Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross rental income increased by 11% and net rental income rose by 10% [3][4] - Portfolio valuation grew by 11%, marking the first valuation gain since H1 2017 [3][20] - Earnings per share remained flat, but the acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central is expected to replace the loss from the disposal of Value Retail [3][4] - EPRA earnings were GBP 48 million, with earnings per share at 9.9p, consistent with the previous year [20][21] - The total property return was 4%, with an income return of 3% and a capital return of 1% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Like-for-like gross rental income and net rental income increased by 54% respectively [4] - UK gross rental income rose by 9% and net rental income by 8% [4] - Like-for-like leasing volume was up 13% and leasing value increased by 3% [5][36] - Like-for-like net rental income in Cabot Circus grew by 24% in the first half [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Footfall increased to 79 million visitors in the first half, up by 1 million from last year [6] - Group like-for-like sales were up 1%, with Q2 showing a 2% increase [7] - UK like-for-like values increased by 1%, while Ireland saw a 2% increase [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on active asset management and leasing, shifting from merely filling space to driving rents up [5][33] - A clear capital allocation strategy is in place to maximize opportunities and unlock value [8][40] - The company is investing in AI analytics to enhance customer and occupier understanding, which strengthens its negotiating position [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong earnings growth, with demand for space at an all-time high [4][15] - The guidance for 2025 has been raised, expecting total gross rental income growth of around 17% [15][28] - The outlook for 2026 and 2027 remains positive, with expected GRI and NRI growth in line with the medium-term financial framework [16][28] Other Important Information - The acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central is expected to be immediately 4% earnings accretive [12][13] - The company has a strong balance sheet with net debt to EBITDA at 7.8 times and LTV at 35% [21][26] - The company has realized €26 million from Leeds Eastgate land at a 23% premium to book value [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the impact of the acquisition of Bullring and Grand Central on earnings? - The acquisition is expected to be immediately 4% earnings accretive with minimal dilution [12][13] Question: How does the company plan to drive future growth? - The company plans to drive growth through active asset management, targeting leasing, repositioning, and asset enhancement [44]