Group key performance indicators -
how we measure up against our objectives
Over the medium term we aim to beat our benchmarks consistently. Difficulties in the global financial markets and real estate sector have
impacted valuation levels in both the direct investment and equity markets. These pressures have affected our performance for the year although,
relative to our TSR and TPR benchmarks the Group has, again, out performed.
GPE
Benchmark
The measure and benchmark
TSR* is the most direct way of measuring the increase in shareholder value during the year.
TSR of the Group is benchmarked against the TSR of the FTSE 350 Real Estate Index as this is the most relevant group
of comparable companies over the year.
Relative TSR is one of the performance criteria for the Group´s long-term incentive plans.
The measure and benchmark
Adjusted net assets per share growth is the traditional industry measure of the success in creating value at a balance sheet level
because it captures changes in the valuation of the portfolio and the effect of the capital structure of the Group.
We compare the growth in net assets per share with the increase in the retail price index (RPI) plus a hurdle of up to 12% over a
three year period which is used as a measure under the Group’s long-term incentive plans.
Commentary
The TSR of the Group outperformed the FTSE 350 Real Estate index by 8.7 percentage points although in absolute terms it was
minus 52.1%. The property sector suffered more than wider equity markets, therefore, the Group TSR underperformed the wider FTSE
250 by 18.1 percentage points.
The Group’s five year TSR of 6.5% outperformed the benchmark of minus 39.3% over the five years to 31 March 2009.
Commentary
Net assets per share declined by 43.5% over the year as adverse market movements reduced the portfolio valuation by a dramatic
amount. Our RPI benchmark stayed at broadly the same level as last year causing a 50.3 percentage point relative underperformance
for the year. For the five years to 31 March 2009 the Group’s net assets per share grew by a compound 3.3% p.a. compared with the
benchmark of 6.8% p.a.
The measure and benchmark
TPR is calculated from capital growth in the portfolio plus net rental income derived from holding these properties plus profit or loss on
sale of disposals expressed as a percentage return on the period’s opening value.
The Group’s portfolio TPR is compared to a universe of over £16 billion of similar assets included in the IPD central London benchmark.
This is an independent index and is the most appropriate way of benchmarking asset level returns against comparable buildings in our market.
The measure and benchmark
ROCE is measured as reported profit before financing costs plus revaluation surplus or deficit on development property divided
by the opening gross capital. This measure illustrates the level of value creation from operating activities compared to the capital
base of the business.
The ROCE is best compared against the Group’s weighted average cost of capital which we calculate at 8.3% at March 2009.
Commentary
The Group generated a portfolio TPR of minus 25.1% in the year whereas the benchmark produced a return of minus 27.5% resulting in a
relative outperformance of 3.3 percentage points. Over the last five years the Group’s portfolio TPR has consistently exceeded this
benchmark.
Commentary
ROCE for the year was minus 28.1% due to substantial valuation falls. Our ROCE is unlikely to outperform the benchmark WACC if investment
markets remain challenging and property values continue to fall. Over the five years to 31 March 2009 the Group’s annualised ROCE was 10.8%
compared to the WACC of 6.9%.
*Year to 31 March
