2018
Annual Report
H U D S O N G R O U P
Hudson Group (HUD: NYSE) is a leading travel
retailer in North America operating over 1,000 stores
in 88 locations including airports, commuter terminals,
hotels and some of the most visited landmarks and
tourist destinations in the world. Our team of over
10,000 employees is committed to enhancing the
travel experience for our 300,000+ traveling
customers we serve every day in the continental
U.S. and Canada.
2
www.hudsongroup.com Contents
08 At a Glance 2018
24 Branded Speciality
10
2018 Highlights
26 Proprietary Speciality
13
Letter from our CEO
28 Food & Beverage
16 Hudson Investment Case
30 Executive Officers
18 Our Core Values
32 Board of Directors
20 Travel Essentials
35 Non-IFRS Measures
22 Duty Free
Form 20-F
3
www.hudsongroup.com
Together
We are Creating
New Opportunities
in Travel Retail
5
www.hudsongroup.com Together
We Deliver a
Memorable Shopping
Experience for
Our Customers
7
www.hudsongroup.com At Glance 2018
Net Sales
by Country
Net Sales
by Channel
19% Canada
3% Railway
Stations & Others
2% Downtown &
Hotel Shops
81% Continental United States
95% Airports
Net Sales
by Sector
Net Sales by
Product Category
24% Duty Free
3% Tobacco
7% Other
5% Wine & Spirits
5% Electronics
6% Watches,
Jewelry &
Accessories
9% Literature
38% Food &
Beverage Retail
76% Duty Paid
12% Fashion
15% Perfume
& Cosmetics
8
www.hudsongroup.com Surpassing 1,000
Stores
Stores*
973
948
1,028
996
733
6.8% Turnover
Growth
Turnover*
(in millions)
$1,924
$1,803
$1,687
$1,403
$1,119
63.7% Gross
Profit Margin
$238M
Adj. EBITDA*
Gross Profit
(in millions)
Adj. EBITDA*
(in millions)
$1,226
$1,122
$1,042
$869
$694
63.7%
62.0% 61.9%
62.2%
61.8%
$238
$173
$156
$135
$116
* For reconciliation of the Non-IFRS Measures please refer to page 35 of this report
9
www.hudsongroup.com 2018 Highlights
Strong Organic
Sales Growth
Achieved 7.0%
organic sales growth supported
by strong passenger growth,
in-store productivity initiatives
and footprint expansion
World’s Largest Hudson
Store Unveiled
Opened our flagship store
in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport
Shop-in-shop format with
over 5,000 square feet
Expansion of
F&B Category
Achieved 13% year-over-year
growth in retail food &
beverage category
F&B sales reached 38%
of total net sales vs.
36% in 2017
New Exclusive
Partnership
Signed agreement to be the
exclusive airport retailer for FAO
Schwarz and FAO Schweetz
product and shops
First FAO Schwarz store opened
at LaGuardia Airport
10
www.hudsongroup.com Successful Initial
Public Offering
First year as a publicly
listed company on the
New York Stock Exchange
Gross Margin
Expansion
Expanded gross margin by 140
basis points to 63.7%
Driven by positive sales
mix shift and successful
vendor negotiations
Expanded Footprint
with Key New
Market Wins
Will add over 50,000 additional
square feet to our portfolio through
key wins including Boston Logan,
Philadelphia International and
Salt Lake City International
Over 80%
renewal rate on
existing contracts
11
www.hudsongroup.com Together We
Are the Traveler’s
Best Friend
12
www.hudsongroup.com Together We
Are the Traveler’s
Best Friend
Roger Fordyce
DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS,
In my first letter as Hudson Group’s CEO, I would like to take this opportunity to express my passion
and commitment to this company, reflect on the many achievements and milestones of 2018, review
our strategic priorities, and share our vision for the future.
I must begin by acknowledging my predecessor, Joe DiDomizio, for his tireless passion and valuable
contribution to growing Hudson to what it is today. Under Joe’s guidance, we built an exceptionally
strong foundation that will benefit our organization long after his departure. We are grateful for
his service.
I have had the pleasure of being of part of Hudson’s success for the entirety of our 30+ year
history, and I am honored to be leading the company into its next phase of growth. We have
a substantial opportunity to continue to grow this business through operational excellence and
financial discipline, which will ultimately generate the greatest return for our shareholders.
13
www.hudsongroup.com OUR 2018 IPO WAS A
MAJOR MILESTONE
2018 was a monumental year for Hudson Group
luxury business. The wonderful thing about our
business is that we are a multi-faceted, multi-
concept retailer with a wide diversity of product
as we embarked on a new phase of growth as a
categories and brands. As customers’ trends and
public company. We have continued to execute
preferences shift, we will respond by adapting
on our core purpose of being the “Traveler’s Best
our merchandising mix to suit those demands.
Friend” as a leader in travel retail and the largest
North American operator in the industry. Aligned
In addition to benefiting from an ever increasing
with our commitment to our shareholders, we
flow of passengers passing by our stores and their
maintained the strategic direction laid out during
increasing propensity to spend, we have been
our IPO and delivered results in 2018 that were
successful at driving additional sales through our
consistent with our long-term targets.
differentiated commercial approach as well as a
Given the nature of our industry and variable
timing associated with winning concession
contracts and opening new stores, our
number of productivity initiatives.
One of these key initiatives has been the
aggressive expansion of our food and beverage
business does not manifest in a linear fashion.
offering. This year we committed to accelerating
Nevertheless, we maintain our conviction for our
this growth by installing refrigeration units in
long-term framework, that being to deliver high
as many travel and convenience stores as
single digit organic sales growth, low double-digit
possible, which has been a strong driver of
EBITDA growth and high-teens net profit growth.
F&B sales. We’re very proud of the success of
our marketplace offering, including our newly
expanded grab and go line, which grew over 50%
during 2018.
OUR COMMERCIAL APPROACH
IS THE BEDROCK OF OUR
SUCCESS
You will hear us say time and time again that
our people are the key to our success. We place
great emphasis on our locally empowered and
centrally supported employee model, a structure
that places decision-making in the hands of our
local managers allowing them to act nimbly and
respond quickly to our landlord partners. This
entre-preneurial approach has been integral
to our culture from the very beginning and sets
us apart from the competition. Our landlord
partnerships are extremely valuable and we view
this approach as a foundational part of a sound
relationship and long-term mutual success.
WE DELIVERED SOLID
RESULTS THIS YEAR
To summarize our 2018 financial results:
• We achieved 7.0% organic sales growth;
• We expanded gross profit margin by 140 basis
points; and
• We delivered adjusted EBITDA growth
of 38.0% (13.9% assuming the reduced
franchise fee rates we currently pay
Dufry was in effect in 2017)
Our organic sales were driven by a combination
of healthy like-for-like sales growth in our
existing stores and positive contributions from
new stores and conversions. Like-for-like
sales growth was softer in the second half
of the year as we faced some market head-
winds, namely foreign exchange and shifting
passenger demographics, the latter of
which led to softer sales in our duty free and
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www.hudsongroup.com
ADDING OVER 50,000 SQ. FT.
TO OUR FOOTPRINT
On the new business side, we had several wins
WE HAVE SIGNIFICANT
WHITESPACE OPPORTUNITY
While we have a solid presence in North
and extensions in key markets, including
America’s largest airports, we are not in all
Boston Logan International Airport, LaGuardia
terminals so there is ample whitespace to
Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport and
capture through new wins. In addition, this
JFK International Airport. These successes were
whitespace continues to grow as airports are
the direct result of our dedication to driving value
expected to invest billions in infrastructure to
for our landlord partners. We have a strong
keep up with growing passenger volumes. As
reputation in our industry, and ultimately, airport
the market leader in travel retail, we are well
directors want to partner with experienced op-
positioned to capture a sizeable portion of this
erators who have a history of generating year-
whitespace and further grow our market share.
over-year revenue growth, demonstrate knowl-
edge about the airport’s travelers and the local
Looking ahead, we are committed to growing our
market, and have the ability to deliver the “wow”
business both organically and inorganically. We
factor for a given terminal.
are always monitoring the industry and are open
to acquisitions that will expand our footprint and
In order to create that “wow” factor, we curate
build upon our capabilities. We have low financial
a selection of concepts and brands that will
leverage which gives us the flexibility to take
resonate with passenger demographics and
advantage of opportunities that make sense and
create a sense of place for that particular
are accretive to our business.
market. This year we had a number of notable
store openings that were custom tailored to meet
In closing, I would like to thank all of the team
this objective. A few highlights include:
members across our organization for their
service, dedication and passion, and staying true
• We celebrated the grand opening of the
to our core purpose of being the Traveler’s Best
largest Hudson store ever in the world’s
Friend. I’d also like to thank our landlords for
busiest airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta
their continued partnership and look forward to
International Airport. This flagship store covers
continuing to build on our success together. And
5,000 square feet and features a store-in-store
lastly, thank you to our customers for continuing
design with three separate concepts: our travel
to let us serve your needs when you travel, and
essentials Hudson
to our investors for putting your trust in us to
store, and our own proprietary concepts:
deliver long term value growth.
Ink bookstore and Sweet Indulgences candy
and treats shop.
• At McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas,
we transformed previously unproductive space
into a collection of proprietary and branded
specialty stores, including a Tech on the Go,
Urban Decay, Swatch, 5th & Sunset and
M. Frederic. We also created a 6,000 foot
walkthrough duty free store.
Chief Executive Officer
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www.hudsongroup.com
Hudson
Investment Case
Market Leader
in a Growing
Industry
• Nearly 40% market share in
airport retail concessions
• Attractive industry dynamics
with projected 3% passenger
growth and 4% spend per
passenger growth through
2025
• Infrastructure needs at
North American airports
estimated to be nearly $130
billion through 2023
16
IC
ON
IC
• Hudson is the most preferred
brand in North American
travel retail
• Our brand recognition is a
key advantage for attracting
customers and landlords
www.hudsongroup.com +
30 YEARS
• Over 30 years of profitable growth
Experienced,
Cohesive
Management
Team
• Average tenure of 21 years
Low Financial
Leverage of
1.3X
• Provides flexibility to pursue
M&A opportunities
Highly
Diversified
Concession
Portfolio
• Over 200 concession
contracts with average
remaining term of over
five years
• No single contract greater
than 8% of net sales
• Natural barrier to new
market entrants
17
www.hudsongroup.com Our Core Values
Purpose
To be the
Traveler’s Best
Friend.
Service
Always be responsive
and helpful. Exceed
expectations.
Teamwork
Achieve more by
supporting, trusting
and communicating
with each other.
18
www.hudsongroup.com Innovation
Distinguish ourselves &
always stay ahead.
Look for out of the
box opportunities.
Passion
Love your work.
Believe in
what you do.
Dedication
Be reliable and make
the extra effort with a
positive attitude.
Respect
Treat everyone
with courtesy and show
appreciation.
19
www.hudsongroup.com Travel
Essentials
Our travel essentials and convenience
stores consistently offer items that appeal to
the wants and needs of passengers. As one
of the premier operators in this category, we
provide travelers with both a nationally and
locally-curated product assortment, which
includes a wide variety of healthy grab and
go meals and snacks, portable electronics,
travel essentials and accessories, gifts and
souvenirs, reading materials and more.
Our award-winning Hudson concept is not
only trusted by travelers, but is also known
for being well organized and easy to shop.
Within the store, color-coded signage
directs customers’ attention to our four
distinct selling areas: Media, Marketplace,
Essentials and Destination.
In Marketplace, during 2018, we continued
to expand our proprietary grab and go
branded products – “Traveler’s Best”.
The Hudson branded concept includes
over 30 fresh food combinations, including
sandwiches, wraps, salads and meats &
cheese platters all sold in highly visible
coolers to draw customers into our stores.
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www.hudsongroup.com 21
www.hudsongroup.com Duty Free
Throughout the United States and Canada,
we offer a wide range of traditional retail
products for travelers under the banners of
Dufry, World Duty Free and Nuance.
Our stores are often designed to direct the
entire passenger flow through the store,
also referred to as “walkthrough” stores
that allows travelers to explore our
products we sell without needing to deviate
from their way to and from the gate.
As the majority of passengers in the U.S.
are domestic, we also promote awareness
that domestic passengers can shop in duty
free stores.
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www.hudsongroup.com 23
www.hudsongroup.com Branded
Specialty
Hudson Group operates airport stores
for many of the world’s most prestigious
luxury brands, including Tumi, Coach, Kate
Spade, Michael Kors and, most recently,
FAO Schwarz, which are designed seam-
lessly to reflect each brand’s identity, from
store design to customer service.
These stores are operated by our employees
and provide travelers with the same expe-
rience that shoppers have in the flagship
locations. In order to best meet the needs
of each airport’s customer demographic,
we design these stores as standalone con-
cepts or integrate them as a shop-in-shop
in our general travel retail stores, which
exist in both duty free and duty paid store
concepts.
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www.hudsongroup.com 25
www.hudsongroup.com Proprietary
Specialty
Hudson Group also operates a diversified
portfolio of specialty and local concepts that
offer a broad product rage relating to a
special theme or product category. Our
proprietary specialty brands include Tech
on the Go, 5th & Sunset, Ink by Hudson,
among others. These stores are located in
airports, transportation terminals, and hotels
throughout the continental United States
and Canada, locations where we see a
strong potential for a store to carry a broad
product range tied to a specific theme.
The key to operating a successful
proprietary brands is to cater to the needs
and wants of travelers. Tech on the Go,
for example, has been highly successful at
providing customers with a one stop shop
for all of their tech needs.
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www.hudsongroup.com 27
www.hudsongroup.com Food and
Beverage
In addition to our traditional travel
convenience stores and quick-service
restaurant and coffee combination stores
which include Euro Café, we operate
stand-alone quick service food and
beverage outlets under franchise
agreements, such as Dunkin’ Donuts,
Baskin Robbins, Quiznos, Jason’s Deli,
and Pinkberry.
Food and beverage is a booming
business in travel retail and aviation,
and we only account for a fraction of the
total market share, so there is enormous
opportunity for us to grow in this
category that we know extremely well.
Hudson Group intends to pursue growth
opportunities in the food and beverage
market in the United States and Canada.
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www.hudsongroup.com 29
www.hudsongroup.com Executive Officers
Roger Fordyce
Chief Executive Officer
and Director
Adrian Bartella
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Hope Remoundos
Executive Vice President
Chief Marketing Officer
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www.hudsongroup.com Brian Quinn
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
Mike Mullaney
Executive Vice President
Corporate Strategy and
Business Development
Jordi Martin-
Consuegra
Executive Vice President
Chief Adminstrative Officer
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
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www.hudsongroup.com Board of Directors
Juan Carlos
Torres Carretero
Chairman
Julián Díaz González
Deputy Chairman
Roger Fordyce
Chief Executive Officer
and Director
Eugenia M. Ulasewicz
Director
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www.hudsongroup.com James E. Skinner
Director
Joaquin Moya-
Angeler Cabrera
Director
Mary J. Steele Guilfoile
Director
Heekyung Jo Min
Director
James Cohen
Deputy Chairman
33
www.hudsongroup.com Together we have
built North America’s
largest travel
retail company
34
www.hudsongroup.com Non-IFRS Measures
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Other Data
Operating Metrics
Number of stores¹
Total square feet of stores (thousands)²
Financial Metrics
Net sales growth
Like-for-like growth³
Like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis⁴
Organic growth⁵
Net profit / (loss) in millions of USD
Net profit / (loss) growth
Net earnings margin⁶
Adjusted EBITDA (millions of USD)⁷
Adjusted EBITDA growth
Adjusted EBITDA margin⁸
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent
growth
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent
margin⁹
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
(millions of USD)10
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
growth
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
margin11
2018
2017
2016
1,028
1,089.9
996
1,069.8
6.8%
3.7%
3.7%
7.0%
65.8
6.7%
4.8%
4.4%
8.8%
(10.6)
948
1,010.5
20.5%
3.9%
4.3%
5.4%
49.8
720.8%
(121.3%)
172.1%
3.4%
238.0
38.0%
12.4%
29.5
(0.6%)
172.5
10.4%
9.6%
(40.4)
173.0%
N/A
1.5%
(2.2%)
76.9
1.1
3.0%
156.2
16.1%
9.3%
23.5
N/A
1.4%
67.6
6,890.9%
N/A
163.0%
4.0%
0.1%
4.0%
1 Number of stores
Represents number of stores open at the end of the applicable period.
2 Total square feet of stores (thousands)
Represents gross square footage of all stores open at the end of the applicable period.
3 Like-for-like growth
Like-for-like growth represents the growth in aggregate monthly net sales in the applicable period at stores that have been operating
for at least 12 months. Like-for-like growth during the applicable period excludes growth attributable to (i) net new stores and
expansions until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months, (ii) acquired stores until such stores have been
part of our business for at least 12 months and (iii) eight stores acquired in the 2014 acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores acquired
in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that management expected, at the time of the applicable acquisition, to wind
down. For more information see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating results — Principal factors
affecting our results of operations — Turnover.”
4 Like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis
Like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by keeping exchange rates constant for each month being compared
from period to period. We believe that the presentation of like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis assists investors in
comparing period to period operating results as it removes the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
35
www.hudsongroup.com 5 Organic growth
Organic growth represents the combination of growth from (i) like-for-like growth and (ii) net new stores and expansions. Organic
growth excludes growth attributable to (i) acquired stores until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (ii)
eight stores acquired in the 2014 acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores acquired in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that
management expected, at the time of the applicable acquisition, to wind down. For more information see “Item 5. Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects — A. Operating results — Principal factors affecting our results of operations — Turnover — Organic Growth.”
6 Net Profit margin
We define net profit margin as net profit / (loss) divided by turnover.
7 Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings adjusted for the items set forth in the table below. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure
and is not a uniformly or legally defined financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for IFRS measures in assessing our
overall financial performance. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not determined in accordance with IFRS, and is susceptible to varying
calculations, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Adjusted
EBITDA is included in this annual report because it is a measure of our operating performance and we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is
useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the
operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors as a measure
of comparative operating performance from period to period as it is reflective of changes in pricing decisions, cost controls and other
factors that affect operating performance, and it removes the effect of our capital structure (primarily interest expense), asset base
(depreciation and amortization) and non-recurring transactions, impairments of financial assets and changes in provisions (primarily
relating to costs associated with the closing or restructuring of our operations). Our management also uses Adjusted EBITDA for
planning purposes, including financial projections. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider
it in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS as issued by IASB.
The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net profit / (loss) for the periods presented:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Net profit / (loss)
Income tax expense
Profit before tax
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Interest income
Interest expenses
Operating profit
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Other operational resulta
Adjusted EBITDA
2018
65.8
3.0
68.8
0.9
(2.5)
31.0
98.2
128.9
10.9
238.0
2017
(10.6)
42.9
32.3
(0.5)
(1.9)
30.2
60.1
108.7
3.7
172.5
2016
49.8
(34.3)
15.5
–
(2.1)
29.8
43.2
103.7
9.3
156.2
a For the year ended December 31, 2018, other operational result consisted of $3.5 million of restructuring expenses, $2.8
million of litigation reserve, $1.9 million of uncollected receivables, $1.5 million of asset write-offs related to conversions
and store closings, $0.7 million of IPO transaction costs and $0.5 million of other expenses and non-recurring items.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operational result consisted of $9.4 million of other operating income resulting from
a related party loan waiver due to Dufry, offset by other operating expenses including $3.4 million of audit and consulting costs
related to preparatory work in connection with our initial public offering, $4.1 million of restructuring expenses associated with the
World Duty Free Group acquisition and $5.5 million of other operating expenses including restructuring and non-recurring items.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, other operational result consisted of $8.3 million of restructuring expenses associated with
the World Duty Free Group acquisition and $1.0 million of other expenses and non-recurring items.
8 Adjusted EBITDA margin
We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by turnover.
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www.hudsongroup.com
9 Net Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent margin
We define net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent margin as net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent divided
by turnover.
10 Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
We define Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent as net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent adjusted
for the items set forth in the table below. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is a non-IFRS measure and is
not a uniformly or legally defined financial measure. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is not a substitute
for IFRS measures in assessing our overall operating performance. Because Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the
parent is not determined in accordance with IFRS, and is susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted net profit attributable to equity
holders of the parent may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Adjusted net profit
attributable to equity holders of the parent is included in this annual report because it is a measure of our operating performance and
we believe that Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is useful to investors because it is frequently used by
securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries
similar to ours. We also believe Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is useful to investors as a measure of
comparative operating performance from period to period as it removes the effects of purchase accounting for acquired intangible
assets (primarily concessions), nonrecurring transactions, impairments of financial assets and changes in provisions (primarily relating
to costs associated with the closing or restructuring of our operations). Management does not consider such costs for the purpose
of evaluating the performance of the business and as a result uses Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent for
planning purposes. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should
not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS as issued by IASB.
The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent to net profit /
(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent for the periods presented:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
2018
2017
2016
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders
of the parent
Amortization related to acquisitionsa
Other operational resultb
Income tax adjustmentc
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
29.5
39.4
10.9
(2.9)
76.9
(40.4)
39.2
3.7
(1.4)
1.1
23.5
38.4
9.3
(3.6)
67.6
a Although the values assigned to the concession rights during the purchase price allocation are fair values, we believe that their
additional amortization doesn’t allow a fair comparison with our existing business previous to the business combination, as the costs
of self-generated intangible assets have been incurred.
b For the year ended December 31, 2018, other operational result consisted of $3.5 million of restructuring expenses, $2.8 million
of litigation reserve, $1.9 million of uncollected receivables, $1.5 million of asset write-offs related to conversions and store closings,
$0.7 million of IPO transaction costs and $0.5 million of other expenses and non-recurring items.
c
Income tax adjustment represents the impact in income taxes we actually accrued during the applicable period attributable to
other operational result. This assumption uses an income tax rate of 26.77% for the adjustment. Amortization expenses related to
acquisitions did not reduce the amount of taxes we paid during the applicable periods, and therefore there are no corresponding
income tax adjustments in respect of the amortization expense adjustment.
11 Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent margin
We define Adjusted net earnings margin attributable to equity holders of the parent as Adjusted net earnings attributable to equity
holders of the parent divided by turnover.
B. Capitalization and indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
Not applicable.
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www.hudsongroup.com 38
www.hudsongroup.com Important Notice
This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 (Reform Act). Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently avai-
lable to us, and include, without limitation, statements regarding our business, financial condition, strategy, results of opera-
tions, certain of our plans, objectives, assumptions, expectations, prospects and beliefs and statements regarding other future
events or prospects. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by
the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,”
“predict,” “potential,” “assume,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “shall,” “risk” or the negative of these terms or similar
expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends. By their nature, forward-looking statements in-
volve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the fu-
ture. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of
operations, financial condition and liquidity, the development of the industry in which we operate and the effect of acquisitions
on us may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Re-
port. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, the development of the industry in which we
operate and the effect of acquisitions on us are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Re-
port, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new in-
formation or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or cir-
cumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statem-
ents in this Annual Report, or that may impact our business and results more generally, include, but are not limited to, the risks
described under “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk factors” of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December
31, 2018 which may be accessed through the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/edgar. You should read these risk factors
before making an investment in our shares.
© Hudson Group 2019
39
www.hudsongroup.com 40
www.hudsongroup.com UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________________ to __________________.
OR
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report __________________.
Commission file number: 001-38378
HUDSON LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Bermuda
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
4 NEW SQUARE
BEDFONT LAKES
FELTHAM, MIDDLESEX TW14 8HA
UNITED KINGDOM
+ 44 (0) 208 624 4300
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and / or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Class A common shares, par value $0.001 per share
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
i Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the
close of the period covered by the annual report.
Title of Class
Class A common shares, par value $0.001 per share
Class B common shares, par value $0.001 per share
Number of Shares Outstanding
39,292,765
53,093,315
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes
No
Yes
No
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.*
* The registrant became subject to such requirements on January 31, 2018.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site,
if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit and post such files).
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non- accelerated
filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Non-accelerated Filer
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U. S. GAAP, indicate by
check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements
included in this filing:
U. S. GAAP
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement
item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17
Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
No
ii HUDSON LTD. 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Presentation of financial and other information
Forward-looking statements
Part I
Item 1. Identity of directors, senior management and advisers
A. Directors and senior management
B. Advisers
C. Auditors
Item 2. Offer statistics and expected timetable
A. Offer statistics
B. Method and expected timetable
Item 3. Key information
A. Selected financial data
B. Capitalization and indebtedness
C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
D. Risk factors
Item 4. Information on the company
A. History and development of the company
B. Business overview
C. Organizational structure
D. Property, plant and equipment
Item 4a. Unresolved staff comments
Item 5. Operating and financial review and prospects
A. Operating results
B. Liquidity and capital resources
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
D. Trend information
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements
F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
G. Safe harbor
Item 6. Directors, senior management and employees
A. Directors and senior management
B. Compensation
C. Board practices
D. Employees
E. Share ownership
Item 7. Major shareholders and related party transactions
A. Major shareholders
B. Related party transactions
C. Interests of experts and counsel
Item 8. Financial information
A. Consolidated statements and other financial information
B. Significant changes
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
7
7
8
28
28
29
42
42
42
43
43
52
58
58
58
59
59
60
60
63
64
65
65
66
66
67
70
71
71
71
iii Item 9. The offer and listing
A. Offering and listing details
B. Plan of distribution
C. Markets
D. Selling shareholders
E. Dilution
F. Expenses of the issue
Item 10. Additional information
A. Share capital
B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws
C. Material contracts
D. Exchange controls
E. Taxation
F. Dividends and paying agents
G. Statement by experts
H. Documents on display
I. Subsidiary information
Item 11. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Item 12. Description of securities other than equity securities
A. Debt securities
B. Warrants and rights
C. Other securities
D. American depositary shares
Part II
Item 13. Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies
A. Defaults
B. Arrears and delinquencies
Item 14. Material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds
A. Material modifications to instruments
B. Material modifications to rights
C. Withdrawal or substitution of assets
D. Change in trustees or paying agents
E. Use of proceeds
Item 15. Controls and procedures
A. Disclosure controls and procedures
B. Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
C. Remediation efforts to address material weakness
D. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
E. Changes in internal control over financial reporting
Item 16. Reserved
Item 16a. Audit committee financial expert
Item 16b. Code of ethics
Item 16c. Principal accountant fees and services
Item 16d. Exemptions from the listing standards for audit committees
Item 16e. Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers
Item 16f. Change in registrant’s certifying accountant
Item 16g. Corporate governance
Item 16h. Mine safety disclosure
Part III
Item 17. Financial statements
Item 18. Financial statements
Item 19. Exhibits
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
83
83
84
87
87
88
88
88
88
88
88
88
88
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
89
90
90
90
91
91
91
91
92
92
92
92
93
94
94
94
94
iv PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references in this annual report on Form 20-F to
“Hudson Ltd.,” “the Issuer,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “Hudson Group,” and “the Company” refer to Hudson Ltd., an exempted
company limited by shares incorporated in Bermuda, and its consolidated subsidiaries, giving effect to the
Reorganization Transactions (as defined below), unless context otherwise requires. Hudson Ltd. and its consolidated
subsidiaries consists of all entities and operations directly or indirectly owned by Dufry AG that carry on Dufry AG’s
duty-free and duty-paid travel retail operations in the continental United States and Canada that were transferred
to Hudson Ltd. in connection with our initial public offering. References to “our financial statements” prior to the
Reorganization Transactions are to the combined financial statements of Hudson Group, unless context otherwise
requires. All references to “Dufry,” “Dufry Group,” “Dufry AG” and “our controlling shareholder” are to Dufry AG,
a Swiss stock corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than Hudson Ltd.). All references to “Dufry
International AG” are to Dufry International AG, a Swiss stock corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Dufry AG.
All references in this annual report to “U. S. dollars,” “U. S.$,” “$” and “USD” refer to the currency of the United
States of America.
Financial Statements
This annual report includes our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and
for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (hereinafter “Consolidated Financial Statements”).
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U. S.$ and have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(“IASB”).
Our fiscal year ends December 31. References in this annual report to a fiscal year, such as “fiscal year 2018,” relate
to our fiscal year ended on December 31 of that calendar year.
The Reorganization Transactions
In connection with the completion of our initial public offering, as part of a series of reorganization transactions,
Dufry caused all of the equity interests of the entities that constitute the Hudson Group to be contributed to
Hudson Ltd. in exchange for common shares of Hudson Ltd. As a result of these reorganization transactions, which
occurred on February 1, 2018, our business is conducted through Hudson Ltd. and its subsidiaries. In this annual
report, we refer to all of these events as the “Reorganization Transactions.” Prior to the Reorganization Transactions,
Hudson Ltd., which was incorporated on May 30, 2017, had no operations, nominal assets and no liabilities or
contingencies.
Market Share and Other Information
Market data, other statistical information, information regarding certain industry forecast data used in this annual
report were obtained from internal reports and studies, where appropriate, as well as estimates, market research,
publicly available information and industry publications. Industry publications generally state that the information
they include has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of
such information is not guaranteed. Similarly, internal reports and studies, estimates and market research, which
we believe to be reliable and accurately extracted by us for use in this annual report, have not been independently
verified. However, we believe such data is accurate and agree that we are responsible for the accurate extraction
of such information from such sources and its correct reproduction in this annual report.
Rounding
We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included elsewhere in this annual report. Accordingly,
numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede
them.
1 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 20-F contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are based
on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us, and include, without limitation, state-
ments regarding our business, financial condition, strategy, results of operations, certain of our plans, objectives,
assumptions, expectations, prospects and beliefs and statements regarding other future events or prospects.
Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use
of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,”
“predict,” “potential,” “assume,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “shall,” “risk” or the negative of these terms
or similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and
depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity,
the development of the industry in which we operate and the effect of acquisitions on us may differ materially
from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report. In addition,
even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, the development of the industry in which we
operate and the effect of acquisitions on us are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this
annual report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent
periods.
Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-
looking statements in this annual report include, but are not limited to the risks described under “Item 3. Key
Information – D. Risk factors.” For example, factors that could cause actual results to vary from projected results
include, but are not limited to:
– events outside our control that cause a reduction in airline passenger traffic, including but not limited to
terrorist attacks and natural disasters;
– changes in general economic and market conditions;
– competition among participants in the travel retail market;
– loss of and competition to obtain and renew concessions;
– changes by airport authorities or airlines that lower the number of passengers in the terminals in which we have
concessions;
– ability to execute our growth strategy effectively to integrate successfully any new concessions or future
acquisitions into our business and to remodel existing concessions;
– ability to successfully expand into the food and beverage concession industry;
– dependence on our controlling shareholder to provide us with key services and to finance our operations;
– dependence on our local partners;
– changes in the taxation of goods or duty-free regulations in the markets in which we operate;
– adverse impacts of compliance or legal matters;
– restrictions on the duty-free sale of tobacco products and on smoking in general that affect our tobacco
product sales;
– changes in customer preferences or demands;
– the future travel habits of our customers and potential changes in transportation safety requirements;
– reliance on a limited number of suppliers;
– disruption in our supply chain;
– information technology systems failure or disruption;
– ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
– litigation;
– the concentration of our operations in New York and other metropolitan areas;
– ability to borrow from banks or raise funds in the capital markets;
– our controlling shareholder’s control over us; and
– other risk factors discussed under “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk factors.”
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to
update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these state-
ments in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
2 PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
A. Directors and senior management
Not applicable.
B. Advisers
Not applicable.
C. Auditors
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
A. Offer statistics
Not applicable.
B. Method and expected timetable
Not applicable.
3 ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected financial data
You should read the following selected financial data together with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual
report.
Our historical financial statements present the results of Hudson Group, which comprises all entities and operations
that were transferred to Hudson Ltd. pursuant to the Reorganization Transactions. Prior to our initial public
offering, Hudson Ltd. was a newly formed holding company with nominal assets and no liabilities or contingencies,
and did not conduct any operations. Following the Reorganization Transactions and our initial public offering, our
financial statements present the results of operations of Hudson Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Hudson Ltd.’s
financial statements are the same as Hudson Group’s financial statements prior to our initial public offering,
as adjusted for the Reorganization Transactions. See “Presentation of Financial and Other Information – The
Reorganization Transactions.”
The selected financial data are not intended to replace the Consolidated Financial Statements and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in
this annual report. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income and other financial data for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and selected consolidated statements of financial posi-
tion data as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements
included elsewhere in this annual report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected
for any future period.
4 We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB.
IN MILLIONS OF USD (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling expenses
Personnel expenses
General expenses
Share of result of associates
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Other operational result
Operating profit
Interest expenses
Interest income
Foreign exchange gain / (loss)
Profit before tax
Income tax
Net profit / (loss)
NET PROFIT / (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests 1
2018
1,924.2
(698.5)
1,225.7
(445.3)
(411.1)
(131.4)
0.1
(128.9)
(10.9)
98.2
(31.0)
2.5
(0.9)
68.8
(3.0)
65.8
29.5
36.3
2017
1,802.5
(680.3)
1,122.2
(421.2)
(371.3)
(156.9)
(0.3)
(108.7)
(3.7)
60.1
(30.2)
1.9
0.5
32.3
(42.9)
(10.6)
(40.4)
29.8
2016
1,687.2
(645.3)
1,041.9
(395.7)
(337.4)
(151.9)
(0.7)
(103.7)
(9.3)
43.2
(29.8)
2.1
–
15.5
34.3
49.8
23.5
26.3
1
Net profit / (loss) to non-controlling interests excludes expenses payable by us which are not attributable to non-controlling interests (which primarily
consists of our operating partners), such as franchise fees and interest expense payable to Dufry and its subsidiaries, income taxes and amortization on
fair value step-ups from acquisitions.
IN MILLIONS OF USD
31.12.2018
31.12.2017
Summary of consolidated statements of financial position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
977.4
473.8
1,451.2
533.6
280.7
814.3
636.9
1,069.0
388.8
1,457.8
571.4
314.0
885.4
572.4
5
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Other Data
Operating Metrics
Number of stores 1
Total square feet of stores (thousands)2
Financial Metrics
Net sales growth
Like-for-like growth 3
Like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis 4
Organic growth 5
Net profit / (loss) in millions of USD
Net profit / (loss) growth
Net profit margin 6
Adjusted EBITDA (millions of USD)7
Adjusted EBITDA growth
Adjusted EBITDA margin 8
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent growth
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent margin 9
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent (millions of
USD)10
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent growth
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent margin 11
2018
2017
2016
1,028
1,089.9
6.8 %
3.7 %
3.7 %
7.0 %
65.8
720.8 %
3.4 %
238.0
38.0 %
12.4 %
29.5
173.0 %
1.5 %
76.9
6,890.9 %
4.0 %
996
1,069.8
6.7 %
4.8 %
4.4 %
8.8 %
(10.6)
(121.3 % )
(0.6 % )
172.5
10.4 %
9.6 %
(40.4)
N / A
(2.2 % )
1.1
N / A
0.1 %
948
1,010.5
20.5 %
3.9 %
4.3 %
5.4 %
49.8
172.1 %
3.0 %
156.2
16.1 %
9.3 %
23.5
N / A
1.4 %
67.6
163.0 %
4.0 %
1
Represents number of stores open at the end of the applicable period.
2 Represents gross square footage of all stores open at the end of the applicable period.
3 Like-for-like net sales growth represents the growth in aggregate monthly net sales in the applicable period at stores that have been operating for at least
12 months. Like-for-like growth during the applicable period excludes growth attributable to (i) net new stores and expansions until such stores have been
part of our business for at least 12 months, (ii) acquired stores until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (iii) eight stores
acquired in the 2014 acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores acquired in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that management expected, at the
time of the applicable acquisition, to wind down. For more information see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating results –
Principal factors affecting our results of operations – Turnover".
4 Like-for-like net sales growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by keeping exchange rates constant for each month being compared from period
to period. We believe that the presentation of like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis assists investors in comparing period to period operating
results as it removes the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
5 Organic net sales growth represents the combination of growth from (i) like-for-like growth and (ii) net new stores and expansions. Organic growth
excludes growth attributable to (i) acquired stores until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (ii) eight stores acquired in
the 2014 acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores acquired in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that management expected, at the time of the
applicable acquisition, to wind down. For more information see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating results – Principal
factors affecting our results of operations – Turnover – Organic Growth".
6 We define net profit margin as net profit / (loss) divided by turnover.
7
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings adjusted for the items set forth in the table below. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is not a
uniformly or legally defined financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for IFRS measures in assessing our overall financial performance.
Because Adjusted EBITDA is not determined in accordance with IFRS, and is susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable
to other similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is included in this annual report because it is a measure of our operating
performance and we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested
parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors
as a measure of comparative operating performance from period to period as it is reflective of changes in pricing decisions, cost controls and other factors
that affect operating performance, and it removes the effect of our capital structure (primarily interest expense), asset base (depreciation and amortization)
and non-recurring transactions, impairments of financial assets and changes in provisions (primarily relating to costs associated with the closing or
restructuring of our operations). Our management also uses Adjusted EBITDA for planning purposes, including financial projections. Adjusted EBITDA
has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS as
issued by IASB.
8 We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by turnover.
9 We define net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent margin as net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent divided by turnover.
10 We define Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent as net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent adjusted for the items
set forth in the table below. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is a non-IFRS measure and is not a uniformly or legally defined
financial measure. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is not a substitute for IFRS measures in assessing our overall operating
performance. Because Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is not determined in accordance with IFRS, and is susceptible to
varying calculations, Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures presented
by other companies. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is included in this annual report because it is a measure of our operating
performance and we believe that Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is useful to investors because it is frequently used by
securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. We
also believe Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is useful to investors as a measure of comparative operating performance from
period to period as it removes the effects of purchase accounting for acquired intangible assets (primarily concessions), non-recurring transactions,
impairments of financial assets and changes in provisions (primarily relating to costs associated with the closing or restructuring of our operations).
Management does not consider such costs for the purpose of evaluating the performance of the business and as a result uses Adjusted net profit attributable
to equity holders of the parent for planning purposes. Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent has limitations as an analytical tool,
and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS as issued by IASB.
11 We define Adjusted net profit margin attributable to equity holders of the parent as Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
divided by turnover.
6
The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net profit / (loss) for the periods presented:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Net profit / (loss)
Income tax expense
Profit before tax
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Interest income
Interest expenses
Operating profit
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Other operational result a
Adjusted EBITDA
2018
65.8
3.0
68.8
0.9
(2.5)
31.0
98.2
128.9
10.9
238.0
2017
(10.6)
42.9
32.3
(0.5)
(1.9)
30.2
60.1
108.7
3.7
172.5
2016
49.8
(34.3)
15.5
–
(2.1)
29.8
43.2
103.7
9.3
156.2
a For the year ended December 31, 2018, other operational result consisted of $3.5 million of restructuring expenses, $2.8 million of litigation reserve,
$1.9 million of uncollected receivables, $1.5 million of asset write-offs related to conversions and store closings, $0.7 million of IPO transaction costs
and $0.5 million of other expenses and non-recurring items. For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operational result consisted of $9.4 million
of other operating income resulting from a related party loan waiver due to Dufry, offset by other operating expenses including $3.4 million of audit and
consulting costs related to preparatory work in connection with our initial public offering, $4.1 million of restructuring expenses associated with the
World Duty Free Group acquisition and $5.5 million of other operating expenses including restructuring and non-recurring items. For the year ended
December 31, 2016, other operational result consisted of $8.3 million of restructuring expenses associated with the World Duty Free Group acquisition
and $1.0 million of other expenses and non-recurring items.
The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent to net profit / (loss)
attributable to equity holders of the parent for the periods presented:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Net profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent
Amortization related to acquisitions a
Other operational result b
Income tax adjustment c
Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
2018
29.5
39.4
10.9
(2.9)
76.9
2017
(40.4)
39.2
3.7
(1.4)
1.1
2016
23.5
38.4
9.3
(3.6)
67.6
a Although the values assigned to the concession rights during the purchase price allocation are fair values, we believe that their additional amortization
doesn’t allow a fair comparison with our existing business previous to the business combination, as the costs of self-generated intangible assets have
been incurred.
b For the year ended December 31, 2018, other operational result consisted of $3.5 million of restructuring expenses, $2.8 million of litigation reserve,
$1.9 million of uncollected receivables, $1.5 million of asset write-offs related to conversions and store closings, $0.7 million of IPO transaction costs and
$0.5 million of other expenses and non-recurring items.
c Income tax adjustment represents the impact in income taxes we actually accrued during the applicable period attributable to other operational result.
This assumption uses an income tax rate of 26.77 % for the adjustment. Amortization expenses related to acquisitions did not reduce the amount of taxes
we paid during the applicable periods, and therefore there are no corresponding income tax adjustments in respect of the amortization expense
adjustment.
B. Capitalization and indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
Not applicable.
7
D. Risk factors
Risks relating to our business
Factors outside our control that cause a reduction in airline passenger traffic, including terrorist attacks and
natural disasters, could adversely affect our business and our turnover growth.
We derive substantially all of our turnover from, and therefore our business is primarily dependent upon sales to
airline passengers. The occurrence of any one of a number of events that are outside our control such as terrorist
attacks (including cyber-attacks), severe weather, ash clouds, airport closures, pandemics, outbreaks of contagious
diseases, such as the Zika or Ebola crises, natural disasters, strikes or accidents may lead to a reduction in the
number of airline passengers. Any of these events, or any other event of a similar nature, even if not directly
affecting the airline industry, may lead to a significant reduction in the number of airline passengers.
Further, any disruption to or suspension of services provided by airlines and the travel industry as a result of
financial difficulties, labor disputes, construction work, increased security, changes to regulations governing
airlines, mergers and acquisitions in the airline industry and challenging economic conditions causing airlines to
reduce flight schedules or increase the price of airline tickets could negatively affect the number of airline
passengers.
Moreover, increases in oil prices, for example as a result of global political and economic instabilities, may increase
airline ticket prices through fuel surcharges, which may result in a significant reduction of airline passengers.
Additionally, the threat of terrorism and governmental measures in response thereto, such as increased security
measures, recent executive orders in the United States impacting entry into the United States and changing
attitudes towards the environmental impacts of air travel may in each case reduce demand for air travel and, as
a result, decrease airline passenger traffic at airports.
The effect that these factors would have on our business depends on their magnitude and duration, and a reduction
in airline passenger numbers will result in a decrease in our sales and may have a materially adverse impact on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
General economic and market conditions may adversely affect our results.
Our success is dependent on consumer spending, which is sensitive to economic downturns, inflation and any
associated rise in unemployment, decline in consumer confidence, adverse changes in exchange rates, increase
in interest rates, increase in the price of oil, deflation, direct or indirect taxes or increase in consumer debt levels.
As a result, economic downturns may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and
result of operations. Economic conditions have in the past created pressure on us and similar retailers to increase
promotions and discounts, particularly at our duty-free concessions, which can have a negative impact on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. These promotions may continue even after economic growth
returns.
The market to obtain and renew concessions continues to be highly competitive.
We compete with travel retailers, managers / operators and, increasingly, master concessionaires, to obtain and
renew concessions at airports and at other travel facilities such as railway stations. Obtaining and renewing
concessions at airports is particularly competitive, as there are a limited number of airports in the continental
United States and Canada that meet our minimum operating criteria, which include that an airport has a sufficient
number of airline passengers to support our retail operations. Our competitors often have strong financial support
or pre-existing relationships with airport authorities that benefit those competitors when competing for conces-
sions. Certain of our competitors have been and may in the future be able and willing to outbid us for concession
agreements, accept a lower profit margin or expend more capital in order to obtain or retain business.
8 There is no guarantee that we will be able to renew existing concessions or obtain new concessions. If we do renew
a concession, there is no guarantee that it will be on similar economic terms. The failure to obtain or renew
a concession means that we will not be able to enter or continue operating in the market represented by such
concession. If we were to fail to renew major concessions or fail to obtain further concessions, our business,
financial condition, results of operations and future growth could be materially adversely affected.
Our concessions are operated under concession agreements that are subject to revocation or modification and
the loss of concessions could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We conduct our business primarily through concessions in airport terminals. The airport authorities and landlords
with whom we contract are generally able to revoke them at will by terminating the applicable concession agree-
ment. Our concessions may also be terminated by annulment, which may be declared by the airport authorities
or by courts where the grant or the terms of the concession do not comply with applicable legal requirements,
such as procurement, antitrust or similar regulations. Our concessions may also be terminated early by airport
authorities or landlords in certain default scenarios, including, among others:
– assignment, transfer or sub-lease to third parties, in whole or in part, of the rights or obligations provided in
the applicable concession agreement without the consent of airport authorities or landlords, to the extent
required;
– failure to comply with any of the provisions of the concession agreement;
– use of the concession area for a purpose other than the object of the agreement;
– entering into an agreement with a third-party with respect to the concession area or services without prior
approval of the applicable airport authorities or landlord;
– making certain modifications to the facilities without prior approval from the applicable airport authorities or
landlord;
– default on payment of the fees for a period provided in the relevant agreement; or
– not providing the services to an adequate quality level or the failure to obtain the necessary equipment for the
satisfactory rendering of such services.
The loss or modification of our concessions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our profitability depends on the number of airline passengers in the terminals in which we have concessions.
Changes by airport authorities or airlines that lower the number of airline passengers in any of these terminals
could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The number of airline passengers that visit the terminals in which we have concessions depends, in part, on
decisions made by airlines and airport authorities relating to flight arrivals and departures. A decrease in the
number of flights and resulting decrease in airline passengers could result in fewer sales, which could lower our
profitability and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Concession agree-
ments generally provide for a minimum annual guaranteed rent payment, or a “MAG,” payable to the airport
authority or landlord regardless of the amount of sales at the concession. Currently, the majority of our conces-
sion agreements provide for a MAG that is either a fixed dollar amount or an amount that is variable based upon
the number of travelers using the airport or other location, retail space used, estimated sales, past results or other
metrics. If there are fewer airline passengers than expected or if there is a decline in the sales per airline passenger
at these facilities, we will nonetheless be required to pay the MAG or fixed rent and our business, financial condition
and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Furthermore, the exit of an airline from a market or the bankruptcy of an airline could reduce the number of airline
passengers in a terminal or airport where we operate and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
9 We may not be able to execute our growth strategy to expand and integrate new concessions or future
acquisitions into our business or remodel existing concessions. Any new concessions, future acquisitions or
remodeling of existing concessions may divert management resources, result in unanticipated costs, or dilute
holders of our Class A common shares.
Part of our growth strategy is to expand and remodel our existing facilities and to seek new concessions through
tenders, direct negotiations or other acquisition opportunities. In this regard, our future growth will depend upon
a number of factors, such as our ability to identify any such opportunities, structure a competitive proposal and
obtain required financing and consummate an offer. Execution of our growth strategy will also depend on factors
that may not be within our control, such as the timing of any concession or acquisition opportunity.
We must also strategically identify which airport terminals and concession agreements to target based on
numerous factors, such as airline passenger numbers, airport size, the type, location and quality of available
concession space, level of anticipated competition within the terminal, potential future growth within the airport
and terminal, rental structure, financial return and regulatory requirements. We cannot assure you that this
strategy will be successful.
In addition, we may encounter difficulties integrating and successfully operating expanded or new concessions
or any acquisitions. Such expanded or new concessions or acquisitions may not achieve anticipated turnover and
earnings growth or synergies and cost savings. Delays in the commencement of new projects and the refurbish-
ment of concessions can also affect our business. In addition, we will expend resources to remodel our concessions
and may not be able to recoup these investments. A failure to grow successfully may materially adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In particular, new concessions and acquisitions, and in some cases future expansions and remodeling of existing
concessions, could pose numerous risks to our operations, including that we may:
– have difficulty integrating operations or personnel;
– incur substantial unanticipated integration costs;
– experience unexpected construction and development costs and project delays;
– face difficulties associated with securing required governmental approvals, permits and licenses (including
construction permits and liquor licenses, if applicable) in a timely manner and responding effectively to any
changes in local, state or federal laws and regulations that adversely affect our costs or ability to open new
concessions;
– have challenges identifying and engaging local business partners to meet Airport Concession Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise (“ACDBE”) requirements in concession agreements;
– not be able to obtain construction materials or labor at acceptable costs;
– face engineering or environmental problems associated with our new and existing facilities;
– experience significant diversion of management attention and financial resources from our existing operations
in order to integrate expanded, new or acquired businesses, which could disrupt our ongoing business;
– lose key employees, particularly with respect to acquired or new operations;
– have difficulty retaining or developing acquired or new businesses’ customers;
– impair our existing business relationships with suppliers or other third parties as a result of acquisitions;
– fail to realize the potential cost savings or other financial benefits and / or the strategic benefits of acquisitions,
new concessions or remodeling; and
– incur liabilities from the acquired businesses and we may not be successful in seeking indemnification for such
liabilities.
In connection with acquisitions or other similar investments, we could incur debt or amortization expenses related
to intangible assets, suffer asset impairments, assume liabilities or issue stock that would dilute the percentage
of ownership of our then-current holders of Class A common shares. We may not be able to complete acquisi-
tions or integrate the operations, products, technologies or personnel gained through any such acquisition, which
may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
10 If we are unable to implement our growth strategy to expand into the food and beverage market, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted.
We have limited experience in the food and beverage concession market. Expansion into the food and beverage
concession market increases the complexity of our business and could divert the attention of our management
and personnel from our existing activities, placing strain on our operations and financial resources. We may be
unfamiliar with certain laws, regulations and administrative procedures in new markets, including the procurement
of food permits and liquor licenses, which could delay the build-out and operation of new concessions and prevent
us from achieving our operational goals on a timely basis. Our efforts to expand into the food and beverage
concession market may not succeed. Furthermore, we will incur expenses and expend resources to develop, acquire
and set up food and beverage concessions and we may not recoup our investment if we are unable to deliver
consistent food quality, service, convenience or ambiance, or if we fail to deliver a consistently positive experience
to our customers.
The profitability of any food and beverage concession we acquire or operate is dependent on numerous factors,
including our ability to:
– adapt to consumer tastes and appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted
with certainty;
– partner with nationally recognized brands;
– create and implement an effective marketing / advertising strategy;
– hire, train and retain excellent food and concession managers and staff;
– manage costs and prudently allocate capital resources; and
– obtain and maintain necessary food and liquor licenses and permits.
In addition, profitability, if any, of our food and beverage concessions may be lower than in our existing activities,
and we may not be successful enough in this line of business to execute our food and beverage growth strategy.
If we are unable to grow in the food and beverage concession market, our reputation could be damaged. If any of
the risks identified above were to occur, it could limit our growth and have a material adverse impact on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are dependent on our local partners.
Our retail operations are carried on through approximately 184 operating districts in the continental United States
and Canada. Our local partners, including our ACDBE partners, maintain ownership interests in the vast majority
of these partnerships and other operating entities, some of which operate major concessions. Our participation
in these operating entities differs from market to market. While the precise terms of each relationship vary, our
local partners may have control over certain portions of the operations of these concessions. Our local partners
oversee the operations of certain stores that, in the aggregate, are responsible for a significant portion of our
turnover. The stores are operated pursuant to the applicable joint venture agreement governing the relationship
between us and our local partner. Generally, these agreements also provide that strategic decisions are to be made
by a committee comprised of us and our local partner, and we typically encourage our local partners to follow
Hudson operating parameters. These concessions involve risks that are different from the risks involved in operating
a concession independently, and include the possibility that our local partners:
– are in a position to take action contrary to our instructions, our requests, our policies, our objectives or
applicable laws;
– take actions that reduce our return on investment;
– go bankrupt or are otherwise unable to meet their capital contribution obligations;
– have economic or business interests or goals that are or become inconsistent with our business interests or
goals; or
– take actions that harm our reputation or restrict our ability to run our business.
11 In some cases, and within limits recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”), we may loan
money to our ACDBE partners in connection with concession agreements in order to help fund their initial capital
investment in a concession opportunity. If our partners are unable to repay these loans, we will record a write-down
and our net income will decrease. For these and other reasons, it could be more difficult for us to successfully
operate these concessions and to respond to market conditions, which could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We have experienced net losses in the past, and we may continue to experience net losses in the future.
We experienced a net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent of $40.4 million for the year ended Decem-
ber 31, 2017. We cannot assure you that we will achieve profitability in future periods.
The retail business is highly competitive.
We also compete to attract retail customers and compete with other, non-airport retailers, such as traditional
Main Street retailers or Internet retailers. Some of our retail competitors may have greater financial resources,
greater purchasing economies of scale or lower cost bases, any of which may give them a competitive advantage
over us. If we were to lose market share to competitors, our turnover would decline and our business, financial
condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
If the estimates and assumptions we use to determine the size of our market are inaccurate, our future growth
rate may be impacted.
Market opportunity estimates and growth forecasts are subject to uncertainty and are based on assumptions and
estimates that may not prove to be accurate. The estimates and forecasts in this annual report relating to the size
and expected growth of the travel retail market may prove to be inaccurate. Even if the market in which we compete
meets our size estimates and forecasted growth, our business could fail to grow at similar rates, if at all. The
principal assumptions relating to our market opportunity include projected growth in the travel retail market and
our share of the market in the continental United States and Canada. If these assumptions prove inaccurate, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We may not be able to predict accurately or fulfill customer preferences or demands.
We derive a significant amount of our turnover from the sale of fashion-related, cosmetic and luxury products
which are subject to rapidly changing customer tastes, as well as from merchandise associated with national or
local one-time events. The availability of new products and changes in customer preferences has made it more
difficult to predict sales demand for these types of products accurately. Our success depends in part on our ability
to predict and respond to quickly changing consumer demands and preferences, and to translate market trends
into appropriate merchandise offerings. Additionally, due to our limited sales space relative to other retailers, the
proper selection of salable merchandise is an important factor in turnover generation. We cannot assure you that
our merchandise selection will correspond to actual sales demand. If we are unable to predict or rapidly respond
to sales demand, including demand generated by one-time events, or to changing styles or trends, or if we
experience inventory shortfalls on popular merchandise, our turnover may be lower, which could have a material
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on a limited number of distributors and suppliers for certain of our products, and events outside our
control may disrupt our supply chain, which could result in an inability to perform our obligations under our
concession agreements and ultimately cause us to lose our concessions.
Although we have a diversified portfolio of suppliers across most of our product categories, we rely on a small
number of suppliers for certain of our products. For example, the distributors responsible for supplying magazines
and periodicals to virtually all of our concessions are the News Group, which includes The News Group L. P. and
TNG, which is a division of Great Pacific Enterprises Inc., and Hudson News Distributors, which includes Hudson
News Distributors, LLC and Hudson RPM Distributors, LLC. Mr. James Cohen, who is a member of our board of
directors, controls Hudson News Distributors. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions –
12 B. Related party transactions – Transactions with entities controlled by Mr. James Cohen.” Mr. Cohen became
a member of our board of directors upon consummation of our initial public offering. We do not have a long-term
distribution contract with Hudson News Distributors, but we expect to continue purchasing magazines and other
periodicals from them. Future amalgamation may reduce the number of distributors even further. As a result, these
distributors may have increased bargaining power and we may be required to accept less favorable purchasing
terms. In the event of a dispute with a supplier or distributor, the delivery of a significant amount of merchandise
may be delayed or cancelled, or we may be forced to purchase merchandise from other suppliers on less favorable
terms. Such events could cause turnover to fall or costs to increase, adversely affecting our business, financial
condition and results of operations. In particular, if we have a dispute with any of the distributors that delivers
magazines and periodicals to our concessions, we may be unable to secure an alternative supply of magazines and
periodicals, which could lead to fewer customers entering our stores and may have a material adverse impact on
our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, some of our concessions in airports require
that we sell magazines and periodicals. If supply of these products were disrupted, we could lose one or more of
these concessions, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results
of operations. Moreover, Hudson Media, which is controlled by Mr. Cohen, is a co-owner of COMAG Marketing
Group, LLC a national wholesale distributor in the periodical distribution channel. The other co-owner of COMAG
Marketing Group, LLC is The Jim Pattison Group, which also controls The News Group, another major wholesale
distributor in the periodical distribution channel and one of our suppliers. Mr. Cohen is also a member of the board
of directors of COMAG Marketing Group, LLC. As such, Mr. Cohen and his business partners play a major role in
the wholesale distribution of periodicals in our markets and his interests and those of his business partners may
not always align with our interests.
In addition, affiliates of the Dufry Group have been our exclusive suppliers of certain categories of products. We
are obligated, at Dufry’s option, to continue purchasing these products from such affiliates pursuant to the Master
Relationship Agreement that we entered into in connection with our initial public offering. See “Item 7. Major Share-
holders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related party transactions – Transactions with Dufry – Other agree-
ments with Dufry – Master relationship agreement.” The prices we pay to Dufry for these products will be determined
by Dufry in its sole discretion in accordance with its transfer pricing policy in effect for all members of the Dufry
Group. We cannot assure you that the transfer pricing policy will not be amended in a manner adverse to us, which
could result in us paying higher prices for certain products than we currently pay. The Master Relationship Agree-
ment will terminate on the date when there are no issued and outstanding Class B common shares. Also, Dufry
may terminate the Master Relationship Agreement without cause upon six months’ notice to us. If the Master
Relationship Agreement is terminated, we may not be able to obtain an alternate supplier of such products on
favorable terms, if at all, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
Further, damage or disruption to our supply chain due to any of the following could impair our ability to sell our
products: adverse weather conditions or natural disaster, government action, fire, terrorism, cyber-attacks, the
outbreak or escalation of armed hostilities, pandemic, industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety
issues, strikes and other labor disputes, customs or import restrictions or other reasons beyond our control or
the control of our suppliers and business partners. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or
potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to restore our supply
chain.
Certain concessions or groups of concessions in metropolitan areas generate a meaningful portion of our
net sales.
Though none of our individual concessions was responsible for 10 % or more of our net sales in 2018, certain travel
retail locations or groups of locations in a metropolitan area were responsible for meaningful amounts of our net
sales. Concessions located in the New York metropolitan area, including John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark
airports, in the aggregate generated 13 % of our net sales in 2018. Concessions located around Chicago, Las Vegas,
Los Angeles, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver airports generated in the aggregate at each location between 5 %
and 10 % of our net sales in 2018. Our duty-free concessions in Vancouver and Toronto generated the significant
majority of our net sales at each location in 2018.
13 Any disruption to activities at these locations or groups of locations could have a material adverse impact on our
turnover and results of operations. Moreover, any serious dispute between us and the operator or concession
landlords at such travel retail locations or group of locations that could threaten the continuity or renewal of con-
cessions at such locations, which could have a material adverse impact on our turnover and results of operations.
Our expansion into new airports may present increased risks due to our unfamiliarity with those areas.
Our growth strategy depends upon expanding into select markets that meet our minimum operating criteria.
Airports that meet our criteria may be in locations where we have little or no meaningful operating experience. In
addition, these locations may be characterized by demographic characteristics, consumer tastes and discretionary
spending patterns that are different from those in the markets where our existing operations are located. As
a result, new airport terminal operations may be less successful than our current airport terminal concessions.
We may not be able to identify new markets that meet our minimum operating criteria, and even if we do, we may
find it more difficult in these markets to hire, motivate and keep qualified employees. Operations in new markets
may be less successful than those in markets where we currently operate and may not reach expected sales and
profit levels, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on our customers spending a significant amount of time in the airports where we operate, and a change
in customer habits or changes in transportation safety requirements and procedures could have a material
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Since most of our concessions are situated beyond the security checkpoints at airports, we rely on our customers
spending a significant amount of time in the areas of the airport terminals where we have concessions. Changes
in airline passengers’ travel habits prior to departure, including an increase in the availability or popularity of airline
or private lounges, or changes in the efficiency of ticketing, transportation safety procedures and air traffic control
systems, could reduce the amount of time that our customers spend at locations where we have concessions.
A reduction in the time that customers spend in airports near our concessions could have a material adverse
impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to timely obtain and maintain required licenses and permits could lead to the loss or suspension of
licenses relating to the sale of liquor.
The laws in the United States and Canada, including in each state and province in which we operate, require that
any concession at which we sell alcohol be properly licensed. Alcohol control laws and regulations impact numerous
aspects of operations of our concessions, such as hours of operation, advertising, trade practices, wholesale
purchasing, relationships with alcohol manufacturers and distributors, inventory control and the handling and
storage of alcohol. These laws and regulations also generally require us to supervise and control the conduct of
all persons on our licensed premises and may assign liability to us for certain actions of our customers while in
our concessions. In addition, obtaining liquor licenses for multiple concessions or that cover large areas often
requires overcoming regulatory obstacles and can be time consuming and expensive. Any failure to comply with
these regulations or to timely obtain and maintain liquor licenses could adversely affect our results of operations.
Failure to comply with ACDBE participation goals and requirements could lead to lost business opportunities
or the loss of existing business.
Many of our concessions in the continental United States contain minimum ACDBE participation requirements,
and bidding on or submitting proposals for new concessions often requires that we meet or use good faith efforts
to meet minimum ACDBE participation goals. Due to various factors, the process of identifying and contracting with
ACDBEs can be challenging. The rules and regulations governing the certification and counting of ACDBE partic-
ipation in airport concessions are complex, and ensuring ongoing compliance is costly and time consuming. If we
fail to comply with the minimum ACDBE participation requirements, we may be held responsible for breach of con-
tract, which could result in the termination of a concession or monetary damages and could adversely affect our
ability to bid on or obtain future concessions. To the extent we fail to comply with the minimum ACDBE participation
goals, there could be a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
14 Information technology system failures or disruptions, or changes to information technology related to
payment systems, could impact our day-to-day operations.
Our information technology systems are used to record and process transactions at our point of sale interfaces
and to manage our operations. These systems provide information regarding most aspects of our financial and
operational performance, statistical data about our customers, our sales transactions and our inventory manage-
ment. Fire, natural disasters, power loss, telecommunications failure, break-ins, terrorist attacks (including cyber-
attacks), computer viruses, electronic intrusion attempts from both external and internal sources and similar
events or disruptions may damage or impact our information technology systems at any time. These events could
cause system interruption, delays or loss of critical data and could disrupt our acceptance and fulfillment of
customer orders, as well as disrupt our operations and management. For example, although our point-of-sales
systems are programmed to operate and process customer orders independently from the availability of our
central data systems and even of the network, if a problem were to disable electronic payment systems in our
stores, credit card payments would need to be processed manually, which could result in fewer transactions.
Significant disruption to systems could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We also continually enhance or modify the technology used in our operations. We cannot be sure that any
enhancements or other modifications we make to our operations will achieve the intended results or otherwise be
of value to our customers. Future enhancements and modifications to our technology could consume consider-
able resources. We may be required to enhance our payment systems with new technology, which could require
significant expenditures. If we are unable to maintain and enhance our technology to process transactions, we
may experience a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to protect our customers’ credit card data and other personal information, we could be exposed
to data loss, litigation and liability, and our reputation could be significantly impacted.
The use of electronic payment methods and collection of other personal information, including sales history, travel
history and other preferences, exposes us to increased risks, including the risk of security breaches. In connection
with credit or debit card transactions, we collect and transmit confidential information by way of secure private
retail networks. Additionally, we collect and store personal information from individuals, including our customers
and employees.
As a retail company, we have been and will be subject to the risk of security breaches and cyber-attacks in which
credit and debit card information is stolen. Although we use secure networks to transmit confidential informa-
tion, the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change
frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, and as a result we may be unable to anticipate
these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures. Third parties with whom we do business may
attempt to circumvent our security measures in order to misappropriate such information, and may purposefully
or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we
develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or lack sufficient controls
that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access
to our systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, trickery or other
forms of deceiving our team members, contractors, vendors and temporary staff.
We may become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of actual or alleged theft
of credit or debit card information, and we may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings relating to these
types of incidents. Any such claim or proceeding could cause us to incur significant unplanned expenses and divert
resources, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further, adverse publicity resulting from these allegations could significantly impact our reputation and have
a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
15 Our results of operations fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors that impact the airline industry.
The third quarter of each calendar year, which is when passenger numbers are typically highest, has historically
represented the largest percentage of our turnover for the year, and the first quarter has historically represented
the smallest percentage, as passenger numbers are typically lower. The results of operations of our concessions
generally reflect this seasonality, and therefore, our quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of
operating results for an entire year. We increase our working capital prior to peak sales periods, so as to carry
higher levels of merchandise and add temporary personnel to the sales team to meet the expected higher demand.
Our results of operations would be adversely affected by any significant reduction in sales during the traditional
peak sales period.
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could negatively impact our financial
condition and results of operations.
We are impacted by the purchasing power of both the U. S. and Canadian dollar relative to other currencies. When
the U. S. or Canadian dollar appreciates in value relative to other currencies, our products become more expensive
for international airline passengers whose home currency has less relative purchasing power. In addition, the
increased purchasing power of the U. S. or Canadian dollar, as the functional currency of our stores, could also
cause domestic airline passengers to purchase products abroad. The exchange rate fluctuations in either such
currency could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including executive officers and
management.
Our success depends, to a significant extent, on the performance and expertise of executive officers, top man-
agement and other key employees. There is competition for skilled, experienced personnel in the fields in which
we operate and, as a result, the retention of such personnel cannot be guaranteed. The loss or incapacitation of
our executive officers, senior management or any other key employees or the failure to attract new highly qualified
employees could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our continuing ability to recruit and retain skilled personnel will be an important element of our future success.
We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as part of management’s
assessment. If we are unable to remediate this material weakness, or if we identify additional material weak-
nesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able
to accurately or timely report our financial results, or prevent fraud, and investor confidence in our company
and the market price of our shares may be adversely affected.
As part of management’s assessment of its internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2018, management identified a material weakness as defined under the Exchange Act and by the U.S.
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, in our internal control over financial reporting. A material
weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that
there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual financial statements will
not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness identified relates specifically to the procure
to pay process and the related internal controls supporting this area. The material weakness specifically related
to issues around, (1) a lack of appropriate controls over the design and operating effectiveness of the purchasing
process, including lack of proper segregation of duties; (2) a lack of formal policies and procedures related to
invoice payment authorization; (3) and a lack of adequate review over certain accounts payable functions, including
vendor setup and maintenance, and review and approval of invoices for payment. The material weakness did not
result in a restatement of our prior year financial statements. See “Item 15. Controls and Procedures” for more
information.
We have initiated remedial measures and are taking additional measures to remediate this material weakness. First,
we are continuing to roll out an enhanced purchase order process to additional key locations for merchandise
purchases which are designed to ensure that (i) appropriate levels of management approve each purchase order
with tiered thresholds, and (ii) duties related to the approval of purchase orders, receipt of goods, and invoice
16 management are appropriately segregated. Second, we are implementing accounts payable software designed to
automate and streamline invoice processing, review and approval workflows for merchandising and non-merchan-
dising invoices. Third, we implemented a new invoice payment approval matrix that became operational at the end
of Q4 2018, which is also integrated in the accounts payable automation software described above. Fourth, we also
intend to strengthen our controls over the vendor set up and maintenance process by implementing additional
controls relating to the appropriate segregation of duties between vendor set-up and invoice processing, and by
requiring independent review of information entered into the accounts payable system.
However, the implementation of the measures described above and other measures we take may not fully address
this material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting, and therefore we might not be able to
conclude that it has been fully remedied. We believe it is possible that, had our independent registered public
accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with PCAOB
standards, additional control deficiencies may have been identified. If we fail to correct this material weakness or
if we experience additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of
internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial statements and such failure could
also impair our ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements and make related regulatory fil-
ings on a timely basis. This could result in a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence
in the reliability of our financial statements, which could negatively affect the market price of our shares. In
addition, we may be required to incur additional costs in connection with improving our internal control system
and hiring additional personnel. Any such action could negatively affect our results of operation and cash flows.
Damage to our reputation or lack of acceptance or recognition of our retail concepts or the brands we license
from Dufry, including Dufry, Hudson, Nuance and World Duty Free, could negatively impact our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We believe we have built a strong reputation for the quality and breadth of our concessions. Any incident that
erodes consumer affinity for our retail concepts or brand value could significantly damage our business. If
customers perceive or experience a reduction in quality, service or convenience at our concessions carrying the
brands we license from Dufry or in any way believe we fail to deliver a consistently positive experience, our business
may be adversely affected. In addition, Dufry uses the brands that we license from them outside of the continental
United States and Canada. If Dufry takes actions that result in adverse publicity surrounding the quality, service
or convenience of these brands, our business may be adversely impacted. Additionally, other travel retailers or
brands with similar names to our brands may be the subject of negative publicity, which is outside of our control,
and which may arise from time to time and could cause confusion among consumers, who could lose confidence
in the products and services we offer. Any such negative publicity, regardless of its veracity as it relates to our
brands, may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, our ability to successfully develop concessions in new markets may be adversely affected by a lack
of awareness or acceptance of our retail concepts and brands. To the extent that we are unable to foster name
recognition and affinity for our concessions in new markets or are unable to anticipate and react to shifts in
consumer preferences away from certain retail options, our growth may be significantly delayed or impaired.
Our or Dufry’s failure or inability to protect the trademarks or other proprietary rights we use, or claims
of infringement by us of rights of third parties, could adversely affect our competitive position or the value of
our brands.
We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive
position. However, any actions that we or Dufry take to protect the intellectual property we use may not prevent
unauthorized use or imitation by others, which could have an adverse impact on our image, brand or competitive
position. If we commence litigation to protect our interests or enforce our rights, we could incur significant legal
fees. We also cannot assure you that third parties will not claim infringement by us of their proprietary rights. Any
such claim, whether or not it has merit, could be time consuming and distracting for our management, result in
costly litigation, cause changes to existing retail concepts or delays in introducing retail concepts, or require us
to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. As a result, any such claim could have a material adverse impact on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
17 Taxation of goods policies in the United States or Canada may change.
A substantial part of our turnover is derived from our sale of duty-free products, such as perfumes, luxury
products, spirits and tobacco. Governmental authorities in the United States or Canada may alter or eliminate the
duty-free status of certain products or otherwise change import or tax laws. For example, sales and excise taxes
on products sold at traditional retail locations situated outside airports or online may be lowered in the future,
partly removing our competitive advantage with respect to duty-free product pricing. If we lose the ability to sell
duty-free products generally or in any of our major duty-free markets or if we lose market share to traditional or
online retailers as a result of a reduction in sales and excise taxes, our turnover may decrease significantly and
our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Future changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other
tax returns could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to income taxes in the U. K., United States and Canada, and our tax liabilities will be subject to the
allocation of expenses in differing jurisdictions and provinces. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to
volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
– changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
– expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;
– tax effects of stock-based compensation;
– costs related to intercompany restructurings; or
– changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof.
On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted a reform of the tax legislation that, among other elements,
reduces the corporate federal income tax (CIT) rate from 35 % to 21 % and imposes in addition a “base erosion and
anti-abuse tax” (“BEAT”) on domestic corporations for payments done to foreign related persons in connection
with tax deductible expenses. On December 13, 2018, the US tax authority issued draft regulations in relation to
the new law. However, a number of uncertainties remain as to the interpretation and application of the provisions
in the Tax Reform Legislation and draft regulations. In the absence of final guidance and clearer interpretation by
the regulators on these issues, we will use what we believe are reasonable interpretations and assumptions in
interpreting and applying the Tax Reform Legislation and draft regulations for purposes of determining our income
tax payable and results of operations, which may change as we receive additional clarification and implementation
guidance. It is also possible that the Internal Revenue Service could issue subsequent guidance or take positions
on audit that differ from the interpretations and assumptions that we previously made, which could have a material
adverse effect on our cash tax liabilities, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by U. K. tax authorities,
U. S. federal and state authorities and Canadian national and provincial authorities. Outcomes from these audits
could have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes will be limited.
As of December 31, 2018, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $175.1 million and state net operating
loss carryforwards of $99.1 million. Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” its ability to use its pre-change NOLs and other
pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. In general, an “ownership change”
generally occurs if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by “5-percent shareholders” that exceeds 50 per-
centage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. We have experienced
ownership changes in the past and our initial public offering resulted in another ownership change. As a result, if
we earn net taxable income, our ability to use our federal and state NOLs, or other tax attributes, to offset U. S.
federal and state taxable income will be subject to limitations. However we do not believe that these limitations
will materially affect our ability to utilize our existing NOLs or other tax attributes to offset our current and future
federal and state taxable income. In addition, we may experience additional ownership changes in the future as a
result of future transactions in our common stock (including any future dispositions by Dufry), some of which may
be outside our control, and could result in additional limitations which could significantly limit our ability to utilize
our existing or future NOLs or other tax attributes.
18 We may be adversely impacted by litigation.
We and our third-party business partners are defendants in a number of court, arbitration and administrative
proceedings, and, in some instances, are plaintiffs in similar proceedings. Actions, including class action lawsuits,
filed against us from time to time include commercial, tort, customer, employment (such as wage and hour and
discrimination), tax, administrative, customs and other claims, and the remedies sought in these claims can be for
material amounts and also include class action lawsuits. In addition, we may be impacted by litigation trends
including class action lawsuits involving consumers, shareholders and employees, which could have a material
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Restrictions on the sale of tobacco products and on smoking in general may affect our tobacco product sales.
The sale of tobacco products represented 3.0 % of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018. As part of
the campaign to highlight the negative effects of smoking, international health organizations and the anti- smoking
lobby continue to seek restrictions on the sale of tobacco products, including duty-free sales. More generally, an
increasing number of national, state and local governments have prohibited, or are proposing to prohibit, smoking
in certain public places. If we were to lose our ability to sell tobacco products, or if the increasing number of
smoking prohibitions caused a reduction in our sales of tobacco products, our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We may experience increased labor costs, including for employee health care benefits.
Various labor and healthcare laws and regulations in the United States and Canada impact our relationships with
our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include employee classifications as exempt or non-exempt,
minimum wage requirements, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, overtime, family and sick
leave, safety standards, payroll taxes, citizenship requirements and other wage and benefit requirements for
employees classified as non-exempt, including requirements related to health care and insurance. As our store
level employees are paid at rates set at, or in relation to, the applicable minimum wage, further increases in the
minimum wage could increase our labor costs. Significant additional government regulation could materially affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to various laws and regulations, and changes in such laws and regulations, or failure to
comply with existing or future laws and regulations, could adversely affect us.
We are subject to various laws and regulations in the United States and Canada, as well as international treaties,
that affect the operation of our concessions. The impact of current laws and regulations, the effect of changes in
laws or regulations that impose additional requirements and the consequences of litigation relating to current or
future laws and regulations, or our inability to respond effectively to significant regulatory or public policy issues,
could increase our compliance and other costs of doing business and therefore have an adverse impact on our
results of operations.
Failure to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of governmental authorities could result in, among
other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal
liability. In addition, certain laws may require us to expend significant funds to make modifications to our
concessions in order to comply with applicable standards. Compliance with such laws and regulations can be
costly and can increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings.
We are subject to the risk of union disputes and work stoppages at our concessions, which could have a material
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2018, 42 % of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements, some of which
have since expired. We are also often subject to airport “labor harmony” policies, which require (or effectively
require) that we employ unionized workers. In addition, negotiating labor agreements, either for new concessions
or to replace expiring agreements, is time consuming and may not be accomplished on a timely basis. If we are
unable to satisfactorily negotiate those labor agreements on terms acceptable to us, we may face a strike or work
19 stoppage that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, existing labor agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage.
Our business requires substantial capital expenditures and we may not have access to the capital required to
maintain and grow our operations.
Maintaining and expanding our operations in our existing and new retail locations is capital intensive. Specifically,
the construction, redesign and maintenance of our retail space in airport terminals where we operate, technology
costs and compliance with applicable laws and regulations require substantial capital expenditures. We may require
additional capital in the future to:
– fund our operations;
– respond to potential strategic opportunities, such as investments, acquisitions and expansions; and
– service or refinance our indebtedness.
We must continue to invest capital to maintain or to improve the success of our concessions and to meet refur-
bishment requirements in our concessions. Decisions to expand into new terminals could also affect our capital
needs. The average annual capital expenditure for the last three fiscal years has been $83.7 million. Our actual
capital expenditures in any year will vary depending on, among other things, the extent to which we are success-
ful in renewing existing concessions and winning additional concession agreements.
Over the longer term, we will need to make additional investments in order to significantly grow our footprint in
new airports and terminals, expand in other travel retail channels and increase our presence in the food and
beverage concession market. Additional financing may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all due to
several factors, including the terms of our existing indebtedness, our relationship with our controlling shareholder,
who has historically provided us with financing, and trends in the global capital and credit markets. We are also
subject to certain covenants in Dufry’s 4.50 % Senior Notes due 2023 and 2.50 % Senior Notes due 2024, including
restrictions on the amount of debt we may be able to incur from third parties and on our ability to grant liens on
our assets. In addition, we are also subject to certain of the covenants contained in Dufry’s existing credit facilities,
including restrictions on the amount of third-party debt we may incur, on our ability to grant liens on our assets
and to provide guarantees and on our ability to enter into certain acquisitions, investments, mergers and asset
sales. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – B. Liquidity and capital resources – Indebted-
ness – Restrictions on our indebtedness.” We may in the future be subject to other restrictions that limit our ability
to incur indebtedness. The terms of available financing may also restrict our financial and operating flexibility. If
adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be forced to reduce our operations or delay, limit
or abandon expansion opportunities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our operating per-
formance or generate sufficient cash flow, or that we will have access to sufficient financing, to continue our
operations and development activities at or above our present levels, and we may be required to defer all or
a portion of our capital expenditures. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially
adversely affected if we cannot make such capital expenditures.
Risks relating to our structure
Our controlling shareholder, Dufry, provides us with certain key franchise services for our business and loans
to finance our operations. If Dufry fails to perform its obligations to us or provide financing to us, and we do
not find appropriate replacement services or financing sources, we may be unable to perform these services
or finance our operations, or may not be able to secure substitute arrangements on a timely and cost- effective
basis on terms favorable to us.
Prior to our initial public offering and the related Reorganization Transactions, we operated as a business unit of
Dufry. We historically relied on franchise services provided by Dufry, including centralized support services such
as treasury, audit and other similar services. In addition, we have licensed all of our proprietary brands, including
Dufry, Hudson, Nuance and World Duty Free, from Dufry. Dufry has also been one of our largest merchandise
suppliers. In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a series of new agreements with Dufry,
including the Master Relationship Agreement. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions –
B. Related party transactions – Transactions with Dufry – Other agreements with Dufry.” The services provided
20 under the Master Relationship Agreement include financing and treasury operations, the supply of duty-free
products for sale, IT services and tax services, among others.
Our agreements with Dufry also include various franchise agreements pursuant to which Dufry licenses our use
of the Dufry, Nuance and World Duty Free trademarks. Each of these franchise agreements is terminable without
cause by Dufry upon six months’ notice. Separate from the franchise agreements, Dufry has granted us a seven-
year license to use the Hudson brand and trademark within the continental United States, Hawaii and Canada. If
Dufry were to decide to terminate, or to not renew, any of these agreements, our business, financial condition and
results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
The services provided under the agreements with Dufry may not be sufficient to meet our needs and we may not
be able to obtain other needed services on favorable terms, if at all. If Dufry were to encounter financial difficulties
that impact its ability to provide services to us, our business, financial condition and results of operations could
be materially impacted. Any failure of, or significant downtime in, our own financial or administrative systems or
in Dufry’s financial or administrative systems and any difficulty establishing our systems or integrating newly
acquired assets into our business could result in unexpected costs, impact our results or prevent us from paying
our suppliers and employees and performing other administrative services on a timely basis, which could have
a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we have historically been an integral part of Dufry’s global treasury and cash management operations
and we expect to continue to be an integral part of such operations. As of December 31, 2018, we had $492.6 mil-
lion of long-term financial loans (excluding current portion) due to Dufry. To the extent that the terms of our
existing or future indebtedness to Dufry are unfavorable compared to other financing opportunities, our financial
condition could be adversely affected.
The two-class structure of our common shares has the effect of concentrating voting control with Dufry and
its affiliates. Because of its significant share ownership, Dufry exerts control over us, including with respect
to our business, policies and other significant corporate decisions. This limits or precludes your ability to
influence corporate matters, including the election of directors, amendments to our organizational documents
and any merger, amalgamation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transaction
requiring shareholder approval.
As of March 7, 2019, the shares owned by our controlling shareholder represent 93.1 % of the voting power of our
issued and outstanding share capital. Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share and is not
convertible into any other shares of our share capital. Each Class B common share is entitled to 10 votes per share
and is convertible into one Class A common share at any time. In addition, each Class B common share will
automatically convert into one Class A common share upon any transfer thereof to a person or entity that is not
an affiliate of the holder of such Class B common share. Further, all of our Class B common shares will automatically
convert into Class A common shares upon the date when all holders of Class B common shares cease to hold
Class B common shares representing, in the aggregate, 10 % or more of the total number of Class A and Class B
common shares issued and outstanding. Any Class B common shares that are converted into Class A common
shares may not be reissued. The disparate voting rights of our Class B common shares will not change upon transfer
unless such Class B common shares are first converted into our Class A common shares. See “Item 10. Additional
Information – B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws.”
As a result, our controlling shareholder has the ability to determine the outcome of all matters submitted to our
shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any amalgamation, merger or sale
of all or substantially all of our assets. Dufry has significant power to control our operations, and may impose
group-level policies on us that are based on the interests of the Dufry Group as a whole. Group-level policies may
not align with our interests and could change the way we conduct our business, which could have a material adverse
impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
21 The interests of our controlling shareholder might not coincide with the interests of the other holders of our share
capital. This concentration of ownership may have an adverse impact on the value of our Class A common shares
by:
– delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us;
– impeding an amalgamation, merger, takeover or other business combination involving us; or
– causing us to enter into transactions or agreements that are not in the best interests of all shareholders.
Our controlling shareholder, Dufry, could engage in business and other activities that compete with us.
Dufry and its controlled affiliates (other than us) have informed us that they will not, subject to certain exceptions,
pursue opportunities in the continental United States, Hawaii or Canada in the following areas: retail or food and
beverage concessions; leases at airports or train stations; master concessionaire roles at airports; or any other
Dufry, Hudson, Nuance or World Duty Free branded retail operations, except that Dufry may continue to pursue
travel retail operations, using any of the aforementioned brands, on board cruise lines that visit the continental
United States or Canada or at ports in the continental United States or Canada visited by cruise lines. Except as
described above and subject to any contract that we may enter into with Dufry, Dufry will have no obligation to
refrain from:
– engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us; or
– doing business with any of our partners, customers or vendors.
Dufry is a diversified travel retailer with significant operations outside of the continental United States, Hawaii
and Canada, including in six continents, covering 65 countries and over 400 locations. Dufry continues to engage
in these businesses, including use of the Hudson brand outside the continental United States, Hawaii and Canada.
To the extent that Dufry engages in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us, or engages
in business with any of our partners, customers or vendors, our ability to successfully operate and expand our
business may be hampered.
Conflicts of interest may arise between us and our controlling shareholder, Dufry, which could be resolved in
a manner unfavorable to us.
Questions relating to conflicts of interest may arise between us and Dufry in a number of areas relating to our
past and ongoing relationships. Our chief executive officer is a member of the Global Executive Committee of
Dufry. Our directors and officers may own Dufry stock and options to purchase Dufry stock. Ownership interests
of our directors or officers in Dufry stock, or service as a director of our Company and a director, officer and / or
employee of Dufry, could give rise to potential conflicts of interest when a director or officer is faced with a decision
that could have different implications for the two companies. These potential conflicts could arise, for example,
over matters such as business opportunities that may be attractive to both Dufry and us, the desirability of changes
to our business and operations, funding and capital matters, regulatory matters, matters arising with respect to
agreements with Dufry, employee retention or recruiting, labor, tax, employee benefit, indemnification and other
matters relating to our restructuring or our dividend policy.
The corporate opportunity policy set forth in our bye-laws addresses certain potential conflicts of interest between
our Company, on the one hand, and Dufry and its officers who are directors of our Company, on the other hand.
By purchasing Class A common shares, you will be deemed to have notice of and have consented to the provisions
of our bye-laws, including the corporate opportunity policy. See “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum
of association and bye-laws.” Although these provisions are designed to resolve certain conflicts between us and
Dufry fairly, we cannot assure you that any conflicts will be so resolved.
22 As a foreign private issuer and “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange’s
corporate governance rules, we are permitted to, and we will, rely on exemptions from certain of the New York
Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of our board of
directors consist of independent directors. Our reliance on such exemptions may afford less protection to
holders of our Class A common shares.
The New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance rules require listed companies to have, among other things,
a majority of independent directors and independent director oversight of executive compensation, nomination
of directors and corporate governance matters. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, and we will, follow
home country practice in lieu of the above requirements. As long as we rely on the foreign private issuer exemption
to certain of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, a majority of the directors on our
board of directors are not required to be independent directors, and we are not required to maintain a compensation
committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee. Therefore, our board of directors’ approach to
governance may be different from that of a board of directors consisting of a majority of independent directors,
and, as a result, the management oversight of our company may be more limited than if we were subject to all of
the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards.
In the event we no longer qualify as a foreign private issuer, we intend to rely on the “controlled company” exemption
under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules. A “controlled company” under the New York
Stock Exchange corporate governance rules is a company of which more than 50 % of the voting power is held by
an individual, group or another company. Our controlling shareholder controls a majority of the combined voting
power of our outstanding common shares, making us a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York
Stock Exchange corporate governance rules. As a controlled company, we are eligible to, and, in the event we no
longer qualify as a foreign private issuer, we intend to elect not to comply with certain of the New York Stock
Exchange corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of directors on our board
of directors are independent directors and the requirement that our nomination and remuneration committee
consist entirely of independent directors.
Accordingly, our shareholders will not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are
subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, and the ability of our independent
directors to influence our business policies and affairs may be reduced.
Our financial information included in this annual report may not be representative of our financial condition
and results of operations if we had been operating as a stand-alone company.
Prior to our initial public offering and the related Reorganization Transactions, the travel retail business of Dufry
in the continental United States and Canada was carried out by various subsidiaries of Dufry. Since we and the
subsidiaries of Dufry that operated our business were under common control of Dufry, our Consolidated Financial
Statements include the assets, liabilities, turnover, expenses and cash flows that were directly attributable to our
business for all periods presented. In particular, our consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31,
2017 includes those assets and liabilities that are specifically identifiable to our business; and our consolidated
statements of comprehensive income for 2017 and 2016 include all costs and expenses related to us, including
certain costs and expenses allocated from Dufry to us. We made numerous estimates, assumptions and allocations
in our historical financial statements because we did not operate as a stand-alone company prior to the Reorga-
nization Transactions. Although our management believes that the assumptions underlying our historical financial
statements and the above allocations are reasonable, our historical financial statements may not necessarily
reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows as if we had operated as a stand-alone company
during those periods. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for our arrangements with
Dufry and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements included elsewhere in this annual report for our historical cost allocation. Therefore, our historical
results may not necessarily be indicative of our future performance.
23 Risks Relating to the Ownership of Our Class A Common Shares
The price of our Class A common shares might fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your
investment.
Volatility in the market price of our Class A common shares may prevent you from being able to sell our Class A
common shares at or above the price you paid for such shares. The trading price of our Class A common shares
may be volatile and subject to wide price fluctuations in response to various factors, including:
– market conditions in the broader stock market in general, or in our industry in particular;
– actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial and operating results;
– introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors;
– issuance of new or changed securities analysts’ reports or recommendations;
– sales of large blocks of our shares;
– additions or departures of key personnel;
– regulatory developments; and
– litigation and governmental investigations.
These and other factors may cause the market price and demand for our Class A common shares to fluctuate
substantially, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling Class A common shares and may otherwise
negatively affect the liquidity of our Class A common shares. In addition, in the past, when the market price of
a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have often instituted securities class action litigation against the
company that issued the stock. If any of our shareholders brought a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial
costs defending the lawsuit. Such a lawsuit could also divert the time and attention of our management from our
business.
The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and management attention.
As a public company in the United States, we have incurred and will continue to incur legal, accounting and other
expenses that we did not previously incur. We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the listing requirements of the New
York Stock Exchange and other applicable securities rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires that we file
annual and current reports with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls over
financial reporting. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for
financial reporting and accounting systems in order to meet our reporting obligations as a public company.
However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy these obligations. In addition, compliance with
these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities
more time-consuming and costly. These additional obligations could have a material adverse impact on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are
creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some
activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in
many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as
new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding
compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.
We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may
result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from
turnover-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and
standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their
application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.
24 Future sales of our Class A common shares, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur,
may depress our share price.
Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common shares in the public market, or the perception that these
sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our Class A common shares and could impair our ability to
raise capital through the sale of additional shares. As of March 7, 2019, we have 39,379,571 Class A common shares
outstanding. The Class A common shares offered in our initial public offering are freely tradable without restriction
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), except for any shares that may be held or acquired by our
directors, executive officers or other affiliates, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, which will be restricted
securities under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may not be sold in the public market unless the sale is
registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available. We have filed a registration
statement under the Securities Act registering our Class A common shares reserved for issuance under our equity
incentive plans, and we have entered into the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which we have granted
demand and piggyback registration rights to Dufry.
In the future, we may also issue our securities if we need to raise capital in connection with a capital raise or
acquisition. The amount of our Class A common shares issued in connection with a capital raise or acquisition
could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding share capital.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A common shares, and, consequently, your ability to
achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our Class A common shares.
We do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our Class A common shares for the foreseeable future.
The payment of any future dividends will be determined by the board of directors in light of conditions then existing,
including our turnover, financial condition and capital requirements, business conditions, corporate law require-
ments and other factors.
Our ability to pay dividends is subject to our results of operations, distributable reserves and solvency require-
ments; we are not required to pay dividends on our Class A common shares and holders of our Class A common
shares have no recourse if dividends are not paid.
Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend
upon our results of operations, financial condition, distributable reserves, contractual restrictions, restrictions
imposed by applicable law and other factors our board of directors deems relevant. We are not required to pay
dividends on our Class A common shares, and holders of our Class A common shares have no recourse if dividends
are not declared. Our ability to pay dividends may be further restricted by the terms of any of our future debt or
preferred securities (see also “Item 10. Additional Information – Memorandum of association and bye-laws”).
Additionally, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common shares is
limited by restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to us, including
restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness.
If securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research
about our business, the price and trading volume of our Class A common shares could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common shares will depend in part on the research and reports that securities
or industry analysts publish about us, our business or our industry. We have limited research coverage by securities
and industry analysts. If no additional securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price
for our shares could be negatively affected. In the event we obtain additional securities or industry analyst
coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our Class A common shares, their price will
likely decline. If one or more of these analysts, or those who currently cover us, ceases to cover us or fails to
publish regular reports on us, interest in the purchase of our shares could decrease, which could cause the price
or trading volume of our Class A common shares to decline.
25 We are a Bermuda company and it may be difficult for you to enforce judgments against us or our directors and
executive officers.
We are a Bermuda exempted company. As a result, the rights of holders of our common shares are governed by
Bermuda law and our memorandum of association and bye-laws. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law
may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. A number of our
directors and some of the named experts referred to in this annual report are not residents of the United States,
and a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for
investors to effect service of process on those persons in the United States or to enforce in the United States
judgments obtained in U. S. courts against us or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U. S.
securities laws. It is doubtful whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions,
including the United States, against us or our directors or officers under the securities laws of those jurisdictions
or entertain actions in Bermuda against us or our directors or officers under the securities laws of other jurisdictions.
Our bye-laws restrict shareholders from bringing legal action against our officers and directors.
Our bye-laws contain a broad waiver by our shareholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on
our behalf, against any of our officers or directors. Subject to Section 14 of the Securities Act, which renders void
any purported waiver of the provisions of the Securities Act, the waiver applies to any action taken by an officer
or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except
with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director. This waiver
limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against our officers and directors unless the act or failure to act
involves fraud or dishonesty.
We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs
and expenses.
We are a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and therefore, we
are not required to comply with the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act,
and related rules and regulations, that apply to U. S. domestic issuers. Under Rule 405, the determination of foreign
private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second
fiscal quarter and, accordingly, we will make the next determination with respect to our foreign private issuer
status based on information as of June 30, 2019.
In the future, we could lose our foreign private issuer status if, for example, a majority of our voting power were
held by U. S. citizens or residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign
private issuer status. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U. S. securities laws as a domestic issuer
may be significantly higher. If we are not a foreign private issuer, we will be required to file periodic reports and
registration statements on U. S. domestic issuer forms with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”), which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. For example, the
annual report on Form 10-K requires domestic issuers to disclose executive compensation information on an
individual basis with specific disclosure regarding the domestic compensation philosophy, objectives, annual total
compensation (base salary, bonus, equity compensation) and potential payments in connection with change in
control, retirement, death or disability, while the annual report on Form 20-F permits foreign private issuers to
disclose compensation information on an aggregate basis. We would also be required to comply with U. S. federal
proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and controlling shareholders will become subject to the short-swing
profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify
certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U. S. domestic issuers. Such
conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon
exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U. S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign
private issuers.
26 Bermuda law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and may afford less protection to holders of
our common shares.
We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. As a result, our corporate affairs are governed by the Companies
Act, which differs in some material respects from laws typically applicable to U. S. corporations and shareholders,
including the provisions relating to interested directors, amalgamations, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers,
shareholder lawsuits and indemnification of directors. Generally, the duties of directors and officers of a Bermuda
company are owed to the company only. Shareholders of Bermuda companies may only take action against
directors or officers of the company in limited circumstances. The circumstances in which derivative actions may
be available under Bermuda law are substantially more proscribed and less clear than they would be to shareholders
of U. S. corporations. The Bermuda courts, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to
commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong to the company where the act complained of
is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal, or would result in the violation of the
company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore, consideration would be given by a Bermuda court
to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act
requires the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s shareholders than that which actually approved it.
When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner that is oppressive or prejudicial to the interests
of some shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda, which may make
such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future or ordering
the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company. In addition, the rights
of holders of our common shares and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Bermuda law are not as
clearly established as under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in jurisdictions in the United States,
particularly the State of Delaware. Therefore, holders of our common shares may have more difficulty protecting
their interests than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction within the United States.
We have anti-takeover provisions in our bye-laws that may discourage a change of control.
Our bye-laws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us without the consent
of our board of directors. These provisions provide for:
– a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms;
– restrictions on the time period during which directors may be nominated;
– the ability of our board of directors to determine the powers, preferences and rights of preference shares and
to cause us to issue the preference shares without shareholder approval; and
– a two-class common share structure, as a result of which Dufry generally will be able to control the outcome
of all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate
transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets.
These provisions could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if the third-party’s offer may be
considered beneficial by many shareholders. As a result, shareholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a pre-
mium for their Class A common shares. See “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum of association and
bye-laws” for a discussion of these provisions.
27 ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and development of the company
Hudson Group, anchored by our iconic Hudson brand, is committed to enhancing the travel experience for over
300,000 travelers every day in the continental United States and Canada. Our first concession opened in 1987
with five Hudson News stores in a single airport in New York City. Today we operate in airports, commuter terminals,
hotels and some of the most visited landmarks and tourist destinations in the world, including the Empire State
Building, Space Center Houston, and United Nations Headquarters. The Company is guided by a core purpose: to
be “The Traveler’s Best Friend.” We aim to achieve this purpose by serving the needs and catering to the ever-evolving
preferences of travelers through our product offerings and store concepts. Through our commitment to this
purpose, as part of the global Dufry Group, we have become one of the largest travel concession operators in the
continental United States and Canada.
As of December 31, 2018, we had a diversified portfolio of over 200 concession agreements, through which we
operated 1,028 stores across 88 different transportation terminals and destinations, including concessions in 24
of the 25 top airports in the continental United States and Canada. We have over one million square feet of com-
mercial space and conduct over 125 million transactions annually. From 2008 to our initial public offering in 2018,
we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dufry, a leading global travel retailer operating over 2,300 stores in 65 coun-
tries on six continents, and we continue to benefit from Dufry’s expertise and scale in the travel retail market.
We operate travel essentials and convenience stores, bookstores, duty-free stores, proprietary and branded
specialty stores, electronics stores, themed stores and quick-service food and beverage outlets under proprietary
and third-party brands. Our proprietary brands include:
We offer our customers a broad assortment of products through our duty-paid and duty-free operations. Within
our duty-paid operations, we offer products in the following categories: media (including books and magazines),
food and beverage (including grab and go, snacks and confectionary), essentials (including travel accessories, elec-
tronics, health and beauty accessories), destination (including souvenir, apparel and gifts) and fashion (including
apparel, watches, jewelry, accessories, leather and baggage). Within our duty-free retail operations, our product
categories include perfume and cosmetics, wine and spirits, confectionary, fashion (including watches, jewelry,
accessories, leather and baggage) and tobacco.
28 B. Business overview
For the year ended December 31, 2018, our net sales were broken down as follows:
NET SALES BY MARKET SECTOR
NET SALES BY COUNTRY
24 % DUTY FREE
19 % CANADA
76 % DUTY PAID
81 % CONTINENTAL
UNITED STATES
NET SALES BY PRODUCT CATEGORIES
NET SALES BY CHANNEL
3 % TOBACCO
5 % ELECTRONICS
15 % PERFUMES &
COSMETICS
9 % LITERATURE
2 % DOWNTOWN
& HOTEL SHOPS
3 % RAILWAY
STATIONS &
OTHERS
38 % FOOD &
BEVERAGE
(INCL. SNACKS)
5 % WINE & SPIRITS
7 % OTHER
18 % FASHION (INCL.
WATCHES, JEWELRY
AND ACCESSOIRES
95 % AIRPORTS
As a travel concession operator, we operate primarily in airports and other locations where concessions are
awarded by landlords, which include airlines, airport authorities, cities, counties, developers, master concessionaires,
port authorities and states. Our success has been driven by our ability to provide differentiated retail concepts
and customized concession programs to address the complex requirements of our landlords and the characteristics
of the market that each location serves. This capability is key to our strong relationships with landlords.
In 2018, Siegel+Gale conducted interviews with airport directors across several small, medium and large hub
airports. These directors identified Hudson Group as leader in delivering operational excellence. Specifically, we
were recognized as an operator that excelled at delivering key criteria for winning and extending contracts,
including proven revenue generation, ability to tailor offering to local travelers and markets, commitment to land-
lord partnerships and responsive local teams.
Operational flexibility is key to our success. To promote and sustain our flexibility, we have established integrated
and collaborative processes to drive coordinated operations across real estate management, store operations,
marketing, merchandising and store concept design and planning. Our flexibility enables us to operate multiple
retail concepts, ranging from 200 square-foot retail walls to 10,000 square-foot stores. Our stores are well-
organized and designed to be comfortable and easy-to-shop, and are tailored to meet the unique specifications
of each airport or travel facility. Additionally, our stores utilize innovative and highly-customized designs to draw
attention to impulse items and maximize sales. As an example, in 2013 we introduced the new Hudson format, which
brings modern visuals, a different layout and new allocation to product categories, such as increased space
allocation to beverages and snacks, and reflects the evolving needs and preferences of the travelers. Over the
29 past three years, we have invested over $200 million in new store buildouts, store upgrades and expansions to
improve the overall shopping experience at our stores, as well as other capital investments in our business to
support our stores.
Through our customized merchandising approach, we provide curated assortments to each market to take
advantage of traffic flow, seasonality, landlord preferences, local tastes, large-scale regional events and traveler
spending habits. We merchandise our stores with both necessity-driven and on-trend discretionary products and
we provide discretion to our local general managers to make choices regarding product mix for the stores they
manage. Our merchandising team is committed to continuously sourcing new products to stay ahead of trends,
getting the right product at the right price, to the right place at the right time. Both our and Dufry’s tenured
relationships with a diversified set of suppliers support our successful merchandise-sourcing approach.
We remain an integrated part of the global Dufry Group. In addition to Dufry being our controlling shareholder,
a number of the members of our board of directors are affiliated with Dufry and our business continues to benefit
from Dufry’s global expertise and best practices across all major functions. Moreover, we expect that Dufry will
continue to be one of our largest suppliers, extend intercompany financing to us and provide us with other support
and services. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related party transactions.”
Our strengths
Hudson is an iconic brand in North American travel retail
With nearly half of our stores bearing the Hudson brand and our 30-year heritage in travel retail, Hudson is one of
North America’s leading travel essentials brands. We believe that we have built a reputation among travelers as
a reliable destination to meet their needs and preferences when traveling. According to an Ipsos Market Research
survey conducted in 2017, more travelers who shop at airports would prefer to shop at Hudson stores than at any
other travel news, gift and convenience retail store. Our customers look for Hudson stores for personal items,
gifts for loved ones or a convenient stop for food and beverages. We have also leveraged the strength of the Hudson
brand to become one of the leading airport retailers in the United States for many international consumer brands
such as Godiva Chocolates, Papyrus, SwissGear, Sony and Belkin. We believe the iconic Hudson brand anchors our
proposals for concessions and provides us with a competitive advantage.
Customized and Local Approach Delivers Compelling Traveler Experience
Our customized and local approach to creating our concession portfolio and to the design, layout and merchan-
dising of our stores produces a compelling retail experience for travelers. We believe that our ability to operate
multiple proprietary and third-party-branded retail concepts, while simultaneously meeting the unique specifica-
tions of each airport or travel facility, also provides an attractive retail proposition for our landlords.
We believe customers find our stores to be well-organized, comfortable and easy-to-shop. Our stores are
merchandised to deliver both necessity-driven and on-trend products, while also displaying products that travelers
may have forgotten to pack. We have unrivaled access to travelers, which enables us to understand their mindsets
and behaviors and informs the evolution of our merchandising strategies and product mix. For example, we have
merchandised our stores to take advantage of recent trends in traveler tastes, resulting in an increase in the share
of our duty-paid sales mix attributable to electronic accessories, snacks and beverages. In addition, we serve
customers’ needs and preferences by offering merchandise that targets regional tastes and includes city- specific
branding and logos. Our merchandising approach benefits from Dufry’s expertise in duty-free retail and access
to strong global brands, which complements our portfolio of concepts for our airports and customers.
30 Extensive experience and superior scale in our industry
We believe that other operators cannot match our over 30 years of industry experience, unparalleled scale of over
200 concession agreements under which we operate over one million square feet of commercial space in the
continental United States and Canada. We believe this experience and scale reflect our strong credibility with
landlords and other business partners and our knowledge of airport retail operations and travel concessions.
Additionally, we believe the expertise and operational track record required to bid successfully on new concessions
combined with our ability to offer a broad range of retail concepts and customize each opportunity regardless of
landlord structure or concession model are advantages when competing for new concessions. Our expertise also
allows us to successfully manage the myriad of legal, regulatory and logistical complexities involved in operating
a business in complex and highly regulated environments.
Diversified and Dynamic Business Model
Our business model is diversified in terms of the customers we serve and concession models we manage. We
operate a mix of concession programs and retail concepts under both proprietary and third-party brands, including
travel essentials stores and bookstores under the Hudson brand, specialty branded retail stores such as Coach,
Estée Lauder, Kate Spade and Tumi, duty-free shops under Dufry, World Duty Free and Nuance, themed stores
such as Tech on the Go, Kids Works and 5th and Sunset, as well as food and beverage outlets such as Dunkin’
Donuts. As of December 31, 2018, we sold products in 1,028 stores across 88 locations.
Our concessions also benefit from multi-year contract terms. For the year ended December 31, 2018, no single
concession accounted for more than 10 % of our sales. The long average residual duration of our concession port-
folio and diversification across contracts provide us with a high degree of sales visibility.
In addition, our strategy emphasizes continuously improving formats and adjusting our store concepts and product
mix to meet and exceed travelers’ needs and preferences. Due to our merchandising flexibility, our local general
managers can tailor their purchasing to address regional preferences. This approach enables our local general
managers to update store concepts and product mix every season and allows them to be nimble in their approach,
including testing new concepts.
Service-driven, cohesive management team
Together with our global parent, Dufry, our talented and dedicated senior management team has guided our
organization through its expansion and positioned us for continued growth. Our team has an average of 21 years
of experience at Hudson Group / Dufry. Additionally, our management team possesses extensive experience across
a broad range of disciplines, including merchandising, marketing, real estate, finance, legal and regulatory and
supply chain management. Our management team embraces our core purpose to be “The Traveler’s Best Friend”
and embodies our passionate, dedicated and service-oriented culture, which is shared by our employees throughout
the entire organization. We believe this results in a cohesive team focused on sustainable long-term growth.
Our strategies
Increase sales at existing concessions
Continue Innovation in Store Formats and Merchandise
At Hudson, every square foot matters. We aim to increase sales per transaction and overall sales by maintaining
our emphasis on merchandising and refining operations to continuously provide travelers with an array of in-demand
products. We seek innovative ways to increase potential selling space within existing locations. Through continuous
refinement, we optimize our concession configurations to maximize sales for our landlord and product vendor
partners. We also constantly evolve our merchandizing mix to stay relevant and on-trend, as well as to continue
driving sales by serving travelers’ enthusiasm for large-scale regional events, including music festivals, trade shows
and sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and the World Series. We also will continue to leverage technology
to enhance the customer experience through mobile pre-ordering applications, self-checkout capabilities, digital
marketing and other evolving technologies.
31 Refurbish and Convert Existing Stores
We intend to improve sales and profitability within current concession agreements by focusing capital investments
on refurbishing or converting existing stores, including when we pursue contract extensions. For example, we will
continue converting our existing Hudson News stores into our updated and reinvigorated Hudson retail concept.
Expand concession portfolio
Continue to win airport concessions
We intend to grow by securing new concessions at the airports in which we currently operate and at additional
airports in the continental United States and Canada, while maintaining a high renewal rate for our existing con-
cessions. Airport authorities are dedicating more commercial space to concession opportunities and adopting
a more comprehensive approach to its development.
According to the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), airports will need to spend an estimated
$130 billion on infrastructure between 2017 – 2021 to accommodate growth in passenger and cargo activity, reha-
bilitate existing facilities, and support aircraft innovation. This activity supports the growing whitespace opportunity
in our industry with additional space for retail and dining concessions in order to enhance the travel experience
for passengers and offset the cost of development.
We believe we are well-positioned to succeed in this competitive environment due to our experience and reputation
with comprehensive retail concession opportunities, our integrated and collaborative approach, and the proven
economics of our concession model. For investments in new concessions, expansions and renewals, we have
defined a hurdle rate of a low double-digit internal rate of return over the lifetime of the concession and we typically
target a payback period between two and five years, depending on the length of the contract.
Continue expansion into non-traditional locations
We intend to leverage Hudson’s consumer brand awareness and retail expertise to capture customer spending at
travel centers, tourist destinations, hotels and other non-airport locations. These venues share similar retail
characteristics with airports, such as higher foot traffic and customers with above-average purchasing power and
greater time to shop. Our ability to deploy our successful turnover maximizing capabilities outside of airports has
led to a number of wins in such locations. For example, in 2017, we announced the opening of five new stores at
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which incorporate our specialty and travel essentials retail concepts. We
will opportunistically pursue avenues for growth across the continental United States and Canada in these non-
traditional locations.
Grow food and beverage platform
We intend to pursue growth opportunities in the large and expanding travel food and beverage market in the
continental United States and Canada. Based on market data from the ARN Fact Book and our estimates, the
airport food and beverage market in the United States and Canada generated in excess of $5.3 billion of passenger
spending in 2017. This market generated sales of approximately 1.4x the combined airport sales of specialty, news
and gifts and duty-free products in 2017. The travel food and beverage market is highly fragmented and there is
an increasing overlap between travel food and beverage and travel retail, such as packaged food and “grab- and-go”
concepts. We intend to pursue these growth opportunities both organically and through acquisitions. In addition,
we believe that growing our food and beverage expertise and track record will strengthen our ability to compete
for master-concessionaire contracts and drive sales, gross margin and cost synergies with our existing retail
concepts.
Pursue accretive acquisitions
We believe that we have demonstrated our ability to create value by acquiring and integrating companies into
Hudson Group. During the last several years, we have successfully integrated the North American operations of
Nuance and World Duty Free Group. By deploying our customized and collaborative approach to store operations
and merchandising, we have been able to drive sales and advertising income growth at acquired locations and
achieve significant cost synergies. Our management team will approach potential acquisitions in a disciplined
manner with a focus on strengthening our offerings for travelers and driving additional procurement and cost
synergies. We actively maintain a pipeline of potential acquisition opportunities across retail and food and beverage.
32 Target improved profitability by leveraging our fixed costs and investments
We plan to continue to improve our operating results by leveraging our scale, partnerships and operational
excellence. The strength of our market position in the continental United States and Canada, combined with Dufry’s
global presence, enables us to negotiate favorable terms with our business partners. Additionally, as we continue
to increase sales under new and existing concession agreements, we will seek to improve our profitability as general
corporate overhead and fixed costs shrink as a percentage of sales. Further, we have invested in our sourcing and
distribution network and integrated information technology systems. We intend to leverage these investments to
grow our sales and profitability.
Our market
We operate in the travel concession market in the continental United States and Canada, which we consider to
consist of concessions located in airports, ports, bus and railways stations, tourist destinations, hotels and highway
rest stops, as well as sales onboard aircrafts, ferries and cruise liners. We plan to continue to expand across store
formats and into non-airport locations as we grow our operations. See “– Our strategies – Expand concession
portfolio.”
The majority of our sales are derived from airports. For the year ended December 31, 2018, 95 % of our net sales
were generated at airports in the continental United States and Canada. According to the ARN Fact Book, airport
concession sales at the top 42 international airports by performance in the United States and Canada were
approximately $9.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017. Based on the ARN Fact Book, as a breakdown of
sales at these airports for the year ended December 31, 2017, food and beverage contributed $5.3 billion in sales
while specialty, news and gifts and duty-free contributed $1.3 billion, $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion in sales, respectively.
The airport concession market
Airport concessions are comprised of a variety of retail, food and beverage and commercial service concepts. The
terms of an agreement between an airport concession operator and the relevant airport landlord are generally
set forth in a concession agreement. Concessions are generally awarded through either a public tender process
or pursuant to direct negotiations. Landlords generally determine the number and type of concessions to be
awarded, and terms for individual concessions may vary considerably from facility to facility.
Concession agreements may permit an airport concessionaire to sell a particular assortment of goods (for
example, general duty-free shops may sell wine and spirits, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics while specialty stores
may sell one specific product category, such as sunglasses) or operate in a specified physical location (for example,
an allocation of space within a terminal or the right to operate an entire terminal). The concession operator may
also obtain the right to allocate concession space within all or a portion of the facility, subject to the approval of
the landlord. The duration of a concession agreement typically ranges from five to ten years, depending on the
location and type of facility.
Each landlord has needs and requirements that differ depending on a number of factors. Certain landlords may
prefer to develop commercial operations from idea conception through to completion, and therefore will partner
with an experienced travel concession operator to assist with overall development of airport concessions. Other
landlords may be more involved in the management and allocation of commercial space and therefore may be
more focused on maximizing returns at a given location, with pricing terms being more important. Most airport
landlords determine rent by reference to metrics such as gross sales or the number of passengers traveling
through an airport. Concession agreements typically provide for rent that generally is based on a variable com-
ponent and in addition includes a MAG. See “– Concession agreements.”
33 Airport retailers
Airport retailers differ significantly from traditional retailers. Unlike traditional retailers, airport retailers benefit
from a steady and largely predictable flow of traffic from a constantly changing customer base. Airport retailers
also benefit from “dwell time,” the period after travelers have passed through airport security and before they
board an aircraft. Airports often offer fewer shopping alternatives compared to the traditional channel, including
limited competition from Internet retailers, which leads to necessity and impulse-driven purchases being made
from available airport retailers.
Airport retail customers differ from traditional retail customers in their wants and needs. Increased security
encourages travelers to arrive well before their flights depart, which creates the opportunity and time for shopping,
meals and other activities. Enhanced security checks and the need to reach a departure gate on time may also
add to overall travel anxiety and drive impulse purchases. In general, airport retail customers are relatively more
affluent than traditional retail customers, and travelers who are on holiday may be more inclined to spend money
at the airport.
Trends
Recent trends affecting the airport concession market in North America include:
Growth in passenger numbers
In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in both domestic and international air travel due largely
to improvements in, and greater accessibility of, air transport, as well as increased disposable income and business
professionals needing to travel due to the internationalization of many industries. According to ACI, between 2010
and 2017, total passenger traffic in North America grew at a compound annual growth rate of 3 %. Looking to the
future, ACI projects that annual North American passenger volumes will surpass 2.0 billion by 2019, and grow at
a 3 % compound annual growth rate between 2018 and 2026. The North American airport retail market’s overall
exposure to passengers is much more heavily weighted towards passengers traveling domestically.
The chart below presents historical and projected North American passenger volumes.
C o m p o u n d A v e r a g e G r o w t h R a t e s
2 0 1 8 – 2 0 2 5
3 . 1 %
2 0 1 0 – 2 0 1 7
2 . 9 %
2’500’000
2’250’000
2’000’000
1’750’000
1’500’000
1’250’000
1’000’000
750’000
500’000
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
0
2
2
1
0
2
3
1
0
2
4
1
0
2
5
1
0
2
6
1
0
2
7
1
0
2
8
1
0
2
9
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
1
2
0
2
2
2
0
2
3
2
0
2
4
2
0
2
5
2
0
2
Domestic Passengers
International Passengers
1 Source: ACI
Increased “dwell time” and propensity to spend
Travel industry dynamics continue to evolve. Lengthy security procedures and transportation delays have led to
earlier airport arrival times and increased passenger dwell time, with medium and large U. S. airports averaging
approximately 90 minute dwell times, according to the 2017 Airport Council International-North America (“ACI-NA”)
Concessions Benchmarking Survey. Additionally, airlines have eliminated many complementary services, such as
in-flight meals, headphones and other amenities to reduce costs. Further, travelers have demonstrated a willingness
to spend more at airports when presented with better quality products, convenience and a greater product
selection.
34 Airport expansion and focus on new revenue streams
Air travel is a critical and central aspect of the United States economic infrastructure with long-term resiliency
to external pressures. Airports and governments are focused on redevelopment of terminal concession programs
and additional space is being dedicated to new opportunities to develop retail and other new sales streams. As
each travel location is unique, each airport operator works to find the optimal mix of formats and products best
suited to that region or location in order to maximize turnover and profit.
Our history
Our business started in 1987 with a concession for five Hudson News stores in a single airport. Over time, we
expanded our operations and successfully bid for concessions in other major travel hubs, including at John F.
Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International and Washington Dulles International Airport. We
acquired the WH Smith North American airport operations in 2003, adding 150 stores at 22 airports. In 2008, Dufry
acquired Hudson Group. Since then, we have expanded our operations as an integrated division of the global Dufry
Group. Dufry acquired Nuance in 2014 and World Duty Free Group in 2015 and we now operate Nuance and World
Duty Free Group’s respective operations in the continental United States and Canada.
Our relationship with Dufry
Prior to our initial public offering, we were wholly-owned by Dufry. Following our initial public offering, Dufry is
our controlling shareholder, the majority of the members of our board of directors are affiliated with Dufry, and,
as an integrated part of the global Dufry Group, our business continues to benefit from the strength of Dufry’s
position in the global travel retail market. Moreover, Dufry continues to be one of our largest suppliers, extends
financing to us and provides us with other important support and services, including a license to use the Dufry,
Hudson, World Duty Free and Nuance brands and associated brands that are owned by Dufry. See “Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”
Dufry has informed us that it does not intend to pursue opportunities in the continental United States, Hawaii or
Canada in the following areas: retail or food and beverage concessions; leases at airports or train stations; master
concessionaire roles at airports; or any other Dufry, Hudson, Nuance or World Duty Free-branded retail operations,
except that Dufry may continue to pursue travel retail operations, using any of the aforementioned brands, on
board cruise lines that visit the United States or Canada or at ports in the United States or Canada visited by cruise
lines. Dufry will also continue to operate its duty-free and duty-paid stores in Puerto Rico and maintain and operate
its international distribution facilities in the United States. Dufry has also informed us that it intends to pursue
opportunities outside the continental United States, Hawaii and Canada using the Hudson brand and other asso-
ciated brands used by us in the continental United States and Canada. We do not intend to operate outside of the
continental United States, Hawaii and Canada.
Our retail concepts and products
We operate a number of retail concepts across our retail locations, including:
– Travel Essentials and Convenience Stores. Under a variety of brands, including Hudson, our travel essentials
and convenience stores offer a wide assortment of products to the travelling public, including newspapers,
magazines and books, sundries, health and beauty aids, food, snacks and beverages, souvenirs, electronics and
travel accessories. These shops are operated as stand-alone stores or, in some cases, together with a coffee-
take-out concept, such as Dunkin’ Donuts or Euro Café.
– Duty-Free Stores. Under the brands Dufry, World Duty Free and Nuance, we offer a wide range of traditional
retail products for travelers on a duty-free and duty-paid basis, as applicable, including perfumes and cosmetics,
food, jewelry and watches, accessories, wines and spirits and tobacco. Many of these stores are so-called “walk-
through” stores, which are designed to direct the entire passenger flow through the store. This innovative
concept allows travelers to explore the products we sell without needing to deviate from their way to the
boarding gate.
35 – Electronics Stores. Our electronics stores, operated under the brand Tech on The Go, offer products from
a range of popular electronics and electronics accessory brands, including Sony, Bose, Belkin and Moshi.
– Bookstores. Our bookstores offer a broad array of bestsellers and new releases, as well as a large selection of
hard cover, paperback, trade and children’s books. Our bookstores are operated under brands such as Hudson
Booksellers and Ink by Hudson, as well as local and regional bookstore brands such as Tattered Cover and Book
Soup, which we operate pursuant to licenses with the owners of the brands.
– Specialty Branded Stores. We operate branded specialty stores, offering a range of products from a single
well-known global or national brand, including Coach, Estée Lauder, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Kiehl’s, FAO
Schwarz and Tumi. These stores, which are operated by our employees, provide travelers with the same
experience as shoppers at the primary locations of the brands and appeal to both customers and suppliers
alike: customers can use their waiting time to shop for their favorite brands and suppliers have a highly visible
showcase to display their products. We operate specialty branded stores directly, although the brand owner
or supplier may provide financial support.
– Themed Stores. These stores offer a broad product range relating to a special theme rather than a specific
product category. Examples include “Kids Works” shops offering a wide selection of toys, dolls, games, books
and apparel for children, the “$10/$15 boutique” store concept offering fashion accessories at value prices and
“Discover” stores showcasing local gifts and souvenirs to promote the local market.
– Quick-Service Food Outlets. In addition to our travel convenience and quick-service coffee combination stores,
we operate stand-alone quick service food and beverage outlets, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Jason’s Deli and
Pinkberry. We operate these stores under franchise agreements.
The following table sets forth the distribution of our net sales by product category as a percentage of our total
net sales, and the total value of our net sales by product category, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
Confectionery, Food and Catering
Perfumes and Cosmetics
Fashion, Leather and Baggage
Literature and Publications
Watches, Jewelry and Accessories
Electronics
Wine and Spirits
Tobacco goods
Other product categories
Total
AS A PERCENT OF TOTAL NET SALES
IN MILLIONS OF USD
2018
37.7 %
14.8 %
12.3 %
8.9 %
5.8 %
5.0 %
4.9 %
3.0 %
7.5 %
100 %
2017
2016
35.7 %
14.7 %
12.5 %
10.0 %
6.5 %
5.0 %
5.0 %
2.9 %
7.7 %
100 %
34.7 %
13.7 %
11.1 %
11.7 %
5.2 %
4.7 %
4.6 %
2.9 %
11.4 %
100 %
2018
709.0
279.0
231.0
166.7
109.1
94.6
92.3
56.7
141.5
2017
628.0
258.4
220.1
175.6
115.5
87.7
88.0
52.2
135.3
1,879.9
1,760.8
2016
572.3
226.3
183.3
192.5
86.2
78.5
75.3
47.4
188.3
1,650.1
36
Our locations
As of December 31, 2018, we had over 200 concession agreements and operated 1,028 stores across 88 retail
locations in the continental United States and Canada, totaling over one million square feet of commercial space.
Our locations are distributed across 77 airports (representing 95 % of our stores), five commuter terminals
(representing 3 % of our stores) and six other locations (representing 2 % of our stores), as illustrated below:
LOCATION
Albuquerque International Sunport
Atlantic City International Airport
Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Boston Logan International Airport
Burlington International Airport
Calgary International Airport
Charleston International Airport
Chicago Citigroup Center
Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Corpus Christi International Airport
Dallas Love Field Airport
Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport
Denver International Airport
Des Moines International Airport
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Edmonton International Airport
Eppley Airfield
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fresno Yosemite International Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Greater Rochester International Airport
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
Harrisburg International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Houston Space Center
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport
John Wayne Airport
LaGuardia Airport
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas Venetian and Palazzo Hotel and Casino
Los Angeles International Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
McCarran International Airport
Miami International Airport
NUMBER
OF STORES
AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
2018
7
3
11
4
3
6
34
3
17
7
3
25
50
14
1
23
27
14
2
5
15
11
5
25
3
22
4
4
5
6
3
30
5
2
5
42
8
22
27
5
3
48
19
1
6
37
27
37 LOCATION
Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport
Mobile Regional Airport
Myrtle Beach International
Nashville International Airport
New York City Empire State Building
New York City Grand Central Station
New York City Penn Station
New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal
New York City United Nations Headquarters
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Penn Station Newark
Newport News / Williamsburg International Airport
Norfolk International Airport
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Oakland International Airport
Ontario International Airport
Orlando International Airport
Orlando Sanford International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport
Portland International Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Richmond International Airport
Roanoke Regional Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Salt Lake City International Airport
San Antonio International Airport
San Diego International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Stewart International Airport
Tampa International Airport
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Tucson International Airport
Tulsa International Airport
Vancouver International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington D. C. Union Station
William P. Hobby Airport
NUMBER
OF STORES
AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
2018
11
3
4
19
1
2
14
11
2
20
5
1
8
17
12
7
14
8
10
7
14
7
7
5
2
5
11
7
9
14
25
3
5
8
9
6
7
42
6
4
7
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, sales in the continental United States represented 81 %,
81 % and 82 % of our net sales, respectively, with the balance of our sales generated in Canada.
38 Duty-paid and duty-free operations
We operate both duty-paid and duty-free stores throughout the continental United States and Canada. For the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, duty-paid stores represented 76 %, 76 % and 78 % of our net sales,
respectively and duty-free stores represented 24 %, 24 % and 22 % of our net sales, respectively.
Duty-paid shops target domestic and international travelers. Standard duties and other taxes apply to sales in
these shops. They are located in both international and domestic airport terminals, train stations and other
locations.
Duty-free shops are located in airports and generally offer goods to both international and domestic travelers,
with international travelers exempt from duties and excise and other taxes on certain goods, such as tobacco and
liquor.
Concession agreements
We enter into concession agreements with landlords of airports, railway stations and other locations to operate
our stores. Concession agreements often cover a number of stores in a single location, and we often have multiple
concession agreements per location.
These concession agreements typically define the:
– term of our operations;
– rent and other amounts payable;
– permitted uses and product categories to be sold; and
– location of our stores and exterior appearance.
Concessions may be awarded in a public or private bidding process or in a negotiated transaction. Our landlords
who award contracts through a bidding process typically consider some, if not all, of the following factors when
reviewing concession bids: their relationship with the concession operator and the concession operator’s experience
in a particular region, the concession operator’s operational track record, and its ability to respond to the needs
of the landlord for planning and design advice and operational ability. Price is also an important competitive factor,
as a concession may be awarded in a tender based upon the highest concession fee offered. Landlords also often
consider the brands included in a proposal and ACDBE partnerships, if applicable, among other things. Our
concession agreements often require us to perform initial renovations of the stores, as well as refurbishment to
the stores over the term of the arrangement.
In return for the right to operate our concession, we pay rent to the airport authority or other landlord that is
typically determined on a variable basis by reference to factors such as gross or net sales or the number of
travelers using the airport or other location. Where rent is based on our sales, concession agreements generally
also provide for a minimum annual guaranteed payment, or MAG, that is either a fixed dollar amount or an amount
that is variable based upon the number of travelers using the airport or other location, retail space used, estimated
sales, past results or other metrics. A limited number of our concession agreements contain fixed rents.
Many of our concession agreements at airports contain requirements to use good faith efforts to achieve an
ACDBE participation goal, which we meet in different ways depending on the terms of the concession agreement.
A failure to comply with such requirements may constitute a default under a concession agreement, which could
result in the termination of the concession agreement and monetary damages. See “– Regulation.” Generally, our
concession agreements are terminable at will by our landlords.
39 Local partners
We operate most of our stores located at airports in cooperation with local partners. We partner with many of
these entities through the ACDBE program operated by the FAA. See “– Regulation.” We also may partner with
other third parties to win and maintain new business opportunities. Consequently, our business model contemplates
the involvement of local partners and we typically operate these concessions as associations and partnerships.
The net earnings from these operating subsidiaries attributed to us are reduced to reflect the applicable ownership
structure.
We generally structure our store operations through associations and partnerships. As of December 31, 2018, we
had 113 associations and other partnerships with 95 local partners.
Our suppliers
We are supplied both directly from manufacturers and through distributors.
Our principal travel essentials suppliers are Core-Mark and Resnick Distributors. Our principal duty-free products
supplier is Dufry. Our principal beverages supplier is The Coca Cola Company. Our principal book supplier is
Readerlink Distribution Services. Our principal magazines and periodicals suppliers are The News Group, which
includes The News Group L. P. and TNG, which is a division of Great Pacific Enterprises Inc., and Hudson News
Distributors, which includes Hudson News Distributors, LLC and Hudson RPM Distributors, LLC. For more information
on our supply arrangement with Hudson News Distributors, LLC and Hudson RPM Distributors, LLC, see “Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related party transactions – Transactions with entities
controlled by Mr. James Cohen.”
As our largest duty-free products supplier, Dufry has historically supplied us with perfumes and cosmetics, as
well as, in the United States, liquor and tobacco, for our duty-free stores. We expect that Dufry will continue to
supply us with such products. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”
Competition
We face two different forms of competition in the travel retail market in the continental United States and Canada.
First, we compete for concessions at airports and other transportation terminals and destinations with a number
of other global, national and regional travel concession operators. Travel concession operators compete primarily
on the basis of their experience and reputation in travel retailing, including their relationships with airport
authorities and other landlords, their experience in a particular region, their ability to respond to the needs of
an airport authority or other landlords for planning and design advice, as well as operational ability. Price is also
a significant competitive factor, as a concession may be awarded in a tender based upon the highest concession
fee offered. Our main competitors for airport concessions are Paradies Lagardere and DFS, as well as regional
airport concession operators such as Duty Free America and Stellar Partners.
Second, we also compete for customers directly with other travel retailers in some locations, and, as our range
of products increases, we also become an indirect competitor of traditional Main Street and Internet retailers.
The level of competition varies greatly among the different locations where we operate. For example, in a number
of airport terminals, we are the sole concession operator, while in some locations we compete with other retailers.
40 Regulation
Our operations are subject to a range of laws and regulations adopted by national, regional and local authorities
from the various jurisdictions in which we operate, including those relating to, among others, public health and
safety and fire codes. Failure to obtain or retain required licenses and approvals, including those related to food
service and public health and safety, would adversely affect our operations. Although we have not experienced,
and do not anticipate, significant problems obtaining required licenses, permits or approvals, any difficulties, delays
or failures in obtaining such licenses, permits or approvals could delay or prevent the opening, or adversely impact
the viability, of our operations.
Airport authorities in the United States frequently require that our airport concessions meet minimum ACDBE
participation requirements. The Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
program is implemented by recipients of DOT Federal Financial Assistance, including airport agencies that receive
federal funding. The ACDBE program is administered by the FAA, state and local ACDBE certifying agencies and
individual airports. The ACDBE program is designed to help ensure that small firms owned and controlled by socially
and economically disadvantaged individuals can compete for airport contracting and concession opportunities
in domestic passenger service airports. The ACDBE regulations require that airport concession recipients establish
annual ACDBE participation goals, review the scope of anticipated large prime contracts throughout the year, and
establish contract-specific ACDBE participation goals. We generally meet the contract specific goals through an
agreement providing for co-ownership of the retail location with a disadvantaged business enterprise. Frequently,
and within the guidelines issued by the FAA, we may lend money to ACDBEs in connection with concession agree-
ments in order to help the ACDBE fund the capital investment required under a concession agreement. The rules
and regulations governing the certification of ACDBE participation in airport concession agreements are complex,
and ensuring ongoing compliance is costly and time consuming. Further, if we fail to comply with the minimum
ACDBE participation requirements in our concession agreements, we may be held responsible for breach of
contract, which could result in the termination of a concession agreement and monetary damages. See “Item 3.
Key Information – D. Risk factors – Risks relating to our business – Failure to comply with ACDBE participation
goals and requirements could lead to lost business opportunities or the loss of existing business.”
We derive a portion of our net sales from the sale of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverage control laws and
regulations require that we obtain liquor licenses for each of our concessions where alcoholic beverages are served
and consumed. Liquor licenses are issued by governmental authorities (either state, municipal or provincial,
depending on the jurisdiction) and must be renewed annually. Alcoholic beverage control laws and regulations
impact the operations of our concessions in various ways relating to the minimum age of patrons and employees,
hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, other relationships with alcohol manufacturers, distributors,
inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages, as well as the conduct of various
activities on licensed premises including contests, games and similar forms of entertainment.
We are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Occupational
Safety and Health Act and various federal and state laws governing such matters as minimum wages, overtime,
unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, citizenship requirements and other working conditions.
We are also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability
in public accommodations and employment, which may require us to design or modify our concession locations
to make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons.
In the United States, duty-free stores are considered an extension of “bonded warehouses” by U. S. Customs and
Border Protection, and in Canada duty-free stores are part of a Duty Free Shop Program with the Canadian Border
Service Agency, which avoids our customers from having to pay special taxes, such as value-added and duty, when
they purchase goods while in international transit. This special status subjects us to bonded warehouse regulations
that require, for example, that any bonded merchandise shall not be commingled with local merchandise or other
non-bonded merchandise and requires us to ensure that such bonded merchandise is only sold to passengers
leaving the respective country on a non-stop flight.
We are also subject to certain truth-in-advertising, general customs, consumer and data protection, product
safety, workers’ health and safety and public health rules that govern retailers in general, as well as the merchandise
sold within the various jurisdictions in which we operate.
41 Intellectual property
In the United States and Canada, Dufry or one of its subsidiaries (other than us) holds all of the trademarks for
our proprietary brands, including Dufry, Hudson Group, Nuance and World Duty Free, or the respective applications
for trademark registration that are being processed by Dufry. Dufry licenses such trademarks to us. See “Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”
Employees
We are responsible for hiring, training and management of employees at each of our retail locations. As of Decem-
ber 31, 2018, we employed 10,094 people, including both full-time and part-time employees. Of these employees,
8,499 were full-time employees and 1,595 were part time employees. As of December 31, 2018, 4,276 of our
employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Legal proceedings
We have extensive operations, and are defendants in a number of court, arbitration and administrative proceedings,
and, in some instances, are plaintiffs in similar proceedings. Actions, including class action lawsuits, filed against
us from time to time include commercial, tort, customer, employment (such as wage and hour and discrimination),
tax, administrative, customs and other claims, and the remedies sought in these claims can be for material amounts.
C. Organizational structure
Hudson Ltd. was incorporated in Bermuda on May 30, 2017 as an exempted company limited by shares under the
Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda as amended (the “Companies Act”). Dufry AG, through its wholly-owned subsidiary
Dufry International AG, is our controlling shareholder as of the date of this annual report.
Our principal executive office is located at 4 New Square, Bedfont Lakes, Feltham, Middlesex, United Kingdom and
our telephone number is + 44 (0) 208 624 4300. Our website is www.hudsongroup.com. The information on our web-
site is not incorporated by reference into this annual report, and you should not consider information contained
on our website to be a part of this annual report or in deciding whether to purchase our Class A common shares.
See Exhibit 8.1 for a list of our subsidiaries.
D. Property, plant and equipment
We lease office space in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which consists of 93,000 square feet in a commercial office
building. In addition, pursuant to our concession agreements, we operate 1,028 stores across 88 different trans-
portation terminals and destinations throughout the United States and Canada. We also lease 37 warehouse
facilities. See “– B. Business overview – Our locations” and “– B. Business overview – Concession agreements.”
We do not own any real estate.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
42 ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A. Operating results
Principal factors affecting our results of operations
General
Our business is impacted by fluctuations in economic activity primarily in the continental United States and Canada
and, to a lesser extent, economic activity outside these areas. Our turnover is generated by travel-related retail
and food and beverage sales and income from advertising activities. Apart from the cost of sales, our operating
expense structure consists of selling expenses (including our concession fees and rents), personnel expenses,
general expenses and other expenses associated with our retail operations.
Turnover
Historically, our turnover growth has been primarily driven by the combination of organic growth and acquisitions.
Organic Net Sales Growth
Organic net sales growth (“Organic growth”) represents the combination of growth in aggregate monthly net sales
from (i) like-for-like net sales growth and (ii) net new stores and expansions.
Like-for-like net sales growth (“Like-for-like growth”) represents the growth in aggregate monthly net sales in the
applicable period at stores that have been operating for at least 12 months. Like-for-like growth excludes growth
attributable to (i) net new stores and expansions until such stores have been part of our business for at least
12 months, (ii) acquired stores until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (iii)
acquired wind-down stores, consisting of eight stores acquired in the 2014 acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores
acquired in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that management expected, at the time of the applicable
acquisition, to wind-down.
Net new stores and expansions consists of growth from (i) changes in the total number of our stores (other than
acquired stores), (ii) changes in the retail space of our existing stores and (iii) modification of store retail concepts
through rebranding. Net new stores and expansions excludes growth attributable to (i) acquired stores until such
stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (ii) acquired wind-down stores.
Net sales generated by acquired wind-down stores for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was
$1.2 million, $4.8 million and $36.7 million, respectively.
Like-for-like growth is influenced by:
– Passenger Flows: The number of passengers passing through the concessions where we operate is the principal
factor influencing sales. Between 2010 and 2017, total passenger traffic in North America grew at a compound
annual growth rate of 3 %. Annual North American passenger volumes were greater than 1.8 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2017, and ACI projects that annual North American passenger volumes will grow at a 3 %
compound annual growth rate between 2018 and 2026, surpassing 2.0 billion by 2019.
– Product Pricing: Our concession agreements typically allow a maximum mark-up above prices at certain
comparable Main Street stores to offset the additional cost of operating within the airport environment, and
some of our duty-free concession agreements benchmark our prices against those in duty-free stores in other
airports. In order to drive our organic growth, our pricing strategy reflects positioning and continuous monitoring
of prices, including the pricing policies of our suppliers, and targeted marketing of specific products in certain
concessions.
– Net Sales Productivity: Productivity may be improved through increased penetration (i. e., the number of
travelers who actually buy products compared to total travelers the concession is exposed to) and average
spend per customer. In the past, we have sought to influence both measures to improve net sales, through
infrastructure changes, such as improving the layout, location and accessibility of our shops, and marketing
and promotional activities, such as signposting inside and outside the stores and special offers, product variety,
active selling by our sales staff and improved customer service.
43 We also present like-for-like growth on a constant currency basis by keeping exchange rates constant for each
month being compared to remove fluctuations in foreign exchange rates during such respective periods.
Net new stores and expansions growth is impacted by the modification of store retail concepts and the addition
of new stores to our portfolio. We accomplish this by negotiating expansions into additional retail space with our
landlords, to replace other travel industry retailers at existing concessions as their contracts expire and by
expanding into newly created retail “white space.” We also expand into new markets and regularly submit proposals
and respond to requests for proposals or directly negotiate with potential landlords for new concessions. In
addition, net new stores and expansions growth is also impacted by concession agreements that expire and our
ability to renew such agreements. Concessions that are scheduled to expire in 2019 represent approximately 11 %
of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Acquisitions
Due to the fragmentation of the travel retail industry, acquisitions have been an important source of growth. We
have played a leading role in consolidation of the travel retail industry in the continental United States and Canada.
In 2014, Dufry acquired Nuance. The operations of Nuance in the continental United States and Canada have been
included in our financial statements from September 2014. Similarly, in 2015, Dufry acquired World Duty Free
Group and the operations of World Duty Free Group in the continental United States and Canada have been
included in our financial statements from August 2015. We acquired 28 stores as part of the acquisition of Nuance
(eight of which management expected, at the time of the acquisition, to wind-down) and 248 stores as part of the
acquisition of World Duty Free Group (46 of which management expected, at the time of the acquisition, to
wind-down). Acquisition growth represents growth in aggregate monthly net sales attributable to acquired stores
that management did not expect, at the time of the applicable acquisition, to wind-down.
Advertising income
Our significant presence in the continental United States and Canada and our large number of concessions allow
us to offer attractive promotional opportunities for our vendor partners, from which we generate advertising
income that positively affects our gross margin.
Quarterly trends and seasonality
Our sales are also affected by seasonal factors. The third quarter of each calendar year, which is when passenger
numbers are typically higher, has historically represented the largest percentage of our turnover for the year, and
the first quarter has historically represented the smallest percentage, as passenger numbers are typically lower.
We increase our working capital prior to peak sales periods, so as to carry higher levels of merchandise and add
temporary personnel to the sales team to meet the expected higher demand.
44 The following table sets forth certain data for each of the eight fiscal quarters from January 1, 2017 through
December 31, 2018. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the
future. The following quarterly financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial state-
ments and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.
IN MILLIONS OF USD (UNAUDITED)
DECEMBER
31, 2018
SEPTEMBER
30, 2018
JUNE
30, 2018
MARCH
31, 2018
DECEMBER
31, 2017
SEPTEMBER
30, 2017
JUNE
30, 2017
MARCH
31, 2017
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
Net sales
Net sales growth
Like-for-like growth 1
Organic growth 2
Operating profit
457.7
4.0 %
1.6 %
4.1 %
9.2
516.8
6.4 %
3.3 %
6.5 %
44.4
490.4
8.0 %
4.5 %
8.2 %
39.2
415.0
8.9 %
5.5 %
9.4 %
5.4
440.0
8.6 %
5.6 %
9.4 %
7.4
485.6
6.4 %
3.7 %
8.3 %
40.9
454.2
6.4 %
4.3 %
9.1 %
16.9
381.0
5.3 %
6.1 %
8.5 %
(5.1)
1
Like-for-like growth represents the growth in aggregate monthly net sales in the applicable period at stores that have been operating for at least
12 months. Like-for-like growth during the applicable period excludes growth attributable to (i) net new stores and expansions until such stores have
been part of our business for at least 12 months, (ii) acquired stores until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (iii) eight
stores acquired in the 2014 acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores acquired in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that management expected,
at the time of the applicable acquisition, to wind down. For more information see "- Turnover".
2 Organic growth represents the combination of growth from (i) like-for-like growth and (ii) net new stores and expansions. Organic growth excludes
growth attributable to (i) acquired stores until such stores have been part of our business for at least 12 months and (ii) eight stores acquired in the 2014
acquisition of Nuance and 46 stores acquired in the 2015 acquisition of World Duty Free Group that management expected, at the time of the applicable
acquisition, to wind down. For more information see "- Turnover".
Cost of sales and gross margin
Our cost of sales is a function of our purchasing terms for merchandise and is positively influenced by our strategy
of negotiating with our suppliers on a centralized basis at Dufry and Hudson. Moreover, as a member of the Dufry
Group, we purchase certain products from Dufry for our duty-free stores and benefit from the economies of scale
and enhanced purchasing power provided by Dufry.
Our pricing and product mix policy at any given store also affects the gross margin at such store.
Operating expense structure
Our principal operating expenses are selling expenses, personnel expenses, general expenses and other periodic
expenses associated with our operations.
Selling Expenses
Concession fees and rents represent the substantial majority of our selling expenses. In return for having the right
to operate our concession, we pay rent to the airport authorities or other landlords that is typically determined
on a variable basis by reference to factors such as gross or net sales or the number of travelers using the airport
or other location, which we record as concession fees and rents under selling expenses. Where rent is based on
our sales, concession agreements generally also provide for a minimum annual guaranteed payment, or “MAG,”
that is either a fixed dollar amount or an amount that is variable based upon the number of travelers using the
airport or other location, retail space used, estimated sales, past results or other metrics. Where the minimum
payment is adjusted based on prior year total rents, it usually represents between 80 – 90 % of prior year total
concession expense. As a result, our profitability may be adversely affected if sales decrease at concessions where
the MAG is higher than the variable concession fee. A limited number of our concession agreements contain fixed
rents. We have periodically been required to make MAG payments to our landlords at certain of our locations.
While the majority of our MAG payments are not material to our overall business, occasional decreases in net sales
result in a higher concession fees to net sales ratio, which has impacted our net earnings. We cannot guarantee
that any future MAG payments will not be materially adverse to our results of operations. See also “Risk factors
– Our profitability depends on the number of airline passengers in the terminals in which we have concessions.”
Changes by airport authorities or airlines that lower the number of airline passengers in any of these terminals
could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
45
Selling expenses also include credit card commissions and packaging materials, marketing and other expenses.
Credit card commissions are typically calculated as a percentage of credit card sales.
Selling expenses are presented net of selling income. Selling income includes concession and rental income and
commercial services and other selling income. At certain of our concessions, we sublease a portion of our retail
space, and we receive concession and rental income from subtenants, which we record as concession and rental
income.
Personnel expenses
Our personnel expenses, which represent a significant cost, include wages, benefits and cash bonuses. We expect
personnel expense to grow proportionately with net sales. Factors that influence personnel expense include the
terms of collective bargaining agreements, local minimum wage laws, the frequency and severity of workers’
compensation claims and health care costs. Personnel expenses are comprised of fixed and variable components,
such as bonuses, which are based on the performance of the business and / or personal goals.
In connection with our initial public offering, we adopted equity incentive award plans (the “Plans”) and granted
awards during 2018. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – B. Compensation – Changes to
our remuneration structure following the consummation of our initial public offering – New equity incentive award
plan.”
General expenses
We have historically been charged by subsidiaries of Dufry franchise fees to license brands owned by Dufry or its
subsidiaries, including the Dufry, Hudson, Nuance and World Duty Free brands, as well as for ancillary franchise
services, including centralized support services such as treasury, audit and similar services. This amounted to
$15.2 million, $50.6 million and $50.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into new agreements with Dufry pursuant to which the
franchise fees we are charged were reduced. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions –
B. related party transactions – Transactions with Dufry – Other agreements with Dufry-Franchise agreements.”
If these agreements had been in place on January 1, 2016, we would have been charged the lower amounts of
$14.1 million instead of $50.6 million and $13.6 million instead of $50.1 million for the years ended December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively, which would have resulted in higher earnings before taxes in each period.
General and administrative expenses also include repairs and maintenance, professional fees, office and warehouse
rent and general administration. These expenses are not impacted in the short term by variations in sales. We have,
in the past, implemented a number of measures to control and reduce our costs in an economic downturn.
Furthermore, in connection with becoming a public company, our general and administrative expenses have
increased as we hired more personnel and engaged outside consultants.
46 Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Our leases and concessions generally require us to invest in our premises to build, renovate or remodel them, often
before we commence business. These capital expenditures are generally capitalized as property, plant and equip-
ment (“PPE”) on our balance sheet. See “– B. Liquidity and capital resources – Capital expenditures.” We depreciate
PPE using the straight-line method over the useful life of the assets, for example, five years for furniture and up
to ten years for leasehold improvements, but in any case not longer than the remaining life of the relevant
concession term.
Our principal intangible assets are concession rights, all of which have definite life spans. Intangible assets with
a finite lifespan are amortized over their economic useful life and are tested for impairment whenever there is an
indication that the book value of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill is not amortized, but tested
for impairment annually.
Interest expense
Interest expense primarily consists of expenses related to borrowings from Dufry. As of December 31, 2018, we
had $492.6 million in long-term financial debt outstanding (excluding current portion), with a weighted-average
interest rate of 5.7 %. From time to time, we enter into loans with our affiliates. See “– B. Liquidity and capital
resources – Indebtedness.”
Income tax
Income tax expenses are based on our taxable results of operations after financial result and non-controlling
interests. Tax losses carried from one tax period to the next may also influence our deferred tax expenses.
As of December 31, 2018, we had deferred tax assets of $43.2 million in relation to net operating loss carryforwards,
which begin to expire in 2028. Utilization of our U. S. net operating loss carryforwards is subject to annual limitations
provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such annual limitations could result in the
expiration of some portion of the net operating losses and the implied tax credit before their utilization.
Non-controlling interests
Airport authorities in the United States frequently require us to partner with an ACDBE. We also may partner with
other third parties to win and maintain new business opportunities. Consequently, our business model contemplates
the involvement of local partners. The net earnings from these operating subsidiaries attributed to us reflect the
applicable ownership structure, and as a result net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests excludes
expenses payable by us which are not attributable to our operating partners, such as franchise fees and interest
expense payable to Dufry and its subsidiaries, income taxes and amortization on fair value step-ups from
acquisitions.
47 Results of operations
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
The following table summarizes changes in financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared
to the year ended December 31, 2017:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
IN MILLIONS OF USD (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling expenses
Personnel expenses
General expenses
Share of result of associates
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Other operational result
Operating profit
Interest expenses
Interest income
Foreign exchange gain / (loss)
Profit before tax
Income tax
Net profit / (loss)
NET PROFIT / (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests 1
2018
1,924.2
(698.5)
1,225.7
(445.3)
(411.1)
(131.4)
0.1
(128.9)
(10.9)
98.2
(31.0)
2.5
(0.9)
68.8
(3.0)
65.8
29.5
36.3
2017
1,802.5
(680.3)
1,122.2
(421.2)
(371.3)
(156.9)
(0.3)
(108.7)
(3.7)
60.1
(30.2)
1.9
0.5
32.3
(42.9)
(10.6)
(40.4)
29.8
in %
6.8
2.7
9.2
5.7
10.7
(16.3)
133.3
18.6
194.6
63.4
2.6
31.6
(280.0)
113.0
(93.0)
720.8
173.0
21.8
1
Net profit / (loss) to non-controlling interests excludes expenses payable by us which are not attributable to non-controlling interests (which primarily
consists of our operating partners), such as franchise fees and interest expense payable to Dufry and its subsidiaries, income taxes and amortization on
fair value step-ups from acquisitions.
Turnover
Turnover increased by 6.8 % to $1,924.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $1,802.5 million
in 2017. Net sales represented 97.7 % of turnover for 2018, with advertising income representing the remainder. Net
sales increased by $119.1 million, or 6.8 %, to $1,879.9 million.
Organic net sales growth was 7.0 % for the year ended December 31, 2018 and contributed $122.8 million of the
increase in net sales. Like-for-like growth was 3.7 % and contributed $60.8 million of the increase in net sales. On
a constant currency basis, like-for-like growth was 3.7 %. The increase in like-for-like growth was primarily the
result of increases in the overall number of transactions, as well as average sales per transaction. Net new stores
and expansions growth contributed $62.0 million of the increase in net sales, primarily as a result of opening new
stores. This growth was partially offset by a decrease of $3.6 million in net sales of acquired wind-down stores.
Gross profit
Gross profit reached $1,225.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $1,122.2 million for the prior year.
Our gross profit margin increased to 63.7 % for 2018 compared to 62.3 % in 2017, primarily due to improved vendor
terms and sales mix shift to higher margin categories. The improved vendor terms included benefits from (i)
improved product pricing and (ii) a change in the form of vendor allowances, in which vendor support now comes
in the form of a reduction in cost of sales, instead of advertising income.
48
Selling expenses
Selling expenses were $445.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $421.2 million for 2017.
Concession and other periodic fees paid to airport authorities and other travel facility landlords in connection
with our retail operations made up 92.2 % of the selling expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018. Selling
expenses declined to 23.1 % of turnover for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 23.4 % for the prior
year, primarily due to a rent reduction in one of our concession contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2018,
concession and rental income amounted to $12.5 million compared to $11.6 million for 2017.
Personnel expenses
Personnel expenses increased to $411.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $371.3 million in 2017.
As a percentage of turnover, personnel expenses increased to 21.4 % for 2018 compared to 20.6 % for 2017. The
increase in personnel expenses was primarily attributable to the opening of new locations, wage increases and
additional personnel expense upon becoming a public company.
General expenses
General expenses decreased to $131.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $156.9 million
in the prior year. As a percentage of turnover, general expenses decreased to 6.8 % in 2018 from 8.7 % in 2017. Our
general expenses declined mainly due to lower franchise fees as a result of the amended franchise fee structure
with Dufry Group, which was effective from January 1, 2018. Partially offsetting the decline was an increase in
professional fees upon becoming a public company.
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Depreciation, amortization and impairment increased to $128.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 com-
pared to $108.7 million for 2017. Depreciation reached $69.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared
to $64.5 million for the prior year. Amortization increased to $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018
compared to $44.0 million for 2017. We recorded net impairments of $14.6 million in 2018, compared to $0.2 million
in the prior year, which primarily related to a non-core hotel location that was performing below expectations. See
note 14 to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. The higher depreciation charge in
2018 was primarily due to capital investments in 2017 relating to renovating existing locations and opening new
locations.
Other operational result
Other operational result was $10.9 million of expense for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $3.7 mil-
lion of expense in 2017. The increase in expense was primarily due to a prior year $9.4 million benefit from the
forgiveness of certain intercompany payables due to Dufry. This was partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in
IPO preparation and transaction costs.
Interest expenses
Interest expenses increased slightly to $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $30.2 million
for 2017.
Income tax benefit / expense
Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to expense of $3.0 million compared to $42.9 mil-
lion for 2017. The main components of this change were (i) the $10.3 million release of valuation allowance against
net operating losses, (ii) offset by additional tax related to U. S. Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”) of $2.3 mil-
lion and (iii) the $40.2 million of expense in 2017 as a result of the reduction in the U. S. federal corporate income
tax rate as part of U. S. tax reform. The total tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted of
$9.8 million of current income tax expense incurred mainly in connection with our Canadian business, partially
offset by $6.8 million of deferred tax benefit principally due to the release of valuation allowance offset by utilization
of NOLs.
49 Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
The following table summarizes changes in financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared
to the year ended December 31, 2016:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
IN MILLIONS OF USD (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling expenses
Personnel expenses
General expenses
Share of result of associates
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Other operational result
Operating profit
Interest expenses
Interest income
Foreign exchange gain / (loss)
Profit before tax
Income tax
Net profit / (loss)
NET PROFIT / (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests 1
2017
1,802.5
(680.3)
1,122.2
(421.2)
(371.3)
(156.9)
(0.3)
(108.7)
(3.7)
60.1
(30.2)
1.9
0.5
32.3
(42.9)
(10.6)
(40.4)
29.8
2016
1,687.2
(645.3)
1,041.9
(395.7)
(337.4)
(151.9)
(0.7)
(103.7)
(9.3)
43.2
(29.8)
2.1
–
15.5
34.3
49.8
23.5
26.3
in %
6.8
5.4
7.7
6.4
10.0
3.3
(57.1)
4.8
(60.2)
39.1
1.3
(9.5)
–
108.4
(225.1)
(121.3)
(271.9)
13.3
1
Net profit / (loss) to non-controlling interests excludes expenses payable by us which are not attributable to non-controlling interests (which primarily
consists of our operating partners), such as franchise fees and interest expense payable to Dufry and its subsidiaries, income taxes and amortization on
fair value step-ups from acquisitions.
Turnover
Turnover increased by 6.8 % to $1,802.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1,687.2 million
in 2016. Net sales represented 97.7 % of turnover for the 2017 period, with advertising income representing the
remainder. Net sales increased by $110.7 million, or 6.7 %, to $1,760.8 million.
Organic growth was 8.8 % for the year ended December 31, 2017 and contributed $142.6 million of the increase in
net sales. Like-for-like growth was 4.8 % and contributed $72.6 million of the increase in net sales. On a constant
currency basis, like-for-like growth was 4.4 %. The increase in like-for-like growth was primarily the result of
increases in average sales per transaction, with the remainder attributable to an increase in the overall number of
transactions. Net new stores and expansions growth contributed $70 million of the increase in net sales, primarily
as a result of opening new stores. This growth was partially offset by a decrease of $31.9 million in net sales of
acquired wind-down stores.
Gross profit
Gross profit reached $1,122.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $1,041.9 million for the prior year.
Our gross profit margin increased to 62.3 % for 2017 compared to 61.8 % in 2016, primarily due to sales mix shift
from lower margin categories to higher margin categories, and gross margin synergies related to our implementation
in 2016 of the Hudson supply chain at the acquired World Duty Free stores, most of which are duty-paid stores.
Our gross profit margin for our duty-paid sales was only slightly higher than the gross profit margin for duty-free
sales during these periods which modestly impacted our gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2017,
as both margins increased slightly and duty-paid sales and duty-free sales represented 75.8 % and 24.2 % of our
net sales, respectively, for the same period.
50
Selling expenses
Selling expenses reached $421.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $395.7 million for 2016.
Concession and other periodic fees paid to airport authorities and other travel facility landlords in connection
with our retail operations made up 92 % of the selling expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017. Selling
expenses amounted to 23.4 % of turnover for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 23.5 % for the prior
year. Our selling expenses as a percentage of turnover were lower for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to
a $0.7 million reversal of provision related to the acquisition of Nuance. In addition, we consolidated our credit
card processors which contributed to lower credit card commission costs as a percentage of net sales. For the year
ended December 31, 2017, concession and rental income amounted to $11.6 million compared to $11.9 million for 2016.
Personnel expenses
Personnel expenses increased to $371.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $337.4 million in 2016.
As a percentage of turnover, personnel expenses increased to 20.6 % for 2017 compared to 20.0 % for 2016. The
increase in personnel expenses in absolute terms was primarily attributable to opening of new locations and the
increase as a percentage of turnover was primarily due to medical benefits and wage increases for hourly paid
employees.
General expenses
General expenses increased to $156.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $151.9 million in
the prior year. As a percentage of turnover, general expenses decreased to 8.7 % in 2017 from 9.0 % in 2016. Our
general expenses as a percentage of turnover were lower for the year ended December 31, 2017 mainly due to
lower franchise fees due to an affiliate of Dufry following the integration of the acquired World Duty Free Group
into the Dufry franchise fee structure.
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Depreciation, amortization and impairment increased to $108.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 com-
pared to $103.7 million for 2016. Depreciation reached $64.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared
to $61.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Amortization increased to $44.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2017 compared to $42.3 million for the prior year. There was $0.2 million impairment for the year
ended December 31, 2017 and no impairment for the year ended December 31, 2016. The higher depreciation charge
in 2017 was primarily due to higher than historical average capital investments in 2016 relating to renovating existing
locations, opening new locations and expansions to our offices in New Jersey.
Other operational result
Other operational result decreased to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $9.3 million
in 2016. These expenses primarily related to $3.4 million of audit and consulting costs related to preparatory work
in connection with our initial public offering, $4.1 million of restructuring expenses associated with the World Duty
Free Group acquisition and $5.5 million of other operating expenses including restructuring and non-recurring
items, and were offset by $9.4 million of other operating income resulting from a related party loan waiver due to
Dufry.
Interest expenses
Interest expenses increased slightly to $30.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $29.8 million
for 2016.
Income tax benefit / expense
Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to an expense of $42.9 million compared to a benefit
of $34.3 million for 2016. The main components of this change were (i) a $40.2 million expense as a result of the
reduction in the U. S. federal corporate income tax rate as part of U. S. tax reform and (ii) a non-recurring tax benefit
for 2016 from a reduction of the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets related to the U. S. operations of
World Duty Free Group. The total tax expense of the year ended December 31, 2017 consisted of $8.5 million current
income tax expense incurred mainly in connection with our Canadian business and $34.4 million deferred tax
expense principally due to the impact of the U. S. tax reform.
51 B. Liquidity and capital resources
Our primary funding sources historically have included cash from operations, and financial debt arrangements
with Dufry. The balance outstanding on our long-term debt obligations with Dufry at December 31, 2018 and 2017
was $492.6 million and $520.4 million, respectively.
We believe existing cash balances, operating cash flows and our long-term financing arrangements with Dufry will
provide us with adequate funds to support our current operating plan, make planned capital expenditures and
fulfill our debt service requirements for the foreseeable future.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our working capital, we could face substantial
liquidity problems and may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures. We do not anticipate
entering into additional third-party credit facilities for our working capital, and expect any future working capital
requirements to be funded by Dufry. As a result, our financing arrangements and relationship with our controlling
shareholder are material to our business. Nonetheless, when appropriate, we may borrow cash from third-party
sources, and may also raise funds by issuing debt or equity securities, including to fund acquisitions.
Dufry Group cash pooling
For the efficient management of its short term cash and overdraft positions, Hudson participates in Dufry’s
notional cash pool arrangements. At December 31, 2018, we had a deposit of $61.2 million compared to an overdraft
of $13.1 million at December 31, 2017, in the cash pool accounts. The deposit was mainly a result of $60.1 million of
pre-IPO restructuring proceeds from the sale of our ownership interest in Dufry America Inc. to the Dufry Group.
The cash pool arrangement is structured such that the assets and liabilities remain in the name of the correspond-
ing participant, i. e. no physical cash concentration occurs for the day-to-day operations. We, along with other
participants in the cash pool, have pledged the cash we have each placed in the cash pool to the bank managing
the cash pool as collateral to support the aggregate obligations of cash pool participants.
Share-based payments
On June 28, 2018, Hudson Ltd. granted awards in the form of restricted share units (“RSUs”) pursuant to the
Hudson Ltd. Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”) to certain of its employees. The RSUs were vested at grant
and, in the aggregate, represent the right to receive 526,313 Class A common shares of the Company. Hudson
expects to deliver shares in connection with such awards with 50 % being delivered in first quarter 2019 and 50 %
being delivered in first quarter 2020. The Company purchased Class A common shares in the market to settle the
first tranche of awards under the RSU Plan.
On October 31, 2018, Hudson Ltd. granted awards in the form of RSUs and Performance Share Units (“PSUs”, and
together with the RSUs, the “LTIP Units”) pursuant to the newly created Hudson Ltd. Long-Term Incentive Plan
(“LTI Plan”) to selected members of senior management. The LTIP Units are composed of 25 % RSUs and 75 % PSUs.
All LTIP Units have a service-vesting requirement through May 1, 2021, subject to certain acceleration provisions
for selected participants. The PSUs are also subject to performance-vesting requirements based on the Company’s
achievement of sales, EBITDA and cash EPS performance metrics. At target, the LTIP Units represent the right to
receive 580,599 Class A common shares of the Company in the aggregate. Hudson expects to deliver shares in
connection with such vested and achieved awards in second quarter 2021.
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures are our primary investing activity, and we divide them into two main categories: tangible and
intangible capital expenditures. Tangible capital expenditures consists of spending on the renovation and mainte-
nance of existing stores and the fitting out of new stores. Intangible capital expenditures consists of investments
in computer software and occasional upfront payments upon the granting of new concessions which are capitalized
as intangible assets and amortized over the life of the concession unless otherwise impaired.
52 When contemplating investments in new concessions, we focus on profitable growth as its key investment criterion.
In addition to fitting out new concessions, we expect to invest in renovation and maintenance of our existing stores,
including undertaking some major refurbishment projects each year.
Our capital expenditures (on the cash basis) are presented for each of the periods below:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Tangible capital expenditures
Intangible capital expenditures
Total
Cash flows
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER, 31
2018
65.1
4.2
69.3
2017
79.6
8.2
87.8
The following table summarizes the cash flow for each of the periods below:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Net cash flows from operating activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities
Currency translation
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash at the beginning of period
Cash at the end of period
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER, 31
2018
232.7
(69.1)
(64.8)
(2.0)
96.8
137.4
234.2
2017
130.8
(86.1)
(95.8)
0.9
(50.2)
187.6
137.4
2016
88.3
5.7
94.0
2016
169.8
(92.4)
(51.3)
1.1
27.2
160.4
187.6
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash flows from operating activities were $232.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of
$101.9 million compared to the prior year period. The increase in net cash flows from operating activities mainly
resulted from an improvement in operating performance and a decrease in franchise payments made to Dufry
due to timing.
Net cash flows from operating activities were $130.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of
$39.0 million compared to 2016. The decrease in net cash flows provided from operating activities mainly resulted
from paying an outstanding balance of franchise fees to Dufry.
Cash flows used in investment activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $69.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared
to $86.1 million for 2017. The decrease was primarily due to lower capital expenditures.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $86.1 million in 2017, as compared to $92.4 million for 2016,
primarily due to lower capital expenditures.
Cash flows used in financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities decreased by $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, to $64.8 mil-
lion compared to $95.8 million in 2017. This decrease in cash used was primarily due to the $60.1 million pre-IPO
restructuring proceeds from an affiliated entity within the Dufry Group, partially offset by an increase in financial
debt repayments to Dufry.
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $44.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, to $95.8 million
compared to $51.3 million in 2016. This increase in cash used was primarily due to repayment of financial debt to
Dufry.
53
Internal control over financial reporting
As part of management’s assessment of its internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2018, management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, as
defined in the SEC guidelines for public companies. The material weakness identified relates specifically to the
procure to pay process and the related internal controls supporting this area. As a result, there is a reasonable
possibility that a material misstatement of our consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected
on a timely basis. We have initiated remedial measures and plan to continue to take additional measures to remediate
this material weakness. See “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk factors – Risks relating to our business – We have
identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as part of management’s assessment.
If we are unable to remediate this material weakness, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future
or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely
report our financial results, or prevent fraud, and investor confidence in our company and the market price of our
shares may be adversely affected.”
Indebtedness
Existing debt with Dufry
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we owed $492.6 million and $520.4 million, respectively, to Dufry pursuant to long-
term financial loans (excluding current portion). We were charged $30.2 million, $29.5 million and $29.1 million in
each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in interest to Dufry. The weighted- average
interest rate on our loans from Dufry for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 5.7 %,
5.7 % and 5.9 %, respectively.
Our indebtedness owed to Dufry at December 31, 2018 consisted of 17 intercompany loans with affiliates of Dufry
(the “intercompany loans”), which are all on substantially similar terms and most of which are due on October 15,
2022. The following table summarizes certain information regarding the intercompany loans:
LOAN (IN MILLIONS OF USD, UNLESS NOTED)
INTEREST RATE
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Dufry Newark Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Dufry Newark Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Dufry Newark Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Dufry Newark Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry International and Dufry Houston DF & Retail Part.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Dufry North America LLC
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and WDFG North America LLC
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc.
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc. 1
Loan Agreement between Dufry Financial Services B. V. and The Nuance Group (Canada) Inc. 2
Interest-bearing portion 2
Non-interest bearing portion 2
Loan Agreement between Dufry Financial Services B. V. and Hudson Group Canada Inc.
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
2.7800 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
5.9589 %
3.8900 %
–
3.6600 %
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OUTSTANDING AT
DECEMBER 31, 2018
0.3
0.6
0.8
2.8
3.0
5.9
7.7
16.0
21.0
39.7
50.0
49.4
63.2
82.3
102.3
CAD 65.0
CAD 55.7
CAD 14.3
1 This loan agreement has been filed as an exhibit to this annual report. All intercompany loans are on substantially the same terms, except as noted above.
2 In connection with the Reorganization Transactions, on August 1, 2017, one of our affiliates, The Nuance Group (Canada) Inc. (“Nuance Group Canada”), a
member of Hudson Group, entered into a CAD$195.0 million loan agreement with another affiliate of Dufry. The loan consists of a non-interest bearing
portion for CAD$130.0 million and a 3.8900 % portion for CAD$65.0 million. Nuance Group Canada repaid CAD$45.0 million of the non-interest bearing
portion on August 1, 2017. The balance outstanding on the loan is CAD$150.0 million, of which CAD$65.0 million bears interest at 3.8900 %.
54 Restrictions on our indebtedness
We are subject to certain of the covenants contained in Dufry’s 4.50 % Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 Dufry
Notes”) and 2.50 % Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Dufry Notes,” and together with the 2023 Dufry Notes, the
“Dufry Notes”). We are not a guarantor under any of the Dufry Notes. However, if we or any of our subsidiaries
guarantee any bank debt or public debt of Dufry in excess of $50.0 million in the case of the 2023 Dufry Notes, or
$75.0 million in the case of the 2024 Dufry Notes, then we or our subsidiaries will be required to guarantee such
notes; provided however, that in the case of the 2024 Dufry Notes, we or our subsidiaries will only be required to
guarantee such notes if, after giving effect to the guarantee of the bank debt or public debt, the aggregate principal
amount of bank debt or public debt guaranteed by non-guarantor subsidiaries of Dufry exceeds EUR 500 million.
In addition, the amount of debt that we may be able to incur from third parties is limited by the terms of the 2023
Dufry Notes. Subject to certain exceptions, we are also not permitted to grant liens on any of our assets, absent
certain exceptions, unless we grant a lien to secure the repayment of the Dufry Notes.
We are also subject to certain of the covenants contained in Dufry’s existing credit facilities (the “Dufry Credit
Facilities”). We are not a guarantor under any of the Dufry Credit Facilities. The amount of third-party debt that
we may incur is limited by the terms of the Dufry Credit Facilities. We are not permitted to grant liens on our assets,
absent certain exceptions. Under the Dufry Credit Facilities, there are also restrictions on our ability to provide
certain guarantees to third parties. In addition, our ability to enter into certain acquisitions, investments, mergers
and asset sales is limited by the terms of the Dufry Credit Facilities.
Uncommitted letters of credit facilities
In addition to our debt-financing arrangements with Dufry, we have local credit facilities with each of Bank of
America N. A. and Credit Agricole, which we use to obtain letters of credit. We use letters of credit to secure
concession fee obligations pursuant to certain of our concession agreements. On October 30, 2014 we entered
into a $45 million Amended and Restated Uncommitted Letter of Credit and Loan Facility Agreement with Bank
of America N. A. (as amended, the “BofA Credit Facilities”). As of December 31, 2018, $37.1 million was outstanding
(including letters of credit) and $7.9 million was available for borrowing under this facility. Direct advances under
the BofA Credit Facilities bear interest at the U. S. prime rate. Letters of credit under the BofA Credit Facilities are
subject to an annual fee of 0.75 % of the amount borrowed. On October 3, 2013 and subsequently amended, we
entered into a $40 million Uncommitted Line of Credit Agreement with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment
Bank (as amended, the “Credit Agricole Credit Facilities”). As of December 31, 2018, $32.6 million was outstanding
(including letters of credit) and $7.4 million was available for borrowing under this facility. Under the Credit Agricole
Credit Facilities, we are required to pay a fee at a rate not to exceed 0.75 % of the amount borrowed. Lenders under
the BofA Credit Facilities and the Credit Agricole Credit Facilities may in their discretion decline to fund our
borrowing requests thereunder.
Contractual obligations and commitments
The following table presents our long-term debt obligations and operating and capital lease obligations as of
December 31, 2018:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Long-term debt obligations 1
Operating and capital lease obligations 2
Total
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
TOTAL
660.3
1,260.9
1,921.2
LESS THAN
1 YEAR
39.2
216.9
256.1
1 – 3 YEARS
4 – 5 YEARS
THEREAFTER
59.5
389.2
448.7
466.5
296.3
762.8
95.1
358.5
453.6
1 Includes aggregate principal amounts of financial debt outstanding to Dufry at December 31, 2018, and interest payable thereon.
2 Represents management estimates of future fixed MAG payments under our concession agreements as of December 31, 2018, as well as fixed storage,
office and warehouse rents. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we recorded concession fees of $423.1 million, $399.1 million
and $375.3 million, respectively, of which $129.7 million, $136.7 million and $168.7 million, respectively, consisted of variable rent.
Notwithstanding the maturity date of the existing financial debt outstanding to Dufry, we intend to make repayments
of $32.0 million, $67.7 million and $355.7 million within the next year, one to three year period and four to five year
period, respectively.
55 Off-Balance sheet arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are materially likely to have a current or future material
effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales or expenses, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures or capital resources.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
We are exposed to market risks associated with foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and
inflation. In accordance with our policies, we seek to manage our exposure to these various market-based risks.
Foreign exchange risk
We are exposed to foreign exchange risk through our Canadian operations. Our Canadian sales are denominated
in Canadian dollars, while expenses relating to certain products we sell in Canada are denominated in U. S. dollars.
We also make a limited amount of purchases from foreign sources, which subjects us to minimal foreign currency
transaction risk. As a result, our exposure to foreign exchange risk is primarily related to fluctuations between the
Canadian dollar and the U. S. dollar. We are also exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations on the translation of
our Canadian operating results into U. S. dollars for reporting purposes, which can affect the comparability quarter-
over-quarter and year-over-year of our results. We generally benefit from natural hedging and therefore do not
currently engage in material forward foreign exchange hedging.
Interest rate risk
We have a significant amount of interest-bearing liabilities related to our long term financing arrangements with
Dufry, at a weighted average interest rate of 5.7 % as of December 31, 2018. We do not have any material floating
rate financial instruments and as such are not currently exposed to significant interest rate risk.
Commodity price risk
Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs
of the food and beverages we sell. Cost increases may result from a number of factors, including market conditions,
shortages or interruptions in supply due to weather or other conditions beyond our control, governmental regu-
lations and inflation. Substantial increases in the cost of the food and beverages we sell could impact our operating
results to the extent that such increases cannot be offset by price increases.
Impact of inflation
Inflation has an impact on the cost of retail products, food and beverage, construction, utilities, labor and benefits
and selling, general and administrative expenses, all of which can materially impact our operations. While we have
been able to partially offset inflation by gradually increasing prices, coupled with more efficient practices,
productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue
to do so in the future, and macroeconomic conditions could make price increases impractical or impact our sales.
We cannot assure you that future cost increases can be offset by increased prices or that increased prices will be
fully absorbed by our customers without any resulting change to their purchasing patterns.
Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments,
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of income, expenses, assets and liabilities at the
reporting date. The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation include uncertainties
at the reporting date, which include a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets or
liabilities within the next financial periods. We discuss these estimates and assumptions below. Also, see Note 2.3
“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included else-
where in this annual report, which presents the significant accounting policies applicable to our financial statements.
56 Concession rights
Concession rights identified in a business combination are measured at fair value as at the date of acquisition and
amortized over the contract duration. Hudson assesses concession rights for impairment indications whenever
events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Goodwill
Goodwill is subject to impairment testing each year. The recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is deter-
mined based on value-in-use calculations which require the use of assumptions, including those relating to pre-
and post-tax discount rates and growth rates for net sales. The calculation uses cash flow projections based on
financial forecasts approved by Hudson’s management covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year
period are extrapolated using a steady growth rate that does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for
the respective market and is consistent with forecasted passenger growth included in the travel related retail
industry reports.
Taxes
Income tax expense represents the sum of the current income tax and deferred tax. Income tax positions not
relating to items recognized in the income statement, are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction
either in other comprehensive income or equity. Hudson is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions.
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and
calculations for which the ultimate tax assessment is uncertain. Hudson recognizes liabilities for tax audit issues
based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be payable. Where the final tax outcome is different from the
amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax or deferred tax provisions in the
period in which such assessment is made.
Current income tax
Income tax receivables or payables are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the tax
authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantially
enacted at the reporting date in the countries or states where Hudson operates and generates taxable income.
Income tax relating to items recognized in other comprehensive income is recognized in the same statement.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets or
liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date. Deferred tax liabilities
are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:
– when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction
that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor
taxable profit or loss; or
– in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, when the timing of the
reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will
not be reversed in the foreseeable future.
57 Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of unused tax
credits or tax losses. Management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can
be recognized, based upon the likely timing and level of future taxable profits. Deferred tax assets are recognized
to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available, against which the deductible temporary
differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:
– when the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition
of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction,
affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; or
– in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, in which case
deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will be
reversed in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences
can be utilized.
– The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that
it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the deferred tax asset to be utilized.
Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that
it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
– Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the
asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantially
enacted at the reporting date applicable for each respective company.
Recent accounting pronouncements
Effective for the annual period beginning January 1, 2019, the new accounting standard, IFRS 16, replaces existing
guidance and eliminates the current dual accounting model for lessees, which distinguishes between on-balance
sheet finance leases and off-balance sheet operating leases, and introduces a single, on-balance sheet accounting
model. While we currently treat operating leases, such as concession or rental agreements, as selling expenses
or general expenses, under IFRS 16 substantially all leases will become on-balance sheet right-of-use assets with
corresponding lease liabilities on the statement of financial position. As a result, we will be recording the fair value
of the fixed or minimum payment commitments for concessions and rents owed until the end of the respective
agreement as a lease obligation, while a corresponding right-of-use asset will be capitalized in the same amount
as the lease liability. We expect the adoption of IFRS 16 will materially increase the assets and liabilities on our
statement of financial position and affect our results of operations. In addition, there will be presentation changes
in the statement of cash flows, however there is no impact on our actual cash flows.
See Note 4 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further details and a description of other recent accounting
pronouncements.
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
We do not conduct research and development activities.
D. Trend information
For a discussion of Trend information, see “– A. Operating results – Principal factors affecting our results of
operations,” “– A. Operating results – Results of operations” and “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business
overview – Our strategies.”
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are materially likely to have a current or future material
effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales or expenses, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures or capital resources.
58 F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
The following table presents our long-term debt obligations and operating and capital lease obligations as of
December 31, 2018:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Long-term debt obligations 1
Operating and capital lease obligations 2
Total
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
TOTAL
660.3
1,260.9
1,921.2
LESS THAN
1 YEAR
39.2
216.9
256.1
1 – 3 YEARS
4 – 5 YEARS
THEREAFTER
59.5
389.2
448.7
466.5
296.3
762.8
95.1
358.5
453.6
1 Includes aggregate principal amounts of financial debt outstanding to Dufry at December 31, 2018, and interest payable thereon.
2 Represents management estimates of future fixed MAG payments under our concession agreements as of December 31, 2018, as well as fixed storage,
office and warehouse rents. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we recorded concession fees of $423.1 million, $399.1 million
and $375.3 million, respectively, of which $129.7 million, $136.7 million and $168.7 million, respectively, consisted of variable rent.
Notwithstanding the maturity date of the existing financial debt outstanding to Dufry, we intend to make repayments
of $32.0 million, $67.7 million and $355.7 million within the next year, one to three year period and four to five year
period, respectively.
G. Safe harbor
See “Forward-Looking Statements.”
59 ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and senior management
Board of directors and senior management
The following table lists each of our current executive officers and directors and their respective ages and positions
as of the date of this annual report. Unless otherwise stated, the business address for our directors and executive
officers is that of our principal executive offices at 4 New Square, Bedfont Lakes, Feltham, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
NAME
AGE
POSITION
INITIAL YEAR
OF
APPOINTMENT
DIRECTOR
OF CLASS
Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
Julián Díaz González
James Cohen
Roger Fordyce
Mary J. Steele Guilfoile
Heekyung (Jo) Min
Joaquín Moya-Angeler Cabrera
James E. Skinner
Eugenia M. Ulasewicz
Adrian Bartella
Brian Quinn
Hope Remoundos
Michael Mullaney
Jordi Martin-Consuegra
69
60
60
63
64
60
69
65
65
43
60
64
52
46
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer
Executive Vice President,
Corporate Strategy & Business Development
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative
Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer
2017
2017
2018
2019
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2017
2017
2017
2017
2018
Class III
(term expires in 2021)
Class III
(term expires in 2021)
Class II
(term expires in 2019)
Class III
(term expires in 2021)
Class II
(term expires in 2019
Class I
(term expires in 2020)
Class I
(term expires in 2020)
Class II
(term expires in 2019)
Class I
(term expires in 2020
–
–
–
–
–
The following is a brief biography of each of our directors and executive officers:
Juan Carlos Torres Carretero is the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company. He was appointed to our
board of directors on September 15, 2017, and has served as the Chairman of Dufry AG since 2003. Mr. Torres
Carretero was a Partner at Advent International in Madrid from 1991 to 1995, and served as Managing Director
and Senior Partner in charge of Advent International Corporation’s investment activities in Latin America from
1995 to 2016. He holds a MS in physics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a MS in management from
MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Mr. Torres Carretero also serves on the board of directors of TCP Participa-
ções S. A. and Moncler S.p.A.
Julián Díaz González is the Deputy Chairman of the board of directors of the Company. He was appointed to our
board of directors on September 15, 2017, and has served as a board member and the Chief Executive Officer of
Dufry AG since 2004. Mr. Díaz González held various managerial and business positions at Aeroboutiques de
Mexico, S. A. de C. V. and Deor, S. A. de C. V. from 1997 to 2000, and was General Manager of Latinoamericana
DutyFree, S. A. de C. V. from 2000 to 2003. He holds a degree in business administration from Universidad Pontificia
Comillas I.C.A.D.E., de Madrid. Mr. Díaz González also serves on the board of directors of Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentacion, S. A. (DIA).
60 James S. Cohen is the Deputy Chairman of the board of directors and Chairman of its Nomination and Remuner-
ation Committee. Mr. Cohen served as a member of the board of directors of Dufry AG from 2009 to 2016. In 1980,
he joined his family’s wholesale magazine distribution business, Hudson County News Company. In 1984, he founded
the Hudson News travel retail business; he has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Media
Inc. since 1994. Hudson Media Inc. continues today as Hudson News Distributors, the leading magazine distributor
in the Eastern United States. In addition, Mr. Cohen is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Capital
Properties, an owner and developer of multi-family rental properties located predominantly in the Southeastern
and Midwestern United States, and serves on the board of directors of COMAG Marketing Group, LLC. Mr. Cohen
holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Roger Fordyce is the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company. He was appointed to our board of
directors on January 10, 2019, and serves as a member of the Global Executive Committee of Dufry AG. Mr. Fordyce
has served in a variety of roles at Hudson Group over the past 30 years, including as Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2019. Mr. Fordyce was also Senior Vice President of Operations at Hudson
Group from 1996 to 2008. Previously, he was Vice President of Operations from 1992 to 1996. Prior to that, he
served as District Manager overseeing operations in LaGuardia, Penn Station and Grand Central Station, which
were acquired by Hudson Group in 1990. Prior to joining Hudson Group in 1988, Mr. Fordyce held positions as
manager at Dobbs / Aeroplex, WH Smith, and Greenman Bros. Mr. Fordyce received a bachelor of arts in psychology
from SUNY Stony Brook in 1977.
Mary J. Steele Guilfoile is a Director of the Company and is the Chairwoman of its Audit Committee. Ms. Guilfoile
is currently Chairman of MG Advisors, Inc., a privately owned financial services merger and acquisitions advisory
and consulting firm, and is a Partner of The Beacon Group, LP, a private investment group. Ms. Guilfoile served as
Executive Vice President and Corporate Treasurer at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and as Chief Administrative Officer
of its investment bank from 2000 through 2002, and previously served as a Partner, CFO and COO of The Beacon
Group, LLC, a private equity, strategic advisory and wealth management partnership, from 1996 through 2000.
She has been a member of the boards of directors of C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. since 2012, currently serving
as a member of the audit committee, The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. since 2007, currently serving as
the chair of the compensation and governance committees, member of the executive and corporate governance
committees and Pitney Bowes Inc., since 2018, currently serving as a member of the audit and finance committees.
Ms. Guilfoile holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Boston College Carroll School of Management and
a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia Business School, and is a certified public accountant.
Heekyung (Jo) Min is a Director of the Company. Ms. Min has been a member of the Dufry AG board of directors
since 2016, and has been serving as Executive Vice President at CJ Cheiljedang Corporation, focusing on Corporate
Social Responsibility and Sustainability, for a publicly-listed Korean conglomerate since 2011. Ms. Min previously
served as Director General of Incheon Free Economic Zone in Korea from 2007 to 2010, as Country Advisor of
Global Resolutions in Korea in 2006 and as Executive Vice President of Prudential Investment and Securities Co.,
Korea from 2004 to 2005. Ms. Min holds an undergraduate degree from Seoul National University and a master’s
degree in business administration from Columbia Business School. Ms. Min is a member of the Board of Directors
of CJ Welfare Foundation and a member of Honorary Advisory Board of Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Joaquín Moya-Angeler Cabrera is a Director of the Company. Mr. Moya-Angeler Cabrera has served as member
of the board of directors of Redsa S. A. since 1997, Hildebrando since 2003, La Quinta Real Estate since 2003,
Inmoan since 1989, Avalon Private Equity since 1999 and Corporación Tecnológica Andalucia since 2005. Mr. Moya-
Angeler Cabrera is currently a member of the board of directors of La Quinta Group (chairman), Palamon Capital
Partners, Board of Trustees University of Almeria (chairman), Fundación Mediterránea (chairman), Redsa S. A.,
Inmoan SL, Avalon Private Equity, Spanish Association of Universities Governing Bodies (chairman) and Corporation
Group Leche Pascual (Vice Chairman). Mr. Moya-Angeler Cabrera holds a master’s degree in Mathematics from
the University of Madrid, a degree in economics and forecasting from the London School of Economics and Political
Science and an MS in management from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
61 James E. Skinner is a Director of the Company. Mr. Skinner served as Vice Chairman of The Neiman Marcus Group
LLC from July 2015 until his retirement in February 2016. Mr. Skinner previously held a variety of positions at The
Neiman Marcus Group LLC from 2001, including Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief
Financial Officer. In 2000, Mr. Skinner served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CapRock
Communications Corporation. From 1991 to 2000, Mr. Skinner served in several positions with CompUSA Inc.,
including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer beginning in 1994. Mr. Skinner also served as a partner
with Ernst & Young LLP from 1987 until 1991. Mr. Skinner has served as a member of the board of directors of Fossil
Group, Inc. since 2007 and Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation since 2016. Mr. Skinner holds a bachelor’s
degree in business administration and accounting from Texas Tech University and is a certified public accountant
in Texas.
Eugenia M. Ulasewicz is a Director of the Company. Ms. Ulasewicz most recently served as President of the
Americas division for Burberry Ltd. from 1998 to 2013. She has been a member of the boards of directors of Bunzl
PLC since 2011, Signet Jewelers Ltd. since 2013 and Vince Holding Corporation since 2014. Ms. Ulasewicz holds
a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Adrian Bartella is the Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bartella has over 13 years of international finance experience.
He joined Dufry AG in 2005 and has served in various positions in its Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions and Treasury
before being named Global Head of Investment Control, Mergers and Acquisitions in 2010. He has served as Chief
Financial Officer of Hudson Group since 2012. Mr. Bartella holds a degree in business administration from the
European University Viadrina in Frankfurt, Germany.
Brian Quinn is an Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for the day-to-day general
management of the company. Mr. Quinn was Vice President of Operations at Hudson Group from 1992 to 1996.
Prior to that, he was General Manager of Hudson Group’s LaGuardia Airport operations. Prior to joining Hudson
Group in 1991, Mr. Quinn held positions as Regional Vice President at the Rite-Aid Corporation, Regional Vice
President at Faber Coe & Gregg, and General Manager of WH Smith New York City operations. Mr. Quinn attended
St. John’s University, majoring in political science.
Hope Remoundos is an Executive Vice President and the Chief Marketing Officer. Ms. Remoundos served as Senior
Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Hudson Group from 2000 to 2016, and held positions as Director and Vice
President in Sales and Marketing from 1992 to 2000. Prior to joining Hudson Group in 1992, Ms. Remoundos worked
for over 20 years in general management, circulation and consulting roles within the publishing and advertising
industry. She served as a consultant with McNamee Consulting, and was General Manager and Circulation Manager
for Egg Magazine (a division of Forbes) for three years. She was also associated with Select Magazines (five years),
Curtis Circulation (three years), International Musician & Recording World, and Book Digest. Ms. Remoundos grad-
uated with honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1976, receiving a bachelor of science in marketing.
Michael Mullaney is the Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Business Development. Prior to joining
Hudson Group in 2004, Mr. Mullaney served as Manager in Commercial and Business Development for the Cincin-
nati / Northern Kentucky International Airport. Mr. Mullaney was previously a senior consultant with Aviation
Planning Associates and TransPlan, and a member of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Multimodal
System Planning Bureau. Mr. Mullaney received a bachelor of science in aviation management / flight technology
from Florida Institute of Technology in 1988.
Jordi Martin-Consuegra is an Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Chief Executive
Officer. Prior to joining Hudson Group in August 2018, Mr. Martin-Consuegra served in a variety of positions for
Dufry AG, including Chief Resources Director from 2017 to 2018, Global Resources Director from 2012 to 2016,
Global Organization and Human Resources Director from 2009 to 2012, Global Integration Director from 2008 to
2009, and Global Information Technology Director from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Martin-Consuegra holds an Executive
MBA from Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, and has also received a degree in economics from Universidad Complutense
de Madrid and a Bachelor of Arts in Combined Studies from University of Wolverhampton, UK.
62 Board of Directors
Our bye-laws provide that our board of directors shall consist of nine directors. We have nine directors, three of
whom are independent directors. A director may be removed by the shareholders, in accordance with the Company’s
bye-laws. See “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws.” Our board is divided
into three classes that are, as nearly as possible, of equal size. Each class of directors is elected for a three-year
term of office, but the terms are staggered so that the term of only one class of directors expires at each annual
general meeting.
Our board of directors established an audit committee and a nomination and remuneration committee prior to
the consummation of our initial public offering.
B. Compensation
The compensation for each member of our executive management is comprised of the following elements: base
salary, bonus, equity awards, contractual benefits, and pension contributions. Total amount of compensation
earned and benefits in kind provided to our executive management for the fiscal year 2018 was $17.0 million, which
includes compensation for Joseph DiDomizio, the former Chief Executive Officer, who left the company in
January 2019. We do not currently maintain any bonus or profit-sharing plan for the benefit of the members of
our executive management; however, certain members of our executive management are eligible to receive annual
bonuses pursuant to the terms of their service agreements. No amount was set aside or accrued by us to provide
pension, retirement or similar benefits to our executive management employees with respect to the fiscal year
2018. Total amount of compensation earned and benefits in kind provided to our non-employee directors for the
fiscal year 2018 was $1.4 million.
Changes to our remuneration structure in 2018
New Restricted Share Unit award equity compensation plan
Following our initial public offering, our Board approved the Hudson Ltd. Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”).
The principal purpose of the RSU Plan is to motivate and reward selected employees for the Company’s successful
IPO of Hudson Ltd. through the granting of share-based awards. On June 28, 2018, Hudson Ltd. granted awards
in the form of restricted share units (“RSUs”) pursuant to the RSU Plan to certain of its employees. The RSUs were
vested at grant and, in the aggregate, represent the right to receive 526,313 Class A common shares of the
Company. Hudson delivered 50 % of the award shares in February 2019 out of treasury shares and the remaining
50 % will be delivered in first quarter 2020. The Company intends to issue new shares or purchase Class A common
shares in the market to settle the remaining awards under the RSU Plan.
New Long-Term Incentive and equity compensation plan
During 2018, our Board approved the Hudson Ltd. Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTI Plan”). The principal purpose of
the LTI Plan is to attract, retain and motivate selected members of senior management through the granting of
share-based compensation awards. On October 31, 2018, Hudson Ltd. granted awards in the form of RSUs and
Performance Share Units (“PSUs”, and together with the RSUs, the “LTIP Units”) pursuant to the LTI Plan to selected
members of senior management. The LTIP Units are composed of 25 % RSUs and 75 % PSUs. All LTIP Units have
a service-vesting requirement through May 1, 2021, subject to certain acceleration provisions for selected partic-
ipants. The PSUs are also subject to performance-vesting requirements based on the Company’s achievement of
sales, EBITDA and cash EPS performance metrics. At target, the LTIP Units represent the right to receive 580,599
Class A common shares of the Company in the aggregate. Hudson expects to deliver shares in connection with
such vested and achieved awards in second quarter 2021.
Certain members of our senior management were granted PSU awards from Dufry in each of the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016. Should these Dufry PSU awards vest, they will entitle the holders to receive shares
of Dufry.
63 C. Board practices
Audit committee
The audit committee, which consists of Ms. Guilfoile, Mr. Skinner and Ms. Ulasewicz, assists the board in overseeing
our accounting, financial reporting and related internal controls processes and the audits of our financial state-
ments. In addition, the audit committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and
oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. The audit committee is also responsible
for reviewing and determining whether to approve certain transactions with related parties. See “Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related party transactions – Related person transaction policy.”
The board of directors has determined that each of Ms. Guilfoile, Mr. Skinner and Ms. Ulasewicz qualifies as an
“audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in the rules of the SEC, and that each of Ms. Guilfoile,
Mr. Skinner and Ms. Ulasewicz is independent, as independence is defined under the rules of the SEC and NYSE
applicable to foreign private issuers. Ms. Guilfoile was appointed to act as chairman of our audit committee.
Nomination and remuneration committee
The nomination and remuneration committee, which consists of Mr. Torres Carretero, Mr. Díaz González, Mr. Cohen
and Mr. Moya-Angeler Cabrera, assists the board in overseeing the long-term planning of appropriate appointments
to the position of Chief Executive Officer, as well as establishing criteria for the selection of candidates for exec-
utive officer positions, including the position of Chief Executive Officer, and reviewing candidates to fill vacancies
for executive officer positions. In addition, the nomination and remuneration committee identifies, reviews and
approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other
executive officers, evaluate executive officers’ performance in light of such goals and objectives and determine
each executive officer’s compensation based on such evaluation and will determine any long-term incentive com-
ponent of each executive officer’s compensation. Mr. Cohen was appointed to act as chairman of our nomination
and remuneration committee.
Code of business conduct and ethics
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors,
including those officers responsible for financial reporting. Our code of business conduct and ethics addresses,
among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting,
company funds and assets, confidentiality and corporate opportunity requirements and the process for reporting
violations of the code of business conduct and ethics, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations.
Our code of business conduct and ethics is attached as an exhibit to this annual report.
Duties of directors
Under Bermuda common law, members of the board of directors of a Bermuda company owe a fiduciary duty to
the company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the company and exercise their powers and
fulfill the duties of their office honestly. This duty includes the following essential elements:
– a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company;
– a duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director;
– a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and
– a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended.
The Companies Act imposes a duty on directors of a Bermuda company to act honestly and in good faith with
a view to the best interests of the company, and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent
person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In addition, the Companies Act imposes various duties on
directors and officers of a company with respect to certain matters of management and administration of the
company. Directors and officers generally owe fiduciary duties to the company, and not to the company’s individual
shareholders. Our shareholders may not have a direct cause of action against our directors.
64 D. Employees
We are responsible for hiring, training and management of employees at each of our retail locations. As of
December 31, 2018, we employed 10,094 people, including both full-time and part-time employees (as compared
to 9,641 at December 31, 2017). Of these employees, 8,499 were full-time employees and 1,595 were part-time
employees. As of December 31, 2018, 4,276 of our employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements.
E. Share ownership
As of March 7, 2019, members of our board of directors and our senior management held as a group 57,724 of our
Class A common shares.
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of each member of our board of directors and senior management
as of March 7, 2019.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment
power with respect to the securities. Class A common shares that may be acquired by an individual or group within
60 days after the date of this annual report, pursuant to the exercise of options, warrants or other rights, are
deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group,
but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person
shown in the table.
Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, we believe that the shareholders named in this table have sole voting
and investment power with respect to all common shares shown to be beneficially owned by them, based on
information provided to us by such shareholders. The address for each director and executive officer listed is
4 New Square, Bedfont Lakes, Feltham, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:
Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
Julián Díaz González
James Cohen
Roger Fordyce
Mary J. Steele Guilfoile
Heekyung (Jo) Min
Joaquín Moya-Angeler Cabrera
James E. Skinner
Eugenia M. Ulasewicz
Adrian Bartella
Brian Quinn
Hope Remoundos
Michael Mullaney
Jordi Martin-Consuegra
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
CLASS B
COMMON
SHARES
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
%
–
–
–
*
–
*
–
*
*
*
*
*
*
–
CLASS A
COMMON
SHARES
–
–
–
*
–
*
–
*
*
*
*
*
*
–
PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL VOTING
POWER 1
–
–
–
*
–
*
–
*
*
*
*
*
*
–
%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
* Indicates ownership of less than 1 % of outstanding Class A common shares and less than 1 % of the total voting power of all outstanding common shares.
1 Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all of our Class A and Class B common shares, as a single class. The holders of
our Class B common shares are entitled to 10 votes per share, and holders of our Class A common shares are entitled to one vote per share. For more
information about the voting rights of our Class A and Class B common shares, see “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum of association and
bye-laws – Common shares – Voting rights.”
65 ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major shareholders
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment
power with respect to the securities. Class A common shares that may be acquired by an individual or group within
60 days after the date of this annual report pursuant to the exercise of options, warrants or other rights, are
deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group,
but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person
shown in the table.
Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, we believe that the shareholders named in this table have sole voting
and investment power with respect to all common shares shown to be beneficially owned by them, based on
information provided to us by such shareholders. The address for Dufry is Brunngässlein 12, CH – 4010 Basel,
Switzerland.
Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, the following table presents the beneficial ownership of our common
shares as of March 7, 2019:
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER
Dufry AG 2
Clearbridge Investments, LLC 3
Baron Capital Management, Inc. 4
Brown Advisory, LLC 5
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 6
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers, LLC 7
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
CLASS A
COMMON
SHARES
–
3,462,846
3,250,000
3,169,773
3,123,707
3,121,490
CLASS B
COMMON
SHARES
PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL VOTING
POWER 1
%
53,093,315
100.00
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
93.1
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.5
%
–
8.79
8.25
8.05
7.93
7.93
1
Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all of our Class A and Class B common shares, as a single class. The holders of
our Class B common shares are entitled to 10 votes per share, and holders of our Class A common shares are entitled to one vote per share. For more
information about the voting rights of our Class A and Class B common shares, see “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum of association and
bye-laws – Common shares – Voting rights.”
2 Represents Class B common shares held by Dufry International AG. For additional information relating to our controlling shareholder, see “Item 10.
Additional Information – B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws” and “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk factors”. The two-class structure of our
common shares has the effect of concentrating voting control with Dufry and its affiliates. Because of its significant share ownership, Dufry exerts
control over us, including with respect to our business, policies and other significant corporate decisions. This limits or precludes the ability of Class A
shareholders to influence corporate matters, including the election of directors, amendments to our organizational documents and any merger,
amalgamation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transaction requiring shareholder approval.
3 As reported on Form 13G with the SEC on February 14, 2019. The address of Clearbridge Investments, LLC is 620 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018.
4 As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019, consists of Class A common shares owned by Baron Capital Group, Inc. (“BCG”),
BAMCO, Inc. (“BAMCO”), Ronald Baron and Baron Small Cap Fund (“BSC”). Each of BCG, BAMCO, and Mr. Baron may be deemed to beneficially own
3,250,000 Class A common shares. BSC may be deemed to beneficially own 3,000,000 Class A common shares. The address for each of BCG, BAMCO,
Mr. Baron, and BSC is 767 Fifth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10153.
5 As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019, consists of Class A common shares owned by Brown Advisory Incorporated (“BAI”),
Brown Investment Advisory & Trust Company (“BIATC”) and Brown Advisory LLC (“BALLC”). BAI may be deemed to beneficially own 3,169,773 Class A
common shares, BALLC may be deemed to beneficially own 3,135,683 Class A common shares and BIATC may be deemed to beneficially own 34,090
Class A common shares. The address for each of BAI, BIATC, and BALLC is 901 South Bond Street, Suite #400, Baltimore, Maryland 21231.
6 As reported on Form 13G with the SEC on January 10, 2019. The address of JP Morgan Chase & Co is 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
7 As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019, consists of Class A common shares owned by Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NBG”),
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA”), Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds (“NBAF”), and Neuberger Berman Long Short Fund (“NBLSF”).
Each of NBG and NBIA may be deemed to beneficially own 3,121,490 Class A common shares. Each of NBAF and NBLSF may be deemed to beneficially
own 1,220,000 Class A common shares. The address for each of NBG, NBIA, NBAF, and NBLSF is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104.
As of March 7, 2019, we had 2 shareholders of record. One record holder, CEDE & CO., a nominee of The Depository
Trust Company, was a resident of the United States, which held an aggregate of 39,417,765 of our Class A common
shares, representing approximately 42.6 % of our outstanding common shares. Since some of the shares are held
by nominees, the number of shareholders may not be representative of the number of beneficial owners.
66 B. Related party transactions
Transactions with Dufry
Supply
Dufry is one of our largest suppliers of products. In particular, Dufry is the largest supplier of products for our
duty free operations, including liquors and perfumes. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
$82.5 million, $67.4 million and $64.5 million, respectively, of cost of goods sold was attributable to purchases of
products from Dufry. We expect Dufry to continue to supply us with products as contemplated by the Master
Relationship Agreement entered into in connection with our initial public offering. See “– Other agreements with
Dufry – Master relationship agreement.”
Franchise and other services
We have historically paid a franchise fee to Dufry to license brands owned by Dufry or its subsidiaries, including
the Dufry, Hudson, Nuance and World Duty Free brands, and to receive ancillary franchise services from Dufry
including centralized support services, such as treasury, internal audit and other similar services. We expect Dufry
or its subsidiaries to continue to license these brands to us and provide us with ancillary franchise services
pursuant to the terms of the agreements entered into in connection with our initial public offering. See “– Other
agreements with Dufry – Franchise agreements” and “– Other agreements with Dufry – Trademark license agree-
ment.”
We have historically received a fee from Dufry for our provision of consultation services to Dufry to assist Dufry
in store concept and design, primarily for duty-paid stores outside the continental United States and Canada and
in connection with the development, enhancement, maintenance, protection and exploitation of the Hudson brand.
We expect to continue to provide Dufry with consultation services pursuant to the terms of new franchise
agreements, all as contemplated by the Master Relationship Agreement entered into in connection with our initial
public offering. See “Other agreements with Dufry – Master relationship agreement”.
We recorded $15.2 million, $50.6 million and $50.1 million in net expenses for all such services, respectively, for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Treasury operations
We have historically been an integral part of Dufry’s global treasury and cash management operations and we
expect to continue to be an integral part of such operations. We also participate in Dufry Group’s cash pooling
arrangement. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – B. Liquidity and capital resources –
Dufry group cash pooling.”
At December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we owed $492.6 million, $520.4 million and $475.2 million, respectively, to
Dufry pursuant to long-term financial loans (excluding current portion). We were charged $30.2 million, $29.5 million
and $29.1 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in interest to Dufry.
The weighted-average annual interest rate on our loans from Dufry for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016 was 5.7 %, 5.7 % and 5.9 %, respectively per year. For further details, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects – B. Liquidity and capital resources – Indebtedness.”
We expect to continue to borrow from Dufry, engage in cash pooling with other Dufry entities and receive other
treasury services from Dufry, in each case as contemplated by the Master Relationship Agreement entered into
in connection with our initial public offering. See “– Other agreements with Dufry – Master relationship agree-
ment.”
67 Other agreements with Dufry
In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a series of agreements with Dufry. Most importantly,
we entered into the following:
Master relationship agreement
This agreement governs the general commercial relationship between us and other members of the Dufry Group.
Recognizing our position as an integral part of the Dufry Group, the agreement provides, among other things, that:
– we will provide information concerning our business to Dufry upon request;
– subject to applicable law, we will not publish press releases concerning our business, results of operations or
financial condition, reports, notices, proxy or information statements, registration statements or prospectuses
without Dufry’s consent;
– we will cooperate with Dufry with respect to various matters, including the preparation of its public reports;
– unless we obtain Dufry’s consent, we will borrow funds only pursuant to facilities provided by members of the
Dufry Group, and any such borrowing will be on substantially the same terms as our outstanding borrowings
from members of the Dufry Group at the date of our initial public offering, provided that the principal amount,
interest rate (which may be fixed or floating) and term of future borrowings may vary from facility to facility,
and the interest rate that Dufry charges us will correspond to Dufry’s weighted average cost of debt funding
in the currency of our borrowings at the time that we borrow or refinance any such debt or, if a floating rate of
interest is applied, Dufry’s weighted average cost of debt funding at each interest reset date, in each case plus
an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry of providing the service;
– unless we obtain Dufry’s consent, we will execute foreign exchange transactions only through members of the
Dufry Group, and if Dufry executes such foreign exchange transactions for us, it may execute them either with
a third person on our behalf at the best quoted price or directly with us at the best price quoted by a third
person, in each case as reasonably determined by Dufry, plus an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry
of providing the service;
– Dufry may direct us to deposit cash in any Dufry Group cash pooling arrangement up to the aggregate principal
amount of borrowings by us from Dufry then outstanding, and such cash deposited by us may be used to secure
any credit positions in the cash pooling arrangements, either of us or our subsidiaries, or other Dufry Group
members, and with Dufry’s consent, we may borrow from any cash pool at the then-prevailing market rate
applicable to borrowings by similar borrowers from the bank operating the cash pooling arrangement, as
reasonably determined by Dufry, plus an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry of providing the service;
the agreement also provides that in the event of the insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership or other similar status
of Dufry, the amount of any borrowing by us from Dufry should be set off against any amount deposited by us
in any cash pooling arrangement that is not returned to us;
– at Dufry’s option, we will purchase certain categories of products for sale, either directly from Dufry or through
a third person with which Dufry has a supply arrangement, at prices to be determined by Dufry in accordance
with its transfer pricing policy as then in effect for all members of the Dufry Group;
– we will do all things necessary to comply with Dufry Group’s policies in effect from time to time;
– we will support the Dufry Group in its global sales and marketing strategy and take any action requested by
Dufry in furtherance thereof that does not materially adversely affect us;
– we will use, apply and implement any information technology system, application or software required by Dufry,
and we will be responsible to Dufry for the costs of any such system, application or software, as well as any
support services provided by Dufry, on the basis of the cost to the Dufry Group (including the cost of Dufry
Group employees) for such product or service plus an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry of providing
the service;
– we will reimburse the Dufry Group for all costs incurred by the Dufry Group in connection with the granting
and vesting of any awards to our employees of the Company Group, either before or after our initial public
offering, pursuant to the Dufry PSU Plan; and
– at Dufry’s option, we will participate in any insurance policy or arrangement that Dufry effects for the members
of the Dufry Group, and we will be responsible for any costs (incurred by Dufry or otherwise) associated with
effecting or maintaining such policy or arrangement, as determined by Dufry in its sole discretion.
68 The agreement will terminate on the date when there are no issued and outstanding Class B common shares. Also,
Dufry may terminate the agreement without cause upon six months’ notice to us. The agreement is governed by
the Laws of Switzerland and if any dispute is not settled by mediation, it will be finally resolved by arbitration in
accordance with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration of the Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution.
Franchise agreements
As contemplated by the Master Relationship Agreement, certain of our subsidiaries will maintain various franchise
agreements with the Dufry Group. The franchise agreements provide us with access to:
– franchise intellectual property (such as trademarks), including guidance and training on its use;
– franchise business concepts;
– franchise global distribution center tools;
– franchise supporting knowhow, such as marketing and promotion knowhow and training; and
– ancillary franchise services, such as centralized support services including treasury, internal audit, legal, tax
and other services to support the franchise.
In exchange for these access rights and support services, we pay members of the Dufry Group franchise fees,
which vary depending on the trademark under which sales were made. We pay franchise fees equal to:
– 3 % of net sales for duty-free sales under the Dufry, Nuance and World Duty Free trademarks;
– 2 % of net sales for duty-free sales not under any such trademark; and
– 0.35 % of net sales for duty-paid sales.
Each franchise agreement may be terminated by Dufry without cause upon six months’ notice. Upon failure to cure
a default under a franchise agreement within ten days of receiving notice of such default, the non-defaulting party
may terminate the agreement. The agreements will also terminate on the date that the Master Relationship Agree-
ment terminates. The franchise agreements are governed by Swiss law. The other franchise agreements are on
substantially the same terms as the Hudson brand franchise agreement.
Trademark license agreement
Separate to the franchise agreements, Dufry has granted us a seven-year license to use the Hudson brand and
trademark within the continental United States, Hawaii and Canada. We will not pay Dufry any fee for such license.
Upon failure to cure a default under the trademark license agreement within ten days of receiving notice of such
default, the non-defaulting party may terminate the agreement. The agreement will also terminate on the date
that the Master Relationship Agreement terminates. The trademark license agreement is governed by Swiss law.
Registration rights agreement
In connection with our initial public offering, we have entered into a registration rights agreement with Dufry
International AG. The registration rights agreement grants Dufry International AG and its designees specified
registration rights in connection with any transfer of Class A common shares issuable to us or our affiliates upon
conversion of any Class B common shares. See “Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum of association
and bye-laws – Common shares – Conversion.” As a result, Dufry International AG may require us to use reasonable
best efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act of our Class A common shares that they or their
affiliates own, in each case at our own expense. The registration rights agreement also provides that we will
indemnify Dufry International AG in connection with the registration of our Class A common shares.
Transactions with entities controlled by Mr. James Cohen
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we paid $18.9 million, $20.7 million and $20.6 million,
respectively, to Hudson News Distributors, LLC and Hudson RPM Distributors, LLC, which are entities controlled
by Mr. James Cohen, for the supply of magazines and other periodicals. We do not have a long-term distribution
contract with these entities, but we expect to continue purchasing magazines and other periodicals from them.
Mr. Cohen is the former controlling shareholder of our business, is a current shareholder of Dufry and a member
of a group of shareholders that hold or control approximately 20 % of Dufry’s issued and outstanding shares, and
was a member of Dufry’s board of directors from 2009 until April 2016. Mr. Cohen is invited to attend meetings of
69 Dufry’s board of directors as a guest of the chairman from time to time. Mr. Cohen is a Deputy Chairman of the
board of directors of the Company.
Through August 2018, we subleased to Hudson Media, Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Cohen and his family,
approximately 2,000 usable square feet, and provide office services, at our offices in East Rutherford, New Jersey,
pursuant to an agreement entered into between Hudson Group Holdings, Inc. and Hudson Media, Inc. prior to our
acquisition by Dufry. In connection therewith, Hudson Media, Inc. paid approximately $16,800 annually in rent to
us for the use of such space. In addition, Hudson Media, Inc. occupied an additional area of approximately 2,000
usable square feet at no additional charge. In August 2018, Hudson Media, Inc. vacated all such space in our offices
and the sublease terminated.
In addition, in connection with the sale of their interests in our business, entities affiliated with Mr. Cohen entered
into a Trademark Co-Existence Agreement (the “TCEA”) with us in 2008 (prior to Dufry’s acquisition of us later that
year). The TCEA granted us the exclusive ownership of certain trademarks (Hudson News, Hudson Group, Hudson
Booksellers, Hudson Group Retail Specialists, Hudson, the “Retail Marks”), which we have subsequently transferred
to Dufry, and the entities affiliated with Mr. Cohen exclusive ownership of certain other marks (Hudson News
Distributors, Hudson RPM Distributors, Magazine Distributors, the “Wholesale Marks”). We may not use the
Wholesale Marks in connection with any distribution business, and the entities affiliated with Mr. Cohen may not
use the Wholesale Marks in connection with any retail business. However, entities affiliated with Mr. Cohen may
use other names and marks containing the terms “Hudson” or “Hudson News” in conjunction with the word or
words “distributors,” “distribution,” “wholesale” and / or other words that clearly identify or reference the distribution
business. Each party also agreed not to apply for any related mark in the other’s sphere of operations. The term
of the TCEA is indefinite and runs until terminated by mutual written agreement.
Related person transaction policy
In connection with our initial public offering, we adopted a policy regarding approval by the audit committee,
subject to certain exceptions, of certain transactions between us and a related person (as defined below).
Transactions subject to the policy include the following transactions in which a related person has or will have
a direct or indirect material interest:
– any transaction or series of transactions with a related person that is material to us or the related person, or
– any transactions that are unusual in their nature or conditions, involving goods, services, or tangible or intangible
assets, to which we are a party.
For purposes of the policy, “related person” means:
– any director or executive officer of (i) the Company or (ii) an affiliated entity of the Company (including directors
and members of the Global Executive Committee of Dufry and the Divisional Executive Committee of Dufry);
– any immediate family member of a director or executive officer of (i) the Company or (ii) an affiliated entity of
the Company (including directors and members of the Global Executive Committee of Dufry and the Divisional
Executive Committee of Dufry);
– any nominee for director of (i) the Company or (ii) an affiliated entity of the Company (including Dufry) and the
immediate family members of such nominee;
– a 10 % beneficial owner of the Company’s voting securities or any immediate family member of such owner; and
– enterprises in which a substantial interest in the voting power is owned, directly or indirectly by a person
described in any of the immediately preceding four bullet points or over which such a person is able to exercise
significant influence.
Arrangements with related parties existing at the date of our initial public offering and new arrangements with
related parties that were entered into in connection with our initial public offering, in each case (i) that were
described in the prospectus for our initial public offering, (ii) including any subsequent amendment to any such
arrangement that is not material to the Company and (iii) any ancillary services provided in connection therewith,
will not require review, approval or ratification pursuant to the policy.
C. Interests of experts and counsel
Not applicable.
70 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated statements and other financial information
Financial statements
See “Item 18. Financial Statements,” which contains our audited consolidated financial statements prepared in
accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB.
Legal proceedings
We have extensive operations, and are defendants in a number of court, arbitration and administrative proceedings,
and, in some instances, are plaintiffs in similar proceedings. Actions, including class action lawsuits, filed against
us from time to time include commercial, tort, customer, employment (such as wage and hour and discrimination),
tax, administrative, customs and other claims, and the remedies sought in these claims can be for material amounts.
Dividends and dividend policy
We do not currently intend to pay cash dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future. Any future
determination to pay cash dividends will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors in accordance with
applicable law and dependent on a variety of factors including our financial condition, earnings, results of operations,
current and anticipated cash needs, plans for growth, level of indebtedness, legal requirements, general business
conditions and other factors that the board of directors deems relevant. Any payment of dividends will be at the
discretion of our board of directors and we cannot assure you that we will pay any dividends to holders of our
common shares, or as to the amount of any such dividends if our board of directors determines to do so.
Under Bermuda law, a company may not declare or pay a dividend if there are reasonable grounds to believe that:
(i) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or (ii) the realizable
value of its assets would thereby be less than its liabilities. Under our bye-laws, each Class A and Class B common
share will be entitled to dividends if, as and when dividends are declared by our board of directors, subject to any
preferred dividend right of the holders of any preference shares.
Any dividends we declare on our common shares will be in respect of our Class A and Class B common shares,
and will be distributed such that a holder of one of our Class B common shares will receive the same amount of
the dividends that are received by a holder of one of our Class A common shares. We will not declare any dividend
with respect to the Class A common shares without declaring a dividend on the Class B common shares, and vice
versa.
We are a holding company and have no material assets other than our direct and indirect ownership of our operating
subsidiaries. If we were to distribute a dividend at some point in the future, we would cause the operating subsidiaries
to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient to cover any such dividends to the extent permitted by our
subsidiaries’ financing agreements, if any.
B. Significant changes
A discussion of the significant changes in our business can be found under “Item 4. Information on the Company –
B. Business overview.”
71 ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offering and listing details
Not applicable.
B. Plan of distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
On February 5, 2018, we completed our initial public offering and listed our common shares on the New York Stock
Exchange (the “NYSE”).
Our common shares have been listed on the NYSE under the symbol “HUD” since February 1, 2018.
D. Selling shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws
The following is a description of the material terms of our bye-laws and memorandum of association which were
effected in connection with the completion of our initial public offering. The following description may not contain
all of the information that is important to you and we therefore refer you to our bye-laws and memorandum of
association, copies of which are filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement filed in connection
with our initial public offering.
72 General
We are a Bermuda exempted company with limited liability. We are registered with the Registrar of Companies in
Bermuda under registration number 52620. We were incorporated on May 30, 2017 under the name Hudson Ltd.
Our registered office is located at 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda. Our affairs are governed by our
memorandum of association and bye-laws and the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the “Companies Act”).
The objects of our business are unrestricted, and the company has the capacity of a natural person. We can
therefore undertake activities without restriction on our capacity.
A register of holders of the common shares is maintained by Conyers Corporate Services (Bermuda) Limited in
Bermuda, and a branch register will be maintained in the United States by Computershare Trust Company, N. A.,
who serves as branch registrar and transfer agent. As of March 7, 2019, there were issued and outstanding
39,379,571 Class A common shares, par value $0.001 per share, and 53,093,315 Class B common shares, par value
$0.001 per share. As of March 7, 2019, our authorized share capital consisted of 2,000,000,000 Class A common
shares, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000,000 Class B common shares, par value $0.001 per share, and
100,000,000 undesignated preference shares, par value $0.001 per share.
Pursuant to our bye-laws, subject to any resolution of the shareholders to the contrary, our board of directors is
authorized to issue any of our authorized but unissued shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-
Bermudians or non-residents of Bermuda to hold or vote our shares.
Common Shares
General
All of our issued and outstanding common shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing our
issued and outstanding common shares are generally not issued and legal title to our issued shares is recorded in
registered form in the register of members. Our issued and outstanding common shares consist of Class A and
Class B common shares. Holders of Class A and Class B common shares have the same rights other than with
respect to voting and conversion rights. Holders of our common shares have no preemptive, redemption, conversion
or sinking fund rights (except as described below under the heading “– Conversion”). If we issue any preference
shares, the rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our Class A and Class B common shares will be subject
to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of such preference shares.
Dividends
The holders of our common shares will be entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors,
subject to the Companies Act and our bye-laws. Dividends and other distributions on issued and outstanding shares
may be paid out of the funds of the Company lawfully available for such purpose, subject to any preference of any
issued and outstanding preference shares. Dividends and other distributions will be distributed among the holders
of our common shares on a pro rata basis.
Under Bermuda law, we may not declare or pay any dividends if there are reasonable grounds for believing that (i)
we are, or after the payment of such dividends would be, unable to pay our liabilities as they become due, or (ii) the
realizable value of our assets would thereby be less than our liabilities. There are no restrictions on our ability to
transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to
U. S. residents who are holders of our common shares.
Voting Rights
Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B common share is entitled to 10 votes, on all
matters upon which the shares are entitled to vote.
73 The quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders to consider any resolution or take any action, including
with respect to any meeting convened to consider or adopt a resolution required for an amalgamation or merger
of the Company, is one or more persons present and representing in person or by proxy at least 15 % of the votes
eligible to be cast at any such general meeting, provided that for so long as there are any Class B common shares
issued and outstanding, at least one holder of Class B common shares shall be required to be present in person
or by proxy to constitute a quorum.
To be passed at a general meeting of the Company, a resolution (including a resolution required for an amalgamation
or merger of the Company) requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at such meeting.
Subject to the Companies Act, at any general meeting of the Company a resolution put to the vote of the meeting
shall be voted upon in such manner as the chairman of the meeting shall decide. The chairman of the meeting shall
direct the manner in which the shareholders participating in such meeting may cast their votes. A poll may be
demanded by (i) the chairman of the meeting; (ii) at least three shareholders present or voting by proxy or (iii) one
or more shareholders present or represented by proxy holding not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights
of the shareholders holding all of the issued and outstanding Class A and Class B common shares and any other
shares of the Company or not less than one-tenth of the aggregate sum paid up on all issued and outstanding
Class A and Class B common shares and any other shares of the Company having the right to attend and vote.
Conversion
Each Class B common share is convertible into one Class A common share at any time at the option of the holder
of such Class B common share. Any Class B common shares that are converted into Class A common shares may
not be reissued. The disparate voting rights of our Class B common shares will not change upon transfer unless
such Class B common shares are first converted into our Class A common shares. Further, each Class B common
share will automatically convert into one Class A common share upon any transfer thereof to a person or entity
that is not an affiliate of the holder of such Class B common shares. Further, all of our Class B common shares
will automatically convert into Class A common shares upon the date when all holders of Class B common shares
together cease to hold Class B common shares representing, in the aggregate, 10 % or more of the total number
of Class A and Class B common shares issued and outstanding.
Variation of rights
As a matter of Bermuda law, the holders of one class of shares may not vary the voting rights of such class of
shares relative to another class of shares, without the approval of the holders of each other class of our voting
shares then in issue. As such, if at any time we have more than one class of shares, the rights attaching to any
class, unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the relevant class, may be varied either: (i) with the
consent in writing of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class; or (ii) with the sanction of
a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of the relevant class of shareholders at
which a quorum consisting of shareholders representing 10 % of the issued shares of the relevant class is present.
In addition, as the rights attaching to any class of shares are set forth in our bye-laws, a resolution of a general
meeting of the Company is required to be passed to amend the bye-laws to vary such rights. For purposes of the
Class A or Class B common shares, the only rights specifically attaching to such shares that may be varied as
described in this paragraph are the voting, dividend and liquidation rights.
Our bye-laws specify that the creation or issue of shares ranking equally with existing shares will not, unless
expressly provided by the terms of issue of existing shares, vary the rights attached to existing shares. In addition,
the creation or issue of preference shares ranking prior to common shares will not be deemed to vary the rights
attached to common shares or, subject to the terms of any other series of preference shares, to vary the rights
attached to any other series of preference shares.
Further, our Class B common shares will automatically convert into Class A common shares on the date when all
holders of Class B common shares together cease to hold Class B common shares representing, in the aggregate,
10 % or more of the total number of Class A and Class B common shares issued and outstanding.
74 Transfer of shares
Our board of directors may in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason refuse to register the
transfer of a share that is not fully paid. Our board of directors may also refuse to recognize an instrument of
transfer of a share unless it is accompanied by the relevant share certificate and such other evidence of the trans-
feror’s right to make the transfer as our board of directors shall reasonably require. Subject to these restrictions,
a holder of common shares may transfer the title to all or any of its common shares by completing a form of trans-
fer in the form set out in our bye-laws (or as near thereto as circumstances admit) or in such other common form
as the board may accept. The instrument of transfer must be signed by the transferor and transferee, although
in the case of a fully paid share our board of directors may accept the instrument signed only by the transferor.
Liquidation
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our Class A and Class B common shares
are entitled to share equally and ratably in our assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, subject to any liquidation preference on any issued and outstanding preference shares.
Election and removal of directors
Our bye-laws provide that our board shall consist of nine directors. Our board is divided into three classes that
are, as nearly as possible, of equal size. Each class of directors is elected for a three-year term of office, but the
terms are staggered so that the term of only one class of directors expires at each annual general meeting.
Our bye-laws provide that the number of shareholders necessary to nominate a director is either (i) any number
of shareholders representing at least 5 % of the votes eligible to be cast at any general meeting of the Company
by shareholders holding all of the issued and outstanding Class A and Class B common shares and any other shares
of the Company having the right to vote; or (ii) not less than 100 shareholders of the Company. Any such eligible
group of shareholders wishing to propose for election as a director someone who is not an existing director or is
not proposed by our board must give notice of the intention to propose the person for election. Such notice must
be given to the secretary or the chairman of the Company at any time between January 1, and March 1, of the year
the general meeting to vote on such proposal will be held.
Our bye-laws provide that, at any time, a director may be removed by either (i) an affirmative vote of at least
a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of the Company; or (ii) the written consent of any number of hold-
ers of common shares representing at least a majority of the votes eligible to be cast at a general meeting.
Proceedings of board of directors
Our bye-laws provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. Bermuda law
permits individual and corporate directors and there is no requirement in our bye-laws or Bermuda law that
directors hold any of our shares.
The remuneration of our directors is determined by our board of directors, and there is no requirement that a spec-
ified number or percentage of “independent” directors must approve any such determination. Our directors may
also be paid all travel, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in connection with our business or their
duties as directors.
Provided a director discloses a direct or indirect interest in any contract or arrangement with us as required by
Bermuda law, such director is entitled to vote in respect of any such contract or arrangement in which he or she
is interested unless he or she is disqualified from voting by the chairman of the relevant board meeting.
75 Indemnity of directors and officers
We have adopted provisions in our bye-laws that provide that we shall indemnify our officers and directors in
r espect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or dishonesty. Subject to Section 14 of the
Securities Act, which renders void any waiver of the provisions of the Securities Act, our bye-laws provide that the
shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in right of the company, against
any of the company’s directors or officers for any act or failure to act in the performance of such director’s or
officer’s duties, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. Section 98A of the Com-
panies Act permits us to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any officer or director in respect of
any loss or liability attaching to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, whether
or not we may otherwise indemnify such officer or director. We have purchased and maintain a directors’ and
officers’ liability policy for such a purpose.
Corporate opportunities
Our bye-laws will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we, on our behalf and on behalf
of our subsidiaries, renounce any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in,
any corporate opportunities, that are from time to time presented to Dufry or any of its officers, directors,
employees, agents, shareholders, members, partners, affiliates or subsidiaries (other than us and our subsidiaries),
even if the opportunity is one that we or our subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the
ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so. Neither Dufry nor its officers, directors, employees,
agents, shareholders, members, partners, affiliates or subsidiaries will generally be liable to us or any of our
subsidiaries for breach of any fiduciary or other duty, as a director or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such
person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity, directs such corporate opportunity to another person
or fails to present such corporate opportunity, or information regarding such corporate opportunity, to us or our
subsidiaries. In the case of any such person who is a director or officer of the Company and who is expressly
offered such corporate opportunity in writing solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company,
such director or officer shall be obligated to communicate such opportunity to the Company. Existing and new
shareholders will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of our bye-laws, including
the corporate opportunity policy.
Preference shares
Pursuant to Bermuda law and our bye-laws, our board of directors may establish by resolution one or more series
of preference shares in such number and with such designations, dividend rates, relative voting rights, conversion
or exchange rights, redemption rights, liquidation rights and other relative participation, optional or other special
rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as may be fixed by the board without any further shareholder
approval. Such rights, preferences, powers and limitations could have the effect of discouraging an attempt to
obtain control of the Company.
Capitalization of profits and reserves
Pursuant to our bye-laws, our board of directors may (i) capitalize any part of the amount of our share premium
or other reserve accounts or any amount credited to our profit and loss account or otherwise available for
distribution by applying such sum in paying up unissued shares to be allotted as fully paid bonus shares pro rata
(except in connection with the conversion of shares) to the shareholders; or (ii) capitalize any sum standing to the
credit of a reserve account or sums otherwise available for dividend or distribution by paying up in full, partly paid
or nil paid shares of those shareholders who would have been entitled to such sums if they were distributed by
way of dividend or distribution.
76 Meetings of shareholders
Under Bermuda law, a company is required to convene at least one general meeting of shareholders each calendar
year (the “annual general meeting”). However, the shareholders may by resolution waive this requirement, either
for a specific year or period of time, or indefinitely. When the requirement has been so waived, any shareholder
may, on notice to the company, terminate the waiver, in which case an annual general meeting must be called.
Bermuda law provides that a special general meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors of
a company and must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10 % of the paid-up capital
of the company carrying the right to vote at general meetings. Bermuda law also requires that shareholders be
given at least five days’ advance notice of a general meeting, but the accidental omission to give notice to any
person does not invalidate the proceedings at a meeting. Our bye-laws provide that the chairman of the board or
our board of directors may convene an annual general meeting or a special general meeting. Under our bye-laws,
at least fourteen days’ notice of an annual general meeting or a special general meeting must be given to each
shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting. This notice requirement is subject to the ability to hold such meetings
on shorter notice if such notice is agreed: (i) in the case of an annual general meeting by all of the shareholders
entitled to attend and vote at such meeting; or (ii) in the case of a special general meeting by a majority in number
of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting holding not less than 95 % in nominal value of the
shares entitled to vote at such meeting.
The quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders to consider any resolution or take any action, including
with respect to any meeting convened to consider or adopt a resolution required for an amalgamation or merger
of the Company, is one or more persons present and representing in person or by proxy common shares representing
at least 15 % of the votes eligible to be cast at any such general meeting, provided that for so long as there are any
Class B common shares issued and outstanding, at least one holder of Class B common shares shall be required
to be present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum.
Certain provisions of Bermuda law
We have been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident for Bermuda exchange control
purposes. This designation allows us to engage in transactions in currencies other than the Bermuda dollar, and
there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and
out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of our common shares.
Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 (and its related regulations) has been received from the Bermuda
Monetary Authority for the issue and transfer of our Class A common shares to and between non-residents of
Bermuda for exchange control purposes provided our Class A common shares remain listed on an appointed stock
exchange, which includes the New York Stock Exchange. Approvals or permissions given by the Bermuda Monetary
Authority do not constitute a guarantee by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as to our performance or our
creditworthiness. Accordingly, in giving such consent or permissions, the Bermuda Monetary Authority shall not
be liable for the financial soundness, performance or default of our business or for the correctness of any opinions
or statements expressed in this annual report. Certain issues and transfers of common shares involving persons
deemed resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes require the specific consent of the Bermuda Monetary
Authority.
In accordance with Bermuda law, share certificates are only issued in the names of companies, partnerships or
individuals. In the case of a shareholder acting in a special capacity (for example as a trustee), certificates may, at
the request of the shareholder, record the capacity in which the shareholder is acting. Notwithstanding such
recording of any special capacity, we are not bound to investigate or see to the execution of any such trust. We
will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of our shares, whether or not we have been notified of such trust.
77 Comparison of Bermuda Corporate Law and U. S. Corporate Law
You should be aware that the Companies Act, which applies to us, differs in certain material respects from laws
generally applicable to Delaware corporations and their stockholders. In order to highlight these differences, set
forth below is a summary of certain significant provisions of the Companies Act (including modifications adopted
pursuant to our bye-laws) and Bermuda common law applicable to us that differ in certain respects from provisions
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Because the following statements are summaries, they
do not address all aspects of Bermuda law that may be relevant to us and you or all aspects of Delaware law that
may differ from Bermuda law.
Duties of directors
Our bye-laws provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. Under Bermuda
common law, members of the board of directors of a Bermuda company owe a fiduciary duty to the company to
act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties
of their office honestly. This duty includes the following essential elements:
– a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company;
– a duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director;
– a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and
– a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended.
The Companies Act imposes a duty on directors and officers of a Bermuda company to act honestly and in good
faith with a view to the best interests of the company, and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably
prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In addition, the Companies Act imposes various
duties on directors and officers of a company with respect to certain matters of management and administration
of the company. Directors and officers generally owe fiduciary duties to the company, and not to the company’s
individual shareholders. Our shareholders may not have a direct cause of action against our directors.
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction of its board
of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests
of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the best interests of its stockholders. The duty of care
requires that directors act in an informed and deliberative manner and inform themselves, prior to making a business
decision, of all material information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that directors
exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of corporate employees. The duty of loyalty may be
summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner that the director reasonably
believes to be in the best interests of the stockholders.
Delaware law provides that a party challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors bears the burden
of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors by the “business judgment rule.” The
business judgment rule is a presumption that in making a business decision, directors acted on an informed basis
and that the action taken was in the best interests of the company and its stockholders, and accordingly, unless
the presumption is rebutted, a board’s decision will be upheld unless there can be no rational business purpose
for the action or the action constitutes corporate waste. If the presumption is not rebutted, the business judgment
rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions, and their business judgments will not be second guessed.
Where, however, the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the entire fairness
of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delaware courts may subject directors’ conduct to
enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control or the approval
of a transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.
78 Interested directors
Bermuda law and our bye-laws provide that if a director has an interest in a material transaction or proposed
material transaction with us or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest in any person that is a party to
such a transaction, the director must disclose the nature of that interest at the first opportunity either at a meeting
of directors or in writing to the directors. Our bye-laws provide that, after a director has made such a declaration
of interest, he is allowed to be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and to vote on
a transaction in which he has an interest, unless disqualified from doing so by the chairman of the relevant board
meeting.
Under Delaware law, such transaction would not be voidable if (i) the material facts as to such interested director’s
relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the board of directors and the board in good faith authorizes
the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, (ii) such material facts are
disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote on such transaction and the transaction is specifically
approved in good faith by vote of the majority of shares entitled to vote thereon or (iii) the transaction is fair as to
the company as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified. Under Delaware law, such interested director
could be held liable for a transaction in which such director derived an improper personal benefit.
Voting rights and Quorum requirements
Under Bermuda law, the voting rights of our shareholders are regulated by our bye-laws and, in certain circum-
stances, the Companies Act. Under our bye-laws, the quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders to
consider any resolution or take any action, including with respect to any meeting convened to consider or adopt
a resolution required for an amalgamation or merger of the Company, is one or more persons present and
representing in person or by proxy at least 15 % of the votes eligible to be cast at any such general meeting, provided
that for so long as there are any Class B common shares issued and outstanding, at least one holder of Class B
common shares shall be required to be present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum.
Any individual who is our shareholder and who is present at a meeting and entitled to vote at such meeting, may
vote in person, as may any corporate shareholder that is represented by a duly authorized representative at
a meeting of shareholders. Our bye-laws also permit attendance at general meetings by proxy, provided the
instrument appointing the proxy is in the form specified in the bye-laws or such other form as the board may
determine. Under our bye-laws, each holder of Class A common shares is entitled to one vote per Class A com-
mon share held and each holder of Class B common shares is entitled to 10 votes per Class B common share held.
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in a company’s certificate of incorporation, each stockholder is
entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by the stockholder. Delaware law provides that unless otherwise
provided in a company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present
in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. In matters other than the
election of directors, with the exception of special voting requirements related to extraordinary transactions, and
unless otherwise provided in a company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, the affirmative vote of a majority
of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting entitled to vote is required for stockholder
action, and the affirmative vote of a plurality of shares is required for the election of directors.
Dividend rights
Under Bermuda law, a company may not declare or pay dividends if there are reasonable grounds for believing
that: (i) the company is, or after the payment of such dividends would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become
due, or (ii) the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than its liabilities. Under our bye-laws, each Class
A and Class B common share is entitled to dividends if, as and when dividends are declared by our board of directors
on such classes, subject to any preferred dividend right of the holders of any preference shares. See “– Common
Shares – Dividends” above.
79 Under Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in the company’s certificate of incorporation, a company
may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend
is declared and for the preceding fiscal year. Delaware law also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net
profits if, after the payment of the dividend, capital is less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock
of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.
Amalgamations and mergers
The amalgamation or merger of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation requires the amalga-
mation or merger agreement to be approved by the company’s board of directors and by its shareholders. Our
bye-laws provide that any amalgamation or merger must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority
of the votes cast at a general meeting of the Company.
Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation or merger of a Bermuda company with another company or
corporation, a shareholder of the Bermuda company who did not vote in favor of the amalgamation or merger and
is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for such shareholder’s shares may, within one month of notice of
the shareholders meeting, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appraise the fair value of those shares.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all the assets
of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a majority of the issued and outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a stockholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate
transactions may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such stockholder
may receive cash in the amount of the fair value of the shares held by such stockholder (as determined by a court)
in lieu of the consideration such stockholder would otherwise receive in the transaction.
Compulsory acquisition of shares held by minority holders
An acquiring party is generally able to acquire compulsorily the common shares of minority holders of a Bermuda
company in the following ways:
– By a procedure under the Companies Act known as a “scheme of arrangement.” A scheme of arrangement could
be effected by obtaining the agreement of the company and of holders of common shares, representing in the
aggregate a majority in number and at least 75 % in value of the common shareholders present and voting at
a court ordered meeting held to consider the scheme of arrangement. The scheme of arrangement must then
be sanctioned by the Bermuda Supreme Court. If a scheme of arrangement receives all necessary agreements
and sanctions, upon the filing of the court order with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, all holders of
common shares could be compelled to sell their common shares under the terms of the scheme of arrangement.
– If the acquiring party is a company it may compulsorily acquire all the shares of the target company, by acquiring
pursuant to a tender offer 90 % of the shares or class of shares not already owned by, or by a nominee for, the
acquiring party (the offeror), or any of its subsidiaries. If an offeror has, within four months after the making of
an offer for all the shares or class of shares not owned by, or by a nominee for, the offeror, or any of its
subsidiaries, obtained the approval of the holders of 90 % or more of all the shares to which the offer relates,
the offeror may, at any time within two months beginning with the date on which the approval was obtained,
require by notice any nontendering shareholder to transfer its shares on the same terms as the original offer.
In those circumstances, nontendering shareholders will be compelled to sell their shares unless the Supreme
Court of Bermuda (on application made within a one-month period from the date of the offeror’s notice of its
intention to acquire such shares) orders otherwise.
– Where the acquiring party or parties hold not less than 95 % of the shares or a class of shares of the company,
such holder(s) may, pursuant to a notice given to the remaining shareholders or class of shareholders, acquire
the shares of such remaining shareholders or class of shareholders. When this notice is given, the acquiring
party is entitled and bound to acquire the shares of the remaining shareholders on the terms set out in the
notice, unless a remaining shareholder, within one month of receiving such notice, applies to the Supreme Court
of Bermuda for an appraisal of the value of their shares. This provision only applies where the acquiring party
offers the same terms to all holders of shares whose shares are being acquired.
80 Delaware law provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors and without any stockholder
vote, may merge with any subsidiary of which it owns at least 90 % of each class of its capital stock. Upon any such
merger, dissenting stockholders of the subsidiary would have appraisal rights.
Shareholders’ suits
Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda
courts would, however, permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong
to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal,
or would result in the violation of the company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore,
consideration would be given by a Bermuda court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority
shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s share-
holders than that which actually approved it.
When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner that is oppressive or prejudicial to the interests
of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda, which
may make such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future
or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company.
Subject to Section 14 of the Securities Act, which renders void any waiver of the provisions of the Securities Act,
our bye-laws contain a provision by virtue of which our shareholders waive any claim or right of action that they
have, both individually and on our behalf, against any director or officer in relation to any action or failure to take
action by such director or officer, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. The
operation of this provision as a waiver of the right to sue for violations of federal securities laws may be unenforceable
in U. S. courts.
Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to shareholders under Delaware law for, among other
things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in accordance with applicable law. In such
actions, the court generally has discretion to permit the winning party to recover attorneys’ fees incurred in
connection with such action.
Indemnification of directors and officers
Section 98 of the Companies Act provides generally that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers
and auditors against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise be imposed on them in respect
of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud
or dishonesty of which such director, officer or auditor may be guilty in relation to the company.
Section 98 further provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against
any liability incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is awarded
in their favor or in which they are acquitted or granted relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda pursuant to section
281 of the Companies Act.
We have adopted provisions in our bye-laws that provide that we shall indemnify our officers and directors in
respect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or dishonesty. We also have entered into
directors’ service agreements with our directors, pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify them against
any liability brought against them by reason of their service as directors, except in cases where such liability arises
from fraud, dishonesty, bad faith, gross negligence, willful default or willful misfeasance. Subject to Section 14 of
the Securities Act, which renders void any waiver of the provisions of the Securities Act, our bye-laws provide that
our shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in right of the company,
against any of our directors or officers for any act or failure to act in the performance of such director’s or officer’s
duties, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. Section 98A of the Companies Act
permits us to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any officer or director in respect of any loss or
liability attaching to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, whether or not
we may otherwise indemnify such officer or director. We have purchased and maintain a directors’ and officers’
liability policy for such a purpose.
81 Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation against expenses
(including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in
defense of an action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position if (i) such director or officer acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (ii)
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful.
Access to books and records and dissemination of information
Members of the general public have a right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office
of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. These documents include the company’s memorandum of association,
including its objects and powers, and certain alterations to the memorandum of association. The shareholders
have the additional right to inspect the bye-laws of the company, minutes of general meetings and the company’s
audited financial statements, which must be presented to the annual general meeting. The register of members
of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders and by members of the general public without charge.
The register of members is required to be open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day
(subject to the ability of a company to close the register of members for not more than thirty days in a year).
A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies
Act, establish a branch register outside of Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register
of directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day by members
of the public without charge. A company is also required to file with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda a list
of its directors to be maintained on a register, which register will be available for public inspection subject to such
conditions as the Registrar may impose and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed. Bermuda law does not,
however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.
Delaware law permits any stockholder to inspect or obtain copies of a corporation’s stockholder list and its other
books and records for any purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder.
Shareholder proposals
Under Bermuda law, shareholders may, as set forth below and at their own expense (unless the company otherwise
resolves), require the company to: (i) give notice to all shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual general
meeting of any resolution that the shareholders may properly move at the next annual general meeting; and / or
(ii) circulate to all shareholders entitled to receive notice of any general meeting a statement (of not more than
one thousand words) in respect of any matter referred to in the proposed resolution or any business to be
conducted at such general meeting. The number of shareholders necessary for such a requisition is either: (i) any
number of shareholders representing not less than 10 % of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to
vote at the meeting to which the requisition relates; or (ii) not less than 100 shareholders.
Delaware law provides that stockholders have the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of stock-
holders, provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be
called by the board of directors or any other person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but stock-
holders may be precluded from calling special meetings.
Calling of special shareholders’ meetings
Under our bye-laws, a special general meeting may be called by the chairman of the board or by a majority of our
board of directors. Bermuda law also provides that a special general meeting must be called upon the request of
shareholders holding not less than 10 % of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote at general
meetings.
Delaware law permits the board of directors or any person who is authorized under a corporation’s certificate of
incorporation or bye-laws to call a special meeting of stockholders.
82 Amendment of memorandum of association and bye-laws
Under our bye-laws, the memorandum of association may be amended by a resolution passed at a general meeting
of the Company. Our bye-laws provide that no bye-law shall be rescinded, altered or amended, and no new bye-law
shall be made, unless it shall have been approved by a resolution of our board of directors and by a resolution of
our shareholders at a general meeting of the Company.
Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than 20 % in par value of a company’s issued share
capital or any class thereof have the right to apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an annulment of any
amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other than an
amendment that alters or reduces a company’s share capital as provided in the Companies Act. Where such an
application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda
court. An application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within
21 days after the date on which the resolution altering the company’s memorandum of association is passed and
may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as such holders
may appoint in writing for such purpose. No application may be made by the shareholders voting in favor of the
amendment.
Under Delaware law, amendment of the certificate of incorporation, which is the equivalent of a memorandum of
association, of a company must be made by a resolution of the board of directors setting forth the amendment,
declaring its advisability, and either calling a special meeting of the stockholders entitled to vote or directing that
the proposed amendment be considered at the next annual meeting of the stockholders. Delaware law requires
that, unless a different percentage is provided for in the certificate of incorporation, a majority of the voting power
of the corporation is required to approve the amendment of the certificate of incorporation at the stockholders
meeting. If the amendment would alter the number of authorized shares or par value or otherwise adversely affect
the rights or preference of any class of a company’s stock, the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of
such affected class, regardless of whether such holders are entitled to vote by the certificate of incorporation,
are entitled to vote as a class upon the proposed amendment. However, the number of authorized shares of any
class may be increased or decreased, to the extent not falling below the number of shares then issued and
outstanding, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock entitled to vote, if so provided in the
company’s certificate of incorporation that was authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
such class or classes of stock.
Under Delaware law, unless the certificate of incorporation or by-laws provide for a different vote, holders of
a majority of the voting power of a corporation and, if so provided in the certificate of incorporation, the directors
of the corporation have the power to adopt, amend and repeal the by-laws of a corporation. Those by-laws dealing
with the election of directors, classes of directors and the term of office of directors may only be rescinded, altered
or amended upon approval by a resolution of the directors and by a resolution of shareholders carrying not less
than a majority of all shares entitled to vote on the resolution.
C. Material contracts
See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – B. Liquidity and capital resources – Indebtedness”
and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related party transactions – Other agree-
ments with Dufry.”
D. Exchange controls
Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 (and its related regulations) has been received from the Bermuda
Monetary Authority for the issue and transfer of our Class A common shares to and between non-residents of
Bermuda for exchange control purposes provided our Class A common shares remain listed on an appointed stock
exchange, which includes the New York Stock Exchange. In granting such consent the Bermuda Monetary Authority
accepts no responsibility for our financial soundness or the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions
expressed in this annual report.
83 E. Taxation
U. K. Tax considerations
The following is a general summary of material U. K. tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposal of
Class A common shares. The comments set out below are based on current U. K. tax law as applied in England and
Wales, and our understanding of HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) practice (which may not be binding on HMRC)
as at the date of this summary, both of which are subject to change, possibly with retrospective effect. They are
intended as a general guide and apply to you only if you are a “U. S. Holder” (as defined in the section entitled
“Material U. S. federal income tax considerations”). This summary only applies to you if you are not resident in the
U. K. for U. K. tax purposes and do not hold Class A common shares for the purposes of a trade, profession, or
vocation that you carry on in the U. K. through a branch, agency, or permanent establishment in the U. K. and if you
hold Class A common shares as an investment for U. K. tax purposes and are not subject to special rules.
This summary does not address all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in Class A common shares.
In particular it does not cover the U. K. inheritance tax consequences of holding Class A common shares. This
summary is for general information only and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered to be, legal or tax
advice to any particular investor. Holders of Class A common shares are strongly urged to consult their tax advisers
in connection with the U. K. tax consequences of their investment in Class A common shares.
U. K. tax residence
We intend to continue to centrally manage and control our affairs from the U. K., such that we are resident for tax
purposes solely in the U. K.
U. K. taxation of dividends
We will not be required to withhold amounts on account of U. K. tax at source when paying a dividend in respect
of Class A common shares.
U. S. Holders who hold their Class A common shares as an investment and not in connection with any trade carried
on by them should not be subject to U. K. tax in respect of any dividends.
U. K. taxation of capital gains
An individual holder who is a U. S. Holder should not be liable to U. K. capital gains tax on capital gains realized on
the disposal of his or her Class A common shares unless such holder carries on a trade, profession or vocation in
the U. K. through a branch or agency in the U. K. to which the Class A common shares are attributable and subject
to the below exception.
An individual holder of Class A common shares who is temporarily non-resident for U. K. tax purposes will, in certain
circumstances, become liable to U. K. tax on capital gains in respect of gains realized while he or she was not
resident in the U. K.
A corporate holder of Class A common shares that is a U. S. Holder should not be liable for U. K. corporation tax
on chargeable gains realized on the disposal of Class A common shares unless it carries on a trade in the U. K.
through a permanent establishment to which the Class A common shares are attributable.
Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax
No stamp duty reserve tax should be payable on any agreement to transfer Class A common shares, provided that
Class A common shares are not registered in a register kept on our behalf in the U. K. and that Class A common
shares are not paired with shares issued by a U. K. incorporated company. It is not intended that such a register
will be kept in the U. K. or that Class A common shares will be paired with shares issued by a U. K. incorporated
company.
84 No stamp duty should be payable on a transfer of Class A common shares by electronic book-entry through the
facilities of DTC without an instrument of transfer. No stamp duty should be payable on a transfer of Class A
common shares by way of an instrument of transfer provided that (i) any instrument of transfer is not executed
in the U. K. and (ii) such instrument of transfer does not relate to any property situated, or any matter or thing
done or to be done, in the U. K.
Material U. S. federal income tax considerations
The following is a description of the material U. S. federal income tax consequences to the U. S. Holders, as defined
below, of owning and disposing our common shares. It does not describe all tax considerations that may be relevant
to a particular person’s decision to acquire common shares.
This discussion applies only to a U. S. Holder that holds common shares as capital assets for U. S. federal income
tax purposes. In addition, it does not describe all of the U. S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant
in light of the U. S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax consequences, the
potential application of the provisions of the Code known as the Medicare contribution tax and tax consequences
applicable to U. S. Holders subject to special rules, such as:
– certain financial institutions;
– dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;
– persons holding common shares as part of a hedging transaction, straddle, wash sale, conversion transaction
or other integrated transaction or persons entering into a constructive sale with respect to the common shares;
– persons whose functional currency for U. S. federal income tax purposes is not the U. S. dollar;
– entities classified as partnerships for U. S. federal income tax purposes;
– tax-exempt entities, including an “individual retirement account” or “Roth IRA”;
– persons that own or are deemed to own ten percent or more of our shares, by vote or value; or
– persons holding common shares in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States.
If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U. S. federal income tax purposes holds common shares, the U. S.
federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of
the partnership. Partnerships holding common shares and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax
advisers as to the particular U. S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the common shares.
This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions, final, temporary and pro-
posed Treasury regulations, and the income tax treaty between the U. K. and the United States (the “Treaty”) all as
of the date hereof, any of which is subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect.
– A “U. S. Holder” is a holder who, for U. S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of common shares,
who is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty and who is:
– an individual that is a citizen or resident of the United States;
– a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United
States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or
– an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U. S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
U. S. Holders should consult their tax advisers concerning the U. S. federal, state, local and non-U. S. tax
consequences of owning and disposing of common shares in their particular circumstances.
This discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”),
as described below.
Taxation of distributions
Distributions paid on common shares, other than certain pro rata distributions of common shares, will generally
be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined
under U. S. federal income tax principles). Because we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits
under U. S. federal income tax principles, we expect that distributions generally will be reported to U. S. Holders
as dividends. For so long as our common shares are listed on the NYSE or we are eligible for benefits under the
Treaty, dividends paid to certain non-corporate U. S. Holders will be eligible for taxation as “qualified dividend
85 income” and therefore, subject to applicable limitations, will be taxable at rates not in excess of the long-term
capital gain rate applicable to such U. S. Holder. U. S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the avail-
ability of the reduced tax rate on dividends in their particular circumstances. The amount of a dividend will include
any amounts withheld by us in respect of U. K. income taxes. The amount of the dividend will be treated as foreign-
source dividend income to U. S. Holders and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally
available to U. S. corporations under the Code. Dividends will be included in a U. S. Holder’s income on the date of
the U. S. Holder’s receipt of the dividend. The amount of any dividend income paid in euros will be the U. S. dollar
amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of actual or constructive receipt,
regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U. S. dollars at that time. If the dividend is converted
into U. S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U. S. Holder should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or
loss in respect of the dividend income. A U. S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is
converted into U. S. dollars after the date of receipt.
Subject to applicable limitations, some of which vary depending upon the U. S. Holder’s particular circumstances,
U. K. income taxes withheld from dividends on common shares at a rate not exceeding the rate provided by the
Treaty will be creditable against the U. S. Holder’s U. S. federal income tax liability. The rules governing foreign tax
credits are complex and U. S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the creditability of foreign taxes
in their particular circumstances. In lieu of claiming a foreign tax credit, U. S. Holders may, at their election, deduct
foreign taxes, including any U. K. income tax, in computing their taxable income, subject to generally applicable
limitations under U. S. law. An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all
foreign taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year.
Sale or other disposition of common shares
For U. S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss realized on the sale or other disposition of common shares will
be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U. S. Holder held the common shares for
more than one year. The amount of the gain or loss will equal the difference between the U. S. Holder’s tax basis in
the common shares disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition, in each case as determined in U. S.
dollars. This gain or loss will generally be U. S.-source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility
of capital losses is subject to various limitations.
Passive foreign investment company rules
Under the Code, we will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which, after the application of certain “look through”
rules with respect to subsidiaries, either (i) 75 % or more of our gross income consists of “passive income,” or (ii)
50 % or more of the average quarterly value of our assets consist of assets that produce, or are held for the
production of, “passive income.”
Based on our current operations, income, assets and certain estimates and projections, including as to the relative
values of our assets, we believe that we were not a PFIC for U. S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year
ending December 31, 2018 and do not expect to become a PFIC in the foreseeable future. If we were a PFIC for
any year during which a U. S. Holder holds common shares, we generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC
with respect to that U. S. Holder for all succeeding years during which the U. S. Holder holds common shares, even
if we ceased to meet the threshold requirements for PFIC status.
If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U. S. Holder held common shares (assuming such U. S. Holder
has not made a timely election described below), gain recognized by a U. S. Holder on a sale or other disposition
(including certain pledges) of the common shares would be allocated ratably over the U. S. Holder’s holding period
for the common shares. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year
before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year
would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable
year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax on such amount. Further, to the extent that any distribution
received by a U. S. Holder on its common shares exceeds 125 % of the average of the annual distributions on the
common shares received during the preceding three years or the U. S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter,
that distribution would be subject to taxation in the same manner as gain, described immediately above. If we were
86 a PFIC, certain elections may be available that would result in alternative tax consequences (such as mark-to-
market treatment) of owning and disposing the common shares. U. S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to
determine whether any of these elections would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative
treatments would be in their particular circumstances.
In addition, if we were a PFIC or, with respect to particular U. S. Holder, were treated as a PFIC for the taxable year
in which we paid a dividend or for the prior taxable year, the preferential dividend rates discussed above with respect
to dividends paid to certain non-corporate U. S. Holders would not apply.
If a U. S. Holder owns common shares during any year in which we are a PFIC, the holder generally must file annual
reports containing such information as the U. S. Treasury may require on IRS Form 8621 (or any successor form)
with respect to us, generally with the holder’s federal income tax return for that year.
U. S. Holders should consult their tax advisers concerning our potential PFIC status and the potential application
of the PFIC rules.
Information reporting and backup withholding
Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U. S.-related
financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to backup withholding,
unless (i) the U. S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the
U. S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup with-
holding.
The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U. S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the
holder’s U. S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is
timely furnished to the IRS.
Information with respect to foreign financial assets
Certain U. S. Holders who are individuals (and, under proposed regulations, certain entities) may be required to
report information on their U. S. federal income tax returns relating to an interest in our common shares, subject
to certain exceptions (including an exception for common shares held in accounts maintained by certain U. S.
financial institutions). U. S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation
on their ownership and disposition of the common shares.
Bermudian tax considerations
We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. At the present time, there is no Bermuda income or profits tax,
withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by us or by our share-
holders in respect of our shares. We have obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under
the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda
imposing any tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation or any
tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax shall not, until March 31, 2035, be applicable to us or
to any of our operations or to our shares, debentures or other obligations except insofar as such tax applies to
persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or is payable by us in respect of real property owned or leased by us in
Bermuda.
F. Dividends and paying agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by experts
Not applicable.
87 H. Documents on display
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, we are required to file reports
and other information with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K. The SEC
maintains an Internet website that contains reports and other information about issuers, like us, that file elec-
tronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov.
I. Subsidiary information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risks associated with foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and
inflation. In accordance with our policies, we seek to manage our exposure to these various market-based risks.
For further information on our market risks, please see Note 33 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A. Debt securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and rights
Not applicable.
C. Other securities
Not applicable.
D. American depositary shares
Not applicable.
88 PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
A. Defaults
No matters to report.
B. Arrears and delinquencies
No matters to report.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A. Material modifications to instruments
Not applicable.
B. Material modifications to rights
Not applicable.
C. Withdrawal or substitution of assets
Not applicable.
D. Change in trustees or paying agents
Not applicable.
E. Use of proceeds
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
A. Disclosure controls and procedures
As of December 31, 2018, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). There are inherent limitations to
the effectiveness of any disclosure controls and procedures system, including the possibility of human error and
circumventing or overriding them. Even if effective, disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reason-
able assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31,
2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weakness in our internal
control over financial reporting identified in the procure to pay process as described below and in “Item 5. Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects – B. Liquidity and capital resources – Internal control over financial reporting.”
B. Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting,
as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial
statements in accordance with international financial reporting standards (“IFRS”). Such internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in
reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets; (ii) provide reasonable
assurance (A) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors; and (B) regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
89 Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2018. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), the 2013 Framework.
Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over
financial reporting was not effective due to the identified material weakness, as described below and in “Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – B. Liquidity and capital resources – Internal control over financial
reporting.” A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial
reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or
interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Management identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018
over the procure to pay process and the related internal controls supporting this area. The material weakness
related to issues around: (1) a lack of appropriate controls over the design and operating effectiveness of the
purchasing process, including lack of proper segregation of duties; (2) a lack of formal policies and procedures
related to invoice payment authorization; (3) and a lack of adequate review over certain accounts payable functions,
including vendor setup and maintenance, and review and approval of invoices for payment. The material weakness
did not result in a restatement of our prior year financial statements.
C. Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weakness
To remediate the material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting described above, we have
initiated remedial measures and are taking additional measures to remediate this material weakness. First, we are
continuing to roll out an enhanced purchase order process to additional key locations for merchandise purchases
which are designed to ensure that (i) appropriate levels of management approve each purchase order with tiered
thresholds, and (ii) duties related to the approval of purchase orders, receipt of goods, and invoices are appropriately
segregated. Second, we are implementing accounts payable software designed to automate and streamline the
invoice processing, review and approval workflows for merchandising and non-merchandising invoices. Third, we
implemented a new invoice payment approval matrix that became operational at the end of Q4 2018, which is also
integrated in the accounts payable automation software described above. Fourth, we also intend to strengthen
our controls over the vendor set up and maintenance process by implementing additional controls relating to the
appropriate segregation of duties between vendor set-up and invoice processing, and by requiring independent
review of information entered into the accounts payable system.
D. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
Not required because the Company is not an “accelerated filer” or a “large accelerated filer” as defined in 17 CFR
§240.12b-2.
E. Changes in internal control over financial reporting
We have taken various measures to remediate the previously identified material weakness reported on our Form
20-F for the period ending December 31, 2017, related to the presentation of a business combination transaction
in the December 31, 2014 statement of cash flows. Such measures taken include, (1) hiring personnel with technical
accounting and reporting expertise; (2) designing additional controls around identification, documentation and
application of technical accounting guidance, including, additional management review controls over business
combinations accounting and presentation; (3) continuing to educate review control owners regarding review
procedures performed over estimates and assumptions; (4) implementation of additional supervision and review
activities by qualified personnel over preparation and approval of financial statements and disclosures including
the statement of cash flows; (5) and the development and use of checklists and research tools to assist in
compliance with IFRS and SEC regulations.
90 The Company did not have specific transactions that qualified for business combination accounting during the
fiscal year 2018. The remediation efforts were primarily focused on the overall strengthening of the technical
accounting capabilities to facilitate the application of appropriate accounting guidance over complex accounting
issues including potential business combinations. We completed the implementation of our remediation plan during
the fiscal year 2018. The newly implemented controls have been operating for a sufficient period of time and were
determined to be operating effectively.
As a result of the remediation activities and controls in place as of December 31, 2018 described above, we have
remediated the material weakness that was disclosed in our Form 20-F for the period ending December 31, 2017.
Except as disclosed above, and, in the remediation efforts to address the material weakness over the procure to
pay process, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the year ended
December 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 16. RESERVED
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The audit committee is chaired by Ms. Guilfoile and includes Mr. Skinner and Ms. Ulasewicz. The Audit committee
assists the board in overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial
statements. In addition, the audit committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention
and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. The audit committee is also
responsible for reviewing and determining whether to approve certain transactions with related parties. See “Item
7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related party transactions – Related person transaction
policy.” Our board has determined that each of Ms. Guilfoile, Mr. Skinner and Ms. Ulasewicz is independent within
the meaning of the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and NYSE
and SEC rules applicable to foreign private issuers. Our board of directors has further determined that each of
Ms. Guilfoile, Mr. Skinner and Ms. Ulasewicz has the professional experience and knowledge to qualify as “audit
committee financial experts” as defined by SEC rules.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to the board of directors and all employees. Since
its effective date on September 28, 2017, we have not waived compliance with or amended the code of conduct.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table describes the amounts we incurred from Ernst & Young AG, an independent registered public
accounting firm, for audit and other services performed in fiscal years 2018 and 2017.
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax fees
All other fees
Audit fees
2018
1.9
0.9
N / A
N / A
2017
1.8
3.1
N / A
N / A
Audit fees are fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the
registrant’s annual consolidated financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. It includes the audit of
our Consolidated Financial Statements other services that generally only the independent accountant reasonably
can provide, such as comfort letters, statutory audits, consents and assistance with and review of documents
filed with the SEC.
91 Audit-related fees
Audit-related fees are fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance
of the audit or review of our Consolidated Financial Statements and not reported under the previous category.
These services would include, among others: interim reviews, accounting consultations and audits in connection
with acquisitions, internal control reviews, attest services that are not required by statue or regulation and
consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
Tax fees
Tax fees are fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. There were no
tax fees in 2018 or 2017.
All other fees
There were no other fees in 2018 or 2017.
Pre-approval policies and procedures
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, replacement, compensation, evaluation and oversight
of the work of the independent auditors. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee pre-approves all audit
and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors in order to assure that they do not impair the
auditor’s independence from the Company.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
None.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In general, under the NYSE corporate governance standards, foreign private issuers, as defined under the Exchange
Act, are permitted to follow home country corporate governance practices instead of the corporate governance
practices of the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly, we follow certain corporate governance practices of our
home country, Bermuda, in lieu of certain of the corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock
Exchange. Specifically, we do not have a board of directors composed of a majority of independent directors or
a nomination and remuneration committee composed entirely of independent directors.
In the event we no longer qualify as a foreign private issuer, we intend to rely on the “controlled company” exemption
under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules. A “controlled company” under the New York
Stock Exchange corporate governance rules is a company of which more than 50 % of the voting power is held by
an individual, group or another company. Our controlling shareholder controls a majority of the combined voting
power of our outstanding common shares, and our controlling shareholder is able to nominate a majority of
directors for election to our board of directors. Accordingly, we would be eligible to, and, in the event we no longer
qualify as a foreign private issuer, we intend to, take advantage of certain exemptions under the NYSE corporate
governance rules, including exemptions from the requirement that a majority of the directors on our board of
directors be independent and the requirement that our nomination and remuneration committee consist entirely
of independent directors.
92 The foreign private issuer exemption and the “controlled company” exemption do not modify the independence
requirements for the audit committee, and we intend to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
and the New York Stock Exchange rules, which require that our audit committee be composed of at least three
directors, all of whom are independent.
If at any time we cease to be a “controlled company” or a “foreign private issuer” under the rules of the New York
Stock Exchange and the Exchange Act, as applicable, our board of directors will take all action necessary to comply
with the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules.
Due to our status as a foreign private issuer and our intent to follow certain home country corporate governance
practices, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are
subject to all the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. See “Item 10. Additional Information
– B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws.”
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
93 PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of this item.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Statements are filed as part of this annual report, see pages F-1 to F-65 to this annual report.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
The following documents are filed as part of this annual report:
1.1
1.2
2.1
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
8.1
11.1
12.1
12.2
13.1
13.2
Amended and Restated Bye-laws, dated August 2, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2
to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-38378) filed with the SEC on August 6, 2018).
Memorandum of Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Regis-
tration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-221547) filed with the SEC on November 14, 2017).
Registration Rights Agreement between Hudson Ltd. and Dufry International AG, dated February 1, 2018
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
the SEC on March 15, 2018).
Master Relationship Agreement between Dufry International AG and Hudson Ltd, dated February 1, 2018
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the SEC on March 15, 2018).
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc., effective October 30, 2012 for
$123,204,207.74 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration State-
ment on Form F-1 (File No. 333-221547) filed with the SEC on November 14, 2017).
Loan Agreement between Dufry Financial Services B. V. and the Nuance Group (Canada) Inc., effective
August 1, 2017 for CAD$195,030,000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Compa-
ny’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-221547) filed with the SEC on November 14, 2017).
Hudson Trademark License Agreement between Dufry International AG and Hudson Group (HG), Inc.,
dated February 1, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Re-
port on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018).
Franchising Agreement between Dufry International AG and Hudson Group (HG), Inc., dated February 1,
2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F
filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018).
List of subsidiaries.
Code of business conduct and ethics (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 11.1 to the Compa-
ny’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018).
Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002.
Consent of Ernst & Young AG.
14.1
101. INS* XBRL Instance Document
101. SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101. CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101. DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101. LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101. PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
94 The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly
caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
HUDSON LTD.
By:
By:
/s/ Roger Fordyce
Name: Roger Fordyce
Title: Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Adrian Bartella
Name: Adrian Bartella
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 14, 2019
95
96 2018
Financial Statements
H U D S O N G R O U P
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-3
Consolidated Financial Statements of Hudson Group
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-4
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
at December 31, 2018 and 2017 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-8
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-9
List of subsidiaries � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � F-64
F-1
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Hudson Ltd�
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Hudson Ltd� (the Company)
as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes
in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related
notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”)� In our opinion, the consolidated
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31,
2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board�
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management� Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits� We are a public accounting firm
registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to
be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U�S� federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB�
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB� Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud� The Company is not required to have, nor were we
engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting� As part of our audits we are required
to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting� Accordingly, we
express no such opinion�
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks� Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements� Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements� We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion�
/s/ Ernst & Young AG
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017�
Basel, Switzerland
March 14, 2019
F-3
F-4
HUDSON GROUP CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEfor the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016IN MILLIONS OF USD (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)NOTE201820172016Turnover6 1,924.2 1,802.5 1,687.2 Cost of sales (698.5) (680.3) (645.3)Gross profit 1,225.7 1,122.2 1,041.9 Selling expenses7 (445.3) (421.2) (395.7)Personnel expenses8 (411.1) (371.3) (337.4)General expenses9 (131.4) (156.9) (151.9)Share of result of associates16 0.1 (0.3) (0.7)Depreciation, amortization and impairment10 (128.9) (108.7) (103.7)Other operational result11 (10.9) (3.7) (9.3)Operating profit 98.2 60.1 43.2 Interest expenses12 (31.0) (30.2) (29.8)Interest income12 2.5 1.9 2.1 Foreign exchange gain / (loss) (0.9) 0.5 –Profit before tax 68.8 32.3 15.5 Income tax13 (3.0) (42.9) 34.3 Net profit / (loss) 65.8 (10.6) 49.8 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEExchange differences on translating foreign operations (20.1) 26.8 12.9 Total other comprehensive income / (loss) that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods, net of tax (20.1) 26.8 12.9 Total other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax (20.1) 26.8 12.9 Total comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax 45.7 16.2 62.7 NET PROFIT / (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TOEquity holders of the parent 29.5 (40.4) 23.5 Non-controlling interests 36.3 29.8 26.3 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TOEquity holders of the parent 9.4 (13.6) 36.4 Non-controlling interests 36.3 29.8 26.3 EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT*Basic earnings / (loss) per share in USD21.4 0.32 (0.44) 0.25 Diluted earnings / (loss) per share in USD21.4 0.32 (0.44) 0.25 * For the calculation of Earnings per Share (EPS), the weighted average number of outstanding shares for 2017 and 2016 has been assumed to be equal to the shares issued for the IPO. F-5
HUDSON GROUPCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIONat December 31, 2018 and 2017IN MILLIONS OF USDNOTE31.12.201831.12.2017ASSETSProperty, plant and equipment14 243.0 264.9 Intangible assets15 301.6 354.6 Goodwill15 315.0 331.2 Investments in associates16 6.5 3.1 Deferred tax assets26 83.9 90.3 Other non-current assets17 27.4 24.9 Non-current assets 977.4 1,069.0 Inventories18 190.7 186.0 Trade receivables19 1.3 4.6 Other accounts receivable20 46.8 59.4 Income tax receivables 0.8 1.4 Cash and cash equivalents 234.2 137.4 Current assets 473.8 388.8 Total assets 1,451.2 1,457.8 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYEquity attributable to equity holders of the parent21 552.1 493.7 Non-controlling interests22 84.8 78.7 Total equity 636.9 572.4 Financial debt23 492.6 520.4 Deferred tax liabilities26 40.0 50.1 Post-employment benefit obligations27 1.0 0.9 Non-current liabilities 533.6 571.4 Trade payables 105.5 97.1 Financial debt23 51.4 80.7 Income tax payables 2.3 4.1 Other liabilities25 121.5 132.1 Current liabilities 280.7 314.0 Total liabilities 814.3 885.4 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 1,451.2 1,457.8 F-6
HUDSON GROUPCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITYfor the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 20162018 IN MILLIONS OF USDNOTESHARE CAPITALTREASURY SHARESTRANSLATION RESERVESRETAINED EARNINGSSHARE HOLDERS' EQUITYNON CONTROLLING INTERESTSTOTAL EQUITYBalance at January 1 * 0.1 – 20.5 473.1 493.7 78.7 572.4 Net profit / (loss)––– 29.5 29.5 36.3 65.8 Other comprehensive income / (loss)–– (20.1)– (20.1)– (20.1)Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period–– (20.1) 29.5 9.4 36.3 45.7 TRANSACTIONS WITH OR DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERSDividends to non-controlling interests––––– (45.7) (45.7)Purchase of treasury shares21.2– (2.0)–– (2.0)– (2.0)Proceeds from restructuring1 a––– 60.1 60.1 – 60.1 Transaction costs for equity instruments––– (15.4) (15.4)– (15.4)Share-based payment transactions21.3––– 12.7 12.7 – 12.7 Tax effect on equity transactions––– (6.4) (6.4)– (6.4)Total transactions with or distributions to owners– (2.0)– 51.0 49.0 (45.7) 3.3 CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIESChanges in participation of non-controlling interests22––––– 15.5 15.5 Balance at December 31 0.1 (2.0) 0.4 553.6 552.1 84.8 636.9 * Although the restructuring of Hudson took place on February 1, 2018, the respective consolidated statements of changes in equity is presented as of January 1, 2018. F-7
HUDSON GROUPCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CONTINUED)for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 20162017 IN MILLIONS OF USDNOTESHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYNON-CONTROL- LING INTERESTSTOTAL EQUITYBalance at January 1 658.2 72.2 730.4 Net profit / (loss) (40.4) 29.8 (10.6)Other comprehensive income / (loss) 26.8 – 26.8 Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period (13.6) 29.8 16.2 TRANSACTIONS WITH OR DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERSDividends to non-controlling interests– (34.3) (34.3)Common control transaction24 (154.7)– (154.7)Share-based payment transactions21.3 4.6 – 4.6 Tax effect on equity transactions (0.2)– (0.2)Total transactions with or distributions to owners (150.3) (34.3) (184.6)CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIESChanges in participation of non-controlling interests22 (0.6) 11.0 10.4 Balance at December 31 493.7 78.7 572.4 2016 IN MILLIONS OF USDNOTESHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYNON-CONTROL- LING INTERESTSTOTAL EQUITYBalance at January 1 620.1 67.8 687.9 Net profit / (loss) 23.5 26.3 49.8 Other comprehensive income / (loss) 12.9 – 12.9 Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period 36.4 26.3 62.7 TRANSACTIONS WITH OR DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERSDividends to non-controlling interests– (27.4) (27.4)Share-based payment transactions21.3 1.2 – 1.2 Tax effect on equity transactions 0.5 – 0.5 Total transactions with or distributions to owners 1.7 (27.4) (25.7)CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIESChanges in participation of non-controlling interests22– 5.5 5.5 Balance at December 31 658.2 72.2 730.4 HUDSON GROUP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
IN MILLIONS OF USD
NOTE
2018
2017
2,016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit before tax
ADJUSTMENTS FOR
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Loss / (gain) on sale of non-current assets
Increase / (decrease) in allowances and provisions
Loss / (gain) on foreign exchange differences
Other non-cash items
Share of result of associates
Interest expenses
Interest income
Cash flows before working capital changes
Decrease / (increase) in trade and other accounts receivable
Decrease / (increase) in inventories
Increase / (decrease) in trade and other accounts payable
Dividends received from associates
Cash generated from operations
Income taxes paid*
Net cash flows from operating activities
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of interest in associates
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Interest received
Net cash flows used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from restructuring
Repayment of financial debt
Repayments of / (granted) 3rd party loans receivable
Transaction costs paid for the listing of equity instruments
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Purchase of treasury shares
Contributions from / (purchase of) non-controlling interests
Interest paid
Net cash flows used in financing activities
Currency translation on cash
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE
– beginning of the period
– end of the period
68.8
32.3
15.5
10
128�9
16
12
12
18
16
14�1
16
1a
24
1�5
5�2
0�7
3�6
(0�1)
31�0
(2�5)
237.1
22�8
(12�0)
(8�4)
–
239.5
(6�8)
232.7
(65�1)
(4�2)
(3�3)
0�3
3�2
(69.1)
60�1
(48�3)
1�5
(6�3)
(39�1)
(2�0)
7�0
(37�7)
(64.8)
(2�0)
96.8
137�4
234�2
108�7
3�3
5�0
(0�5)
4�6
0�3
30�2
(1�9)
182.0
6�2
(26�9)
(26�9)
–
134.4
(3�6)
130.8
(79�6)
(8�2)
(1�0)
0�6
2�1
(86.1)
–
(28�0)
(3�3)
–
(34�3)
–
–
(30�2)
(95.8)
0�9
(50.2)
187�6
137�4
103�7
1�9
(2�0)
6�4
1�2
0�7
29�8
(2�1)
155.1
(9�1)
(14�2)
41�3
0�2
173.3
(3�5)
169.8
(88�3)
(5�7)
–
0�4
1�2
(92.4)
–
(7�3)
12�8
–
(27�4)
–
(0�1)
(29�3)
(51.3)
1�1
27.2
160�4
187�6
* In 2016 and 2017 the amounts for Income taxes paid only include payments made on behalf of companies in
the scope of these consolidated financial statements as described in note 1�
F-8
HUDSON GROUP
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Hudson Ltd� and its subsidiaries (“Hudson Group” or “Hudson”) are Travel Retailers
specialized in Duty Paid and Duty Free markets operating 1,028 stores in 88 loca-
tions throughout the continental United States and Canada� The parent company
is Hudson Ltd�, an exempt company limited by shares incorporated in Bermuda� The
registered office is at 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda� Our Class A
common shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on February 1,
2018, under the ticker symbol “HUD,” as part of the initial public offering (IPO)�
Hudson Ltd� was incorporated on May 30, 2017 in Hamilton, Bermuda as a wholly
owned subsidiary of Dufry International AG (Dufry), the world’s leading travel retail
company which is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland� Hudson Group business
comprises of legal entities and operations which were contributed to Hudson Ltd�
by Dufry International AG prior to the IPO�
The financial statements for periods presented prior to the IPO were prepared as
if Hudson had operated on a stand-alone basis and included the historical results
of operations, financial position and cash flows of the North America Division of
Dufry, derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records
of Dufry AG� For periods prior to the IPO, the financial statements include the
recognition of certain assets and liabilities that were recorded at corporate level
but which were specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to Hudson Group�
These consolidated financial statements of Hudson Ltd� are a continuation of the
combined financial statements 2016 – 2017 prepared for Hudson Group�
The restructuring steps, prior to the IPO of Hudson have been:
a) Dufry America Holding, Inc� (DAH), (an entity of Dufry’s Division North America),
sold 100 % of the shares of Dufry America, Inc�, Dufry Cruise Services, Inc� and
International Operations and Services (USA), LLC to another entity of the Dufry
Group for a net consideration of USD 60�1 million� These three subsidiaries of
Dufry have not been active in the retail business in the U�S� or Canada and con-
sequently are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Hudson
Group, so that this disposal has been reflected in the consolidated financial
statements as follows:
The net consideration received in cash was partially used to reduce financial
debt and the remaining has been presented as cash� This transaction generated
income tax charges at DAH of USD 9�8 million, which have been off-set against
net operating losses� The consideration net of tax of USD 50�3 million is pre-
sented as reserves in equity�
F-9
F-10
b) Dufry International AG (Switzerland) contributed 100 % of the shares of Dufry America Holding Inc., the parent entity of the Hudson Group in the continental USA and Canada, as well as 100 % of the shares of The Nuance Group (Canada) Inc., the parent entity of WDFG Vancouver LP to Hudson Ltd. As a result, the Hudson business includes substantially all of the historical North America Division business reported by Dufry Group. The contribution of the North America Division business by Dufry to Hudson Ltd. was treated for accounting purposes as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, Hudson is retrospectively presenting the combined financial position and results of operations of Hudson Ltd. and its subsidiaries for all periods presented prior to the IPO. The financial statements are presented on a con-solidated basis for all periods after the IPO and include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries.After the IPO the Dufry Group retained control of Hudson Ltd. as the shares offered through the IPO represented less than 50 % of the total in terms of shares or voting rights.2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATIONThese consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB).The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial assets, liabilities and defined benefit plan assets, that are measured at fair value, as explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets. The consolidated financial statements are presented in millions of US Dollars (USD ). All values are rounded to the nearest one hundred thousand, except when indicated otherwise.For the purpose of these consolidated financial statements, income taxes have been calculated using the separate return method.The consolidated financial statements were authorized for public disclosure on March 5, 2019 by the board of directors of Hudson Ltd. The consolidated financial statements of Hudson Ltd. were authorized for issuance on March 14, 2019. F-11
2.2 BASIS OF CONSOLIDATIONSubsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which we obtained control, and continue to be consolidated until the date when such control is lost. An entity of Hudson Group controls another entity when it 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 other entity. All intra-group balances, transactions, unrealized gains or losses resulting from intra-group transactions and dividends are eliminated in full. Transactions with subsidiaries of Dufry outside the scope of consolidation of Hudson Group have not been eliminated and are reported as related party transactions, refer to note 37.A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.If Hudson Group loses control over a subsidiary, it: –derecognizes the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary, derecognizes the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest as well as derecognizes the cumulative translation differences recorded in equity; –recognizes the fair value of the consideration received, recognizes the fair value of any investment retained as well as recognizes any surplus or deficit in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.For the accounting treatment of associated companies refer to note 2.3.2.3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESa) Business combinations and goodwillBusiness combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at fair value on the acquisition date and the amount of any non-control-ling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, Hudson selects whether it measures the non-controlling interests in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition related transaction costs are expensed and presented in other oper-ational result. When Hudson acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Thereafter any change in the fair value of contingent consideration, not classified as equity, will be recognized through the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. F-12
Hudson measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: –The fair value of the consideration transferred; –plus the recognized amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; –plus if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the pre-existing equity interest in the acquiree; –less the net recognized amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impair-ment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to the group of cash generat-ing units of Hudson that is expected to benefit from the combination.Where goodwill forms part of a group of cash-generating units and an operation within is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is mea-sured based on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained, unless there are specific allocations.b) TurnoverTurnover is comprised of sales and advertising income and is recognized from contracts with customers. Sales are measured at the fair value of the consideration received in cash or credit cards for the goods, net of sales taxes or duties. Retail sales are recognized at the time when the goods are transferred. Advertising income is recognized over time when the services have been rendered (for the adoption of IFRS 15, refer to note 2.4).c) Cost of salesCost of sales are recognized when the company sells the products and comprise the purchase price and the cost incurred until the products arrived at our ware-house, i. e. import duties, transport, purchase discounts (price-offs) as well as inventory valuation adjustments and inventory losses.d) Personnel expensesThese expenses comprise the net compensation to employees of Hudson. e) Foreign currency translationEach subsidiary in Hudson uses its corresponding functional currency. Items in-cluded in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that func-tional currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the date of the transaction in the functional currency using the exchange rate on such date.Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured using the functional currency exchange rate at the reporting date and the difference is recorded as unrealized foreign exchange gains / losses. Deferred taxes related to unrealized FX are accounted accordingly. Non-monetary items are measured at historical cost in the respective functional currency. F-13
At the reporting date, the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries reporting in foreign currency are translated into the presentation currency of Hudson (USD) using the exchange rate at the reporting date. The consolidated statements of comprehensive income of the subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates of the respective month in which the transactions occurred. The net translation differ-ences are recognized in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign entity or when control is lost, the deferred cumulative translation difference recognized within equity relating to that particular operation is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as gain or loss on sale of subsidiaries.Intangible assets, goodwill and fair value adjustments identified during a business combination (purchase price allocation) are treated as assets and liabilities in the functional currency of such operation.Principal foreign exchange rates applied for valuation and translation:AVERAGE RATECLOSING RATEIN USD20182017201631.12.201831.12.201731.12.20161 CAD0.77200.77140.75520.73330.79510.7446f) Other operational resultThe transactions included in these accounts are generally non-recurring and not related to the ongoing key business of Hudson.g) Equity instrumentsAn equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by Hudson are recognized at the proceeds received, net of direct transaction costs. Repurchase of Hudson’s own equity instruments is recognized and deducted directly in equity. No gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of Hudson’s own equity instruments.h) Share capitalOrdinary shares are classified as equity. Costs directly attributable to the issuance of shares or options are shown in the statement of changes in equity as transaction costs for equity instruments, net of tax.For treasury shares purchased by Hudson Ltd. or any subsidiary, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable expenses, net of income taxes, is deducted from equity until the shares are cancelled, assigned or sold. Where such ordinary shares are subsequently sold, any consideration received, net of any direct trans-action expenses and income taxes, is included in equity.i) Pension and other post-employment benefit obligationsHudson provides retirement benefits through defined contribution pension planswhich are funded by regular contributions made by the employer and the employ-ees to a third-party. F-14
j) Share-based paymentsEquity settled share based payments to employees and other third parties providing services are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at grant date. The fair value determined at grant date of the equity-settled share-based payment is expensed on a pro rata basis over the vesting period, based on the estimated num-ber of equity instruments that will eventually vest. At the end of each reporting period, Hudson revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate.Where the terms of an equity settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognized for any modification, which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the holder of the option as measured at the date of modification.k) TaxationIncome tax expense represents the sum of the current income tax and deferred tax. Where the functional currency is not the local currency, the position includes the effects of foreign exchange translation on deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities.Income tax positions not relating to items recognized in the consolidated state-ments of comprehensive income, are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or equity.Current income taxIncome tax receivables or payables are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the tax authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date in the countries or states where Hudson operates and generates taxable income.Income tax related to items recognized in other comprehensive income is recog-nized in other comprehensive income.Deferred taxDeferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except: –When the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss –In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, when the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future F-15
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of unused tax credits or tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recog-nized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available, against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except: –When the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss –In respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date applicable for each respective jurisdiction.l) Property, plant and equipmentThese are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in fair value. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. The useful lives applied are as follows: –Real estate (buildings) 20 to 40 years –Leasehold improvements the shorter of the lease term or 10 years –Furniture and fixtures the shorter of the lease term or 5 years –Motor vehicles the shorter of the lease term or 5 years –Computer hardware the shorter of the lease term or 5 yearsm) Intangible assetsThese assets mainly comprise of concession rights and brands. Usually these assets are capitalized at cost, but when identified as part of a business combination, these assets are capitalized at fair value as at the date of acquisition. The useful lives of these intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. Fol-lowing initial recognition, the cost model is applied to intangible assets. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the useful economic life. Software is valued at amortized historical cost, or in case of internal developments by the sum of costs incurred and amortized over useful lives (analyzed case by case). F-16
n) Impairment of non-financial assetsTangible and intangible assets that are subject to depreciation and amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost of disposal or its value in use. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows (cash generating units). Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment.o) AssociatesAssociates are all entities over which Hudson has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding interest of more than 20 % of the voting rights.Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the investor’s share of the net profit and share of other comprehensive income of the investee after the date of acqui-sition and decreased by dividends declared. Hudson’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition.Hudson’s share of post-acquisition net profit and its share of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the car-rying amount of the investment. When Hudson’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, Hudson does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previ-ously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to net profit where appropriate.Hudson determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investments in associates are impaired. If this is the case, Hudson calcu-lates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognizes the amount within the share of result of associates in the statement of comprehensive income.Profits and losses resulting from upstream and downstream transactions between Hudson and its associate are recognized in Hudson’s financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investor’s interests in the associates. Unrealized losses are eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of associates have been changed where neces-sary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by Hudson.Dilution gains and losses arising in investments in associates are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. F-17
p) InventoriesInventories are valued at the lower of historical cost or net realizable value. The historical costs are determined using the weighted average method. Historical cost includes expenses incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. This includes mainly import duties. Purchase discounts and rebates are deducted in determining the cost of inventories. The net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Inventory allowances are set up in the case of slow-moving and obsolete stock. Expired items are fully written off.q) Trade receivablesThis account includes receivables related to the sale of merchandise.r) Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand or current bank accounts as well as short-term deposits at banks with initial maturity below 91 days. Credit card receivables with a maturity of up to 4 days are included as cash in transit. Short-term investments are included in this position if they are highly liquid, readily convertible into known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. s) ProvisionsProvisions are recognized when Hudson has a present obligation (legal or construc-tive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that Hudson will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate at the end of the reporting period of the consideration required to settle the present obligation, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (where the effect of the time value of money is material).When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that the reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.Contingent liabilities acquired in a business combinationContingent liabilities acquired in a business combination are initially measured at fair value at the acquisition date. At the end of subsequent reporting periods, such contingent liabilities are measured at the higher of the amount that would be rec-ognized in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets and the amount initially recognized less cumulative amortization recognized in accordance with IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers.Lawsuits and dutiesProvisions for lawsuits and duties are recognized to account for uncertainties dependent on the outcome of ongoing lawsuits. F-18
t) Investments and other financial assets(i) ClassificationFrom January 1, 2018, Hudson classifies its financial assets in the following mea-surement categories: –those to be measured subsequently at fair value (through the consolidated statements of comprehensive income), and –those to be measured at amortized cost.The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows. For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be recorded in profit or loss or other comprehensive income (OCI). For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether Hudson has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). For assets measured at amortized cost, depreciation, amortization and loss allow-ances will be recorded through profit or loss.(ii) Recognition and derecognitionRegular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on trade-date, the date on which Hudson commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and Hudson has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.(iii) MeasurementAt initial recognition, Hudson measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Trans-action costs of financial assets carried at FVTPL are expensed in profit or loss.Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest.Debt instrumentsSubsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on Hudson’s business model for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics of the asset. There are three measurement categories into which Hudson classifies its debt instru-ments: –Amortized cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely collections of principal and interest are measured at amortized cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognized directly in profit or loss and presented in the financial result together with foreign exchange gains and losses or interest income and expenses respectively. Impairment losses are presented in the other operational result. – FVOCI: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for
selling the financial assets, where the assets’ cash flows represent solely
payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI� Movements in the
carrying amount are taken through OCI, except for the recognition of impairment
gains or losses, interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses which
are recognized in profit or loss� When the financial asset is derecognized, the
cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in OCI is reclassified from equity
to profit or loss and recognized in foreign exchange gain / (loss)� These financial
assets are measured using the effective interest rate method�
– FVTPL: Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or FVOCI are
measured at FVTPL� A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently
measured at FVTPL is recognized in profit or loss and presented net within
interest income / expenses in the period in which it arises�
(iv) Impairment of financial assets
From January 1, 2018, Hudson assesses on a forward looking basis the expected
credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost and
FVOCI� The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been
a significant increase in credit risk� For trade receivables and receivables for refund
from suppliers and related services, Hudson applies the simplified approach per-
mitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognized from
initial recognition of the receivables, see note 19 for further details�
(v) Trade, other accounts receivable and cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (including credit cards receivables, other accounts
receivable, cash and cash equivalents) are measured at amortized cost using the
effective interest method, less any impairment�
(vi) Accounting policies applied until December 31, 2017
Hudson has applied IFRS 9 by using the retrospective method, but has elected not
to restate comparative information� As a result, the comparative information
provided continues to be accounted for in accordance with Hudson’s previous
accounting policy�
Classification
Until December 31, 2017, Hudson classified its financial assets in the following
categories:
– financial assets at fair value through profit or loss,
– loans and receivables,
– held-to-maturity investments (not applicable to Hudson at this date), and
– available-for-sale financial assets (not applicable to Hudson at this date)�
The classification depended on the purpose for which the investments were
acquired� Management determined the classification of its investments at initial
recognition� There were no reclassifications between categories during 2017�
Subsequent measurement
The measurement at initial recognition did not change on adoption of IFRS 9, see
description above� Subsequent to the initial recognition, loans and receivables were
carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method� Financial assets at
FVTPL were subsequently carried at fair value� Gains or losses arising from changes
in the fair value were recognized in profit or loss within the financial result� Details
on how the fair value of financial instruments is determined are disclosed in note 29�
F-19
Impairment of financial assets
Hudson assessed at the end of each reporting period whether there was objective
evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets was impaired� A financial
asset or a group of financial assets was impaired and impairment losses were
incurred only if there was objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or
more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’)
and that loss event (or events) had an impact on the estimated future cash flows
of the financial asset or group of financial assets that could be reliably estimated�
Assets carried at amortized cost
For loans and receivables, the amount of the loss was measured as the difference
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future
cash flows (excluding future credit losses that had not been incurred) discounted
at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate� The carrying amount of the
asset was reduced and the amount of the loss was recognized in profit or loss� If
a loan had a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment
loss was the current effective interest rate determined under the contract� As
a practical expedient, Hudson could measure impairment on the basis of an instru-
ment’s fair value using an observable market price� If, in a subsequent period, the
amount of the impairment loss decreased and the decrease could be related
objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an
improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recog-
nized impairment loss was recognized in profit or loss� Impairment testing of trade
receivables is described in note 19�
u) Financial liabilities
i) Financial liabilities at FVTPL
These are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on re-measurement
recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income� The net gain
or loss recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
incorporates any interest paid on the financial liability and is included in interest
income / expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income� Fair
value is determined in the manner described in note 29�
ii) Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities (including borrowings) are subsequently measured at
amortized cost using the effective interest method�
iii) Derecognition of financial liabilities
Hudson derecognizes financial liabilities only when the obligations are discharged,
cancelled or expired� The difference between the carrying amount of the financial
liability derecognized and the consideration paid or payable is recognized in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income�
iv) Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported
in the consolidated statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable
legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on
a net basis, to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously�
F-20
2�4 CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICY AND DISCLOSURES
New and amended Standards and Interpretations
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial
year, except for the revised Standards and the Interpretations adopted in these
financial statements (effective January 1, 2018)�
IFRS 9
Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial
assets and financial liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new
impairment model for financial assets�
Phase 1: Classification and measurement – determines how financial assets and
financial liabilities are accounted for and measured on an ongoing basis�
At January 1, 2018, Hudson had no financial assets classified as available for sale,
held-to-maturity or at fair value through OCI (FVOCI)� The financial assets and
liabilities are classified as fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) and meet the
criteria for this category as these do not include any non-derivative components�
Hence there have not been any change to the accounting classification for Hudson’s
assets and liabilities�
Phase 2: Impairment – a new single expected loss impairment model is introduced
that will require more timely recognition of expected credit losses�
The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based
on expected credit losses (ECL) rather than only incurred credit losses as was the
case under the previous guidance� It applies to financial assets classified at
amortized cost, debt instruments measured at FVOCI, contract assets under
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, lease receivables, loan commit-
ments and certain financial guarantee contracts� Based on the assessments, no
significant change in the allowances were identified, as the company has measured
the credit risk in the past based on expected future losses�
Phase 3: Hedge accounting – the new model aligns the accounting treatment with
risk management activities� Users of the financial statements will be provided with
better information about risk management and the effect of hedge accounting on
the financial statements�
Based on IFRS 9, more hedge relationships might be eligible for hedge accounting,
as the standard introduces a more principles-based approach� Hudson’s current
hedge relationships qualify as continuing hedges upon the adoption of IFRS 9� In
addition, Hudson started to designate the intrinsic value of foreign currency option
contracts as hedging instruments going forward, which until December 31, 2017
have been accounted as derivatives at FVTPL� Changes in the fair value of foreign
exchange forward contracts attributable to forward points, and in the time value
of the option contracts, will in this case be deferred in new costs of hedging reserve
OCI� Thereafter, the deferred amounts will be recycled against the related hedged
transaction when it occurs�
F-21
Hudson has not utilized hedges in relation to changes in the fair value of foreign
exchange forward contracts attributable to forward points at December 31, 2017�
Hudson did not identify any cases where the new classifications and measurements
of financial assets and financial liabilities as introduced by IFRS 9 had any material
impact on the current consolidated financial statements� The previous valuation
and presentation of hedges were aligned with the requirements of IFRS 9� Further-
more the allowances for trade receivables have not increased due to the adoption
of IFRS 9�
IFRS 15
Revenue from contracts with customers
IFRS 15 addresses revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting
useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount,
timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts
with customers� Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of goods
or services and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from
the goods or services�
The standard replaces IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts and
related interpretations� Hudson has analyzed the impact of the standard and has
not identified any need for material changes to the revenue recognition approach�
Hudson considered the following aspects:
Turnover
Hudson Group recognizes net sales, and the related cost of goods sold, at the time
when it sells and hands over directly at the stores to the traveler consumables or
fashion products manufactured by third parties� The sale has to be settled in cash
or credit card on delivery� Net sales are presented net of customary discounts or
sales taxes� Credit card receivables have different contractual terms, but most of
them are collectable within 4 days and consequently these are presented as cash
equivalents� There are very limited returns of goods sold� Hudson’s advertising
income results from several distinctive marketing support activities, not affecting
the costs of the goods� The income is recognized over time when the advertising
services have been rendered�
There has been no impact on retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 after the adop-
tion of IFRS 15�
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3.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND KEY SOURCES
OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
The preparation of Hudson’s consolidated financial statements requires manage-
ment to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of income, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent
liabilities, at the reporting date�
KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation
include uncertainties at the reporting date, which may have a significant risk of
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
within the current financial period, are discussed below�
Impairment test of assets
Hudson annually tests for impairment goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
useful lives and assesses those tangible or intangible assets with finite lives for
impairment indications or when events arise which could indicate impairment�
Where required, the company performs impairment tests which are based on the
discounted value models of future cash flows� The underlying calculation requires
the use of estimates� The comments and assumptions used for goodwill testing are
disclosed in note 15�1�
Concession rights
Concession rights acquired in a business combination are measured at fair value
as at the date of acquisition� The useful lives of operating concessions are assessed
to be either finite or indefinite based on individual circumstances and are consid-
ering potential extensions� The useful lives of operating concessions are reviewed
annually to determine whether the useful life assessment for those concessions
continues to be sustainable�
Income taxes
Hudson is subject to income taxes in the United States, United Kingdom and
Canada� Significant judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision
for income taxes� There are many transactions and calculations for which the
ultimate tax assessment is uncertain� Hudson recognizes liabilities for tax audit
uncertainties based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be payable� Where
the final tax outcome is different from the amounts that were initially recorded,
such differences will impact the income tax provisions in the period in which such
assessment is made� Further details are given in notes 13 and 26�
On December 22, 2017 the United States enacted a reform of the tax legislation
that, among other elements, reduces the corporate federal income tax (CIT) rate
from 35 % to 21 % and imposes in addition a “base erosion and anti-abuse tax”
(“BEAT”) on domestic corporations for payments done to foreign related persons
in connection with tax deductible expenses� On December 13, 2018 the US tax
authority issued draft regulations in relation to the new law� However, a number of
uncertainties remain as to the interpretation and application of the provisions in
the Tax Reform Legislation and draft regulations� In the absence of final guidance
and clearer interpretation by the regulators on these issues, we used what we
believe are reasonable interpretations and assumptions in interpreting and apply-
ing the tax reform legislation and draft regulations for purposes of determining
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our income tax payable and results of operations, which may change as we receive additional clarification and implementation guidance. It is also possible that the Internal Revenue Service could issue subsequent guidance or take positions on audit that differ from the interpretations and assumptions that we previously made, which could have a material adverse effect on our income tax liabilities, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by the United Kingdom tax authorities, United States federal and state authorities and Canadian national and provincial authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and deductible tempo-rary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be utilized. Management’s judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and level of future taxable profits. Further details are given in note 26.Share-based paymentsHudson measures the cost of equity settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. Estimating such fair values requires determining the most appropriate valuation model for a grant of equity instruments, which depends on the terms and conditions of the grant, as well as the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected probability that the triggering clauses will be met. The assumptions and models used are disclosed in note 21.3.Purchase price allocationThe determination of the fair values of the identifiable assets (especially the con-cession rights) and the assumed liabilities, resulting from business combinations, is based on valuation techniques such as the discounted cash flow model. Some of the inputs to this model are partially based on assumptions and judgments.Consolidation of entities where Hudson has control, but holding only minority voting rightsHudson effectively controls certain entities, even when it holds less than the majority of the voting rights, when it is exposed to or has the rights to variable returns from the involvements with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. These indicators are evaluated at the time of first consolidation and reviewed when there are changes in the statutes or composition of the executive board of these entities. 4.
NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS ISSUED
BUT NOT YET ADOPTED / EFFECTIVE
The standards and interpretations described below are expected to have an impact
on Hudson’s financial position, performance, and / or disclosures� Hudson intends
to adopt these standards when they become effective�
IFRS 16 - Leases (effective January 1, 2019)
Hudson adopted the Standard as of January 1, 2019 under the modified retrospective
approach�
IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 and sets the principles for recognition, measurement,
presentation of leases, and increases the disclosure requirements for lessees and
lessors compared to IAS 17� IFRS 16 introduces a single lessee accounting model
and requires a lessee to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for
certain lease contracts�
To be considered as right-of-use asset, a lease agreement has to convey the right
to control the use of an identified asset throughout the period of use in exchange
for consideration the lessee has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic
benefits from the use of the identified asset; and direct the use of the identified
asset (i� e� direct how and for what purpose the asset is used)� The lease term
corresponds to the non-cancellable period of each contract, except in cases where
Hudson is reasonably certain of exercising renewal options contractually foreseen�
Right-of-use assets are generally capitalized at a value equivalent to the lease
obligation at inception and depreciated over the useful life of the asset, except for
leases with a useful life of less than 12 months and leases of low value assets�
The lease liability represents the net present value of lease payments over the lease
term� The implied interest charge is presented as interest expense� Where these
lease agreements do not specify a discount rate and as these subsidiaries are
financed internally, Hudson uses a discount rate based on a risk free rates for the
respective currency and lease terms, increased by individual company spread� The
company made an assessment where the lease contains options to extend or
terminate the lease� Initial direct costs for contracts signed in the past will not be
recognized as part of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application�
Short term leases with a duration of less than 12 months and low value leases, as
well as those lease elements, partially or totally not complying with the principles
of recognition defined by IFRS 16 will continue to be treated as operating leases
i�e� recognized through the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
when accrued�
The standard will mainly affect the accounting of:
F-25
a) Concession leases
Hudson enters into concession agreements with operators of airports, railway
stations, etc� to operate retail stores, which in substance can be considered leases�
These concession lease agreements contain complex features, which can include
variable payment components (e�g� based on sales) and minimum annual guarantee
payments (MAG), which can be fixed or variable depending on the contract terms�
Such payment features are often determined on the basis of the individual circum-
stances of the parties to the contract and are unique to the particular contract�
Management signs and renews a significant number of agreements every year with
a typical duration of 5 to 10 years� These agreements do not contain a purchase
option based on a residual value guarantee� In some cases, parts of the lease
obligations are secured with bank guarantees� Hudson will capitalize all elements
of these lease contracts in accordance with IFRS 16 when, at the commencement
of the agreement, such commitments are fixed in the respective contractual terms
or these commitments depend on an index or rate that can be estimated reliably�
Payment obligations that cannot be reasonably projected, such as percentage of
sales, will continue to be presented as variable lease expense� Hudson has identified
a number of agreements in its portfolio which do not qualify for the principles of
recognition defined by IFRS 16, i�e� they have minimum guaranteed payments based
on non-predictable parameters or variables, such as actual number of passengers
or a percentage of previous year’s total lease payments� Such leases will continue
to be presented similar to operating lease expense�
Additionally, we have concession subleases in which we act as lessor for a portion
of our leased retail space to third party operators� Generally, the term of the
sublease is the same duration as the main concession agreement� Therefore, we
will recognize a lease receivable related to the fixed minimum payments due from
the subtenant as a reduction of the initial right-of-use asset�
b) Building leases
Rental agreements for offices or warehouse buildings will usually qualify under
IFRS 16 capitalization rules�
c) Other leases
Hudson may also enter into other lease agreements for other assets, which in
accordance with IFRS 16 may qualify for capitalization of leases�
On January 1, 2019, Hudson adopted IFRS 16 and recognized USD 1,067 million in
right-of-use assets, USD 9 million in sublease receivables and USD 1,075 million
in lease liabilities� The right-of-use asset amount includes the existing prepaid
concession fees and accrued lease expense� The capitalized fixed lease payments
represent approximately 50% of the expected total payments under the leases,
including variable rent� Compared to IAS 17, mainly concession fees and premises
expense will be reduced by USD 234 million, which will be compensated by increases
in depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest expense of USD 258 million
resulting in an overall negative impact on net profit of USD 19 million for the year
ended 2018� The operating cash flow would have increased and the financing cash
flow would decreased as the payment of the lease obligation of USD 234 million
would have been classified as cash flow used in financing activities�
In 2018, Hudson recognized lease expenses of USD 423 (2017: USD 399) million as
concession fees and rents (selling expenses) and USD 18 (2017: USD 15) million as
premise expenses (general expenses), as well as concession fee rental income of
USD 13 (2017: USD 12) million, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income�
F-26
Unless specified in the respective contract, Hudson uses discount rates based on
duration and currencies, of which the weighted average at January 1, 2019 was
approximately 4�58 %�
Amendments that are considered to be insignificant:
Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint
venture (proposed amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28)
(effective date not yet defined by IASB)
The gain or loss resulting from the sale to or contribution from an associate of
assets that constitute a business as defined in IFRS 3 is recognized in full� The gain
or loss resulting from the sale to or contribution from a subsidiary that does not
constitute a business as defined in IFRS 3 (i� e� not a group of assets conforming
a business) to an associate is recognized only to the extent of unrelated investors’
interests in the associate�
IFRIC Interpretation 23 - Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
(effective January 1, 2019)
The interpretation is to be applied to the determination of taxable profit (tax loss),
tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates, when there is
uncertainty over income tax treatments under IAS 12�
– An entity is required to use judgment to determine whether each tax treatment
should be considered independently or whether some tax treatments should be
considered together� The decision should be based on which approach provides
better predictions of the resolution of the uncertainty�
– An entity is to assume that a taxation authority with the right to examine any
amounts reported to it will examine those amounts and will have full knowledge
of all relevant information when doing so�
– An entity has to consider whether it is probable that the relevant authority will
accept each tax treatment, or group of tax treatments, that it used or plans to
use in its income tax filing� If the entity concludes that it is probable that
a particular tax treatment is accepted, the entity has to determine taxable profit
(tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates consistently
with the tax treatment included in its income tax filings� If the entity concludes
that it is not probable that a particular tax treatment is accepted, the entity has
to use the most likely amount or the expected value of the tax treatment when
determining taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax
credits and tax rates� The decision should be based on which method provides
better predictions of the resolution of the uncertainty�
Amendments to IFRS 9 - Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation
(effective January 1, 2019)
This refers to the classification and measurement of a debt instrument if the
borrower was permitted to prepay the instrument at an amount less than the
unpaid principal and interest owed� The amendment to IFRS 9 enables companies
to measure some prepayable financial assets at amortized cost�
Amendments to IAS 28 - Long-term interests in Associates and Joint Ventures
(effective January 1, 2019)
Clarification that IFRS 9, including its impairment requirements, applies to long-
term interests in an associate or joint venture that form part of the net investment
in the associate or joint venture, if the equity method is not applied�
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F-28
Amendments to IAS 19 - Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement(effective January 1, 2019) –If a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement occurs, it is now mandatory that the current service cost and the net interest for the period after the remeasurement are determined using the assumptions used for the remeasurement. –Clarification of the effect of a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement on the requirements regarding the asset ceiling.Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015–2017 Cycle issued December 2017(effective January 1, 2019)Contain the following amendments to IFRSs: –IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements The amendments to IFRS 3 clarify that when an entity obtains control of a busi-ness that is a joint operation, it remeasures previously held interests in that business. The amendments to IFRS 11 clarify that when an entity obtains joint control of a business that is a joint operation, the entity does not remeasure previously held interests in that business. –IAS 12 Income Taxes The amendments clarify that the requirements in the former paragraph 52B (to recognise the income tax consequences of dividends where the transactions or events that generated distributable profits are recognised) apply to all income tax consequences of dividends by moving the paragraph away from paragraph 52A that only deals with situations where there are different tax rates for distributed and undistributed profits. –IAS 23 Borrowing Costs The amendments clarify that if any specific borrowing remains outstanding after the related asset is ready for its intended use or sale, that borrowing becomes part of the funds that an entity borrows generally when calculating the capital-isation rate on general borrowings. The Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (effective January 1, 2020)The revised Conceptual Framework introduces the following main improvements:New definitions –Measurement Concepts on measurement, including factors to be considered when selecting a measurement basis –Presentation and disclosure Concepts on presentation and disclosure, including when to classify income and expenses in other comprehensive income –Derecognition Guidance on when assets and liabilities are removed from financial statements –Definitions Definitions of an asset and a liabilityUpdated criteria –Recognition criteria for including assets and liabilities in financial statementsClarified itemsPrudence, Stewardship, Measurement, Uncertainty and Substance over formAmendments to IFRS 3 – Business Combinations (effective January 1, 2020)The amended definition of business assists in whether an acquisition made is of a business or group of assets. F-29
5. SEGMENT INFORMATIONHudson consists of one operating segment “Travel Retail Operations” for which reports are submitted to the Group Executive Committee, being the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM). These reports form the basis for the evaluation of perfor-mance and allocation of resources. Hudson generates turnover from selling a wide range of products in its duty-paid or duty-free stores that are mainly located at airports, commuter terminals, hotels, landmarks or tourist destinations. Refer to note 6 for a split of net sales by product category, market sector and sales channel. Net Sales by CountryIN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016US 1,523.9 1,420.9 1,359.1 Canada 356.0 339.9 291.0 Total 1,879.9 1,760.8 1,650.1 Non-Current Assets by Country (excluding investments in associates and deferred taxes)IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017US 511.2 558.8 Canada 375.9 416.8 Total 887.1 975.6 We refer to the annex List of subsidiaries to identify where each subsidiary operates. F-30
6. TURNOVER IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Net sales 1,879.9 1,760.8 1,650.1 Advertising income 44.3 41.7 37.1 Turnover 1,924.2 1,802.5 1,687.2 NET SALES BREAKDOWNNet sales by product categoryIN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Confectionery, Food and Catering 709.0 628.0 572.3 Perfumes and Cosmetics 279.0 258.4 226.3 Fashion, Leather and Baggage 231.0 220.1 183.3 Literature and Publications 166.7 175.6 192.5 Watches, Jewelry and Accessories 109.1 115.5 86.2 Electronics 94.6 87.7 78.5 Wine and Spirits 92.3 88.0 75.3 Tobacco goods 56.7 52.2 47.4 Other product categories 141.5 135.3 188.3 Total 1,879.9 1,760.8 1,650.1 Net sales by market sectorIN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Duty-paid 1,431.8 1,334.4 1,284.0 Duty-free 448.1 426.4 366.1 Total 1,879.9 1,760.8 1,650.1 Net sales by channelIN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Airports 1,780.3 1,662.6 1,565.9 Downtown and hotel shops 45.8 43.1 29.5 Railway stations and other 53.8 55.1 54.7 Total 1,879.9 1,760.8 1,650.1 F-31
7. SELLING EXPENSES IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Concession fees and rents (note 28) (423.1) (399.1) (375.3)Credit card commissions (33.0) (29.0) (27.7)Advertising and commission expenses (1.7) (0.9) (0.8)Packaging materials (2.2) (2.5) (2.3)Other selling expenses (3.0) (3.3) (3.4)Selling expenses (463.0) (434.8) (409.5)Concession and rental income (note 28) 12.5 11.6 11.9 Commercial services and other selling income 5.2 2.0 1.9 Selling income 17.7 13.6 13.8 Total (445.3) (421.2) (395.7)8. PERSONNEL EXPENSES IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Salaries and wages (329.6) (298.4) (270.3)Social security expenses (46.1) (43.0) (38.5)Retirement benefits (0.7) (0.8) (0.6)Other personnel expenses (34.7) (29.1) (28.0)Total (411.1) (371.3) (337.4)Full time equivalents (FTE – unaudited) 9,372 8,894 8,485 9. GENERAL EXPENSES IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Franchise fees and commercial services (29.0) (63.2) (62.5)Legal, audit and other fees (20.4) (13.5) (11.7)Premises (18.0) (14.9) (16.3)Repairs, maintenance and utilities (17.0) (17.1) (15.5)Office and admin expenses (14.4) (16.2) (14.6)Travel, entertainment and representation (11.8) (11.7) (11.6)Taxes other than income taxes (7.9) (7.1) (8.4)IT expenses (6.2) (6.3) (4.6)Insurances (4.0) (2.2) (2.2)PR and advertising (1.8) (3.2) (2.7)Bank expenses (0.9) (1.5) (1.8)Total (131.4) (156.9) (151.9) F-32
10. DEPRECIATION, AMORTIZATION AND IMPAIRMENT IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Depreciation (note 14) (69.2) (64.5) (61.4)Impairment 1 (note 14) (14.6) (0.2)–Subtotal (83.8) (64.7) (61.4)Amortization (note 15) (45.1) (44.0) (42.3)Subtotal (45.1) (44.0) (42.3)Total (128.9) (108.7) (103.7)1 In 2018, Hudson impaired fixed assets related to locations that were performing below expectations. The aggregate recoverable amount for affected locations of USD 10.0 million, was based on value in use and determined at the cash-generating unit level.11. OTHER OPERATIONAL RESULT This line includes non-recurring transactions, impairments of financial assets and changes in provisions.IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Closing or restructuring of operations (3.5) (2.7) (8.3)Litigation reserves (2.8) (0.5) (0.9)Losses on sale of non-current assets (1.5) (3.3) (2.0)Impairment of loans and other receivables (1.3) (0.9) (1.4)Project-related costs (0.7) (3.4)–Consulting fees, expenses related to projects and start-up expenses (0.6) (0.2) (0.3)Other operating expenses (2.0) (3.2)(1.4)Other operational expenses (12.4) (14.2) (14.3)IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Recovery of write offs / release of allowances / debt waiver– 9.4 4.0 Insurance – compensation for losses– 0.1 0.1 Gain on sale of non-current assets–– 0.1 Other operating income 1.5 1.0 0.8 Other operational income 1.5 10.5 5.0 IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Other operational expenses (12.4) (14.2) (14.3)Other operational income 1.5 10.5 5.0 Other operational result (10.9) (3.7) (9.3) F-33
12. INTEREST IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016EXPENSES ON FINANCIAL LIABILITIESInterest expense (30.2) (29.4) (29.1)Other financial expenses (0.4) (0.5) (0.5)Interest expense on financial liabilities (30.6) (29.9) (29.6)EXPENSES ON NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIESInterest expense (0.4) (0.3) (0.2)Total interest expense (31.0) (30.2) (29.8)INCOME ON FINANCIAL ASSETSInterest income 2.5 1.8 2.0 Other financial income– 0.1 0.1 Interest income on financial assets 2.5 1.9 2.1 Total interest income 2.5 1.9 2.1 13. INCOME TAXES INCOME TAX RECOGNIZED IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Current income taxes (9.8) (8.5) (8.4)of which corresponding to the current period (9.8) (8.5) (7.3)of which adjustments recognized in relation to prior years–– (1.1)Deferred income taxes 6.8 (34.4) 42.7 of which related to the origination or reversal of temporary differences (4.9) 5.8 10.3 of which adjustments recognized in relation to prior years 1 10.7 – 32.4 of which adjustments due to change in tax rates 1.0 (40.2)–Total (3.0) (42.9) 34.3 1 In 2018, deferred income tax in relation to prior years of USD 10.7 million refers mainly to reversals of allowances on deferred tax assets in connection with US tax losses carry forward (see note 26). F-34
IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Profit before tax 68.8 32.3 15.5 Expected tax rate in %26.8% 35.2% 36.2% Tax at the expected rate (18.4) (11.3) (5.6)EFFECT OFDifferent tax rates for subsidiaries in other jurisdictions 0.2 0.5 (0.2)Effect of changes in tax rates on previously recognized deferred tax assets and liabilities 1.0 (40.2)–Non-deductible expenses (2.3) 0.3 (0.5)Net change of unrealized tax losses carry forward– (2.0) (4.1)Adjustments recognized in relation to prior year 1 10.7 – 31.3 Income taxed in non-controlling interest holders 9.7 11.2 10.1 Other items 2 (3.9) (1.4) 3.3 Total (3.0) (42.9) 34.3 1 In 2018, deferred tax income in relation to prior years of USD 10.7 million refers mainly to reversals of allowances on deferred tax assets in connection with US tax losses carry forward.2 Other items of USD 3.9 million consist mainly of US state taxes and charges under the new BEAT regulation.The expected corporate income tax rate in % approximates the average income tax rate of the where the Group is active, weighted by the operating profit of the respective operations. For 2018, there have been no significant changes in these income tax rates. For 2018, there has been no significant change in the income tax rate and the change in the expected tax rate is a result of the US tax reform enacted in 2017. The tax expense of USD 3.3 million in 2018 was impacted by a tax benefit of USD 10.7 million from adjustments in relation to prior years primarily related to the release of valuation allowance against certain tax losses carry forward. This was offset by tax expense of USD 3.9 million primarily relating to the Base Erosion Anti Avoidance Tax and additional state tax liabilities. In December 2017, a significant decrease of the US federal income tax rate was enacted, applicable for the year 2018 and onwards. The reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 % to 21 % resulted in a net downward adjustment of USD 40.2 million in relation to deferred taxes in 2017. F-35
14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 2018 IN MILLIONS OF USDBUILDINGS & LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTSFURNITURE FIXTURESCOMPUTER HARDWAREVEHICLESWORK IN PROGRESSTOTALAT COSTBalance at January 1 251.2 194.3 38.9 4.1 20.1 508.6 Additions (note 14.1) 10.2 4.3 6.4 0.5 46.3 67.7 Disposals (10.3) (8.8) (0.7) (0.2)– (20.0)Reclassification within classes 22.9 14.7 5.5 – (43.1)–Reclassification to intangible assets–– (2.1)–– (2.1)Currency translation adjustments (3.6) (1.0) (0.4)– (1.2) (6.2)Balance at December 31 270.4 203.5 47.6 4.4 22.1 548.0 ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATIONBalance at January 1 (115.9) (97.1) (23.0) (2.9)– (238.9)Additions (note 10) (33.4) (28.8) (6.6) (0.4)– (69.2)Disposals 9.3 8.2 0.6 0.2 – 18.3 Reclassification within classes (0.6) 0.6 ––––Currency translation adjustments 2.5 1.3 0.4 –– 4.2 Balance at December 31 (138.1) (115.8) (28.6) (3.1)– (285.6)IMPAIRMENTBalance at January 1 (3.5) (1.3)––– (4.8)Impairment (note 10) (8.0) (6.3) (0.3)–– (14.6)Balance at December 31 (11.5) (7.6) (0.3)–– (19.4)CARRYING AMOUNTAt December 31, 2018 120.8 80.1 18.7 1.3 22.1 243.0 F-36
2017 IN MILLIONS OF USDBUILDINGS & LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTSFURNITURE FIXTURESCOMPUTER HARDWAREVEHICLESWORK IN PROGRESSTOTALAT COSTBalance at January 1 226.6 182.2 28.1 3.8 20.0 460.7 Additions (note 14.1) 13.4 8.4 6.5 0.5 47.5 76.3 Disposals (20.8) (10.7) (0.5) (0.3)– (32.3)Reclassification within classes 29.3 12.7 5.6 0.1 (47.7)–Reclassification to intangible assets–– (1.0)–– (1.0)Currency translation adjustments 2.7 1.7 0.2 – 0.3 4.9 Balance at December 31 251.2 194.3 38.9 4.1 20.1 508.6 ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATIONBalance at January 1 (98.6) (80.5) (18.0) (2.7)– (199.8)Additions (note 10) (31.8) (27.6) (4.7) (0.4)– (64.5)Disposals 18.2 9.6 0.4 0.3 – 28.5 Reclassification within classes (2.1) 2.6 (0.5)–––Currency translation adjustments (1.6) (1.2) (0.2) (0.1)– (3.1)Balance at December 31 (115.9) (97.1) (23.0) (2.9)– (238.9)IMPAIRMENTBalance at January 1 (3.3) (1.3)––– (4.6)Impairment (note 10) (0.2)–––– (0.2)Balance at December 31 (3.5) (1.3)––– (4.8)CARRYING AMOUNTAt December 31, 2017 131.8 95.9 15.9 1.2 20.1 264.9 14.1 CASH FLOW USED FOR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Payables for capital expenditure at the beginning of the period (11.1) (14.4) (10.7)Additions of property, plant and equipment (note 14) (67.7) (76.3) (92.4)Payables for capital expenditure at the end of the period 13.6 11.1 14.4 Currency translation adjustments 0.1 – 0.4 Total Cash Flow (65.1) (79.6) (88.3) F-37
15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL 2018 IN MILLIONS OF USDCONCESSION RIGHTSOTHERTOTALGOODWILLAT COSTBalance at January 1 534.8 39.8 574.6 331.2 Additions– 4.2 4.2 –Disposals (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)–Reclassification from property, plant & equipment– 2.1 2.1 –Currency translation adjustments (18.6)– (18.6) (16.2)Balance at December 31 516.1 46.0 562.1 315.0 ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATIONBalance at January 1 (188.9) (31.1) (220.0)–Additions (note 10) (39.3) (5.8) (45.1)–Currency translation adjustments 4.5 0.1 4.6 –Balance at December 31 (223.7) (36.8) (260.5)–CARRYING AMOUNTAt December 31, 2018 292.4 9.2 301.6 315.0 2017 IN MILLIONS OF USDCONCESSION RIGHTSOTHERTOTALGOODWILLAT COSTBalance at January 1 514.1 36.7 550.8 317.9 Additions 2.7 5.5 8.2 –Reclassification from property, plant & equipment– 1.0 1.0 –Currency translation adjustments 18.0 (3.4) 14.6 13.3 Balance at December 31 534.8 39.8 574.6 331.2 ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATIONBalance at January 1 (148.1) (29.4) (177.5)–Additions (note 10) (39.2) (4.8) (44.0)–Currency translation adjustments (1.6) 3.1 1.5 –Balance at December 31 (188.9) (31.1) (220.0)–CARRYING AMOUNTAt December 31, 2017 345.9 8.7 354.6 331.2 F-38
15.1 IMPAIRMENT TESTGoodwill is subject to impairment testing each year. Concession rights with finite useful lives are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 15.1.1 Impairment test of goodwillFor the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill recognized from business combi-nations has been allocated to a group of cash generating units (CGUs) which represents Hudson Group’s only operating segment “Travel Retail Operations” and amounts to USD 315.0 million.The recoverable amount of the group of CGUs is determined based on value-in-use calculations which require the use of assumptions (see table with key assump-tions below). The calculation uses cash flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by the management covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using a steady growth rate that does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the respective market and is consistent with forecasted growth included in the travel related retail industry reports.The key assumptions (in %) used for determining the recoverable amounts of goodwill in Hudson Group are:POST TAX DISCOUNT RATESPRE TAX DISCOUNT RATESGROWTH RATES FOR NET SALES201820172018201720182017 7.58 7.27 9.39 8.79 2.9-3.6 4.3-5.6 As basis for the calculation of these discount rates, the Group uses the weighted average cost of capital, based on risk free interest rates derived from the past 5 year average of prime 10-year USD bonds rates: 2.18 % (2017: 2.23 %).For the calculation of the discount rates and WACC (weighted average cost of capital), the Group used the following re-levered beta:20182017Beta factor0.820.85 15.1.2 Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations
The calculation of value-in-use is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
– Sales growth
– Growth rate used to extrapolate
– Gross margin and suppliers prices
– Concession fee levels
– Discount rates
Sales growth
Sales growth is based on statistics published by external experts, such as ACI
(Airports Council International) to estimate the development of passenger traffic
per country where Hudson is active� For the budget year, the management also
takes into consideration specific price inflation factors of the country, the cross
currency effect and the expected potential changes to capture clients ( penetration)
per business unit�
Growth rates used to extrapolate
For the period after 5 years, Hudson has used a growth rate of 1�0 % (2017: 2�0 %)
to extrapolate the cash flow projections�
Gross margins
The expected gross margins are based on average product assortment values
estimated by the management for the budget 2019� These values are maintained
over the planning period or where specific actions are planned and have been
increased or decreased by up to 1 % over the 5 year planning horizon compared to
the historical data� The gross margin is also affected by supplier’s prices� Estimates
are obtained from global negotiations held with the main suppliers for the products
and countries for which products are sourced, as well as data relating to specific
commodities during the months before the budget�
Concession fee levels
These assumptions regarding the concession fee evolution are important and
monitored in the specific market as well as the renewal conditions and competitor
behavior where the CGU is active� For a CGU subject to a value-in-use calculation,
the management expects the competitive position to remain stable over the budget
period�
Discount rates
Several factors affect the discount rates:
– For the financial debt part, the rate is based on the average interest of the past
5 years of the respective ten-year government bond and is increased by the
Group’s effective bank spread and adjusted by the effective tax rate and country
risk of the CGU�
– For the equity part, a 5 % equity risk premium is added to the base rate commented
above and adjusted by the beta of Hudson’s peer group�
The same methodology is used by the management to determine the discount rate
used in discounted cash flow (DCF) valuations, which are a key instrument to assess
business potential of new or additional investment proposals�
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Management believes that any reasonably possible change (+ / – 1 %) in the key
assumptions, on which the recoverable amounts are based, would not cause the
respective recoverable amount to fall below the carrying amount�
F-39
16.
INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES
This includes Nuance Group (Chicago) LLC which operates four duty-free stores
at O’Hare International Airport of Chicago in Illinois, USA, and Midway Partner-
ship LLC operating duty paid stores at Chicago Midway International Airport�
Both investments are accounted for using the equity method�
Summarized statement of financial position
31.12.2018
NUANCE GROUP
(CHICAGO) LLC
31.12.2018
MIDWAY PART-
NERSHIP LLC
31.12.2018
TOTAL
31.12.2017
NUANCE GROUP
(CHICAGO) LLC
31.12.2017
MIDWAY PART-
NERSHIP LLC
31.12.2017
TOTAL
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Non-current assets
Other current liabilities
Net assets
Proportion of Hudson’s
ownership
Hudson’s share of the equity
1�1
4�6
2�8
(3�9)
4.6
35�0%
1.6
1�9
3�1
7�2
(2�4)
9.8
50�0%
4.9
3�0
7�7
7�3
(3�6)
14.4
6.5
2�6
4�0
3�0
(3�9)
5.7
35�0%
2.0
1�4
2�7
1�0
(2�9)
2.2
50�0%
1.1
Summarized statement of comprehensive income
2018
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Turnover
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Net profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
HUDSON'S SHARE IN PERCENTAGE
Net profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
2017
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Turnover
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Net profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
HUDSON'S SHARE IN PERCENTAGE
Net profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
2016
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Turnover
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
Net profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
HUDSON'S SHARE IN PERCENTAGE
Net profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
F-40
NUANCE GROUP
(CHICAGO) LLC
MIDWAY PART-
NERSHIP LLC
19�6
(0�1)
(1.0)
(1.0)
35�0
(0�4)
(0.4)
21�7
–
0.9
0.9
50�0
0�5
0.5
NUANCE GROUP
(CHICAGO) LLC
MIDWAY PART-
NERSHIP LLC
18�7
(0�1)
(1.0)
(1.0)
35�0
(0�4)
(0.4)
15�1
–
0.2
0.2
50�0
0�1
0.1
NUANCE GROUP
(CHICAGO) LLC
MIDWAY PART-
NERSHIP LLC
20�0
(0�1)
(2.1)
(2.1)
35�0
(0�7)
(0.7)
–
–
–
–
–
–
4�0
6�7
4�0
(6�8)
7.9
3.1
TOTAL
41�3
(0�1)
(0.1)
(0.1)
0�1
0.1
TOTAL
33�8
(0�1)
(0.8)
(0.8)
(0�3)
(0.3)
TOTAL
20�0
(0�1)
(2.1)
(2.1)
(0�7)
(0.7)
The information above reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements
of the associates (other than Hudson’s share of amounts) adjusted for differences
in accounting policies between the associates and Hudson�
Reconciliation of the carrying amount of investments
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Net profit
Dividends received
Carrying value at December 31, 2016
Contribution to new partnership
Net profit
Carrying value at December 31, 2017
Additions
Net profit
Carrying value at December 31, 2018
17.
OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Loans and contractual receivables
Guarantee deposits
Other
Subtotal
Allowances
Total
MOVEMENT IN ALLOWANCES
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Balance at January 1
Creation
Utilization
Balance at December 31
NUANCE GROUP
(CHICAGO) LLC
MIDWAY PART-
NERSHIP LLC
(0�7)
(0�2)
2.4
–
(0�4)
2.0
–
(0�4)
1.6
–
–
–
1�0
0�1
1.1
3�3
0�5
4.9
TOTAL
(0�7)
(0�2)
2.4
1�0
(0�3)
3.1
3�3
0�1
6.5
31.12.2018
31.12.2017
27�0
3�4
0�1
30.5
(3�1)
27.4
2018
(2.1)
(2�7)
1�7
(3.1)
24�4
2�5
0�1
27.0
(2�1)
24.9
2017
(3.8)
(0�3)
2�0
(2.1)
F-41
F-42
18. INVENTORIES IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Purchased inventories at cost 198.4 192.4 Inventory allowance (7.7) (6.4)Total 190.7 186.0 CASH FLOWS USED FOR INCREASE / FROM DECREASE IN INVENTORIES IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Balance at January 1 192.4 171.7 155.4 Balance at December 31 198.4 192.4 171.7 Gross change – at cost (6.0) (20.7) (16.3)Utilization of allowances (in 2016: other cash flow effects) (1.4)(8.9) 0.5 Currency translation adjustments (4.6) 2.7 1.6 Cash Flow – (Increase) / decrease in inventories (12.0) (26.9) (14.2)Cost of sales includes inventories written down to net realizable value and inventory losses of USD 6.8 (2017: USD 8.5) million.19. TRADE RECEIVABLES IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Trade receivables, gross 1.3 5.3 Allowances– (0.7)Trade receivables, net 1.3 4.6 AGING ANALYSIS OF TRADE RECEIVABLES IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Not due 0.7 0.7 OVERDUEUp to 30 days 0.3 0.6 31 to 60 days 0.2 –61 to 90 days– 0.8 More than 90 days 0.1 3.2 Total overdue 0.6 4.6 Trade receivables, gross 1.3 5.3 F-43
MOVEMENT IN ALLOWANCES IN MILLIONS OF USD20182017Balance at January 1 (0.7) (0.2)Creation– (0.4)Release 0.6 –Currency translation adjustments 0.1 (0.1)Balance at December 31– (0.7)20. OTHER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Receivables for refund from suppliers and related services 18.1 32.1 Loans receivable 4.0 4.8 Receivables from subtenants and business partners 1.4 1.2 Personnel receivables 0.4 1.3 Accounts receivables 23.9 39.4 Prepayments for concession fees and rents 5.9 8.0 Prepayments of sales and other taxes 2.4 1.5 Prepayments, other 1.7 1.1 Prepayments 10.0 10.6 Guarantee deposits 0.2 0.2 Other 13.3 9.2 Other receivables 13.5 9.4 Total 47.4 59.4 Allowances (0.6)–Total 46.8 59.4 MOVEMENT IN ALLOWANCES IN MILLIONS OF USD20182017Balance at January 1– (1.5)Creation (0.6)–Utilized– 1.5 Balance at December 31 (0.6)– F-44
21. EQUITYIN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Share capital 0.1 0.1 21.1 INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO)On January 31, 2018, Hudson Ltd issued 92,511,080 common shares with a par value of USD 0.001 each which are fully paid by Dufry International AG. Holders of Class A and Class B common shares have the same rights other than with respect to voting and conversion rights. Each Class A common share entitles to one vote and each Class B common share entitles to 10 votes. Class B common shares are convertible into one Class A common share at the option of the holder of such Class B common share holder. Holders of our common shares have no preemptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.Simultaneously, the secondary IPO took place in which our main shareholder, Dufry International AG, offered 39,417,765 Class A common shares of Hudson Ltd., or approximately 42.6 % of the total outstanding Class A and Class B common shares, at a public offering price of USD 19.00 per share, adding up to total consideration received by Dufry International AG of USD 714.4 million after underwriting dis-counts and commissions, but before other expenses.The following table reflects the issued shares as of December 31, 2018.IN MILLIONS OF USDNUMBER OF SHARES 1SHARE CAPITALClass A common shares39,417,765–Class B common shares53,093,315 0.1 Balance at December 31, 201892,511,0800.11 Class A and B common shares are equally eligible for dividend payments.21.2 TREASURY SHARESTreasury shares are valued at historical cost.TOTAL EQUITYNUMBER OF CLASS A COMMON SHARESIN MILLIONS OF USDBalance at January 1, 2018––Share purchases (125,000) (2.0)Balance at December 31, 2018 (125,000) (2.0) F-45
21.3 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTSSHARE PLAN OF HUDSON LTD.On June 28, 2018, Hudson Ltd. granted an IPO-award in the form of restricted share units (RSU’s) to selected members of management. The IPO-award consists of 526,313 RSU’s in total. One RSU gives the holder the right to receive free of charge one Hudson Ltd. Class A common share. At grant date, the fair value of one RSU award represented the market value for one Hudson Ltd. share at that date, i.e. USD 17.39. The RSUs were vested on the grant date and will be settled 50 % in first quarter 2019 and 50 % in first quarter 2020. Hudson expects to settle such awards by purchasing Class A common shares in the market or by issuing new shares. Hudson recognized the USD 9.2 million expenses related to this award through shareholders’ equity as these incentives were provided in connection with the successful listing of Hudson Ltd. As of December 31, 2018, no IPO-award forfeited, therefore 526,313 RSU awards remain outstanding.On October 31, 2018, Hudson Ltd. granted to selected members of its senior man-agement the Hudson LTI Plan award 2018 consisting of 435,449 performance share units (PSU’s) and 145,150 RSU’s. The plan has a contractual life of 30 months and will vest on May 1, 2021. At grant date the fair value of one PSU or RSU award 2018 represents the market value for one Hudson share at that date, i.e. USD 21.14, adjusted by the probability that participants comply with the ongoing contractual relationship clauses. As of December 31, 2018, no PSU or RSU Hudson award 2018 forfeited, so that all 435,449 PSU’s and 145,150 RSU’s Hudson awards 2018 remain outstanding.The holders of each PSU award 2018 will have the right to receive free of charge up to two Hudson Ltd. Class A common shares based on the cumulative results achieved by Hudson over a three year period on three performance metrics (PM) against the respective targets (target weight – name – value) and thus as follows: 30 % on Sales of USD 5,828 million, 30 % on Adjusted EBITDA of USD 708 million and 40 % on Cash EPS of USD 2.22. Whereby the PM Cash EPS equals the basic Earnings per Share adjusted for amortization of intangible assets identified during business combinations and other effects. If at vesting the effective cumulative PM are at target level, each PSU grants one share. If a cumulative PM is at 150 % of the target (maximum threshold) or above, each PSU will grant at vesting the specific PM weight of two shares, and if a PM is at 50 % of the PM target (minimum threshold) or below, no share will be granted at vesting. If a PM is between 50 % and 150 % of the target, the pay-out ratio will be allocated on a linear basis. Finally the number of shares granted for each PSU will be the sum of the three pay-out ratios. Additionally, the allocation of shares is subject to an ongoing contractual relation-ship of the participant with Hudson throughout the vesting period. Holders of PSU are not entitled to vote or receive dividends, like shareholders do. The plans consider different rights in case of early termination.The holders of one RSU award 2018 will have the right to receive free of charge one Hudson share subject to an ongoing contractual relationship with Hudson through-out the vesting period (award 2018 until May 1, 2021). Holders of these rights are not entitled to vote or receive dividends, like shareholders do. The plan considers different rights in case of early termination. F-46
SHARE PLAN OF DUFRY AGOn December 1, 2017, Dufry granted to the members of the Group Executive Committee (GEC) and selected members of the senior management, including Hudson management, the award 2017, which among others, assigned 24,474 PSU’s to Hudson employees. The PSU award 2017 has a contractual life of 29 months and will vest on May 4, 2020. At grant date the fair value of one PSU award 2017 repre-sented the market value of one Dufry share at that date, i. e. USD 143.36 (CHF 140.69), adjusted by the probability that participants comply with the ongoing contractual relationship clause. As of December 31, 2018, no PSU award 2017 forfeited, so that 24,474 PSU award 2017 remained outstanding.Holders of one PSU award 2017 will have the right to receive free of charge up to two Dufry shares depending on the effective cumulative amount of cash earnings per share (Cash EPS) reached by Dufry during the grant year of award and the following two years compared with the target (2017: USD 26.46 / CHF 25.97). The Cash EPS equals the basic Earnings per Share adjusted for amortization of intan-gible assets identified during business combinations and non-recurring effects. If at vesting the cumulative adjusted Cash EPS is at target level, each PSU grants one share. If the cumulative adjusted Cash EPS is at 150 % of the target (maximum threshold) or above, each PSU grants one and a half shares at vesting, and if the adjusted Cash EPS is at 50 % of the target (minimum threshold) or below, no share will be granted at vesting. If the adjusted Cash EPS is between 50 % and 150 % of the target, the number of shares granted for each PSU will be allocated on a linear basis. Additionally, the allocation of shares is subject to an ongoing contractual relationship of the participant with Dufry throughout the vesting period. Holders of PSU are not entitled to vote or receive dividends, like shareholders do.On May 3, 2018, the PSU award 2015 vested and Dufry assigned and delivered free of charge 21,034 Dufry shares to the Hudson holders of these certificates. The performance of the PSU award 2015 was measured against the target Cash EPS of USD 24.88 (CHF 24.42) and achieved a pay-out ratio of 0.926 Dufry shares per PSU award 2015, i.e. a total of 21,034 shares. Holders of 82,536 RSU awards 2016 will have the right to receive free of charge one Dufry share subject to an ongoing contractual relationship with Dufry (and Hudson) throughout the vesting period (award 2016 until January 1, 2019). Holders of these rights are not entitled to vote or receive dividends, like shareholders do. Dufry has granted to selected members of the senior management the award 2016, which among others assigned 27,399 PSU units to Hudson employees. The PSU award 2016 has a contractual life of 30 months and will vest on May 2, 2019. The performance of the PSU award 2016 was measured against the target Cash EPS of USD 25.06 (CHF 24.59), whereby the group achieved over the three-year period 2016 – 2018 a Cash EPS of USD 25.19 (CHF 24.72) so that in May 2019 the PSU award 2016 will vest and Dufry will assign 1,010 Dufry shares per PSU award 2016 to Hudson’s PSU holders, i.e. a total of 27,672 shares.In 2018, Hudson recognized through profit and loss all these share-based plan expenses for a total of USD 6.2 (2017: USD 4.6, 2016: USD 1.2) million. F-47
21.4 EARNINGS PER SHARE21.4.1 Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the parentBasicBasic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year.IN MILLIONS OF USD / QUANTITY201820172016Net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 29.5 (40.4) 23.5 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 92,509,779 92,511,080 92,511,080 Basic earnings per share in USD 0.32 (0.44) 0.25 DilutedDiluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.IN MILLIONS OF USD / QUANTITY201820172016Net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent 29.5 (40.4) 23.5 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 93,181,243 92,511,080 92,511,080 Diluted earnings per share in USD 0.32 (0.44) 0.25 21.4.2 Weighted average number of ordinary sharesQUANTITY20182017Outstanding shares 92,511,080 92,511,080 Less treasury shares (1,301)–Used for calculation of basic earnings per share 92,509,779 92,511,080 EFFECT OF DILUTIONShare plans 671,464 –Used for calculation of diluted earnings per share 93,181,243 92,511,080 F-48
22. BREAKDOWN OF TRANSACTIONS WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTSThe following table reflects the share of non-controlling interests in the increase of share capital of the subsidiaries:IN MILLIONS OF USD20182017AMS of South Florida JV 6.9 –HG Logan Retailers JV 1.6 –Hudson-Kellee JFK 7 JV 0.9 –Seattle Air Ventures 0.8 –Increase in share capital of other subsidiaries 5.3 11.0 Total 15.5 11.0 22.1 INFORMATION ON COMPANIES WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS The non-controlling interests (NCI) comprise the portions in equity and net profit in 86 (Dec. 2018) subsidiaries that are not fully owned by the Group.The list of subsidiaries (refer to the last note of these consolidated financial state-ments) provides the following information of most important subsidiaries with or without NCI’s: name, principal place of business by country, the proportion of ownership hold by the Group and the total share capital (if applicable).Our non-controlling interests consist of partners in either common law partner-ships or LLC’s (collectively, “NCI’s”). Our partners own percentages of the NCI’s are therefore entitled to distributions of net profit. While there is some variation among our agreements, it is generally the case that the Executive Management Committee, controlled by Hudson’s majority of representatives, is obligated to distribute, each quarter, the excess of an appropriate reserve reasonably deter-mined by the committee to be necessary to meet the current and anticipated needs of the NCI’s. Such distributions are allocated among the partners, Hudson included, based on each partner’s percentage interest in the NCI. Distributions are discre-tionary only to the extent that reserves are reasonably required as above stated.Each of the NCI’s is treated as a separate operating entity and each has its own revenues and expenses. No expenses of Hudson are shared with any NCI but Hudson does receive payments for “back office” services (financial, legal, HR, IT, etc.) that are provided to the NCI’s by Hudson in amounts typically calculated as a percentage of the gross revenues of the NCI’s. These amounts are stated in each NCI agreement and vary by agreement. They are established at the time of agree-ment by calculating the internal cost for the services as a percentage of Hudson’s gross revenues and that percentage of the NCI’s gross revenue is inserted in the NCI agreement as Hudson’s compensation. Such payments are fees for services and not shared expenses.In addition to the above, Hudson receives occasional, specific reimbursement for certain special services rendered and / or payroll spent on specific projects, including store openings. Large numbers of Hudson personnel are made available to NCI’s in order to complete tasks in a mandated time frame that would be impossible to meet with the NCI’s own employees. F-49
With the exception of the one presented in the following tables, none of the sub-sidiaries have non-controlling interests that represents a material part of the NCI’s of the Group.Summarized statement of comprehensive incomeIN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Hudson Las Vegas JVTurnover 70.8 67.1 64.6 Depreciation, amortization and impairment (1.7) (1.3) (1.4)Net profit for the year 12.4 10.9 9.6 Non-controlling interest 27% 27% 27% Non-controlling interest share of the net profit Hudson Las Vegas 3.3 2.9 2.6 Non-controlling interests in other subsidiaries 33.0 26.9 23.7 Total comprehensive income attributable to NCI 36.3 29.8 26.3 Summarized statement of financial positionIN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.201731.12.2016Hudson Las Vegas JVCash and cash equivalents 6.6 5.2 4.1 Other current assets 7.4 7.2 8.0 Non-current assets 9.6 9.4 8.9 Other current liabilities (4.0) (3.5) (3.5)Net assets 19.6 18.3 17.5 Non-controlling interest 27% 27% 27% Non-controlling interest share of the equity Hudson Las Vegas 5.3 4.9 4.7 Non-controlling interests in other subsidiaries 79.5 73.8 67.5 Total net assets attributable to NCI 84.8 78.7 72.2 23. FINANCIAL DEBT IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Loans payable, related parties, short-term 51.4 80.7 Loans payable, related parties, long-term 492.6 520.4 Total 544.0 601.1 The loans payable received from related parties (refer to note 37) are denominated in USD or CAD. The weighted average interest rate for USD loans in 2018 was 5.9 % (2017: 5.9 %). The interest rate for CAD loans in 2018 was 2.3 % (2017: 3.9 %).DETAILED CREDIT FACILITIESDufry negotiates and manages bank key credit facilities centrally and then provides group internal financing to its subsidiaries. Credit lines for guarantees are kept at local level. Hudson’s guarantee lines are with Credit Agricole and Bank of America. F-50
24. NET DEBT2018 IN MILLIONS OF USDCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSFINANCIAL DEBT CURRENTFINANCIAL DEBT NON-CURRENTNET DEBTBalance at January 1 137.4 80.7 520.4 463.7 Cash flows from / (used in) operating, financing and investing activities 98.8 –– (98.8)Repayment of financial debt– (24.6) (23.7) (48.3)Cash flow 98.8 (24.6) (23.7) (147.1)Currency translation adjustments (2.0) (4.7) (4.1) (6.8)Non-cash movements (2.0) (4.7) (4.1) (6.8)Balance at December 31 234.2 51.4 492.6 309.8 2017 IN MILLIONS OF USDCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSFINANCIAL DEBT CURRENTFINANCIAL DEBT NON-CURRENTNET DEBTBalance at January 1 187.6 1.5 475.2 289.1 Cash flows from / (used in) operating, financing and investing activities (51.1)–– 51.1 Repayment of financial debt– (21.5) (6.5) (28.0)Loan from common control transaction– 103.1 51.6 154.7 Cash flow (51.1) 81.6 45.1 177.8 Currency translation adjustments 0.9 (2.4) 0.1 (3.2)Non-cash movements 0.9 (2.4) 0.1 (3.2)Balance at December 31 137.4 80.7 520.4 463.7 2016 IN MILLIONS OF USDCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSFINANCIAL DEBT CURRENTFINANCIAL DEBT NON-CURRENTNET DEBTBalance at January 1 160.4 0.9 483.1 323.6 Cash flows from / (used in) operating, financing and investing activities 26.1 –– (26.1)Repayment of financial debt–– (7.3) (7.3)Cash flow 26.1 (0.0) (7.3) (33.4)Currency translation adjustments 1.1 0.6 (0.6) (1.1)Non-cash movements 1.1 0.6 (0.6) (1.1)Balance at December 31 187.6 1.5 475.2 289.1 25. OTHER LIABILITIES IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Personnel payables 42.1 38.8 Other service related vendors 15.6 23.3 Concession fee payables 15.1 12.8 Payables for capital expenditure 13.6 11.1 Sales tax and other tax liabilities 11.2 11.9 Insurances 4.3 3.8 Accrued liabilities 3.4 16.5 Accrued lease expenses 3.2 2.0 Legal fees 2.3 –Payables to NCI's 0.9 0.8 Other payables 9.8 11.1 Total 121.5 132.1 There are no non-current other liabilities. F-51
26. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIESDeferred tax assets or liabilities arising from the following positions:IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017DEFERRED TAX ASSETSProperty, plant and equipment 5.2 4.0 Intangible assets 21.5 19.8 Provisions and other payables 11.1 11.7 Tax losses carry forward 43.2 51.5 Other 18.8 15.5 Total 99.8 102.5 DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIESProperty, plant and equipment– (0.5)Intangible assets (55.5) (59.8)Other (0.4) (2.0)Total (55.9) (62.3)Deferred tax assets, net 43.9 40.2 Deferred tax balances are presented in the consolidated statements of financial position as follows:IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Deferred tax assets 83.9 90.3 Deferred tax liabilities (40.0) (50.1)Balance at December 31 43.9 40.2 Reconciliation of movements to the deferred taxes:IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Changes in deferred tax assets (6.4) (62.7)Changes in deferred tax liabilities 10.1 21.7 Currency translation adjustments (3.3) 6.4 Deferred tax movements (expense) at December 31 0.4 (34.6)THEREOFRecognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income 6.8 (34.4)Recognized in equity (6.4) (0.2)Tax losses carry forwardThe unrecognized tax losses carry forward by expiry date are as follows:IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Expiring within 1 to 3 years– 4.4 Expiring within 4 to 7 years– 0.8 Expiring after 7 years 6.1 39.8 Total 6.1 45.0 During 2018, Hudson released allowances on previously unrecognized tax losses carry forward of USD 38.5 million due to changes in estimates. F-52
Unrecognized deferred tax liabilitiesHudson has not recognized deferred tax liabilities associated with investments in subsidiaries where Hudson can control the reversal of the timing differences and where it is not probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foresee-able future. Hudson does not expect that these differences result in taxable amounts in determining taxable profit (tax loss) of future periods when the carrying amount of the investment is recovered.27. POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSHudson provides retirement benefits through defined contribution pension plans which are funded by regular contributions made by the employer and the employees to a third-party. As of December 31, 2018, the discretionary credit balance was USD 1.0 million.28. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESGUARANTEE COMMITMENTSSome long-term concession agreements, which Hudson has entered into, include obligations to fulfil minimal lease payments during the full term of the agreement. The lease payments to airports or terminals are also called concession fees. Some of these agreements have been backed with guarantees provided by Hudson or a financial institution. During the years 2018, 2017 or 2016, no party has exercised their right to call upon such guarantees.LEASE INCOME / (EXPENSE)Lease payments under operating leases, including concession agreements, have been recognized as expense for the periods up to December 31, 2018. All accrued, but still unpaid concession fees are presented under other liabilities in the consol-idated statements of financial position. The Group recognized the following lease and sublease as income / (expense) in the period:IN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016Minimum lease payments (293.4) (262.4) (206.6)Variable rent (129.7) (136.7) (168.7)Concession fees expense (note 7) (423.1) (399.1) (375.3)Premises (note 9) (18.0) (14.9) (16.3)Sublease income (note 7) 12.5 11.6 11.9 Such fees are usually determined in proportion to sales and require a minimal pay-ment, which varies by contract / agreement. F-53
Expected paymentsThe total of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following years are as follows:IN MILLIONS OF USDFUTURE PAYMENTSNot later than one year 216.9 Later than one year and not later than five years 685.5 Later than five years 358.5 Total 1,260.9 The total of future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases at the end of the reporting period are USD 12.8 million.29. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTFAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CARRIED AT AMORTIZED COSTThe fair value measurement hierarchy of Hudson’s assets and liabilities, that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, are grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable: –Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. –Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i. e. as prices) or indirectly (i. e. derived from prices). –Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).As of December 31, 2018, Hudson Group hold financial assets which have been re-measured at fair value. Hudson’s other financial assets and liabilities for which fair values are to be disclosed qualify as Level 2 fair value measurements. Their book values represent a fair approximation of their fair values. There were no trans-fers between Levels 1 and 2 during the period. F-54
30. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Significant accounting policies are described in note 2, 3, 4 and in the following notes.31. CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENTCapital comprises equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent adjusted for effects from transactions with non-controlling interests.The primary objective of Hudson’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains an adequate credit rating and sustainable capital ratios in order to support its busi-ness and maximize shareholder value.Hudson manages its financing structure and makes adjustments to it in light of its strategy and the long-term opportunities and costs of each financing source. To maintain or adjust the financing structure, Hudson may adjust dividend payments to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or issue equity-linked instruments or equity-like instruments.Furthermore, Hudson monitors the financing structure using a combination of ratios, including a gearing ratio, cash flow considerations and profitability ratios. As for the gearing ratio Hudson includes within net debt, interest bearing loans and borrowings, less cash and cash equivalents, excluding discontinued operations. 31.1 GEARING RATIOThe following ratio compares owner’s equity to borrowed funds:IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Cash and cash equivalents (234.2) (137.4)Financial debt, short-term 51.4 80.7 Financial debt, long-term 492.6 520.4 Net debt 309.8 463.7 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 552.1 493.7 ADJUSTED FOREffects from transactions with non-controlling interests 1 1.0 0.8 Total capital 2 553.1 494.5 Total net debt and capital 862.9 958.2 Gearing ratio 35.9% 48.4% 1 Represents the excess paid (received) above fair value of non-controlling interests on shares acquired (sold) as long as there is no change in control (IFRS 10.23):2 Includes all capital and reserves that are managed as capital:Hudson did not hold collateral of any kind at the reporting dates. F-55
31.2 CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2018FINANCIAL ASSETSIN MILLIONS OF USDat amortized cost 1at FVTPL 2SUBTOTALNON-FINANCIAL ASSETS 3TOTALCash and cash equivalents 234.2 – 234.2 – 234.2 Trade receivables 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 Other accounts receivable 36.4 0.4 36.8 10.0 46.8 Other non-current assets 27.4 – 27.4 – 27.4 Total 299.3 0.4 299.7 FINANCIAL LIABILITIESIN MILLIONS OF USDat amortized cost 1at FVTPLSUBTOTALNON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 3TOTALTrade payables 105.5 – 105.5 – 105.5 Financial debt, short-term 51.4 – 51.4 – 51.4 Other liabilities 106.9 – 106.9 14.6 121.5 Financial debt, long-term 492.6 – 492.6 – 492.6 Total 756.4 – 756.4 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017FINANCIAL ASSETSIN MILLIONS OF USDat amortized cost 1at FVTPLSUBTOTALNON-FINANCIAL ASSETS 3TOTALCash and cash equivalents 137.4 – 137.4 – 137.4 Trade receivables 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 Other accounts receivable 43.3 – 43.3 16.1 59.4 Other non-current assets 24.9 – 24.9 – 24.9 Total 210.2 – 210.2 FINANCIAL LIABILITIESIN MILLIONS OF USDat amortized cost 1at FVTPLSUBTOTALNON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 3TOTALTrade payables 97.1 – 97.1 – 97.1 Financial debt, short-term 80.7 – 80.7 – 80.7 Other liabilities 94.0 – 94.0 38.1 132.1 Financial debt, long-term 520.4 – 520.4 – 520.4 Total 792.2 – 792.2 1 Financial assets and financial liabilities at amortized cost have been referred to in the combined financial statements 2017 as loans and receivables.2 Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss include FX derivatives (Fair value Level 2).3 Non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities comprise prepaid expenses and deferred income, which will not generate a cash outflow or inflow as well as other tax positions. F-56
31.3 NET INCOME BY IAS 39 VALUATION CATEGORYFinancial Assets at December 31, 2018IN MILLIONS OF USDAT AMORTIZED COSTAT FVTPLTOTALInterest income 2.5 – 2.5 From interest 2.5 – 2.5 Impairments / allowances 2 (0.2)– (0.2)Total – from subsequent valuation (0.2)– (0.2)Net (expense) / income 2.3 – 2.3 Financial Liabilities at December 31, 2018IN MILLIONS OF USDAT AMORTIZED COSTAT FVTPLTOTALInterest expenses (30.2)– (30.2)Other finance expenses (0.4)– (0.4)From interest (30.6)– (30.6)Foreign exchange gain / (loss) 1 (0.9)– (0.9)Total – from subsequent valuation (0.9)– (0.9)Net (expense) / income (31.5)– (31.5)1 This position includes the foreign exchange gain / (loss) recognized on third party and intercompany financial assets and liabilities through consolidated statements of comprehensive income.2 This position includes the income from the released impairments and allowances and recoveries during the period less the increase of impairments and allowances. Financial Assets at December 31, 2017IN MILLIONS OF USDAT AMORTIZED COSTAT FVTPLTOTALInterest income 1.8 – 1.8 Other finance income 0.1 – 0.1 From interest 1.9 – 1.9 Foreign exchange gain / (loss) 1 1.1 – 1.1 Impairments / allowances 2 0.3 – 0.3 Total – from subsequent valuation 1.4 – 1.4 Net (expense) / income 3.3 – 3.3 Financial Liabilities at December 31, 2017IN MILLIONS OF USDAT AMORTIZED COSTAT FVTPLTOTALInterest expenses (29.4)– (29.4)Other finance expenses (0.5)– (0.5)From interest (29.9)– (29.9)Foreign exchange gain (loss) 1 0.2 – 0.2 Total – from subsequent valuation 0.2 – 0.2 Net (expense) / income (29.7)– (29.7)1 This position includes the foreign exchange gain / (loss) recognized on third party and intercompany financial assets and liabilities through consolidated statements of comprehensive income.2 This position includes the income from the released impairments and allowances and recoveries during the period less the increase of impairments and allowances. F-57
32. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVESAs a retailer, Hudson has activities which need to be financed in different currencies and are consequently affected by fluctuations of foreign exchange and interest rates. Hudson’s treasury manages the financing of the operations through centralized credit facilities to ensure an adequate allocation of these resources and simultaneously minimize the potential currency financial risk impacts.Hudson continuously monitors the market risk, such as risks related to foreign currency, interest rate, credit, liquidity and capital. Hudson seeks to minimize the currency exposure and interest rates risk using appropriate transaction structures or alternatively, using derivative financial instruments to hedge the exposure to these risks. The treasury policy forbids entering or trading financial instruments for speculative purposes.33. MARKET RISKHudson’s financial assets and liabilities are mainly exposed to market risk in foreign currency exchange and interest rates. Hudson’s objective is to minimize the con-solidated statements of comprehensive income impact and to reduce fluctuations in cash flows through structuring the respective transactions to minimize market risks. In cases, where the associated risk cannot be hedged appropriately through a transaction structure, and the evaluation of market risks indicates a material exposure, Hudson may use financial instruments to hedge the respective exposure.Hudson may enter into a variety of financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currency risk, including forward foreign exchange contracts, currency swaps and over the counter plain vanilla options.During the current financial year Hudson has not utilized foreign currency forward contracts and options for hedging purposes.33.1 FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK MANAGEMENTHudson manages the cash flow surplus or deficits in foreign currency of the operations through FX-transactions in the respective local currency. Major imbal-ances in foreign currencies at Group level may be hedged through foreign exchange forwards contracts. F-58
33.2 FOREIGN CURRENCY SENSITIVITY ANALYSISAmong various methodologies to analyze and manage risk, Hudson utilizes a system based on sensitivity analysis. This tool enables Group treasury to identify the level of risk of each entity. Sensitivity analysis provides an approximate quantification of the exposure in the event that certain specified parameters were to be met under a specific set of assumptions.Foreign Currency ExposureIN MILLIONS OF USDUSD 1EUROCADOTHERTOTALDECEMBER 31, 2018Monetary assets 1.1 ––– 1.1 Monetary liabilities 6.8 0.9 – 0.3 8.0 Net currency exposure (5.7) (0.9)– (0.3) (6.9)DECEMBER 31, 2017Monetary assets 0.6 – 3.7 – 4.3 Monetary liabilities 6.3 0.1 – 0.2 6.6 Net currency exposure (5.7) (0.1) 3.7 (0.2) (2.3)1 USD held by Canadian subsidiaries.The sensitivity analysis includes all monetary assets and liabilities held by each Group company irrespective of whether the positions are third party or intercompany.The foreign exchange rate sensitivity is calculated by aggregation of the net foreign exchange rate exposure of Hudson entities at December 31 of the respective year. The values and risk disclosed here are the hedged and not hedged positions assuming a 5 % appreciation of the USD against all other currencies. A positive result indicates a profit, before tax in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income or in the hedging and revaluation reserves within other comprehensive income when the USD strengthens against the relevant currency.IN MILLIONS OF USD31.12.201831.12.2017Effect on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income – profit (loss) of USD 0.3 0.3 Effect on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income – profit (loss) of EUR 0.0 0.0 Effect on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income – profit (loss) of CAD– (0.2) F-59
34. INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT34.1 ALLOCATION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TO INTEREST CLASSESIN %IN MILLIONS OF USDAT DECEMBER 31, 2018Average variable interest rateAverage fixed interest rateVariable interest rateFixed interest rateTotal interest bearingNon-interest bearing TOTAL Cash and cash equivalents1.0% 68.6 – 68.6 165.6 234.2 Trade receivables––– 1.3 1.3 Other accounts receivable––– 36.8 36.8 Other non-current assets6.5% 22.1 – 22.1 5.3 27.4 Financial assets 90.7 – 90.7 209.0 299.7 Trade payables––– 105.5 105.5 Financial debt, short-term0.7% – 10.5 10.5 40.9 51.4 Other liabilities––– 106.9 106.9 Financial debt, long-term5.7% – 492.6 492.6 – 492.6 Financial liabilities– 503.1 503.1 253.3 756.4 Net financial liabilities (90.7) 503.1 412.4 44.3 456.7 IN %IN MILLIONS OF USDAT DECEMBER 31, 2017Average variable interest rateAverage fixed interest rateVariable interest rateFixed interest rateTotal interest bearingNon-interest bearing TOTAL Cash and cash equivalents0.1% 6.6 – 6.6 130.8 137.4 Trade receivables––– 4.6 4.6 Other accounts receivable––– 43.3 43.3 Other non-current assets7.3% 19.2 – 19.2 5.7 24.9 Financial assets 25.8 – 25.8 184.4 210.2 Trade payables––– 97.1 97.1 Financial debt, short-term––– 80.7 80.7 Other liabilities––– 94.0 94.0 Financial debt, long-term5.7% – 520.4 520.4 – 520.4 Financial liabilities– 520.4 520.4 271.8 792.2 Net financial liabilities (25.8) 520.4 494.6 87.4 582.0 F-60
35. CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENTCredit risk refers to the risk that counterparty may default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to Hudson. Almost all Hudson sales are retail sales made against cash or internationally recognized credit / debit cards. The remaining credit risk is in relation to refunds from suppliers and guarantee deposits.The credit risk on cash deposits or derivative financial instruments relates to banks or financial institutions. Hudson monitors the credit ranking of these institutions and does not expect defaults from non-performance of these counterparties.The main banks where Hudson keeps net assets positions hold a credit rating of A – or higher.35.1 MAXIMUM CREDIT RISKThe carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, after deduction of any allowances for losses, represents Hudson’s maximum exposure to credit risk.36. LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENTHudson evaluates this risk as the ability to settle its financial liabilities on time and at a reasonable price. Beside its capability to generate cash through its operations, Hudson, jointly with Dufry, mitigates liquidity risk by keeping unused credit facilities with financial institutions.36.1 REMAINING MATURITIES FOR NON-DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIESThe following tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial assets and liabilities (based on the earliest date on which Hudson can receive or be required to pay).The following tables include principal and interest expected cash flows.AT DECEMBER 31, 2018 IN MILLIONS OF USD1 –6 MONTHS6 –12 MONTHS1 –2 YEARS2 –5 YEARS TOTAL Cash and cash equivalents 234.5 ––– 234.5 Trade receivables 0.7 0.6 –– 1.3 Other accounts receivable 34.3 2.5 –– 36.8 Other non-current assets 2.8 2.9 9.2 15.1 30.0 Total cash inflows 272.3 6.0 9.2 15.1 302.6 Trade payables 105.5 ––– 105.5 Financial debt, short-term– 51.5 –– 51.5 Other liabilities 106.9 ––– 106.9 Financial debt, long-term 14.1 14.1 28.2 577.5 633.9 Total cash outflows 226.5 65.6 28.2 577.5 897.8 F-61
AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 IN MILLIONS OF USD1 –6 MONTHS6 –12 MONTHS1 –2 YEARS2 –5 YEARS TOTAL Cash and cash equivalents 137.5 ––– 137.5 Trade receivables 4.6 ––– 4.6 Other accounts receivable 43.3 ––– 43.3 Other non-current assets 0.8 0.8 3.0 24.9 29.5 Total cash inflows 186.2 0.8 3.0 24.9 214.9 Trade payables 97.1 ––– 97.1 Financial debt, short-term 13.1 67.6 –– 80.7 Other liabilities 94.0 ––– 94.0 Financial debt, long-term 14.9 17.9 29.8 609.6 672.2 Total cash outflows 219.1 85.5 29.8 609.6 944.0 37. RELATED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSA party is related to the Hudson Group if the party directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Hudson Group, has an interest in the Hudson Group that gives it significant influence over the Hudson Group, has joint control over the Hudson Group or is an associate or a joint venture of the Hudson Group. In addition, members of the key management personnel of the Hudson Group or close members of the family are also considered related parties.The following tables reflect related party transactions and transactions with associated companies:Items of comprehensive incomeIN MILLIONS OF USD201820172016PURCHASE OF GOODS FROMInternational Operation & Services (UY) SA (82.5) (67.4) (27.3)International Operations & Services (USA)–– (37.2)Hudson News Distributors 1 (0.3) (12.2) (15.6)Hudson RPM 1 (18.6) (8.5) (5.0)PURCHASE OF SERVICES FROMDufry International AG, Interest expenses (28.2) (28.6) (2.5)Dufry International AG, Franchise fee expenses (15.2) (50.6) (42.9)Dufry Financial Services B.V., Interest expenses (2.0) (0.9)–Dufry Finance SNC, Interest expenses–– (26.6)Dufry Management AG, IT expenses (1.8) (1.3)–World Duty Free Group SA, IT expenses (0.1) (0.2)–World Duty Free Group SA, Franchise fees expense–– (7.2)OTHER OPERATIONAL INCOME FROMDufry International AG, Debt waiver– 9.4 –SALES OF SERVICES TOInternational Operations & Services (USA), Advertising income 5.7 ––Dufry International AG, Other selling income 2.8 ––Nuance Group (Chicago) LLC, Other selling income 2 0.9 0.9 –1 Hudson News Distributors and Hudson RPM are controlled by James S. Cohen, a member of Hudson's board of directors.2 Transactions with associated companies. Items of financial position
IN MILLIONS OF USD
2018
2017
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AT DECEMBER 31
International Operations & Services (USA), Other receivables
Dufry International AG, Other receivables
International Operation & Services (UY) SA, Other receivables
International Operations & Services (CH) AG, Other receivables
Hudson RPM, Other receivables 1
Nuance Group (Chicago) LLC, Other receivables 2
ACCOUNTS PAYABLES AT DECEMBER 31
Dufry International AG, Loans payable, long-term
Dufry International AG, Loans payable, short-term
Dufry Financial Services B�V�, Loans payable, long-term
Dufry Financial Services B�V�, Loans payable, short-term
International Operation & Services (UY) SA, Trade payables
International Operations & Services (USA), Trade payables
Dufry International AG, Fee payables
Dufry International AG, Other payables
Dufry Management AG, Fee payables
Dufry Management AG, Other payables
Dufry AG, Other payables
World Duty Free Group UK Ltd, Other payables
Dufry Financial Services B�V�, Other payables
Hudson News Distributors, Trade payables 1
Hudson RPM, Trade payables 1
1 Hudson News Distributors and Hudson RPM are controlled by James S� Cohen, a member of Hudson's board
of directors�
2 Transactions with associated companies�
Board members and executives
The compensation to board members and key executives for the services provided
during the respective years include all forms of consideration paid, payable or
provided by Hudson Group, including compensation in Dufry shares as follows:
IN MILLIONS OF USD
Salaries
Variable payment
Non-monetary benefits
Share based payments
Total
2018
5�8
3�6
0�2
8�8
18.4
The board members did not receive any compensation for the years 2017 and 2016�
5�6
3�3
0�1
0�4
1�0
0�2
445�0
–
47�7
51�4
28�9
–
0�3
–
0�2
–
1�1
0�2
0�1
–
1�5
2017
3�6
2�9
0�1
4�6
11.2
–
–
–
–
0�8
0�1
468�7
13�1
51�7
67�6
31�5
–
1�8
7�2
0�1
0�3
–
0�3
0�2
0�1
–
2016
3�2
2�7
0�1
0�6
6.6
F-62
F-63
F-64
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES R = Retail H = HoldingThe table below includes the most important subsidiaries of Hudson Ltd., Bermuda.AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018LOCATIONCOUNTRYTYPEOWNERSHIP IN %CURRENCYUNITED STATES OF AMERICAHudson-Garza Albuquerque JVAlbuquerqueUSAR80USDHudson-Northwind Anchorage JVAnchorageUSAR90USDAtlanta WDFG LTL ATL JV LLCAtlantaUSAR70USDAtlanta WDFG TAC ATL Retail LLCAtlantaUSAR86USDAMS - TE Atlantic City JVAtlantic CityUSAR85USDAirport Management Services, LLCBaltimore / VariousUSAH/R100USDHudson Birmingham JVBirminghamUSAR70USDHG Logan Retailers JVBostonUSAR80USDHG Burbank JVBurbankUSAR88USDHG Burlington JVBurlingtonUSAR90USDHG-BW Charleston JVCharlestonUSAR90USDDufry O'Hare T5 JVChicagoUSAR80USDHG Midway JVChicagoUSAR65USDHudson News O'Hare JVChicagoUSAR70USDHudson O'Hare T5 JVChicagoUSAR80USDHudson Cleveland JVClevelandUSAR70USDDallas Love Field WDFG-Love Field Partners II LLCDallasUSAR51USDHG-Multiplex-Regali Dallas JVDallasUSAR75USDHudson-Retail Dallas JVDallasUSAR75USDWDFG-Aranza / Howell D2-14, LLCDallasUSAR65USDHD-Regali DFW JVDallas FWUSAR65USDHG DFW Retailers JVDallas FWUSAR65USDHG DFW Retailers P7 JVDallas FWUSAR65USDHG Multiplex DFW JVDallas FWUSAR65USDHG-Emmitt DFW P7, LLCDallas / Fort WorthUSAH100USDDenver Duty Free JVDenverUSAR67USDHG Denver JVDenverUSAR76USDDetroit WDFG Detroit & Partners LLCDetroit USAR80USDWDFG Partners Duty Free LLC (Detroit)Detroit USAR75USDHG Grand Rapid Retailers JVGrand RapidsUSAR90USDHudson BW GSP JVGreenvilleUSAR80USDDufry Houston Duty Free PartnershipHoustonUSAR75USDHouston WDFG Branch McGowen HOU, LLCHoustonUSAR64USDWDFG-Houston 8 2014, LLCHoustonUSAR60USDAMS-AJA Jackson JVJacksonUSAR67USDHudson Las Vegas JVLas VegasUSAR73USDThe Nuance Group (Las Vegas) LLCLas VegasUSAR73USDLittle Rock World Duty Free Group Adevco Joint VentureLittle RockUSAR70USDHG LAX T3 Retailers JVLos AngelesUSAR63USDHG-LAX T6 JVLos AngelesUSAR68USDHG-Magic-Concourse TBIT JVLos AngelesUSAR68USDHudson-Magic Johnson Ent. CV LLCLos AngelesUSAR91USDLAX Retail Magic 2 JVLos AngelesUSAR73USDLAX Retail Magic 3-4 JVLos AngelesUSAR75USDLAX WDFG CA LLCLos AngelesUSAR65USDHG Manchester JVManchesterUSAR90USDAMS-TEI Miami JVMiamiUSAR70USD AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018
LOCATION
COUNTRY
TYPE
OWNERSHIP
IN %
CURRENCY
Miami Airport Retail Partners Joint-Venture
Dufry MSP Retailers JV
Minneapolis - WDFG / ELN MSP Terminal 2 Retail - LLC
AMS-Watson Mobile JV
AMS-Shaw Myrtle Beach JV
AMS-Olympic Nashville JV
Dufry Americas Holding Inc�
Hudson Group (HG), Inc�
WDFG JV Holdings LLC
WDFG US Inc
HG LGA Retailers JV
HG-KCGI-TEI JFK T8 JV
Hudson Keelee JFK 7 JV
Hudson NIA JFK TI JV
Hudson Retail-NEU News-Laguardia JV
JFK Air Ventures II
Hudson Group (HG) Retail LLC
AMS-BW Newark JV
Dufry Newark, Inc
Hudson JME Newark C JV
Jimmy Stewart LLC
Hudson NIA Norfolk JV
HG ONT Retailers JV
AMS of South Florida, LLC
HG-Orlando AS1 JV
Hudson Newburn AS2 JV
Hudson Sanford JV
HG PHL Retailers JV
Dufry Phoenix Retailers JV
HG Phoenix Retailers JV
HG PHX T3 Retailers 2017 JV
WDFG Portland Retailers JV
RDU Air Venture II JV
AMS NIA Richmond JV
Hudson NIA Rochester JV
San Antonio WDFG - Houston 8 San Antonio JV
Hudson-CV-Epicure-Martinez JV
HG SFO Retailers JV
WDFG North America LLC
AMS SJC JV
John Wayne NG-AC JV
Dufry Seattle JV
Seattle Air Ventures
HG St Louis JV
HG ST Louis JV II
HG Tampa JV
WDFG-Transglobal TPA JV
HG Tucson Retailers JV
HG Tulsa Retailers JV
HG-National� JV
CANADA
TNG (Canada) Inc�
AMS Canada, Vancouver Int� Airport
WDFG Vancouver LP
Hudson Group Canada, Inc
Miami
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Mobile
Myrtle Beach
Nashville
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York / Various
Newark
Newark
Newark
Newburgh
Norfolk
Ontario
Orlando
Orlando
Orlando
Orlando
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Portland
Raleigh
Richmond
Rochester
San Antonio
San Diego
San Francisco
San Francisco / Various
San Jose
Santa Ana
Seattle
Seattle
St Louis
St Louis
Tampa
Tampa
Tucson
Tulsa
Virginia
Toronto
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver / Various
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
R
R
R
R
R
R
H
H
H
H
R
R
R
R
R
R
H/R
R
R
R
R
R
R
H
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
70
75
90
80
88
83
100
100
100
100
79
85
83
90
80
80
100
70
100
80
100
80
88
50
75
65
100
65
70
70
80
96
80
80
85
63
71
80
H/R
100
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
91
81
88
75
70
69
76
70
70
90
70
100
100
100
100
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
CAD
CAD
CAD
CAD
F-65
F-66
Shareholder and
Media Information
Hudson Group
Executive Office
4 New Square
Bedfont Lakes
Feltham
Middlesex, United Kingdom
North America Office
One Meadowlands Plaza
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 939-5050
(800) 326-7711
info@hudsongroup.com
Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young AG
Common Stock
Our stock is listed as Hudson Ltd. on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol “HUD”
Transfer Agent
Computershare
Key Dates in 2019:
March 14, 2019
May 14, 2019
July 30, 2019
November 5, 2019
Fiscal 2018 results
First quarter results
Second quarter results
Third quarter results
Investor Relations
Deborah Belevan, CPA, IRC
VP of Investor Relations
investorrelations@hudsongroup.com
Media
Kristen Clonan
VP of Corporate Communications
communications@hudsongroup.com
Corporate Website
www.hudsongroup.com
Publisher Hudson Group, New Jersey, USA