner Limited 
Oracle Nominees (No. 1) Limited 
Oracle Nominees (No. 2) Limited 
Oracle Nominees Limited 
Oracle Shopping Centre Limited 
RC Aulnay 1 SCI 
RC Aulnay 2 SCI 
Reading Residential Properties Limited 
Retail Property Holdings Limited 
Retail Property Holdings (SE) Limited 
SCI ESQ SCI 
Société Civile de Développement du Centre Commercial  
de la Place des Halles SDPH SC 
Silverburn Investment Advisor Limited 
Silverburn Unit Trust 
The Bull Ring Limited Partnership 
The Highcross Limited Partnership 
The Oracle Limited Partnership 
The West Quay Limited Partnership 
Triskelion Property Holding Designated Activity Company 
Whitgift Limited Partnership 

Country of registration 
or operation
Jersey3 
Jersey3 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
France5 
France5 
England and Wales1 
Isle of Man6  
Guernsey7  
France8 

France9 
England and Wales1 
Jersey3 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
England and Wales1 
Ireland4 
England and Wales1 

Class of share held 
N/A 
N/A 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary  
Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
Ordinary 
N/A  

Ownership %
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
67 
50 
50 
50 
50 
25 
25 
50 
50 
50 
25 

65 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 

Registered offices: (1) Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GE (2) 44 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE4 9WG (3) 47 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE1 0BD (4) Riverside One, Sir 
John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland (5) 129 rue Turenne, 75003 Paris (6) First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 4DF (7) Fiman House, St. George’s Place, 
St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2BH (8) 1 cours Michelet – CS 30051, 92076 Paris La Defense (9) 40/48 rue Cambon – 23 rue des Capucines, 75001 Paris.  

Indirectly held associate entities 

Bicester Investors Limited Partnership 
Bicester Investors II Limited Partnership 
Master Holding BV 
SAS Angel Shopping Centre SAS 
SNC Italie Theatre SNC 
SNC Reinventer Italie Vendrezanne SNC 
SNC Vendrezanne SNC 
Value Retail Investors Limited Partnership 
Value Retail Investors II Limited Partnership 
Value Retail Investors III Limited Partnership 
Value Retail PLC 
VR Bavaria GmbH  
VR European Holdings BV 
VR Franconia GmbH 
VR Ireland BV 
VR La Vallée BV 
VR Maasmechelen Tourist Outlets Comm. VA 

Country of registration  
or operation
Bermuda2 
Bermuda2 
Netherlands3 
France4 
France5 
France5 
France5 
Bermuda2 
Bermuda2 
Bermuda2 
UK6  
Germany7  
Netherlands3  
Germany7  
Netherlands3  
Netherlands3  
Belgium8 

Class of share held 
N/A 
N/A 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
B-shares 

Ownership %1
25 
25 
44 
10 
25 
25 
25 
79 
89 
50 
24 
5 
25 
66 
57 
28 
29 

(1) Ownership % represents Hammerson’s effective ownership which is held directly and indirectly in the entities listed above. Registered offices: (2) Victoria Place,  
31 Victoria Street, Hamilton, HM10, Bermuda (3) TMF, Luna Arena, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam, Netherlands (4) 1 cours Michelet – CS 30051, 92076 Paris La Defense  
(5) 40/48 rue Cambon, 75001 Paris (6) 19 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8ED (7) Almosenberg, 97877, Wertheim, Germany  
(8) Zetellaan 100, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium. 

152   Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 153
www.hammerson.com  153 

Financial Statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures 
Unaudited 

EPRA measures 

Hammerson is a member of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) and has representatives who actively participate in a number 
of EPRA committees and initiatives. This includes working with peer group companies, real estate investors and analysts and the large audit 
firms, to improve the transparency, comparability and relevance of the published results of listed real estate companies in Europe. 

As with other real estate companies, we have adopted the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations (BPR) and were again awarded an EPRA Gold 
Award for compliance with the EPRA BPR and sustainability BPR for our 2019 Annual Report. Further information on EPRA and the EPRA 
BPR can be found on their website www.epra.com. Details of our key EPRA metrics are shown in Table 68.  

Table 68 

EPRA performance measures 
Performance measure 
Earnings 

2020 

£15.9m 

2019   Definition and commentary 

£214.3m   Recurring earnings from core operational activities. In 2020, EPRA 

earnings were £20.6 million lower (2019: £0.3 million higher) than the 
Group’s adjusted earnings due to the inclusion of ‘Company specific’ 
adjustments. For 2020, these principally related to the removal of the 
provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement of  
£12.0 million and earnings from VIA Outlets of £8.1 million following its 
reclassification at 30 June as an “asset held for sale” until its disposal  
in October. Management believes these adjustments better reflect the 
underlying earnings of the Group and are shown in note 11B of the  
financial statements. 

Earnings per share (EPS)1 

0.7p 

12.8p   EPRA earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the period. Due to the “Company specific” adjustments explained 
above, EPRA EPS is 0.9p lower than adjusted EPS (2019: no change).  

Net Reinvestment Value 
(NRV) per share1,2 

£0.94 

£1.35   Equity shareholders’ funds excluding the fair values of certain financial 

derivatives, deferred tax balances, and any associated goodwill. In addition, 
an allowance is made for potential purchasers’ costs payable in the event 
that the Group’s property portfolio, including premium outlets, were to 
be repurchased at market values. This total is then divided by the diluted 
number of shares in issue. 

Page
118

118

120

Net Tangible Assets value 
(NTA) per share1,2,3 

£0.82 

£1.16   Equity shareholders’ funds excluding the fair values of certain financial 

120

derivatives, deferred tax balances which are expected to crystallise in the 
future, and goodwill balances, divided by the diluted number of shares 
in issue. 

Net Disposal Value (NDV)  
per share1,2 

£0.78 

£1.07   Equity shareholders’ funds including the fair value of borrowings and 
excluding goodwill balances, divided by the diluted number of shares 
in issue. 

Net Initial Yield (NIY) 

5.7% 

5.1%   Annual cash rents receivable, less head and equity rents and any  

non-recoverable property operating expenses, as a percentage of the 
gross market value of the property, including estimated purchasers’ 
costs, as provided by the Group’s external valuers. 

Topped-up NIY 

5.8% 

5.2%   EPRA NIY adjusted for the expiry of rent-free periods and future rent on 

signed leases. 

Vacancy rate 

5.7% 

2.8%   The estimated market rental value (ERV) of vacant space divided by the 

Cost ratio (incl. net service 
charge expenses – vacancy) 

54.9% 

ERV of the lettable area. Occupancy is the inverse of vacancy. 
25.7%   Total operating costs as a percentage of gross rental income, after rents 

payable. Both operating costs and gross rental income are adjusted for costs 
associated with inclusive leases.  

120

160

160

155

158

Cost ratio (excl. net service 
charge expenses – vacancy) 

51.7% 

23.3%   Calculated as per the above metric, except this metric excludes net service 

158

charges in relation to vacancy. 

Sustainability (LFL annual change)4 

Electricity  
Fuels 

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Direct 
GHG Indirect 

-16% 
-25% 
-31% 
-28% 

-12%   Annual electricity consumption of the EPRA like-for-like portfolio.  
-15%   Annual gas consumption of the EPRA like-for-like portfolio.  

-11%   Greenhouse gas emissions emitted from onsite combustion of energy. 
-13%   Annual greenhouse gas emissions emitted from offsite combustion 

(purchased electricity and heat). 

1.  2019 per share metric restated for rights issue. 
2.  From 1 January 2020, three new net asset value metrics replaced EPRA NAV and NNNAV. For comparison purposes, the new metrics and previously reported metrics for 

the current and comparative reporting periods are disclosed in note 11E on pages 120 to 121. 

3.  The Group has chosen to exclude 50% of deferred tax balances when calculating NTA in accordance with EPRA guidance. 
4.  Further details of the Group’s Positive Places sustainability strategy can be found on our website www.hammerson.com. 

154 
154

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
Additional disclosures 

Unaudited 

EPRA measures 

Hammerson is a member of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) and has representatives who actively participate in a number 

of EPRA committees and initiatives. This includes working with peer group companies, real estate investors and analysts and the large audit 

firms, to improve the transparency, comparability and relevance of the published results of listed real estate companies in Europe. 

As with other real estate companies, we have adopted the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations (BPR) and were again awarded an EPRA Gold 

Award for compliance with the EPRA BPR and sustainability BPR for our 2019 Annual Report. Further information on EPRA and the EPRA 

BPR can be found on their website www.epra.com. Details of our key EPRA metrics are shown in Table 68.  

EPRA performance measures 

Table 68 

Performance measure 

Earnings 

2020 

2019   Definition and commentary 

£15.9m 

£214.3m   Recurring earnings from core operational activities. In 2020, EPRA 

Page

118

earnings were £20.6 million lower (2019: £0.3 million higher) than the 

Group’s adjusted earnings due to the inclusion of ‘Company specific’ 

adjustments. For 2020, these principally related to the removal of the 

provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement of  

£12.0 million and earnings from VIA Outlets of £8.1 million following its 

reclassification at 30 June as an “asset held for sale” until its disposal  

in October. Management believes these adjustments better reflect the 

underlying earnings of the Group and are shown in note 11B of the  

financial statements. 

Earnings per share (EPS)1 

0.7p 

12.8p   EPRA earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue 

118

during the period. Due to the “Company specific” adjustments explained 

above, EPRA EPS is 0.9p lower than adjusted EPS (2019: no change).  

£0.94 

£1.35   Equity shareholders’ funds excluding the fair values of certain financial 

120

Net Reinvestment Value 

(NRV) per share1,2 

derivatives, deferred tax balances, and any associated goodwill. In addition, 

an allowance is made for potential purchasers’ costs payable in the event 

that the Group’s property portfolio, including premium outlets, were to 

be repurchased at market values. This total is then divided by the diluted 

number of shares in issue. 

Net Tangible Assets value 

(NTA) per share1,2,3 

£0.82 

£1.16   Equity shareholders’ funds excluding the fair values of certain financial 

120

derivatives, deferred tax balances which are expected to crystallise in the 

future, and goodwill balances, divided by the diluted number of shares 

Net Disposal Value (NDV)  

£0.78 

£1.07   Equity shareholders’ funds including the fair value of borrowings and 

per share1,2 

excluding goodwill balances, divided by the diluted number of shares 

Net Initial Yield (NIY) 

5.7% 

5.1%   Annual cash rents receivable, less head and equity rents and any  

non-recoverable property operating expenses, as a percentage of the 

gross market value of the property, including estimated purchasers’ 

costs, as provided by the Group’s external valuers. 

Topped-up NIY 

5.8% 

5.2%   EPRA NIY adjusted for the expiry of rent-free periods and future rent on 

in issue. 

in issue. 

signed leases. 

Vacancy rate 

5.7% 

2.8%   The estimated market rental value (ERV) of vacant space divided by the 

ERV of the lettable area. Occupancy is the inverse of vacancy. 

Cost ratio (incl. net service 

charge expenses – vacancy) 

54.9% 

25.7%   Total operating costs as a percentage of gross rental income, after rents 

payable. Both operating costs and gross rental income are adjusted for costs 

51.7% 

23.3%   Calculated as per the above metric, except this metric excludes net service 

158

associated with inclusive leases.  

charges in relation to vacancy. 

120

160

160

155

158

Cost ratio (excl. net service 

charge expenses – vacancy) 

Sustainability (LFL annual change)4 

Electricity  

Fuels 

GHG Indirect 

-16% 

-25% 

-31% 

-28% 

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Direct 

-11%   Greenhouse gas emissions emitted from onsite combustion of energy. 

-12%   Annual electricity consumption of the EPRA like-for-like portfolio.  

-15%   Annual gas consumption of the EPRA like-for-like portfolio.  

-13%   Annual greenhouse gas emissions emitted from offsite combustion 

(purchased electricity and heat). 

1.  2019 per share metric restated for rights issue. 

2.  From 1 January 2020, three new net asset value metrics replaced EPRA NAV and NNNAV. For comparison purposes, the new metrics and previously reported metrics for 

the current and comparative reporting periods are disclosed in note 11E on pages 120 to 121. 

3.  The Group has chosen to exclude 50% of deferred tax balances when calculating NTA in accordance with EPRA guidance. 

4.  Further details of the Group’s Positive Places sustainability strategy can be found on our website www.hammerson.com. 

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

Portfolio analysis 

Rental information 
Table 69 

Rental data for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 

Gross rental
income
£m

Net rental
income
£m

Average 
rents 
passing1
£/m 

Rents   
passing2  
£m   

Estimated
rental value 
(ERV)3
£m 

Reversion/
(over-rented)
%

UK 
France 
Ireland 
Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 

UK other 

Investment portfolio 

Developments4 

Property portfolio  

Data for the year ended 31 December 2019 
UK 
France 
Ireland 

Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 
UK other 

Investment portfolio  
Developments4 

Property portfolio 

128.0
63.1
37.7

228.8

35.4

9.7

273.9

13.0

286.9

158.2
82.1
41.8

282.1

52.5
11.3

345.9
15.1

361.0

53.7

47.8
26.4

127.9

19.8

3.8

151.5

6.1

157.6

130.7
72.0
38.0

240.7

49.1
8.2

298.0
10.5

308.5

395
490
485

435

200

120

365

490
455
500

480

220
150

405

128.2 
58.6 
38.8 

225.6 

35.2 

8.9 

269.7 

145.9 
60.2 
39.6 

245.7 

44.5 
10.6 

300.8 

132.4
62.9
39.0

234.3

35.4

10.0

279.7

154.5
65.1
42.2

261.8

42.5
12.0

316.3

(2.5)
2.1
(1.0)

(1.0)

(6.5)

1.3

(1.6)

3.0
4.9
6.3

4.0

(7.5)
3.8

2.4

1.  Average rents passing at the year end before deducting head and equity rents and excluding rents passing from anchor units and car parks. 
2.  Passing rents is the annual rental income receivable from an investment property, after any rent-free periods and after deducting head and equity rents and car parking 

and commercialisation running costs. 

3.  The estimated market rental value at the year end calculated by the Group’s valuers. ERVs in the above table are included within the unobservable inputs to the 

portfolio valuations as defined by IFRS 13. This information has been subject to audit. The total ERV for the Reported Group at 31 December 2020 was £125.3 million 
(2019: £141.3 million). 

4.  Rental income for developments is principally in relation to the Whitgift Centre, Croydon, Dublin Central and ancillary properties associated with land holdings in 

Dublin and Leeds. 

Vacancy  
Table 70 

Vacancy data as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 

ERV of vacant 
space
£m

Total ERV for
 vacancy1
£m

Vacancy
rate
% 

ERV of vacant  
space 
£m 

Total ERV for
 vacancy1
£m

31 December 
2020
£m

UK 

France 
Ireland 
Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 

UK other 

7.6

3.0

0.6

11.2

2.5

0.9

111.9

64.3

35.1

211.3

35.8

9.8

6.8

4.7

1.8

5.3

7.0

9.0

4.0 

2.0 

0.1 

6.1 

1.1 

0.9 

134.4

66.2

38.5

239.1

42.9

11.6

Investment portfolio 
1.  Total ERV differs from Table 69 due to the exclusion of car park ERV, which distorts the vacancy metric, and the inclusion of head and equity rents. 

256.9

14.6

8.1 

5.7

54.5

31 December 
2019
£m

Vacancy
rate
% 

3.0

3.0

0.4

2.5

2.7

7.5

2.8

154 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 

155 
www.hammerson.com 155

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  
Unaudited 

Rent reviews 
Table 71 

Rent reviews as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated  
excluding premium outlets 
UK 
Ireland 

Outstanding 
£m 
19.4 
16.6 

Rents passing subject to review in1
Total
£m
56.5
27.3

2023
£m
10.9
3.6

2022
£m
12.9
3.0

2021
£m
13.3
4.1

Outstanding 
£m
19.8
18.4

Current ERV of leases subject to review in2
Total
£m
57.8
29.5

2021 
£m 
13.4 
4.3 

2022
£m
13.0
3.2

2023
£m
11.6
3.6

Flagship destinations 

36.0 

17.4

15.9

14.5

83.8

38.2

17.7 

16.2

15.2

87.3

UK retail parks 
UK other 
Investment portfolio3 
1.  The amount of rental income, based on rents passing at 31 December 2020, for leases which are subject to review in each year. 
2.  Projected rental income for leases that are subject to review in each year, based on the higher of the current rental income and the ERV at 31 December 2020.  
3.  Leases in France are not subject to rent reviews but are adjusted annually based on French indexation indices. 

19.3
3.8

4.1 
0.6 

8.4 
1.8 

4.1
0.6

4.1
0.6

4.1
0.6

2.7
0.8

8.5
1.9

106.9

46.2 

22.4 

20.9

20.6

48.6

18.0

22.1

2.8
0.8

18.8

19.5
3.9

110.7

Lease expiries and breaks 
Table 72 

Lease expiries and breaks as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated 
excluding premium outlets 
UK 
France 
Ireland 

Outstanding 
£m 
9.0 
5.7 
1.5 

Rents passing that expire/break in1
Total
£m
57.2
16.5
9.2

2021 
£m 
15.2 
1.7 
3.8 

2022 
£m 
16.0 
2.5 
1.8 

2023
£m
17.0
6.6
2.1

Outstanding 
£m
9.9
5.2
2.0

ERV of leases that expire/break in2
Total
£m
52.7
15.9
10.1

2023 
£m 
14.2 
6.3 
1.9 

2022
£m
13.7
2.2
2.1

2021
£m
14.9
2.2
4.1

Weighted average 
unexpired
 lease term
to expiry 
years
11.8
4.3
8.7

to break 
years
5.9
2.1
6.4

Flagship destinations 

16.2 

20.7  20.3  25.7

82.9

17.1

21.2

18.0

22.4 

78.7

4.9

9.0

UK retail parks 
UK other 

2.6 
1.2 

3.6 
1.9 

3.0 
1.2 

1.7
0.5

Investment portfolio 

20.0 

26.2  24.5  27.9

10.9
4.8

98.6

2.1
1.3

3.4
1.8

2.6
1.1

1.8 
0.4 

9.9
4.6

20.5

26.4

21.7

24.6 

93.2

5.8
6.9

5.1

7.2
9.1

8.8

1.  The amount of rental income, based on rents passing at 31 December 2020, for leases which expire or, for the UK and Ireland only, are subject to tenant break options, 

which fall due in each year.  

2.  The ERV at 31 December 2020 for leases that expire or, for the UK and Ireland only, are subject to tenant break options which fall due in each year and ignoring the impact 

of rental growth and any rent-free periods. 

156 
156

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  

Unaudited 

Rent reviews 

Table 71 

Rent reviews as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated  

excluding premium outlets 

UK 

Ireland 

Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 

UK other 

Investment portfolio3 

Outstanding 

Outstanding 

Rents passing subject to review in1

Current ERV of leases subject to review in2

£m 

19.4 

16.6 

36.0 

8.4 

1.8 

2021

£m

13.3

4.1

17.4

4.1

0.6

2022

£m

12.9

3.0

15.9

4.1

0.6

2023

£m

10.9

3.6

14.5

2.7

0.8

Total

£m

56.5

27.3

83.8

19.3

3.8

£m

19.8

18.4

38.2

8.5

1.9

2021 

£m 

13.4 

4.3 

17.7 

4.1 

0.6 

2022

£m

13.0

3.2

16.2

4.1

0.6

2023

£m

11.6

3.6

15.2

2.8

0.8

Total

£m

57.8

29.5

87.3

19.5

3.9

46.2 

22.1

20.6

18.0

106.9

48.6

22.4 

20.9

18.8

110.7

1.  The amount of rental income, based on rents passing at 31 December 2020, for leases which are subject to review in each year. 

2.  Projected rental income for leases that are subject to review in each year, based on the higher of the current rental income and the ERV at 31 December 2020.  

3.  Leases in France are not subject to rent reviews but are adjusted annually based on French indexation indices. 

Lease expiries and breaks 

Table 72 

Lease expiries and breaks as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated 

excluding premium outlets 

Outstanding 

Outstanding 

Rents passing that expire/break in1

ERV of leases that expire/break in2

£m 

9.0 

5.7 

1.5 

2021 

£m 

15.2 

1.7 

3.8 

2022 

£m 

16.0 

2.5 

1.8 

2023

£m

17.0

6.6

2.1

2021

£m

14.9

2.2

4.1

2022

£m

13.7

2.2

2.1

2023 

£m 

14.2 

6.3 

1.9 

52.7

15.9

10.1

UK 

France 

Ireland 

Flagship destinations 

16.2 

20.7  20.3  25.7

82.9

17.1

21.2

18.0

22.4 

78.7

UK retail parks 

UK other 

2.6 

1.2 

3.6 

1.9 

3.0 

1.2 

1.7

0.5

3.4

1.8

2.6

1.1

1.8 

0.4 

9.9

4.6

Investment portfolio 

20.0 

26.2  24.5  27.9

20.5

26.4

21.7

24.6 

93.2

1.  The amount of rental income, based on rents passing at 31 December 2020, for leases which expire or, for the UK and Ireland only, are subject to tenant break options, 

2.  The ERV at 31 December 2020 for leases that expire or, for the UK and Ireland only, are subject to tenant break options which fall due in each year and ignoring the impact 

which fall due in each year.  

of rental growth and any rent-free periods. 

Total

£m

57.2

16.5

9.2

10.9

4.8

98.6

£m

9.9

5.2

2.0

2.1

1.3

Weighted average 

unexpired

 lease term

Total

to break 

to expiry 

£m

years

years

5.9

2.1

6.4

4.9

5.8

6.9

5.1

11.8

4.3

8.7

9.0

7.2

9.1

8.8

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

Net rental income 
Table 73 

Like-for-like net rental income (NRI) is calculated as the percentage change in NRI for investment properties owned throughout both the 
current and prior year, after taking account of exchange translation movements.  Properties undergoing a significant extension project are 
excluded from this calculation during the period of the works.  

Net rental income for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 
UK 

France 

Ireland 

Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 

UK other 

Property portfolio1,2 

Net rental income for the year ended 31 December 2019 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 
UK 
France 

Ireland 

Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 

UK other 

Properties 
owned 
throughout 
2019/20
£m

63.7

34.6
26.8

125.1

21.1

–

Decrease for 
properties 
owned 
throughout 
2019/20
% 
(51.3)

(18.1)

(30.3)

(40.8)

(41.7)

– 

146.2

(41.0)

Properties 
owned 
throughout 
2019/20
£m
130.7

42.3
38.5

211.5

36.1

–

Exchange
£m 
– 
(1.0)

(0.5)

(1.5)

– 

– 

Property portfolio1,2 
247.6
1.  The above portfolios include both investment and development properties for each sector/segment. 
2.  The Property portfolio value on which LFL growth is based was £3,541.5 million as at 31 December 2020 (2019:£4,619.8 million). 
3.  Includes impairment of income in advance of £12.0 million in 2020 (2019:£nil). 

(1.5)

Disposals 
£m 
– 

Developments
and other3
£m
(10.0)

(0.7)

– 

(0.7)

0.2 

– 

(0.5)

Disposals 
£m 
– 

16.0 

– 

16.0 

13.0 

– 

29.0 

14.9

1.8

6.7

(1.5)

6.7

11.9

Developments
and other
£m
–
15.9

3.4

19.3

–

14.1

33.4

Total 
£m
53.7

48.8

28.6

131.1

19.8

6.7

157.6

Total 
£m
130.7
73.2

41.4

245.3

49.1

14.1

308.5

156 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 

157 
www.hammerson.com 157

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  
Unaudited 

Top ten tenants 
Table 74 

Ranked by passing rent at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets 
Inditex 
H&M 
Next 
Marks & Spencer 
Frasers Group 
Boots 
TK Maxx 
JD Sports 
CK Hutchison Holdings  
River Island Clothing Company 

Total 

Cost ratio 
Table 75 

EPRA cost ratio 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 
Net service charge expenses – non-vacancy 
Net service charge expenses – vacancy (A) 
Net service charge expenses – total 
Other property outgoings 
Less inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 

Total property costs  
Employee and corporate costs 
Management fees receivable 

Total operating costs (B) 

Gross rental income 
Ground and equity rents payable 
Less inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 

Gross rental income (C) 

Passing rent
£m
8.8
8.3
7.0
5.9
5.4
5.3
4.5
3.8
3.7
3.6

% of total
passing rent
3.3
3.1
2.6
2.2
2.0
2.0
1.7
1.4
1.4
1.3

56.3

21.0

Year ended 
31 December 
2020
£m
7.1
8.9
16.0
99.0
(6.4)
108.6
52.6
(8.5)
152.7

Year ended
31 December 
2019
£m
8.0
8.5
16.5
32.8
(7.6)
41.7
57.2
(8.9)
90.0

286.9
(2.3)
(6.4)
278.2

361.0
(3.2)
(7.6)
350.2

EPRA cost ratio including net service charge expenses – vacancy (%) – (B/C) 

EPRA cost ratio excluding net service charge expenses – vacancy (%) – ((B-A)/C) 

54.9

51.7

25.7

23.3

Our business model for developments is to use a combination of in-house resource and external advisors. The cost of external advisors is 
capitalised to the cost of developments. The cost of staff working on developments is generally expensed, but capitalised subject to meeting 
certain criteria related to the degree of time spent on and the stage of progress of specific projects. During the year ended 31 December 2020, 
staff costs of £2.2 million (2019: £1.8 million) were capitalised as development costs and are not included within ‘Employee and corporate costs’. 

158 
158

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  

Unaudited 

Top ten tenants 

Table 74 

Ranked by passing rent at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated, excluding premium outlets 

Inditex 

H&M 

Next 

Marks & Spencer 

Frasers Group 

Boots 

TK Maxx 

JD Sports 

CK Hutchison Holdings  

River Island Clothing Company 

Total 

Cost ratio 

Table 75 

EPRA cost ratio 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 

Net service charge expenses – non-vacancy 

Net service charge expenses – vacancy (A) 

Net service charge expenses – total 

Other property outgoings 

Less inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 

Total property costs  

Employee and corporate costs 

Management fees receivable 

Total operating costs (B) 

Gross rental income 

Ground and equity rents payable 

Less inclusive lease costs recovered through rent 

Gross rental income (C) 

Passing rent

% of total

£m

passing rent

56.3

21.0

Year ended 

31 December 

Year ended

31 December 

8.8

8.3

7.0

5.9

5.4

5.3

4.5

3.8

3.7

3.6

2020

£m

7.1

8.9

16.0

99.0

(6.4)

108.6

52.6

(8.5)

152.7

286.9

(2.3)

(6.4)

278.2

3.3

3.1

2.6

2.2

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.4

1.4

1.3

2019

£m

8.0

8.5

16.5

32.8

(7.6)

41.7

57.2

(8.9)

90.0

361.0

(3.2)

(7.6)

350.2

Valuation analysis 
Table 76 

Valuation analysis at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated including premium outlets 
UK 
France 
Ireland 

Flagship destinations 
UK retail parks3 
UK other 

Investment portfolio 

Developments 

Property portfolio – 
excluding premium outlets 
Premium outlets4 
Total Group5 

Data for the year ended 31 December 2019 
UK 
France 
Ireland 

Flagship destinations 

UK retail parks 
UK other 

Investment portfolio 

Developments 

Properties 
at valuation1 
£m 
1,511.2
1,146.9
757.1

Revaluation 
in the year
£m
(838.6)
(202.7)
(158.0)

3,415.2

(1,199.3)

384.0
106.2

(121.6)
(27.8)

3,905.4

(1,348.7)

508.4

(159.3)

4,413.8

1,924.2

(1,508.0)

(157.3)

6,338.0

(1,665.3)

2,351.3
1,269.0
860.0

4,480.3

453.3
134.5

5,068.1

599.6

(581.8)
(130.6)
(71.6)

(784.0)

(124.9)
(41.2)

(950.1)

(77.9)

Capital 
return
%
(35.8)
(15.3)
(17.5)

(26.2)

(23.3)
(19.8)

(25.8)

(24.2)

(25.6)

(10.0)

(20.9)

(19.9)
(10.2)
(7.5)

(14.8)

(19.5)
(23.6)

(15.6)

(10.7)

Total 
return
%
(33.7)
(11.9)
(14.8)

(23.6)

(19.5)
(16.8)

(23.1)

(23.3)

(23.1)

(7.5)

(18.3)

(15.8)
(6.5)
(3.6)

(10.8)

(14.0)
(19.3)

(11.5)

(9.2)

Initial  
yield 
% 
6.6 
4.4 
4.6 

5.4 

7.9 
6.2 

5.7 

5.5 
4.1 
4.1 

4.8 

7.3 
7.4 

5.1 

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

True 
equivalent 
yield
%
7.6
5.0
5.2

Nominal
equivalent 
yield2
% 
7.3
4.9
5.0

6.2

8.8
9.6

6.5

6.2
4.7
4.7

5.5

7.6
9.4

5.8

6.0

8.3
9.0

6.3

6.0
4.6
4.6

5.3

7.3
8.8

5.6

Property portfolio – 
excluding premium outlets 
Premium outlets4 
Total Group5 
1.  Includes impairment of £91.6 million at 31 December 2019, following reclassification of the UK retail parks to assets held for sale.   Valuation movements, returns and 

(1,028.0)

8,326.8

5,667.7

(828.2)

2,659.1

(15.8)

(11.9)

199.8

(9.8)

(5.6)

13.6

8.2

EPRA cost ratio including net service charge expenses – vacancy (%) – (B/C) 

EPRA cost ratio excluding net service charge expenses – vacancy (%) – ((B-A)/C) 

54.9

51.7

25.7

23.3

Our business model for developments is to use a combination of in-house resource and external advisors. The cost of external advisors is 

capitalised to the cost of developments. The cost of staff working on developments is generally expensed, but capitalised subject to meeting 

certain criteria related to the degree of time spent on and the stage of progress of specific projects. During the year ended 31 December 2020, 

staff costs of £2.2 million (2019: £1.8 million) were capitalised as development costs and are not included within ‘Employee and corporate costs’. 

yields for 2019 have been calculated excluding this impairment loss. 

2.  Nominal equivalent yields are included within the unobservable inputs to the portfolio valuations as defined by IFRS 13. This information has been subject to audit. 

The nominal equivalent yield for the Reported Group at 31 December 2020 was 6.3% (2019: 5.8%). 

3.  Revaluation in the year includes £69.2 million relating to the impairment recognised following reclassification of the UK retail parks to assets held for sale of £91.6 million 

and its subsequent reversal, totalling £22.4 million, in 2020, consistent with the basis upon which returns and yields have been calculated.  

4.  Represents the Group’s share of premium outlets through its investments in Value Retail and VIA Outlets. Substantially all of the Group’s investment in VIA Outlets was 

sold on 31 October 2020.  

5.  Further analysis of capital expenditure between Reported Group and Share of Property interests is included in note 3B on page 112. 

158 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 

159 
www.hammerson.com 159

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  
Unaudited 

EPRA Net Initial Yield (NIY) 
Table 77 

Investment portfolio as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 
Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets – wholly owned 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets – share of property interests 
Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets – assets held for sale/discontinued operations 

Net investment portfolio valuation on a proportionally consolidated basis 
Less: Developments 

Completed investment portfolio 
Add: Impairment recognised on reclassification to held for sale 
Purchasers’ costs1 

Grossed up completed investment portfolio (A) 

Annualised cash passing rental income  
Non recoverable costs 
Rents payable 

Annualised net rent (B) 
Add: 
Notional rent expiration of rent free periods2 
Future rent on signed leases 

Topped-up annualised net rent (C) 
Add back: Non recoverable costs 

Passing rents3 

EPRA net initial yield (B/A) 

EPRA ‘topped-up’ net initial yield (C/A) 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Table 69 

Table 76 

2020
£m

2,152.8

2,261.0
–

4,413.8
(508.4)

3,905.4
–
272.1

4,177.5

269.7
(26.1)
(4.5)

239.1

3.0
1.5

243.6

26.1

269.7

5.7%

5.8%

2019
£m
2,098.7

3,112.5
456.5
5,667.7
(599.6)
5,068.1
92.0
353.7
5,513.8

299.5
(11.6)
(4.5)
283.4

4.8
1.0
289.2
11.6

300.8

5.1%

5.2%

1.  Purchasers’ costs equate to 7.0% (2019: 6.9%) of the net portfolio value prior to impairment. 
2.  The weighted average remaining rent-free period is 0.5 years (2019:0.4 years) 
3.  Passing rents are the annual rental income receivable from an investment property, after any rent-free periods and after deducting head and equity rents and car parking 

and commercialisation running costs. 

EPRA – capital expenditure 
Table 78 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 
Acquisitions 

Developments 
Capital expenditure – creating area 
Capital expenditure – no additional area 
Tenant incentives 

Total capital expenditure 
Conversion from accruals to cash basis 

Total capital expenditure on cash basis (Table 86) 

Reported
Group
£m
–

2020

Share of
Property
interests
£m
–

Proportionally
consolidated
£m
–

44
10
8
(10)
52
16
68

3

7
10
(5)
15
–
15

47
17
18
(15)
67
16
83

Reported 
Group 
£m 
1 

48 
13 
14 
3 
79 
2 
81 

Share of
Property
 interests
£m
–

2019

Proportionally
 consolidated
£m
1

3
3
10
3
19
10
29

51
16
24
6
98
12
110

Further analysis of capital expenditure between the creation of additional area and the creation of value through enhancement of existing space is provided in the Property 
portfolio review on page 22. 

160 
160

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  

Unaudited 

Table 77 

EPRA Net Initial Yield (NIY) 

Investment portfolio as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets – wholly owned 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets – share of property interests 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets – assets held for sale/discontinued operations 

Net investment portfolio valuation on a proportionally consolidated basis 

Less: Developments 

Completed investment portfolio 

Add: Impairment recognised on reclassification to held for sale 

Purchasers’ costs1 

Grossed up completed investment portfolio (A) 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Note 3B 

Table 69 

Table 76 

2020

£m

2,152.8

2,261.0

4,413.8

(508.4)

3,905.4

–

–

272.1

4,177.5

269.7

(26.1)

(4.5)

239.1

3.0

1.5

243.6

26.1

269.7

5.7%

5.8%

2019

£m

2,098.7

3,112.5

456.5

5,667.7

(599.6)

5,068.1

92.0

353.7

5,513.8

299.5

(11.6)

(4.5)

283.4

4.8

1.0

289.2

11.6

300.8

5.1%

5.2%

Annualised cash passing rental income  

Non recoverable costs 

Rents payable 

Annualised net rent (B) 

Add: 

Notional rent expiration of rent free periods2 

Future rent on signed leases 

Topped-up annualised net rent (C) 

Add back: Non recoverable costs 

Passing rents3 

EPRA net initial yield (B/A) 

EPRA ‘topped-up’ net initial yield (C/A) 

and commercialisation running costs. 

EPRA – capital expenditure 

Table 78 

Proportionally consolidated excluding premium outlets 

Acquisitions 

Developments 

Capital expenditure – creating area 

Capital expenditure – no additional area 

Tenant incentives 

Total capital expenditure 

Conversion from accruals to cash basis 

1.  Purchasers’ costs equate to 7.0% (2019: 6.9%) of the net portfolio value prior to impairment. 

2.  The weighted average remaining rent-free period is 0.5 years (2019:0.4 years) 

3.  Passing rents are the annual rental income receivable from an investment property, after any rent-free periods and after deducting head and equity rents and car parking 

Share of

2020

Reported

Group

Property

Proportionally

interests

consolidated

Reported 

Group 

2019

Proportionally

 consolidated

Share of

Property

 interests

£m

£m

–

44

10

8

52

16

68

(10)

£m

–

3

7

10

(5)

15

–

15

£m

–

47

17

18

67

16

83

(15)

£m 

1 

48 

13 

14 

3 

79 

2 

81 

–

3

3

10

3

19

10

29

£m

1

51

16

24

6

98

12

110

Total capital expenditure on cash basis (Table 86) 

portfolio review on page 22. 

Further analysis of capital expenditure between the creation of additional area and the creation of value through enhancement of existing space is provided in the Property 

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

Share of Property interests 

The Group’s Share of Property interests reflects the Group’s Property joint ventures as shown in note 13 to the financial statements on pages 
123 to 128 and the Group’s interests in Italie Deux and Nicetoile, which are accounted for as associates, as shown in note 14 to the financial 
statements on pages 129 to 131. 

Income statement 
Table 79 

Gross rental income 

Net rental income 
Administration expenses 

Operating profit before other net losses 
Revaluation losses on properties 

Operating loss 

Change in fair value of derivatives 
Other finance costs 

Net finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Current tax charge 

Loss for the year 

Balance sheet 
Table 80 

Non-current assets 
Investment and development properties 
Other non-current assets 

Current assets 
Other current assets 
Cash and deposits 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Loans - secured 
Other payables 

Non-current liabilities 
Loans - secured 
Derivative financial instruments 
Obligations under head leases 
Other payables 
Deferred tax 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Property 
joint 
ventures
£m 
148.4

77.1
(0.4)
76.7
(927.2)
(850.5)

(1.9)
(9.5)

(11.4)
(861.9)
(0.1)
(862.0)

Italie Deux
 and Nicetoile
£m
7.0

5.6
–
5.6
(18.1)
(12.5)

–
–

–
(12.5)
–
(12.5)

Property 
joint
 ventures
£m 

Italie Deux 
and Nicetoile
£m

2,122.8
18.1

2,140.9

99.7

87.8

187.5
2,328.4

(49.5)
(76.6)

(126.1)

(357.6)
(5.9)
(15.8)
(9.3)
(0.1)
(388.7)
(514.8)

138.2
–

138.2

4.6
5.7

10.3
148.5

–
(3.4)

(3.4)

–
–
–
(0.8)
–
(0.8)
(4.2)

2020

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
155.4

82.7
(0.4)
82.3
(945.3)
(863.0)

(1.9)
(9.5)

(11.4)
(874.4)
(0.1)
(874.5)

2020
Share of 
Property 
interests
£m

2,261.0
18.1

2,279.1

104.3
93.5

197.8
2,476.9

(49.5)
(80.0)

(129.5)

(357.6)
(5.9)
(15.8)
(10.1)
(0.1)
(389.5)
(519.0)

Property  
joint 
ventures
£m 
177.1 

148.1 
(0.5)
147.6 
(598.9)
(451.7)

(2.6)
(8.8)

(11.4)
(463.1)
(0.3)
(463.4)

Italie Deux
 and Nicetoile
£m
1.8

1.6
–
1.6
(2.8)
(1.2)

–
–

–
(1.2)
–
(1.2)

Property  
joint 
 ventures 
£m  

Italie Deux 
and Nicetoile
£m

2,964.6 
18.2 

2,982.8 

78.0 
65.3 

143.3 
3,126.1 

– 
(69.0)

(69.0)

(391.9)
(3.9)
(15.8)
(7.3)
(0.1)
(419.0)
(488.0)

147.9
– 

147.9

1.2
2.3

3.5
151.4

–
(1.0)

(1.0)

–
–
–
(1.2)
–
(1.2)
(2.2)

2019

Share of
Property
 interests
£m
178.9

149.7
(0.5)
149.2
(602.1)
(452.9)

(2.6)
(8.8)

(11.4)
(464.3)
(0.3)
(464.6)

2019
Share of 
Property 
interests
£m

3,112.5
18.2

3,130.7

79.2
67.6

146.8
3,277.5

–
(70.0)

(70.0)

(391.9)
(3.9)
(15.8)
(8.5)
(0.1)
(420.2)
(490.2)

1,813.6

144.3

1,957.9

2,638.1 

149.2

2,787.3

160 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

www.hammerson.com 

161 
www.hammerson.com 161

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  
Unaudited 

Premium outlets 

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s investment in premium outlets is through its interest in Value Retail, following the disposal of substantially 
all of its investment in VIA Outlets on 31 October 2020.  The Group’s adjusted earnings from VIA Outlets for the year ended 31 December 2020 
comprise it share of adjusted earnings up to 30 June 2020, when the investment was reclassified to assets held for sale, and separately its share 
of results from 1 July 2020 to the sale date of 31 October 2020.  Refer to note 18 to the financial statements for further details. 

Due to the nature of the Group’s control over these externally managed investments, Value Retail is accounted for as an associate and VIA 
Outlets was accounted for as a joint venture. Tables 81 and 82 provide analysis of the impact of the two premium outlet investments on the 
Group’s financial statements. Further information on Value Retail is provided in note 14 to the financial statements on pages 129 to 131 and for 
VIA Outlets in note 13 to the financial statements on pages 123 to 128. 

Income statement 
Table 81 

Aggregated premium outlets income summary 

Gross rental income 
Net rental income 
Administration expenses 
Operating profit before other net (losses)/gains 
Revaluation (losses)/gains on properties 
Operating (loss)/profit 

Change in fair value of derivatives 
Change in fair value of participative loans 
Other net finance costs 

(Loss)/Profit before tax 
Current tax charge 
Deferred tax credit/(charge) 
Share of results (IFRS) 
Less earnings adjustments: (note 11B) 
Revaluation (losses)/gains on properties  
Change in fair value of derivatives 
Change in fair value of financial assets 
Deferred tax (credit)/charge 
Other adjustments 

Adjusted (losses)/earnings of premium outlets 

Balance sheet 
Table 82 

Value
Retail 
£m
71.7
45.7
(33.9)
11.8
(126.6)
(114.8)

3.0
(16.5)
(19.4)

(147.7)
(0.7)
12.6
(135.8)

126.6
(3.0)
0.1
(12.6)
17.6

128.7
(7.1)

VIA 
Outlets
£m
20.0
12.9
(3.3)
9.6
(30.7)
(21.1)

(0.1)
–
(5.1)

(26.3)
0.9
4.7
(20.7)

30.7
0.1
–
(4.7)
0.5

26.6
5.9

AHFS – VIA 
Outlets
£m
14.7
13.2
(2.0)
11.2
–
11.2

0.2
–
(3.7)

7.7
(0.6)
–
7.1

–
(0.2)
–
–
1.2

1.0
8.1

2020

Total
£m
106.4
71.8
(39.2)
32.6
(157.3)
(124.7)

3.1
(16.5)
(28.2)

(166.3)
(0.4)
17.3
(149.4)

157.3
(3.1)
0.1
(17.3)
19.3

156.3
6.9

Value 
 Retail 
£m 
135.7 
95.1 
(44.4)
50.7 
170.7 
221.4 

(28.5)
39.6 
(21.0)

211.5 
(3.3)
2.4 
210.6 

(170.7)
28.5 
(0.3)
(2.4)
(34.5)

(179.4)
31.2 

VIA
Outlets
£m
45.6
31.8
(6.5)
25.3
29.1
54.4

(0.9)
–
(7.9)

45.6
(2.5)
(8.8)
34.3

(29.1)
0.9
–
8.8
(0.3)

(19.7)
14.6

Aggregated premium outlets investment summary 

Investment properties 
Net debt2 
Other net assets/(liabilities) 
Share of net assets (IFRS) 
Less adjustments: (note 11E) 

Fair value of derivatives 
Deferred tax (50%) 
Goodwill as a result of deferred tax 

Adjusted investment 

2020
Value
Retail1 
£m

1,924.2
(689.3)
(80.8)

1,154.1

17.7
98.7
–
116.4
1,270.5

Value 
Retail 
£m 
1,965.6 
(658.2)
47.9 
1,355.3 

12.7 
100.5 
(63.2)

50.0 
1,405.3 

VIA
 Outlets
£m
693.5
(239.0)
(75.5)
379.0

4.0
34.6
(7.4)

31.2
410.2

2019

Total
£m
181.3
126.9
(50.9)
76.0
199.8
275.8

(29.4)
39.6
(28.9)

257.1
(5.8)
(6.4)
244.9

(199.8)
29.4
(0.3)
6.4
(34.8)

(199.1)
45.8

2019

Total
£m
2,659.1
(897.2)
(27.6)
1,734.3

16.7
135.1
(70.6)

81.2
1,815.5

1.  On 31 October 2020, the Group disposed of substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets. The residual investment in Zweibrücken B.V. was transferred to other 

investments and is excluded from the analysis above. 

2.  The £239.0 million of VIA net debt at 31 December 2019, comprises £237.5 million relating to loans and cash and £1.5 million included in other payables relating to 

currency swaps. 

In addition to the above figures, at 31 December 2020 the Group had provided loans of £1.8 million (2019: £1.7 million) to Value Retail for which 
the Group received interest of £0.1 million in 2020 (2019: £0.1 million) which is included within finance income in note 8 to the financial 
statements on page 115. 

162 
162

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  

Unaudited 

Premium outlets 

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s investment in premium outlets is through its interest in Value Retail, following the disposal of substantially 

all of its investment in VIA Outlets on 31 October 2020.  The Group’s adjusted earnings from VIA Outlets for the year ended 31 December 2020 

comprise it share of adjusted earnings up to 30 June 2020, when the investment was reclassified to assets held for sale, and separately its share 

of results from 1 July 2020 to the sale date of 31 October 2020.  Refer to note 18 to the financial statements for further details. 

Due to the nature of the Group’s control over these externally managed investments, Value Retail is accounted for as an associate and VIA 

Outlets was accounted for as a joint venture. Tables 81 and 82 provide analysis of the impact of the two premium outlet investments on the 

Group’s financial statements. Further information on Value Retail is provided in note 14 to the financial statements on pages 129 to 131 and for 

VIA Outlets in note 13 to the financial statements on pages 123 to 128. 

VIA 

AHFS – VIA 

Outlets

£m

Value

Retail 

£m

71.7

45.7

(33.9)

11.8

(126.6)

(114.8)

3.0

(16.5)

(19.4)

(147.7)

(0.7)

12.6

126.6

(3.0)

0.1

(12.6)

17.6

128.7

(7.1)

Outlets

£m

20.0

12.9

(3.3)

9.6

(30.7)

(21.1)

(0.1)

–

(5.1)

(26.3)

0.9

4.7

30.7

0.1

–

(4.7)

0.5

26.6

5.9

(135.8)

(20.7)

2020

Total

£m

106.4

71.8

(39.2)

32.6

(157.3)

(124.7)

3.1

(16.5)

(28.2)

(166.3)

(0.4)

17.3

(149.4)

157.3

(3.1)

0.1

(17.3)

19.3

156.3

6.9

14.7

13.2

(2.0)

11.2

11.2

0.2

–

–

(3.7)

7.7

(0.6)

–

7.1

(0.2)

–

–

–

1.2

1.0

8.1

Value 

 Retail 

£m 

135.7 

95.1 

(44.4)

50.7 

170.7 

221.4 

(28.5)

39.6 

(21.0)

211.5 

(3.3)

2.4 

210.6 

28.5 

(0.3)

(2.4)

(34.5)

(179.4)

31.2 

VIA

Outlets

£m

45.6

31.8

(6.5)

25.3

29.1

54.4

(0.9)

–

(7.9)

45.6

(2.5)

(8.8)

34.3

0.9

–

8.8

(0.3)

(19.7)

14.6

2019

Total

£m

181.3

126.9

(50.9)

76.0

199.8

275.8

(29.4)

39.6

(28.9)

257.1

(5.8)

(6.4)

244.9

29.4

(0.3)

6.4

(34.8)

(199.1)

45.8

(170.7)

(29.1)

(199.8)

Gross rental income 

Net rental income 

Administration expenses 

Operating profit before other net (losses)/gains 

Revaluation (losses)/gains on properties 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Change in fair value of participative loans 

Other net finance costs 

(Loss)/Profit before tax 

Current tax charge 

Deferred tax credit/(charge) 

Share of results (IFRS) 

Less earnings adjustments: (note 11B) 

Revaluation (losses)/gains on properties  

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Change in fair value of financial assets 

Deferred tax (credit)/charge 

Other adjustments 

Adjusted (losses)/earnings of premium outlets 

Balance sheet 

Table 82 

Aggregated premium outlets investment summary 

Investment properties 

Net debt2 

Other net assets/(liabilities) 

Share of net assets (IFRS) 

Less adjustments: (note 11E) 

Fair value of derivatives 

Deferred tax (50%) 

Goodwill as a result of deferred tax 

Adjusted investment 

2020

Value

Retail1 

£m

1,924.2

(689.3)

(80.8)

1,154.1

17.7

98.7

–

116.4

1,270.5

Value 

Retail 

£m 

1,965.6 

(658.2)

47.9 

1,355.3 

12.7 

100.5 

(63.2)

50.0 

VIA

 Outlets

£m

693.5

(239.0)

(75.5)

379.0

4.0

34.6

(7.4)

31.2

2019

Total

£m

2,659.1

(897.2)

(27.6)

1,734.3

16.7

135.1

(70.6)

81.2

1,405.3 

410.2

1,815.5

1.  On 31 October 2020, the Group disposed of substantially all of its investment in VIA Outlets. The residual investment in Zweibrücken B.V. was transferred to other 

2.  The £239.0 million of VIA net debt at 31 December 2019, comprises £237.5 million relating to loans and cash and £1.5 million included in other payables relating to 

investments and is excluded from the analysis above. 

currency swaps. 

In addition to the above figures, at 31 December 2020 the Group had provided loans of £1.8 million (2019: £1.7 million) to Value Retail for which 

the Group received interest of £0.1 million in 2020 (2019: £0.1 million) which is included within finance income in note 8 to the financial 

statements on page 115. 

162 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Income statement 

Table 81 

Balance sheet 
Table 83 

Aggregated premium outlets income summary 

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2020 

Proportionally consolidated information 

Note 2 to the financial statements on pages 108 to 110 shows the Group’s proportionally consolidated income statement. The Group’s 
proportionally consolidated balance sheet, adjusted finance costs and net debt are shown in Tables 83, 84 and 85 respectively. 

In each of the tables, column A represents the Reported Group figures as shown in the financial statements; column B shows the 
Group’s Share of Property interests being the Group’s Property joint ventures as shown in note 13 to the financial statements on pages 
123 to 128 and Italie Deux and Nicetoile as shown in note 14 to the financial statements on pages 129 to 131. Column C shows the Group’s 
proportionally consolidated figures by aggregating the Reported Group and Share of Property interests figures. As explained on page 25 
of the Financial review, the Group’s interests in premium outlets are not proportionally consolidated as management does not review these 
interests on this basis. 

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

Non-current assets 
Investment and development properties 
Interests in leasehold properties 
Right of use assets 
Plant and equipment 
Investment in joint ventures 
Investment in associates 
Other investments 
Derivative financial instruments 
Restricted monetary assets 
Receivables 

Current assets 
Receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Restricted monetary assets 

Cash and deposits 

Assets held for sale 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Loans 
Payables 
Tax 
Derivative financial instruments 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale 

Non-current liabilities 
Loans 
Deferred tax 
Derivative financial instruments 
Obligations under head leases 
Payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Reported 
Group
£m
A

2,152.8
38.6
6.7
2.3
1,813.6
1,298.4
9.7
6.6
21.4

3.4

5,353.5

105.9
9.1
28.3

409.5

552.8
–

552.8
5,906.3

(115.0)
(205.0)
(1.3)
(2.3)

(323.6)
–

(323.6)

(2,143.7)
(0.4)
(84.7)
(41.8)
(103.2)

(2,373.8)
(2,697.4)

3,208.9

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
B

2,261.0
15.5
–
–
(1,813.6)
(144.3)
–
–
–
2.6

2020

Proportionally
consolidated
£m
C

4,413.8
54.1
6.7
2.3
–
1,154.1
9.7
6.6
21.4

6.0

321.2

5,674.7

62.7
–

41.6

93.5

197.8
–

197.8
519.0

(49.5)
(80.0)
–
–

(129.5)
–

(129.5)

(357.6)
(0.1)
(5.9)
(15.8)
(10.1)

(389.5)
(519.0)

–

168.6
9.1
69.9

503.0

750.6
–

750.6
6,425.3

(164.5)
(285.0)
(1.3)
(2.3)

(453.1)
–

(453.1)

(2,501.3)
(0.5)
(90.6)
(57.6)
(113.3)

(2,763.3)
(3,216.4)

3,208.9

Reported  
Group 
£m 
A 

2,098.7 
34.3 
10.1 
3.2 
3,017.1 
1,504.5 
– 
31.6 
– 
3.4 

6,702.9 

96.3 
0.8 
21.5 

28.2 

146.8 
465.7 

612.5 
7,315.4 

– 
(193.5)
(1.5)
(4.1)

(199.1)
(19.7)

(218.8)

(2,504.9)
(0.4)
(70.7)
(36.9)
(106.5)
(2,719.4)
(2,938.2)

4,377.2 

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
B

3,112.5
15.6
–
–
(2,638.1)
(149.2)
–
–
–
2.6

2019

Proportionally
consolidated
£m
C

5,211.2
49.9
10.1
3.2
379.0
1,355.3
–
31.6
–
6.0

343.4

7,046.3

30.5
–
48.7

67.6

146.8
1.3

148.1
491.5

–
(70.0)
– 
– 

(70.0)
(1.3)

(71.3)

(391.9)
(0.1)
(3.9)
(15.8)
(8.5)
(420.2)
(491.5)

–

126.8
0.8
70.2

95.8

293.6
467.0

760.6
7,806.9

–
(263.5)
(1.5)
(4.1)

(269.1)
(21.0)

(290.1)

(2,896.8)
(0.5)
(74.6)
(52.7)
(115.0)
(3,139.6)
(3,429.7)

4,377.2

www.hammerson.com 

163 
www.hammerson.com 163

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional disclosures continued  
Unaudited 

Adjusted finance costs 
Table 84 

Adjusted finance costs for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Notes (see page 163) 
Gross finance costs 
Less: Interest capitalised 
Finance costs 
Finance income 

Adjusted finance costs 

Net debt 
Table 85 

Net debt as at 31 December 2020 

Notes (see page 163) 
Cash and deposits1 
Fair value of currency swaps 
Loans  

Net debt 

Reported 
Group
£m
A
100.5
(5.0)
95.5
(9.6)
85.9

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
B
9.7
–
9.7
(0.2)
9.5

2020

Total
£m
C
110.2
(5.0)
105.2
(9.8)
95.4

Reported  
Group 
£m 
A 
105.3 
(2.8)
102.5 
(21.5)
81.0 

Reported 
Group
£m
A
409.5
(71.3)
(2,258.7)
(1,920.5)

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
B
93.5
–
(407.1)
(313.6)

2020

Total
£m
C
503.0
(71.3)
(2,665.8)
(2,234.1)

Reported  
Group 
£m 
A 
29.8 
(43.1)
(2,504.9)
(2,518.2)

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
B
9.0
–
9.0
(0.2)
8.8

Share of 
Property 
interests
£m
B
67.6
–
(391.9)
(324.3)

2019

Total
£m
C
114.3
(2.8)
111.5
(21.7)
89.8

2019

Total
£m
C
97.4
(43.1)
(2,896.8)
(2,842.5)

1.  Included within net debt for the Reported Group at 31 December 2019 was £1.6 million of cash and deposits relating to assets held for sale. 

Movement in net debt 
Table 86 

Movement in net debt for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Opening net debt 
Operating profit before other net losses  
Increase in receivables and restricted monetary assets 
Decrease in payables 
Adjustment for non-cash items 

Cash generated from operations 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Tax paid 
Operating distributions received from Value Retail 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Acquisitions and capital expenditure 
Sale of properties 
Sale of investment in VIA Outlets 
Advances to VIA Outlets 
Funds from financing transferred from Value Retail 
Acquisition of interest in premium outlets 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Net proceeds from rights issue 
Purchase of own shares 
Proceeds from award of own shares 
Share buyback 
Equity dividends paid 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Exchange translation movement 

Closing net debt 

164 
164

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Year ended 
31 December 
2020
£m

(2,842.5)
113.5
(127.5)
(15.8)
82.1

Year ended
31 December 
2019
£m
(3,405.7)
260.2
(3.9)
(1.6)
9.9

52.3
18.2
(109.3)
(1.0)
5.9
(33.9)
(83.5)
56.4
272.0
(12.6)
–
–
232.3
531.7
(0.2)
0.2
–
(13.4)
518.3
(108.3)

264.6
20.6
(109.3)
(2.1)
24.3
198.1
(110.3)
536.1
–
(9.4)
5.5
(30.4)
391.5
–
(1.8)
0.2
(1.5)
(198.9)
(202.0)
175.6

(2,234.1)

(2,842.5)

 
 
 
 
Share of 

Property 

interests

£m

B

9.7

–

9.7

(0.2)

9.5

Share of 

Property 

interests

£m

B

93.5

–

Reported 

Group

£m

A

100.5

(5.0)

95.5

(9.6)

85.9

Reported 

Group

£m

A

409.5

(71.3)

(2,258.7)

(1,920.5)

2020

Total

£m

C

110.2

(5.0)

105.2

(9.8)

95.4

2020

Total

£m

C

503.0

(71.3)

Reported  

Group 

£m 

A 

105.3 

(2.8)

102.5 

(21.5)

81.0 

Reported  

Group 

£m 

A 

29.8 

(43.1)

1.  Included within net debt for the Reported Group at 31 December 2019 was £1.6 million of cash and deposits relating to assets held for sale. 

(407.1)

(313.6)

(2,665.8)

(2,234.1)

(2,504.9)

(2,518.2)

Movement in net debt for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Additional disclosures continued  

Unaudited 

Table 84 

Adjusted finance costs 

Net debt as at 31 December 2020 

Notes (see page 163) 

Gross finance costs 

Less: Interest capitalised 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Adjusted finance costs 

Net debt 

Table 85 

Notes (see page 163) 

Cash and deposits1 

Fair value of currency swaps 

Loans  

Net debt 

Movement in net debt 

Table 86 

Opening net debt 

Operating profit before other net losses  

Increase in receivables and restricted monetary assets 

Operating distributions received from Value Retail 

Decrease in payables 

Adjustment for non-cash items 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest received 

Interest paid 

Tax paid 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Acquisitions and capital expenditure 

Sale of properties 

Sale of investment in VIA Outlets 

Advances to VIA Outlets 

Acquisition of interest in premium outlets 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Net proceeds from rights issue 

Purchase of own shares 

Proceeds from award of own shares 

Share buyback 

Equity dividends paid 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Exchange translation movement 

Closing net debt 

Funds from financing transferred from Value Retail 

164 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Share of 

Property 

interests

£m

B

9.0

–

9.0

(0.2)

8.8

Share of 

Property 

interests

£m

B

67.6

–

(391.9)

(324.3)

113.5

(127.5)

(15.8)

82.1

52.3

18.2

(109.3)

(1.0)

5.9

(33.9)

(83.5)

56.4

272.0

(12.6)

–

–

232.3

531.7

(0.2)

0.2

–

(13.4)

518.3

(108.3)

2019

Total

£m

C

114.3

(2.8)

111.5

(21.7)

89.8

2019

Total

£m

C

97.4

(43.1)

(2,896.8)

(2,842.5)

260.2

(3.9)

(1.6)

9.9

264.6

20.6

(109.3)

(2.1)

24.3

198.1

(110.3)

536.1

–

(9.4)

5.5

(30.4)

391.5

–

(1.8)

0.2

(1.5)

(198.9)

(202.0)

175.6

Year ended 

31 December 

Year ended

31 December 

2020

£m

2019

£m

(2,842.5)

(3,405.7)

Adjusted finance costs for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Net debt:EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Net debt:EBITDA 
Table 87 

Adjusted operating profit 
Amortisation of tenant incentives and other items within net rental income 
Share-based remuneration 
Depreciation 

EBITDA 

Net debt 

Net debt:EBITDA (times) 

Interest cover 
Table 88 

Interest cover for the year ended 31 December 2020 

Net rental income  
Less: 
Net rental income in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 
Add: 
Change in provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement 

Net rental income for VIA Outlets while classified as a joint venture 
Net rental income for VIA Outlets while classified as an asset held for sale 

Net rental income for interest cover  

Net finance costs 
Less: 
Interest on lease obligations and pensions interest 
Add: 
Capitalised interest 
Net finance cost for VIA Outlets while classified as a joint venture 
Net finance cost for VIA Outlets while classified as an asset held for sale 

Net finance cost for interest cover 

Interest cover (%)  

Loan to value 
Table 89 

Loan to value as at 31 December 2020 

Net debt – ‘Loan’ (A) 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets (B) 
Investment in VIA Outlets 
Investment in Value Retail  

‘Value’ (C) 

Loan to value – headline (%) – (A/C) 

Net debt – premium outlets (D) 
Property portfolio – premium outlets (E) 

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

Note 2 

Note 5 

2020
£m
132.4
19.0
2.2
4.9

158.5

2019
£m
306.0
6.4
3.0
5.1

320.5

Table 85 

2,234.1

2,842.5

14.1

8.9

Note 2 

2020
£m
157.6

2019
£m
308.5

Note 14A 

(5.6)

(1.6)

Note 2 

Note 13A 
Table 81 

12.0

12.9

13.2

190.1

–

31.8
–

338.7

Note 2 

95.4

89.8

Note 8 
Note 13A 
Table 81 

Table 85 

Note 3B 
Note 13A 
Note 14C 

(4.0)

(3.5)

5.0
5.1
3.7

105.2

181

2.8
7.9
–

97.0

349

2020
£m
2,234.1

4,413.8
–
1,154.1

5,567.9

2019
£m
2,842.5

5,667.7
379.0
1,355.3
7,402.0

40.1

38.4

Table 82 
Table 82 

689.3
1,924.2

897.2
2,659.1

(2,234.1)

(2,842.5)

Loan to value – fully proportionally consolidated (%) – ((A+D)/(B+E)) 

46.1

44.9

www.hammerson.com 

165 
www.hammerson.com 165

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 85 

2020
£m
2,234.1

2019
£m
2,842.5

Note 13A 

–

239.0

13.6
–

5.7

17.8
2.2

2.3

2,253.4

3,103.8

3,208.8

4,377.0

Note 13A 

–

(8.9)

3,208.8

4,368.1

70.2

71.1

Note 3B 
Note 13A 
Note 14C 

Table 85 
Note 14C 

2020
£m

2019
£m

4,413.8
–
(138.2)
(759.9)
3,515.7

2,234.1
5.7
17.8
–
13.6
(408.9)
1,862.3

5,667.7
693.5
(147.9)
(1,607.0)
4,606.3

2,842.5
2.3
20.9
(6.8)
17.8
(394.3)
2,482.4

1.89

1.86

Cash held within investments in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 

Note 14C 

Additional disclosures continued  
Unaudited 

Gearing 
Table 90 

Gearing as at 31 December 2020 

Net debt  
Add: 
VIA Outlets net debt 
Less: 
Unamortised borrowing costs – Group 
Unamortised borrowing costs – VIA Outlets 

Net debt for gearing  

Equity shareholders’ funds 
Less: 
Goodwill – VIA Outlets 

Consolidated net tangible worth  

Gearing (%)  

Unencumbered asset ratio 
Table 91 

Unencumbered asset ratio as at 31 December 2020 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets 
Property value – VIA Outlets 
Less: properties held in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 
Less: encumbered assets1 

Total unencumbered assets 

Net debt – proportionally consolidated 
Less: cash held in investments in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 
Less: cash held in investments in encumbered joint ventures 
Add: VIA cash with no security interests 
Less: unamortised borrowing costs – Group 
Less: encumbered debt1 

Total unsecured debt  

Unencumbered asset ratio (times)  

1.  Encumbered assets and debt relate to Dundrum, Highcross and O’Parinor. 

166 
166

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020

£m

2019

£m

Table 85 

2,234.1

2,842.5

Note 13A 

–

239.0

13.6

–

5.7

17.8

2.2

2.3

2,253.4

3,103.8

3,208.8

4,377.0

Note 13A 

–

(8.9)

3,208.8

4,368.1

70.2

71.1

Note 3B 

Note 13A 

Note 14C 

Table 85 

Note 14C 

2,234.1

2,842.5

2020

£m

2019

£m

4,413.8

5,667.7

–

(138.2)

(759.9)

3,515.7

693.5

(147.9)

(1,607.0)

4,606.3

5.7

17.8

–

13.6

2.3

20.9

(6.8)

17.8

(408.9)

1,862.3

(394.3)

2,482.4

1.89

1.86

Cash held within investments in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 

Note 14C 

Additional disclosures continued  

Gearing as at 31 December 2020 

Unaudited 

Gearing 

Table 90 

Net debt  

Add: 

Less: 

VIA Outlets net debt 

Unamortised borrowing costs – Group 

Unamortised borrowing costs – VIA Outlets 

Net debt for gearing  

Equity shareholders’ funds 

Less: 

Goodwill – VIA Outlets 

Consolidated net tangible worth  

Gearing (%)  

Unencumbered asset ratio 

Table 91 

Unencumbered asset ratio as at 31 December 2020 

Property portfolio – excluding premium outlets 

Property value – VIA Outlets 

Less: properties held in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 

Less: encumbered assets1 

Total unencumbered assets 

Net debt – proportionally consolidated 

Less: cash held in investments in associates: Italie Deux and Nicetoile 

Less: cash held in investments in encumbered joint ventures 

Add: VIA cash with no security interests 

Less: unamortised borrowing costs – Group 

Less: encumbered debt1 

Total unsecured debt  

Unencumbered asset ratio (times)  

1.  Encumbered assets and debt relate to Dundrum, Highcross and O’Parinor. 

166 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Key property listing 
Unaudited 

Flagship destinations 

UK 
Brent Cross, London 
Bullring, Birmingham  
Cabot Circus, Bristol 
Centrale, Croydon1 
Grand Central, Birmingham 
Highcross, Leicester 
Silverburn, Glasgow 
The Oracle, Reading 
Union Square, Aberdeen 
Victoria, Leeds2 
Westquay, Southampton 

France 
Espace Saint-Quentin, Saint Quentin-En-Yvelines3,4,6 
Italie Deux, Paris 
Les 3 Fontaines, Cergy4, 5 
Les Terrasses du Port, Marseille 
Nicetoile, Nice6 
O’Parinor, Aulnay-Sous-Bois4 

Ireland 
Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 
Ilac Centre, Dublin 
Pavilions, Swords 

UK retail parks 

Brent South Shopping Park, London6 
Central Retail Park, Falkirk 
Cleveland Retail Park, Middlesbrough 
Cyfarthfa Retail Park, Merthyr Tydfil 
Elliott’s Field Shopping Park, Rugby 
Ravenhead Retail Park, St. Helen 
Telford Forge Retail Park, Telford 
The Orchard Centre, Didcot 

Developments 

Whitgift, Croydon 
Dublin Central, Dublin 

1.  Included within the UK Other properties portfolio. 
2.  Comprises Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate. 
3.  Key properties only. 
4.  Held under co-ownership. Figures reflect Hammerson’s ownership interests. 
5.  Includes Cergy 3 which was acquired in 2017 and is classified within the development portfolio. 
6.  Disposal completed or exchanged in 2021. 

Premium outlets 

Value Retail 
Bicester Village, UK 
La Roca Village, Barcelona 
Las Rozas Village, Madrid 
La Vallée Village, Paris 
Maasmechelen Village, Brussels 
Fidenza Village, Milan 
Wertheim Village, Frankfurt 
Ingolstadt Village, Munich 
Kildare Village, Dublin 

1.  Income represents annualised base and turnover rent for 2020 at Hammerson’s ownership share. 

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a

l

d
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
s

Ownership

Area, m2 

No. of tenants

Passing rent, £m

41%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
100%
100%
50%

25%
25%
100%
100%
10%
25%

50%
50%
50%

41%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

85,400 
122,900 
113,400 
64,300 
37,700 
100,000 
100,500 
72,100 
51,800 
56,300 
94,600 

33,700 
62,100 
33,000 
62,900 
17,300 
68,600 

121,700 
27,000 
43,700 

8,700 
37,600 
27,700 
30,900 
24,100 
27,700 
27,700 
29,200 

50%
100%

96,600 
21,800 

110
149
112
43
60
117
99
100
77
84
101

107
121
102
168
105
158

156
64
94

9
28
18
23
25
18
19
63

84
22

12.9
22.9
11.0
2.6
5.1
11.7
9.4
12.2
14.9
14.0
14.1

3.1
5.6
14.5
27.8
1.3
6.1

27.3
3.9
7.6

1.5
5.3
4.2
5.9
5.1
4.2
3.7
5.2

7.3
2.1

Ownership

Area, m2 

No. of tenants

Income1, £m

50%
41%
38%
26%
27%
34%
45%
15%
41%

28,100 
22,800 
16,600 
21,600 
20,000 
21,100 
21,200 
21,100 
16,200 

163
130
100
105
100
116
118
114
97

40.9
9.2
7.4
12.3
3.6
4.1
7.8
2.5
5.7

www.hammerson.com 

169 
www.hammerson.com 167

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ten-year financial summary  

Income statement 
Net rental income 

Operating profit before other net 
(losses)/gains 
Other net (losses)/gains 
Share of results of joint ventures 
Share of results of associates 
Impairment of investments in joint 
ventures and associates 

Net cost of finance  

(Loss)/Profit before tax 
Current tax 
Deferred tax 
Non-controlling interests 
(Loss)/Profit for the year attributable 
to equity shareholders 

2020 
£m 

20191
£m

2018
£m

2017
£m

2016
£m

2015
£m

20141
£m 

20131
£m 

2012
£m

2011
£m

157.6 

308.5

347.5

370.4

346.5

318.6

305.6 

290.2 

282.9

296.0

113.5 

260.2
(1,503.8) (1,197.9)
34.3
210.6

(20.7)
(135.8)

(103.9)
(83.6)

(1,734.3)
(0.6)
– 
0.1 

–
(86.2)

(779.0)
(2.2)
–
–

302.8
(517.9)
24.6
56.8

–
(132.9)

(266.6)
(1.9)
–
0.4

321.5
27.1
13.6
221.6

–
(170.4)

413.4
(1.8)
–
(23.2)

300.4
(36.1)
20.7
135.2

–
(96.6)

323.6
(2.7)
–
(3.6)

276.3
381.0
13.1
159.3

–
(98.1)

731.6
(1.6)
–
(3.2)

259.1 
430.3 
(1.1)
109.9 

– 
(95.1)

703.1 
(0.9)
(0.1)
(3.0)

247.9 
102.0 
– 
101.5 

– 
(110.2)

341.2 
(0.8)
0.1 
(3.1)

239.6
(7.3)
–
47.5

249.1
209.8
–
–

–
(137.6)

142.2
(0.4)
–
(3.4)

–
(112.6)

346.3
(0.7)
–
(9.9)

(1,734.8)

(781.2)

(268.1)

388.4

317.3

726.8

699.1 

337.4 

138.4

335.7

Balance sheet 
Investment and development properties  4,413.8  5,667.7
379.0
Investment in joint ventures 
1,355.3
Investment in associates 
Cash and short-term deposits 
97.4
Borrowings2 
Other assets 
Other liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Non-controlling interests 
Equity shareholders’ funds 

5,931.2  5,458.4 5,719.6
–
–
100.7
(2,743.0) (2,939.9) (3,508.1) (3,776.3) (3,543.0) (3,068.3) (2,329.3) (2,309.0) (2,038.1) (2,079.9)
435.6
(327.1)
(0.5)
(76.5)
3,851.2 3,771.9

275.8
(457.6)
(0.5)
(0.2)
3,208.8  4,377.0

271.2 
(358.5)
(0.4)
(76.7)
4,973.7  4,059.9 

264.2
(481.9)
(0.5)
(14.0)
6,023.5

280.4
(458.2)
(0.5)
(0.3)
5,432.6

1,025.0
(425.5)
(0.5)
(69.0)
5,517.3

339.9
(532.7)
(0.5)
(81.4)
5,775.6

338.7 
(457.2)
(0.5)
(0.1)

6,706.5 
104.2 
628.8 
59.4 

8,326.3
361.3
1,068.6
265.8

268.6 
(392.6)
(0.5)
(71.4)

7,479.5
326.3
1,211.1
102.4

7,130.5
110.8
743.8
70.5

462.3
(441.9)
(0.5)
(74.5)

8,281.7
222.0
959.1
130.5

– 
1,154.1 
503.0 

– 
545.4 
56.7 

–
428.4
57.1

Cash flow 
Operating cash flow after tax 
Dividends 
Property and corporate acquisitions 
Capital expenditure additions 
Disposals 
Investments in joint ventures 
Other cash flows 

Net cash flow before financing 
Per share data3 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share 
Dividend per share 
Diluted net asset value per share 
EPRA net tangible asset value per share 
(NTA)4 
Financial ratios 
Return on shareholders’ equity 
Gearing 
Interest cover 
Dividend cover 

(79.5)
(13.4)
(0.2)
(68.1)
325.5 
(13.1)
6.1 

157.3 

167.1
(198.9)
(0.7)
(79.9)
536.1
(58.1)
29.2

114.5
(204.1)
(12.0)
(149.6)
553.2
114.2
(71.0)

139.3
(191.7)
(122.5)
(113.4)
490.8
53.2
111.9

179.9
(135.7)
(499.7)
(182.4)
639.0
(155.0)
87.9

171.2
(163.8)
(43.7)
(182.3)
185.2
(735.6)
(14.0)

128.1 
(139.1)
(302.7)
(203.8)
155.4 
(118.9)
12.4 

129.4 
(129.4)
(191.1)
(201.9)
256.3 
– 
(30.8)

139.9
(118.4)
(397.3)
(170.9)
585.0
–
(72.4)

147.8
(86.1)
(374.1)
(114.8)
271.8
–
(34.9)

394.8

345.2

367.6

(66.0)

(783.0)

(468.6)

(167.5)

(34.1)

(190.3)

(76.9)p
1.6p 
0.4p 
£0.79 

(46.6)p
12.8p
5.1p
£1.14

(15.6)p
14.0p
11.8p
£1.42

22.4p
14.2p
11.6p
£1.52

18.3p
13.3p
11.0p
£1.46

42.4p
12.3p
10.2p
£1.41

43.7p 
10.9p 
9.3p 
£1.27 

21.6p 
10.5p 
8.7p 
£1.14 

8.9p
9.5p
8.1p
£1.08

21.6p
8.8p
7.6p
£1.06

£0.82 

£1.16

£1.48

£1.55

£1.48

£1.42

£1.28 

£1.15 

£1.08

£1.06

(23.9)% (14.8)% (3.2)%
63%
3.4x
1.2x

70% 
1.8x 
0.5x 

71%
3.5x
1.1x

8.3%
58%
3.4x
1.2x

7.8%
59%
3.5x
1.2x

14.3%
54%
3.6x
1.2x

16.3% 
46% 
2.8x 
1.2x 

8.8% 
56% 
2.8x 
1.2x 

5.3% 11.2%
52%
53%
2.6x
2.8x
1.2x
1.2x

1.  Comprises continuing and discontinued operations.  
2.  Borrowings comprises loans and currency swaps. In 2020, £15.7 million (2019: £31.7 million, 2018: £25.9 million) of currency swaps were included in 'other assets'.  

For the purposes of this summary, these have been reclassified to ‘borrowings’. 

3.  Comparative per share data has been restated following the rights issue in September 2020.  
4.  As detailed in note 11E, NTA has replaced EPRA net asset value per share (NAV), from 1 January 2020. For the purposes of the summary above, years 2011 to 2018 are 

shown on a NAV basis and years 2019 to 2020 are shown on an NTA basis, consistent with the disclosures in note 11E. 

The Income statement, Balance sheet and Financial ratios for 2014 to 2020 have been presented on a proportionally consolidated basis, 
excluding the Group’s investment in Premium outlets. Cash flow information has been presented on an IFRS basis throughout. 

170 
168

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020 

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GHG emissions 2020

Reporting period and methodology
In line with requirements set out in the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013, this 
statement reports the Company’s GHG emissions for the reporting 
period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. Our GHG emissions 
reporting period is the same as the financial reporting year, in 
accordance with the DEFRA Environmental Reporting Guidance.  
The data has been calculated and recorded in accordance with the 
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and ISO 14064. We are required by 
the Scope 2 GHG Protocol to report our Scope 2 emissions using both 
market and location-based methods.

In accordance with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)
annual energy consumption is reported this year, our first reporting 
year since the implementation of this requirement in April 2019.  

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

G
H
G
e
m
i
s
s
i
o
n
s
2
0
2
0

Independent assurance
Total Scope 1, Scope 2, Scope 3, and Total GHG emissions intensity 
data have been independently assured by Deloitte LLP who have 
carried out limited assurance in accordance with the International 
Standards on Assurance Engagements 3000. Their assurance 
statement is available on the sustainability pages of our website.

Reporting boundaries
We have adopted operational control as our reporting approach. GHG 
emissions data is provided for those assets where we have authority to 
introduce and implement operating policies.

This includes properties held in joint ventures where JV Board 
approval is required. We have reported 100% of GHG emissions data 
for these reported assets. It excludes the VIA and Value Retail 
portfolios where we do not have authority to introduce or implement 
operating policies. A detailed basis of reporting statement and full list 
of operating entities and assets included within the reporting 
boundary can be found on the Positive Places pages of our website.

GHG emissions 2020
Table 92

Baseline year
Boundary summary
Consistency with financial statements
Emissions factor data source

Assessment methodology
Materiality threshold
Intensity ratio
Target

1/1/15 – 31/12/15
All assets and facilities under Hammerson’s direct operational control are included.
Consistency with the financial statements and reporting period are set out above.
We have sourced our emissions factors from 2020 DEFRA GHG Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting, and additional sources including, but not limited, to International Energy Agency and Engie.
GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 (2006).
Activities generating emissions of <5% relative to total Group emissions have been excluded.
Denominator is adjusted profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2020 of £37 million.
20% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2020 against 2015 baseline using location-based approach.

Emissions disaggregated by country
Table 93

Source

Total GHG emissions metric tonnes (mt)1
Total GHG emissions metric tonnes (mt)
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations
a. Direct emissions from stationary operations
b. Direct emissions from mobile combustion
c. Direct emissions from fugitive sources

Totals
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of purchased 
electricity, steam, heating and cooling
a. Indirect emissions from purchased/acquired electricity1
a. Indirect emissions from purchased/acquired electricity 
b. Indirect emissions from purchased/acquired steam
c. Indirect emissions from purchased/acquired heating
d. Indirect emissions from purchased/acquired cooling
Totals1
Totals
Scope 3
Business travel
Waste
Water

Totals
Energy Consumption (kWh)

1.  Emissions using Market Based Method.

Group emissions 
(mtCO2e)
7,465
17,845

UK emissions 
(mtCO2e)
3,782
10,628

France emissions 
(mtCO2e)
3,015
3,296

Ireland emissions 
(mtCO2e)
669
3,922

Group emissions 
intensity 
(mtCO2e/£m)
202
482

3,295
14
0

3,309

2,400
12,780
0
916
15

3,331
13,711

200
381
244

1,786
3
0

1,789

1,358
8,204
0
165
15

1,538
8,384

92
240
123

1,026
11
0

1,037

1,019
1,300
0
751
0

1,770
2,051

50
85
73

483
0
0

483

23
3,276
0
0
0

23
3,276

58
56
48

90
0
0

90

65
345
0
25
0

90
370

5
10
7

825
94,067,440

455
46,707,648 

208
34,852,517

163
12,507,276

22
2,535,511

www.hammerson.com 169

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information

Registered office and principal UK address
Hammerson plc, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GE 
Registered in England No. 360632 
+44 (0)20 7887 1000

Principal address in France
Hammerson France SAS, 40 - 48 rue Cambon, 75001, Paris 
+33 (0)156 69 30 00

Principal address in Ireland
Hammerson Group Management Ireland, Pembroke District, 
Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14  
+353 (0)1695 0550

Advisors
Valuers: CBRE Limited, Cushman and Wakefield Debenham Tie 
Leung Limited, and Jones Lang LaSalle Limited 
Auditor: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Solicitor: Herbert Smith Freehills LLP  
Joint Brokers and Financial Advisors: J. P. Morgan Cazenove and 
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc 
Financial Advisor: Lazard Ltd 
JSE Equity Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited 
Euronext Dublin Equity Sponsor: Goodbody Stockbrokers UC

Primary and secondary listings
The Company has its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange 
and secondary inward listings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 
and on Euronext Dublin.

Shareholder administration
For assistance with queries about the administration of shareholdings, 
such as lost share certificates, change of address, change of ownership 
or dividend payments, please contact the relevant Registrar or 
Transfer Secretaries.

UK Registrar
Link Group, 10th Floor, Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, 
LS1 4DL

shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk 
www.signalshares.com 
+44 (0)371 664 0300  
Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by 
provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the 
applicable international rate. Lines are open between 09:00 - 17:30, 
Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

South African Transfer Secretaries 
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank 
Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank 2196, South Africa or Private 
Bag X9000, Saxonwold, 2132, South Africa

0861 100 933 (local in South Africa)  
web.queries@computershare.co.za

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held at 8.30 am (UK time) on  
4 May 2021. Details of the Annual General Meeting and the resolutions 
to be voted upon can be found in the Notice of Meeting which is 
available on our website at www.hammerson.com.

Payment of dividends
UK shareholders who do not currently have their dividends paid direct 
to a bank or building society account and who wish to do so should 
complete a mandate instruction available from the Registrar or 
register their mandate at www.signalshares.com. Shareholders outside 
the UK can have any dividends in excess of £10 paid into their bank 
account directly via Link Group international payments service. 
Details and terms and conditions may be viewed at  
ips.linkassetservices.com. 

170

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Distributable reserves 
As at 31 December 2020, the Company had distributable reserves of 
£523 million (2019: £771 million). 

In 2020, dividends amounting to £24.4 million (2019: £198.4 million) 
were recognised through distributable reserves.  

UK Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)
Shareholders can reinvest dividend payments in additional shares in 
the Company under the DRIP operated by the Registrar by completing 
an application form online at www.signalshares.com. 

Elections to participate in the DRIP (or cancellation of previous 
instructions) in respect of the final dividend must be received by the 
Company’s Registrar no later than 15 business days before the 
dividend payment date. The DRIP will continue to be available to 
shareholders who have already completed an application form. Such 
shareholders should take no action unless they wish to receive their 
dividend in cash, in which case they should contact the Registrar to 
cancel their instruction.

South African DRIP
Shareholders registered on the South African branch register who hold 
their shares through the Strate system and who wish to participate in 
the DRIP should contact their Central Securities Depository 
Participants or brokers.

Link share dealing services
An online and telephone share dealing facility is available to UK 
shareholders wishing to deal in shares on the UK share register. For 
more information visit www.linksharedeal.com.

ShareGift
Shareholders with a small number of shares, the value of which makes 
it uneconomic to sell them, may wish to consider donating them to 
charity through ShareGift, a registered charity (registered charity no: 
1052686). Further information about ShareGift is available at 
www.sharegift.org, by email at help@sharegift.org or by writing to 
ShareGift, PO Box 72253, London, SW1P 9LQ. To donate shares, please 
contact ShareGift or Link Group.

Strate Charity Shares
South African shareholders for whom the cost of selling their shares 
would exceed the market value of such shares may wish to consider 
donating them to charity. An independent non-profit organisation 
called Strate Charity Shares has been established to administer this 
process. For further details or donations contact the Strate Charity 
Shares’ toll-free helpline on 0800 202 363 (if calling from South 
Africa) or +27 11 870 8207 (if calling from outside South Africa), 
email charityshares@computershare.co.za, or visit www.strate.co.za.

Shareholder security
Share fraud includes scams where fraudsters cold-call investors 
offering them overpriced, worthless or non-existent shares, or  
offer to buy shares owned by investors at an inflated price. We advise 
shareholders to be vigilant of unsolicited mail or telephone calls 
regarding buying or selling shares. For more information visit  
www.fca.org.uk/scams or call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 
+44(0)800 111 6768. This is a freephone number from the UK. lines  
are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday, 9:00am 
to 1:00pm.

Unsolicited mail
Hammerson is obliged by law to make its share register available on 
request to other organisations. This may result in shareholders 
receiving unsolicited mail. To limit the receipt of unsolicited mail UK 
shareholders may register with the Mailing Preference Service, an 
independent organisation whose services are free, by visiting  
www.mpsonline.org.uk. Once a shareholder’s name and address details 
have been registered, the Mailing Preference Service will advise 
companies and other bodies that subscribe to the service not to send 
unsolicited mail to the address registered.

UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) taxation
As a UK REIT, Hammerson plc is exempt from corporation tax on 
rental income and gains on UK investment properties but is required 
to pay Property Income Distributions (PIDs). UK shareholders will be 
taxed on PIDs received at their full marginal tax rates. A REIT may in 
addition pay normal dividends.

For most shareholders, PIDs will be paid after deducting withholding 
tax at the basic rate. However, certain categories of UK shareholder are 
entitled to receive PIDs without withholding tax, principally UK 
resident companies, UK public bodies, UK pension funds and 
managers of ISAs, PEPs and Child Trust Funds. Further information 
on UK REITs is available on the Company’s website, including a form 
to be used by shareholders to certify if they qualify to receive PIDs 
without withholding tax.

PIDs paid to overseas shareholders are subject to withholding tax at 
20%. South African shareholders may apply to Her Majesty’s Revenue 
and Customs after payment of a PID for a refund of the difference 
between the 20% withholding tax and the prevailing UK/South 
African double tax treaty rate. Other overseas shareholders may be 
eligible to apply for similar refunds of UK withholding tax under the 
terms of the relevant tax treaties.

Normal dividends paid to overseas shareholders are paid gross but may 
be subject to taxation in the shareholder’s country of residence. For 
South African shareholders, dividends tax at 20% will be withheld and 
paid over to the South African Revenue Service on the shareholders’ 
behalf. Certain shareholders, including South African tax resident 
companies, retirement funds and approved public benefit organisations, 
are exempt from dividends tax but it is the responsibility of each 
shareholder to seek their own advice. Dividends tax does not apply to 
scrip dividends, whether paid as a PID or a normal dividend.

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

S
h
a
r
e
h
o
d
e
r

l

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

Dividend timetable
Table 94

Recommended final dividend

Enhanced Scrip Dividend Alternative (Scrip) reference price calculation dates 

Last day to effect removal of shares between the United Kingdom (UK) principal 
register and the South African (SA) branch register
Currency conversion and Scrip reference price announcement released
Publication and posting of the Scrip Circular
Last day to trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to qualify for the dividend
Ex-dividend on the JSE from commencement of trading on
Last day to trade on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and on Euronext Dublin to 
qualify for the dividend
Ex-dividend on the LSE and on Euronext Dublin from the commencement of trading on
Announcement of fraction reference price to JSE, LSE and Euronext Dublin
Record date (applicable to both the UK principal register and the SA branch register)
Removal of shares between the UK and SA registers permissible from
Last day for receipt of dividend mandates by Central Securities Depository Participants 
(CSDPs) and Scrip elections by SA Transfer Secretaries
Last date for UK registrar to receive Forms of Election from shareholders on the UK 
principal register holding certificated shares electing to receive the Scrip
Last date for shareholders on the UK principal register holding uncertificated shares on 
CREST to elect to receive the Scrip
Voting Record Date for Annual General Meeting (SA only)
Voting Record Date for Annual General Meeting (UK and Ireland)
Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy (UK, Ireland and SA)

Final dividend payable (UK and Ireland). Expected date of issue, admission and first 
day of dealings in the new shares on the LSE and on Euronext Dublin
Final dividend payable (SA). CSDP accounts credited on the SA register. Expected date 
of issue, admission and first day of dealings in the new shares on the JSE 

Annual General Meeting

Anticipated 2021 interim dividend

Analysis of shares held as at 31 December 2020
Table 95

15 March - 19 
March 2021
19 March 2021

23 March 2021
29 March 2021
30 March 2021
31 March 2021
31 March 2021

1 April 2021
1 April 2021
6 April 2021
7 April 2021
20 April 2021

20 April 2021

20 April 2021

23 April 2021
29 April 2021
29 April 2021
4 May 2021
13 May 2021

13 May 2021

October 2021

Number of shares held

0-500
501-1,000
1,001-2,000
2,001-5,000
5,001-10,000
10,001-50,000
50,001-100,000
100,001-500,000
500,001-1,000,000
1,000,001 +
Total

Number of shareholders

% of total shareholders

Holding

% of total capital

967
169
130
175
102
183
61
126
54
168
2,135

45.2927
7.9157
6.0890
8.1967
4.7775
8.5714
2.8571
5.9016
2.5293
7.8689
100

130,538
120,128
186,316
577,610
715,344
4,298,348
4,429,550
31,778,126
40,045,758
3,975,016,456
4,057,298,174

0.0032
0.0030
0.0046
0.0142
0.0176
0.1059
0.1092
0.7832
0.9870
97.9720
100

www.hammerson.com 171

Other informationXxxxxx 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary

Adjusted figures (per share) 

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)
Average cost of debt or weighted 
average interest rate (WAIR)
BREEAM
Capital return

Cost ratio (or EPRA cost 
ratio)

Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Compulsory Voluntary 
Arrangement (CVA)
Deferred Bonus Share 
Scheme (DBSS)
Dividend cover
Earnings/(Loss) per share 
(EPS)
EBITDA
EPRA

Equivalent yield (true and 
nominal)

ERV

ESG 

F&B
Flexible lettings 
Gearing

Gross property value or Gross 
asset value (GAV)
Gross rental income (GRI)

IAS/IFRS
Inclusive lease

Income return

Initial yield (or Net initial 
yield (NIY))

Interest cover

Interest rate or currency 
swap (or derivatives)
Joint venture and associate 
management fees
Like-for-like (LFL) NRI

Loan to value (LTV)
Long term incentive plan 
(LTIP)
Medium Sized Unit (MSU) 

Reported amounts adjusted in accordance with EPRA guidelines to exclude certain items as set out in note 11 to 
the financial statements.
The annual bonus plan for all employees, including Executive Directors.
The cost of finance expressed as a percentage of the weighted average debt during the period.

An environmental rating assessed under the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method.
The change in property value during the period after taking account of capital expenditure, calculated on a 
monthly time-weighted and constant currency basis. 
Total operating costs (being property outgoings, administration costs less management fees) as a percentage of 
gross rental income, after rents payable. Both property outgoings and gross rental income are adjusted for costs 
associated with inclusive leases as shown in Table 75 on page 158.
A measure of inflation based on the weighted average of prices of consumer goods and services.
A legally binding agreement with a company’s creditors to restructure its liabilities, including future lease liabilities.

The deferred element of the AIP, payable in shares, two years after the awards date.

Adjusted earnings per share divided by dividend per share.
Profit/(Loss) attributable to equity shareholders divided by the average number of shares in issue during the period.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, as shown in Table 87 on page 165.
The European Public Real Estate Association, a real estate industry body, of which the Company is a member.  
This organisation has issued Best Practice Recommendations with the intention of improving the transparency, 
comparability and relevance of the published results of listed real estate companies in Europe.
The capitalisation rate applied to future cash flows to calculate the gross property value. The cash flows reflect 
future rents resulting from lettings, lease renewals and rent reviews based on current ERVs. The true equivalent 
yield (TEY) assumes rents are received quarterly in advance, while the nominal equivalent yield (NEY) assumes 
rents are received annually in arrears. These yields are determined by the Group’s external valuers.
The estimated market rental value of the total lettable space in a property calculated by the Group’s external valuers. 
It is calculated after deducting head and equity rents, and car parking and commercialisation running costs.
Using environmental, social and government factors to evaluate companies and countries on how far advanced 
they are with sustainability. 
Food and beverage ranging from “grab and go” to fine dining.
Leases of less than three years, which often contain break options to provide flexibility for landlords and tenants. 
Net debt expressed as a percentage of equity shareholders’ funds calculated as per the covenant definition in the 
Group’s unsecured bank facilities and private placement senior notes. See Table 90 on page 166.
Property value before deduction of purchasers’ costs, as provided by the Group’s external valuers.

Income from rents, car parks and commercialisation income, after accounting for the effect of the amortisation  
of lease incentives.
International Accounting Standard/International Financial Reporting Standard.
A lease, often for a short period, under which the rent includes costs such as service charge, rates and utilities. 
Instead, the landlord incurs these costs as part of the overall commercial arrangement.
The income derived from a property as a percentage of the property value, taking account of capital expenditure 
on a constant currency basis, calculated on a monthly time-weighted basis.
Annual cash rents receivable (net of head and equity rents and the cost of vacancy, and, in the case of France, net  
of an allowance for costs of approximately 5%, primarily for management fees), as a percentage of gross property 
value, as provided by the Group’s external valuers. Rents receivable following the expiry of rent-free periods are 
not included. Rent reviews are assumed to have been settled at the contractual review date at ERV.
Gross rental income less rents payable and property outgoings, divided by net cost of finance before exceptional 
finance costs, capitalised interest and change in fair value of derivatives calculated as per covenants in the Group’s 
unsecured facilities and private placements.
An agreement with another party to exchange an interest or currency rate obligation for a pre-determined period.

Fees charged to joint ventures and associates for accounting, secretarial, asset and development 
management services.
The percentage change in gross rental income less rents payable and property outgoings for investment properties 
owned throughout both current and prior periods, calculated on a constant currency basis. Properties undergoing 
a significant extension project are excluded from this calculation during the period of the works. For interim 
reporting periods properties sold between the balance sheet date and the date of the announcement are also 
excluded from this metric. 
Net debt expressed as a percentage of property portfolio value. See Tables 89 on page 165.
Long term incentive scheme for Executive Directors, replaced by the Restricted Share Scheme with effect for 
awards made from 2020.
Retail unit of between 10,000ft2 (929m2 ) and 50,000ft2 (4,645m2) 

172

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

l

G
o
s
s
a
r
y

O
t
h
e
r

i

n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

MSCI
Net asset value (NAV) per 
share
Net rental income (NRI)

Occupancy rate

Property market benchmark indices produced by MSCI, rebranded from IPD in 2018.
Equity shareholders’ funds divided by the number of shares in issue at the balance sheet date as set out in note 11E 
to the financial statements on page 120.
Gross rental income less head and equity rents payable, property outgoings, and amounts not yet recognised in the 
income statement.  The latter balance is excluded when calculating “adjusted” NRI.
The ERV of the area in a property or portfolio, excluding developments, which is let, expressed as a percentage of 
the total ERV of that property or portfolio.
The proportion of retailer’s sales compared with the total cost of occupation, including rent, local taxes (i.e. business 
rates) and service charge. Calculated excluding department stores.
The amount, or percentage, by which the ERV falls short of rents passing, together with the ERV of vacant space. 

Occupational cost ratio 
(OCR)
Over-rented
Passing rents or rents passing The annual rental income receivable from an investment property, after: rent-free periods; head and equity rents; 

Pre-let
Principal lease

Property fee income
Property Income 
Distribution (PID)
Property interests (Share of)

Property joint ventures 
(Share of)
Property outgoings

Proportional consolidation

QIAIF

REIT

Reported Group

car park costs; and commercialisation costs. This may be more or less than the ERV (see over-rented and 
reversionary or under-rented).
A lease signed with a tenant prior to the completion of a development or other major project.
A lease signed with a tenant with a secure term of greater than three years and where the unit is not significantly 
reconfigured. This enables letting metrics to be stated on a comparable basis.
Amounts recharged to tenants or co-owners for property management services.
A dividend, generally subject to withholding tax, that a UK REIT is required to pay from its tax-exempt property 
rental business and which is taxable for UK-resident shareholders at their marginal tax rate.
The Group’s non-wholly owned properties which management proportionally consolidate when reviewing the performance 
of the business. These exclude the Group’s premium outlets interests which are not proportionally consolidated.
The Group’s joint ventures which management proportionally consolidate when reviewing the performance of the 
business, but excluding the Group’s interests in the VIA Outlets joint venture, which was sold in 2020.
The direct operational costs and expenses incurred by the landlord relating to property ownership and 
management.  This typically comprises void costs, net service charge expenses, letting related costs, marketing 
expenditure, repairs and maintenance, tenant incentive impairment, bad debt expense relating to items 
recognised in the income statement and other direct irrecoverable property expenses.  These costs are included 
within the Group’s calculation of like-for-like NRI and the cost ratio.
The aggregation of the financial results of the Reported Group together with the Group’s share of Property 
interests being the Group’s share of Property joint ventures as shown in note 13, and Nicetoile and Italie Deux as 
shown in note 14.
Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Fund. A regulated tax regime in the Republic of Ireland which 
exempts participants from Irish tax on property income and chargeable gains subject to certain requirements.
Real Estate Investment Trust. A tax regime which in the UK exempts participants from corporation tax both on 
UK rental income and gains arising on UK investment property sales, subject to certain requirements.
The financial results as presented under IFRS which represent the Group’s 100% owned properties and share of joint 
operations, transactions and balances and equity accounted Group’s interests in joint ventures and associates.

Restricted Share Scheme (RSS) A long term incentive scheme for Executive Directors launched in 2020 to replace the LTIP scheme.
Return on shareholders’ 
equity (ROE)
Reversionary or under-
rented
Scope 1 emissions
Scope 2 emissions
Scope 3 emissions

Capital growth and profit for the period expressed as a percentage of equity shareholders’ funds at the beginning of 
the year, all excluding deferred tax and certain non-recurring items.
The amount, or percentage, by which the ERV exceeds the rents passing, together with the estimated rental value 
of vacant space.
Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy.
All indirect emissions (not included in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including 
both upstream and downstream emissions.
Sociétés d’Investissements Immobiliers Côtées. A tax regime in France which exempts participants from the 
French tax on property income and gains subject to certain requirements.
Assets that have suffered from unanticipated or premature write-downs, devaluations, require costly refitting or 
become liabilities.
An organisation established with the goal of developing a set of voluntary climate-related financial risk disclosures 
to be adopted by companies to inform investors and the public about the risks they face relating to climate change. 
CVAs and administrations. 
All capital expenditure on a development or other major project, including capitalised interest.
NRI, excluding the change in provision for amounts not yet recognised in the income statement, and capital 
growth expressed as a percentage of the opening book value of property adjusted for capital expenditure, 
calculated on a monthly time-weighted and constant currency basis.
Dividends and capital growth in a Company’s share price, expressed as a percentage of the share price at the 
beginning of the year.
Business risk posed by regulatory and policy changes implemented to tackle climate change.
Rental income which is related to an occupier’s turnover.
High street and other properties held for strategic purposes. 
The ERV of the area in a property, or portfolio, excluding developments, which is currently available for letting, 
expressed as a percentage of the ERV of that property or portfolio.
Passing rents expressed as a percentage of the total development cost of a property.

SIIC

Stranding risk

Task Force for Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 
Tenant restructuring 
Total development cost
Total property return (TPR) 
(or total return)

Total shareholder return 
(TSR)
Transitional risk
Turnover rent
UK other  (portfolio)
Vacancy rate

Yield on cost

www.hammerson.com 173

 
This report is printed on paper certified in accordance 
with the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) and is 
recyclable and acid-free.

Pureprint Ltd is FSC certified and ISO 14001 certified 
showing that it is committed to all round excellence and 
improving environmental performance is an important 
part of this strategy.

Pureprint Ltd aims to reduce at source the effect its 
operations have on the environment and is committed to 
continual improvement, prevention of pollution and 
compliance with any legislation or industry standards.

Pureprint Ltd is a Carbon / Neutral® Printing Company.

Designed and produced by Black Sun Plc.

174

Hammerson plc Annual Report 2020

Hammerson plc
Kings Place
90 York Way
London
N1 9GE

H

H

A

A

M

M

M

M

E

E

R

R

S

S

O

O

N

N

P

P

L

L

C

C

A

A

N

N

N

N

U

U

A

A

L

L

R

R

E

E

P

P

O

O

R

R

T

T

2

2

0

0

2

1

9

0