Annual Report
13 Contents
4 Foreword
76 Report of the Supervisory Board
6 Executive Board
84 Consolidated Financial Statements
8 The Axel Springer share
10 Combined Management Report
12 Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
22 Economic report
38 Economic position of Axel Springer SE
41 Events after the reporting date
42 Report on risks and opportunities
53 Forecast report
58 Disclosures and explanatory report of the
Executive Board pursuant to takeover law
62 Corporate Governance Report
85 Responsibility Statement
86 Auditor’s Report
87 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
89 Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
90 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
91 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
92 Consolidated Segment Report
93 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
153 Boards
Group Key Figures
Continuing operations
in € millions
Group
Total revenues
Digital media revenues share (pro forma)
EBITDA1)
EBITDA margin1)
Digital media EBITDA share
Consolidated net income
Consolidated net income, adjusted2)
Segments
Revenues
Paid Models
Marketing Models
Classified Ad Models
Services/Holding
EBITDA1)
Paid Models
Marketing Models
Classified Ad Models
Services/Holding
Liquidity and financial position
Free cash flow3)
Capex4)
Total assets5)
Equity ratio5)
Net liquidity/debt5)
Share-related key figures6)
Earnings per share (in €)
Earnings per share, adjusted (in €)2)7)
Dividend (in €)8)
Year-end share price (in €)
Market capitalization as of December 319)
Change yoy
2013
2012
2.3 %
– 8.9 %
– 6.3 %
– 11.1 %
– 3.9 %
8.1 %
21.9 %
– 0.4 %
– 17.1 %
5.4 %
22.6 %
-
– 15.0 %
-
– 0.7 %
-
– 17.8 %
– 17.7 %
5.9 %
44.6 %
44.8 %
2,801.4
47.9 %
454.3
16.2 %
61.8 %
178.6
229.8
2,737.3
44.6 %
498.8
18.2 %
49.4 %
190.7
258.6
1,521.5
1,582.9
716.5
402.6
160.8
250.1
103.4
163.8
– 63.0
326.7
– 98.4
4,773.8
47.0 %
– 471.3
1.34
1.81
1.80
46.70
4,620.5
662.8
330.2
161.4
301.8
98.1
133.6
– 34.8
384.4
– 80.7
4,808.2
46.9 %
– 449.6
1.64
2.20
1.70
32.29
3,189.9
Average number of employees
6.3 %
12,843
12,080
1) Adjusted for non-recurring effects.
2) Adjusted for non-recurring effects and amortization and impairments from purchase price allocations.
3) Cash flow from operating activities minus capital expenditures, plus cash inflows from disposals of intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment.
4) Capital expenditures on intangible assets, property, plant, and equipment, and investment property.
5) As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
6) Quotations based on XETRA closing prices.
7) The earnings per share (basic/diluted) adjusted for non-recurring effects and amortization and impairments from purchase price allocations were calculated on the basis of
average weighted shares outstanding in the reporting period (98.9 million).
8) Dividend proposal for the financial year 2013.
9) Based on outstanding shares at the closing price, excluding treasury shares.
Foreword
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Foreword
“Axel Springer wants to become the
leading digital publisher.”
concretization of a strategy that was defined, announced,
and pursued long ago. So nothing really new.
As we drew close to our previous goal of generating 50 %
of our revenues and earnings from the digital business
much more quickly than expected, and as we observed
that the structural shifts occurring within our industry
were speeding up, our initial response was to formulate
an even more ambitious strategic goal:
Axel Springer will strive to become the leading digital
publisher.
Towards the end of the year, we detailed this strategic
proposition in a position paper. This text is our strategic,
intellectual, and emotional homeland, which is why we
have named it our “homepage,” with a slight touch of
irony. It defines “what we are and what we want”. That is
what it’s all about.
Specifically, it means that we are, and have been, and
will continue to be, an enterprise of people whose minds
and hearts are dedicated to journalism. We monetize
journalism in the digital world in the same way we have
done in the analog world for decades, by relying on three
sources of revenue: the paying reader, the advertising
customer, and the classified ad customer. From now on,
you will see this revenue structure reflected in our revised
segment structure, which is presented for the first time in
this Annual Report. Our various operating activities are
“1913” is the title of a book by Florian Illies on the subject
of this most enigmatic year, which is historically regarded
as a year of transformation, upheaval, and new direc-
tions. In art history, it is regarded as the symbolic begin-
ning of the modern era of abstract art and conceptual art.
There had never been so much change.
There had never been so much change: This statement
is also true of your company, Axel Springer, 100 years
after 1913. At the start of the year, we announced that
2013 would be a year of reorganization and investment
in the future, a year of accelerated and even more pro-
found digital transformation. At the end of 2013, even we
were a little surprised at how radical and comprehensive,
and above all successful, this transformation has been,
after just twelve months. For Axel Springer, 2013 was
THE year of transformation, upheaval, and new direc-
tions, and perhaps even the beginning of the new mod-
ern age of digital journalism.
I must admit that it was the most eventful year I have
experienced in the twelve years I have been the Chief
Executive Officer of this company. Some may have been
surprised by certain developments, but it was really
nothing other than the rigorous implementation and
4
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Foreword
now divided into the segments of Paid Models, Market-
ing Models, and Classified Ad Models.
the successful acquisition of the TV news station N24 in
2013. We will proceed to develop this TV station into the
nucleus of our digital video activities.
This strategy was not altered in the least by the contract
we signed to sell our German regional newspapers,
women’s magazines, and TV program guides to FUNKE
Mediengruppe. On the contrary, the ability to focus on
our nationwide, market-leading brand families and the
additional financial leeway afforded by the sale proceeds
of € 920 million have put us in a position to implement
this strategy even more decisively and quickly once the
transaction has been successfully closed. We are now
pursuing the goal of successfully establishing indepen-
dent journalism in the digital world. In effect, we are
striving to emancipate the newspaper from paper.
Precisely for this reason, it was important for us to advo-
cate for the kind of intellectual property rights regime that
the German Federal Government enacted in the summer
of 2013. It represents the legal basis for the business
model of publishing companies in the digital world. Un-
less the intellectual property we place on the worldwide
web is protected from theft, in the same way that com-
mon items like coffee are protected from shoplifting, our
business model has no legal basis. But now it does, and
the rest is up to the publishing companies.
Among other things, publishers need to move quickly to
establish paid content offerings and subscription models
for their journalism brands. After all, a company that
simply gives away its research and editorial production
will have good reason to perceive the digital revolution as
a threat. We have already converted our core brands of
BILD and WELT to digital subscription models and we
are extremely pleased with the results so far: 47,000
paying digital subscriptions for WELT and 152,000 for
BILD, after only half a year. In the good old analog days,
a publisher would have been happy to sign up so many
subscribers in so short a time.
As long ago as 2005, we were convinced that video
content is an indispensable element of digital journalism.
The planned acquisition of ProSiebenSat.1 did not come
to fruition, due to the objections of the German Federal
Cartel Office. And so we were all the more pleased with
Because success in business necessarily entails earning
more money than you spend, we continued to work on
our cost basis in 2013. The restructuring measures taken
at BILD (particularly in the local editorial offices) and the
closer integration of BILD Berlin with Berlin’s biggest
newspaper, B.Z., have delivered the most substantial
cost savings to date.
Finally, we honored the increasingly more international
structure and orientation of our business by converting
Axel Springer AG to the legal form of a European com-
pany, or Societas Europaea (SE).
Our operating results were considerably influenced by
the unusually high level of investment spending, in the
amount of over € 90 million, to establish forward-looking
organizational structures and set up new business mod-
els. We are pleased that, despite these investments, we
generated an EBITDA of € 454.3 million in our continuing
operations and an EBITDA margin of 16.2 %. And
naturally, we are pleased with the fact that our share-
holders rewarded the transformation of our company by
bidding up the share price by 44.6 %.
In 2014, we will devote an even higher priority to the
sustainable appreciation of our company’s value.
We believe that the media industry in general, and
Axel Springer in particular, still have their best days
ahead of them. And we not only believe that, but we are
working hard to make it happen.
Thank you kindly for the trust and confidence you have
placed in our company.
Sincerely yours,
Mathias Döpfner
5
Executive Board
Dr. Mathias Döpfner
Jan Bayer
Ralph Büchi
Chairman
President WELT Group
President International Division
and Printing
Born 1963, journalist.
Career milestones:
Born 1970, Master’s degree in
Career milestones: Editor
Born 1957, business economist.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung,
media studies. Career mile stones:
Handelszeitung; Chairman of
Gruner+Jahr; Chief Editor Wochen-
Süddeutsche Zeitung; Publisher
the Executive Board of the
post, Hamburger Morgenpost,
Volksstimme, Magdeburg; Publisher
Handelszeitung publishing group;
and DIE WELT. Member of the
Süddeutsche Zeitung; Chairman of
CEO Axel Springer Schweiz AG;
Executive Board since 2000,
the Executive Board of the WELT
President of Axel Springer
Chairman since 2002.
Group. Member of the Executive
Interna tional. Member of the
Board from 2012.
Executive Board from 2012.
6
Executive Board
Lothar Lanz
Dr. Andreas Wiele
Dr. Julian Deutz
Chief Financial Officer and
President BILD Group
Chief Operating Officer
and Magazines
Member of the Executive Board
since 2014. Designated Chief
Financial Officer as of mid April 2014
Born 1968, Master’s degree in
Born 1948, Master’s degree
in commerce.
Career milestones:
Born 1962, lawyer.
Career milestones:
Editor, Hamburger Morgenpost;
business administration. Career
Bayerische Hypotheken- und
Head of Publishing Capital and Geo,
milestones: OC&C Strategy
Wechselbank AG; member of
Gruner+Jahr, Paris/France; Execu-
Consultants; head of M&A/Investor
the Executive Board at HSB
tive Vice President and Chief
Relations Pixelpark AG; CFO
HYPO Service-Bank AG;
Operating Officer of Gruner+Jahr
Venturepark AG; CFO Steilmann-
member of the Executive Board
USA Publishing, New York.
Gruppe; Axel Springer International;
at Nassauische Sparkasse;
Member of the Executive Board
Head of Group Controlling/Corporate
member of the Executive Board
since 2000.
Development Axel Springer SE.
and Chief Financial Officer at
ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG.
Member of the Executive Board
since 2009.
7
The Axel Springer share
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
The Axel Springer share
2013 was an extremely good year for
stock markets
Stock markets had a very good year in 2013. The Ger-
man lead index, the DAX, closed the year close to its all-
time high, and 21.4 % higher than its reading a year
earlier. The MDAX also closed on a level close to its all-
time high, having gained 35.5 % on the year. The media
industry index DJ EuroStoxx Media also performed very
well, rising 33.2 % in 2013.
Performance Axel Springer Share
Analyst coverage
At the end of 2013, 18 analysts (PY: 19) covered and
appraised the Axel Springer share. One broker discon-
tinued coverage in 2013, while another firm commenced
coverage and two other firms that merged now issue a
single, unified recommendation. Currently, six brokers
are expressing a “buy” recommendation, eleven recom-
mend “hold/neutral” and one analyst firm recommends
“sell/underweight”. You can find the latest recommenda-
tions and share price targets in the Investor Relations
section of our website at www.axelspringer.de.
Axel Springer
DAX
1)
MDAX
1)
DJ EuroStoxx Media
1)
Investor relations
The company’s Management and Investor Relations
team presented the company and its strategy at investor
conferences and road shows in Europe and the United
States on a total of 28 days in 2013. In addition, we
maintained an ongoing dialog with investors, analysts,
and other capital market players in numerous discus-
sions and telephone conferences throughout the year.
As usual, the telephone conferences held in connection
with the publication of our financial reports were broad-
cast live on the Internet as audio webcasts, after which
they remained available to users of our website. The
sixth annual Capital Markets Day for analysts, institutional
investors, and bank representatives was held at our
company headquarters in Berlin on December 11, 2013.
This event was broadcast live as a video webcast and is
available as a download from our website, together with
the presentations shown at the event. Finally, we inform
you regularly of current events in the Investor Relations
section of our website at www.axelspringer.de.
Closing price: € 46.70
50
40
30
01/01/13
12/31/13
1)
Indexed on the year-end share price of Axel Springer AG as of December 31, 2012.
Strong year for the Axel Springer share
The Axel Springer share performed extraordinarily well in
2013. The year-end price of € 46.70 was 44.6 % higher
than its level at the start of the year. Although the share
underperformed the comparison indexes until the middle
of the year, it was lifted by the announcement of the
planned transaction with FUNKE Mediengruppe in late
July 2013 (see page 25). In the second half of the year,
Axel Springer’s share performed considerably better than
the DAX. In this period, the company’s share also out-
performed the comparison index DJ EuroStoxx Media,
which tracks the most important European media stocks,
and also the MDAX, in which the Axel Springer share is
listed. The share reached its high for the year of € 46.99
on December 27, 2013, and touched its low for the year
of €30.92 on June 24, 2013. Axel Springer’s market
capitalization amounted to € 4.6 billion at year-end 2013.
8
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
The Axel Springer share
Share Information
€
Earnings per share1)
Earnings per share (adjusted)1)2)
Dividend3)
2013
2012 Change
1.34
1.81
1.80
1.64 – 17.8 %
2.20 – 17.7 %
1.70
5.9 %
Total dividend payout (€ millions)
178.1
167.9
6.1 %
Year-end share price
46.70
32.29
44.6 %
Highest price
Lowest price
46.99
39.52
18.9 %
30.92
31.16
– 0.8 %
Market capitalization (€ millions)4)5)
4,620.5
3,189.9
44.8 %
Daily traded volume (Ø, € thousands)
6,981.3
5,288.4
32.0 %
Dividend yield3)5)
3.9 %
5.3 %
Total yield per share per year6)
49.9 %
2.3 %
-
-
1) Continuing operations on the basis of average weighted shares outstanding in the
reporting period (98.9 million).
2) Adjusted for non-recurring effects and amortization and impairments from pur-
chase price allocations.
3) Dividend proposal for financial year 2013.
4) Calculated on the basis of the year-end closing price.
5) Based on shares outstanding, excluding treasury shares.
6) Share price development plus dividend payment.
Annual shareholders’ meeting
The annual shareholders’ meeting was held in Berlin on
April 24, 2013. Approximately 460 shareholders, together
representing 77.5 % of voting capital, participated in the
meeting. All the resolutions proposed by the management
– including the proposal to pay a dividend of € 1.70 (PY:
€ 1,70) per qualifying share, and the proposal to convert
Axel Springer AG to the legal form of a European compa-
ny (Societas Europaea, SE) – were approved by majorities
of at least 91.3 %. Based on the closing price of the com-
pany’s share at the end of 2012, the dividend yield came
to 5.3 %. The total dividend payout was € 167.9 million.
or 100 % of their profit-sharing bonus or performance-
dependent compensation into shares of Axel Springer SE.
To those employees who opted to convert half their profit-
sharing bonus or performance-dependent compensation,
Axel Springer contributed an additional 20 %, and to those
employees who opted to convert the full amount, the
company contributed an additional 30 %. The required
holding period is four years, both for employees eligible for
a profit-sharing bonus and for those with target agree-
ments. The shares were taken mainly from the treasury
stock of Axel Springer SE, while the rest were purchased
on the stock exchange.
Shareholder Structure
Axel Springer Gesellschaft für Publizistik
Dr. h. c. Friede Springer
Dr. Mathias Döpfner
Other shareholdings
40.2 %
3.3 %
5.0 %
51.5 %
Status: December 31, 2013
Information on Listing
Share ownership program
Share type
Registered share with
restricted transferability
Our employees were given the opportunity to benefit
directly from the appreciation of the company’s value by
participating in our share ownership program. Under this
program, all employees of Axel Springer SE and its do-
mestic subsidiaries who were eligible for a profit-sharing
bonus for 2012, or who had entered into a target agree-
ment, were given the chance in May 2013 to convert 50 %
Stock exchange
Germany (Prime Standard)
Security Identification Number
550135, 575423
ISIN
Thomson Reuters
Bloomberg
DE0005501357, DE0005754238
SPRGn.DE
SPR GY
9
Combined
Management Report
12 Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
22 Economic report
38 Economic position of Axel Springer SE
41 Events after the reporting date
42 Report on risks and opportunities
53 Forecast report
58 Disclosures and explanatory report of the
Executive Board pursuant to takeover law
62 Corporate Governance Report
10
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Summary of business performance and
operating results in 2013
The following statements refer exclusively to continuing
operations (see page 26).
Axel Springer revised its organizational and management
structure in 2013 to reflect the progress made in the
digital transformation of the Group. Axel Springer’s busi-
ness activities are now organized into three operating
segments: Paid Models, Marketing Models, and Classi-
fied Ad Models. In addition, there is the Services/Holding
segment.
Axel Springer generally attained the forecast targets
published in March 2013 (see page 55).
At € 2,801.4 million, the total revenues of the Axel
Springer Group were slightly higher (+2.3 %) than the
prior-year figure (€ 2,737.3 million). Revenue declines in
the Paid Models segment were offset by revenue growth
in the Marketing Models and Classified Ad Models seg-
ments. Adjusted for consolidation and currency effects,
total revenues were on the level of the prior-year figure
(+0.2 %). The pro-forma revenues of digital media
rose to € 1,353.3 million (PY: € 1,268.8 million), reflecting
organic growth of 6.7 %.
EBITDA of € 454.3 million was 8.9 % less than the year-
ago figure (PY: € 498.8 million), and the EBITDA margin of
16.2 % was likewise below the level of the prior year (PY:
18.2 %). The significantly higher earnings contributions of
the Classified Ad Models and Marketing Models segments
were offset by decreases in the Paid Models segment, by
higher expenditures for restructuring measures and for
expanding the Group’s digital business, and by valuation
effects related to share-based compensation programs,
which led to higher personnel expenses. EBITDA of digi-
tal activities rose by 14.1 %, from € 246.3 million to
€ 281.0 million. Thereby the EBITDA share from digital
activities rose from 49.4 % in 2012 to 61.8 % in 2013 (PY:
26.7 %) of the Group’s total EBITDA.
At € 1.81, the adjusted earnings per share for continu-
ing operations were less than the year-ago figure of
€ 2.20.
The Executive Board and Supervisory Board will propose a
dividend of € 1.80 (PY: € 1.70) per qualifying share at the
annual shareholders’ meeting to be held on April 16, 2014.
Outlook for 2014
On the Group level, we expect total revenues to rise by
an amount in the mid single-digit percentage range in
financial year 2014. We expect that the planned increase
in advertising revenues and other revenues will more
than offset the anticipated decline in circulation revenues.
The Paid Models, Marketing Models, and Classified Ad
Models segments are all expected to generate higher
revenues.
We expect EBITDA to rise by an amount in the low
double-digit percentage range. EBITDA contributions of
the Paid Models and Classified Ad Models segments are
expected to rise, while EBITDA of the Marketing Models
segment is expected to remain on the level of the prior
year, due to the planned expenditures for establishing
new digital business models.
We anticipate that adjusted earnings per share will be
higher than the prior-year figure by an amount in the low
double-digit percentage range.
Introductory remarks
The present combined management report for Axel
Springer SE and the Group contains statements about the
economic situation and business performance of the Axel
Springer Group. These statements are also largely applica-
ble to the parent company Axel Springer SE. Additional
information on the economic situation of Axel Springer SE
is provided in a separate chapter on page 38.
For the sake of better comparability, the operating earnings
indicator EBITDA has been adjusted for non-recurring
effects (see Section (31) of the notes to the financial state-
ments).
11
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
Segments
Axel Springer Group
Paid
Models
Marketing
Models
Classified
Ad Models
Services/
Holding
Business model
Axel Springer is a leading publishing company in Europe.
Journalism is the foundation of the business model. The
broad-based media portfolio includes successfully estab-
lished brand families such as the BILD Group and the
WELT Group. Journalistic content is delivered to Internet
users, readers, viewers, and advertising customers via
digital, print, and TV channels. The portfolio is divided
into Paid Models, which are used primarily by paying
readers, and Mar keting Models and Classified Ad Mod-
els, which generate revenue primarily from sales of ad-
vertising space and classified ads. The focus is on the
digital transformation of the business. Building on its
competencies in journalism, technology, and business
administration, Axel Springer strives to become the lead-
ing digital publisher.
Legal structure, business locations
Axel Springer SE, as the flagship company of the Axel
Springer Group, is an exchange-listed stock corporation
with its registered head office in Berlin. The Group also
maintains offices at other locations in Germany. In addi-
tion, the Group comprises numerous companies in other
countries. In total, Axel Springer is active in 47 countries,
through subsidiaries, joint ventures, and licensing arrange-
ments. As of December 31, 2013, the Axel Springer
Group comprised 146 fully consolidated companies,
including 82 outside of Germany. The consolidated
shareholdings of the Group are listed in Section (42) in
the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
The conversion to the legal form of a European company
(Societas Europaea, SE) by virtue of the resolution
adopted at the annual shareholders’ meeting of April
24, 2013 took effect upon being entered in the Com-
mercial Register on December 2, 2013. The European
legal form underscores Axel Springer’s orientation to
international markets and will facilitate the implementa-
tion of the internationalization strategy. The dual corpo-
rate governance system consisting of an Executive
Board and a Supervisory Board has been retained.
Segments of the Axel Springer Group
Axel Springer revised its organizational and management
structure in 2013 to reflect the progress made in the
digital transformation of the Group. Axel Springer’s busi-
ness activities are now organized into three operating
segments: Paid Models, Marketing Models, and Classi-
fied Ad Models. In addition, there is the Services/Holding
segment.
The segment structure reflects the different customer
groups and revenue types of an increasingly digital
publisher.
Paid Models
The Paid Models segment encompasses all business
models that are primarily used by paying readers.
12
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
Portfolio and market position
Paid Models are sub-divided into national and interna-
tional offerings. The principal activities are summarized in
the graph below.
Portfolio Paid Models
National
International
BILD Group
WELT Group
Switzerland Russia
Spain
France
Ringier Axel Springer Media
Hungary
1)
Poland
Slovakia
Serbia
1) Subject to cartel and media authorities clearance.
National Paid Models are mainly offered by the BILD
Group and the WELT Group.
The BILD Group comprises both the digital media and
the newspapers and magazines of the brand family of
BILD and B.Z. Bild.de is Germany’s biggest and widest-
reach news and entertainment portal. Bild.de is also
distributed via mobile channels, with apps for nearly all
kinds of smartphones, tablet PCs, and smart TVs, not to
mention the mobile portal, once again Germany’s most-
visited mobile media brand in 2013 (“mobile facts 2013-II”
of the Working Group for Online Research (AGOF).
Bild.de also offers the products stylebook.de, travel-
book.de, BUNDESLIGA bei BILD, and BILD Shop. Au-
tobild.de is the clear market leader among automotive
portals featuring editorial content in Germany. BILD is
Europe’s biggest and widest-reach daily newspaper, as
well as the unchallenged market leader in Germany, with
a market share of 75.5 % by newsstand sales. (All mar-
ket share figures for the German newspapers and maga-
zines are based on paid circulation as per IVW as of
December 31, 2013). BILD am SONNTAG is Germany’s
best-selling nationwide Sunday newspaper, with a mar-
ket share of 62.6 %. B.Z. is Berlin’s biggest newspaper.
The automotive, computer, and sports media of the BILD
brand family make up a magazine and online portfolio
built on the core brands of AUTO BILD, COMPUTER
BILD, and SPORT BILD. With a market share of 56.3 %,
AUTO BILD continues to be Germany’s biggest automo-
tive magazine. It is also the No. 1 automotive magazine
in Europe. Furthermore, the magazines COMPUTER
BILD and SPORT BILD occupy leading European market
positions in their respective segments. Based on paid
circulation, their German market shares are 41.5 % and
48.0 %, respectively.
The WELT Group comprises the digital media offerings
and the newspapers and magazines of the WELT family
of brands. DIE WELT ONLINE is one of the most suc-
cessful online/mobile sites in the segment of German
premium newspapers. WELT content is also distributed
via tablet PCs, smartphones, and e-readers. In fact, the
WELT iPad app is the best-selling news app in the Ger-
man App Store. DIE WELT am SONNTAG is the undis-
puted No. 1 title in the market of nationwide premium
newspapers, with a distribution market share of 20.0 %.
DIE WELT (including WELT KOMPAKT) is the third-
biggest premium newspaper in Germany, with a market
share of 18.6 %, based on paid circulation. The WELT
Group also manages the music magazines ROLLING
STONE, MUSIKEXPRESS, and METAL HAMMER.
Together with the TV news station N24, which was ac-
quired in February 2014 (see page 24), the WELT Group
will strive to become the leading multimedia news com-
pany for quality journalism in the German-speaking world.
Furthermore, it plans to use N24 as the central source of
video content for all of Axel Springer’s brands.
International Paid Models comprise Axel Springer’s
digital and print activities in western and eastern Europe.
In central and eastern Europe, the joint venture Ringier
Axel Springer Media is the market leader in the segment
of mass-circulation dailies in the countries of Poland,
Slovakia, and Serbia. Furthermore, Axel Springer and
Ringier plan to contribute their Hungarian activities to the
joint venture Ringier Axel Springer Media. In late 2013,
we signed a contract to sell our activities in the Czech
Republic (see page 25).
Through the leading Polish online group Onet, Ringier
Axel Springer Media reaches about 69.7 % of Internet
users in Poland. With FAKT as the leading newsstand
newspaper and PRZEGLAD SPORTOWY as the coun-
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
try’s only national sports daily, the joint venture controls
40.7 % of the market for national dailies (based on paid
circulation), making it the biggest newspaper publisher in
Poland. NEWSWEEK POLSKA is the market leader in
the segment of weekly magazines.
The majority-owned azet.sk is the leading Internet portal
in Slovakia, reaching about 80.8 % of Internet users in
that country. The market leadership position in the print
business is mainly based on the NOVY CAS family of
brands, consisting of two newspapers and four maga-
zines. The mass-circulation daily of the same name is the
country’s biggest newspaper, with a market share of
36.6 %. In total, Ringier Axel Springer Media publishes
nine magazines in Slovakia.
In Serbia, Ringier Axel Springer Media is the publisher
with the biggest total circulation and reach, with three
newspapers and seven magazines and the correspond-
ing web portals. Furthermore, our joint venture publishes
Serbia’s biggest mass-circulation dailies, ALO! and BLIC,
together with their high-reach online portals.
In Hungary, Axel Springer published 50 magazines and
eleven daily newspapers, including Sunday editions, in
2013. As the country’s second-biggest publisher, with a
market share of 19.7 % based on paid circulation, Axel
Springer held leading positions in the segments of TV
program guides, regional newspapers, and business
newspapers, as well as home, automotive, and puzzle
magazines. Axel Springer and Ringier plan to contribute
their Hungarian activities to their joint venture Ringier Axel
Springer Media. In order to meet the requirements of
Hungarian competition law and media law, both compa-
nies will sell a part of their Hungarian portfolio; this was
contractually agreed in January 2014. Ringier Axel
Springer Media’s Hungarian portfolio will consist of titles
with strong market positions and good digitization pro-
spects. Above all, it will comprise mass-circulation dailies,
including the market leader BLIKK, and women’s maga-
zines.
ness magazines, consumer advice magazines, and TV
program guides. HANDELSZEITUNG and the business
magazine BILANZ are among the country’s biggest
publications in the business press segment. In the seg-
ment of consumer advice magazines, Axel Springer
publishes BEOBACHTER, which is the biggest subscrip-
tion magazine in Switzerland, and the TV program guides
TELE and TV STAR, which are likewise market leaders in
their segment. The portfolio also includes brand-derived
online portals and the web portals students.ch, par-
tyguide.ch, and usgang.ch.
In Russia, we publish a total of eight print titles and five
online portals. Besides the business magazine FORBES
and the website of the same name, and the magazines
GALA BIOGRAFIA and OK!, the portfolio also includes
three magazines of the GEO brand family.
Axel Springer publishes seven magazines in Spain and
holds leading positions particularly in the segments of
video game magazines, computer magazines, and au-
tomotive magazines.
In France, we publish four automotive magazines in a
joint venture with the Mondadori Group. Axel Springer
sold its TV program guides, women’s magazines, and
cooking magazines in 2013 (see page 30).
Business model and key factors
The revenues generated in the Paid Models segment
consist mainly of circulation revenues and advertising
revenues. Circulation revenues are generated on sales
of newspapers and magazines and digital subscription
models. Advertising revenues are generated by market-
ing the reach of our online and print media. The value
chain, which spans all media, comprises all essential
processes involved in the production of information,
entertainment, and video content, from conception to
editorial work and production, and from there to sales
and marketing. The cross-media approach is conducive
to the optimal realization of synergies, competencies,
and reach values.
In Switzerland, Axel Springer publishes HANDELSZEITUNG
and 13 magazines. Based on paid circulation, it holds
the market leadership position in the segments of busi-
All journalism content is collected in integrated news-
rooms, some of which are used for more than one publi-
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
cation, and processed there in accordance with the
demands of our print and online media. The production
process for digital paid content involves the production
of editorial content, which we then post on our websites
or other digital resources such as smartphones, PC
tablets, and smart TVs, or the processing and aggrega-
tion of information in databases. We print our newspa-
pers and magazines in our three offset printing plants
in Hamburg-Ahrensburg, Essen-Kettwig, and Berlin-
Spandau, among other places. We handle all aspects
of production and distribution, from plate production
to distribution logistics. Digital products are distributed
mainly through our own websites or download platforms,
such as the app stores of Apple and Google. The print
media are distributed nationally and internationally mainly
via wholesale press distribution companies, train station
bookstores, and press import companies. In Germany,
our newspapers and magazines are sold in more than
111 thousand retail outlets.
Axel Springer’s Paid Models are centrally marketed in
Germany by Axel Springer Media Impact (ASMI), the
leading cross-media marketer (based on gross market
shares). The digital marketing portfolio also includes
content produced by other companies.
The business performance of this segment is strongly
influenced by the growing use of digital content. A key
growth driver is the mobile Internet, via smartphones and
tablets, which are mostly used in addition to stationary
Internet connections (source: AGOF mobile facts 2013-II).
Other key factors besides online usage behavior are the
willingness of consumers to pay for online content and
the development of the market for paid content. Digital
content is also driving the growth of the advertising mar-
ket, while print media advertising revenues are declining
across the board.
Regardless of media types, this segment is influenced by
the political situation in the relevant markets, as well as
the economic environment and performance of adver-
tising markets, in particular. Aside from the general mar-
ket cyclicity, seasonal aspects and non-recurring effects
also play a role.
Marketing Models
All business models involving sales to advertising cus-
tomers under performance-based or reach-based fee
arrangements are consolidated within the Marketing
Models segment.
Portfolio and market position
The Marketing Models segment is sub-divided into per-
formance-based and reach-based services. The principal
activities are summarized in the graph below.
Portfolio Marketing Models
Performance Marketing
Reach Based Marketing
zanox
Digital Window
eprofessional
Idealo
aufeminin
Bonial
Smarthouse
finanzen.net
Axel Springer’s Performance Marketing activities are
bundled within the zanox Group. The leading provider of
success-based online marketing in Europe brings adver-
tisers and publishers together, giving advertisers an
efficient way to market their products and services on
the Internet. The corporate group comprises the compa-
nies ZANOX AG, including Digital Window, and the per-
formance marketing agency eprofessional. In 2013,
zanox purchased the remaining minority shares in Digital
Window from the company’s founders, and expanded its
portfolio of real-time advertising products by purchasing
a majority interest in the performance display provider
Metrigo.
Axel Springer’s Reach Based Marketing portfolio
includes idealo.de, Germany’s leading, widest-reach
portal for product searches and price comparisons.
Idealo searches more than 1.5 million products and more
than 130 million offers of online dealers (as of year-end
2013). Furthermore, its success is increasingly interna-
tional.
aufeminin.com is the European market leader in the
segment of web portals devoted to fashion, beauty, and
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
lifestyle. It operates active portals in 15 countries, including
the health-care portal onmeda, which operates in Germa-
ny and Spain, the cooking website marmiton, and the
newsletter-based women’s portal mylittleparis.com,
which was acquired in 2013.
Under the roof of the Bonial International Group,
kaufDA.de is Germany’s leading consumer information
portal for local shoppers. kaufDA distributes digitized
advertising brochures of retailers on a regionalized basis,
mainly via the mobile Internet. These services are also
offered in France (Bonial France), Spain (Ofertia), Russia
(Lokata), Brazil (Guiato), and the United States (Retale).
Smarthouse Media is a leading European provider of
complex, web-based financial applications for banks,
online brokers, and other providers of financial services.
Germany’s widest-reach finance portal finanzen.net
provides up-to-date financial markets data on every
business day. In line with its internationalization strategy,
this portal also operates in Switzerland and Austria,
among other places.
Furthermore, Axel Springer holds investments in new-car
and used-car portals in Germany (autohaus24.de),
France (AutoReflex), and India (CarWale).
In the TV and radio sector, Axel Springer owns Schwartz-
kopff TV, one of the leading TV station-independent pro-
duction studios. Schwartzkopff TV produces mainly en-
tertainment-oriented TV shows for public-sector and
private-sector TV broadcasters. With direct and indirect
investments in leading private-sector radio stations, Axel
Springer holds one of the biggest radio portfolios in
Germany. Axel Springer continues to hold a minority
interest in Turkey’s biggest private-sector TV and radio
company, the Do⁄an-TV Group.
Business model and key factors
Performance Marketing gives advertisers the chance
to advertise their products and publishers’ offerings via
text links, banners, and online videos. Advertisers only
pay for successfully completed transactions, and pub-
lishers receive a portion of this compensation in the form
of a commission. Our platforms provide the infrastructure
for this efficient form of marketing, record the data flows
and transactions, and allow for a variety of services.
This segment benefits from the growth of stationary and
mobile Internet usage and the growing shift of purchases
to the Internet. Through performance marketing, Axel
Springer participates in the growing demand of advertising
companies for success-based advertising and marketing
models. New targeting technologies allow for the ever
more customized and precise placement of online ads.
In our Reach Based Marketing activities, ad space is
marketed to advertising customers and charged on the
basis of the reach generated by the given media offer-
ings (number of users or listeners) or the interaction
generated by the reach. Attractive content generates
high reach values and topic-specific environments en-
able advertisers to precisely reach the desired target
groups.
Due to the rising use of online media, reach marketing on
the Internet is a growing business. Besides display ads
like banners, layer ads, and wallpaper, videos are also
increasingly being used as online advertising formats. In
addition, advertisers are increasingly turning to marketing
cooperation ventures and innovative advertising forms
such as native advertising, sponsoring, and marketing via
YouTube channels. The growing prevalence of mobile
terminal devices, in addition to stationary Internet usage,
represents additional potential for reach marketing.
Classified Ad Models
The Classified Ad Models segment encompasses all
business models that are based on sales of help-wanted
ads and real estate ads to paying customers.
Portfolio and market position
The portfolio of leading classified ad portals that Axel
Springer has built up in recent years, with a particular
emphasis on real estate and help-wanted ads, is bun-
dled within Axel Springer Digital Classifieds. This compa-
ny is a strategic partnership with the U.S. growth investor
General Atlantic, which holds a 30 % interest in the com-
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
pany. The principal activities of this company are sum-
marized in the graph below.
Portfolio Classified Ad Models
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds
Real Estate
Jobs
SeLoger
Immonet
Immoweb
StepStone
Totaljobs
Saongroup
YourCareerGroup
Local
meinestadt.de
In the real estate segment, Axel Springer Digital Classi-
fieds is the market leader in France (with SeLoger) and
Belgium (with Immoweb). SeLoger’s portfolio also in-
cludes some niche portals such as vacances.com and
a-Gites.com for vacation home rentals, and belles-
demeures.com for luxury properties. Axel Springer
Digital Classifieds also operates immonet.de, one of the
leading real estate portals in Germany. Under a strategic
partnership with the Madsack Group, which holds an
11.3 % equity interest in the portal, Immonet is integrated
with all of Madsack’s newspaper portals, resulting in
additional reach.
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds also operates StepStone,
the market leader among private-sector job exchanges in
Germany and Belgium, and one of the leading providers
in Europe. This portal, which specializes in jobs for skilled
experts and top managers, is the reach leader in Germany.
It also operates Britain’s biggest online recruiting portal, via
the Totaljobs Group. The Saongroup, which was ac-
quired by StepStone in 2013, operates job portals in 16
countries and is the market leader in Ireland, Northern
Ireland, and South Africa. The specialty provider YourCa-
reerGroup, which was likewise acquired in 2013, is the
leading niche portal in the German-speaking countries
for online ads for hotel and restaurant jobs.
Germany’s leading regional portal meinestadt.de offers
extensive information about more than 11 thousand
German cities and towns, as well as a job exchange and
an online business directory.
Business model and key factors
The Classified Ad Models segment generates revenues
mainly from sales of classified ads. In the segment of real
estate portals, this means selling advertising spaces to
brokers, home builders, and private individuals. The job
exchanges generate revenues by selling help-wanted
ads to companies seeking to hire, and from marketing its
online resume databases, in which hiring companies can
actively search for suitable job candidates. In addition,
the classified ad portals generate revenues by marketing
online ad space, through cooperation arrangements, and
by providing software functions to their clients.
The business performance of this segment is primarily
influenced by the economic environment in the respec-
tive market segments. In the real estate segment, key
factors include the performance of the given real estate
market and the online usage behavior of the people and
companies who place ads and those who respond to
them. Similarly, the performance of the online job portals
depends on the condition of the jobs market in the given
country, and on the online usage behavior of the people
and companies who place help-wanted ads and those
who respond to them. Long-term growth drivers are the
continuing shift of classified ads to the Internet, the rising
number of Internet users, and the monetization of sup-
plementary products.
Services/Holding
The Services/Holding segment, which is essentially
unchanged from the earlier segmentation, comprises the
Group’s service and holding company functions. This
segment also comprises our centralized marketing unit
Axel Springer Media Impact as well as all activities relat-
ed to the production and distribution of the BILD Group
and the company’s magazines, including the Group’s
own three printing plants and the management of all
logistical activities for Axel Springer.
Discontinued operations
The German regional newspapers, TV program guides,
and women’s magazines, the sale of which to FUNKE
Mediengruppe was contractually agreed in Decem-
ber 2013 (see page 25), are presented separately as
discontinued operations in the consolidated financial
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
statements for 2013. According to the purchase agree-
ment, the sale of the German regional newspapers, TV
program guides, and women’s magazines will take effect
all together only when all required approvals under mer-
ger control law have been granted. The company ex-
pects that these approvals can be obtained in the first
half of 2014.
Discontinued operations include the regional newspa-
pers BERLINER MORGENPOST and HAMBURGER
ABENDBLATT, the advertising supplements in Berlin and
Hamburg, and the five TV program guides and two
women’s magazines of Axel Springer (HÖRZU, TV DIGI-
TAL, FUNK UHR, BILDWOCHE, TV NEU, BILD der
FRAU, FRAU von HEUTE), including the corresponding
digital brands.
Also presented under discontinued operations are the
business activities and equity investments of Ringier Axel
Springer Media in the Czech Republic, including the
leading mass-circulation daily BLESK and the leading
news magazine REFLEX, as well as the automotive and
women’s magazines in that country. The portfolio of
newspapers, magazines, and brand-derived online activi-
ties was sold to two Czech entrepreneurs in Decem-
ber 2013, subject to approval by the competent cartel
authorities (see page 25).
Management and supervision
Executive Board divisions
The Executive Board of Axel Springer SE is currently
composed of six members, whose work is supported
and supervised by a Supervisory Board composed of
nine members.
Axel Springer Executive Board Divisions
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Mathias Döpfner
Executive Board
Divisions
WELT Group and Printing
Jan Bayer
International Division
Ralph Büchi
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Operating Officer
Lothar Lanz (until April 2014)
BILD Group and Magazines
Dr. Andreas Wiele
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Julian Deutz (as of April 2014)
Executive Board responsibilities are divided as follows:
Besides serving as Executive Board Chairman,
Dr. Mathias Döpfner is additionally responsible for the
Executive Board division of Digital Media, as well as the
corporate staff function of Information & Public Relations.
Furthermore, all editors-in-chief report to him. His re-
sponsibilities also include Executive Personnel, Security,
Public Affairs, Customer Loyalty Reinforcement, and the
Axel Springer Academy.
Jan Bayer is the Executive Board member in charge of
the WELT Group and Printing. This division also covers
the German printing plants.
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
Ralph Büchi is responsible for the Executive Board divi-
sion of International Business, which encompasses all
activities in Axel Springer’s international markets.
Lothar Lanz is the Executive Board member in charge
of Human Resources, Finance, and Services, until the
middle of April 2014. This division covers business ad-
ministration functions, as well as Internal Audit, M&A &
Strategy, Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance,
Legal and Procurement. Subject to the approval of the
annual shareholders’ meeting in 2014, Lothar Lanz will
switch to the Supervisory Board.
Dr. Andreas Wiele is the Executive Board member in
charge of the BILD Group and Magazines. His division
encompasses the cross-media publications of the BILD
family of brands and the related magazines, as well as
B.Z. He is also responsible for IT and for Logistics &
Services.
In July 2013, the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE
appointed Dr. Julian Deutz to the Executive Board, effec-
tive January 1, 2014. He will succeed Lothar Lanz as
Chief Financial Officer in mid-April 2014, after already
taking over several responsibilities from Lothar Lanz in
February 2014.
Corporate governance principles
Axel Springer’s corporate governance principles are
aligned with our core values of creativity, entrepreneur-
ship, and integrity, as well as the five principles enshrined
in Axel Springer’s own corporate constitution. For more
information on our internal guidelines, please refer to
the corporate governance statement pursuant to Sec-
tion 289a HGB contained in the section entitled “Signifi-
cant corporate governance practices” on page 62 of the
present Annual Report.
Basic principles of the compensation system
The compensation of our employees, all the way up to
the senior management level, consists of a fixed compo-
nent and for qualifying employees, a variable component
as well. Variable compensation is determined on the
basis of individual performance and the company’s suc-
cess. To this end, individual target agreements encom-
passing both company-wide targets and division targets
are adopted every year anew. The part of variable com-
pensation that reflects the attainment of company-wide
targets is determined mainly with reference to the finan-
cial indicator EBITDA. A detailed description of Executive
Board compensation can be found in the “Compensation
Report” section of the “Corporate Governance” chapter
(starting on page 71). There, you will also find information
on the compensation of our Supervisory Board members
(starting on page 73).
Goals and strategy
Leading Digital Publisher
Corporate Strategy
Paid
Models
Marketing
Models
Classified
Ad Models
Journalism
Creativity
Entrepreneurial
Spirit
Integrity
Corporate Values
Profitability
Axel Springer pursues a strategy of profitable growth,
with the overarching goal of becoming the leading digital
publisher. This goal will be attained when the Group is
the No. 1 player in every one of the market segments
and countries in which it operates. Furthermore, journal-
ism is and always will be the foundation of our business
model.
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
Segment strategies
In the Paid Models segment, Axel Springer will strive to
realize the full potential of its strong brands BILD, WELT,
and N24, as well as its established international media.
By means of linking its print, online, and mobile offerings
ever more closely, the BILD Group achieves a higher
level of reading time and usage time than its competitors,
expanding its market share among young and high-
income readers in particular. Through the digital brand
subscription BILDplus, Axel Springer is building and
expanding a base of paying online readers.
Together with N24, the WELT Group will strive to be-
come the leading multimedia provider of news-based
quality journalism across the platforms of digital, print,
video, and live TV. The two companies will contribute
their respective strengths to this endeavor. Thus, the
WELT Group can make good use of the video inventory
of N24 in its media offerings, and the quality TV news
station can exploit its full online potential in cooperation
with the WELT Group. Furthermore, the WELT Group will
use its digital subscription model to further expand the
base of paying readers on the Internet.
The Group’s centralized marketing company Axel
Springer Media Impact (ASMI) offers an attractive, cross-
media platform for advertising campaigns, with a reach
that is rivaled only by the big TV marketing firms. As the
leading cross-media marketer (based on gross market
shares), ASMI will continue to expand its marketing port-
folio of external print and digital media.
In the Marketing Models segment, profitable growth is
generated both in Reach Based Marketing and Perfor-
mance Marketing. In the area of Reach Based Marketing,
the strategy is focused on expanding the reach, increas-
ing the ad space utilization rate, and developing innova-
tive advertising and pricing models. Additional revenues
will be contributed by the further internationalization of
business activities. In the area of Performance Marketing,
the strategy is focused on developing new technologies
and services and on expanding the network of publishers.
In the Classified Ad Models segment, Axel Springer
Digital Classifieds will strive to further extend its position
as a leading international player. Both organic growth
and additional acquisitions will contribute to the growth
of this business. Furthermore, internal synergies will be
realized systematically.
Organic and acquisitions-driven growth
Generally speaking, the organic growth measures of the
different segments pursue the same goal of expanding
the market shares of the current portfolio and increasing
the revenues and profits per reader/user on the basis of
attractive product design and pricing. These measures
will be accompanied by acquisitions-driven growth.
In all segments, Axel Springer seizes opportunities to
expand the business model by acquiring companies with
intelligent business ideas, which are still in an early phase
of their development. For this purpose, Axel Springer has
entered into partnerships, including with the Silicon Val-
ley accelerator Plug and Play, and with the Otto Group in
the area of venture capital.
When the opportunity arises, Axel Springer will also
acquire companies that are well established in the mar-
ket. Suitable acquisition targets are chosen on the basis
of complementary business strategies, as well as the
quality of their management, and the profitability and
scalability of the business model.
We employ a capitalized earnings approach based on
weighted capital costs to assess the economic efficiency
of investments in new or existing business segments.
The weighted capital costs are determined with refer-
ence to a target capital structure.
In general, we employ a capital markets equilibrium
method, using beta for the business-specific, systematic
risk, and a market premium for the country-specific,
unsystematic market risk, to assess the risks of an in-
vestment opportunity. Essentially, we assume that the
systematic risk of our company is the same, on average,
as that of our peer group, meaning other European me-
dia companies.
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Fundamentals of the Axel Springer Group
Internal management system
We have designed our internal management system and
defined suitable control parameters in alignment with our
group strategy. We use both financial and non-financial
performance indicators to measure the success of our
strategy.
Detailed monthly reports are an important element of our
internal management and control system. These reports
contain the monthly results of our most important activi-
ties, along with a consolidated statement of financial
position, income statement, and cash flow statement. We
use these reports to compare actual values with budget
values. When variances arise, we investigate further or
initiate suitable corrective measures.
These reports are supplemented by periodic forecasts of
anticipated advertising revenues in the following weeks
and months and forecasts of the probable development
of our financial performance.
Financial performance indicators
Our central focus is to sustainably increase both the
profitability and the value of our company. The most
important target and control parameters for the compa-
ny’s financial performance are revenues and EBITDA.
EBITDA also forms the basis for the performance-based
compensation of our Executive Board and other top
executives (please refer to page 71 and following for more
information on the compensation system). Both these
indicators and the EBITDA margin derived from them are
anchored in our internal planning and controlling system.
Financial Control Parameters1
Selected financial control parameters
on the Group level, € millions
Consolidated revenues
EBITDA
EBITDA margin
1) Continuing operations.
2013
2012
2,801.4
2,737.3
454.3
498.8
16.2 %
18.2 %
Non-financial performance indicators
In addition to the financial performance indicators, the
following non-financial performance indicators are rele-
vant to an evaluation of our performance with respect to
customers, the market, and offerings, although they are
not employed as the basis for managing the company:
Unique users/visitors and visits, and other business
model-specific indicators of our online media, and the
resulting market positions;
Average paid circulation of all principal newspapers
and magazines;
Reach values of our media in the advertising market
and indicators of brand and advertisement familiarity.
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Economic report
Economic report
General economic conditions and business developments
General economic conditions
The global economy picked up considerable momen-
tum in the second half of 2013. According to the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund (IMF), the main drivers of global
growth have shifted, with the industrialized nations es-
sentially taking the lead. The United States in particular
has seen strong consumer demand for several quarters.
Despite robust economic conditions in Germany, the
euro zone as a whole remained in recession in 2013.
Economic growth in the emerging-market countries was
mainly driven by exports. In China, domestic demand
has also picked up substantially.
After a weak phase in the early months of the year,
the German economy recovered considerably in the
further course of 2013. For the full year, German GDP
expanded at a real rate of 0.4 %. Inflation-adjusted con-
sumer spending rose steadily in 2013, for a full-year gain
of 0.9 %. On the other hand, plant and equipment in-
vestment declined by 2.2 % in real terms. Real construc-
tion investment also declined slightly, by 0.3 %. The
foreign trade contribution to German GDP, which had
been very strong in recent years, increased at a slower
average rate in 2013, in a reflection of the still difficult
foreign trade environment. Whereas German exports
rose by 0.6 % in real terms, imports increased at the
faster rate of 1.3 %.
The number of unemployed job-seekers in Germany
rose to an average of 3.0 million in 2013, reflecting an
increase of 1.8 % over the prior year. The average
unemployment rate was 6.9 %. Consumer sentiment as
measured by the market research firm GfK Group bright-
ened further in 2013, reflecting the perception of Germany’s
residents that the economic recovery is accelerating.
Furthermore, purchasing propensity increased steadily in
2013. According to calculations of the German Federal
Statistical Office, consumer prices rose by 1.5 % in 2013,
mainly due to higher food prices.
According to the ifo Institute, there are growing signs of
an economic recovery in the central and eastern Europe-
an countries of the European Union. For example, all
countries of the region reported higher exports again.
Consumer spending also made a positive contribution.
Anticipated Economic Development1) (Selection)
Change in gross domestic product
compared to prior year (real)
Germany
Switzerland2)
France
United Kingdom
Spain
Hungary
Poland
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Serbia2)
Russia
Brazil2)
USA
China
India
2013
0.4 %
1.7 %
0.1 %
1.4 %
0.1 %
1.1 %
1.4 %
– 1.5 %
0.8 %
2.0 %
1.2 %
2.5 %
1.7 %
7.6 %
2.8 %
1) Source: ifo Institute, December 2013.
2) Source: IMF, October 2013.
Industry environment
Press distribution market
Continuing the trend of prior years, the German press
distribution market contracted in 2013. The total paid
circulation of newspapers and magazines was 4.0 % less
than the corresponding prior-year figure. Thanks to the
price increases implemented in the last four quarters, how-
ever, circulation revenues declined by only 2.2 %.
The 362 daily and Sunday newspapers tracked by the
German market research institute IVW generated total sales
of 20.4 million copies per issue, reflecting a decrease of
3.8 % from the prior-year figure. As in the prior year,
newsstand sales suffered a much greater decline (– 8.7 %)
than subscription sales (– 2.0 %). Within the press distri-
bution market, the demand for daily and Sunday news-
papers (weighted for their respective publication frequen-
cies) declined by 3.7 %.
22
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Combined Management Report
Economic report
At 106.4 million copies per issue, total sales of general-
interest magazines (including membership and club
magazines) were 3.0 % less than the corresponding
prior-year figure. IVW tracked a total of 848 titles in 2013,
3.2 %fewer than in 2012. Weighted for their respective
publication frequencies, the demand for general-interest
magazines declined by 5.0 %.
Whereas the circulation volumes of print media declined
again in 2013, online media continued the growth trend
of prior years. According to the study entitled “Internet
facts 2013-12” by the Working Group for Online Re-
search (AGOF), 52.2 million people in Germany use
the Internet today (Internet users within the last three
months). That number represents 74.3 % of German
residents aged 14 and older. Of the 52.2 million people
who use the Internet on a regular basis, 70.8 % go online
to obtain information about world events and 65.1 % use
the Internet for regional or local news. Thus, getting the
news is one of the main reasons for using the Internet,
besides e-mail, online searches, online shopping, and
weather reports. Job listings were also one of the 20
most-used online categories. According to the study
“mobile facts 2013-II”, the mobile Internet continues to
gain users. Compared to year-end 2012, the monthly
number of mobile Internet users rose by 25.3 % to an
average of 26.7 million in 2013. In most cases (60.8 %),
people use the mobile Internet primarily in addition to
the stationary Internet.
According to IVW, the content portals of German print
media were visited much more frequently in 2013 than
in 2012. The 20 most popular portals of German daily
newspapers registered an average 14.9 % increase in
the number of visits, those of magazine portals an aver-
age 22.3 % increase.
Advertising market
According to the latest advertising market forecast of
ZenithOptimedia (“Advertising Expenditure Forecast”,
December 2013), the total volume of the German adver-
tising market in 2013 was slightly lower than the prior-
year figure.
According to these surveys, total net advertising rev-
enues (including classified ads and advertising supple-
ments, less discounts granted and agency commissions,
and excluding production costs) amounted to € 18.1
billion, in 2013, reflecting a nominal decrease of 1.1 %
from the prior-year figure.
In the German online market (display ads, search term
marketing, and affiliates), net advertising revenues rose
by 5.3 % to € 4.0 billion in 2013.
In the category of print media, the net advertising reve-
nues of newspapers (newspapers, advertising supple-
ments, and newspaper supplements) amounted to € 5.0
billion in 2013, reflecting an 8.5 % decrease from the
prior-year figure. The net advertising revenues of maga-
zines (general-interest and trade magazines, directory
media) declined by 3.3 % to € 3.1 billion.
In 2013, television advertising in Germany rose by 3.6 %
to € 4.2 billion, and radio advertising rose by 1.6 % to
€ 731 million. The net advertising revenues of outdoor
advertising rose by 2.5 % to € 890 million in 2013.
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Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
ZenithOptimedia issued the following advertising market
forecasts for selected countries in 2013:
Anticipated Advertising Activity 20131) (Selection)
Change in net ad
revenues compared
to prior year (nominal)
Germany
Switzerland
France2)
Newspapers Magazines
Online
– 8.5 %
– 3.3 %
– 6.2 %
– 3.6 %
– 5.4 %
– 8.6 %
5.3 %
7.8 %
3.6 %
United Kingdom
– 7.1 %
– 8.5 %
16.0 %
Spain2)
Hungary
Poland2)
– 17.4 %
– 18.0 %
– 0.6 %
3.5 %
– 7.9 %
– 25.2 %
– 21.0 %
5.0 %
7.3 %
Czech Republic2)
– 9.2 %
– 4.5 %
13.5 %
Slovakia2)
Serbia2)
Russia
Brazil
USA
India2)
– 10.8 %
– 18.0 %
28.6 %
– 17.4 %
– 21.5 %
23.9 %
– 3.7 %
– 5.5 %
30.0 %
– 4.8 %
– 8.0 %
– 11.7 %
– 8.0 %
– 2.4 %
18.2 %
4.2 %
3.8 %
120.0 %
1) Source: ZenithOptimedia, Advertising Expenditure Forecast (December) 2013.
2) Excluding classified ads.
Business performance
In the first quarter, we sold approximately 2.6 % of our
equity interest in Do⁄an TV Holding A.S., Istanbul, Turkey.
The proceeds from this transaction amounted to
€ 61.6 million.
As part of the growth initiative in the online classifieds
business, the European online job exchange StepStone
finalized the acquisition of a 100 % equity interest in
Saongroup in November. Saongroup operates job
portals in 16 countries and holds leading market posi-
tions particularly in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and South
Africa. In addition, StepStone finalized the acquisition
of a 100 % equity interest in YourCareerGroup in
December. YourCareerGroup operates various industry
portals, with a particular focus on hotels, restaurants,
and tourism, in several countries including Germany,
Austria, and Switzerland. Boasting approximately
12 thousand average job ads and 500 thousand unique
visitors per month, they are among the most successful
job portals in their respective segments. By acquiring
Saongroup und YourCareerGroup, StepStone further
extended its position as the leading job portal in Germa-
ny and one of the leading online job exchanges in Eu-
rope.
In December, Axel Springer signed an agreement to
purchase 100 % of the equity in N24 Media GmbH. The
transaction was closed in February 2014. The N24
Group operates N24, the market leader among German
TV news stations. Following the acquisition, Axel Springer
plans to merge N24 with the WELT Group, with the goal
of becoming the leading multimedia provider of news-
based quality journalism in the German-speaking world,
across all platforms of digital, print, video, and TV. Fur-
thermore, N24 will become the central provider of video
content for all of Axel Springer’s brands. The necessary
approval of the cartel and media authorities was granted
in February 2014.
24
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
Discontinued operations
The sale of the German regional newspapers, TV pro-
gram guides, and women’s magazines to FUNKE Me-
diengruppe was contractually agreed in Decem-
ber 2013. According to the signed agreements, the
planned measures will be implemented with economic
effect as of January 1, 2014. The purchase price (before
consideration of contractually agreed purchase price
adjustment clauses) is € 920 million; of this amount,
€ 660 million is payable in cash. Axel Springer will extend
a loan with a multi-year term for the remaining amount.
The anticipated profit on the sale will be subject to
standard tax treatment, for the most part.
According to the purchase agreement, the sale of the
German regional newspapers, TV program guides, and
women’s magazines will take effect all together only
when all required approvals under merger control law
have been granted. The company expects that these
approvals can be obtained in the first half of 2014.
In this connection, the parties also agreed to form joint
ventures for the marketing of print and digital media offer-
ings and retail sales, thereby bundling activities, resources,
and know-how in these areas. Axel Springer will exercise
managerial control and hold the majority of shares in both
companies. Formation of the joint ventures is subject to the
approval of the competent authorities under applicable
merger law and cartel law.
In addition, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, a joint ven-
ture of Axel Springer and Ringier, signed an agreement in
December to sell its activities and equity investments in
the Czech Republic. These activities include the leading
mass-circulation daily BLESK and the leading news
magazine REFLEX, as well as leading titles in the seg-
ments of automotive and women’s magazines. Subject
to approval by the competent cartel authorities, the
portfolio of newspapers, magazines, and brand-derived
online activities was sold to two Czech entrepreneurs in
December 2013. The anticipated purchase price (before
consideration of contractually agreed purchase price
adjustment clauses) is € 170 million. The transaction is
pending, subject to the approval of the cartel authorities.
By means of these transactions, Axel Springer continues
to pursue its rigorous digitization strategy, with the goal
of becoming the leading digital publisher. In this respect,
Axel Springer will focus even more strongly on core multi-
media journalism brands that hold the promise of great
digitization potential.
Additional information on the effects of these transactions
on the Group’s financial performance, liquidity, and finan-
cial position can be found in Section (2c) of the notes to
the consolidated financial statements.
25
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
Financial performance, liquidity, and financial position
Financial performance of the Group
(continuing operations)
The following presentation of the Group’s financial per-
formance refers exclusively to continuing operations.
At € 2,801.4 million, the total revenues generated in
financial year 2013 were slightly higher (+2.3 %) than the
year-ago figure (€ 2,737.3 million). Revenue declines in the
Paid Models segment were offset by revenue growth in
the Marketing Models and Classified Ad Models segments.
Adjusted for consolidation and currency effects, total
revenues were on the level of the prior-year figure (+ 0.2 %).
The pro-forma revenues of digital media activities
increased to € 1,353.3 million (PY: € 1,268.8 million),
reflecting organic growth of 6.7 %. Thus, the digital media
share of the Group’s pro-forma total revenues rose from
44.6 % in 2012 to 47.9 % in 2013. Pro-forma revenues
include the companies acquired in 2012 and 2013, on the
basis of unaudited financial information.
The circulation revenues of € 759.1 million were 6.8 %
less than the prior-year figure (€ 814.7 million), due to
declines in the print business. Thus, they accounted for
27.1 % of total revenues (PY: 29.8 %).
The 7.1 % increase in advertising revenues to
€ 1,637.8 million (PY: € 1,529.4 million) mainly resulted
from growth in the Group’s activities in the area of Clas-
sified Ad Models and Marketing Models. The advertising
revenues of the Paid Models segment were slightly less
than the prior-year figure. Advertising revenues account-
ed for 58.5 % of total revenues in financial year 2013 (PY:
55.9 %). More than two thirds (70.0 %) of total advertising
revenues were generated from digital activities.
The other revenues of € 404.5 million were 2.9 % high-
er than the prior-year figure (PY: € 393.1 million), mainly
due to higher revenues in the Paid Models and Marketing
Models segments. Thus, they accounted for 14.4 % (PY:
14.4 %) of total revenues.
At € 1,164.4 million, international revenues were 9.6 %
higher than the prior-year figure and accounted for 41.6 %
(PY: 38.8 %) of Axel Springer’s total revenues. The in-
crease resulted from the growing internationalization of
the digital business.
Segment Revenues
Paid Models
Marketing Models
Classified Ad Models
Services/Holding
Total Revenues
€ millions
Circulation
Advertising
Other
393.1
1,529.4
814.7
404.5
1,637.8
759.1
2,737.3
2012
2013
2,801.4
26
5.7 %
14.4 %
25.6 %
54.3 %
The comparison of segment revenues reveals consid-
erable growth in the Classified Ad Models and Marketing
Models segments, on the one hand, and decreased
revenues in the Paid Models segment on the other, due
to the structural developments affecting the print media.
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
The increase in total expenses to € 2,700.2 million (PY:
€ 2,563.8 million) was mainly due to the full-year consol-
idation of companies acquired in the prior year, as well
as heightened personnel expenses.
Purchased goods and services rose to € 925.8 million
(PY: € 902.6 million). Circulation-related decreases in
the print activities were offset by the continued strong
growth of our digital activities, and by consolidation
effects. At 33.0 %, the ratio of purchased goods and
services to total revenues was unchanged from the prior
year (PY: 33.0 %).
At € 921.6 million, personnel expenses were higher
than the year-ago figure by € 94.5 million or 11.4 % (PY:
€ 827.1 million). This increase resulted mainly from the
consolidation of subsidiaries acquired in the prior year,
as well as higher restructuring expenses and the effects
associated with the revaluation of virtual stock option
plans. Furthermore, the average annual number of em-
ployees rose by 6.3 %, particularly due to increased staff-
ing in the area of digital business models.
Despite higher depreciation, amortization, and impair-
ments associated with purchase price allocations, the
depreciation, amortization, and impairments of
€ 155.1 million were less than the prior-year figure of
€ 161.4 million, which contained impairment losses on
items of goodwill in the Paid Content and Marketing
Models segments, in the amount of € 17.4 million.
The increase in other operating income to
€ 145.3 million (PY: € 139.2 million) resulted mainly from
higher effects associated with the revaluation of contin-
gent purchase price liabilities. The other operating
expenses of € 697.7 million were higher than the prior-
year figure (PY: € 672.6 million), mainly due to the con-
solidation of subsidiaries acquired in the prior year, as
well as higher expenses from the revaluation of contingent
purchase price liabilities and heightened consulting ex-
penses in connection with corporate transactions. This
figure also contains income and expenses from the net-
ting of intra-Group payments between continuing and
discontinued operations.
The net investment income of € 25.7 million (PY:
€ 5.9 million) was particularly influenced by the profit on
the sale of 2.6 % of our shareholding in Do⁄an TV in
financial year 2013. The prior-year figure included an
impairment of an investment in the Paid Models segment.
The operating net investment income presented within
EBITDA amounted to € 12.1 million (PY: € 16.3 million);
the decrease resulted particularly from the profit/loss
contribution of the companies accounted for by the
equity method.
The improvement in the financial result to € – 23.1 million
(PY: € – 45.8 million) resulted from lower interest ex-
penses on financial liabilities (including the effects of
hedging transactions), and from the lower net interest
expenses for pensions. The prior-year figure included the
recognition in profit or loss of the negative fair values of
interest rate hedging transactions related to the refinanc-
ing of the Group’s credit facility, which had previously
been recognized in equity.
Income taxes amounted to € – 88.1 million
(PY: € – 92.9 million). The tax rate was 33.0 % (PY: 32.8 %).
At € 454.3 million, the earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) were 8.9 %
less than the prior-year figure (PY: € 498.8 million). Fur-
thermore, the EBITDA margin narrowed to 16.2 % (PY:
18.2 %). The significantly higher earnings contributions of
the Classified Ad Models and Marketing Models segments
were offset by decreases in the Paid Models segment, by
higher expenditures for restructuring measures and for
new business models, and by valuation effects related to
share-based compensation programs, which led to higher
personnel expenses. EBITDA of the Group’s digital
activities rose by 14.1 %, from € 246.3 million to € 281.0
million. Accordingly, the share of Group-wide EBITDA
contributed by digital activities rose from 49.4 % to 61.8 %.
Non-recurring factors such as gains or losses on sales of
companies and equity investments and depreciation,
amortization, and impairments related to purchase price
allocations, for example, are not included in EBITDA.
27
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
EBITDA
€ millions
EBITDA margin in %
18.2 %
498.8
2012
2013
The adjusted consolidated net income and the adjusted
diluted earnings per share are not defined under Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards and should there-
fore be regarded as supplementary information to the
consolidated financial statements.
16.2 %
454.3
Financial performance of the operating
segments (continuing operations)
Paid Models
Paid Models are divided into national and international
activities.
Paid Models National
The gross reach values and average number of visits per
month of selected portals are presented in the table below.
Unique Users/Visits
Consolidated net income from continuing operations
amounted to € 178.6 million (PY: € 190.7 million). Ad-
justed consolidated net income from continuing opera-
tions declined to € 229.8 million (PY: € 258.6 million).
Consolidated Net Income (continuing operations)
Millions
(monthly average)
Bild.de
computerbild.de
welt.de
autobild.de
2013
2012
transfermarkt.de
€ millions
Consolidated net income
(continuing operations)
Non-recurring effects
Effects of purchase price allocations
Taxes attributable to these effects
Consolidated net income, adjusted
stylebook.de
bz-berlin.de
1) Source: AGOF.
2) Source: IVW.
178.6
190.7
10.4
59.4
– 18.7
229.8
11.4
72.7
– 16.3
258.6
Unique
Users
Q4/20131)
13.8
13.7
8.9
2.9
1.5
1.3
1.3
Change
yoy
Visits
20132)
Change
yoy
14.9 %
256.4
15.8 %
0.0 %
4.7 %
48.4
11.7 %
48.2
9.4 %
13.6 %
9.4
20.6 %
– 9.9 %
28.8
15.1 %
12.0 %
18.7 %
3.1
– 10.0 %
4.6
39.8 %
The focus of the national digital Paid Models was to sign
up paying subscribers, also in the stationary Internet.
Whereas DIE WELT had already introduced various digital
subscription plans in December 2012, BILD launched its
own paid content model, BILDplus, in June 2013. Since
August 2013, subscribers have also been given the op-
tion of using the new reporting content on the German
National Soccer League, BUNDESLIGA bei BILD.
Attributable to non-controlling interest,
adjusted
50.9
41.0
Adjusted consolidated net income attribut-
able to shareholders of Axel Springer SE
178.8
217.5
Earnings per share from continuing operations (basic =
diluted) amounted to € 1.34 (PY: € 1.64). Based on
average weighted shares outstanding in 2013 (98.9 million),
adjusted earnings per share from continuing opera-
tions (basic = diluted) declined from € 2.20 to € 1.81.
28
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
The circulation numbers of the print media in the seg-
ment Paid Models declined in financial year 2013, due to
market trends, while the reach values increased in some
cases:
Unique Visitors/Visits
Millions
(monthly average)
Unique
Visitors
20131)
Change
yoy
Visits
2013
Change
yoy
Circulation and Reach
Thousands
Bild/B.Z
Cir-
culation
20131)
Change
yoy Reach2) Change
2,583.5
– 7.7 % 12,154.4
0.0 %
Bild am Sonntag
1,253.4
– 7.5 % 9,327.7
– 1.6 %
Die Welt/Welt Kompakt
226.1 – 10.0 %
791.3
– 0.1 %
Welt am Sonntag/
Welt am Sonntag Kompakt
401.2
– 0.3 % 1,029.1
6.5 %
Auto Bild
517.9
– 5.4 % 2,698.7
3.3 %
Computer Bild
467.7 – 10.5 % 3,582.8
4.6 %
Sport Bild
404.7
– 3.6 % 4,272.8
– 1.0 %
onet.pl
fakt.pl
azet.sk
forbes.ru
blic.rs
cas.sk
16.8
3.2 %
366.82)
2.0 %
3.2
2.2
2.1
1.8
1.4
19.3 %
– 21.2 %
34.5 %
> 100 %
13.1 %
12.72)
43.03)
16.3 %
3.5 %
6.24)
51.3 %
60.25)
15.13)
64.0 %
31.6 %
1) Source: comScore 2013.
2) Source: Gemius Traffic.
3) Source: AIM Monitor.
4) Source: Yandex Metrica.
5) Source: Google Analytics.
The circulation numbers and reach values of the leading
mass-circulation dailies in the countries in which our joint
venture Ringier Axel Springer Media operates are pre-
sented in the table below.
1) Source: IVW, average paid circulation.
2) Source: ma 2014 Pressemedien I.
Circulation and Reach
On September 21, 2013, BILD distributed a special issue
on the German federal parliamentary elections free of
charge to nearly every household in Germany, with a
circulation of 41 million copies. From a marketing stand-
point, the special issue was just as successful as the first
special issue, BILD für ALLE, in June 2012. Effective
August 19, BILD raised the copy price for about a third
of its issues, mainly in rural areas of western Germany.
Paid Models International
The gross reach values and average number of visits per
month of selected portals are presented in the table
below.
Thousands
Fakt1)
Blic2)
Alo!2)
Cir-
culation
2013
Change
yoy Reach Change
339.0
– 9.3 % 1,657.1
– 2.4 %
116.7
0.8 %
811.7
– 6.8 %
110.7
– 6.6 %
498.3
– 7.3 %
Novy Cas3)
110.0
– 9.1 %
816.3
– 5.8 %
1) Poland. Circulation: ZKDP; Reach: PBC General.
2) Serbia. Circulation: ABC; Reach: Ipsos Strategic Marketing.
3) Slovakia. Circulation: ABC; Reach: Median.
The circulation numbers of Axel Springer’s international
newspapers and magazines were slightly lower than the
respective prior-year numbers, due to market trends.
29
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Economic report
to the acquisition of onet.pl at the end of 2012. Adjusted
for consolidation effects, advertising revenues were 7.7 %
less than the corresponding prior-year figure.
EBITDA of € 250.1 million was 17.1 % less than the prior-
year figure (PY: € 301.8 million). This development was
influenced not by only the operating results, but also by
higher restructuring expenses (€ -37.4 million as compared
to PY: € -27.8 million) and higher expenditures for establish-
ing new business models (€ -26.7 million as compared to
PY: € -15.4 million). This decrease mainly reflected the
performance of the national activities, especially newspa-
pers. The international results were favorably affected by the
consolidation of onet.pl. The segment’s EDITDA margin
narrowed from 19.1 % in 2012 to 16.4 % in 2013.
Marketing Models
The segment Marketing Models comprises all business
models that generate revenues primarily through sales to
advertising customers in reach-based or performance-
based marketing activities.
The gross reach values and average number of visits per
month of selected portals are presented in the table below.
Unique Users/Visits
Millions
(monthly average)
aufeminin.com
idealo.de
kaufDA.de
finanzen.net
onmeda.de
hamburg.de
Unique
Users
Q4/20131)
33.23)
11.03)
4.0
2.3
2.2
1.3
Change
yoy
Visits
20132)
Change
yoy
– 0.2 %
138.14)
10.9 %
16.4 %
30.4
51.9 %
– 7.5 %
-
-
16.3 %
18.7
14.4 %
– 0.5 %
– 7.2 %
4.9
3.9
22.3 %
4.1 %
1) Source: AGOF.
2) Source: IVW.
3) Source: comScore, Unique Visitors, monthly average 2013.
4) Source: Company information.
Key Figures Paid Models
€ millions
2013
2012
Change
External revenues
1,521.5
1,582.9
– 3.9 %
Circulation revenues
Advertising revenues
Other revenues
759.1
664.0
98.5
814.7
– 6.8 %
675.8
– 1.8 %
92.3
6.6 %
National
1,115.3
1,187.5
– 6.1 %
Circulation revenues
Advertising revenues
International
Circulation revenues
Advertising revenues
EBITDA
National
International
577.5
480.5
406.2
181.6
183.5
250.1
195.9
54.1
610.2
– 5.4 %
513.9
– 6.5 %
395.4
2.7 %
204.6
– 11.2 %
161.9
13.3 %
301.8
– 17.1 %
257.9
– 24.0 %
44.0
23.2 %
EBITDA margin
16.4 %
19.1 %
National
International
17.6 %
21.7 %
13.3 %
11.1 %
At € 1,521.5 million, the total revenues of the segment
Paid Models were 3.9 % less than the prior-year figure
(PY: € 1,582.9 million). Adjusted for consolidation
effects, total revenues were 5.3 % less than the prior-year
figure. The 6.8 % decrease in circulation revenues to
€ 759.1 million (PY: € 814.7 million) was greater than the
decrease in advertising revenues, which amounted to
€ 664.0 million, indicative of a 1.8 % decrease from the
prior-year figure (PY: € 675.8 million). The decrease in
advertising revenues resulted from lower revenues from
sales of national and international print publications, as
well as consolidation effects associated with the sale of
the women’s magazines and TV program guides in
France in the middle of 2013. Adjusted for consolidation
effects, advertising revenues were 5.1 % less than the
corresponding prior-year figure. Declines in the advertis-
ing revenues of national and international print titles were
offset particularly by positive consolidation effects related
30
Annual Report 2013
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Economic report
Key Figures Marketing Models
€ millions
External revenues
Advertising revenues
Other revenues
Performance Marketing
Reach Based Marketing
2013
716.5
592.0
124.5
476.7
239.9
2012
Change
662.8
545.3
117.5
8.1 %
8.6 %
5.9 %
Classified Ad Models
The segment Classified Ad Models comprises all busi-
ness models that generate revenues primarily through
sales to companies and individuals that place job ads
and real estate ads.
Key Figures Classified Ad Models
456.6
4.4 %
206.2
16.3 %
€ millions
External revenues
Advertising revenues
Other revenues
2013
402.6
381.9
20.8
2012
Change
330.2
21.9 %
308.2
23.9 %
22.0
– 5.7 %
EBITDA
163.8
133.6
22.6 %
EBITDA margin
40.7 %
40.5 %
The segment Classified Ad Models registered the biggest
revenue growth of all the segments, with revenues of
€ 402.6 million, reflecting an increase of 21.9 % over the
prior-year figure (PY: € 330.2 million). This figure not only
reflects improved operating revenues, but also includes
consolidation effects associated with the first-time full-
year consolidation of Immoweb, meinestadt.de, To-
taljobs, and other subsidiaries. Adjusted for these effects,
segment revenues were 4.6 % higher than the corre-
sponding prior-year figure. Furthermore, most of the
23.9 % increase in advertising revenues, which rose to
€ 381.9 million (PY: € 308.2 million), was attributable to
consolidation effects. Adjusted for these effects, the
increase came to 5.5 %.
Like segment revenues, segment EBITDA was also con-
siderably higher than the prior-year figure, having risen
by 22.6 % to € 163.8 million (PY: € 133.6 million). The
EBITDA margin improved slightly to 40.7 % (PY: 40.5 %).
EBITDA1)
103.4
98.1
5.4 %
Performance Marketing
Reach Based Marketing
20.1
87.2
28.0
– 28.3 %
73.6
18.5 %
EBITDA margin1)
14.4 %
14.8 %
Performance Marketing
4.2 %
6.1 %
Reach Based Marketing
36.3 %
35.7 %
1) Total EBITDA includes costs of € 3.9 million in 2013 and € 3.5 million in 2012, not
allocated to the two pillars.
At € 716.5 million, the total revenues of the Marketing
Models segment were 8.1 % higher than the prior-year
figure (PY: € 662.8 million). Most of the revenue growth
resulted from the 8.6 % increase in advertising revenues,
to € 592.0 million (PY: € 545.3 million). This increase
was mainly attributable to Idealo, in the area of reach
marketing. On the other hand, the zanox group in the
area of performance marketing contributed most of the
5.9 % increase in other revenues, which rose to
€ 124.5 million (PY: € 117.5 million).
Despite higher expenses for establishing new business
models (€ -7.1 million as compared to PY: € -4.8 million),
segment EBITDA developed in line with revenues,
posting an increase of 5.4 % to € 103.4 million (PY:
€ 98.1 million). The EBITDA margin narrowed slightly
from 14.8 % to 14.4 %.
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Services/Holding
The Services/Holding segment comprises the service
and holding company functions of the Group. This seg-
ment also includes the central sales organization Axel
Springer Media Impact as well as circulation and printing
activities of the BILD Group and magazines, including
the three Group-owned national printing plants. This
segment is also responsible for all logistical activities of
the Axel Springer Group.
Key Figures Services/Holding
€ millions
External revenues
2013
160.8
2012
Change
161.4
– 0.4 %
EBITDA
– 63.0
– 34.8
-
At € 160.8 million, the external revenues of the Services/
Holding segment were nearly unchanged (– 0.4 %) from
the prior-year figure (PY: € 161.4 million).
By contrast, segment EBITDA was considerably less than
the prior-year figure. The decrease from € – 34.8 million to
€ – 63.0 million resulted primarily from higher restructuring
expenses (€ -21.3 million as compared to PY:
€ -1.4 million) and effects associated with the valuation of
share-based compensation programs (€ 22.3 million as
compared to PY: € 4.5 million).
Financial performance of discontinued
operations
Discontinued operations include the German regional
newspapers, TV program guides, and women’s maga-
zines, which are to be taken over by FUNKE Medien-
gruppe, as well as the business activities and equity
investments of Ringier Axel Springer Media in the Czech
Republic, which are to be sold to two Czech entrepre-
neurs (see page 25).
Discontinued Operations
€ millions
External revenues
2013
572.6
2012
Change
602.7
– 5.0 %
EBITDA
116.6
129.2
– 9.8 %
EBITDA margin
20.4 %
21.4 %
The decrease in the total revenues of discontinued oper-
ations to € 572.6 million (€ 602.7 million) resulted not only
from lower circulation revenues, but particularly also from
lower advertising revenues. At € 116.6 million, the earn-
ings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortiza-
tion (EBITDA) of discontinued operations were 9.8 % less
than the prior-year figure (PY: € 129.2 million), due to the
impact of lower circulation numbers on the operating
performance of the corresponding activities. The EBITDA
margin came to 20.4 % (PY: 21.4 %). Non-recurring fac-
tors such as gains or losses on sales of companies and
equity investments and depreciation, amortization, and
impairments related to purchase price allocations, for
example, are not included in EBITDA.
The consolidated net income from discontinued oper-
ations amounted to € 65.1 million (PY: € 85.0 million);
adjusted for non-recurring effects and depreciation,
amortization, and impairments related to purchase price
allocations, consolidated net income amounted to
€ 80.6 million (PY: € 89.3 million).
The earnings per share from discontinued operations
(basic = diluted) came to € 0.64 (PY: € 0.78). Based
on average weighted shares outstanding in 2013
(98.9 million), adjusted earnings per share from
discontinued operations (basic = diluted) declined from
€ 0.80 to € 0.73.
EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share are not defined
under International Financial Reporting Standards and
should therefore be regarded as supplementary information.
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Liquidity
Financial management
As a general rule, Axel Springer SE provides all financing
for the Axel Springer Group. This arrangement ensures
that the Group companies have sufficient liquidity at all
times. The overriding goal of financial management is to
provide cost-effective liquidity in the form of maturity-
matched financing.
Net Liquidity/Debt
€ millions
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial liabilities
Net liquidity/debt
2013
248.6
719.8
2012
254.1
703.7
– 471.3
– 449.6
The increase in the net debt presented as of Decem-
ber 31, 2013, in the amount of € 471.3 million (PY:
€ 449.6 million), resulted mainly from cash outflows for
company acquisitions related to the digitization and inter-
nationalization strategy. These outflows were only partially
offset by the cash flows from operating activities and from
the sale of 2.6 % of our shareholding in Do⁄an TV.
In addition to the promissory note bonds maturing in
April 2016 (in the nominal amount of € 269.5 million) and
in April 2018 (in the nominal amount of € 230.5 million),
Axel Springer has at its disposal a credit facility in the
amount of € 900.0 million, the drawdowns under which
are due and payable in September 2017. Both the prom-
issory note bond and the credit facility can be used for
general operating business purposes and for financing
acquisitions.
As of December 31, 2013, drawdowns on the existing
long-term credit facility amounted to € 150.0 million
(December 31, 2012: € 134.0 million). Unutilized
short-term and long-term credit facilities amounted
to € 770.0 million as of the reporting date (December
31, 2012: € 786.0 million).
Cash flows
The following presentation of cash flows also includes
discontinued operations.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
(Condensed)
€ millions
Cash flow from continuing operations
2013
423.4
2012
463.9
Cash flow from investing activities
– 178.8
– 572.7
Cash flow from financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents
– 210.9
33.7
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31
248.6
123.3
14.5
254.1
The cash flow from operating activities amounted to
€ 423.4 million (PY: € 463.9 million); of this amount,
€ 84.5 million (PY: € 90.5 million) was generated in dis-
continued operations. This development resulted mainly
from the performance of the Group’s operating activities
and from payments in respect of virtual stock options
that were exercised in financial year 2013.
The cash flow from investing activities amounted to
€ – 178.8 million (PY: € – 572.7 million); of which
€ 3.9 million (PY: € 3.7 million) were generated in
discontinued operations. Cash outflows of € 115.2 million
were mainly related to the acquisitions of Saongroup and
YourCareerGroup, and to ongoing investment activities.
This figure also contains cash inflows of € 61.6 million
related to the sale of 2.6 % of the Group’s shareholding
in Do⁄an TV. The cash outflow of € – 572.7 million in the
prior year was mainly influenced by the acquisitions of
Totaljobs, meinestadt.de, Immoweb, and Onet.
The cash flow from financing activities in the amount of
€ – 210.9 million (PY: € 123.3 million), accounted entirely
on the continuing operations and resulted mainly from the
dividend paid to the shareholders of Axel Springer SE
and from the payment of € 25.0 million in cash to Axel
Springer Pensionstreuhand e. V. to cover the company’s
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pension obligations. The prior-year figure also contained
the receipt of the purchase price from the sale of a 30 %
equity interest in Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH
to General Atlantic (€ 237.0 million), the cash payments
received from General Atlantic to finance the acquisitions
of Totaljobs, meinestadt.de, and Immoweb, and those
received from Ringier to finance the acquisition of Onet,
which are presented within other financing activities.
Financial position
The following presentation also includes the separately
presented assets and liabilities attributable to discontin-
ued operations.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Condensed)
€ millions
Non-current assets1)
Current assets1)
Assets
Equity
Non-current liabilities1)
Current liabilities1)
Equity and liabilities
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
3,680.2
3,868.3
1,093.6
939.9
4,773.8
4,808.2
2,244.0
2,253.1
1,601.7
1,628.9
928.1
926.1
4,773.8
4,808.2
1) Regarding the adjustment of the prior-year figures see note (13)
At € 4,773.8 million, the total assets presented in the
consolidated statement of financial position were
virtually unchanged from the prior-year figure (PY:
€ 4,808.2 million).
The decrease in non-current assets to € 3,680.2 million
(December 31, 2012: € 3,868.3 million) resulted mainly
from the reclassification of noncurrent assets held for
sale (€ 160.4 million). On the other hand, intangible as-
sets (including goodwill) in the total amount of € 132.8
million were recognized in connection with the provision-
al allocation of the purchase costs for the acquisitions of
Saongroup and YourCareerGroup. Noncurrent financial
assets were € 37.0 million less than the corresponding
prior-year figure, mainly due to the sale of 2.6 % of our
shareholding in Do⁄an TV. A countervailing effect result-
ed from the revaluation of our investment in iProperty,
which was recognized in equity, not in profit or loss.
Noncurrent other assets declined from € 78.4 million to
€ 53.1 million; this decrease resulted almost entirely from
the receipt of further purchase price installments for the
sale of regional newspaper investments in 2009.
The increase in current assets to € 1,093.6 million (De-
cember 31, 2012: € 939.9 million) resulted mainly from
the reclassification of noncurrent assets held for sale
(€ 160.4 million) and from the lower amount of trade
receivables.
The equity of € 2,244.0 million was less than the
corresponding figure as of December 31, 2012
(€ 2,253.1 million), particularly as a result of effects resulting
from the currency translation of international subsidiaries,
in the amount of € 65.4 million, which are recognized in
other comprehensive income. A partially offsetting increase
was contributed by consolidated net income, which
was higher than the dividend paid for financial year 2012
(€ 167.9 million). The equity ratio was nearly unchanged,
at 47.0 % (PY: 46.9 %).
The decrease in noncurrent provisions and liabilities to
€ 1,601.7 million (December 31, 2012: € 1,628.9 million)
resulted mainly from the reclassification of noncurrent
liabilities related to assets held for sale (€ 40.8 million),
and from the decrease in pension provisions, due to the
further contributions to plan assets made in financial
year 2013.
The current provisions and liabilities of € 928.1 million
were nearly unchanged from the prior-year figure
(December 31, 2012: € 926.1 million). The increase re-
sulting both from the reclassification of non-current liabili-
ties related to assets held for sale (€ 40.8 million) and
from the higher provisions for structural measures was
largely offset by a decrease in tax liabilities and by the
repayment of current financial liabilities.
Assets in the amount of € 215.9 million and liabilities in
the amount of € 90.8 million were classified as held-for-
sale and presented separately within current assets and
liabilities. They comprise the net assets attributable to the
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German regional newspapers, TV program guides, and
women’s magazines, and to the business activities to be
sold in the Czech Republic. Besides intangible assets of
€ 128.6 million (particularly brand rights, customer lists,
and goodwill), the items reclassified in this connection
mainly consist of cash funds (€ 27.6 million) and property,
plant, and equipment (€ 22.3 million), other liabilities
(€ 32.4 million), pension provisions (€ 19.3 million), and
deferred tax liabilities (€ 18.6 million).
Non-financial performance indicators
Employees
Axel Springer had an average of 12,843 employees
(excluding vocational trainees and journalism stu-
dents/interns) in 2013 (PY: 12,080). The 6.3 % increase
over the prior-year figure resulted primarily from newly
consolidated companies and the expansion of digital
activities. Outside of Germany, Axel Springer had an
average of 5,281 employees (PY: 4,516), corresponding
to 41.1 % (PY: 37.4 %) of the Group’s total workforce.
On average, 5,482 of the Group’s total workforce were
women and 7,362 were men. The number of reporters
and editors declined by 2.5 % to 2,797. The number of
salaried employees rose by a total of 11.0 % to 9,167,
mainly due to expanded activities and new acquisitions
in the digital sector.
On average, 1,615 (PY: 1,570) employees worked in the
area of discontinued operations.
Length of service and age structure
As of December 31, 2013, the average length of service
with the German companies of the Axel Springer Group
was 10.4 (PY: 10.8) years; 46.3 % (PY: 49.3 %) of em-
ployees have worked for the company for longer than ten
years. More than half of all employees are between 30
and 49 years of age. On average for the year, seriously
handicapped persons represented 3.7 % (PY: 3.8 %) of
the total employees of the Group’s German companies.
Equal opportunity and diversity
Axel Springer promotes the development of all its em-
ployees equally. Thus in 2010, Axel Springer launched a
new, Group-wide project entitled “Opportunities:Equal!”
to increase the percentage of women in senior manage-
ment positions, so as to achieve a better balance be-
tween women and men in the company’s management.
The objective of this program is to increase the percent-
age of women on all management levels to more than
30 %, as a company-wide average. Instead of a uniform
quota, we adopted individual targets for each area of the
company. As of December 31, 2013, women held 25.8 %
of management positions at Axel Springer’s companies
in Germany.
Employees by Segments (continuing operations)
Average number per year
2013
20121)
Change
Paid Models
5,882
5,683
Marketing Models
1,882
1,737
Classified Ad Models
1,826
1,352
Services/Holding
3,253
3,308
Group
12,843
12,080
3.5 %
8.4 %
35.0 %
– 1.7 %
6.3 %
1) Values for the year 2012 were adjusted to reflect the changed reporting structure.
The increase in the Paid Models segment resulted mainly
from the expansion of international activities. In the Mar-
keting Models segment, the increase resulted from the
growth of reach-based marketing activities. The strongest
growth occurred in the Classified Ad Models segment,
mainly due to acquisitions, but also to organic growth.
Personnel development
The training and continuing education activities of Per-
sonnel Development have been closely aligned with the
requirements of the digitization movement in prior years,
and this focus was intensified in the past year. More than
one third of the continuing education program in 2014
consists of newly developed training courses that cover
various aspects of the digital transformation. Together
with the formats and seminars that have already been
successfully established, the new personnel develop-
ment activities are clearly focused on digital content.
Research and development
Axel Springer does not have a traditional research and
development department of the kind that industrial en-
terprises maintain. With the support of Central Strategic
Product Development, all areas of the company con-
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stantly strive to optimize their existing products and
introduce innovative new products to the market. Above
all, we seek to continuously expand our portfolio with
innovations in the digital sector, as well as new print
formats, besides continuously improving our editorial
content and upgrading our journalistic excellence. In that
regard, we pay especially close attention to identifying
changing media usage habits as early as possible.
Technology platform for paid content offerings
As in prior years, we systematically upgraded our paid
content platforms in 2013. In connection with the intro-
duction of BILDplus, new components allowing for flexible
management were added to the Content Management
System of Bild.de. Thus, any content can be designated
as a BILDplus article and reserved for paying customers.
In addition, BILDplus introduced the single sign-on ser-
vice myPass, which is based on a completely new infra-
structure for multi-platform customer processes and
payments. With this service, subscribers only need to log-
in once to access all the digital products of BILD and
WELT.
Bild.de took other important steps in 2013, particularly
with respect to marketing cooperation arrangements. For
example, external partners can now use a flexible web
service interface to market the offerings of BILDplus.
Digital subscriptions are now also available as a rate-plan
option under mobile phone contracts, with pre-installed
trial subscriptions on selected terminal devices.
The cross-media integration of media offerings is being
supported by innovative printing technologies. For ex-
ample, hybrid newspaper printing has been developed
and implemented for the first time in the Ahrensburg
printing plant. In the world’s first-ever pilot installation of
this kind, conventional offset printing is combined with
digital high-speed ink-jet printing, so that variable data
can be printed into static content efficiently, at full pro-
duction speed. Digital printing makes it possible to give
paying customers of BILD and BILD am SONNTAG free
access to the BILDplus brand subscription. This tech-
nology also makes it possible to produce different or
tailored versions of advertising campaigns, because
static advertising content can be enriched with variable
information and graphical components.
Further development of marketing services
In the area of performance marketing, zanox upgraded
its market-leading tracking technology by introducing a
solution for tracking display ads. Because zanox TPV
Fingerprint Tracking (TPV = True Post View) does not rely
on the use of cookies, it represents a precise and reliable
alternative when cookies are deleted, deactivated, or
blocked by browser settings. This new feature comple-
ments zanox’s existing portfolio of ID, cookie, and fin-
gerprint tracking solutions.
Further development of classified portals
In the area of classified portals, Immonet modernized the
presentation of its search results list and ventured into an
adjacent business line through a strategic cooperation
arrangement with Asset Profiler, a closed marketplace
platform for investment projects. Furthermore,
meinestadt.de launched a service for centrally managing
the online marketing activities of small and medium-sized
businesses.
StepStone introduced the DirectSearch Database, a
profile database equipped with innovative search and
matching technology, which offers an effective and
simple way to communicate directly with qualified
job-seekers.
Sustainability and social responsibility
For Axel Springer, sustainability is the nexus between
economic success and conduct that is both environmen-
tally responsible and socially fair. These three criteria are
firmly anchored in the company’s business strategy.
Therefore, sustainability is an integral part of all the com-
pany’s business processes. The Sustainability Depart-
ment supports all the company’s activities in this area,
ranging from resource efficiency measures to social
responsibility initiatives. This department reports directly
to the Executive Board Chairman. Through our sustain-
ability strategy, we exercise responsibility for current and
future generations and establish the foundation for long-
term business success.
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Axel Springer began to publish environmental perfor-
mance reports already in the mid-1990s, and has pub-
lished sustainability reports since 2000. Since 2005, the
company has published a biennial Sustainability Report
based on the complete list of sustainability indicators of
the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the internationally
relevant format for sustainability reporting. A new addi-
tion to the GRI is the “Media Sector Supplement” (GRI+),
which is documented in the company’s latest Sustain-
ability Report for the first time. This section provides
additional indicators that are reflective of the specific
issues encountered by journalism companies. Axel
Springer’s sustainability reports are audited by inde-
pendent auditors. The current Sustainability Report,
which was published at the end of 2012, can be found
on our website at www.sustainability.axelspringer.com.
The new Sustainability Report will appear in mid-2014.
General assessment of the company’s
financial performance, liquidity, and
financial position by the Executive
Board
Axel Springer continued to systematically implement the
strategy of digital transformation in financial year 2013.
We advanced the digitization process both through
organic growth and through acquisitions. In addition, the
company’s transformation will be accelerated further as
a result of the agreed sale of the German regional news-
papers, TV program guides, and women’s magazines,
as soon as this is completed. As expected, EBITDA and
adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations
were adversely affected by the expenditures for structur-
al adjustment measures and for the expansion
of the digital business.
Considering the strong cash flow, the still exceedingly
solid balance sheet structure, and the cost-effective
financing options available to the company, Axel Springer
finds itself in an excellent position to generate future growth,
both through organic growth and through acquisitions.
We continue to believe that the path of systematic digiti-
zation is the right strategy for assuring and further im-
proving the company’s profitability in the future.
Financial performance, liquidity, and financial position
(continuing operations)
Group Key Figures (Selection, in €
millions)
Total revenues
EBITDA1)
EBITDA margin1)
Total dividends2)
Dividend per share (in €)2)
Tax rate
Consolidated net income
Consolidated net income, adjusted3)
Earnings per share, adjusted (in €)3)4)
Net debt/liquidity
Free cash flow5)
2013
2012
2,801.4
2,737.3
454.3
498.8
16.2 %
18.2 %
178.1
1.80
167.9
1.70
33.0 %
32.8 %
178.6
229.8
1.81
190.7
258.6
2.20
– 471.3
– 449.6
326.7
384.4
1) Adjusted for non-recurring effects.
2) Dividend proposal for financial year 2013.
3) Adjusted for non-recurring effects and amortization and impairments from pur-
chase price allocations.
4) For all years indicated herein, the adjusted basic/diluted earnings per share were
calculated on the basis of weighted average shares outstanding in the given finan-
cial year (98.9 million).
5) Cash flow from operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus cash inflows on
disposal of intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment (thereof from
discontinued operations € 80.8 million (previous year: € 87.1 million).
37
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Economic position of Axel Springer SE
Economic position of Axel Springer SE
€ millions
Revenues
Net income
Transfers to retained earnings1)
Total dividends1)
Dividend per share (in €)1) 2)
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
1,442.8
1,507.1
1,551.2
1,576.6
1,588.3
186.4
8.3
178.1
1.80
371.9
204.0
167.9
1.70
260.2
161.3
92.6
4.0
167.6
157.3
1.70
1.60
323.1
165.4
131.2
1.47
1) The amount of the dividend for 2013 is subject to the condition of approval by the annual shareholders’ meeting.
2) The dividend per share for the years 2009 and 2010 was adjusted to account for the share split conducted in 2011.
Introductory remarks
The management report of the parent company Axel
Springer SE, Berlin, is combined with the management
report of the Axel Springer Group. The following state-
ments are based on the separate financial statements of
Axel Springer SE, which were prepared in accordance
with the regulations of the German Commercial Code
and the German Stock Corporations Act. The separate
financial statements of Axel Springer SE and the present
management report will be announced in the Electronic
Federal Gazette and published on the website of Axel
Springer SE.
Business activity
Axel Springer SE is the parent company of the Axel
Springer Group.
The Group’s major print publications are editorially pro-
duced and distributed by Axel Springer SE. The news-
papers are printed by the company’s own printing plants
in Ahrensburg, Berlin, and Essen, and by outside printing
companies.
In addition, Axel Springer SE maintains extensive supplier
and service relationships with subsidiaries and other
related parties. Purchased services mainly include print-
ing services, administrative services, property manage-
ment, direct marketing, editorial services, as well as
distribution and insurance services.
Services rendered include the supply of published prod-
ucts and paper and the provision of general administra-
tive and IT services.
As a general rule, Axel Springer SE provides financing to
the Group companies, as part of its Group-wide liquidity
management program. Profit/loss transfer agreements
are in effect with a number of German Group companies.
Financial performance
Income Statement (Condensed)
€ millions
Revenues
Other operating income
2013
2012
1,442.8
1,507.1
133.4
117.8
Purchased goods and services
– 368.3
– 387.2
Personnel expenses
– 481.3
– 441.5
Amortization, depreciation and impairments
of intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment
Other operating expenses
– 34.0
– 33.2
– 550.5
– 523.8
Net income from non-current financial assets
111.9
258.9
Net interest income
Profit from ordinary activities
Taxes
Net income
Transfers to retained earnings
Distributable profit
– 24.5
– 40.5
229.5
457.6
– 43.1
– 85.7
186.4
371.9
– 8.3
– 185.9
178.1
186.0
The revenues generated in financial year 2013 were less
than the prior-year figure. Circulation revenues declined
by 4.2 % to € 803.2 million, and advertising revenues
(€ 494.3 million) fell by 6.5 %. On the other hand, the
other revenues of € 145.3 million were 3.8 % higher
than the corresponding prior-year figure.
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Economic position of Axel Springer SE
Liquidity
At € 587.4 million, the net debt (liabilities due to banks
and promissory note bonds, less cash and cash equiva-
lents) was on the level of the prior-year figure.
As of December 31, 2013, unutilized short-term and
long-term credit facilities amounted to € 770.0 million
(PY: € 786.0 million). The credit facilities can be used
both for general business purposes and for financing
acquisitions.
Financial position
Balance Sheet (Condensed)
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Intangible assets, and property. plant, and
equipment
245.8
253.0
Non-current financial assets
3,231.9
3,055.0
Trade receivables
Receivables from affiliated companies
Cash and cash equivalents
Other assets
Total assets
Equity
Provisions
136.9
42.7
62.6
166.4
151.4
194.1
45.5
193.8
3,886.3
3,892.8
1,552.4
1,529.0
375.8
407.9
Liabilities due to banks and promissory
note bonds
650.0
634.0
Liabilities to affiliated companies
1,160.1
1,170.5
Other liabilities
148.0
151.4
Total equity and liabilities
3,886.3
3,892.8
The cost of purchased goods and services was less than
the prior-year figure, due to the lower expenses for paper
and printing services, falling by € 18.9 million to
€ 368.3 million. At roughly 26 %, the ratio of purchased
goods and services to total revenues was little changed
from the prior year.
The personnel expenses of € 481.3 million were 9.0 %
higher than the prior-year figure. This increase was main-
ly caused by higher expenses for restructuring measures
and for share-based compensation. The average number
of employees declined by 3.8 %, from 4,451 in the prior
year to 4,282 in financial year 2013.
Net income from financial investments amounted to
€ 111.9 million (PY: € 258.9 million). The decrease re-
sulted in part from the € 208.9 million decline in profit
transfers from subsidiaries, which had been influenced
in the prior year particularly by intra-Group sales of equity
investments in connection with the bundling of activities
related to online classifieds (Axel Springer Digital Classi-
fieds). In addition, the figure for financial year 2013 in-
cludes higher impairments of financial investments
(+ € 20.3 million). As a countervailing effect, the income
from equity investments rose by € 84.2 million to
€ 105.2 million. This increase was mainly caused by the
profit distributions of subsidiaries in connection with the
agreed sale of German regional newspapers, TV program
guides, and women’s magazines to FUNKE Mediengruppe.
The net interest result (€ – 24.5 million) was
€ 16.0 million higher than the prior-year figure, particular-
ly due to the fact that the prior-year figure included ex-
penses of financial derivatives.
Income from ordinary activities amounted to
€ 229.5 million in financial year 2013 (PY: € 457.6 million).
After tax expenses, the consolidated net income for
financial year 2013 amounted to € 186.4 million (PY:
€ 371.9 million).
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Economic position of Axel Springer SE
Net assets declined slightly to € 3,886.3 million in finan-
cial year 2013. Non-current assets amounted to
€ 3,477.7 million (PY: € 3,308.0 million) and accounted
for 89.5 % (PY: 85.0 %) of total assets. Non-current
assets were backed by equity at the rate of 44.6 % (PY:
46.2 %).
The € 176.9 million increase in financial investments to
€ 3,231.9 million resulted primarily from payments to the
capital reserves of subsidiaries to finance acquisitions
and optimize Group-wide financing structures. The
€ 151.4 million decrease in receivables due from affiliat-
ed companies is also related to these measures.
The category of other assets was influenced by a further
payment of € 25.0 million on the deferred purchase price
for the regional newspaper investments sold in financial
year 2009.
The company’s equity of € 1,552.4 million was
€ 23.4 million higher than the prior-year figure. As of the
reporting date, the equity ratio came to 39.9 % (PY: 39.3 %).
The provisions were € 32.1 million less than the prior-
year figure. The decrease was mainly caused by the
€ 23.2 million decline in pension provisions, as a result
of further contributions to pension plan assets, and by
the € 15.6 million reduction in tax provisions. The main
countervailing factor was the increase in provisions for
structural measures.
Profit utilization proposal
The Supervisory Board and Executive Board propose
that the company use the distributable profit of
€ 178.1 million (PY: € 186.0 million) to pay a dividend
of € 1.80 (PY: € 1.70) per qualifying share for financial
year 2013.
The company does not currently hold any treasury
shares, so that all the company’s shares qualify for divi-
dends. However, the number of shares qualifying for
dividends may be reduced in the time remaining before
the annual shareholders’ meeting. In that case, an ad-
justed profit utilization proposal will be submitted to the
annual shareholders’ meeting, without changing the
target dividend of € 1.80 per qualifying share.
Dependency Report
The Executive Board of Axel Springer SE submitted the
Dependency Report prescribed by Section 312 of the
German Stock Corporations Act (AktG) to the Superviso-
ry Board and made the following concluding statement:
“According to the circumstances known to the manage-
ment at the time of each transaction with an affiliated
company, Axel Springer SE received adequate consider-
ation for every such transaction and did not take, or fail
to take, any actions in the reporting period, either at the
behest or in the interest of the controlling company or a
company affiliated with the controlling company.”
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Events after the reporting date
Events after the reporting date
The acquisition of a 100 % equity interest in the TV news
station N24 was finalized after the necessary approval
under cartel law and media law was granted in February
2014 (for more information on this subject, see No. (2c)
in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Among other things, the composition agreement con-
cluded between Deutsche Bank AG and the Kirch side
provided that an amount of € 775 million plus interest will
be paid to the Kirch side. As a creditor in the insolvency
proceedings of the Kirch Group (particularly including
KirchMedia GmbH & Co. KGaA i.I.), Axel Springer SE
expects to receive a payment from the insolvency
administrator. At the present time, it is not possible to
make a reliable statement concerning the amount and
timing of this payment.
Aside from the foregoing, no significant events occurred
after the reporting date.
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Report on risks and opportunities
Report on risks and opportunities
are consistently aligned with the company’s objectives
and the inherent risks associated with them.
With the goal of assuring the sustained interoperability of
the various sub-systems, the coordination and reporting
of risk management, compliance management, and the
internal control system are handled by the Corporate
Office of Governance, Risk & Compliance.
Generally speaking, Axel Springer’s risk management
system is designed to detect all significant and existential
risks at the earliest possible time. Thus, Axel Springer
should always be able to react promptly to risks in ac-
cordance with its risk policy principles and strategies,
and subsequently monitor both the risks and the counter
measures adopted in every case. This approach gives us
the necessary maneuvering room and allows for the
controlled and responsible management of risks.
We categorize risks as strategic and operational risks,
risks related to internal and external reporting, and risks
pertaining to compliance with internal guidelines and
external regulations. Insofar as possible, risks are as-
sessed quantitatively with reference to the parameters
“loss amount” and “probability of occurrence”. In the
interest of keeping a focus on decision-relevant issues,
a materiality limit is defined every year on the Group level,
based on EBITDA.
A theoretical threat to the company’s survival as a going
concern is assessed with reference to the possible gross
loss amount and the resulting effect on the financial
position and liquidity of the Group.
Based on the classification scheme described above,
risks are assigned to one of the following risks classes:
existential risks, significant risks, risks to be monitored,
and other risks.
Risk policy principles and risk strategy
At Axel Springer, we define risks as the possibility of
negative deviations of actual business performance from
the planned targets or objectives, while opportunities
represent the possibility of positive deviations. The risk
policy principles and risk strategy of Axel Springer are
closely aligned and coordinated with the business strat-
egy and business objectives. We do not seek to avoid
risks at all costs, but to carefully weigh the opportunities
and risks associated with our business activities, from a
well-informed perspective. Accordingly, opportunities
should be systematically exploited and risks should be
assumed only if they remain within appropriate limits that
are acceptable to the company and create additional
opportunities to generate income or sustainably increase
the company’s value. Thus, risks should be limited to a
level deemed acceptable by the company’s manage-
ment by taking appropriate measures, be transferred to
third parties in full or in part, or, in those cases where risk
mitigation is not considered advisable, be avoided or
monitored closely. All employees are duty-bound to
handle risks responsibly within their own area of respon-
sibility.
Group-wide risk management system
In accordance with national and international require-
ments, we continued the process of establishing the
individual components of our internal monitoring system
(risk management, compliance management, internal
control system, and internal audit), and adapted them to
reflect the changed corporate environment. Particular
emphasis was given to refining or further optimizing the
functionality of existing processes.
In terms of its fundamental design, the risk management
system is modeled after the internationally recognized
“Enterprise Risk Management Framework” developed by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Tradeway
Commission (COSO). This framework links the risk man-
agement process with the internal control system. The
application of his comprehensive approach, in our view,
ensures that risk management and monitoring activities
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Risk Matrix of Axel Springer SE
Critical Risks
Significant Risks
Risks to be Monitored
Other Risks
very
high
50 %
high
25 %
medium
10 %
low
5 %
very
low
e
c
n
e
r
r
u
c
c
O
f
o
y
t
i
l
i
b
a
b
o
r
P
Extent of Damage (€ millions)
very
low
low
medium
high
very
high
0.5
2.5
5
10
400
To ensure the greatest possible transparency in the
presentation of Axel Springer’s risk situation, all identified
risks are assessed both prior to the implementation of
risk management measures (gross risk assessment),
and after the corresponding measures are taken (net risk
assessment).
While overall responsibility for risk management lies
with the Executive Board, the various divisions and
affiliated companies of the Group are primarily respon-
sible for the management of individual risks, including
the early detection, assessment, management, and
documentation of risks, as well as the adoption and
implementation of appropriate countermeasures and
the related communications.
The senior managers of the divisions and subsidiaries
bear content responsibility for conducting risk manage-
ment in their division or company. In addition to the
annual structured risk inventory, they are obligated to
continuously monitor the risk situation of their division or
company and detect any changes. Significant changes
in the division-specific risk situation must be reported
immediately to the Corporate Office of Governance,
Risk & Compliance and to the Executive Board.
This decentralized risk inventory process is supplement-
ed by a centralized risk inventory, which is conducted in
the form of a systematic procedure involving top manag-
ers, under the direction of the Group-wide Risk Manager.
The goal of this procedure is to identify and assess risks
that are not specific to operating divisions or processes,
and so fill in any gaps in the risk inventory, by employing
a specialized methodology.
The Corporate Risk Manager is assigned to the Corpo-
rate Office of Governance, Risk & Compliance. He su-
pervises all necessary risk management activities, aggre-
gates the risks on the Group level, judges the plausibility,
and verifies the completeness of reported risks. He is
also responsible for the constant optimization of the risk
management system and the web-based data process
solution employed on a Group-wide basis. The semian-
nual and ad-hoc risk reports submitted to the Executive
Board and Supervisory Board are focused primarily on
existential risks and significant risks, along with the coun-
termeasures adopted in every case, and suitable early
warning indicators, to the extent they are available.
The risk management system, including the responsibili-
ties for the various activities, is documented in a Corpo-
rate Guideline, which is reviewed at least once a year
and adjusted when necessary by the Corporate Office
of Governance, Risk & Compliance.
At present, we do not intend to survey and document
entrepreneurial opportunities systematically in the con-
text of our risk management system. Instead, business
opportunities are taken up and documented as part of
the strategy and budgeting process.
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Internal audit system
Axel Springer SE has a Corporate Internal Audit Depart-
ment that conducts its work independently of instruc-
tions and processes, on the basis of internal rules of
procedure adopted by the Executive Board. The Corpo-
rate Internal Audit Department is designed to fulfill the
relevant national and international standards of profes-
sional practice.
Based on a risk-oriented audit plan, the Corporate Inter-
nal Audit Department continuously reviews the adequacy
and functional effectiveness of the risk management
system and internal control system, among other matters.
Report on the (consolidated) financial
reporting-related risk management
system and internal control system
pursuant to Section 289 (5) and Section
315 (2) (5) HGB
The (consolidated) financial reporting-related risk man-
agement system and the connected internal control
system are important elements of the internal manage-
ment system of Axel Springer SE, which is also based on
the internationally recognized framework of the Commit-
tee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tradeway Com-
mission (COSO). As emphasized in the concept, the
effective interplay of the risk management system and
internal control system is meant to ensure the effective-
ness and economic efficiency of the Group’s business
activities, as well as the completeness and reliability of its
financial reporting. The (consolidated) financial reporting-
related risk management system and internal control
system comprise all organizational regulations and
measures aimed at the detection and management of
risks related to financial reporting. With a view to the
(consolidated) financial reporting process, the internal
control system is meant to ensure that the Group’s fi-
nancial reports convey a true and fair view of the financial
position, liquidity, and financial performance of Axel
Springer SE and the Axel Springer Group, in compliance
with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards. How-
ever, even an effective, and therefore adequate and well-
functioning internal control system cannot guarantee the
prevention or detection of all irregularities or inaccurate
disclosures.
We consider the following elements of the risk manage-
ment system and internal control system to be significant
with respect to the (consolidated) financial reporting
process:
Processes for identifying, assessing, and document-
ing all significant financial reporting-related processes
and risk areas, including the corresponding key con-
trols. Such processes include financial and account-
ing processes, as well as administrative and opera-
tional business processes that generate important
information used in the preparation of the separate
and consolidated financial statements, including the
management reports of the parent company and the
Group.
Process-integrated controls (computer-aided controls
and access restrictions, dual control principle, separa-
tion of functions, analytical controls).
Standardized financial accounting processes, through
the use of an internal, Group-wide Shared Services
Center for most of the consolidated German compa-
nies of the Group.
Group-wide accounting directives in the form of
accounting guidelines, charts of accounts, and
reporting procedures.
Quarterly communication of information to all consoli-
dated Group companies on current developments
related to accounting and the process of preparing
the financial statements, as well as the reporting
deadlines to be observed.
Assuring the requisite expertise of employees involved
in the financial reporting process by means of appro-
priate selection procedures and training.
Centralized preparation of the consolidated financial
statements, employing manual and computer-system
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controls in respect of financial reporting-specific con-
nections and dependencies.
Protection of financial reporting-related IT systems
against unauthorized access, by means of access
restrictions.
Monthly internal reports (complete income statement,
statement of financial position, cash flow statement)
and monthly reports on all cost units of the Group,
including analysis and reporting of significant devel-
opments and budget/actual variances.
Market and competition risks
The fears caused by the debt crisis in numerous European
countries, resulting from the substantial over-indebtedness
of individual countries, have largely subsided. While
stronger economic growth is forecast for Germany, the
euro zone in its entirety is recovering only slowly. The
fact that individual countries are currently not able to
correct their deficits is causing a growing chasm be-
tween euro zone countries. There is also considerable
uncertainty pertaining to the future development of China,
as an economic power that still holds considerable im-
portance for the global economy.
The effectiveness of the (consolidated) financial reporting-
related risk management system and internal control
system is systematically reviewed and assessed by
means of periodic control tests; a Group-wide reporting
system ensures that up-to-date information is provided
on a regular basis to the division heads, Executive Board,
and Supervisory Board.
Both the risk management system and the internal con-
trol system are continuously refined. For example, the
financial reporting-related control system is being inte-
grated, extending beyond the area of accounting, on a
step-by-step basis into a comprehensive system of
internal corporate monitoring. By that means, we syn-
chronize and optimize our control elements on a cross-
divisional basis, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and
economic efficiency of the entire system.
Risk areas
Unless otherwise indicated, the risks described below
could have significant effects on the business activity of
Axel Springer and therefore also on whether and when
we achieve our business objectives. Within the risk cate-
gories described below, risks are presented in the order
of their priority for Axel Springer.
The risks described below mainly refer to the 2014 fore-
cast period, insofar as they do not influence long-term
strategic objectives.
A renewed economic downturn within the euro zone
could have a negative impact on economic growth gen-
erally and could lead to a significant deterioration of the
revenue situation of our customers, and result in slower
growth of the online market. In such a scenario, the
decline of Axel Springer’s print advertising revenues
could even accelerate. Besides reducing advertising
revenues in Germany, a negative development of the
general market environment could also reduce the
Group’s advertising revenues in central and eastern
Europe, and it therefore represents a risk for all the
segments of Axel Springer SE.
Furthermore, the general market situation is still charac-
terized by intense competition pressure. The entry of
new competing titles and formats into the market expos-
es the Axel Springer Group to the risk of lost revenues
and market shares in the circulation and advertising
business. This risk could be exacerbated particularly by
additional free content offerings in the digital environment.
Our print advertising revenues could also be reduced by
the loss of major commercial customers, who are in-
creasingly shifting their advertising budgets to radio and
TV. The above-mentioned market risks are exacerbated
by changing consumption and reading habits, primarily
due to demographic change.
Another source of persistent uncertainty pertains to the
intensified competition between traditional print media
and other types of media. Above all, the growing im-
portance and use of the Internet tends to permanently
reduce the revenues of print publications.
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The total paid circulation of BILD and BILD am SONNTAG
declined again in 2013. Nonetheless, the high proportion
of Group-wide revenues contributed by BILD and the
entire BILD family of brands poses a particular risk,
which will rise further as a result of the agreed sale of
Axel Springer’s TV program guides, women’s magazines,
and regional titles to FUNKE Mediengruppe, as well as
the sale of our Czech print activities. The possibility can-
not be ruled out that the success of our BILD titles could
be permanently impaired by external factors, which
would have a correspondingly adverse effect on the
Group’s overall financial position, liquidity, and financial
performance.
The above-mentioned general market risks are moni-
tored and minimized primarily through management on
the operational level and through constant observation of
the market and the competition. In addition, we are
actively pursuing the digitization of our business, ex-
panding our product portfolio both nationally and interna-
tionally, and continuously upgrading our journalistic and
technological expertise. Furthermore, changing customer
needs can be accommodated by means of product
innovations, accompanied by incentives and other prod-
uct-related measures, such as sales-promoting givea-
ways and special inserts offered at an extra cost, includ-
ing DVDs, CDs, and audio books, for example.
In the area of advertising revenues, the growing use of
ad blockers poses a serious risk. Depending on how
they are installed by the user, these browser add-ons
prevent ads from being displayed on visited web pages.
The continued spread of ad blockers could lead to sub-
stantial declines in advertising revenues, especially in our
performance-oriented business models. As a means of
minimizing this risk, we are currently conducting a joint
information campaign with our advertising partners, to
raise awareness for this problem within the advertising
industry. We are also exploring legal and technological
options for effectively addressing the problem of ad
blockers.
Our Marketing Models and Classified Ad Models seg-
ments are additionally confronted with the risk arising
from the dominant position of major Internet search
engines. If, for example, the search engines were to alter
their search algorithms or use their own websites to
broaden their offerings and so compete, in some cases,
with our own business activities or those of our affiliated
companies, that could have a serious impact on the
future revenue performance of certain business activities,
particularly including the marketing activities of Axel
Springer. For certain business models, even a small loss
of visibility on search result pages can lead to significant
declines in revenues and earnings.
We counter this risk by means of targeted ad place-
ments on search engine pages, as well as professional
search engine optimization and the further expansion of
the Group’s social media activities. Furthermore, we are
constantly taking steps to reinforce the brands and offer-
ings of Axel Springer SE, so that their usage will not be
as dependent on services provided by third parties,
particularly search engines and networks. Through the
constant further development and expansion of our apps
for iPhones and iPads, among other devices, we are
continuously increasing the degree of digitization of Axel
Springer’s media and implementing our strategy of be-
coming the leading digital publisher. By means of acqui-
sitions, new company start-ups, and the expansion of
existing digital media, we will strive to adapt to changes
in the media world and further promote the cross-media
networking and integration of our brands. (For more
information on this subject, please refer to the report on
the operating segments, beginning on page 12, and the
report on the financial performance of the segments,
starting on page 28).
Political and legal risks
In the last few months, the already pronounced concerns
of the public, politicians, and consumer protection or-
ganizations in matters of data protection have become
even more prominent. This development has been
caused by two factors, the first being the public debate
regarding the use of the personal data of German citi-
zens by foreign intelligence services, and the second
being the practice of social networks, search engines,
and other online platforms to collect the data entered
by users and use it for their own commercial purposes.
Even where such actions fall within legally admissible
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limits, parts of the public and certain interest groups
(including consumer protection organizations, among
others) have successfully argued that consumers’ right to
privacy should always take precedence over commercial
interests, and that current legislation does not fully pro-
tect this right. For this reason, among others, consumer
protection and data privacy proposals have gained sig-
nificance in the legislative and executive bodies of the
German states and the German Federal Government,
and on the European level as well. This trend is particu-
larly worrisome for digital business models, because they
are almost entirely reliant upon the use of data. The
resulting uncertainty has been exacerbated particularly
by the advanced stage of legislative deliberations on the
subject of a fundamental data privacy regulation on the
level of the European Union. Specifically, such a regula-
tion would affect the use of so-called “cookies” and
similar technologies, the permissibility of generating user
profiles (profiling and tracking), and other business-
promoting measures that necessitate the use of personal
data without prior consent. Furthermore, recent regulato-
ry proposals are more advantageous for the operators of
popular, registration-required online services than for
advertising-financed online services and advertising
networks that do not maintain direct contacts with end
customers, because the known online services already
possess a large, personalized subscriber base, making
it much easier for them to obtain permission from their
users. Restrictions of the advertising and customer-
retention possibilities associated with these technologies
could result in substantial revenue losses for mobile and
web-page-based business models.
The growing Internet activities of public-sector broad-
casters currently pose another risk to our business. The
three-step test introduced by law in 2009 has proven to
be inadequate for effectively limiting the expansion of
state-owned TV stations into the Internet. ARD in particu-
lar has intruded into the business sphere of the private-
sector press and distorted the competition environment
with a text-oriented news app for Tagesschau financed
by license fees, in a blatant contradiction of the Interstate
Broadcasting Agreement. Faced with competition from
this cleverly designed “free offer”, it is naturally hard for
publishing companies to successfully offer paid apps.
After conducting fruitless negotiations with ARD and
NDR, Axel Springer SE and seven other publishing com-
panies, with the full support of the newspaper publishers’
association BDZV, filed a lawsuit against ARD and NDR
in the Competition Division of the Cologne Regional
Court. In September 2012, the court granted the claim in
most respects. The defendants appealed this ruling and
prevailed in the appellate instance before the Cologne
Higher Regional Court. The plaintiffs have lodged an
appeal against this ruling before the Federal Supreme
Court.
Concurrently with the court proceeding, the publishing
companies are conducting settlement negotiations with
ARD, with the aim of establishing fundamental playing
rules for the Internet. For Example, public-sector broad-
casters should gear their online offerings more to audio
and video and the publishers should focus on text and
photos. If no agreement can be reached and the publish-
ing companies lose the case in the highest instance, it will
be much more difficult for Axel Springer to successfully
offer paid journalism content in the fast-growing mobile
market.
Our business will continue to be exposed to the compe-
tition-distorting effects of state-owned media and the
regulatory pressure of legislators on all relevant levels of
government, despite the countermeasures we have
taken.
Breaches of confidentiality agreements and violations of
insider trading regulations, as well as the incorrect publi-
cation of data or the non-observance of data privacy
laws, could lead to economic or legal consequences for
Axel Springer. Moreover, the reputation of Axel Springer
or its brands could be damaged by negative reporting or
social media campaigns on this subject, even if no laws
have been broken.
To minimize such risks, Axel Springer has adopted
various control mechanisms and consultation rules and
initiated extensive training programs, among other
measures. The company intends to intensify such
activities in the future.
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IT risks
As a company with a high level of digitization, all the
operating segments of Axel Springer are exposed to
considerable risks related to the possible inaccessibility
or failure of IT systems, data centers, editing systems, or
databases. Particular attention is given to IT risks that
could lead to data losses or, in the worst case, complete
medium-term or long-term business interruptions, as well
as risks that could lead to breaches of data integrity and
confidentiality. Besides those IT risks that affect Axel
Springer directly, there are others that have a consider-
able impact on the company’s business activities. In
consideration of the growing importance of paid content
offerings and the related handling of personal data, as
well as the steadily growing threat of computer criminality,
the careful handling and protection of the above-
mentioned customer data are becoming increasingly
important.
By reason of its many online-based business models,
Axel Springer is also dependent on the constant avail-
ability of its websites. Therefore, it is exposed to potential
financial performance risks and reputation risks resulting
from system crashes or data modification or losses aris-
ing from attacks on IT systems in the form of viruses,
hacking, or other malicious internal or external attacks.
Due in no small part to the heightened public interest in
this subject, the possible wiretapping of electronic com-
munication channels or unauthorized access to stored
data represent an industry-wide risk.
Consequently, Axel Springer undertakes targeted
measures to guard against criminal acts and prevent a
failure of the company’s IT systems. To avoid or mitigate
such risks, the company employs extensive IT security
measures (such as back-up systems, firewalls, and
emergency data centers), which are continuously up-
graded and improved. In addition, the above-mentioned
risks are minimized by means of strict compliance with
ISO standards, also by our external service providers.
Reputation risks
As an internationally active and expanding enterprise,
Axel Springer has adopted a catalog of social standards
known as the International Social Policy, as a binding
guideline for social integrity, applicable to all our compa-
nies throughout the world. Non-observance of the Inter-
national Social Policy, especially in connection with the
procurement of advertisements and product giveaways,
as well as merchandising or the sale of title licenses,
could potentially cause serious damage to the compa-
ny’s reputation.
One step that Axel Springer has taken to mitigate such
risks has been to integrate the International Social Policy
into the Group-wide Code of Conduct. In addition, all
relevant corporate guidelines, particularly those applica-
ble to procurement activities, contain a binding reference
to the procurement-relevant standards of the Interna-
tional Social Policy. The Axel Springer Group has institut-
ed a sustainability management program that meets
international standards. The overly late detection of pos-
sible ecological or social conflicts relative to the pro-
curement of resources along the value chain of wood,
pulp, paper, and recycled materials could harm the
Group’s reputation. To minimize this risk effectively, we
work closely together with experts in the wood, pulp,
and paper industry and with numerous environmental
protection organizations. We also conduct monitoring
measures across the entire value chain, as well as eco-
audits. As part of the eco-audit process, we are obligat-
ed to publish an environmental report on the company’s
actions and goals with respect to environmental protec-
tion, among other things. Axel Springer’s internal and
external communications on this subject are generally
characterized by a high level of openness and transparency.
Strategic and other risks
Strategic risks arise from the possibility that the Group
would invest in new business models that would prove
not to be successful on a sustainable basis or would be
forced out of the market by newer Internet business
models, or that future profits could be sharply reduced
by rising customer retention costs. This could lead to
negative financial results, possibly resulting in the insol-
vency of a subsidiary in the worst case. In such a case, it
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may become necessary to recognize impairment losses.
This risk could materialize in all three operating segments
of Marketing Models, Classified Ad Models, and Paid
Models.
Generally speaking, however, the business models of our
subsidiaries and associates are highly diversified, which
ultimately reduces the overall level of risk. Such risks are
further diversified by means of preventative measures
such as the clear investment criteria applied in connec-
tion with our M&A activities, as well as active portfolio
and investment management, the recruitment and reten-
tion of highly qualified managers, and the continuous
monitoring of business and market developments.
Furthermore, we strive to counter the above-mentioned
strategic risks by means of constant innovation. DIE WELT
is the first German nationwide daily to use augmented-
reality multimedia content, such as videos and 3D
graphics, both in its editorial content and its print ad
formats. Following the successful introduction of a usage-
dependent payment model for the DIE WELT’s website
in December 2012, BILD also launched a paid content
model in June 2013. BILDplus offers content on all plat-
forms and terminal devices that is exclusively available to
paying customers. Despite the fact that some content is
now available by subscription only, the total reach of
BILD.de has held firm on the highest level. Besides gen-
erating advertising and circulation revenues, paid content
models support the strategy of building a sustainable
subscriber base for paid digital journalism.
In addition, Axel Springer continues to rigorously pursue
a strategy of profitable growth, primarily in the area of
digitized business models. The process of digitization
and internationalization is being advanced in particular
by Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH, founded
together with General Atlantic, and by the joint venture
with Ringier AG, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG.
The online classifieds business is bundled under the roof
of Axel Springer Digital Classifieds. In the last two years,
this company has acquired leading portals in the United
Kingdom, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, Germany, and
elsewhere, which complement our digital international
portfolio very well.
Ringier Axel Springer Media and its subsidiaries are
mainly exposed to market and financial risks. Declining
circulation numbers, which in return reduce circulation
revenues and potentially also advertising revenues in the
medium term, represent a significant market risk. Above
all, the advertising market in eastern Europe is exposed
to significant market risks related to the structural shift
from print to online. Axel Springer counters these risks
by means of targeted actions. In late 2012, the Group
acquired a majority interest in the leading Polish online
portal, onet.pl. In August 2013, the biggest Polish sales
organization, Media Impact Polska, was formed under
a cooperation agreement between Grupa onet.pl and
Ringier Axel Springer Media Poland. By marketing their
combined and expanded product portfolio, this new
organization will be able to offer even better, tailored
solutions to customers in this market.
By virtue of the high degree of internationalization of
Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, the relevant market risks
are distributed over various countries, although that also
gives rise to heightened foreign exchange risks (EUR, CHF,
eastern European currencies), which the company has
countered by means of appropriate hedging activities.
With regard to our investment in Do⁄an TV Holding A.S.,
the risk of an impairment loss cannot be ruled out, par-
ticularly depending on further political and media-law
developments, and any adjustments to the business plan
that could possibly be made by the management. In
assessing the value of our investment in this company,
due consideration is given to the existing contractual
agreements that protect the value of our investment.
The loss of major customers, particularly in the advertis-
ing business, could have an adverse effect on the busi-
ness performance of the Group and its activities. At the
present time, this risk could be heightened by the agreed
sale of our women’s magazines, TV program guides,
and regional titles to FUNKE Mediengruppe, since it
leads to doubts of our advertising customers concerning
the continuation of existing business relationships. Axel
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Report on risks and opportunities
Springer counters this risk by means of various customer
retention measures, and by actively providing extensive
information about the upcoming changes to all our
customers and agency partners.
In the area of distribution, the agreed sale of our wom-
en’s magazines, TV program guides, and regional titles
to FUNKE Mediengruppe (see page 25), and the associ-
ated drop in sales volumes and various economies of
scale, entail the risk of cost increases. The formation of a
joint venture with FUNKE Mediengruppe to handle distri-
bution activities is meant to counter these cost increases
in the area of retail sales.
The threat of terrorism still represents a significant risk for
Axel Springer. We counter terrorism risks in two ways.
First, we take structural and organizational measures to
raise the Group’s security standards even further, and
second, we have maintained insurance to mitigate the
financial consequences of terrorism since 2009.
Personnel risks
As a result of the falling birth rate and the resulting de-
mographic shift, the pool of potential young talent is
shrinking. Furthermore, the growing competition among
companies for qualified workers heightens the risk that
we may not be able to recruit enough sufficiently quali-
fied workers. We counter this risk, which is carefully
monitored on the Group level, by means of the employer
marketing initiative launched in 2011. The purpose of this
initiative is to differentiate Axel Springer SE significantly
from other potential employers and promote the compa-
ny as an innovative and modern employer.
The dedication and qualifications of our employees are
crucial to the lasting attainment of our goals. Thus, the
loss of key personnel is a potential, though minor risk. As
a means of countering this risk, we place particular
emphasis, as part of our human resources management
program, on the targeted training and continuing education
of our employees, as well as the targeted development
of future executives and the creation of a motivating
work environment. We offer attractive bonus and share
ownership programs, flexible work-time models, and two
company-owned day care centers, to ensure the satis-
faction and bolster the retention of our employees.
Financial risks and risks associated with the use of
financial instruments
The financial risks especially relevant to the Axel Springer
Group are interest rate risks and currency risks. Interest
rate risks arise primarily from financial assets or liabilities
with variable interest rates. Currency risks arise from
expenses, revenues, investment income and expenses,
and receivables and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies (transaction risk).
The risk of changing interest rates inherent in variable-
interest assets or liabilities is minimized through the use
of interest rate derivatives. Interest rate risk was also
mitigated by means of the fixed-interest tranches of the
promissory note bond issued in 2012.
The risk of value changes arising from exchange rate
fluctuations are avoided primarily in that operating costs
are incurred in the same countries in which we sell our
products and services. Residual currency risks arising
from cash flows denominated in foreign currencies are
immaterial because we generate most of our earnings in
the euro zone. Currency risks inherent in receivables and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (excluding
contingent purchase price liabilities) with net exposures
of € 5 million or more per foreign currency are usually
hedged by means of maturity-matched forward ex-
change deals.
Local-currency cash flows generated in non-euro zone
countries are either reinvested to expand local business
operations, or invested with Axel Springer SE and
hedged by means of forward exchange deals or distrib-
uted in the form of dividends. Therefore, the liquidity risk
arising from exchange rate changes affecting cash flows
denominated in foreign currencies is limited.
Currency effects arising from the translation of financial
statements denominated in foreign currencies (currency
translation risk) are recognized directly in the equity item
of other comprehensive income. Therefore, Axel Springer
does not hedge such currency effects.
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Report on risks and opportunities
Overall risk assessment
In the preceding sections, we reported on significant
individual risks.
The overall risk situation of the Axel Springer Group is
composed of the individual risks in all risk categories of
the consolidated subsidiaries and corporate divisions. In
consideration of the interdependency of individual risks,
no individual risks that could endanger the continued
operation of the Axel Springer Group or significantly
influence the Group’s financial position, financial perfor-
mance, and liquidity can be discerned, unless the global
economy would worsen dramatically, leading to a signifi-
cant deterioration of the Group’s market position and
financial performance. Furthermore, risk concentrations
are being incrementally reduced by means of increasing
diversification in the form of internationalization and digiti-
zation. Compared to the prior-year, there have been
some changes to individual risk positions, but they have
not influenced the Group’s overall risk situation and risk-
bearing capacity significantly.
Significant financing risks resulting from the uncertain
outlook for the financial sector are not evident for the
Axel Springer Group at the present time because the
credit line in the amount of € 0.9 billion (through 2017)
obtained for liquidity assurance purposes has been
committed by the participating banks with binding effect.
The credit facility is contingent upon the observance of
covenants that are based primarily on a certain ratio of
net debt to the earnings indicators of the Axel Springer
Group. Even if the credit facility were to be drawn down in
full, we do not expect to breach any of the agreed cove-
nants and therefore we consider the risk of acceleration
of borrowed amounts to be minor. Based on our continu-
ous observation of the money markets, capital markets,
and credit markets, we have concluded that companies
with outstanding creditworthiness and strong reputations
can always raise funding at favorable conditions. Fur-
thermore, Axel Springer can generate liquidity reliably,
thanks to its broadly diversified customer base and the
absence of significant payment delays and defaults.
Surplus cash not needed for operations is invested on
the basis of criteria set out in a corporate guideline,
which sets loss limits that may not be exceeded, as
a means (among others) of limiting risks.
The risks arising from financial instruments and hedging
activities are discussed in detail in Section (34) of the
notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Report on risks and opportunities
Opportunities
Market opportunities
If the economy continues to stabilize, as currently pre-
dicted by the leading economic research institutions, that
will have a positive effect on our circulation and advertis-
ing revenues. But even a negative development of the
overall economy could create opportunities for Axel
Springer. For example, competitors could pull out of the
market, thereby strengthening our own market position
on a long-term basis. In such a scenario, moreover, it
may be possible to acquire companies at lower valuations.
Political opportunities
The ancillary copyright for news publishers that took
effect on August 1, 2013 can be expected to strengthen
the protection of intellectual property rights in Germany.
Strategic opportunities
The digitization strategy offers especially promising op-
portunities for generating additional revenues via the
positive development of revenues in the online advertis-
ing market. Axel Springer is taking advantage of this
market trend through the swift and consistent combina-
tion of print and online offerings, and by investing in
companies, entering into cooperation agreements, and
continually expanding its existing and newly acquired
activities. Opportunities are seen especially in the Paid
Models segment.
In implementing our internationalization strategy, we have
the decisive advantage over our competitors that we
have already attained strong market positions in many
countries, and, indeed, in numerous segments, leading
market positions.
The strategic partnership between Axel Springer and the
growth investor General Atlantic in the form of Axel
Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH makes it possible to
further accelerate the pace of acquisition-driven growth
in the online classifieds market by working together. With
the support of General Atlantic as an experienced part-
ner and co-investor, we can take advantage of invest-
ment and growth opportunities not only in Europe, but
also in other developed and emerging-market countries.
The sale of the women’s magazines, TV program guides,
and regional titles to FUNKE Mediengruppe, as well as
the sale of the Czech print activities – provided that they
are completed – will enable Axel Springer SE to focus
even more strongly on implementing the strategy of
digitization and concentrate on the core journalism
brands of the BILD Group and the WELT Group, includ-
ing the corresponding magazine brands.
The acquisition of N24 Media GmbH that was agreed in
December of 2013 (see page 24) represents another
strategic investment in the digitization of journalism. The
TV news station N24 will become the central supplier of
video content for all of Axel Springer’s brands. Further-
more, it is planned to merge N24 with the WELT Group.
The new joint editorial team will deliver the most com-
prehensive multimedia coverage in the German media
landscape, spanning digital, print, video, and live TV, with
an emphasis on quality journalism as the hallmark in all
media channels. By this means, we will continuously
draw closer to the goal of becoming the leading digital
publisher.
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Forecast report
Forecast report
Anticipated economic environment
General economic environment
In its World Economic Outlook Update published in Jan-
uary 2014, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects
global economic growth to accelerate, although it also
points to the lingering risks of a setback. According to
the IMF’s forecast, the world economy should expand
at a rate of 3.7 % in 2014. The United States will contin-
ue to serve as a reliable engine of the global economy. In
addition, the countries of the euro zone should be able to
emerge from recession in 2014. Major emerging-market
countries like China will experience strong, but slower
growth.
According to the economic forecast of the ifo Institute,
the German economy should pick up considerable
momentum during the course of 2014. Furthermore,
consumer spending is likely to benefit from the positive
trend of incomes and increase by 1.5 % in real terms.
Supported by rising export expectations and favorable
financing terms, investment spending on plant and
equipment is expected to increase by 5.6 % in real
terms. Based on the currently normal utilization of
production capacities, plant and equipment investment
can be expected to rise more considerably after a
certain delay.
According to the forecast of the ifo Institute, exports
should rise by 5.9 % in real terms, due to higher global
demand. However, the relative competitiveness of Ger-
man exporters compared to all trading partners will di-
minish somewhat in 2014. German gross domestic
product is expected to expand by 1.9 % in real terms,
compared to 2013. The ifo Institute expects that inflation
will continue to be moderate. According to its forecast,
consumer prices in total should rise by 1.5 % in 2014.
The number of gainfully employed persons is expected
to rise by an average of 230,000, while the unemploy-
ment rate is expected to dip slightly, from 6.9 % to 6.8 %.
The ifo Institute anticipates a slight acceleration of eco-
nomic growth in central and eastern Europe. As be-
fore, the economic performance of this region will be
driven by demand from the euro zone, although addi-
tional growth stimulus could be delivered by a recovery
of domestic demand. Furthermore, the austerity policies
of national governments are being relaxed, due to the
fact that state finances have stabilized in most countries.
Anticipated Economic Development1) (Selection)
Change in gross domestic product
compared to prior year (real)
Germany
Switzerland2)
France
United Kingdom
Spain
Hungary
Poland
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Serbia2)
Russia
Brazil2)
USA
China
India
2014
1.9 %
1.8 %
0.1 %
2.6 %
0.1 %
2.0 %
2.5 %
1.3 %
1.8 %
2.0 %
2.0 %
2.5 %
2.3 %
7.5 %
4.1 %
1) Source: ifo Institute, December 2013.
2) Source: IMF, October 2013.
Industry environment
In its forecast for 2014, the advertising industry associa-
tion ZAW expresses its view that the advertising industry
got off to a good start in 2014, based on the upswing in
the last few weeks of 2013. Beyond this, according to
ZAW, the future development of the advertising market in
Germany will depend on the measures adopted by the
new federal government coalition.
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Forecast report
In its latest advertising market forecast, ZenithOptimedia
anticipates that worldwide advertising expenditures will
increase nominally by 5.3 % in 2014. Thus, ZenithOpti-
media upgraded its forecast slightly from the + 5.1 %
forecast published in September 2013.
Currently available forecasts for the German advertising
industry predict mixed developments for the different
types of media. ZenithOptimedia is predicting a nominal
increase of 1.5 % for the net advertising market in
Germany in 2014. Thus, the overall advertising market
will not grow as fast as the general economy, which is
expected to expand at a nominal rate of 3.8 % (+ 1.9 % in
real terms). This growth will be carried by online advertis-
ing (+ 8.5 %), TV advertising (+ 3.2 %), outdoor advertising
(+ 6.1 %), and radio advertising (+ 1.9 %). ZenithOptimedia
is predicting a drop in net advertising revenues for news-
papers (– 4.7 %) and magazines (– 1.2 %).
The forecast data reflects the structural shift of advertis-
ing expenditures in favor of digital platforms. The propor-
tion of total advertising expenditures devoted to online
and mobile channels will rise further.
The communications industry still perceives new growth
opportunities in new marketing services, networked
advertising concepts, the opening of new business
segments, and product innovations.
ZenithOptimedia’s forecast (as of December 2013) for
the international markets in which Axel Springer con-
ducts business through its own subsidiaries paints a
mixed picture.
According to ZenithOptimedia’s forecast, net advertising
revenues in the western European online market will rise
by 9.8 % to USD 27.5 billion in 2014, based on the as-
sumption of constant exchange rates. The growth rates
in eastern Europe markets will be, in some cases, much
higher.
Anticipated Advertising Activity 20141)
(Selection)
Change in net ad
revenues compared to
prior year (nominal)
Germany
Switzerland
France2)
United Kingdom
Spain2)
Hungary
Poland2)
Czech Republic2)
Slovakia2)
Serbia2)
Russia
Brazil
USA
India2)
Newspapers
Magazines
Online
– 4.7 %
– 0.8 %
– 3.3 %
– 2.9 %
– 2.9 %
– 2.2 %
– 1.2 %
8.5 %
– 1.1 %
8.8 %
– 4.2 %
5.0 %
– 5.2 %
14.5 %
– 2.0 %
5.1 %
– 2.2 %
7.0 %
– 16.1 %
– 14.9 %
12.2 %
– 3.8 %
– 1.4 %
– 5.0 %
– 3.5 %
– 0.1 %
– 8.0 %
12.0 %
– 1.8 %
9.3 %
– 3.4 %
33.3 %
– 5.3 %
20.0 %
– 3.5 %
26.0 %
– 0.8 %
11.7 %
– 2.7 %
18.4 %
1.0 %
25.0 %
1) Source: ZenithOptimedia, Advertising Expenditure Forecast (December) 2013.
2) Excluding classifieds.
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Axel Springer SE
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Forecast report
Group
Strategic and organizational orientation
The highest strategic priority for Axel Springer is to pur-
sue the consistent digitization of our business. We aim to
attain the goal of becoming the leading digital media
group by further developing our digital offerings in Ger-
many and abroad, and by making targeted acquisitions.
Axel Springer revised its organizational and management
structure in 2013 to reflect the progress made in the
digital transformation of the Group. Axel Springer’s busi-
ness activities are now organized into three operating
segments: Paid Models, Marketing Models, and Classi-
fied Ad Models. In addition, there is the Services/Holding
segment.
Comparison of forecast with actual performance
The forecast published in March was based on the pre-
vious segment structure. It was not adjusted because
the new segment structure only took effect at the end of
the year. Therefore, the comparison between the actual
performance of the Group and the segments in 2013
with the forecasts published in March is presented on
the basis of the previous segments: Digital Media,
Newspapers National, Magazines National, Print Interna-
tional, and Services/Holding. Discontinued operations
(see page 25) are contained herein.
The forecast targets published in March 2013 were
essentially attained.
Group
Revenues
EBITDA
Forecast
2013
low single-digit percentage
increase
single-digit percentage
decrease
+1.0 %
– 9.1 %
Earnings per share,
adjusted (in €)
significantly below prior year
– 15.4 %
Segments
Revenues
Digital Media
Newspapers National
Magazines National
Forecast
2013
double-digit
percentage increase
14.6 %
low to mid single-digit
percentage decrease
– 6.2 %
low to mid single-digit
percentage decrease
– 3.1 %
Print International
mid to high single-digit
percentage decrease – 12.0 %
Services/Holding
below prior year
– 0.6 %
EBITDA
Digital Media
significant increase
+14.2 %
Newspapers National
significantly below prior year
– 21.6 %
Magazines National
slightly below prior year
+2.8 %
Print International
significantly below prior year
– 17.0 %
Services/Holding
significantly below prior year
– 95.3 %
The revenue forecasts for the National and Print Interna-
tional segments were updated on the occasion of the
publication of the Interim Financial Report in August.
The revenue forecast for the Newspapers National seg-
ment was concretized insofar as a decrease in the mid
single-digit percentage range was now expected. For
the Print International segment, a revenue decrease in
the low double-digit percentage range was expected,
due to the persistently difficult market environment in
some countries and the disinvestment in France (see
page 30). The revenues of the Magazines National and
Services/Holding segments were slightly higher than
expected.
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Annual Report 2013
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Forecast report
Anticipated business developments and financial
performance of the Group
On the Group level, we expect total revenues to rise by
an amount in the mid single-digit percentage range in
financial year 2014. We expect that the planned increase
in advertising revenues and other revenues will more
than offset the anticipated decline in circulation revenues.
The Paid Models, Marketing Models, and Classified Ad
Models segments are all expected to generate higher
revenues.
We expect EBITDA to rise by an amount in the low
double-digit percentage range. EBITDA contributions of
the Paid Models and Classified Ad Models segments are
expected to rise, while EBITDA of the Marketing Models
segment is expected to remain on the level of the prior
year, due to the planned expenditures for establishing
new digital business models.
We anticipate that adjusted earnings per share will be
higher than the prior-year figure by an amount in the low
double-digit percentage range.
Anticipated business developments and financial
performance of the segments
We expect the total revenues of the Paid Models seg-
ment to rise by an amount in the low single-digit percent-
age range in financial year 2014. Growth will be driven
primarily by a considerable increase in other revenues, due
to consolidation effects related to the acquisition of the
N24 Group and the associated TV production revenues.
We also expect to generate higher advertising revenues in
this segment, while circulation revenues are expected to
decline further, due to structural shifts in the national and
international print business. We anticipate that segment
EBITDA will be higher than the prior-year figure by an
amount in the low to mid single-digit percentage range.
We expect the total revenues of the Marketing Models
segment to increase by an amount in the low double-
digit percentage range, mainly based on the anticipated
growth of advertising revenues. We expect that segment
EBITDA will be on the level of the prior-year figure, by
reason of the planned expenditures for establishing new
digital business models.
The revenues of the Classified Ad Models segment are
expected to rise by an amount in the low double-digit
percentage range, due to organic growth and consoli-
dation effects. We expect segment EBITDA to rise by an
amount in the low double-digit percentage range.
For the Services/Holding segment, we anticipate a
decrease in revenues in the mid single-digit percentage
area and a significant improvement in segment EBITDA,
due to the lower expenditures for structural adjustments
and stock options.
Anticipated liquidity and financial position
The liquidity and financial position will be influenced by
the effects of the transactions agreed, but not yet final-
ized in 2013 and provided their closing, which will con-
siderably widen the financial maneuvering room for in-
vestments in the digitization of the Group’s business.
Furthermore, Axel Springer has access to extensive
credit facilities, which can also be used for acquisitions.
Based on the capital expenditure projects planned to
date, investments in property, plant, and equipment, and
intangible assets are likely to be lower than the corre-
sponding prior-year figure. Financing will be provided by
operating cash flow.
Dividend policy
Subject to the condition of sound financial performance in
the future, Axel Springer will pursue a policy of slightly rising
dividends, while also allowing for the financing of growth.
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Forecast report
Anticipated development of the workforce
The average full-year number of employees in 2014 will
be higher than in 2013, mainly due to organic growth
and acquisitions in connection with the digital transfor-
mation of the Group’s business.
Planning assumptions
We plan the future development of the financial perfor-
mance, liquidity, and financial position on the basis of
assumptions that are plausible and sufficiently probable
from today’s perspective. However, actual developments
could possibly be much different from the assumptions
applied and thus from the business plans and trend
forecasts prepared on the basis of those assumptions.
EBITDA does not reflect any non-recurring effects. The
adjusted earnings per share do not contain any write-
downs of purchase price allocations, nor the associated
tax effects. Non-recurring effects are defined as effects
resulting from the acquisition and sale of subsidiaries,
divisions, and equity investments, as well as write-downs
and write-ups of equity investments, effects resulting
from the sale of real estate, impairments, and write-ups
of real estate used for operational purposes. Purchase
price allocation write-downs include the expenses of
amortization, depreciation, and impairments of intangible
assets, and property, plant, and equipment acquired in
connection with the acquisition of companies and busi-
ness divisions.
The forecasts for EBITDA and the adjusted earnings per
share do not reflect any possible effects resulting from
possible future acquisitions and divestitures and un-
planned restructuring expenses.
We consider EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share
to be suitable indicators for measuring the operational
profitability of Axel Springer, because these indicators
ignore effects that do not reflect the fundamental busi-
ness performance of Axel Springer.
EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share are not de-
fined under International Financial Reporting Standards
and should therefore be regarded as supplementary
information.
57
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Disclosures and explanatory report of the Executive
Board pursuant to takeover law
Disclosures and explanatory report of the
Executive Board pursuant to takeover law
This section contains the disclosures pursuant to Sec-
tions 289 (4), 315 (4) HGB, along with the explanatory
report of the Executive Board pursuant to Section 176 (1)
(1) AktG.
Composition of subscribed capital
The company’s subscribed capital amounts to
€ 98,940,000. It is divided into 98,940,000 registered
shares. The shares can only be transferred with the
company’s consent (registered shares of restricted
transferability, see below). The company has only one
class of shares.
All shares carry the same rights and obligations. Each
share grants the right to cast one vote in the annual
shareholders’ meeting and represents the basis for de-
termining the shareholder’s entitlement to the company’s
net profit. By way of exception, treasury shares do not
confer any rights to the company (cf. Section 71b AktG).
(Please refer to page 61 for information on the compa-
ny’s treasury shares.)
Restrictions on voting rights or the
transfer of shares
Transfer restrictions
By virtue of Article 5 para. 3 of the company’s Articles of
Incorporation, shares of Axel Springer SE and subscrip-
tion rights can be transferred only with the company’s
consent. Such consent must be granted by the Execu-
tive Board, although internally, it is the Supervisory Board
that adopts the resolution to grant such consent. Ac-
cording to the company’s Articles of Incorporation, such
consent can be refused without indication of reasons.
However, the company will not arbitrarily refuse its con-
sent to the transfer of company shares.
To the company’s knowledge, transfer restrictions based
on the German law of obligations (Schuldrecht) exist by
virtue of the following agreements:
A share transfer restriction agreement was concluded
between Dr. Mathias Döpfner, Brilliant 310. GmbH,
Axel Springer SE, and M.M. Warburg & Co. KGaA on
July 31 / August 4, 2006. Under this share transfer
restriction agreement, the direct and indirect purchase
or disposal of the shares of Axel Springer SE by Brilliant
310. GmbH or Dr. Mathias Döpfner are made contin-
gent on the prior consent of Axel Springer SE, in ac-
cordance with the company’s Articles of Incorporation.
By virtue of a declaration dated August 14, 2012,
Dr. Mathias Döpfner acceded to a pool agreement
(“pool agreement”) concluded between Dr. h. c. Friede
Springer and Friede Springer GmbH & Co. KG, in re-
spect of the 1,978,800 shares of Axel Springer SE
that were given to him as a present by Dr. h. c. Friede
Springer on the same date. In total, the pool agree-
ment covers 52,826,967 voting shares of Axel
Springer SE (“pool-bound shares”). Under the terms
of the pool agreement, a pool member who wishes to
transfer his pool-bound shares to a third party must
first offer these shares for purchase by the other pool
members (purchase right). The purchase right expires
two weeks after the purchase offer. The purchase
right does not apply in the case of transfers to certain
persons who are related to the pool member.
Other transfer restrictions based on the German law of
obligations exist in connection with the share ownership
programs conducted in 2012 and 2013 for the employ-
ees of the Axel Springer Group. As a general rule, the
shares acquired under the Share Ownership Program
2012 are subject to a minimum holding period of four
years, to expire on May 31, 2016, and the shares ac-
quired under the Share Ownership Program 2013 are
subject to a minimum holding period of four years, to
expire on May 31, 2017. During the minimum holding
periods, the shares are held in safe custody for account
of employees in a blocked account with Deutsche Bank
AG. The above-mentioned holding periods for the Share
Ownership Programs 2012 and 2013 have been waived
for those employees who will be transferred to FUNKE
Mediengruppe when the sale of Axel Springer’s regional
newspapers, TV program guides, and women’s maga-
zines to that company is finalized. Thus, the affected
employees will be permitted to sell their shares, but if
they do so before expiration of the original minimum
holding periods, they will no longer be entitled to partici-
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Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Combined Management Report
Disclosures and explanatory report of the Executive
Board pursuant to takeover law
pate in a share ownership program of Axel Springer SE
in 2014. The minimum holding periods for shares issued
under share ownership programs in earlier years have
already expired.
In connection with the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2011 for
senior executives, the beneficiaries are required to per-
sonally invest in shares of Axel Springer SE. These shares
are not subject to any restrictions on disposal, but any
disposition of these shares would cause the correspond-
ing virtual stock option rights to lapse without replace-
ment or compensation (see page 74 for information on
the virtual stock option plan for senior executives).
The same applies to the virtual stock option plans 2009,
2012 and 2014 for members of the Executive Board (see
page 72 for information on the virtual stock option plans
2009, 2012, and 2014 for Executive Board members).
Voting right restrictions
Under the above-mentioned pool agreement between
Dr. Mathias Döpfner, Dr. h. c. Friede Springer, and Friede
Springer GmbH & Co. KG, the voting rights and other
rights attached to the pool-bound shares are to be exer-
cised in the annual shareholders’ meeting of Axel
Springer SE in accordance with the corresponding reso-
lutions of the pool members, regardless of whether and
how the respective pool member voted on the resolution
of the pool. The voting rights of pool members in the
meeting of pool members are based on their voting
rights in the annual shareholders’ meeting of Axel
Springer SE, depending on the number of pool-bound
voting shares held. To the extent that Friede Springer
GmbH & Co. KG indirectly holds shares in Axel Springer
SE, her voting rights are based on the imputed number
of pool-bound voting shares indirectly held by Friede
Springer GmbH & Co. KG.
Shareholdings that represent more than
10 % of voting rights
At the end of financial year 2013, the following direct and
indirect shareholdings in the equity of Axel Springer SE
represented more than 10 % of voting rights in the com-
pany: Axel Springer Gesellschaft für Publizistik GmbH &
Co, Berlin, Germany (direct), AS Publizistik GmbH, Berlin,
Germany (indirect), Friede Springer GmbH & Co. KG,
Berlin, Germany (indirect), Friede Springer Verwaltungs-
GmbH, Berlin, Germany (indirect), Dr. h. c. Friede
Springer, Berlin, Germany (indirect), and Dr. Mathias
Döpfner, Potsdam, Germany (indirect).
Information on the amounts of the above-mentioned
shareholdings may be found in the disclosures pertaining
to voting rights notifications in the notes to the 2013
financial statements of Axel Springer SE,
www.axelspringer.com/financialpublications, and in the
section entitled “Voting rights notifications” of the com-
pany’s website at www.axelspringer.com/votingrights.
Shares endowed with special rights that
confer powers of control
There are no shares endowed with special rights that
confer powers of control.
Manner of exercising voting rights when
employees hold shares in the company’s
capital and do not directly exercise their
rights of control
In connection with the bonus share and share ownership
program for employees conducted in 2009 and the
share ownership programs for the years 2011, 2012,
and 2013, Deutsche Bank AG was initially entered into
the share register as the third-party holder of the shares
transferred to the employees. However, each employee
is free to be registered personally as a shareholder in the
share register.
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Combined Management Report
Disclosures and explanatory report of the Executive
Board pursuant to takeover law
Statutory provisions and provisions of
the Articles of Incorporation pertaining
to the appointment and dismissal of
Executive Board members and
amendments to the Articles of
Incorporation
The company’s Articles of Incorporation provide that the
Executive Board of Axel Springer SE must be composed
of at least two members. The Supervisory Board decides
on the number of Executive Board members, and on the
appointment and dismissal of Executive Board members.
According to Article 46 para. 1 of the EU Regulation on
European Companies (SE-VO), the maximum term of
office for members of the Executive Board of a European
company (Societas Europaea, SE) is six years; in the
present instance, this maximum term is shortened to five
years by virtue of Article 8 para. 2 sub-para. 1 of the
Articles of Incorporation of Axel Springer SE – corre-
sponding to the previous maximum term pursuant to
Section 84 (1) (1) of the German Stock Corporations Act
(AktG). The term of office can be renewed or extended
for a period of no more than five years thereafter (for
details, see Article 8 para. 2 of the company’s Articles of
Incorporation; Article 46 para. 1 and para. 2 SE-VO). If
more than one person has been appointed to the Execu-
tive Board, the Supervisory Board is authorized to ap-
point one of those members as the Chairman (Article 8
para. 3 sub-para. 2 of the Articles of Incorporation of
Axel Springer SE). If a required Executive Board member
is lacking, the court is authorized, in urgent cases, to
appoint the necessary member at the request of one
involved party (Article 9 para. 1 letter c) no. ii) SE-VO in
conjunction with Section 85 (1) (1) AktG). The Superviso-
ry Board is authorized to revoke the appointment of an
Executive Board member and the Executive Board
Chairman for an important reason (for details, see Article
39 para. 2 sub-para. 1, 9 para. 1 letter c) no. ii) SE-VO,
Section 84 (3) (1) and (2) AktG).
Insofar as obligatory laws or provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation do not require a greater majority, amend-
ments to the company’s Articles of Incorporation require
a resolution of the annual shareholders’ meeting carried
by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, or provided
that at least one half of the company’s share capital is
represented, by a simple majority (see Article 21 para. 2
sub-para. 2 of the company’s Articles of Incorporation in
conjunction with Section 51 (1) of the European Compa-
ny Implementing Act (SEAG), Article 59 para. 1 and 2
SE-VO); the latter does not apply to an amendment
changing the business object and purpose of the com-
pany, or to a resolution regarding the relocation of the
registered head office of the SE to another member state
pursuant to Article 8 para. 6 SE-VO (see Section 51 (1)
SEAG, Article 59 para. 1 and 2 SE-VO). An amendment
of the corporate governance principles set forth in Arti-
cle 3 of the company’s Articles of Incorporation requires
a majority equal to at least four fifths of the share capital
represented in the adoption of the resolution (see Arti-
cle 21 para. 3 of the company’s Articles of Incorporation).
The Supervisory Board is authorized to resolve amend-
ments to the Articles of Incorporation that only involve
changes to the wording (Article 13 of the Articles of
Incorporation).
Authority of the Executive Board to issue
or buy back shares
Axel Springer SE has not established authorized capital
that would authorize the Executive Board to issue new
shares, nor conditional capital.
By resolution of the annual shareholders’ meeting of April
14, 2011 (Agenda Item 7), the Executive Board is author-
ized, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to pur-
chase the company’s own shares up to an amount
equivalent to 10 % of the capital stock existing at the
time the resolution was passed, in the time until April 13,
2016. Such purchases can be effected on the stock
exchange or by means of a public offer to all sharehold-
ers or a public invitation to submit an offer.
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Disclosures and explanatory report of the Executive
Board pursuant to takeover law
Along with the shares held by the company or attribut-
able to the company in accordance with Article 9 para. 1
letter c) no. ii) SE-VO in conjunction with Sections 71a ff.
AktG, the shares purchased by virtue of the foregoing
authorization may not at any time exceed 10 % of the
company’s capital stock. Details concerning this authori-
zation are provided in the invitation to the annual share-
holders’ meeting of April 14, 2011, which is available on
the website of Axel Springer SE (see Agenda Item 7 and
the Executive Board’s report on this subject).
At the end of financial year 2013, the company held no
treasury shares.
Significant agreements of the company
subject to the condition of a change of
control resulting from a takeover offer
With the exception of the covenants attached to the
credit facility and promissory note loan that are de-
scribed below, the company has not entered into any
significant agreements that would be subject to a
change of control resulting from a takeover offer.
The company placed a promissory note loan in the nom-
inal amount of € 500,000,000 in April 2012. Upon being
notified of a change of control, the creditor is entitled to
demand that the amount owed to it be repaid ahead of
maturity, in full or in part, within a notice period of 90
days. In September 2012, moreover, the company took
out a new credit facility in the amount of € 900,000,000
(“credit facility 2012”); also in this case, the lender is
entitled to call in the credit facility within a notice period
of 30 days, in the event of a change of control.
Aside from specific exceptions that relate to the share-
holders that currently control Axel Springer SE, a change
of control is understood to mean, in the context of the
credit facility 2012 and the promissory note loan, the
acquisition of shares of Axel Springer SE representing
more than 50 % of the capital stock and/or voting rights
by one or more parties acting together.
Indemnification agreements between the
company and Executive Board members
or employees in the event of a change of
control
Some Executive Board members have the right to termi-
nate their employment contracts in the event of a change
in control. A change in control within the meaning of
these contracts would exist if the majority shareholder
Dr. h. c. Friede Springer would cease to hold or control
the majority of shares, indirectly or directly. In that case,
they will have the right to receive payment of their base
salary for the most recently negotiated remaining con-
tractual term, while some of the eligible Executive Board
members will have the right to receive payment of an
amount equal to at least one year’s base salary. Fur-
thermore, the company will pay the pro-rated percent-
age of the success-based compensation for the period
of time served in the year of resignation. The employ-
ment contracts of the members of the Executive Board
do not provide for any other compensation if the em-
ployment relationship is terminated as a result of a
change in control.
There are no such indemnification agreements with other
employees of the company.
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Combined Management Report
Corporate Governance Report
Corporate Governance Report
There follows a report by the Executive Board – also on
behalf of the Supervisory Board – on corporate govern-
ance at Axel Springer, in conformity with the recommen-
dation set out in Section 3.10 of the German Corporate
Governance Code (GCGC). This section also contains
the management declaration pursuant to Section 289a
of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and the Com-
pensation Report.
Good corporate governance as a guiding
principle
At Axel Springer, sound corporate governance is consid-
ered to be a crucial element of responsible management
and supervision geared to increasing the company’s
value on a long-term basis. It promotes the trust and
confidence of our national and international investors,
customers, employees, and the public in the manage-
ment and supervision of the company and is therefore an
essential basis for the company’s lasting success.
In this respect, we are guided by the German Corporate
Governance Code (GCGC). We have taken appropriate
measures to implement and ensure compliance with the
recommendations of GCGC. The Corporate Governance
Officer is the Executive Board member in charge of Per-
sonnel, Finance, and Services. The implementation of
and adherence to the recommendations of GCGC are
reviewed continually.
I. Prospective section
The company follows the recommendations of the Ger-
man Corporate Governance Code (GCGC) in the version
of May 13, 2013, as published by the German Federal
Ministry of Justice in the official announcements section
of the electronic Federal Gazette of June 10, 2013, with
the exception of the differences noted and justified below:
1. Presentation of itemized Executive Board compensa-
tion in tabular form in the Compensation Report (Section
4.2.5 paras. 5 and 6 GCGC)
Executive Board compensation is disclosed in accor-
dance with provisions of law, in consideration of the so-
called “opt-out” resolution of the company’s annual
shareholders’ meeting of April 23, 2010. Accordingly,
itemized Executive Board compensation is not disclosed
in the separate and consolidated financial statements to
be prepared in respect of financial years 2010 to 2014
(inclusive), in accordance with Section 286 (5) (1), 314 (2)
(2) HGB.
As long as an “opt-out” resolution adopted by the annual
shareholders’ meeting remains in effect, the company
will not include in the Compensation Report for financial
years that begin after December 31, 2013 the disclo-
sures of itemized compensation for each Executive
Board member, as recommended in Section 4.2.5 paras.
5 and 6 GCGC.
Management declaration pursuant to
Section 289a HGB
2. Chairman of the Audit Committee (Section 5.2 para. 2
GCGC)
Declaration of Conformity pursuant to Section 161
AktG
The Executive Board and Supervisory Board published
the following Declaration of Conformity on November 5,
2013:
“Pursuant to Section 161 of the German Stock Corpora-
tions Act (AktG), the Executive Board and Supervisory
Board of Axel Springer SE declare the following:
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Giuseppe
Vita, is also the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the
Supervisory Board.
The Supervisory Board is convinced that Dr. Vita is an
ideal Chairman, both for the Audit Committee and for the
Supervisory Board, by virtue of his qualifications and
experience, also in the financial services industry, not to
mention his personal qualities. Therefore, the Supervisory
Board is of the opinion that Dr. Vita should also continue
to serve as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
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Corporate Governance Report
3. Consideration of the age limit in proposing candidates
for election proposals to the Supervisory Board (Section
5.4.1 para. 2 GCGC)
The Supervisory Board has established a standard age
limit for its members and continues to believe it is appro-
priate. With the goal of assuring the best possible com-
position of the Supervisory Board, it will continue to
resolve exceptions in justified cases.
4. Disclosure of relationships between Supervisory Board
candidates and the company, its directors and officers,
and important shareholders in connection with election
proposals submitted to the annual shareholders’ meeting
(Section 5.4.1 paras. 6 to 8 GCGC)
In its election proposals to the annual shareholders’
meeting, the Supervisory Board will disclose all legally
required information concerning Supervisory Board
members and also introduce the candidates at the an-
nual shareholders’ meeting, wherever possible. Further-
more, shareholders attending the annual shareholders’
meeting will be given an opportunity to ask questions of
the candidates. In the opinion of the Supervisory Board,
this information will assure a solid and adequate basis for
evaluating the proposed candidates.
5. Itemized disclosure of Supervisory Board compensa-
tion (Section 5.4.6 paras. 5 and 6 GCGC)
The compensation granted to the members of the Su-
pervisory Board and the payments made by the compa-
ny to the members of the Supervisory Board for services
provided personally are not individually itemized in the
Corporate Governance Report (Section 5.4.6 paras. 5
and 6 GCGC).
The information is not individually itemized because the
competitors of Axel Springer SE do not publish any such
information either.
II. Retrospective section
Period from the issuance of the last Declaration of Con-
formity on November 6, 2012 to the publication of the
new version of the Code on June 10, 2013:
In the time from the issuance of the last Declaration of
Conformity on November 6, 2012 to the publication of
the new version of the Code on June 10, 2013, the
company has followed the recommendations of GCGC
in the version of May 15, 2012, as published by the
German Federal Ministry of Justice in the official an-
nouncements section of the Federal Gazette of June 15,
2012, with the exception of the exceptions noted and
justified under I. 2), 4) and 5) above, and the following
exception:
Alignment of success-oriented Supervisory Board com-
pensation with the sustainable development of the com-
pany (Section 5.4.6 para. 4 GCGC in the version pub-
lished on 10 June 10, 2013 / Section 5.4.6 para. 5
GCGC in the version published on June 15, 2012)
The compensation of the Supervisory Board consisted of
a fixed component and a variable component. The vari-
able component of Supervisory Board compensation
was divided into a dividend-based component and a
component based on the growth of consolidated net
income (in relation to the corresponding net income for
the third-last financial year). Because the dividend-based
component of variable compensation was based on the
prior year in every case, meaning that it was possibly not
aligned with the company’s sustainable development in
the view of the GCGC, and furthermore because the
amount of dividend-based variable compensation has, in
the past few years, usually exceeded the amount of
variable compensation that is based on consolidated net
income, which is indisputably aligned with the sustaina-
ble development of the company, the company declares
an exception to the corresponding GCGC recommenda-
tion in the time until December 31, 2012. Nonetheless,
we still consider the division of variable Supervisory
Board compensation into one part based on the divi-
dend and another part based on consolidated net in-
come, as resolved by the shareholders of our company,
to have been proper and appropriate in the past.
Period since publication of the new version of the Codex
on June 10, 2013:
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Corporate Governance Report
In the time since it was published, the company has
followed the recommendations of GCGC in the version
of May 13, 2013, as published by the German Federal
Ministry of Justice in the official announcements section
of the Federal Gazette of June 10, 2013, with the excep-
tion of the difference noted and justified in Section I. 2)
above.
Berlin, November 5, 2013
Axel Springer AG
The Supervisory Board
The Executive Board”
The foregoing Declaration of Conformity of November 5,
2013 and the older versions can be found at
www.axelspringer.com/declarationofconformity.
Important management practices
Axel Springer is the only independent media company
that has provided itself with a corporate constitution. This
is anchored in Article 3 (“Principles of Corporate Gover-
nance”) of the company’s Articles of Incorporation and is
thus a guiding principle for all employees. The five princi-
ples formulated therein form the basis for the company’s
journalistic practices. They express fundamental convic-
tions of corporate social policy, but do not dictate per-
sonal opinions.
Axel Springer has also defined corporate values as the
foundation of its corporate culture, to guide the work of
every employee. They are: creativity as the crucial pre-
requisite for success in journalism and business; entre-
preneurship in the sense of being courageously inventive,
self-reliant and results-oriented, qualities that are ex-
pected of all managers and employees; integrity in all
dealings with the company, readers, customers, em-
ployees, business partners, and shareholders. Based on
these corporate values, the management principles of
Axel Springer SE concretize the requirements to be met
by the managers of the Axel Springer Group, as a
framework for action based on transparent expectations.
Moreover, Axel Springer has established guidelines for
journalistic independence. These guidelines concretize
and broaden the scope of the journalistic principles set
out in the Code of Conduct of the German Press Council.
They specifically delineate the boundaries between ad-
vertising and editorial copy, and between the editors’
and reporters’ private and business interests. They also
preclude actions in pursuit of personal advantages and
define the company’s position with respect to the treat-
ment of news sources. The guidelines thus represent the
framework for independent and critical journalism in the
editorial departments of all media belonging to the Group.
The editors-in-chief are responsible for observing and
implementing the guidelines in the company’s day-to-
day activities.
In addition, Axel Springer has developed a catalog of
social standards applicable to all the company’s activities.
Known as the International Social Policy, it states the
company’s positions on matters of human rights, adher-
ence to the rule of law, the protection of children and
young people, the treatment of employees, health and
safety, and the compatibility of work and family, and
other matters.
Furthermore, the company has issued an Environmental
Guideline comprising four points, which serves as a
practical guide to the many environmental protection
measures conducted at Axel Springer.
The management principles and guidelines can be found
at www.axelspringer.com/corporateprinciples.
Already in financial year 2010, Axel Springer established
a separate department for Corporate Governance, Risk
& Compliance. This department is responsible for topics
such as risk management, the internal control system,
and compliance management. As described in the Risk
Report (see page 42), risk management and the internal
control system seek to identify risks throughout the
company and to systematically monitor the measures
taken to minimize risks. At Axel Springer, compliance
means the fulfillment of all laws, regulations, and guide-
lines, as well as the commitments undertaken voluntarily.
Based on the foregoing, the goal of compliance man-
agement is to institute structures and processes to en-
sure that all directors and employees, and especially
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Corporate Governance Report
senior executives, conduct themselves in accordance
with applicable laws and regulations. Another goal of
compliance management is to prevent harm to the com-
pany’s reputation and financial condition that could result
from violations of laws and regulations.
implementation in coordination with the Supervisory
Board. The Executive Board manages the company’s
affairs in compliance with the relevant laws, the Articles
of Incorporation, and its rules of procedure.
As another step to strengthen sound corporate gover-
nance and establish an appropriate compliance man-
agement program, Axel Springer published a Code of
Conduct in financial year 2011. The Code of Conduct
summarizes the existing corporate principles and values,
along with appropriate guidelines, and specifies the
ethical, moral, and legal requirements to be observed by
all employees. The Code of Conduct can be found at
www.axelspringer.de/coc_en.
Procedures of the Executive Board and Supervisory
Board, and composition of the committees of the
Supervisory Board
Cooperation between the Executive Board and Supervi-
sory Board
The legal form conversion of Axel Springer AG to a Euro-
pean company (Societas Europaea, SE), which was
resolved by the annual shareholders’ meeting on April 24,
2013, took effect upon being entered into the Commer-
cial Register on December 2, 2013. Also after the con-
version to a SE, management and supervision are con-
ducted on the basis of a dual management system, as
before under Axel Springer AG. The Executive Board
manages the company under its own responsibility. The
Supervisory Board appoints the members of the Execu-
tive Board, and monitors and advises the latter in the
conduct of the business. The two boards work closely
together in an atmosphere of trust and confidence to
sustainably enhance the company’s value. The two
boards are strictly separated in terms of personnel and
their areas of authority.
Procedures of the Executive Board
In its executive function, the Executive Board is obligated
to pursue the interests of the company and dedicated to
sustainable company development. It develops the stra-
tegic orientation of the company and is responsible for its
It provides regular, timely, and comprehensive infor-
mation to the Supervisory Board on all relevant matters
of strategy, planning, business development, risk man-
agement including the risk situation, and the internal
control system and compliance management system. In
accordance with the internal rules of procedure adopted
by the Supervisory Board, important decisions of the
Executive Board require the approval of the Supervisory
Board. Such decisions include, above all, the creation or
discontinuation of business divisions, the acquisition or
sale of significant equity investments, and the adoption
of the company’s annual business and financial plan.
The members of the Executive Board are jointly respon-
sible for the management, work together collegially, and
keep each other informed of important measures and
business transactions in their business divisions. Not-
withstanding the general responsibility of all Executive
Board members, each member of the Executive Board
manages the business division assigned to him, under
his own responsibility, with the exception of those deci-
sions that are incumbent on the full Executive Board.
The Executive Board meets regularly in the form of
Executive Board meetings, which are convened and
chaired by the Executive Board Chairman, as a general
rule. Furthermore, every Executive Board member and
the Chairman of the Supervisory Board are entitled to
convene a meeting. As a general rule, the full Executive
Board adopts resolutions by a simple majority of the
votes cast; in the case of resolutions adopted by a sim-
ple majority, the Chairman casts the deciding vote. A
resolution adopted in spite of being opposed by the
Executive Board Chairman is deemed to be invalid, also
subject to the limits of the applicable laws.
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The internal rules of procedure adopted by the Supervi-
sory Board for the Executive Board provide more precise
rules, including the following:
In April 2014, Dr. Julian Deutz will take over the Finance
division from Lothar Lanz, after already taking over sev-
eral responsibilities from Lothar Lanz in February 2014.
The obligation to observe and comply with the corpo-
rate constitution and to anchor it throughout the
Group
The executive organization chart and the decisions to
be made by the full Executive Board
The duties of the Chairman of the Executive Board
Transactions that require the approval of the Supervi-
sory Board
Rules concerning the regular, timely, and comprehen-
sive provision of information to the Supervisory Board
Rules concerning meetings and the adoption of
resolutions
Obligation to disclose conflicts of interest
Given the appointment of Dr. Julian Deutz to the Execu-
tive Board as of January 1, 2014, the Management cur-
rently consists of six members, until the planned depar-
ture of Lothar Lanz in April 2014:
Dr. Mathias Döpfner, Executive Board Chairman
Jan Bayer, Executive Board member in charge of
WELT Group and Printing
Ralph Büchi, Executive Board member in charge of
International Business
Lothar Lanz, Executive Board member in charge of
Personnel, Finance, and Services
Procedures of the Supervisory Board
As per the company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Su-
pervisory Board of Axel Springer SE is composed of nine
members, who are elected by the annual shareholders’
meeting. The regular term of office of Supervisory Board
members is five years; they are eligible for re-election at
the end of their terms. The Supervisory Board elects its
Chairman from among its own ranks; the term of office of
the Supervisory Board Chairman is coincident with that
of the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board advises
the Executive Board and monitors the work of the Ex-
ecutive Board. It holds at least four meetings a year. In
case of necessity, it meets without the Executive Board
in attendance. Meetings may be held and resolutions
adopted also by way of written correspondence, tele-
phone calls, telexes, or electronic media. As a general
rule, the Supervisory Board adopts resolutions by a
simple majority of the members voting on the resolution;
in case of a tie, the Chairman casts the deciding vote.
The Supervisory Board deliberates on the company’s
business developments, planning, strategy, and signifi-
cant capital expenditures at regular intervals. The Super-
visory Board adopts the separate financial statements of
Axel Springer SE and approves the consolidated financial
statements of the Group. It regularly assesses the effi-
ciency of its work by means of a questionnaire. Please
refer to the report of the Supervisory Board (page 76) for
additional information on the specific activities of the
Supervisory Board in financial year 2013.
The internal rules of procedure of the Supervisory Board
comply with the requirements of the German Corporate
Governance Code and contain rules covering the follow-
ing topics, among others:
Election and duties of the Chairman and Vice Chair-
Dr. Andreas Wiele, Executive Board member in
man of the Supervisory Board
charge of BILD Group and Magazines
Calling of meetings
Dr. Julian Deutz (Executive Board member as of
January 1, 2014)
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Adoption of resolutions at meetings or by voting by
way of written correspondence, telephone calls, tel-
exes, or electronic media
Supervisory Board committees, including their com-
position, organization, and duties
Obligation to disclose conflicts of interest
The members of the Supervisory Board are:
Dr. Giuseppe Vita, Chairman
Dr. h. c. Friede Springer, Vice Chairwoman
Dr. Gerhard Cromme
Oliver Heine
Rudolf Knepper (from January 8, 2013 to April 24,
2013)
Klaus Krone
Dr. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller
Prof. Dr. Wolf Lepenies
Dr. Michael Otto
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Giuseppe
Vita, who is concurrently the Chairman of the Audit
Committee, also satisfies the requirements of expert
knowledge and independence defined in Section 100 (5)
AktG (financial expert).
By resolution of January 7, 2013, the Charlottenburg
Local Court appointed Rudolf Knepper to the Superviso-
ry Board until the close of the annual shareholders’
meeting, which was held on April 24, 2013. Since the
close of this annual general meeting, the Supervisory
Board has been composed of eight members, whose
terms of office will expire upon the close of the annual
shareholders’ meeting to be held in 2014.
Composition and procedures of committees
The Executive Board has not formed committees.
In accordance with its internal rules of procedure, the
Supervisory Board has formed four committees to sup-
port the work of the full board: the Executive Committee,
the Personnel Committee, the Nominating Committee,
and the Audit Committee. In those matters stipulated in
the internal rules of procedure of the Supervisory Board,
the committees prepare the resolutions to be adopted
and other matters to be addressed by the full board.
Within the limits of applicable laws, the committees also
adopt resolutions in lieu of the full board in those matters
stipulated in the internal rules of procedure of the Super-
visory Board. The internal rules of procedure of the Su-
pervisory Board stipulate the procedures for meetings
and resolutions adopted by the committees and define
their areas of responsibility.
Please refer to the Report of the Supervisory Board
(page 76 ff.) for information on the areas of responsibility
and composition of the committees.
By way of exception to the recommendation set out in
Section para. 2 GCGC, the Chairman of the Supervisory
Board, Dr. Giuseppe Vita, is also the Chairman of the
Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board (see the stat-
ed exception in the Declaration of Conformity of Novem-
ber 5, 2013, page 62). He meets the requirements rela-
tive to expertise and independence defined in Article 9
para. 1 letter c) ii) SE-VO in conjunction with Sec-
tions 107 (4), 100 (5) AktG (financial expert), as well as
the requirements set out in the recommendation of Sec-
tion 5.3.2 paras. 2 and 3 GCGC.
Further information on corporate
governance
Goals for the composition of the Supervisory Board
In its meeting of July 2, 2013, the Supervisory Board of
Axel Springer SE confirmed the following goals for its
composition, which had been resolved or confirmed by
the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer AG in its meet-
ings of October 14, 2010 and October 24, 2012, in
consideration of Section 5.4.1 GCGC:
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The Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE should be
composed in such a way that its members generally
possess all knowledge, abilities, and professional ex-
perience necessary to properly perform the duties of
the Supervisory Board.
With due consideration given to the company’s busi-
ness object and purpose set forth in the Articles of In-
corporation, the size of the company, and the relative
importance of its international activities, the Supervi-
sory Board will also strive, as a goal for the upcoming
regular elections, to bring about a composition of its
members that is appropriate in view of the following
considerations, in particular:
At least two seats on the Supervisory Board should
be held by persons who fulfill the criterion of interna-
tionality to a particular degree (for example, by reason
of relevant experience in international business).
Supervisory Board members should not hold any
position on a board or perform any consulting work
for important competitors of the company.
The Supervisory Board should have an adequate
proportion of women. Currently, two of the nine
members (22.2 %) are women; the Supervisory Board
considers this adequate in any event.
In making nominations, due consideration should be
given to the general rule that Supervisory Board
members should not be older than 72 years; the Su-
pervisory Board can approve exceptions to this policy.
Furthermore, the Supervisory Board should observe
the principle that as few members as possible should
be subject to a potential conflict of interest, as in con-
nection with an advisory role or board seat with signif-
icant customers, suppliers, creditors, or other signifi-
cant business partners of Axel Springer. Furthermore,
the Supervisory Board should give due consideration
to the principle that its composition should meet the
criterion of diversity.
With respect to its composition, the Supervisory
Board adopted the goal that at least two of its mem-
bers will be independent according to the definition of
the GCGC.
The foregoing principles have already been completely
implemented with the current composition of the Super-
visory Board of Axel Springer SE.
Goals for the composition of the Executive Board
Also in its meeting of October 14, 2010, the Supervisory
Board of Axel Springer AG adopted the following goals
for the composition of the Executive Board, in view of
Section 5.1.2 GCGC:
In making decisions concerning the composition of
the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board should
give due consideration to the principle of diversity and
should strive in particular to give appropriate consid-
eration to women.
The Supervisory Board should work together with the
Executive Board to assure long-term succession
planning.
At the time of being (re-)appointed to the Executive
Board, no member should be older than 62, as a
general rule; the Supervisory Board can approve ex-
ceptions to this rule.
In appointing the new Executive Board member
Dr. Julian Deutz as of January 1, 2014, the Supervisory
Board gave due consideration to the principles men-
tioned above and appointed the most qualified candidate,
in its opinion.
Goals concerning the staffing of key functions
In view of the recommendation set out in Section 4.1.5
GCGC, reference is made to the description of personnel
policies designed to assure equal opportunity and diver-
sity on page 35 of the present Annual Report.
Shareholders and annual shareholders’ meeting
Also after the change of legal form to an SE, the annual
shareholders’ meeting is the central governing authority
in which the shareholders exercise their rights and cast
their votes. Every share confers the right to cast one vote
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in the annual shareholders’ meeting. Those shareholders
who are registered in the share register and have regis-
tered for the meeting in time are entitled to vote. The
Chairman of the Supervisory Board generally chairs the
shareholders’ meeting. To make it easier for sharehold-
ers to exercise their prerogatives at the annual share-
holders’ meeting, their votes can be cast by authorized
proxies. Axel Springer SE also designates a voting proxy
whom shareholders can elect to execute their voting
rights according to their instructions. All required reports
and documents are made available to the shareholders
in advance, also on the company’s Internet page.
The annual shareholders’ meeting resolves specifically
on the utilization of the distributable profit, the ratification
of the actions of the Executive Board and Supervisory
Board, the election of the Supervisory Board, the elec-
tion of the independent auditor, and other matters legally
assigned to them, such as corporate actions and other
amendments to the Articles of Incorporation. The resolu-
tions of the annual shareholders’ meeting require a sim-
ple majority of the votes cast, unless another majority is
prescribed by law or by the company’s Articles of Incor-
poration. The Articles of Incorporation can be inspected
on the company’s website at
www.axelspringer.com/articlesofassociation.
Conflicts of interest
The members of the Executive Board and Supervisory
Board are bound to promote the interests of the compa-
ny. No member of either board may, through their deci-
sions, pursue personal interests or take advantage of
business opportunities that should be the province of the
company.
Executive Board members may not demand or accept
gifts or other benefits from, or grant unjustified benefits
to, third parties in connection with their activities, either
for their own benefit or for that of others. Sideline activi-
ties of the Executive Board require the consent of the
Supervisory Board. Executive Board members are sub-
ject to a comprehensive anti-competition clause during
the period of their activity for Axel Springer. Every Execu-
tive Board member must inform the Supervisory Board
of any conflict of interest without delay. No conflicts of
interest arose within the Executive Board in 2013.
Likewise, each member of the Supervisory Board must
disclose such conflicts to the Supervisory Board imme-
diately; the Supervisory Board reports to the annual
shareholders’ meeting on any conflicts of interest and
how they are handled. Please see the report of the Su-
pervisory Board concerning conflicts of interest that
arose during the reporting period (page 79).
Memberships on other supervisory bodies
A summary of the seats held by the Executive Board and
Supervisory Board members of Axel Springer SE on other
legally prescribed supervisory boards or comparable
boards in Germany and abroad can be found on pages
153 and 154.
Transparency
Axel Springer is committed to always providing compre-
hensive, timely – and simultaneously – and consistent
information on the significant events and developments
relevant to an evaluation of the company’s present and
future business performance to all capital market partici-
pants. Reporting on the business situation and Group
results is presented in its annual report, at its annual
financial statements press conference, and in its semian-
nual financial report and quarterly financial reports. For
this purpose, the company also uses Internet communi-
cation channels whenever possible. Axel Springer also
regularly participates in conferences and roadshows in
key international financial centers; additional information
on this subject can be found on page 8 of the present
Annual Report. To the extent required by law, the com-
pany also provides information in the form of ad-hoc
announcements and press releases, and on the company’s
website.
In order to ensure equal treatment of all capital market
participants, Axel Springer also publishes information
relevant to the capital markets simultaneously in the
German and English languages on the company’s web-
site. Financial reporting dates are published in the finan-
cial calendar with sufficient advance notice. Immediately
upon receiving the corresponding notices, the company
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publishes changes in the composition of the shareholder
structure that are subject to the reporting obligation
according to Section 26 of the German Securities Trad-
ing Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz, WpHG), and on the
purchase and sale of shares by persons who exercise
management duties at Axel Springer (directors’ dealings),
in accordance with Section 15a WpHG.
Shareholdings
The Executive Board members in office at the reporting
date directly or indirectly held 3,320,855 shares of Axel
Springer SE at the reporting date of December 31, 2013.
Of that number, 3,225,492 shares were held directly by
the Chairman of the Executive Board, Dr. Mathias
Döpfner, and indirectly via Brilliant 310. GmbH.
At the reporting date, the Supervisory Board members
directly or indirectly held a total of 56,011,170 shares of
Axel Springer SE. Dr. h. c. Friede Springer held
51,000,030 shares indirectly via Friede Springer GmbH &
Co. KG and Axel Springer Gesellschaft für Publizistik
GmbH & Co, and 4,948,140 shares directly.
Preparation and audit of the financial statements
The consolidated financial statements and interim finan-
cial statements are prepared in accordance with Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as they are
to be applied in the European Union. The consolidated
financial statements also contain the disclosures pre-
scribed by Section 315a (1) HGB.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared by
the Executive Board of Axel Springer SE and audited by
the independent auditor. Axel Springer publishes the
consolidated financial statements within 90 days and the
quarterly financial reports within 45 days of the respec-
tive period ending dates.
The notes to the consolidated financial statements also
contain information on the company’s relationships with
shareholders who are to be classified as related parties
according to the definitions of the applicable accounting
regulations.
In accordance with the German Corporate Governance
Code, it is agreed with the independent auditor in each
financial year that the latter will inform the Chairman of
the Supervisory Board or the Audit Committee without
delay of any circumstances arising during the course of
the audit that would constitute grounds for disqualifica-
tion or partiality. It is also agreed that the independent
auditor will immediately report any material issues, mat-
ters, and events arising during the course of the audit
that fall within the purview of the Supervisory Board. It is
further agreed that the independent auditor will inform
the Supervisory Board or make an observation in the
audit report if the independent auditor were to discover,
during the course of the audit, any facts that contradict
the Declaration of Conformity by the Executive Board
and Supervisory Board according to Section 161 AktG.
Ongoing actions for nullification
In the years 2005 to 2007, the shareholder Dr. Oliver
Kraus, and in 2008 the shareholders Dr. Oliver Krauß
and Klaus Zapf contested various resolutions adopted by
the respective annual shareholders’ meetings of the
company. All of the suits were unsuccessful with the
exception of the action to nullify the resolutions ratifying
the actions of the Executive Board at the regular annual
shareholders’ meeting of 2006, which were then repeat-
ed by the regular annual shareholders’ meeting of 2010.
There follows a report on proceedings that were pending
in financial year 2013.
On May 21, 2009, Dr. Oliver Kraus filed an action to
nullify the resolution of the annual shareholders’ meeting
of April 23, 2009 relating to Agenda Item 7 (Special au-
thorization to purchase and use the company’s own
shares according to Section 71 (1) (8) AktG in connection
with the Management Participation Program) and con-
tested the election of Dr. h. c. Friede Springer and Brian
Powers to the Supervisory Board of the company (Agen-
da Item 8). Moreover, Dr. Oliver Kraus petitioned for a
finding that the company is obligated to provide him, in
his capacity as a shareholder, with a transcript of those
portions of the “stenographic minutes from its question
recording and question answering system” that cover his
questions and comments, as well as the information
provided by the company in response. The shareholders
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SCI AG and Oliver Wiederhold joined the action on the
side of the defendant. The Berlin Regional Court rejected
the suit in its entirety by judgment dated June 10, 2010
(Case No. 95 O 52/09), that is, both with regard to the
action to nullify, as well as the petition for a finding.
Dr. Oliver Kraus filed an appeal against this decision
before the Berlin Appellate Court; the appeal proceeding
is being conducted under Case No. 23 U 125/10.
variable compensation is composed of a cash compo-
nent paid in the form of an annual bonus and a long-term,
stock-based component. All components of compensa-
tion are appropriate, both individually and as a whole.
The criteria used to determine appropriateness are the
tasks of the individual Executive Board member, his
personal performance, as well as the economic situation,
profit, and the future prospects of Axel Springer.
On May 21, 2010, Dr. Oliver Kraus filed an additional
action to nullify the resolutions of the annual sharehold-
ers’ meeting of April 23, 2010 relating to the ratification
of the actions of the Executive Board and the Superviso-
ry Board for financial year 2009 (Agenda Items 3 and 4),
as well as the general authorization to purchase and use
the company’s own shares according to Section 71 (1)
(8) AktG and to exclude the preemptive right, and the
special authorization, to purchase and use the compa-
ny’s own shares according to Section 71 (1) (8) AktG in
connection with the Management Participation Program
and to exclude the right to tender and preemptive right
(Agenda Items 6 and 7). The shareholders Frank Scheu-
nert and Gastro Beteiligungs AG joined this action on the
side of the defendant. In its ruling of March 7, 2012
(Case No. 105 O 53/10), the Berlin Regional Court par-
tially granted the claim and nullified the resolutions of the
annual shareholders’ meeting adopted under Agenda
Items 4, 6, and 7. The company has filed an appeal
against this ruling with the Berlin Appellate Court. The
appeal is pending under Case No. 23 U 92/12.
Compensation report
Axel Springer’s compensation policy follows the principle
of granting compensation to the Executive Board and
Supervisory Board that is based on their performance in
the interest of sustainable corporate development. This
compensation consists of fixed and variable perfor-
mance-dependent components.
Executive Board
In accordance with the requirements of the German
Stock Corporation Act and the recommendations of
GCGC, the compensation of the Executive Board mem-
bers consists of fixed and variable components. The
Due consideration is also given to the industry environ-
ment. The Supervisory Board did not consult with out-
side compensation experts in 2013.
The fixed compensation corresponds to the annual
fixed salary; in addition, the Executive Board members
receive a company car or company car allowance and
security expenses as fringe benefits. The annual fixed
salary is established for the entire term of an employment
agreement and is disbursed in 12 monthly installments. It
is set on the basis of the duties of the individual Execu-
tive Board member, the current economic situation, the
profit, and the future prospects of the Group, among
other considerations.
The variable compensation in the form of a cash
component is set according to the performance of the
individual in the context of individual goals (including
quantitative divisional goals and qualitative individual
goals aligned with the strategy of Axel Springer SE), as
well as corporate goals; the amount is capped at twice
the amount payable upon 100 % goal attainment. In
financial year 2013, as in the prior year, the corporate
goals were based on the EBITDA of the Group and the
EBITDA of the Digital Media segment. The Supervisory
Board adopts both the goals applied for measuring
individual performance and the corporate goals. A por-
tion of the variable cash compensation is determined on
the basis of fulfillment of the corporate goals adopted for
a measurement period of three years. Goal fulfillment is
determined initially by the Supervisory Board Chairman,
in consultation with the respective Executive Board
member, and is then resolved by the Supervisory Board.
In addition, Executive Board members receive a long-
term variable compensation component in the form
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of virtual stock option plans that were introduced in 2009
(referred to hereinafter as the Virtual Stock Option Plan
2009), as of January 1, 2012 (referred to hereinafter as
the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2012), and as of January 1,
2014 (referred to hereinafter as the Virtual Stock Option
Plan 2014).
Under the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2009, a total of
1,125,000 (before the share split resolved by the annual
shareholders’ meeting in April 2011: 375,000) virtual
stock options were issued, effective July 1, 2009; under
the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2012, a total of 450,000
virtual stock options were issued, effective January 1,
2012; and under the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2014, a
total of 205,313 virtual stock options were issued, effec-
tive January 1, 2014. In all three cases, the virtual stock
options have a term of six years and can be exercised at
the earliest after four years. If the Executive Board em-
ployment contract or appointment to the Executive
Board remains in effect at least until the expiration of the
four-year vesting period, all virtual stock options granted
to the Executive Board member can become vested. If
the respective Executive Board member resigns prior to
this time, a pro-rated number of the virtual stock options
granted to him will become vested, in proportion to the
four-year waiting period, unless the termination occurs
on or before the first calendar day of the year in which
the respective virtual stock options were issued. In that
case, the affected virtual stock options will be forfeited
without replacement or compensation. Another precon-
dition for vesting is the achievement of a performance or
outperformance target related to the share price of the
Axel Springer share. The stock options can only be exer-
cised if the average price of the Axel Springer share
during a period of 90 calendar days prior to exercise is at
least 30 % higher than the baseline values (Virtual Stock
Option Plan 2009: € 20.29 (before the share split:
€ 60.86); Virtual Stock Option Plan 2012: € 30.53;
Virtual Stock Option Plan 2014: € 44.06), and if the
percentage increase in the price of the Axel Springer
share is greater than the appreciation of the DAX stock
index over the same period. Each stock option grants
the right to payment of an amount equal to the apprecia-
tion of the Axel Springer share, but not to exceed 200 %
of the baseline value (Virtual Stock Option Plan 2009:
max. € 40.57 (before share split: max. € 121.72); Virtual
Stock Option Plan 2012: max. € 61.06; Virtual Stock
Option Plan 2014: max. € 88.12); this amount is the
difference between the volume-weighted average share
price during the last 90 calendar days prior to exercising
the stock options and the baseline value. Executive
Board members are obligated to hold one share of Axel
Springer SE for every ten stock options as a personal
investment. If they were to dispose of these shares prior
to exercising the options, the stock options will be for-
feited at the rate of one share for each ten stock options.
The value of the virtual stock options at the grant date in
2009 was € 4.7 million. Because the remaining options
under the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2009 were exercised
in financial year 2013, this plan is ended. The value of the
virtual stock options at the grant date in 2012 was € 2.4
million; the value of the virtual stock options at the grant
date in 2014 was € 1.4 million. For additional information
on the Virtual Stock Plans 2009 and 2014, please refer
also to the disclosures in Section (12) of the notes to the
consolidated financial statements.
Most of the Executive Board members have received
contractual pension commitments. Payment of the pen-
sion commences upon reaching age 62, if the Executive
Board member is no longer in office at this time. In case
of premature departure, an Executive Board member
who has served for at least five years after the pension
commitment date acquires a vested claim to a pension
payment proportional to the length of his employment
with the company. Payments are also made in the event
of complete occupational disability.
Some Executive Board members have the right to termi-
nate their service contracts due to a change in control. In
that case, they will have the right to receive payment of
their base salary for the most recently negotiated remain-
ing contractual term, while some of the eligible Executive
Board members will have the right to receive payment of
an amount equal to at least one year’s base salary. Fur-
thermore, the company will pay the pro-rated percent-
age of the success-based compensation for the period
of time served in the year of resignation. The service
contracts of the members of the Executive Board do not
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Corporate Governance Report
provide for any other compensation if the service rela-
tionship is terminated as a result of a change in control.
accordance with the aforementioned GCGC recommen-
dation.
The compensation system for the Executive Board was
reviewed again by the full Supervisory Board in 2013. This
review yielded the result that the Executive Board com-
pensation system complies with applicable laws and
regulations, and in particular that it is appropriately
aligned with the sustainable development of the company.
The total compensation granted to the Executive Board
in financial year 2013 amounted to € 20.1 million (PY:
€ 19.9 million plus € 2.4 million long-term share-based
remuneration component). The fixed compensation
amounted to € 9.4 million (PY: € 9.2 million); that
amount also includes the amounts for fringe benefits
(company car or company car allowance, and security
expenses). The total variable compensation in cash
amounted to € 10.7 million (PY: € 10.7 million).
No long-term variable compensation components in the
form of share-based compensation were granted in
financial year 2013 (PY: € 2.4 million, Virtual Stock
Option Plan 2012). Accordingly, the fixed compensation,
including fringe benefits, represented 47 % of the total
compensation granted in financial year 2013 (PY: 41 %,
respectively 46 % with respect to the sum of fixed and
variable cash compensation).
To cover the company’s pension obligations to Executive
Board members, personnel expenses of € 0.5 million
were incurred in financial year 2013 (PY: € 0.3 million). At
the reporting date, the net present value of the pension
obligation recognized in the pension provisions was
€ 7.0 million (PY: € 6.2 million). No loans or advances
were granted to members of the Executive Board in
financial year 2013. With regard to pension commitments
granted to Executive Board members after June 10,
2013, that being the effective date of the corresponding
recommendation set out in Section 4.2.3 para. 10
GCGC, the Supervisory Board adopted the targeted
amount of pension commitments in every case, taking
into consideration, the annual and long-term pension
expenses for the company derived on that basis, in
Axel Springer SE does not disclose the total compensa-
tion of individual Executive Board members by name,
given that Sections 314 (2) and 286 (5) HGB expressly
place the disclosure of Executive Board compensation
by name under the reservation of a differing resolution of
the annual shareholders’ meeting with a qualified majority
of the share capital represented upon the adoption of the
resolution. The annual shareholders’ meeting of the
former Axel Springer AG held on April 23, 2010, adopted
such a resolution with the requisite majority. The reason
for this is that Axel Springer SE’s competitors do not
disclose itemized compensation either.
Supervisory Board
The compensation of the Supervisory Board is set by the
annual shareholders’ meeting.
The compensation of the Supervisory Board of Axel
Springer AG is regulated by Article 16 of the Articles of
Incorporation of Axel Springer AG. Effective January 1,
2013, new rules were established by virtue of the resolu-
tion of the annual shareholders’ meeting of April 24,
2013, which took effect when the corresponding provi-
sions of the Articles of Incorporation were entered into
the Commercial Register on May 7, 2013. Accordingly,
the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer AG receives an
annual fixed compensation of € 3.0 million. The Supervi-
sory Board decides how the aforementioned amount is
distributed among its members, with appropriate con-
sideration given to their activities as chairman and in the
committees. If the member does not serve on the Super-
visory Board or exercise a higher-paying function of a
Supervisory Board member for the full year, such mem-
ber will receive a pro-rated share of the full-year com-
pensation. Only full months of activity are taken into
account for this purpose. The compensation is payable
after the close of the given financial year.
The foregoing compensation rules also govern the com-
pensation of the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE.
In accordance with the resolution adopted by the annual
shareholders’ meeting of Axel Springer AG of April 24,
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2013 to convert Axel Springer AG into Axel Springer SE,
which took effect upon being entered into the Commer-
cial Register on December 2, 2013, provisions identical
to Article 16 of the Articles of Incorporation of Axel
Springer AG were incorporated into the Articles of Incor-
poration of Axel Springer SE. Furthermore, the legal form
conversion resolution provides that the month in which
the conversion takes effect is deemed to be a full month
of activity for Axel Springer SE.
For financial year 2013, the Supervisory Board will
receive total compensation of € 3.0 million (PY: € 2.5
million, including variable compensation of € 0.5 million).
The portion of this compensation corresponding to the
months of January through November 2013 will be paid
in respect of service on the Supervisory Board of Axel
Springer AG, and the portion corresponding to Decem-
ber 2013 will be paid in respect of service on the Super-
visory Board of Axel Springer SE.
In addition, the company reimburses all members of the
Supervisory Board for their expenses and for the value-
added tax payable on their compensation and on the
reimbursement of their expenses. The company pays the
premium for the D&O insurance taken out for members
of the Supervisory Board. One member of the Superviso-
ry Board is paid an annual salary of € 0.1 million for his
services as an author.
Contrary to Section 5.4.6 sentences 5 and 6 of the Ger-
man Corporate Governance Code, the compensation
paid to members of the Supervisory Board, as well as
the compensation paid by the company to them for
services rendered personally, are not presented in the
Corporate Governance Report, since Axel Springer SE’s
competitors do not disclose such information either.
Share-based compensation of senior executives
In addition to the Virtual Stock Option Plans 2009 and
2012 for Executive Board members, Axel Springer also
introduced a virtual stock option plan for selected senior
executives in 2011 (referred to hereinafter as the Virtual
Stock Option Plan 2011).
Effective October 1, 2011, a total of 945 thousand virtual
stock options were granted to senior executives of the
company, with each beneficiary receiving stock options
under Tranche A and stock options under Tranche B.
The virtual stock options under Tranche A have a term of
four years, that is, until September 30, 2015, and can be
exercised at the earliest after two years, that is, on Octo-
ber 1, 2013. The virtual stock options under Tranche B
have a term of six years, that is, until September 30,
2017, and can be exercised at the earliest after four
years, that is, on October 1, 2015.
Provided that the beneficiary is employed by the compa-
ny at least until the expiration of the respective vesting
period, all virtual stock options may become vested. If
the employment relationship is terminated before the
expiration of the respective vesting period, but after the
lapse of one year of the vesting period, one half of the
virtual stock options granted under Tranche A will be-
come vested; one fourth of the virtual stock options
granted under Tranche B become vested upon the lapse
of each year of the vesting period. They will not become
vested if the beneficiary resigned without reasonable
cause or if Axel Springer SE or an affiliated company
terminated the employment relationship with reasonable
cause; in such cases, all virtual stock options will be
forfeited.
Another precondition for vesting is the achievement of
a performance or outperformance target related to the
share price of the Axel Springer share.
The stock options can only be exercised if the average
price of the Axel Springer share during a period of three
months prior to being exercised is at least 30 % higher
than the baseline values of € 30.00 for Tranche A and
€ 35.00 for Tranche B, and if the percentage increase in
the price of the Axel Springer share is greater than the
appreciation of the DAX stock index over the same peri-
od. Each stock option grants the right to payment of an
amount equal to the appreciation of the Axel Springer
share, but not in excess of a defined maximum amount
(€ 60.00 for Tranche A, € 70.00 for Tranche B); this
amount is the difference between the volume-weighted
average share price during the last three months prior to
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exercising the stock options and the baseline value. The
first day of the month determines the beginning and end
of the corresponding period.
Beneficiaries are obligated to hold one share of Axel
Springer SE for every ten stock options as a personal
investment. Disposing of these shares prior to exercising
the options would result in the stock options being for-
feited at the rate of one share for each ten stock options.
The total value of the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2011 at
the grant date was € 2.4 million. For more information on
the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2011 for selected senior
executives, see also the disclosures in the notes to the
consolidated financial statements, Section (12).
75
Report of the
Supervisory Board
Dr. Giuseppe Vita
Chairman
Dr. h. c. Friede Springer
Vice Chairwoman
Dr. Gerhard Cromme
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
of Siemens AG
Oliver Heine
Lawyer and partner in the law firm
of Oliver Heine & Partner
Rudolf Knepper
(from January 8, 2013 until April 24, 2013)
Member of the Supervisory Board
of Axel Springer AG
Klaus Krone
Member of the Supervisory Board
of Axel Springer SE
Dr. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller
Chairwoman of the Management Board
of TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG
Prof. Dr. Wolf Lepenies
University Professor (emer.) FU Berlin;
Permanent Fellow (emer.) at Wissenschaftskolleg
zu Berlin
Dr. Michael Otto
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
of Otto GmbH & Co. KG
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Report of the Supervisory Board
In financial year 2013, the Supervisory Board performed
all the duties incumbent upon it by virtue of applicable
laws, the company’s Articles of Incorporation, and inter-
nal rules of procedure. The Supervisory Board worked
closely and trustfully with the Executive Board in an
advisory role and supervised the management of the
company.
on those transactions and measures for which the partic-
ipation of the Supervisory Board is required by law, by
the company’s Articles of Incorporation, or by the Execu-
tive Board’s internal rules of procedure. After in-depth
review, the Supervisory Board approved all matters
presented to it by the Executive Board for resolution or
approval.
By means of written and oral reports, the Executive
Board informed the Supervisory Board in detail, regularly,
and promptly about all relevant matters of strategy, plan-
ning, business performance, and the risk situation of the
company, as well as the risk management system, the
Internal Control System (ICS), and matters pertaining to
compliance. The Executive Board also kept the Supervi-
sory Board informed of important events in the time
between its meetings. In addition, the Supervisory Board
Chairman and the Executive Board Chairman held infor-
mation and consultation meetings on a regular basis.
The Supervisory Board examined the important planning
documents and financial statements presented to it and
assured itself that they were correct and appropriate. It
reviewed and discussed all submitted reports and doc-
uments to an appropriate extent. It was not necessary in
financial year 2013 for the Supervisory Board to inspect
company books and documents beyond those present-
ed during the normal course of reporting by the Execu-
tive Board.
The Supervisory Board discussed with the Executive
Board all matters of crucial importance for the company,
especially the company’s business plan, business strat-
egy, major investment and disinvestment plans, and
personnel matters. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board
discussed specific transactions of importance to the
company’s future development. It adopted resolutions
The Supervisory Board of Axel Springer AG held a total
of six meetings in 2013, three of which in the first half
and three in the second half of the calendar year. In
addition, the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE held
one meeting in the first half and one meeting in the sec-
ond half of the year. All Supervisory Board members
attended at least half the meetings of the Supervisory
Board of Axel Springer AG and Axel Springer SE. When
necessary, Supervisory Board resolutions were adopted
by way of written circulation.
Important matters addressed by the
Supervisory Board
In its meeting of February 1, 2013, the Supervisory Board
discussed and approved the financial plan 2013 submitted
by the Executive Board. The Executive Board informed the
Supervisory Board of the preliminary figures concerning
the company’s business performance in financial year
2012 and reported on the planned conversion of Axel
Springer AG to the legal form of a Societas Europaea (SE).
The Supervisory Board also dealt with the conversion
of Supervisory Board compensation to a purely fixed-
compensation system. The Supervisory Board adopted
the corresponding draft resolution on the amendment of
the company’s Articles of Incorporation to be submitted
to the annual shareholders’ meeting for approval and the
related amendments to the internal rules of procedure in
the subsequent meeting of March 5, 2013.
77
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Report of the Supervisory Board
In its meeting of March 5, 2013, the Supervisory Board
devoted its attention primarily to the separate financial
statements of the parent company and the consolidated
financial statements of the Group at December 31, 2012
(including, in each case, the combined management
report and Group management report), as well as the
report on the company’s dealings with affiliated compa-
nies (Dependency Report), the Executive Board’s profit
utilization proposal for financial year 2012, and the Cor-
porate Governance Report issued jointly with the Execu-
tive Board. Based on a recommendation of the Audit
Committee, it also discussed the proposal for the elec-
tion of the independent auditor for financial year 2013, to
be submitted to the annual shareholders’ meeting. The
Supervisory Board also discussed the agenda for the
annual shareholders’ meeting in 2013, including the draft
resolutions to be approved by the annual shareholders’
meeting, and adopted a resolution on the report for
financial year 2012 to be submitted to the annual share-
holders’ meeting. The Supervisory Board also adopted a
resolution on the share ownership plan for employees
with target agreements or profit-sharing bonuses, which
was implemented in financial year 2013.
At its meeting of April 24, 2013, the Supervisory Board
again dealt with the preparations for the upcoming
shareholders’ meeting. In addition, the Executive Board
reported to the Supervisory Board on the company’s
business performance in the first quarter of financial year
2013. Immediately following the annual shareholders’
meeting, the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE,
which had been newly elected by the annual shareholders’
meeting as a precaution in connection with the resolution
to convert the company into an SE, held its constitutive
meeting and elected Dr. Guiseppe Vita as the Chairman
and Dr. h. c. Friede Springer as the Vice Chairwoman of
the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE. Since that time,
the composition of the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer
SE has been identical to the composition of the Superviso-
ry Board of Axel Springer AG.
In the meeting of July 2, 2013, the Executive Board
reported to the Supervisory Board on the company’s
current business performance. In the subsequent meeting
of the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE, various
resolutions pertaining to the resolved conversion were
adopted. In a first step, the members of the Executive
Board of Axel Springer AG were appointed to the Execu-
tive Board of Axel Springer SE and the previous division of
executive responsibilities was retained, and Dr. Mathias
Döpfner was concurrently appointed as its Chairman.
Furthermore, the Supervisory Board appointed Dr. Julian
Deutz to the Executive Board of Axel Springer SE as the
successor to the Chief Financial Officer Lothar Lanz, with
effect as of January 1, 2014. As a result of a resolution of
the Supervisory Board in February 2014, he had taken
over several responsibilities (Accounting, Risk & Compli-
ance, Internal Audit) from Mr. Lanz in February 2014. In
addition, the Supervisory Board established the commit-
tees that had already been instituted at Axel Springer AG
(Executive Committee, Personnel Committee, Audit
Committee, Nominating Committee), each comprising the
same members as the previous committees, as the com-
mittees of the Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE, and
adopted internal rules of procedure for the Supervisory
Board and Executive Board of Axel Springer SE. Finally,
the Supervisory Board of the SE confirmed and re-
adopted various resolutions of the Supervisory Board of
Axel Springer AG, particularly including the resolutions
pertaining to the goals for the composition of the Supervi-
sory Board from the meetings of October 14, 2010 and
October 24, 2012, and the new rules pertaining to the
restriction of transferability of the company’s shares from
the meeting of October 24 2012, by way of precaution.
In a joint special meeting of the full Supervisory Board and
Executive Committee on July 25, 2013, the Executive
Committee and Supervisory Board addressed the sale of
the regional newspaper groups Berliner Morgenpost und
Hamburger Abendblatt, including the advertising supple-
ments and the TV program guides and women’s maga-
zines, to FUNKE Mediengruppe, and the formation of joint
ventures with FUNKE Mediengruppe in the areas of mar-
keting and retail sales, on the basis of an extensive written
and oral report of the Executive Board. In this respect, in-
depth attention was devoted particularly to the strategic
reasons, component elements, and the opportunities and
risks of the transaction. The Supervisory Board and Exec-
utive Committee approved the transaction.
78
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Report of the Supervisory Board
In its meeting of October 23, 2013, the Supervisory
Board primarily addressed and discussed the business
strategy of Axel Springer, particularly in consideration of
the transaction with FUNKE Mediengruppe, on the basis
of an extensive Executive Board presentation. The Super-
visory Board also adopted a resolution on the Declara-
tion of Conformity for 2013. In this regard, the Superviso-
ry Board addressed the amendments made to the
German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC), which
took effect on June 10, 2013. Furthermore, the Supervi-
sory Board conducted a self-evaluation on the basis of
questionnaires, and after discussing the results it con-
cluded that the Supervisory Board continues to work in
an efficient manner. The Supervisory Board adopted a
resolution on the Executive Board employment contract
for the new member appointed to the Executive Board
with effect as of January 1, 2014, including the granting
of a long-term, share-based compensation component
in the form of virtual stock options, in accordance with
the Virtual Stock Option Plan 2014 (for more information
on this subject, see page 72).
Conflicts of interest
The draft resolution expressing the Executive Commit-
tee’s approval of the acquisition by Axel Springer Digital
GmbH of a minority interest in Project A GmbH & Co. KG
was also forwarded to the full Supervisory Board. To
avoid the appearance of a potential conflict of interest,
however, the document was not forwarded to Dr. Michael
Otto, in consideration of the indirect investment held by
Otto (GmbH & Co. KG) in Project A GmbH & Co. KG.
Corporate governance
The Executive Board and Supervisory Board issued their
joint Declaration of Conformity pursuant to Section 161
AktG on November 5, 2013. The declaration and the
justifications of the few exceptions to the recommenda-
tions of the GCGC have been made permanently acces-
sible on the company’s website. It is presented on page
62 of the present Annual Report.
Additional information on corporate governance in the
Axel Springer Group may be found in the joint Corporate
Governance Report of the Executive Board and Supervi-
sory Board (see page 62).
Work of the committees of the
Supervisory Board
In the interest of performing its duties in an efficient man-
ner, the Supervisory Board has formed an Executive
Committee, a Personnel Committee, an Audit Committee,
and a Nominating Committee as permanent committees.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board chairs the meet-
ings of the committees and reports to the Supervisory
Board on the work of the committees in the subsequent
meeting of the Supervisory Board.
Notwithstanding the general responsibility of the full
Supervisory Board, the Executive Committee is re-
sponsible for fundamental matters related to publishing
and journalism and for matters of strategy, financial plan-
ning, investments, and the financing of investments. It is
also responsible for preparing decisions on the organiza-
tion of the Executive Board, the approval of sales of
company shares and subscription rights for such shares,
and for approving certain management actions that
require the approval of the Supervisory Board, which
have been delegated to the Executive Committee. The
members of the Executive Committee are Dr. Giuseppe
Vita, Chairman, Dr. h. c. Friede Springer, Vice Chairwom-
an, Dr. Gerhard Cromme, and Klaus Krone.
The Executive Committee held six meetings in financial
year 2013, which were regularly attended also by the
members of the company’s Executive Board. The Ex-
ecutive Committee approved, among others, the follow-
ing transactions: the acquisition of a 100 % equity inter-
est in YourCareerGroup by the StepStone Group, the
acquisition of the remaining equity in Digital Windows Ltd.
by ZANOX AG, the acquisition of a minority interest in
Project A GmbH & Co. KG by Axel Springer Digital
GmbH, the acquisition of a majority interest in Runtastic
79
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Report of the Supervisory Board
GmbH via Axel Springer Digital Ventures GmbH, the
acquisition of a 100 % equity interest in Saongroup Lim-
ited by the StepStone Group, the acquisition of a majori-
ty interest in Metrigo GmbH by ZANOX AG, the acquisi-
tion of a majority interest in My Little Paris S.A.S. and a
100 % equity interest in Merci Alfred S.A.S. by aufemi-
nin.com S.A., and the acquisition of a 100 % equity in-
terest in N24 Media GmbH. The deliberations and reso-
lutions of the Executive Committee also pertained to the
sale of the regional newspaper groups Berliner Morgen-
post and Hamburger Abendblatt, including the advertis-
ing supplements and the TV program guides and wom-
en’s magazines, to FUNKE Mediengruppe, and the
formation of joint ventures with FUNKE Mediengruppe in
the areas of marketing and retail sales. It also approved
the exercise of a put option in relation to Do⁄an TV, the
amendment of the investment agreements with Do⁄an
TV, the contribution of Axel Springer ideAS Engineering
GmbH to “Axel Springer Verlag” Beteiligungsgesellschaft
mbH, and the sale of the Czech activities of Ringier Axel
Springer Media AG. The Executive Committee also de-
liberated and adopted resolutions on the conclusion of
management control and profit/loss transfer agreements
between “Axel Springer Verlag” Beteiligungsgesellschaft
mbH and Axel Springer ideAS Engineering GmbH, and
between Axel Springer Digital GmbH and Axel Springer
Digital Ventures GmbH, and the termination of the exist-
ing management control and profit/loss transfer agree-
ments between Axel Springer SE and Axel Springer
Media Impact Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH, WBV
Wochenblatt Verlag GmbH, Axel Springer Digital TV
Guide GmbH, and Axel Springer Syndication GmbH, and
between Berliner Morgenpost GmbH (formerly Ullstein
GmbH) and B.Z. Ullstein GmbH. The Executive Commit-
tee also adopted resolutions on decisions to approve
transfers of the company’s shares pursuant to Article 5
para. 3 of the company’s Articles of Incorporation.
The Personnel Committee is responsible in particular
for preparing decisions on the appointment and dismis-
sal of Executive Board members. It is also responsible
for preparing the resolutions to be adopted by the Su-
pervisory Board on the compensation of individual mem-
bers of the Executive Board; in all other matters pertain-
ing to employment contracts, the Personnel Committee
approves resolutions in lieu of the Supervisory Board.
The Personnel Committee also adopts resolutions in lieu
of the Supervisory Board in matters pertaining to the
extension of loans within the meaning of Sections 89,
115 AktG and on the approval of contracts with Supervi-
sory Board members pursuant to Section 114 AktG. To
the extent it bears responsibility, the Personnel Commit-
tee also represents the company in transactions with
individual Executive Board members. Finally, the Person-
nel Committee decides on the approval of the transac-
tions requiring the approval of the Supervisory Board,
which have been delegated to the Personnel Committee.
The members of the Personnel Committee are
Dr. Giuseppe Vita, Chairman, Dr. h. c. Friede Springer,
and Dr. Gerhard Cromme.
The Personnel Committee held four meetings in financial
year 2013. Among other things, it prepared the decision
on appointing a new member to the Executive Board
and on the amount of his compensation. It also dealt
with the individual goals and corporate goals for the cash
component of the variable compensation of the Executive
Board.
Notwithstanding the responsibility of the full Supervisory
Board, the Audit Committee is responsible for prepar-
ing the decisions to be made by the Supervisory Board
on the adoption of the separate financial statements of
the parent company and the approval of the consolidat-
ed financial statements of the Group, by means of con-
ducting a preliminary review of the separate financial
statements, the Dependency Report, and the consoli-
dated financial statements, as well as the management
report for the company and the management report for
the Group, the review of the profit utilization proposal,
the discussion of the audit report with the independent
auditor, and the review of the management system, the
internal control system, and the internal audit system,
and matters pertaining to compliance. It is also responsi-
ble for reviewing the interim financial statements and
interim reports, and for discussing the report of the inde-
pendent auditor on the critical review of the interim finan-
cial statements. With regard to the audit of the financial
statements, the Audit Committee is responsible for
preparing the proposal of the Supervisory Board to the
80
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Report of the Supervisory Board
annual shareholders’ meeting on the election of the
independent auditor and the engagement of the inde-
pendent auditor, and for adopting audit priorities, among
other matters. The Audit Committee is composed of
Dr. Giuseppe Vita, Chairman, Dr. h. c. Friede Springer,
Klaus Krone, and Oliver Heine.
The Audit Committee held five meetings in 2013, three of
which in the form of telephone conferences. It kept itself
informed of the scope, execution, and results of the audit
of the separate financial statements of the parent com-
pany and the consolidated financial statements of the
Group for 2012, prepared the decisions of the Supervi-
sory Board on the adoption of the separate financial
statements and the approval of the consolidated financial
statements, and reviewed the interim financial state-
ments and interim reports for the year 2013. In addition,
the Audit Committee dealt with the preparation of the
resolution to be adopted by the full Supervisory Board
with regard to the proposal to the annual shareholders’
meeting for engaging the independent auditor to audit
the financial statements for 2013. In this regard, the
Supervisory Board received a written confirmation
of independence from Ernst & Young GmbH
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft. In addition, the Audit
Committee dealt with the audit priorities to be consid-
ered by the auditor and engaged the independent audi-
tor to audit the financial statements for 2013. In addition,
the Audit Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the
risk management system and internal control system, as
well as the compliance management system and the
internal audit function
The Nominating Committee prepares the proposal of
the Supervisory Board to the annual shareholders’ meet-
ing on the election of Supervisory Board members; in
particular, it proposes suitable candidates for the Super-
visory Board, also in consideration of the diversity and
independence criteria adopted by the Supervisory Board.
It develops and reviews job profiles relative to the qualifi-
cations expected of Supervisory Board members by the
company, and continually adapts them to suit changing
requirements. The Nominating Committee is composed
of Dr. Giuseppe Vita, Chairman, Dr. h. c. Friede Springer,
and Dr. Michael Otto.
The Nominating Committee held three meetings in finan-
cial year 2013 and deliberated on the appointment of a
Supervisory Board new member to fill the vacant seat
following the resignation of Mr. Rudolf Knepper at the
close of the annual shareholders’ meeting of April 24,
2013, and the planned re-election of the entire Supervi-
sory Board upon the expiration of the terms of office of
the current Supervisory Board members at the close of
the upcoming annual shareholders’ meeting.
Separate financial statements of the
parent company and consolidated
financial statements of the Group;
management report for the parent
company and the Group
Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
audited the annual financial statements of the parent
company and the consolidated financial statements of the
Group, as well as the combined management report of
the parent company and the Group, all of which were
prepared by the Executive Board for financial year 2013,
and issued an unqualified audit opinion in every case. In
connection with the audit, the independent auditor also
noted in summary that the Executive Board has imple-
mented a risk management system that fulfills the re-
quirements of law, and that this system is generally suita-
ble for the early detection of any developments that could
endanger the company’s survival as a going concern.
The aforementioned documents and the proposal of the
Executive Board for the utilization of the distributable
profit, as well as the audit reports of Ernst & Young
GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, were provided
to all members of the Supervisory Board in a timely
manner. The documents were reviewed and discussed
extensively in the presence of the independent auditor in
the meetings of the Audit Committee of February 24, 2014
and March 3, 2014. At these meetings, the independent
auditor reported on the principal audit findings and pro-
vided additional information, as requested. No deficien-
cies in the internal control and risk management system,
as it relates to the financial accounting process, were
noted. The independent auditor explained further the
81
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Report of the Supervisory Board
scope, priorities, and costs of the audit. Besides auditing
the financial statements, the independent auditor provid-
ed other services to the company (including its affiliated
companies) in the amount of € 977 thousand in financial
year 2013. No circumstances that would cast doubt on
the impartiality of the independent auditor arose. The
Audit Committee resolved to recommend to the Supervi-
sory Board that it approve the separate financial state-
ments of the parent company and the consolidated
financial statements of the Group, as well as the com-
bined management report of the parent company and
the Group.
At the meeting of the full Supervisory Board of March 3,
2014, the Audit Committee reported on the results of its
examination and recommended that the Supervisory
Board approve the separate and consolidated financial
statements, as well as the combined management report
of the parent company and the Group, and the review of
the Dependency Report. At this meeting, the Supervisory
Board reviewed the documents in question, having not-
ed and duly considered the report and recommendation
of the Audit Committee and the reports of Ernst & Young
GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, and having
discussed them with the independent auditor, who was
in attendance.
The Supervisory Board acknowledged and approved the
audit results. Based on the results of its own review, the
Supervisory Board noted that it had no objections to
raise. Based on the recommendations of the Audit
Committee, the Supervisory Board approved the annual
financial statements of the parent company and the
consolidated financial statements of the Group, as well
as the combined management report of the parent com-
pany and the Group, all of which were prepared by the
Executive Board. Accordingly, the annual financial
statements of Axel Springer SE were officially adopted.
The Supervisory Board also reviewed the proposal of the
Executive Board concerning the utilization of the distrib-
utable profit and concurred with that proposal, in con-
sideration of the company’s financial year net income,
liquidity, and financing plan.
The Executive Board also submitted its report on the
company’s dealings with related parties pursuant to
Section 312 of the German Stock Corporations Act
(AktG) to the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board
was also in receipt of the corresponding audit report by
Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.
Both reports were also provided to each member of the
Supervisory Board in advance. The audit opinion of the
independent auditor reads as follows:
“Based on the audit and evaluation conducted in ac-
cordance with our professional duties, we hereby con-
firm that
1. the factual information contained in the report is cor-
rect; and
2. the consideration provided by the company in respect
of the legal transactions mentioned in the report was
not inappropriately high.”
The Supervisory Board also reviewed the report of the
Executive Board on the dealings with related parties
pursuant to Section 312 AktG and the independent
auditor’s report on this subject. At the Supervisory Board
meeting of March 3, 2014, the independent auditor also
reported orally on the principal findings of the audit and
provided additional information, as requested. The Su-
pervisory Board acknowledged and approved the report
of the independent auditor. Based on the final results of
its own review, the Supervisory Board had no objections
to raise with respect to the results of the audit report of
the independent auditor or the Executive Board’s decla-
ration on the report pursuant to Section 312 (3) AktG.
82
Annual Re
Axel Sprin
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83
Consolidated
Financial Statements
85 Responsibility Statement
86 Auditor’s Report
87 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
89 Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income
90 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
91 Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity
92 Consolidated Segment Report
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
93 General information
111 Notes to the consolidated statement
of financial position
130 Notes to the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income
137 Notes to the consolidated statement
of cash flows
138 Notes to the consolidated segment report
140 Other disclosures
84
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Responsibility Statement
Responsibility Statement
To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with
the applicable reporting principles, the consolidated
financial statements give a true and fair view of the finan-
cial position, liquidity, and financial performance of the
Group, and the Group management report includes a fair
review of the development and performance of the busi-
ness and the position of the Group, together with a de-
scription of the principal rewards and risks associated
with the expected development of the Group.
Berlin, February 20, 2014
Axel Springer SE
Dr. Mathias Döpfner
Jan Bayer
Ralph Büchi
Dr. Julian Deutz
Lothar Lanz
Dr. Andreas Wiele
85
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Auditor’s Report
Auditor’s Report
We have audited the consolidated financial statements
prepared by Axel Springer SE, Berlin, comprising the
statement of financial position, the income statement, the
statement of recognized income and expenses, the
statement of cash flows, the statement of changes in
equity, and the notes to the consolidated financial state-
ments together with the combined management report
of the Axel Springer Group and Axel Springer SE for the
fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2013. The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements and
the combined management report of the Axel Springer
Group and Axel Springer SE in accordance with IFRSs
as adopted by the EU, and the additional requirements
of German commercial law pursuant to Sec. 315a (1)
HGB [“Handelsgesetzbuch”: “German Commercial
Code”] are the responsibility of the parent company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on the consolidated financial statements and on the
combined management report of the Axel Springer
Group and Axel Springer SE based on our audit.
We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial
statements in accordance with Sec. 317 HGB and Ger-
man generally accepted standards for the audit of financial
statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer
[Institute of Public Auditors in Germany] (IDW). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit such
that misstatements materially affecting the presentation of
the net assets, financial position, and results of operations
in the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with the applicable financial reporting framework and in
the combined management report of the Axel Springer
Group and Axel Springer SE are detected with reasonable
assurance. Knowledge of the business activities and the
economic and legal environment of the Group and expec-
tations as to possible misstatements are taken into ac-
count in the determination of audit procedures. The effec-
tiveness of the accounting-related internal control system
and the evidence supporting the disclosures in the consol-
idated financial statements and the report on the situation
of the company Axel Springer SE and the Axel Springer
Group are examined primarily on a test basis within the
framework of the audit. The audit includes assessing the
annual financial statements of those entities included in
consolidation, the determination of entities to be included
in consolidation, the accounting and consolidation princi-
ples used, and significant estimates made by manage-
ment, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
consolidated financial statements and the report on the
situation of the Axel Springer Group and Axel Springer SE.
In our opinion, our audit provides a sufficiently sound basis
for our opinion.
Our audit has not led to any reservations.
In our opinion, based on the findings of our audit, the
consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS
as adopted by the EU, the additional requirements of
German commercial law pursuant to Sec. 315a (1) HGB
and give a true and fair view of the net assets, financial
position, and results of operations of the Axel Springer
Group in accordance with these requirements. The
combined management report of the Axel Springer
Group and Axel Springer SE is consistent with the con-
solidated financial statements and as a whole provides
a suitable view of the Group’s position and suitably pre-
sents the opportunities and risks of future development.
Berlin, February 24, 2014
Ernst & Young GmbH
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Plett
Glöckner
Wirtschaftsprüfer
[German Public Auditor]
Wirtschaftsprüfer
[German Public Auditor]
86
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
€ millions
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant, and equipment
Investment property
Non-current financial assets
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Other non-current financial assets
Receivables due from related parties 1)
Receivables from income taxes
Other assets
Deferred tax assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade receivables
Receivables due from related parties 1)
Receivables from income taxes
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Total assets
1) Regarding the adjustment of the prior-year figures see note (13).
Note 12/31/2013 12/31/2012
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(36)
(10)
(26)
(8)
(9)
(36)
(10)
(29)
(2d)
3,680.2
3,868.3
2,411.5
2,455.5
640.3
690.7
55.0
57.0
433.9
470.9
8.7
24.6
425.2
446.3
25.5
19.8
53.1
41.2
26.9
27.7
78.4
61.2
1,093.6
939.9
23.5
27.1
472.8
502.6
10.4
40.8
81.6
248.6
215.9
14.0
44.5
97.6
254.1
0.0
4,773.8
4,808.2
87
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
€ millions
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Shareholders of Axel Springer SE
Non-controlling interests
Non-current provisions and liabilities
Provisions for pensions 1)
Other provisions
Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Liabilities due to related parties
Other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Current provisions and liabilities
Provisions for pensions 1)
Other provisions
Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Liabilities due to related parties
Liabilities from income taxes
Other liabilities
Liabilities related to assets held for sale
Total equity and liabilities
1) Regarding the adjustment of the prior-year figures see note (13).
Note 12/31/2013 12/31/2012
(11)
2,244.0
2,253.1
1,869.9
1,887.5
374.1
365.6
1,601.7
1,628.9
267.0
321.6
56.0
52.0
718.7
691.2
0.7
4.1
241.7
313.5
928.1
20.8
0.9
1.4
232.1
329.8
926.1
22.6
169.1
144.2
1.1
12.5
270.7
281.3
11.0
37.8
24.2
72.9
(13)
(14)
(15)
(36)
(16)
(26)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(36)
(16)
(2d)
326.7
368.5
90.8
0.0
4,773.8
4,808.2
88
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income
€ millions
Consolidated Income Statement
Revenues
Other operating income
Change in inventories and internal costs capitalized
Purchased goods and services
Personnel expenses
Depreciation, amortization, and impairments
Other operating expenses
Income from investments
Result from investments accounted for using the equity method
Other investment income
Financial result
Income taxes
Income from continued operations
Income from discontinued operations
Net income
Net income attributable to shareholders of Axel Springer SE
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Basic/diluted earnings per share (in €) from continued operations
Basic/diluted earnings per share (in €) from discontinued operations
1) Prior-year figures were adjusted due to the disclosure of discontinued operations.
€ millions
Consolidated Statement of Recognized Income and Expenses
Note
Net income
Actuarial gains/losses from defined benefit pension obligations
Items that may not be reclassified into the income statement in future periods
Currency translation differences
Changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
Changes in fair value of derivatives in cash flow hedges
Other income/loss from investments accounted for using the equity method
Items that may be reclassified into the income statement in future periods if certain criteria are met
Other income/loss
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of Axel Springer SE
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
(28)
89
Note
2013
20121)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
(27)
2,801.4
2,737.3
145.3
17.7
139.2
10.8
– 925.8
– 902.6
– 921.6
– 827.1
– 155.1
– 161.4
– 697.7
– 672.6
25.7
1.8
23.9
– 23.1
– 88.1
178.6
65.1
243.7
197.1
46.6
1.34
0.65
2013
243.7
2.5
2.5
– 65.4
11.5
– 0.4
0.0
--- 54.3
--- 51.9
191.9
150.7
41.1
5.9
1.8
4.2
– 45.8
– 92.9
190.7
85.0
275.8
238.1
37.7
1.64
0.78
2012
275.8
– 48.2
--- 48.2
14.1
– 1.3
10.9
– 0.3
23.3
--- 24.9
250.9
211.1
39.8
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
€ millions
Net income
Reconciliation of net income to the cash flow from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization, impairments, and write-ups
Result from investments accounted for using the equity method
Dividends received from investments accounted for using the equity method
Result from disposal of consolidated subsidiaries and business units and intangible assets, property, plant,
and equipment, and financial assets
Changes in non-current provisions
Changes in deferred taxes
Other non-cash income and expenses
Changes in trade receivables
Changes in trade payables
Changes in other assets and liabilities
Cash flow from operating activities 1)
Proceeds from disposals of intangible assets, property, plant, and equipment
Proceeds from disposals of consolidated subsidiaries and business units, less cash and cash equivalents
given up
Proceeds from disposals of non-current financial assets
Proceeds from investments in short-term financial funds
Note
(7)
(7)
(29)
2013
243.7
164.9
10.1
5.4
– 0.7
9.8
3.4
5.4
6.4
3.6
– 28.7
423.4
1.7
1.1
87.6
10.8
2012
275.8
167.0
– 2.5
4.5
15.4
13.1
– 31.0
10.3
– 36.2
1.3
46.1
463.9
1.3
– 0.1
34.6
0.0
Purchases of intangible assets, property, plant, equipment, and investment property
– 98.4
– 80.7
Purchases of shares in consolidated subsidiaries and business units less cash and cash equivalents
acquired
Purchases of investments in non-current financial assets
Cash flow from investing activities 1)
(2c)
– 169.8
– 11.9
– 518.1
– 9.6
(29)
--- 178.8
--- 572.7
Dividends paid to shareholders of Axel Springer SE
Dividends paid to other shareholders
Purchase/disposal of non-controlling interests
Issuance of treasury shares
Repayments of liabilities under finance leases
Proceeds from other financial liabilities
Repayments of other financial liabilities
Additions to plan assets
Other financial transactions
Cash flow from financing activities 1)
Cash flow-related changes in cash and cash equivalents
Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rates
Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to changes in companies included in consolidation
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Reclassification relating to assets held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
1) For the portion attributable to discontinued operations see note (2d).
€ millions
Cash flows contained in the cash flow from operating activities
Income taxes paid
Income taxes received
Interest paid
Interest received
Dividends received
90
– 167.9
– 23.2
2.2
4.9
– 0.2
320.3
– 167.6
– 12.0
244.9
6.1
– 0.3
649.5
– 315.0
– 693.4
– 25.0
– 7.0
(29)
--- 210.9
33.7
– 7.9
– 3.7
254.1
– 27.6
248.6
(29)
– 25.0
121.1
123.3
14.5
1.0
– 5.4
244.0
0.0
254.1
2013
2012
– 183.1
– 162.2
39.8
– 21.7
8.8
19.2
22.1
– 31.0
8.7
19.2
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Changes in fair value
Sub-
scribed
capital
Ad-
ditional
paid-in
capital
Accumu-
lated
retained
earnings
Treasury
shares
Currency
translation
Available-
for-sale
financial
assets
Deriva-
tives in
cash flow
hedges
Other
equity
Share-
holders
of Axel
Springer
SE
Non-
controlling
interests
Equity
98.9
43.8
1,536.9
--- 6.3
42.2
3.3
--- 10.7
--- 14.0
1,694.2
236.6
1,930.8
238.1
238.1
– 167.6
2.6
3.4
– 0.3
146.9
– 0.6
0.2
10.7
10.7
0.5
0.5
10.5
10.5
– 48.6
--- 48.6
238.1
– 26.9
211.1
37.7
2.0
39.7
275.8
– 24.9
250.9
– 167.6
– 12.0
– 179.6
6.1
– 0.3
1.8
6.1
1.5
– 2.4
144.5
100.4
244.9
– 0.5
– 0.9
– 1.4
98.9
44.0
1,755.9
--- 2.8
53.0
1.4
--- 0.2
--- 62.6
1,887.5
365.6
2,253.1
197.1
197.1
– 167.9
2.1
2.8
– 0.1
– 5.6
0.2
– 56.7
--- 56.7
8.0
8.0
– 0.1
--- 0.1
2.3
2.3
197.1
– 46.4
150.7
46.6
– 5.5
41.1
243.7
– 51.9
191.9
– 167.9
– 23.2
– 191.1
4.9
0.0
– 0.1
– 5.4
4.9
2.9
2.1
2.9
2.2
– 14.5
– 19.9
98.9
44.2
1,781.6
0.0
--- 3.7
9.4
--- 0.3
--- 60.3
1,869.9
374.1
2,244.0
€ millions
Balance as of
01/01/2012
Net income
Other income/loss
Comprehensive income
Dividends paid
Issuance of treasury
shares
Change in consolidated
companies
Disposal of non-
controlling interests
Other changes
Balance as of
12/31/2012
Net income
Other income/loss
Comprehensive income
Dividends paid
Purchase/issuance of
treasury shares
Change in consolidated
companies
Purchase and disposal of
non-controlling interests
Other changes
Balance as of
12/31/2013
91
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Segment Report
Consolidated Segment Report
Operating segments1)
Paid Models
Marketing Models
Classified Ad Models
Services/Holding
Consolidated totals
€ millions
2013
2012
2013
2012
2013
2012
2013
2012
2013
2012
External revenues
1,521.5
1,582.9
716.5
662.8
402.6
330.2
160.8
161.4
2,801.4
2,737.3
Internal revenues
16.8
5.0
9.7
7.6
1.1
0.5
211.0
220.2
Segment revenues
1,538.3
1,587.9
726.3
670.5
403.7
330.7
371.8
381.5
EBITDA2)
EBITDA margin2)
Thereof income from
investments
Thereof accounted for
using the equity method
Depreciation, amortiza-
tion, impairments and
write-ups (except from
purchase price
allocations)
EBIT2)
Effects of purchase price
allocations
250.1
301.8
103.4
98.1
163.8
133.6
--- 63.0
--- 34.8
454.3
498.8
16.4 %
19.1 %
14.4 %
14.8 %
40.7 %
40.5 %
16.2 %
18.2 %
4.6
3.4
4.4
3.5
1.6
– 1.6
7.1
0.2
0.0
– 0.1
0.0
0.0
4.0
0.0
4.8
12.1
16.3
0.0
1.8
1.8
– 24.9
– 22.6
225.2
279.2
– 9.6
93.9
– 7.5
90.5
– 14.2
– 9.1
– 46.0
– 45.9
– 94.7
– 85.1
149.6
124.6
--- 108.9
--- 80.7
359.7
413.6
Non-recurring effects
8.6
– 30.2
– 9.0
23.6
– 12.8
– 4.9
– 18.5
– 19.6
– 12.0
– 29.5
– 28.9
– 23.6
– 0.1
2.8
– 0.1
– 59.4
– 72.7
0.0
– 10.4
– 11.4
Segment earnings before
interest and taxes
Financial result
Income taxes
Income from continued
operations
Income from
discontinued operations
Net income
215.3
229.4
72.9
84.7
107.9
96.2
– 106.2
– 80.8
289.8
329.5
– 23.1
– 45.8
– 88.1
– 92.9
178.6
190.7
65.1
85.0
243.7
275.8
1) Prior-year figures were adjusted due to a change in segment reporting and the disclosure of discontinued operations.
2) Adjusted for non-recurring effects.
Geographical information1)
€ millions
Germany
Other countries
Consolidated totals
2013
2012
2013
2012
2013
2012
External revenues ( 31)
1,637.0
1,674.6
1,164.4
1,062.7
2,801.4
2,737.3
Non-current segment assets (31)
1,180.2
1,158.1
1,926.5
2,045.1
3,106.7
3,203.2
1) Prior-year figures were adjusted due to a change in segment reporting and the disclosure of discontinued operations.
92
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements
The consideration transferred in business combinations
is offset against the pro-rated fair value of the acquired
assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. Any remain-
ing positive difference allocated to our interests is
capitalized as goodwill and recognized in the amount
allocated to our shares, unless we acquire all shares in
the company. Negative differences are immediately
recognized as income. The date of acquisition is the date
when the ability to control the assets and financial and
operating activities of the acquired entity or business
passes to the Axel Springer Group. We offset differences
arising from disposals and purchases of non-controlling
interests in equity.
Associated companies in which the Axel Springer Group
can exert significant influence over the financial and
operating policies, as well as joint venture companies
that are managed jointly by Axel Springer and one or
more other parties, are included in the consolidated
financial statements by application of the equity method.
The IFRS separate and consolidated financial statements
of these companies as at the Axel Springer Group’s
reporting date, respectively, serve as the basis for apply-
ing the equity method. Goodwill and assets and liabilities
included in the amortized carrying amount are accounted
for using the accounting principles applied to business
combinations. Losses that exceed the carrying amount
of the investment, or any other long-term receivables
related to the financing of these companies, are not
recognized, unless the Axel Springer Group is bound by
additional contribution requirements. Intercompany
profits and losses are eliminated on a pro-rated basis.
The carrying amounts of investments are tested for im-
pairment; if impairments exist, they are written down to
the lower recoverable amount.
General information
(1) Basic principles
Axel Springer SE (previously Axel Springer AG) is an
exchange-listed stock corporation with its registered
head office in Berlin, Germany. The transformation of the
company into the legal form of a European Company or
‘Societas Europaea’ (SE) pursuant to a resolution adopt-
ed by the annual shareholders’ meeting on April 24,
2013, became effective upon entry into the Commercial
Register on December 2, 2013. The principal activities
of Axel Springer SE and its subsidiaries (“Axel Springer
Group”, “Axel Springer” or the “Group”) are described
in note (30a).
On February 20, 2014, the Executive Board of Axel
Springer SE authorized the consolidated financial state-
ments for fiscal year 2013 and subsequently presented
them to the Supervisory Board for approval. The con-
solidated financial statements were prepared by applica-
tion of Section 315a HGB in accordance with the Inter-
national Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the
interpretations of the IFRS Interpretations Committee
(IFRS IC) approved by the IASB, in effect and recognized
by the European Union (EU) at the reporting date. The
reporting currency is the Euro (€); unless otherwise indi-
cated, all figures are stated in Euro millions (€ millions).
Totals and percentages were calculated based on the
non-rounded Euro amounts and may differ from a calcu-
lation based on the reported amounts in millions of Euros.
The consolidated financial statements and consolidated
management report will be published in the Federal
Gazette in Germany.
(2) Consolidation
(a) Consolidation principle
The consolidated financial statements include Axel
Springer SE and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities
in which Axel Springer SE is able to control, directly or
indirectly, the financial and operating policies.
93
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) Companies included in the consolidated
financial statements
Companies included in the consolidated financial state-
ments broke down as follows:
Fully consolidated companies
Germany
Other countries
Fully consolidated special purpose
entities
Germany
Investments accounted for using
the equity method
Germany
Other countries
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
64
82
0
4
3
56
75
1
2
3
Consolidated companies are listed in note (42). The
special-purpose entity was a closed property fund
whose risks and rewards were economically attributable
to the Group.
The following changes occurred in 2013:
Since the beginning of January, we fully consolidated
Axel Springer ideAS Engineering GmbH, Berlin, as well
as TunedIn Media GmbH, Berlin, (75.1 %), which was
acquired at the beginning of January 2013. In addition,
the liquidation of two fully consolidated companies out-
side of Germany was concluded in January 2013, and
these companies were deconsolidated.
Bonial Ventures GmbH, Berlin, and Bonial Enterprises
GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin, have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since the beginning
of January as associated companies using the equity
method for the first time.
At the beginning of May, we fully consolidated Axel
Springer Syndication GmbH, Berlin (formerly
Vierundfünfzigste “Media” Vermögensgesellschaft mbH,
Berlin), for the first time.
At the beginning of June 2013, we increased our hold-
ings in Diagorim S.A.S., Paris, France, from 17.4 % to
82.2 %. We have included this company in the con-
solidated financial statements as a fully consolidated
subsidiary since this time. Furthermore, a new interme-
diate holding company was founded and consolidated in
June 2013, in which we have contributed all of our
shares in Totaljobs Group Limited, London, Great Britain.
In July 2013, we sold all of our shares in Les Publications
Grand Public S.A.S., Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. The
company has been deconsolidated.
Two Polish companies have been included in the consol-
idated financial statements for the first time since Sep-
tember 2013 in the course of full consolidation. In addi-
tion, GoBrands Sp. z o.o., Krakow, Poland, was founded
and fully consolidated in October 2013.
At the beginning of October 2013, we acquired 50.1 %
of the shares in runtastic GmbH, Pasching, Austria,
which has been included in the consolidated financial
statements as a fully consolidated subsidiary since this
time. The founding and initial consolidation of Zuio
GmbH, Berlin, also occurred in October 2013.
Sales Impact GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg, was founded
and fully consolidated in November 2013.
The acquisition of all shares in Saongroup, Dublin, Ire-
land, was carried out in November 2013. As a conse-
quence of this acquisition, Saongroup Limited, Dublin,
Ireland, as well as seven other foreign subsidiaries were
included in the consolidated financial statements in the
course of full consolidation.
We also acquired 56.1 % of the shares in Metrigo GmbH,
Hamburg, in November 2013. This company has been
fully consolidated since that time.
At the beginning of December 2013, real estate assets
were contributed to Axel Springer Pensionstreuhand e.V.,
Berlin, which is not included in the consolidated financial
statements of Axel Springer. This resulted in the decon-
solidation of Axel-Springer-Immobilien-Fonds-III-Ostflügel
94
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Dr. Rühl & Co. KG, Düsseldorf, which had previously
been consolidated as a special-purpose entity.
chased assets and liabilities at the acquisition date as
follows:
In December 2013, we fully consolidated Ullstein Gesell-
schaft mbH, Berlin (formerly Achuntdreißigste “Media”
Vermögensverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Berlin), and the
newly founded Media Impact Polska Sp. z o.o., Warsaw,
Poland, for the first time.
At the end of December 2013, we sold and deconsoli-
dated our shares in VVDG Verlags- und Industrieversi-
cherungsdienste GmbH, Berlin, which was fully consoli-
dated until that time.
The acquisition of all shares in YourCareerGroup, Düs-
seldorf, by StepStone GmbH, Berlin, took place at the
end of December 2013. Since that time, two subsidiaries
were consequently included in the consolidated financial
statements in the course of full consolidation.
At the end of December 2013, we deconsolidated the
three French subsidiaries belonging to the AutoReflex
Group previously included in the course of full consolida-
tion and completed the deconsolidation of our subsidiary
StepStone AB, Stockholm, Sweden, and the liquidation
and deconsolidation of zanox Inc., Chicago, USA, which
was previously fully consolidated.
(c) Acquisitions and divestitures
In the context of the growth campaign in the online clas-
sified advertising sector, we acquired control of Saon-
group Limited, Dublin, Ireland, and thus of its subsidiar-
ies (hereinafter collectively: Saongroup) at the beginning
of November 2013. Saongroup is a worldwide operator
of online job portals.
€ millions
Carrying
amount
before
acquisition
Adjust-
ment
amount
Carrying
amount
after
acquisition
Intangible assets
Property, plant, and
equipment
Non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and liabilities
Trade payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets
Acquisition cost (preliminary)
Goodwill (preliminary)
1.0
0.3
1.6
2.5
2.9
1.8
– 9.4
– 1.8
0.0
--- 1.2
39.8
40.8
0.3
1.6
2.5
2.9
1.8
– 4.3
– 1.8
– 8.5
35.2
76.1
40.9
5.1
– 8.5
36.4
Of the intangible assets acquired, intangible assets with
carrying amounts of € 16.0 million have indefinite useful
lives. The non-tax-deductible goodwill is above all at-
tributable to inseparable values such as employee exper-
tise, expected synergy effects from the integration and
the strategic advantages resulting from the leading mar-
ket position of the acquired company, and were allocat-
ed to the Classified Ad Models segment.
The gross amount of the acquired trade accounts re-
ceivable was € 2.6 million. Corresponding valuation
allowances in the amount of € 0.1 million were recorded.
The preliminary acquisition costs in the amount of
the purchase price paid in the reporting year totaled
€ 76.1 million. The acquisition-related expenses record-
ed in other operating expenses of the fiscal year
amounted to € 1.4 million.
Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, the
preliminary acquisition costs were allocated to the pur-
Since first inclusion, Saongroup contributed to consoli-
dated revenues in the amount of € 1.8 million and to
consolidated net income in the amount of € – 0.6 million.
If Saongroup had already been fully consolidated at
January 1, 2013, Saongroup would have contributed to
consolidated revenues in the amount of € 17.2 million
and to consolidated net income in the amount of
€ – 3.4 million.
95
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
In the context of the growth campaign in the online clas-
sified advertising sector, we acquired control of YOUR-
CAREERGROUP International GmbH & Co. KG, Düssel-
dorf, and YourCareerGroup AG, Düsseldorf, (hereinafter
collectively YourCareerGroup) at the end of Decem-
ber 2013. YourCareerGroup is Germany’s leading opera-
tor of online job portals for the hotel, gastronomy, and
tourism industries.
The preliminary acquisition costs amounted to
€ 47.5 million, comprising the purchase price of
€ 39.1 million paid in the reporting year, a liability of
€ 6.9 million for a purchase price retention, and an ex-
pected purchase price adjustment of € 1.5 million rec-
ognized as a liability. The acquisition-related expenses
recorded in other operating expenses of the fiscal year
amounted to € 0.3 million.
Based on the preliminary purchase price allocations, the
preliminary acquisition costs were allocated to the pur-
chased assets and liabilities at the acquisition date as
follows:
€ millions
Intangible assets
Property, plant, and
equipment
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets
Acquisition cost (preliminary)
Goodwill (preliminary)
Carrying
amount
before
acquisition
Adjust-
ment
amount
Carrying
amount
after
acquisition
0.1
0.1
0.5
0.3
2.3
– 1.1
0.0
2.1
20.3
20.4
0.1
0.5
0.3
2.3
– 1.1
– 5.6
16.8
47.5
30.7
– 5.6
14.7
Of the intangible assets acquired, intangible assets with
carrying amounts of € 10.0 million have indefinite useful
lives. The amount of € 5.0 million of the resulting good-
will is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The
goodwill value is above all attributable to inseparable
values such as employee expertise, expected synergy
effects from the integration and the strategic advantages
resulting from the leading market position of the acquired
company, and were allocated to the Classified Ad Mod-
els segment.
The gross amount of the acquired trade accounts re-
ceivables was € 0.5 million. Corresponding valuation
allowances in the amount of € 0.1 million were recorded.
Due to the acquisition at the end of the fiscal year, no
revenues and no operating profits from YourCareerGroup
were recognized in the 2013 consolidated financial
statements. If YourCareerGroup had already been fully
consolidated at January 1, 2013, YourCareerGoup
would have contributed to consolidated revenues in the
amount of € 6.6 million and to consolidated net income
in the amount of € 0.6 million.
In December, we signed a purchase agreement for 100 %
of the shares in N24 Media GmbH, Berlin, which repre-
sents an additional strategic investment towards digitali-
zation of journalism. The news station N24 will become a
centralized supplier of video for all Axel Springer brands.
At the same time, an integration of N24 and the WELT
Group is planned. Once the approvals under antitrust
and media law were granted, the transaction was com-
pleted and control was thus acquired in mid-February
2014. After factoring in the purchase price adjustment
determined based on the transferred net cash, the pre-
liminary acquisition costs amounted to € 85.0 million.
The acquisition-related expenses recorded in other op-
erating expenses of the fiscal year amounted to
€ 0.3 million. Because the acquisition occurred shortly
before the publication of this Annual Report, audited
financial information regarding the acquired net assets
as well as the contributions to revenues and operating
profits are not yet available. Any resulting goodwill will
be allocated to the Paid Models segment.
At the end of December 2013, Autoreflex.com SAS,
Paris, France, and two related French holding companies
were deconsolidated because the possibility of exercis-
ing the call options enabling control at any time no longer
exists. The loss on deconsolidation recorded in other
96
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
operating expenses amounted to € 14.5 million. The
following table shows the carrying amounts of the assets
and liabilities disposed of:
Based on the purchase price allocation, the acquisition
costs were allocated to the purchased assets and liabili-
ties at the acquisition date as follows:
€ millions
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant, and equipment
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and other liabilities
Trade payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Disposal net assets
Share of non-controlling interests in net assets
Deconsolidation result
Carrying
amount
9.4
13.6
0.1
5.5
0.6
1.0
– 9.7
– 2.0
– 4.6
13.9
– 0.6
--- 14.5
Additional transactions carried out in 2013, as well as
finalizations of purchase price allocations arising from
acquisitions of companies in the prior year, had no mate-
rial effects individually and collectively on the financial
position, liquidity, and financial performance of the Axel
Springer Group.
Acquisitions and divestitures in the prior year:
At the beginning of April 2012, with our takeover of 100 %
of the shares in Totaljobs Group Limited, London, Great
Britain, we acquired control of the leading online jobs
portal in Great Britain, Totaljobs, and thus significantly
expanded our digital business in the area of online classi-
fieds/marketplaces in the context of our digitization strategy.
The acquisition costs totaled € 130.4 million and were
fully paid in 2012. This included the assumption of liabili-
ties owed to employees from the former shareholder in
the amount of € 1.1 million. The acquisition-related ex-
penses of the purchase recorded in other operating
expenses in fiscal year 2012 amounted to € 1.5 million.
€ millions
Intangible assets
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Carrying
amount
before
acquisition
Adjust-
ment
amount
Carrying
amount
after
acquisition
4.3
8.5
0.6
0.1
80.7
84.9
8.5
0.6
0.1
Provisions and liabilities
– 9.4
1.5
– 7.8
Deferred tax liabilities
– 18.9
– 18.9
Net assets
Acquisition cost
Goodwill
4.1
63.3
67.4
130.4
63.0
Of the other intangible assets acquired, intangible assets
with carrying amounts of € 40.0 million have indefinite
useful lives. The non-tax-deductible goodwill is above
all attributable to inseparable values such as employee
expertise, expected synergy effects from the integration
and the strategic advantages resulting from the leading
market position of the acquired company, and were
allocated to the Classified Ad Models segment.
The gross amount of the acquired trade accounts re-
ceivable was € 8.9 million. Corresponding valuation
allowances in the amount of € 0.4 million were recorded.
Since first inclusion, Totaljobs contributed to consolidat-
ed revenues in the amount of € 41.1 million and to con-
solidated net income in the amount of € 2.2 million. If
Totaljobs had already been fully consolidated at Janu-
ary 1, 2012, Totaljobs would have contributed to operat-
ing revenues in the amount of € 54.5 million and to con-
solidated net income in the amount of € 1.7 million.
In the context of the growth campaign in the online clas-
sified advertising sector, we acquired control of the lead-
ing German regional portal, allesklar.com, at the begin-
ning of October 2012 by taking over 100 % of the shares
97
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
in allesklar.com AG, Siegburg (which was renamed
meinestadt.de GmbH in 2013). This acquisition was
carried out through Axel Springer Digital Classifieds
together with our partner General Atlantic, which fi-
nanced € 9.0 million of the purchase price as a capital
contribution.
The acquisition costs in the amount of the purchase
price paid amounted to € 57.8 million. The acquisition-
related expenses of the purchase recorded in other
operating expenses in fiscal year 2012 amounted to
€ 0.3 million.
Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation at
December 31, 2012, the acquisition costs were allocated
to the purchased assets and liabilities at the acquisition
date as follows:
Carrying
amount
before
acquisition
Adjust-
ment
amount
Carrying
amount
after
acquisition
24.4
25.0
€ millions
Intangible assets
Property, plant, and
equipment
Non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets
0.5
1.2
1.4
3.6
0.2
6.3
– 3.4
– 0.2
9.8
– 8.3
16.2
Share of non-controlling interests in net assets
Acquisition cost
Share of non-controlling interests in acquisition cost
Goodwill (preliminary)
1.2
1.4
3.6
0.2
6.3
– 3.4
– 8.4
25.9
7.8
57.8
– 17.3
22.3
98
Of the intangible assets acquired, intangible assets with
carrying amounts of € 9.9 million have indefinite useful
lives. The preliminary and non-tax-deductible goodwill
is above all attributable to inseparable values such as
employee expertise and the strategic advantages result-
ing from the leading market position of the acquired
company, and was allocated to the Classified Ad Mod-
els segment.
The gross amount of the acquired trade accounts re-
ceivable was € 3.8 million. Corresponding valuation
allowances in the amount of € 0.2 million were recorded.
Since first inclusion, meinestadt.de contributed to con-
solidated revenues in the amount of € 6.4 million and to
consolidated net income in the amount of € 0.1 million.
If meinestadt.de had already been fully consolidated at
January 1, 2012, meinestadt.de would have contributed
to operating revenues in the amount of € 24.0 million
and to consolidated net income in the amount of
€ 0.0 million.
In the context of the growth campaign in the online clas-
sified advertising sector, Axel Springer Digital Classifieds
acquired 80 % of the shares in Immoweb S.A., Brussels,
Belgium, in November 2012. In this way, we acquired
control of the leading online real estate portal in Belgium.
Reciprocal call and put options were agreed upon for
the remaining 20 % of the shares, in which the purchase
price to be paid will be measured by the future corporate
earnings of Immoweb S.A. The purchase price of the
put options is limited by contract to a maximum of
€ 100.0 million.
The acquisition costs amounted to € 184.8 million, com-
prising the purchase price of € 135.8 million paid in 2012,
a purchase price adjustment of € 3.1 million paid at the
beginning of 2013, and a contingent purchase price
liability of € 46.0 million for the agreed option rights,
which was measured at the acquisition date. Proportion-
al financing of the acquisition was paid in the amount of
€ 22.5 million in the form of a capital contribution from
our partner General Atlantic. The acquisition-related
expenses of the purchase recorded in other operating
expenses in fiscal year 2012 amounted to € 0.7 million.
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Based on the preliminary purchase price allocations at
December 31, 2012, the preliminary acquisition costs
were allocated to the purchased assets and liabilities at
the acquisition date as follows:
At the beginning of November 2012, Ringier Axel Springer
Media acquired control of Onet.pl S.A., Krakow, Poland,
representing a significant step in the direction of digitaliza-
tion. Onet.pl is the leading online portal in Poland.
The acquisition of 75 % of the shares in onet.pl took
place through the intermediate holding company Vidalia
Investments Sp. z o.o. (renamed ONET Holding Sp.
z o.o. in 2013), Warsaw, Poland. The seller then contrib-
uted the remaining 25 % of the shares in onet.pl to ONET
Holding and received in exchange 25 % of the shares in
ONET Holding. Mutual call and put options were agreed
upon for this 25 % of the shares in ONET Holding, in
which the purchase price to be paid will be measured by
the future earnings of Onet.pl S.A. The purchase price of
the put options is limited by contract to a maximum of
PLN 1 billion (about € 245.8 million).
The preliminary acquisition costs amounted to
€ 302.6 million, comprising the purchase price of
€ 206.1 million paid in fiscal year 2012, a liability of
€ 8.4 million for a purchase price adjustment that oc-
curred at the beginning of 2013, and the contingent
purchase price liability of € 88.1 million for the agreed
option rights, which was measured at the acquisition
date. Proportional financing of the acquisition was paid in
the amount of € 60.5 million in form of a capital contribu-
tion from our joint venture partner Ringier. The acquisi-
tion-related expenses of the purchase recorded in other
operating expenses in fiscal year 2012 amounted to
€ 2.3 million.
€ millions
Carrying
amount
before
acquisition
Adjust-
ment
amount
Carrying
amount
after
acquisition
Intangible assets
0.3
104.5
104.8
Property, plant, and
equipment
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and liabilities
0.4
3.4
10.8
5.6
– 5.6
0.4
3.4
10.8
5.6
– 5.6
Deferred tax liabilities
– 35.5
– 35.5
Net assets
14.8
69.0
Share of non-controlling interests in net assets
Acquisition cost (preliminary)
Share of non-controlling interests in acquisition cost
Goodwill (preliminary)
83.8
25.1
184.8
– 55.4
70.7
Of the intangible assets acquired, intangible assets with
carrying amounts of € 52.9 million have indefinite useful
lives. The preliminary and non-tax-deductible goodwill is
above all attributable to inseparable values such as em-
ployee expertise and the strategic advantages resulting
from the leading market position of the acquired company,
and was allocated to the Classified Ad Models segment.
The gross amount of the acquired trade accounts re-
ceivable was € 3.5 million. Corresponding valuation
allowances in the amount of € 0.2 million were recorded.
Since first inclusion, Immoweb contributed to consolidat-
ed revenues in the amount of € 3.6 million and to con-
solidated net income in the amount of € 1.2 million. If
Immoweb had already been fully consolidated at Janu-
ary 1, 2012, Immoweb would have contributed to oper-
ating revenues in the amount of € 21.0 million and to
consolidated net income in the amount of € 5.7 million.
99
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Based on the preliminary purchase price allocations at
December 31, 2012, the preliminary acquisition costs
were allocated to the purchased assets and liabilities at
the acquisition date as follows:
€ millions
Carrying
amount
before
acquisition
Adjust-
ment
amount
Carrying
amount
after
acquisition
Intangible assets
8.0
137.6
145.6
Property, plant, and
equipment
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and other
liabilities
Trade payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets
24.7
11.3
4.1
7.9
– 6.5
– 7.1
– 0.5
41.9
Share of non-controlling interests in net assets
Acquisition cost (preliminary)
– 26.1
111.5
24.7
11.3
4.1
7.9
– 6.5
– 7.1
– 26.7
153.4
76.7
302.6
Share of non-controlling interests in acquisition cost
– 151.3
Goodwill (preliminary)
74.6
revenues in the amount of € 62.3 million and to consoli-
dated net income in the amount of € 10.1 million.
In the context of our digitalization and internationalization
strategy in the online classified advertising business, we
signed an agreement at the beginning of March 2012
with the global growth investor General Atlantic for a 30 %
investment by General Atlantic Coöperatief U.A., Am-
sterdam, the Netherlands, in the newly founded compa-
ny Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH, Berlin, into
which we brought our investments in SeLoger, Immonet,
and StepStone (including Totaljobs). The sale of the
shares was completed on May 24, 2012, for a total sale
price of € 237.0 million. The share of net assets (includ-
ing goodwill) of Axel Springer Digital Classifieds allocated
to the non-controlling interests increased by € 98.6 million.
The accumulated retained earnings allocated to
the shareholders of Axel Springer SE increased by
€ 140.8 million, and accumulated other comprehensive
income declined by € 2.4 million.
The sale of the online game provider gamigo AG, Ham-
burg, took place at the beginning of October 2012. The
loss on the sale recorded in other operating expenses
amounted to € 16.9 million. The following table shows
the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities sold:
Of the intangible assets acquired, intangible assets with
carrying amounts of € 112.1 million have indefinite useful
lives. The preliminary and non-tax-deductible goodwill is
above all attributable to inseparable values such as em-
ployee expertise, expected synergy effects from the
integration and the strategic advantages resulting from
the leading market position of the acquired company,
and were allocated to the Paid Models segment.
The gross amount of the acquired trade accounts re-
ceivable was € 13.2 million. Corresponding valuation
allowances in the amount of € 1.9 million were recorded.
Since first inclusion, onet.pl contributed to consolidated
revenues in the amount of € 12.3 million and to consoli-
dated net income in the amount of € 2.5 million. If
onet.pl had already been fully consolidated at Janu-
ary 1, 2012, onet.pl would have contributed to operating
€ millions
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant, and equipment
Non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Disposal net assets
Net realizable value
Gain on disposal
100
Carrying
amount
1.6
9.9
2.4
1.7
2.9
2.5
0.1
– 3.7
– 0.5
16.9
0.0
--- 16.9
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
panies requires approval by the competent government
agencies under business combination and antitrust law.
In addition, we signed a contract in December 2013 to
sell the lines of business and investments of Ringier Axel
Springer Media in the Czech Republic. This includes the
leading tabloid and the leading news magazine, as well
as the leading titles in automotive and women’s maga-
zines. The portfolio of newspapers, magazines, and
brand-linked online activities was sold to two Czech
entrepreneurs. The expected purchase price (before
purchase price adjustment) will amount to
€ 170.0 million. The transaction is subject to approval by
the antitrust authorities.
The assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations
at December 31, 2013, are shown in the following table:
€ millions
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Property, plant, and equipment
Non-current financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Inventories
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Provisions for pensions
Other provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade payables
Other liabilities
Liabilities related to assets held for sale
12/31/2013
87.9
40.7
22.3
6.0
3.5
1.6
15.3
11.0
27.6
215.9
19.3
10.5
18.6
10.0
32.4
90.8
Additional transactions carried out in fiscal year 2012, as
well as finalizations of purchase price allocations arising
from acquisitions of companies in the prior year, had no
material effects individually and collectively on the finan-
cial position, liquidity, and financial performance of the
Axel Springer Group.
(d) Discontinued operations
In the reporting year, we consistently pursued our digiti-
zation strategy in order to become the leading digital
publisher. We are focusing even stronger on multimedia
journalistic core brands with a high level of digitization
potential. In this context, we agreed on the sale of do-
mestic and foreign regional newspapers, TV program
guides, and women’s magazines.
Since a significant portion of the consolidated revenues
and of the consolidated EBITDA of the Paid Models
segment is allocated to these activities, and they are
independent portions of this segment, these activities
were classified as discontinued operations.
In December, we legally agreed on the takeover of the
domestic regional newspapers and the TV program
guides and women’s magazines by FUNKE Medien-
gruppe. According to the agreements made, implemen-
tation of the planned measures is scheduled with eco-
nomic effect at January 1, 2014. The purchase price
(before purchase price adjustment) amounts to
€ 920 million, of which € 660 million must be paid in
cash. We will grant a loan with a multi-year term for the
remaining amount. The expected gain on the disposal
will be subject to regular taxation. The sale of the domes-
tic regional newspapers, TV program guides, and
women’s magazines will only be executed uniformly
when all issues related to merger control have been
cleared. It is expected that clearance will be granted
within the first half of 2014.
It was further agreed in this context to establish joint
ventures for the marketing of printed and digital media
offerings and retail sales. Axel Springer will be the entre-
preneurial leader in both companies and hold the majority
of the shares. The foundation of these joint venture com-
101
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Items of the income statement of these subsidiaries have
been translated at the weighted average exchange rate
for the year. Equity components have been translated
at the historical exchange rate at the date of origination.
Foreign exchange differences resulting from the transla-
tion have been recognized within accumulated other
comprehensive income and/or non-controlling interests.
The exchange rates to the euro of foreign currencies that
are significant for Axel Springer Group underwent the
following changes in the past year:
The results of the discontinued operations are as follows:
€ millions
Revenues
Other operating income
Expenses
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
572.6
602.7
8.6
8.0
– 476.0
– 492.9
Operating result from discontinued
operations (before taxes)
Income taxes
Operating result from discontinued
operations (after taxes)
Impairment loss due to remeasurement to
fair value less costs to sell
Income from discontinued operations
Thereof attributable to shareholders of
Axel Springer SE
Thereof attributable to non-controlling
interests
105.1
117.7
– 28.0
– 32.7
77.2
85.0
– 12.1
65.1
0.0
85.0
64.2
76.5
1 € in foreign
currency
Polish zloty
Average price
Exchange rate on
balance sheet date
2013
4.20
1.23
2012 12/31/2013 12/31/2012
4.10
1.21
4.15
1.23
4.07
1.21
0.9
8.5
Swiss franc
The following table shows the cash inflows and cash
outflows attributed to the discontinued operations:
€ millions
Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow from investing activities
Cash flow from financing activities
2013
84.5
– 3.9
0.0
2012
90.5
– 3.7
0.0
Please see note (11e) for the effects of the discontinued
operations regarding the accumulated other comprehen-
sive income.
(e) Translation of separate financial statements
denominated in foreign currency
Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries for which the func-
tional currency is not the euro have been translated at
the exchange rate in effect on the reporting date. The
goodwill and fair value adjustments of assets and liabili-
ties related to the acquisition of companies outside the
European Monetary Union are assigned to the acquired
company and accordingly translated at the exchange
rate in effect on the reporting date.
Czech koruna
25.95
25.21
27.46
25.07
Hungarian
forint
296.72
284.80
297.02
291.73
British pound
0.85
0.81
0.83
0.82
(3) Explanation of significant accounting and
valuation methods
(a) Basic principles
The accounting and valuation principles applied uniformly
across the Axel Springer Group in fiscal year 2013 are
basically the same as those applied in the prior year.
For information on the accounting and valuation methods
resulting from new or revised IFRSs and IFRS IC Inter-
pretations, please refer to note (3q).
(b) Recognition of income and expenses
The Axel Springer Group mainly generates circulation
and advertising revenues. Revenues are recognized at
the time when the significant risks of ownership have
passed to the buyer/the services have been rendered,
the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, and it
is sufficiently probable that the economic benefits will
flow to the enterprise. Revenues are stated net of any
discounts allowed. Revenues from services rendered
102
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
over a certain period in an indefinite number of transac-
tions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the
contractual term.
Circulation revenues encompass the sales of newspa-
pers and magazines to retailers, wholesalers, and sub-
scribers. Revenue is not recognized for that portion of
products sold, which can be expected, on the basis of
historical experience, to be returned. Additionally, circula-
tion revenues comprise the sale of digital applications
and formats.
The advertising revenues encompass revenues from
sales of advertising spaces in the published newspapers
and magazines and the revenues generated in the cate-
gories of display, affiliate marketing, online classifieds,
and search.
Where significant risks and rewards of business activities
do not lie with the Axel Springer Group or the income is
collected in the interest of third parties, only the corre-
sponding commission income or proportion of revenue
accruing to the Axel Springer Group are recognized as
revenues.
Offers that contain multiple service components are
separated for purposes of revenue recognition when the
delivered components have an independent benefit and
the market values of goods not yet delivered or services
not yet performed can be determined objectively. The
total remuneration for these offers is distributed in princi-
ple among the individual service components in such a
way that the service components still to be provided are
allocated remuneration in the amount of their fair value,
and then the service components already provided are
allocated the remaining remuneration in proportion to
their fair values.
Revenues from barter transactions are recognized if the
goods or services exchanged are dissimilar and the
amount of revenue can be measured reliably. Revenues
are measured at the fair value of services received. If the
fair value of the service received under barter transac-
tions cannot be measured reliably, the fair value is de-
termined on the basis of the service rendered.
Other income is recognized when the future inflow of
economic benefits from the transaction can be meas-
ured reliably and was received by the company during
the reporting period.
Operating expenses are recognized either when the
corresponding goods or services are sold or rendered,
or at the time of their origination.
Interest expenses and income are recognized on an
accrual basis in the period of their occurrence. Interest
expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition and
production of qualified assets are capitalized as assets in
the financial statements. Dividend income is recognized
when the legal entitlement is constituted.
(c) Intangible assets
Internally generated intangible assets are measured as
the sum of costs incurred in the development phase
from the time when the technical and economic feasibil-
ity has been demonstrated until the time when the intan-
gible asset has been completed. The capitalized produc-
tion costs include all costs that are directly or indirectly
allocable to the development phase. Costs for the self-
development of websites are capitalized only when the
website directly serves the generation of revenues. Pur-
chased intangible assets are measured at cost.
Internally generated and purchased intangible assets that
have a determinable useful life are amortized over their
expected useful lives using the straight-line method,
starting from the time when they become available for
use by the enterprise, as follows:
Useful life
in years
3 – 8
3 – 10
3 – 6
3 – 8
3 – 17
Software
Licenses
Supply rights
Internet platform
Customer relationships
103
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, which in-
clude goodwill, title rights, and brand rights, are not
amortized. At present, the use of these assets by the
company is not limited by any economic or legal re-
strictions.
(d) Property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are measured at cost
and depreciated over their expected useful lives using
the straight-line method. Any gains or losses on the
disposal of property, plant, and equipment are recog-
nized as other operating income or expenses.
Leased assets whose economic benefits are attributable
to Axel Springer are recognized and measured at the
present value of the minimum future lease payments or
the lower fair value of the leased asset and depreciated
by the straight-line method over the minimum contract
term, taking any existing residual value into consideration.
When it is reasonably certain that ownership will pass to
Axel Springer at the end of the lease period, such assets
are depreciated over their useful lives. The present value
of the payment obligations associated with the minimum
future lease payments is recognized as a liability.
For depreciation purposes, the following useful lives are
applied for property, plant, and equipment:
Buildings
Leased buildings
Leasehold improvements
Printing machines
Editing systems
Other operational and business equipment
Useful life
in years
30 – 50
19 – 20
5 – 15
12 – 20
3 – 7
3 – 14
Capital investment subsidies and bonuses granted by
the government are recognized when it is reasonably
certain that the subsidies will be granted and the related
terms and conditions will be fulfilled. Bonuses and subsi-
dies granted for the acquisition or construction of prop-
erty, plant and equipment are recognized in a deferred
income item within other liabilities. In subsequent periods,
the deferred income item is released and recognized as
income over the useful life of the corresponding assets.
(e) Investment property
Investment property intended for lease to third parties is
measured at amortized cost. Such property is depreciat-
ed over a useful life of 50 years using the straight-line
method. For leased assets whose economic benefits are
attributable to Axel Springer, see note (3d).
(f) Recognition of impairment losses in intangible
assets, in property, plant, and equipment, and
in investment property
Impairment losses are recognized in intangible assets, in
property, plant, and equipment, and in investment prop-
erty when as a result of certain events or changed cir-
cumstances, the carrying amount of the asset exceeds
its recoverable amount (fair value less the costs to sell
or the value in use). If it is not possible to determine the
recoverable amount of an individual asset, the recovera-
ble amount for the next-higher group of assets is applied.
Goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives ac-
quired in the context of business combinations are test-
ed at least once annually for impairment. In order to carry
out the impairment tests, these assets are assigned to
those cash-generating units or those cash-generating
groups (i.e., each “reporting unit”) that can be expected
to profit from the synergies of the business combinations.
These reporting units represent the lowest level at which
these assets are monitored for management purposes.
They generally correspond to individual titles and digital
media of the Axel Springer Group. In the case of inte-
grated business models, individual titles and digital me-
dia are summed up into a single reporting unit.
104
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The impairment test is conducted by determining the
value in use of the reporting units, determined as the
sum of the discounted estimated future cash flows,
which are derived from the company’s medium-term
plan. The planning horizon for the medium-term planning
is five years. The value in use of the reporting units is
determined primarily by the terminal value, however. The
amount of the terminal value depends on the forecasted
cash flow in the fifth year of medium-term planning, on
the growth rate of the cash flows subsequent to the
medium-term planning, and on the discount rate. The
cash flows to be received after the five-year period are
extrapolated on the assumption of a growth rate of 1.5 %
to 2.5 % (PY: 1.5 %), which does not exceed the
assumed average market or industry growth rate.
In order to determine the present value, the discount
rates are calculated on the basis of the weighted average
capital costs of the Group, taking country-specific con-
siderations into account. The discount rates range from
6.3 % to 9.9 % (PY: from 6.4 % to 10.4 %) after taxes and
from 8.2 % to 12.6 % (PY: from 8.5 % to 13.0 %) before
taxes.
Estimation uncertainties arise in the following assump-
tions applied in calculating the value-in-use of the report-
ing units:
Medium-term planning: The medium-term planning is
determined on the basis of past historical values, and
factors in business-segment-specific expectations about
future market growth. Here, we assume that cash flows
in the electronic media sector will usually exhibit higher
growth rates than in the print sector.
Discount rates: Based on the average weighted capital
costs of the sector in question, the discount rates of the
reporting units also consider country-specific risks,
which reflect the current market estimates.
Growth rates: The growth rates are determined on the
basis of published market research reports for the sec-
tors in question. In estimating the long-term growth
rates, due consideration was given to the compensatory
effects between the different business lines, based on
the adopted strategy of the Group.
Impairment losses are reversed when the recoverable
amount exceeds the carrying amount of the asset due to
changes in the estimates upon which the measurement
is based. The reversal is limited to the amount that would
have resulted if previous impairment losses had not been
recognized. A recognized impairment loss in goodwill is
never reversed.
(g) Financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets are mainly composed of cash and cash
equivalents, deferred purchase price receivables, trade
receivables, receivables due from related parties, loans,
investments, securities, and financial derivatives with
positive market values. Financial liabilities are mainly
composed of trade payables, liabilities due to related
parties, liabilities due to banks, promissory notes, con-
tingent consideration, and financial derivatives with nega-
tive market values.
The initial recognition and derecognition of financial in-
struments coincide with the settlement dates of custom-
ary market purchases and sales of financial assets.
A financial asset is derecognized when the contractual
rights to the cash flows from the financial asset have
expired or have been transferred to third parties, or when
the Group has assumed a contractual obligation to pay
the cash flows to a third party, under which the risks and
rewards or the power of control were transferred. A
financial liability is derecognized when the obligation
underlying the liability is settled or annulled, or has expired.
105
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For financial assets and financial liabilities which need to
be measured at fair value, we apply the following valua-
tion hierarchy. Hereby, the input factors used in the
valuation models are categorized into three levels:
Level 1 – in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
(unadjusted) quoted prices (e.g., stock market prices),
Level 2 – input factors other than quoted prices which
are observable for the asset or the liability, either directly
or indirectly (e.g., interest yield curves, forward rates),
and
Level 3 – input factors that are not observable on a mar-
ket for the asset or the liability (e.g., estimated future
results)
When determining fair value, the application of relevant
and observable input factors is given high priority,
whereas the application of non-observable input factors
is given less priority. The classification of the valuation
models into the respective valuation hierarchy levels is
monitored at the end of each reporting period.
Investments and securities
Investments that have not been consolidated or ac-
counted for using the equity method in the consolidated
financial statements, as well as securities, are measured
at fair value if it can be determined reliably on the basis of
stock exchange or market prices and generally accepted
valuation methods, respectively. Otherwise, they are
measured at amortized cost. The valuation methods
employed include especially the discounted cash flow
method (DCF method) based on the expected invest-
ment income. We assume that the fair value of invest-
ments and securities is not reliably measurable when
either material valuation differences appear in estimating
fair values based on projections and scenarios, or when
the likelihood of such projections and scenarios cannot
be reliably determined. Any unrealized gains or losses
resulting from the changes in fair value of the financial
assets and liabilities, considering resulting tax effects, are
recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Changes in fair value are not recognized in income until
the corresponding non-current financial assets are sold
or an impairment loss is recognized.
The carrying amounts of investments and securities are
reviewed at every reporting date to determine whether
there are objective indications of an impairment. If an
impairment is found to exist, an impairment loss is rec-
ognized and charged to income.
Loans, receivables, and other financial assets
Upon initial recognition, loans, receivables, and other
financial assets are measured at fair value plus transac-
tion costs. In subsequent periods, they are measured
at amortized cost, after deduction of any write-downs,
using the effective interest method. A write-down is
taken when objective indications suggest that the receiv-
able may not be fully collectible. Such an indication might
be the insolvency or other considerable financial prob-
lems of the debtor, for example. The amount of the
write-down is measured as the difference between the
carrying amount of the receivable and the present value
of the estimated future cash flows from this receivable,
discounted by application of the effective interest rate.
Write-downs are charged against income both in the
form of an account for allowances on doubtful accounts
and by means of direct write-downs. The account for
allowances on doubtful accounts is used, in particular,
for allowances on doubtful trade receivables and receiv-
ables due from related parties. If in subsequent periods
the fair value has objectively risen, the write-downs are
reversed and recognized in income in the appropriate
amounts.
Financial derivatives
Financial derivatives are utilized exclusively to hedge
against currency and interest rate risks that have an
influence on future cash flows. They are measured at fair
values based on stock exchange or market prices, or
using generally accepted valuation methods. If the condi-
tions for the application of hedge accounting are met,
changes in the fair values, including the tax effects, are
recognized directly in equity as accumulated other com-
prehensive income. The amounts recognized in accumu-
lated other comprehensive income are recycled when
the underlying transaction is recognized on the balance
106
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
sheet or income statement. The changes in the fair value
of derivatives that do not meet the conditions for the
application of hedge accounting, despite their economic
hedging effect, are measured at fair value through profit
and loss. Furthermore, financial derivatives are used to
cover the risk of impairments of investments and securi-
ties. When the underlying financial assets are recognized
at amortized costs because their fair values are not relia-
bly measurable, the financial derivative is recognized at
amortized costs as well.
Contingent consideration
Options and earn-out agreements in connection with
business combinations and the acquisition of non-
controlling interests are treated as contingent considera-
tion at fair value. To the extent it can be reliably meas-
ured, this value is derived from the estimated profit
trends of the acquired companies in the years prior to
the possible exercise dates of the options or the pay-
ment dates of the earn-outs. In the subsequent periods,
changes in the fair value are recognized immediately in
income. The discount rates are determined on the basis
of the interest rates charged on the Group’s borrowings.
For acquisitions that were completed prior to January 1,
2010, the obligation was measured at the present value
of the expected net profits provided that utilization was
probable and the obligation could be measured reliably.
Adjustments in measurement in the subsequent periods
continue to be recorded with no effect on income.
The earnings used as a basis for measurement are gen-
erally EBITDA figures adjusted for material non-recurring
effects. In case of an increase/a decrease of the relevant
earnings measures by 10 %, the value of the contingent
consideration would also fluctuate by 10 %.
Other financial liabilities
Upon initial recognition, other non-derivative financial
liabilities are measured at fair value less transaction costs.
In subsequent periods, they are measured at amortized
cost using the effective interest method.
(h) Inventories
Inventories are measured at cost. Purchase costs are
determined on the basis of a weighted average value.
Production costs include all costs directly related to the
units of production and production-related overhead
costs. Inventories are measured at the reporting date at
the lower of the purchase or production cost and the net
realizable value. The net realizable value is the estimated
selling price less estimated costs to be incurred until the
sale. The net realizable value of goods and services in
progress is calculated as the net realizable value of fin-
ished goods and services less remaining costs of com-
pletion. Impairments are reversed whenever the reasons
justifying an earlier write-down no longer exist.
(i) Assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Assets are classified as held for sale when their disposal
has been initiated. The non-current assets held for sale
are measured at the lower of the carrying amount or the
fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation is no longer
applied to these assets. Liabilities that are held in con-
nection with assets held for sale are disclosed likewise
separately in the balance sheet as a current item.
Discontinued operations are operations that are to be
sold and comprise a material geographical or operational
line of business of the Group.
The results from continued operations in the reporting
year and the prior year are shown in the income state-
ment. The results from discontinued operations are
shown separately. Cash inflows and cash outflows from
discontinued operations are shown separately in the
notes to the consolidated financial statements. The in-
formation in the notes relates to the continued opera-
tions of the Group.
107
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(j) Pension provisions
Pension obligations under defined benefit plans are
determined using the projected unit credit method under
which future changes in compensation and benefits are
taken into account. In order to calculate the pension
provisions, the present value of the obligations is netted
against the fair value of the plan assets.
The expected life spans of the participants are deter-
mined with reference to the country-specific recognized
actuarial tables. The present value of the defined benefit
commitments is determined by discounting the estimat-
ed future cash outflows. The discount rate applied for
this purpose is determined with reference to high-quality
AA-rated corporate bonds that match the underlying
pension obligations with respect to currency and maturi-
ty. If corporate bonds with matching terms do not exist,
then the yields of these bonds at the balance sheet date
are adjusted along the yield curve for fixed-interest gov-
ernment bonds using a constant spread over the term of
the underlying pension obligations.
The return underlying the measurement of the plan as-
sets is identical to the discount rate for defined benefit
commitments.
Actuarial gains and losses resulting from changes in
actuarial parameters are offset against accumulated
other comprehensive income without affecting net in-
come.
(k) Other provisions and accrued liabilities
Other provisions have been formed to account for all
discernible legal and constructive obligations to third
parties, provided that the settlement of the obligation is
probable and the amount of the obligation can be reliably
estimated. The amount of each provision corresponds
to the expected settlement amount. In the case of long-
term provisions, the expected settlement amount is
discounted to the present value at the reporting date by
application of appropriate market rates of interest. Provi-
sions are recognized for restructuring expenses only
when the intended measures have been sufficiently con-
cretized and announced on or before the reporting date.
(l) Deferred taxes
Deferred taxes are recognized to account for the future tax
effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of
assets and liabilities and the carrying amounts of those
assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial state-
ments, and for interest and tax loss carry-forwards. De-
ferred taxes are measured on the basis of the tax laws
already enacted for those fiscal years in which it is proba-
ble that the differences will reverse or the tax loss carry-
forwards can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are recog-
nized for temporary differences or interest and tax loss
carry-forwards only when the ability to utilize them in the
near future appears to be reasonably certain. Deferred
taxes are recognized for temporary differences resulting
from the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities
obtained through business combinations. Deferred taxes
are recognized for temporary differences relating to good-
will only when the goodwill can be utilized for tax purposes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities of tax groups are netted
if they are based on the same kind of income taxes; oth-
erwise, they are netted only if the deferred taxes are based
on the income taxes imposed by the same tax authority
and only when current taxes can be netted as well.
(m) Treasury shares
Treasury shares are measured at cost and are charged
directly to equity. The treasury shares are presented in
a separate line item of the consolidated statement of
changes in equity.
(n) Share-based payment programs
As part of performance-based remuneration programs,
Axel Springer Group grants equity-settled and cash-
settled share-based payment programs. The compensa-
tion components to be recognized as expenses over
the vesting period are measured as the fair value of the
options granted at the time when they were granted (in
case of equity-settled programs) or at the reporting date
(in case of cash-settled programs). The fair values are
determined on the basis of generally accepted option
pricing models. The corresponding amount is recognized
in the additional paid-in capital (in the case of equity-
settled programs) or as provisions/liabilities (in the case
of cash-settled programs). Additions to liabilities or provi-
108
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
sions are recognized in personnel expenses; reversals
are accounted for in other operating income.
(o) Transactions in foreign currencies
Purchases and sales in foreign currencies are translated
at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction.
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated
into the functional currency at the exchange rate on the
reporting date. Any foreign exchange gains or losses
resulting from such translations are recognized in income.
Since January 1, 2013, we are applying “Changes to
IAS 19 – Employee Benefits”. Besides enhanced disclo-
sure requirements, the newly published standard pre-
dominantly demanded us to apply the net interest meth-
od. The net interest method demands that the discount
rate used for pension obligations is also applied in the
context of the calculation of the return on plan assets.
The first-time application of further changes had only
immaterial effects. Thus, adjustments of prior-year dis-
closures were unnecessary.
(p) Estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements
requires estimates and assumptions that have an influ-
ence on the presentation of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent liabilities at the reporting date,
and the presentation of income and expenses. Estimates
and assumptions that are subject to uncertainty relate in
particular to discounted cash flows for the purposes of
impairment testing, purchase price allocations and the
measurement of contingent purchase price obligations in
connection with business combinations and the acquisi-
tion of non-controlling interests, future taxable income
to determine the ability to utilize tax loss carry-forwards
and discount rates for the measurement of pension
obligations. Information concerning the carrying amounts
determined with the use of estimates can be found in the
comments on the specific line items.
(q) New accounting standards
The following IFRSs relevant for Axel Springer were ap-
plied for the first time in the fiscal year:
As of January 1, 2013, we have implemented “Changes
to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements”. We
thus additionally disclose which items of the other in-
come/loss – if certain criteria are met – have to be re-
classified into the income statement in future periods.
The values for the prior year were disclosed accordingly.
IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” introduces a compre-
hensive framework for measuring the fair value. IFRS 13
has been used by Axel Springer since January 1, 2013,
and leads to expanded disclosure requirements for as-
sets and liabilities measured at fair value. Otherwise,
there were no material influences on our financial position,
liquidity, and financial performance.
Otherwise, no material changes resulted in fiscal year
2013 for Axel Springer from IFRS standards or IFRIC
interpretations to be applied for the first time.
The following IFRSs have already been published, but
not yet applied.
IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” was published by the
IASB in November 2009. In the future, financial assets
must be assigned only to the two valuation categories
“at amortized cost” and “at fair value” and measured
accordingly. IFRS 9 was re-published in November 2013
in amended form, introducing a new comprehensive
model for hedge accounting, which replaces the re-
quirements set forth in IAS 39; the new comprehensive
model for hedge accounting extends the possible scope
of relevant underlying transactions and hedging instru-
ments. Furthermore, an option to account for all hedged
transactions using either the existing rules of IAS 39 or
the respective new instructions of IFRS 9 is introduced.
A required initial application date – which certainly will be
after January 1, 2015 – is not expected to be specified
until all phases of the project have been completed and a
final version of IFRS 9 has been produced. The applica-
tion of the new standard will lead to changes in the
109
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
presentation and recognition of financial assets and
liabilities.
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 10 “Consolidated
Financial Statements”, IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements”,
IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities”,
amendments to IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate
Financial Statements”, and amendments to IAS 28 "In-
vestments in Associates”. IFRS 10 supersedes the previ-
ous regulations on consolidated financial statements
(parts of IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial
Statements”) and special purpose entities (SIC-12 “Con-
solidation – Special Purpose Entities”) and prescribes the
control model as a uniform principle for the future. The
standard additionally includes guidelines for assessing
control in doubtful cases. The currently applicable regu-
lations for recognizing shares in joint ventures (IAS 31
“Interests in Joint Ventures” and SIC-13 “Jointly Con-
trolled Entities – Non-Monetary Contributions by Ventur-
ers”) will be replaced by IFRS 11 in the future. The dis-
closure requirements previously included in IAS 27,
IAS 28, and IAS 31 are combined into IFRS 12 and ex-
panded with additional particulars. Due to these
amendments, IAS 27 only still contains regulations on
the recognition of shares in subsidiaries, affiliates, and
joint ventures in the separate financial statements of the
parent company. IAS 28 is being expanded to include
regulations on the recognition of shares in joint ventures
and prescribes the mandatory use of the equity method
for affiliates and joint ventures. Due to the incorporation
into European law, these amendments are required to be
applied to fiscal years that begin on or after January 1,
2014. The amendments published by the IASB in
June 2012 to IFRS 10, IFRS 11, and IFRS 12, in order to
clarify the transitional regulations of IFRS 10 and with
regard to simplifications for the initial application, were
incorporated into European law in April 2013. We as-
sume that the new and revised standards will have no
material influence on our financial position, liquidity, and
financial performance.
IASB and IFRS IC published additional pronouncements
that had or will have no material influence on our con-
solidated financial statements.
110
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated statement of financial position
(4) Intangible assets
The changes in intangible assets were as follows:
€ millions
Acquisition or production cost
Balance as of January 1, 2012
Initial consolidation
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Initial consolidation
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Depreciation, amortization, and impairments
Balance as of January 1, 2012
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Initial consolidation
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Carrying amounts
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Purchased
rights and
licenses
Internally
generated
rights
Goodwill
Total
1,027.1
359.5
– 19.1
3.3
34.4
– 2.7
– 0.7
1,401.7
69.0
– 15.5
– 16.4
33.0
– 3.7
– 113.9
1,354.3
227.6
– 9.2
0.8
77.7
– 0.5
296.3
0.1
– 4.1
– 2.3
78.4
– 1.9
– 26.5
340.0
47.8
29.2
0.0
0.0
14.6
– 0.3
1.1
92.4
16.3
– 1.0
– 0.5
22.0
– 0.1
1.5
130.6
26.9
0.0
0.0
12.0
0.1
39.1
0.4
– 0.6
– 0.2
20.7
0.0
1.0
60.5
1,143.1
227.1
– 1.6
4.8
– 3.7
0.0
– 0.5
2,218.0
615.8
– 20.7
8.1
45.3
– 3.0
0.0
1,369.4
2,863.5
92.5
– 39.9
– 5.0
0.0
– 3.7
– 43.1
1,370.2
55.3
0.0
0.0
17.4
0.0
72.7
0.1
– 30.4
0.0
2.7
0.0
– 2.0
43.0
177.8
– 56.4
– 21.9
55.0
– 7.4
– 155.5
2,855.0
309.8
– 9.2
0.7
107.1
– 0.4
408.1
0.6
– 35.1
– 2.5
101.9
– 1.9
– 27.4
443.6
1,014.2
1,105.4
70.1
53.3
1,327.1
1,296.7
2,411.5
2,455.5
111
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The purchased rights and licenses mainly comprised title
rights, trademarks, and customer relationships. The
internally generated intangible assets mainly consisted
of software solutions and websites.
The reclassifications consisted almost exclusively of the
classification as assets held for sale (see note (2d)).
The goodwills and the purchased rights and licenses
that were included in the intangible assets with indefinite
useful lives totaled € 1,979.9 million at December 31,
2013 (PY: € 2,005.4 million). Of this amount € 466.1 million
(PY: € 572.1 million) was allocated to the Paid Models
segment, € 484.4 million (PY: € 500.7 million) to
the Marketing Models, and € 1,029.0 million (PY:
€ 932.3 million) to the Classified Ad Models segment. No
change resulted in the allocation of goodwill to the re-
porting units due to the adjustment of segment reporting
that occurred in the reporting year (see note (30)).
Goodwills of € 40.7 million and intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives of € 77.1 million of the Paid Models
segment have been allocated to the assets held for sale
in the reporting year.
With the exception of the SeLoger and StepStone re-
porting units assigned to the Classifieds Ad Models, and
the Ringier Axel Springer Media reporting unit assigned
to the Paid Models segment, the total of goodwill and
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives that have
been assigned to the individual reporting units amounted
to less than 9 % (PY: 9 %) of the total value.
With goodwill of € 465.3 million (PY: € 464.9 million)
and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives of
€ 129.7 million (PY: € 129.4 million), about 30 %
(PY: 30 %) of the total value is assigned to the SeLoger
reporting unit. The goodwill increased in the amount of
€ 0.4 million compared to the prior year due to the first
inclusion of Diagorim in particular. In order to determine
the value in use, a discount rate of 7.1 % or 9.9 % before
taxes (PY: 6.4 % or 8.8 % before taxes) and a growth
rate of 1.5 % (PY: 1.5 %) for the cash flows subsequent
to the five-year medium-term planning were used. The
surplus between the value in use and the carrying
amount of this reporting unit amounts to € 265.7 million
(PY: € 424.4 million).
Material assumptions in the context of the medium-term
planning of SeLoger relate to the assumption of stagna-
tion in the online real estate market in France, focusing
marketing activities on the goal of increasing average
revenue per customer, improving market penetration
particularly in regions outside of Paris, and accelerating
growth in vertical niche portals by increasing market
share.
With goodwill of € 103.9 million (PY: € 146.3 million) and
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives of
€ 199.4 million (PY: € 279.1 million), about 15 % (PY:
21 %) of the total value is assigned to the Ringier Axel
Springer Media reporting unit. The goodwill compared to
the prior year decreased particularly due to classification
as assets held for sale (€ 39.9 million) and due to cur-
rency effects. In order to determine the value in use, a
discount rate of 7.4 % or 8.4 % before taxes (PY: 6.7 %
or 8.1 % before taxes) and a growth rate of 2.5 % (PY:
1.5 %) for the cash flows subsequent to the five-year
medium-term planning were used. The surplus between
the value in use and the carrying amount of this report-
ing unit amounts to € 217.7 million (PY: € 401.1 million).
In the medium-term planning of Ringier Axel Springer
Media, we assume that the two large revenue streams in
sales and the print advertising market will come under
increasing pressure in the coming years. It will be possi-
ble to compensate for the declining circulation figures
primarily by using price increases. We further assume
that our online businesses will profit from the trend to-
wards performance-based forms of advertising and will
be able to participate in the structural shift of print adver-
tisements into digital channels. We assume that new
revenue sources from additional business in the strong
boulevard brands as well as strict cost management will
make it possible to largely maintain profitability.
112
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
With goodwill of € 160.4 million (PY: € 89.8 million)
and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives of
€ 107.1 million (PY: € 81.7 million), about 14 % (PY: 9 %)
of the total value is assigned to the StepStone reporting
unit. The goodwill increased compared to the prior year,
particularly due to the acquisitions of the Saongroup and
of YourCareerGroup (€ 71.7 million), and additionally due
to currency effects. In order to determine the value in use,
a discount rate of 6.9 % or 9.2 % before taxes (PY: 6.5 %
or 8.5 % before taxes) and a growth rate of 1.5 % (PY:
1.5 %) for the cash flows subsequent to the five-year
medium-term planning were used. The surplus between
the value in use and the carrying amount of this reporting
unit amounts to € 1,051.4 million (PY: € 1,056.1 million).
In the medium-term planning of StepStone, we assume
that the anticipated development of the economy will
have a positive impact on the labor market. The assump-
tions made include rising sales revenues in our European
core markets and in our new markets in Africa and Latin
America, as well as further strict cost management in
order to maintain on the high level of return of the past
years. In particular, by the further development of the
product range and the expansion of the system land-
scape, the market position should be expanded and
strengthened.
The surplus between the value in use and the carrying
amount of the reporting units would reduce to zero if the
material measurement parameters would change as
follows:
Increase
of
discount
rate
(before
taxes) to
Increase
of
discount
rate (after
taxes) to
Reduction
of growth
rate to
Reduction
of cash
flow in the
fifth year
of
medium-
term
planning
by
13.1 %
9.3 %
– 1.5 %
– 34.7 %
2013
SeLoger
StepStone
30.6 %
22.3 %
– 50.5 %
– 90.5 %
Ringier Axel
Springer Media
11.4 %
9.8 %
– 0.8 %
– 40.0 %
Increase
of
discount
rate
(before
taxes) to
Increase
of
discount
rate (after
taxes) to
Reduction
of growth
rate to
Reduction
of cash
flow in the
fifth year
of
medium-
term
planning
by
13.3 %
9.5 %
– 2.9 %
– 46.0 %
2012
SeLoger
StepStone
32.8 %
24.2 %
– 72.5 %
– 93.7 %
Ringier Axel
Springer Media
12.4 %
10.1 %
– 3.3 %
– 48.0 %
113
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(5) Property, plant, and equipment
The changes in property, plant, and equipment were as follows:
Technical
equipment
and
machinery
Other
equipment,
operational
and office
equipment
Construction
in progress
Land and buildings
549.2
199.0
€ millions
Acquisition or production cost
Balance as of January 1, 2012
Initial consolidation
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Initial consolidation
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2013
582.5
12.1
0.0
0.6
28.3
– 58.6
– 0.7
564.3
0.0
0.0
– 0.8
7.8
– 9.7
– 1.1
560.6
0.3
0.0
1.0
1.7
– 3.6
0.9
549.6
0.1
0.0
– 2.2
11.7
– 7.9
– 20.6
530.5
Depreciation, amortization, and impairments
Balance as of January 1, 2012
174.2
329.7
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Deconsolidation
Currency effects
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
0.0
0.2
10.7
– 27.8
– 0.1
157.3
0.0
– 0.1
10.6
– 4.8
– 1.5
0.0
0.5
28.6
– 3.5
– 0.1
355.2
0.0
– 1.6
24.5
– 6.6
– 9.3
Balance as of December 31, 2013
161.6
362.2
Carrying amounts
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Balance as of December 31, 2012
399.0
406.9
168.3
194.4
68.7
76.4
114
14.4
– 4.3
1.3
16.0
– 11.7
3.7
218.5
3.0
– 2.0
– 1.3
21.1
– 16.0
– 3.9
219.5
133.3
– 1.9
0.8
23.8
– 13.9
0.1
142.2
– 1.2
– 0.7
27.7
– 12.6
– 4.8
150.8
Total
1,335.0
26.9
– 4.9
2.9
60.1
– 74.0
– 0.7
1,345.3
3.1
– 2.0
– 4.5
44.8
– 33.7
– 38.3
1,314.8
637.1
– 2.5
1.5
63.8
– 45.2
– 0.1
654.6
– 1.2
– 2.3
62.9
– 24.0
– 15.6
674.4
640.3
690.7
4.3
0.1
– 0.7
– 0.1
14.1
– 0.2
– 4.6
12.9
0.0
0.0
– 0.2
4.2
– 0.1
– 12.7
4.2
– 0.1
– 0.7
0.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
--- 0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
--- 0.1
4.3
13.0
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2013, property, plant and equipment
with acquisition or production cost of € 276.1 million
(PY: € 151.7 million) were in use that had already been
fully depreciated.
At the balance sheet date, property, plant, and equip-
ment amounting to € 21.7 million (PY: € 30.9 million) had
been pledged as security for own liabilities.
The carrying amount of the property, plant and equip-
ment carried in the context of finance leases, which
are allocated almost exclusively to land and buildings,
amounted to € 52.9 million at December 31, 2013 (PY:
€ 46.4 million).
In the reporting year, real estate assets with a residual
carrying amount of € 4.7 million (property, plant, and
equipment) and € 5.1 million (investment property) were
contributed to plan assets to cover pension obligations
(see note 13). Under a finance lease, Axel Springer
leased back the real estate. Due to the continuing lease
of a portion of the building space to third parties, the
present value of the minimum lease payments was re-
corded as additions to property, plant, and equipment
at € 4.9 million and as additions to investment property
at € 5.0 million.
The reclassifications consisted almost exclusively of the
classification as assets held for sale (see note (2d)).
(6) Investment property
The development of the office and retail spaces in Berlin
and Hamburg leased to third parties was as follows:
€ millions
Acquisition or production cost
Balance as of January 1, 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Depreciation, amortization, and impairments
Balance as of January 1, 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Write-ups
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Write-ups
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Carrying amounts
As of December 31, 2013
As of December 31, 2012
Investment
property
83.3
3.1
– 5.6
0.7
81.5
5.1
– 9.3
– 1.5
75.8
30.7
1.4
– 2.5
0.1
– 5.2
24.5
1.4
– 4.2
0.1
– 1.0
20.8
55.0
57.0
115
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The changes resulting from contributing real estate as-
sets to plan assets are presented in note (5).
(7) Non-current financial assets
The carrying amount of investment property in the con-
text of finance leases was € 11.4 million at December 31,
2013 (PY: € 7.1 million).
The fair value of investment property as of December 31,
2013 amounted to € 55.5 million (PY: € 57.0 million).
Our measurement was based on the application of the
discounted cash flow method, with reference to the
estimated cash flows. In calculating this value, a discount
rate of 6.85 % and a perpetuity capitalization rate of 5.85 %
were applied, unchanged from the prior year. As a result
of the change in fair value, write-ups amounting to
€ 1.0 million (PY: € 5.2 million) have been recognized in
other operating income in the Services/Holding segment.
In 2013, rental income of € 5.2 million (PY: € 5.4 million)
was generated, with corresponding directly attributable
operating expenses of € 0.6 million (PY: € 0.8 million).
As in the prior year, directly allocable expenses of less
than € 0.1 million were incurred for non-rented space.
The future minimum lease payments from investment
property broke down as follows:
The carrying amounts of investments carried using the
equity method showed the following development:
€ millions
Carrying amount as of January 1
Attributable net income
Dividends
Changes recognized in other
comprehensive income
Impairment losses
Disposals
2013
24.6
2.0
– 5.4
– 0.5
0.0
0.0
Reclassification into assets held for sale
– 13.7
Other changes
Carrying amount as of December 31
1.6
8.7
2012
30.6
4.5
– 4.5
0.4
– 2.0
– 4.3
0.0
0.0
24.6
Proportionate income/losses to be recognized in income
from investments were not recognized in the reporting
year in the amount of € – 23.0 million (PY: € – 17.4 million),
and cumulatively in the amount of € – 50.5 million (PY:
€ – 27.5 million). The corresponding net carrying amount
of investments was fully depreciated in 2010.
€ millions
Due in up to one year
Due in one to five years
Due in more than five years
Total
2013
2012
3.4
10.2
4.4
18.0
3.5
10.7
6.3
20.5
The aggregated financial data for the investments ac-
counted for using the equity method are shown in the
table below. Net income and revenue amounts corre-
spond to the period of inclusion under the equity method
in the reporting periods:
€ millions
Net income
Revenues
Assets
Liabilities
2013
– 92.3
703.3
411.2
614.7
2012
– 65.2
781.0
452.9
567.5
116
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The financial data for the associated companies classi-
fied as held for sale (see note (2d)) is summarized in the
table below:
amounted to € 2.9 million (PY: € 2.7 million), of which
€ 0.3 million (PY: € 0.1 million) was recognized affecting
net income in 2013.
€ millions
Net income
Revenues
Assets
Liabilities
2013
1.0
2012
2.3
140.6
117.0
41.8
33.0
40.1
29.1
(9) Trade receivables
The trade receivables broke down as follows:
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Trade receivables, nominal
Allowances for doubtful trade receivables
Trade receivables
498.2
– 25.5
472.8
527.7
– 25.0
502.6
The changes in the allowances for doubtful trade receiv-
ables are presented below:
€ millions
Balance as of January 1
Utilization
Reversals
Disposal due to deconsolidation
Additions
Other changes
Balance as of December 31
2013
2012
25.0
– 1.0
– 2.0
– 0.9
6.4
– 2.1
25.5
13.1
– 0.9
– 0.3
0.0
12.3
0.9
25.0
As of December 31, 2013, receivables in the amount of
€ 333.6 million (PY: € 345.6 million) were neither past
due nor subject to valuation allowances. With regard to
these receivables, there were no indications at the re-
porting date that would suggest that the customers
would not fulfill their payment obligations.
The non-current financial assets include mainly the
shares in Do⁄an TV at € 305.5 million (PY: 352.0 million).
In 2013, we sold about 2.6 % of the shares. The pro-
ceeds from this transaction amounted to € 61.6 million.
The revenue recognized in investment income was
€ 15.1 million. When determining the recoverable
amount in the context of the impairment test of our in-
vestment in Do⁄an TV, we factored in both estimated
future cash flows and contractually stipulated value-
securing mechanisms.
Non-current financial assets also include the investment
in the iProperty Group Ltd., Sydney, Australia, recog-
nized at fair value based on the market price in the
amount of € 39.3 million (PY: € 22.1 million). The change
in value was recognized in accumulated other compre-
hensive income without affecting net income.
(8) Inventories
The inventories broke down as follows:
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Raw materials and supplies
15.8
17.1
Semi-finished goods
Finished goods and merchandise
Inventories
2.4
5.4
2.9
7.1
23.5
27.1
Inventories of € 20.2 million (PY: € 11.0 million) were
measured at their net realizable value. At December 31,
2013, the valuation allowance for these inventories
117
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The past-due trade receivables at the reporting date for
which no valuation allowances have been charged are
presented in the table below:
€ millions
up to 30 days
31 to 90 days
91 to 180 days
181 to 360 days
361 days and longer
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
49.8
20.2
5.1
3.9
4.6
55.5
16.5
7.7
10.0
9.0
(10) Other assets
The other assets broke down as follows:
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Deferral of payment for regional
newspaper investments
Credit balances in accounts payable
Derivatives
Other
Other financial assets
Advance payments
Receivables from other taxes
Other non-financial assets
75.0
100.0
6.9
0.5
4.6
0.7
20.8
39.2
103.3
144.5
20.6
10.8
31.4
17.3
14.1
31.5
Other assets
134.6
176.0
The residual purchase price from the sale of investments
in regional newspapers that occurred in 2009 will be-
come due and payable at € 25.0 million per annum in
the period from 2011 to 2016.
The miscellaneous financial assets include loans and
receivables due from other investment companies and
security deposits, among other items.
(11) Equity
The components and changes in consolidated equity are
summarized in the consolidated statement of changes in
equity.
(a) Subscribed capital
The subscribed capital of € 98.9 million is fully paid in.
Based on the percentage of subscribed capital that each
share represents, the shares are valued at € 1.00 per share.
The subscribed capital is divided into 98,940 thousand
registered shares, which can be transferred only with the
consent of the company. At the reporting date,
98,940 thousand shares were outstanding (PY:
98,790 thousand shares).
(b) Additional paid-in capital
The additional paid-in capital primarily resulted from a
shareholder contribution granted in previous years and
the amount of imputed compensation for the share-
based payment programs (see note (12)).
(c) Accumulated retained earnings
The accumulated retained earnings included the income
of the companies included in the consolidated financial
statements, to the extent that they have not been dis-
tributed to shareholders. Moreover, transactions with
shareholders are recognized here.
In 2013, Axel Springer SE distributed an amount of
€ 167.9 million as dividend payments (€ 1.70 per qualify-
ing share) for the fiscal year 2012. In 2012, the amount
of € 167.6 million was distributed as dividend payments
(€ 1.70 per qualifying share) for the fiscal year 2011.
The premium resulting from the issue of treasury shares
in the reporting period increased accumulated retained
earnings by € 2.1 million (PY: € 2.6 million) (see note (11d)).
118
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(d) Treasury shares
As of December 31, 2013, Axel Springer SE held no
treasury shares (PY: 150 thousand shares, correspond-
ing to 0.2 % of its capital stock).
In the reporting year, 194 thousand treasury shares
were issued at their fair value at the date of issue in the
amount of € 32.70 by conversion of variable compensa-
tion tied to performance of the employees of the Group.
For this purpose, additional treasury shares were ac-
quired previously. From the distribution of the treasury
shares € 4.9 million was collected, thereby increasing
equity (of which € 2.1 million is allocated to the premium
recorded in accumulated retained earnings).
(e) Accumulated other comprehensive income
At the reporting date, accumulated other comprehensive
income contained effects companies accounted for
using the equity method in the amount of € – 10.4 million
(PY: € – 10.4 million), actuarial gains/losses from employer
pension plans of € – 46.8 million (PY: € – 49.1 million),
as well as a revaluation reserve of € – 3.1 million (PY:
€ – 3.1 million).
Unrealized gains recognized in accumulated other com-
prehensive income in the amount of € 0.7 million result-
ing from revaluation of currency forwards were reclassi-
fied in the reporting year from equity to profit or loss. In
connection with the refinancing of our credit lines, losses
in the amount of € 10.5 million originating from the reval-
uation of interest rate hedging instruments that were
previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
income were recognized in the prior year (see note (35)).
The cumulative effects included in accumulated other
comprehensive income and allocated to discontinued
operations relate to actuarial profits and losses of
€ – 2.2 million as well as profits/losses from foreign
currency translation of € – 4.6 million.
(f) Non-controlling interests
The non-controlling interests mainly related to the follow-
ing companies:
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Ringier Axel Springer Media
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds
auFeminin
Other companies
173.7
132.8
19.2
48.4
179.7
120.3
15.2
50.4
Non-controlling interests
374.1
365.6
(12) Share-based payment
Virtual stock options plans were set up in January 2012
(hereinafter 2012 virtual stock option plan), October 2011
(two tranches, hereinafter 2011a and 2011b virtual stock
option plan), and in July 2009 (hereinafter virtual stock
option plan 2009). The material parameters of the virtual
stock option plans are shown below:
Virtual stock option plans
2012
2011a
2011b
2009
Grant date
01/01/2012 10/01/2011 10/01/2011 07/01/2009
Term
Qualifying
period
6
4
4
2
6
4
6
4
Option rights
granted
450
thousands
473
thousands
473
thousands
1,125
thousands 1)
Underlying
€ 30.53
€ 30.00
€ 35.00
€ 20.29 1)
Maximum
payment
Value at grant
date
Total value at
grant date
€ 61.06
€ 60.00
€ 70.00
€ 40.57 1)
€ 5.26
€ 2.74
€ 2.31
€ 4.22 1)
€ 2.4 million € 1.3 million € 1.1 million € 4.7 million
1) Adjusted due to the share split in June 2011.
If the employment relationship of the right holder is ter-
minated prior to the end of the individual qualifying peri-
od, but no earlier than the day prior to the first anniver-
sary of the issue date of the option rights, then the
option rights become vested pro rata temporis in propor-
tion to the qualifying period (2009 and 2012 virtual stock
option plans) or at 50 % (2011a virtual stock option plan)
119
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
or at 25 % (2011b virtual stock option plan) for each
completed year of the individual qualifying period. An
additional requirement for vesting to occur is that, within
a period of one year prior to the end of the qualifying
period, during a period of 90 consecutive calendar days
(2009 and 2012 virtual stock option plans) or three con-
secutive calendar months (2011 virtual stock option plan),
either the price of the Axel Springer share is at least 30 %
higher than the individual base value or the percentage
by which the price of the Axel Springer share averages
above the individual base value exceeds the average
percentage development of the DAX price index.
Exercise of the option rights is only possible if the aver-
age share price of Axel Springer SE in the 90 calendar
days (2009 and 2012 virtual stock option plans) or three
months (2011 virtual stock option plan) prior to exercise
is at least 30 % above the base value and the percentage
price increase of the Axel Springer share exceeds the
development of the DAX price index in the corresponding
period. Each option grants a payment claim in the
amount of the growth in value of the Axel Springer share,
restricted to a maximum of 200 % of the base value,
which corresponds to the difference between the vol-
ume-weighted average price during the last 90 calendar
days prior to exercise and the base value.
The right holders are obligated to hold one share of Axel
Springer SE as their own investment for each ten options.
Disposal of these shares prior to exercise of the options
leads to a lapse of the options in the proportion of one
share for each ten options.
The value of the options was determined by application
of a Black-Scholes model in a Monte-Carlo simulation at
the grant date. The options will be remeasured at each
reporting date and recognized proportionally in accord-
ance with the projected vesting.
The development of the options is shown below:
Option rights
in thousands
01/01/2012
Grant
12/31/2012
Exercise
12/31/2013
Virtual stock option plans
2012
2011a
2011b
2009
0
450
450
0
450
473
0
473
0
473
473
0
473
1,0411)
0
1,041
0
– 1,041
473
0
1) Adjusted due to the share split in June 2011.
The expenses and income in the reporting year, as well
as the portfolio of liabilities and provisions at the report-
ing date are shown below:
€ millions
2012
2011a
2011b
2009
Virtual stock option plans
Expenses
Expenses
Expenses
Expenses
2013
2013
2013
2013
Expenses 2012
Carrying
Carrying
Carrying
Carrying
amount as of
amount as of
amount as of
amount as of
12/31/2013 1)1)1)1)
12/31/2013
12/31/2013
12/31/2013
Carrying
amount as of
12/31/2012 1)
–––– 2.72.72.72.7
– 1.4
–––– 6.06.06.06.0
– 1.1
–––– 2.12.12.12.1
– 1.0
–––– 11.511.511.511.5
– 1.0
4.14.14.14.1
7.67.67.67.6
3.43.43.43.4
0.00.00.00.0
1.4
1.6
1.3
10.7
In 2013, in the context of a stock participation program,
194 thousand treasury shares (PY: 184 thousand) were
issued by conversion of variable compensation tied to per-
formance of the employees of the Group at its fair value at
the time of issue in the amount of € 32.70 (PY: € 33.08).
Personnel expenses of € 2.6 million (PY: € 2.5 million),
which were already set aside in the prior year, were incurred
by granting increases of the conversion amounts.
Various free share and stock option programs existed at
our subsidiary SeLoger at the acquisition date. They
provide for exercise by the right holders from the years
2009 to 2013 onwards, linked with a subsequent holding
period of two years. The option rights, whose weighted
average exercise price lies at € 20.93, lapse in the years
2017 to 2019. The right holders were offered call-and-
120
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
put-option agreements to transfer all shares from these
programs (a maximum of 525 thousand) to Axel Springer
against cash payment in the context of the acquisition of
SeLoger. The call and put options are not linked to any
market-related or company-related or any other condi-
tions and vest immediately after the issuance of the
shares to the employees. The purchase price upon exer-
cise amounts to € 38.05 (squeeze-out price) multiplied
by the ratio of the volume-weighted 1-month-average
rate of the Axel Springer share on the last day of trading
prior to exercise of the options to the volume-weighted
1-month-average rate of the Axel Springer share on the
last trading day before squeeze-out (€ 36.15 when tak-
ing the share split of 2011 into account).
Following the principle of substance over form, the pro-
grams are treated by us as virtual stock option programs
granting a payment claim in the amount of the difference
between the exercise price and the purchase price.
Measurement is based on the Black-Scholes model or
the current share price, considering future dividends. At
the grant date, the weighted fair value was € 28.83 per
virtual option right or a total of € 15.1 million. The virtual
options will be remeasured at each reporting date and
recognized proportionally in accordance with the vesting
that has now completely occurred. The development of
the virtual options is shown below:
in thousands
2013
2012
Option rights as of January 1
Exercise
Option rights as of December 31
€ millions
Personnel expenses
Other operating income (+) / expenses (-)
Liabilities as of December 31
310
– 67
243
2013
– 3.8
– 0.2
11.3
403
– 93
310
2012
– 3.5
– 0.3
10.1
Our subsidiary auFeminin.com S.A. granted its senior
executives subscription rights for free shares and stock
options. These share-based payments must be settled
with shares of auFeminin.com S.A.
In November 2013, 300 thousand stock options for
acquisition of one share of auFeminin.com S.A., each
with an exercise price of € 26.19, were issued to senior
employees. These options vested upon expiration of the
first (50 %) and second (50 %) years after the grant date,
insofar as the earnings target established for the indi-
vidual tranche (EBITDA 2013 or EBITDA 2014) was
achieved. Once they have vested, the options can be
exercised for a total of five (50 %) or four (50 %) years.
In November 2010, 300 thousand stock options for
acquisition of one share of auFeminin.com S.A., each
with an exercise price of € 17.15, were issued to senior
employees. These options vested upon expiration of the
first (50 %) and second (50 %) years after the grant date,
insofar as the earnings target established for the individual
tranche (EBITDA 2010 or EBITDA 2011) was achieved.
Once they have vested, the options can be exercised for
a total of five (50 %) or four (50 %) years.
In June 2009, 300 thousand stock options for acquisition
of one share of auFeminin.com S.A., each with an exer-
cise price of € 8.94, were issued to senior employees.
These options vested upon expiration of the first (50 %)
and second (50 %) years after the grant date, insofar as
the earnings target established for the individual tranche
(EBITDA 2009 or EBITDA 201o) was achieved. Once
they have vested, the options can be exercised for a
total of five (50 %) or four (50 %) years.
Ninety-nine thousand stock options granted in April 2008,
each one entitling the holder to purchase one share of
auFeminin.com S.A. (exercise price: € 20.46), as well as
the 74 thousand stock options that had already been
granted at the date of acquisition of auFeminin.com S.A.
in July 2007 (exercise price: € 18.60 or € 21.21), will
become vested in equal annual installments over a peri-
od of four years. The option grant is not conditioned on
any further earnings or market conditions. These options
can be exercised for the first time at the end of the fourth
year after the options were granted and for a total of four
years thereafter.
121
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The fair values of the stock options granted in fiscal
year 2013 were determined by application of the Black-
Scholes model at the grant date. For this purpose, the
following parameters were applied:
Share price at the grant date in €
Exercise price in €
Options Nov.
2013
29.21
26.19
Interest rate for risk-free investments, in %
0.14 / 0.28
Expected term until fully vested in years
Expected term of the options in years
Expected volatility, in %
Expected dividend yield, in %
1 / 2
6
40.00
0.00
The weighted average stock price at the date of exercise
of the options in 2013 was € 22.60.
The exercise prices for the options outstanding on
the reporting date were between € 8.94 and € 26.19
(between € 8.94 and € 21.21 in the prior year). The
weighted average remaining term of these options was
4 years (PY: 3 years).
The compensation expenses for the share-based pay-
ment programs of auFeminin.com S.A. recorded in per-
sonnel expense amounted to € 0.2 million in fiscal year
2013 (PY: € 0.2 million). The additional paid-in capital
was increased by the same amount.
Fair value at grant date, in €
6.08 / 7.87
(13) Pension obligations
The expected volatility was determined based on histori-
cal volatility rates using a period corresponding to the
term of the options.
The number of options and the weighted average exer-
cise price developed as follows:
2013
2012
Options in
thousands
Exercise
price1) in €
Options in
thousands
Exercise
price1) in €
Balance as of
January 1
Lapse
Exercise
Issuance
Balance as of
December 31
Thereof
exercisable
496
– 25
– 163
300
15.20
18.36
12.81
26.19
576
– 80
0
0
15.05
14.07
–
–
609
21.13
496
15.20
309
16.21
496
15.20
1) Weighted average exercise price.
Under its defined contribution pension plans, the Group
mainly contributes to public-sector pension insurance
carriers by virtue of the applicable laws. The current
contribution payments are presented as social security
costs within personnel expenses and amount to
€ 52.1 million (PY: € 52.5 million), of which € 4.9 million
(PY: € 5.9 million) are allocated to foreign pension insur-
ance carriers.
Provisions for pensions were created to account for the
obligations arising from vested pension rights and cur-
rent benefits for former and active employees of the Axel
Springer Group and their survivors. The different pension
plans within the Group are organized in accordance with
the legal, tax-related, and economic conditions of each
country. The provision for defined benefit pension plans
corresponds to the present value of the obligations at the
reporting date net of the fair value of the plan assets. The
Group companies are subject to various risks in connec-
tion with the pension plans. Along with general actuarial
risks such as risks from salary and pension increases,
longevity risk, and interest rate risk, these are inflation
risk and capital market and investment risk.
122
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Essentially, three different pension plans exist in the
German Group companies that are subject to the Ger-
man Company Pension Act, and thus to the statutory
regulations relating in particular to vesting, compensation
for inflation in the benefit phase, and insolvency protec-
tion by the Pensions Guarantee Corporation. The pen-
sion plans are partially financed by premium reserve
funds that are managed by Axel Springer Pensionstreu-
hand e.V. as trustee. The two defined-benefit pension
plans provide for an annual pension for entitled persons
based on fixed amounts that depend for the first pension
plan only on the length of service in the company, and
for the second pension plan additionally on the position
in the company, and are static in the vesting period and
dynamic in the benefit payment period in accordance
with the requirements of the Company Pension Act. The
promises to the Executive Board correspond in their
design to the second pension plan and are additionally
dynamic in the vesting period depending on inflation.
The third pension plan is a defined-contribution benefit
in which a benefit is calculated using fixed factor tables
dependent on converted compensation components.
Ongoing benefits are adjusted from the beginning of
pension payments at 1 % p.a.
Pension commitments in other countries relate above all
to Switzerland. The employees are insured against the
risks of old age, death, and disability in various defined-
benefit plans in a legally separate employee benefit fund
at an independent third party. The retirement benefit is
calculated using the retirement fund balance existing at
the time of retirement applying a conversion rate. The
retirement fund balance earns interest and accrues using
age-dependent staggered savings contribution rates
depending on the insured salary up to retirement age.
The risk benefits for death and disability are calculated
as a percentage of the insured salary.
As for the plan assets existing for foreign pension com-
mitments, the values of the assets essentially correspond
to the individual surrender values of the reinsurer. For the
active insured persons, this is the retirement fund bal-
ance, and for the retirees, this is the premium re-
serves/provisions of the reinsurer.
The measurement was based on the following parameters:
Information
in %
Discount rate
Salary trend
Pension trend
2013
2012
Germany
countries Germany
Other
Other
countries
3.6
1.75
1.75
2.0
1.0
0.25
3.6
1.75
1.75
1.75
1.0
0.25
123
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The amount of the provision was calculated as follows:
€ millions
Germany
Other
countries
Present value of defined benefit obligations financed by fund
379.2
101.1
Total
480.3
Germany
Other
countries
Total
384.9
104.3
489.2
Fair value of plan assets
– 149.3
– 88.4
– 237.7
– 109.9
– 89.6
– 199.5
12/31/2013
12/31/2012
Present value of defined benefit obligations
not financed by fund
Provision
Reimbursement right
Net obligation
44.4
274.2
– 27.9
246.3
1.0
13.7
0.0
13.7
45.3
287.9
– 27.9
260.0
53.2
328.2
– 29.4
298.8
1.2
54.4
15.9
344.2
0.0
– 29.4
15.9
314.7
The changes in the present value of the pension obligations are presented in the table below:
€ millions
Present value of obligations as of January 1
Change in consolidated companies
Current service cost
Interest expense
Actuarial gains/losses arising from changes
in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains/losses arising from changes
in financial assumptions
Payments by employees
Transfer of pension obligation
Exchange rate change
Payments to retirees
2013
2012
Germany
Other
countries
438.2
105.5
1.0
6.2
15.3
0.9
– 0.4
3.5
– 1.4
0.0
– 20.6
0.0
3.2
1.8
0.0
– 2.4
2.0
0.0
– 1.8
– 6.2
Total
543.6
1.0
9.4
17.1
0.9
– 2.8
5.4
– 1.4
– 1.8
Germany
Other
countries
Total
364.0
103.7
467.7
0.0
3.9
17.7
0.3
69.0
3.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.7
2.6
2.5
– 0.3
2.2
– 1.1
1.1
0.0
6.6
20.3
2.8
68.7
5.5
– 1.1
1.1
– 26.8
– 20.1
– 7.9
– 28.0
Reclassification into liabilities in connection
with assets held for sale
Present value of obligations as of December 31
– 19.3
0.0
423.5
102.1
– 19.3
525.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
438.2
105.5
543.6
In fiscal year 2014, contributions to fund-financed de-
fined benefit plans are expected to total € 27.3 million, of
which € 2.3 million are employer contributions from
Swiss companies (PY: € 37.6 million, of which
€ 2.5 million were employer contributions from Swiss
companies).
124
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The fair value of the plan assets showed the following changes:
€ millions
Plan assets as of January 1
Income from plan assets
Employee contribution
Employer contribution
Benefits paid
Actuarial gains/losses arising from changes
in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains/losses arising from changes
in financial assumptions
Transfer of plan assets
Exchange rate changes
2013
2012
Germany
Other
countries
Total
Germany
Other
countries
Total
109.9
89.6
199.5
50.0
91.2
141.2
4.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
35.3
0.0
1.5
2.0
2.3
5.5
2.0
2.3
– 6.2
– 6.2
2.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.1
2.1
2.5
5.9
2.1
2.5
– 9.0
– 9.0
0.0
0.1
– 0.2
– 1.0
– 1.1
0.4
0.0
– 1.2
0.4
35.3
– 1.2
0.0
57.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.6
0.0
57.3
0.6
Plan assets as of December 31
149.3
88.4
237.7
109.9
89.6
199.5
The transfers related to real estate assets previously held
in fully consolidated special-purpose entities with fair
values of € 10.8 million (PY: € 33.9 million) less transac-
tion costs of € 0.5 million (PY: € 1.6 million), as well as
cash of € 25.0 million (PY: € 25.2 million).
The investment portfolio broke down as follows:
€ millions
Shares
Bonds
Derivatives
Cash and cash equivalents
Plan assets with market price quotations
Real estate
Others
Plan assets without market price quotations
Total
12/31/2013
12/31/2012
Germany
Other
countries
Total
Germany
Other
countries
Total
5.5
41.9
1.4
32.0
80.8
68.5
0.0
68.5
149.3
3.2
8.8
66.3
108.2
0.0
0.1
1.4
32.1
69.6
150.4
83.3
4.0
87.3
14.8
4.0
18.8
88.4
0.0
22.5
0.0
28.8
51.3
58.6
0.0
58.6
1.7
1.7
67.4
89.9
0.0
0.1
0.0
28.9
69.1
120.4
15.1
5.3
20.5
89.6
73.8
5.3
79.1
199.5
237.7
109.9
The fair value of the plan assets includes real estate used
by the company itself in the amount of € 56.1 million (PY:
€ 50.4 million).
Axel Springer SE is entitled to reimbursement of pension
obligations or pension expenses arising in connection
with them in the context of the contribution of rotogra-
vure printing operations to an affiliated company in
125
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Germany in 2005. The reimbursement right is presented
as a separate asset (see note (36)), whereas in the in-
come statement, the income from the reimbursement
is netted with the corresponding pension expenses.
Based on the existing contractual regulations, we do not
assume a short-term settlement of the reimbursement
claim and the corresponding pension obligations any
more, and therefore in the reporting period 2013, we
classified the asset as well as the related pension liability
in an amount of € 25.5 million (PY: € 26.9 million) as
long-term; the previous year amount was restated
correspondingly.
The value of the reimbursement right developed as
follows:
€ millions
Reimbursement right as of January 1
Income from reimbursement rights
Paid-out benefits
Actuarial gains/losses arising from
changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains/losses arising from
changes in financial assumptions
Reimbursement right as of December 31
2013
29.4
1.0
– 2.4
2012
27.2
1.3
– 2.4
– 0.1
0.0
0.0
27.9
3.3
29.4
The expenses for defined benefit pension plans broke down as follows:
€ millions
Current service cost
Interest expense
Income from plan assets
Income from reimbursement rights
Pension expenses
Germany
6.2
15.3
– 4.0
– 1.0
16.6
2013
Other
countries
3.2
1.8
– 1.5
0.0
3.5
Total
Germany
9.4
17.1
– 5.5
– 1.0
20.0
3.9
17.7
– 2.8
– 1.3
17.5
2012
Other
countries
2.7
2.6
– 3.1
0.0
2.1
Total
6.6
20.3
– 5.9
– 1.3
19.7
Service cost is presented within the personnel expenses.
The interest portion contained in the pension expenses
and the income from the plan assets and interest reim-
bursements are presented as components of interest
expenses.
An increase or decrease in the material actuarial as-
sumptions by 25 basis points would have the following
effects on the present value of the total pension obliga-
tions as of December 31, 2013:
Increase by 25
basis points
Decrease by 25
basis points
Information
in %
Germany
countries Germany
Other
Other
countries
Discount rate
– 3.1
– 2.3
Salary trend
Pension trend
0.0
2.3
0.4
1.8
3.3
0.0
– 2.2
2.3
– 0.4
– 1.7
126
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The sensitivity calculations are based on the average
term of the pension obligations calculated as of Decem-
ber 31, 2013. The calculations were carried out in isola-
tion for the actuarial parameters classified as material.
Since the sensitivity analyses are based on the average
duration of the expected pension obligations and conse-
quently the expected disbursement dates are disregard-
ed, they only lead to approximate information or trend
statements. In case of a change of the underlying death
rates or lifespans, it is assumed that a lifespan of the
benefit recipients extended by an average of one year as
of December 31, 2013, would have led to an increase in
the pension obligations of 2.9 % at German companies
or of 3.5 % at foreign companies.
As of December 31, 2013, the weighted average dura-
tion of the defined-benefit obligation in Germany was
16.0 years (PY: 16.0 years), while that of the defined-
benefit obligation in foreign countries was 9.7 years (PY:
9.9 years).
(14) Other provisions and accruals
The other provisions and accrued liabilities broke down as follows:
€ millions
Other obligations towards employees
Structural measures
Partial early retirement program (Altersteilzeit)
Returns
Discounts and rebates
Other taxes
Dismantling obligations
Litigation expenses
Other
Other provisions
Balance as of
01/01/2013
Utilization
Reversals
Additions
Other
changes
Balance as of
12/31/2013
82.7
19.0
35.1
27.6
5.1
3.7
3.8
8.8
10.2
196.2
– 57.2
– 12.5
– 11.8
– 26.5
– 4.3
– 0.5
0.0
– 0.1
– 4.3
– 4.7
– 2.6
– 0.1
– 0.4
– 0.8
– 0.1
– 0.2
– 5.1
– 0.2
74.4
35.6
13.0
23.5
12.1
1.6
0.6
0.9
8.0
--- 117.3
--- 14.4
169.7
– 5.7
– 0.6
– 2.6
– 0.2
– 0.9
0.2
0.1
– 0.6
1.1
--- 9.2
89.5
38.9
33.7
24.0
11.2
4.9
4.3
3.8
14.8
225.1
Other obligations towards employees primarily included
variable compensation tied to performance. Structural
measures were mainly allocated to the newspaper and
printing plant segments. Provisions for returns comprise
the expected sales returns of publishing products.
Non-current provisions are primarily contained in the
provisions for partial early retirement programs, dis-
mantling obligations, and structural measures. Payments
are expected to occur predominantly within the next five
years.
The other changes resulted primarily from the reclassifi-
cation from provisions to liabilities in connection with the
assets held for sale (see note (2d)).
127
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(15) Financial liabilities
The financial liabilities comprise liabilities from a promis-
sory note loan in the amount of € 499.1 million (PY:
€ 498.8 million), other liabilities due to banks amounting
to € 156.2 million (PY: € 151.2 million) and finance
leases amounting to € 64.5 million (PY: € 53.6 million).
The promissory note loan was characterized by the
following utilizations, interest rates, and maturities.
2013 €
million
178.5
143.0
126.5
52.0
2012 €
million
178.5
143.0
Interest rate in %
Maturity
3.06 04/11/2018
2.38 04/11/2016
126.5
6-month EURIBOR + 1.0 04/11/2016
52.0
6-month EURIBOR + 1.3 04/11/2018
The finance leases resulted primarily from lease agree-
ments for office buildings that were contributed to the
plan assets. The lease agreements with a term through
August 2031 include lease adjustment clauses based
on average leases of comparable real estate, as well as
residual value guarantees from the lessor.
The future minimum lease payments arising from finance
leases can be reconciled to their cash value as of De-
cember 31, 2013 as follows:
€ millions
Due in up to one year
Due in one to five years
Due in more than
five years
Total
Minimum
lease
payments
Interest
portion
Present
value
4.5
17.2
106.5
128.2
3.8
15.0
44.8
63.7
0.6
2.2
61.7
64.5
The other liabilities due to banks were characterized by
utilization, interest rates, and maturities set forth in the
table below. All liabilities were denominated in euros.
Short-term loans are not presented in the table.
The reconciliation as of December 31, 2012 breaks
down as follows:
2013 €
million
2012 €
million
Interest rate in %
Maturity
€ millions
150.0
134.0
1-month Euribor + 0,575 09/18/2017
Due in up to one year
4.3
0.0
4.8
3-month EURIBOR + 0.30 10/15/2022
Due in one to five years
9.0
5.09 11/30/2013
Due in more than five
years
Total
Minimum
lease
payments
Interest
portion
Present
value
3.5
13.7
93.4
110.5
3.2
12.7
41.0
56.9
0.3
1.0
52.4
53.6
The interest rates were mainly equivalent to the effective
rates of interest. In the case of fixed-interest loan tranch-
es, the interest rates were fixed until the maturity date.
Furthermore, at the reporting date additional unused
short-term and long-term credit facilities amounted to
€ 770 million (PY: € 786 million).
We expect future cash provided by subleasing of
€ 4.2 million (PY: € 2.4 million).
128
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The reduction in other liabilities was based primarily on
the reclassification to liabilities in connection with the
assets held for sale performed at the reporting date (see
note (2d)).
Liabilities due to employees related to outstanding wage
and salary payments, management bonuses, and sever-
ance award claims.
Accrued liabilities contain liabilities resulting from over-
time and unused vacation.
(16) Other liabilities
The other liabilities broke down as follows:
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Contingent consideration
178.7
201.5
Debit balances in accounts receivable
Liabilities due to employees
Liabilities from derivatives
Other
11.7
24.2
28.9
63.8
22.6
18.8
8.1
57.3
Other financial liabilities
307.4
308.3
Prepaid subscriptions
Liabilities from other taxes
Accrued liabilities
Advance payments
Capital investment subsidies
Liabilities due to social insurance carriers
Liabilities for duties and contributions
Other
Other non-financial liabilities
Other liabilities
74.8
46.4
21.6
9.2
15.2
7.9
6.0
79.8
261.0
568.3
84.5
53.5
23.4
19.0
18.3
10.7
6.8
76.1
292.4
600.6
129
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(17) Maturity analysis of financial liabilities
The contractually agreed (undiscounted) payments related to financial liabilities are presented in the following table:
€ millions
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration
Other non-derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
€ millions
Financial liabilities
Contingent consideration
Other non-derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Carrying
amount as of
12/31/2013
719.8
178.7
382.3
28.9
Carrying
amount as of
12/31/2012
703.7
201.5
405.2
8.1
Undiscounted cash outflows
2014
2015--- 2018
2019 ff
20.2
23.7
345.1
0.4
701.3
161.0
28.1
28.5
53.0
0.0
3.4
0.0
Undiscounted cash outflows
2013
2014--- 2017
2018 ff
27.9
5.6
391.8
7.2
456.7
206.9
8.6
0.9
281.1
0.0
4.9
0.1
Notes to the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
The increase in operating revenues year on year resulted
particularly from the initial consolidation of acquired
companies.
(18) Revenues
The revenues broke down as follows:
€ millions
Advertising revenues
Circulation revenues
Printing revenues
Other revenues
Revenues
2013
2012
1,637.8
1,529.4
759.1
814.7
75.1
73.4
329.5
319.8
2,801.4
2,737.3
The revenues from barter transactions amounted to
€ 48.6 million in 2012 (PY: € 52.2 million). These reve-
nues were generated mainly from the bartering of adver-
tising services.
(19) Other operating income
The other operating income broke down as follows:
€ millions
Revaluation of contingent consideration
Income from reversal of provisions
Foreign exchange gains
Write-ups
Miscellaneous operating income
2013
25.8
14.4
12.4
1.0
91.7
2012
25.5
9.4
8.0
5.2
91.1
Other operating income
145.3
139.2
The miscellaneous operating income included both in-
come from providing services to discontinued operations
and a large number of circumstances with immaterial
amounts.
130
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(20) Purchased goods and services
The average number of employees in the Group is
shown below:
The purchased goods and services broke down as follows:
€ millions
2013
2012
Salaried employees
2013
9,167
2,797
880
2012
8,260
2,869
952
Editors
Wage-earning employees
Total employees
12,843
12,080
The increase in personnel figures compared to the prior
year resulted particularly from the initial consolidation of
acquired companies and from staff increases in the
strongly growing digital business units.
(22) Depreciation, amortization, and impairments
The depreciation, amortization, and impairments broke
down as follows:
€ millions
Impairment losses in goodwill
Amortization of other intangible assets
Impairment losses in other intangible
assets
Depreciation of property, plant,
and equipment
Impairment losses in property, plant,
and equipment
Depreciation of investment property
Depreciation, amortization,
and impairments
2013
2.7
90.7
2012
17.4
79.2
1.9
4.1
58.4
58.5
0.0
1.4
0.8
1.4
155.1
161.4
Raw materials and supplies and
purchased merchandise
Purchased services
Purchased goods and services
189.1
736.6
925.8
190.9
711.7
902.6
Raw materials and supplies and purchased merchandise
comprised paper costs amounting to € 93.3 million (PY:
€ 115.4 million).
The cost of purchased services was predominantly
composed of purchased third-party printing services
and professional fees, as well as publisher services in
the context of performance-based marketing. The pur-
chased third-party printing services also included paper
costs.
(21) Personnel expenses
The personnel expenses broke down as follows:
€ millions
Wages and salaries
Social security
Pension expenses
Expenses for share-based payments
Other benefit expenses
Personnel expenses
2013
760.9
120.2
9.8
26.3
4.4
2012
693.5
114.6
7.4
8.1
3.4
921.6
827.1
131
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Impairment losses in goodwill were primarily recorded in
the Paid Models segment, while in the prior year the Paid
Models l and Marketing Models segments were affected.
The miscellaneous operating expenses included a large
number of circumstances with immaterial amounts.
The increase in the amortization of other intangible as-
sets primarily resulted from increased ongoing invest-
ments as well as increased effects of purchase price
allocations.
Impairment losses in non-current financial assets applied
in the reporting year are included in the income from
investments.
(23) Other operating expenses
The other operating expenses broke down as follows:
€ millions
Advertising expenses
Expenses for non-company personnel
Mailing and postage expenses
Commissions and gratuities
Rental and leasing expenses
Maintenance and repairs
Travel expenses
Services provided by related parties
Allowances for doubtful receivables
Foreign exchange losses
Other taxes
2013
162.0
118.7
87.9
41.1
37.5
30.5
24.6
16.4
11.9
10.4
7.1
2012
163.5
109.5
93.5
48.9
35.2
31.4
23.3
20.4
11.1
11.5
6.0
Miscellaneous operating expenses
Other operating expenses
149.6
697.7
118.3
672.6
The following professional fees for the services rendered
by the auditor Ernst & Young GmbH were recognized:
€ millions
2013
2012
Audits of the annual financial statements
Other certification or appraisal services
Tax advisory services
Other services
Total professional fees
1.0
0.4
0.5
0.1
2.0
0.9
0.2
0.3
0.3
1.7
The professional fees for the audit of financial statements
include the audit of the separate financial statements of
Axel Springer SE and other German subsidiaries, and the
audit of the consolidated financial statements. The other
certification and appraisal services primarily include fees
for the auditor’s review of the quarterly financial state-
ments, the semi-annual financial statement, and audits
to verify compliance with contractual agreements. The
tax advisory fees include support provided with regard
to specific tax questions.
(24) Income from investments
The investment income in the reporting year of
€ 25.7 million (PY: € 5.9 million) was influenced by
impairment losses of € 3.0 million (PY: € 11.0 million).
In addition, we sold about 2.6 % of the shares in Do⁄an
TV Holding A.S., Istanbul, Turkey, in the reporting period
and recognized a profit of € 15.1 million, which was
recorded in income from investments.
132
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(25) Net financial result
(26) Income taxes
The net financial result broke down as follows:
€ millions
2013
2012
Interest income from bank accounts
Interest income from loans and securities
Interest income from derivatives
Other interest income
Interest income
Interest expenses on liabilities due to
banks and on promissory note
Interest expenses on pension provisions,
less reimbursements
Interest expenses from derivatives
Miscellaneous interest expenses
Interest and similar expenses
Other financial result
Financial result
2.4
3.4
1.6
3.1
2.0
1.2
0.0
8.0
10.5
11.2
– 14.2
– 14.6
– 10.0
0.0
– 13.3
--- 37.5
– 12.2
– 17.8
– 12.5
--- 57.2
3.8
0.2
--- 23.1
--- 45.8
A total of € 5.9 million (PY: € 7.0 million) of the interest
income and € – 21.7 million (PY: € – 30.9 million) of the
interest expense was allocated to financial assets and
liabilities that were not measured at fair value through
profit or loss.
The income taxes paid or owed and the deferred taxes
are recognized under income taxes. The income taxes
consist of the trade tax, corporate income tax, and soli-
darity surcharge, and the corresponding foreign income
taxes. The income tax expenses are broken down below:
€ millions
Current taxes
Deferred taxes
Income taxes from continued
operations
Income taxes from discontinued
operations
Income taxes
2013
89.4
– 1.3
2012
124.9
– 32.0
88.1
92.9
28.0
32.7
116.0
125.7
The income tax expense applying the tax rate of Axel
Springer SE reconciles to the income tax expense rec-
ognized in the income statement as follows:
€ millions
Income before income taxes
2013
266.7
2012
283.7
Tax rate of Axel Springer SE
31.19 %
31.19 %
Expected tax expenses
Differing tax rates
Changes in tax rates
Permanent differences
Adjustments to carrying amounts
of deferred taxes
Current income taxes for prior years
Deferred income taxes for prior years
Non-deductible operating expenses
83.2
– 3.0
0.2
5.4
– 0.6
– 4.8
2.1
15.7
88.5
– 2.4
0.2
8.1
– 12.5
4.8
0.4
15.4
Tax-exempt income
– 11.6
– 11.7
Trade tax additions/deductions
Other effects
Income taxes
4.5
– 2.9
88.1
2.9
– 0.7
92.9
Companies having the legal form of a corporation resi-
dent in Germany are subject to corporate income tax at
133
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
the rate of 15 % and solidarity surcharge of 5.5 % of the
corporate income tax owed. In addition, the profits of
these companies are subject to trade tax, for which the
amount is municipality-specific. Companies having the
legal form of a partnership are subject to trade tax exclu-
sively. The net income is assigned to the shareholder for
purposes of corporate income tax.
The effects of different tax rates for partnerships and for
foreign income taxes from the tax rate applicable to Axel
Springer SE are explained in the reconciliation in the item
differing tax rates. The permanent differences result
mainly from impairment losses in goodwill and decon-
solidation effects that are not taken into account for tax
purposes. The adjustments made to the carrying
amounts of deferred taxes included € 4.0 million (PY:
€ 4.7 million) for the non-recognition of deferred taxes on
tax loss carry-forwards. In addition, effects from the
utilization of non-capitalized loss carry-forwards or initial
recognition were included in the amount of € 21.0 million
in the prior year.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities were recognized to
account for temporary differences and tax loss carry-
forwards, as follows:
12/31/2013
12/31/2012
Deferred
tax
assets
Deferred
tax
liabilities
Deferred
tax
assets
Deferred
tax
liabilities
€ millions
Intangible assets
19.0
274.0
20.9
269.7
Property, plant, and
equipment and
investment property
Non-current financial
assets
Inventories
Receivables and other
assets
Pension provisions
Other provisions
Liabilities
1.8
106.2
1.0
114.5
2.8
0.8
33.5
8.2
9.6
29.2
0.2
0.0
10.5
11.1
3.2
0.6
3.5
0.9
17.5
12.0
8.3
23.3
0.3
0.0
1.7
0.1
3.5
1.2
Temporary differences
105.0
405.8
87.4
391.1
Tax loss carry-forwards
28.5
0.0
35.1
0.0
Total
Offsetting
133.5
405.8
122.4
391.1
– 92.3
– 92.3
– 61.3
– 61.3
Amounts as per balance
sheet
41.2
313.5
61.2
329.8
134
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The net balance of deferred tax items from January 1 to
December 31, 2013, was derived as follows:
€ millions
Deferred tax assets as of January 1
2013
61.2
2012
27.5
Deferred tax liabilities as of January 1
– 329.8
– 253.3
Net tax position as of January 1
--- 268.7
--- 225.8
Deferred tax of current year
1.4
31.9
Changes in deferred taxes recognized in
other comprehensive income
– 6.5
17.1
Changes in consolidation group
– 13.8
– 91.8
Reclassification into assets and liabilities
held for sale
15.1
0.0
Net tax position as of December 31
--- 272.4
--- 268.7
Deferred tax assets as of December 31
41.2
61.2
Deferred tax liabilities as of December 31
– 313.5
– 329.8
Of the deferred tax assets, an amount of € 9.4 million
(PY: € 16.5 million), and of the deferred tax liabilities, an
amount of € 6.9 million (PY: € 8.3 million) can be realized
in the short term.
The amount of deferred tax assets to be disclosed in
accordance with IAS 12.82 was € 22.9 million (PY:
€ 26.8 million). It is expected that this amount can be
realized by application against the available operating
income.
Deferred taxes in the total amount of € 15.6 million (PY:
€ 22.2 million) were recognized directly in equity, as they
relate to matters that were likewise recognized directly in
equity.
In fiscal year 2013, no deferred tax assets were recog-
nized with respect to corporate income tax loss carry-
forwards amounting to € 122.4 million (PY: € 152.1 million),
and with respect to trade tax loss carry-forwards amount-
ing to € 1.7 million (PY: € 13.7 million) because it did not
appear probable that sufficient taxable income could be
generated for these amounts in the near future. Of these
tax loss carry-forwards, an amount of € 11.3 million (PY:
€ 20.2 million) can be carried forward for up to five years
and an amount of € 9.9 million (PY: € 11.2 million) can
be carried forward for six to ten years. The utilization
of tax loss carry-forwards that had not previously been
recognized as deferred tax assets caused a reduction in
income tax expenses of € 5.7 million (PY: € 1.4 million).
In the past fiscal year, there were corrections of rec-
ognized tax loss carry-forwards due to tax audits or
differing tax assessments in the amount of € 0.5 million
(PY: € 0.2 million).
As a rule, deferred taxes must be recognized to account
for the difference between the Group’s interest in the
equity of the subsidiaries as presented in the consolidat-
ed balance sheet and the corresponding investment
balance recognized in the financial statements for tax
purposes. Such differences can result from the retention
of earnings. Deferred tax liabilities were not recognized
on differences of € 28.9 million (PY: € 8.6 million) be-
cause a realization is not planned at the present time.
In the case of sale or profit distribution, the gain on dis-
posal or the dividend, respectively, would be subject to
taxation at 5 % in Germany; in addition, foreign withhold-
ing taxes might be incurred.
135
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(27) Earnings per share
The earnings per share were determined as follows:
2013
2012
Result of continued operations
attributable to shareholders of
Axel Springer SE
€ millions
133.0
161.5
Result of discontinued
operations attributable to
shareholders of Axel Springer SE € millions
64.2
76.5
Net income attributable to
shareholders of Axel Springer SE € millions
197.1
238.1
Weighted average shares
outstanding
Earnings per share from
continued operations
(basic/diluted)
Earnings per share from
discontinued operations
(basic/diluted)
Net income attributable to
shareholders of Axel Springer
SE per share (basic/diluted)
000s
98,888
98,728
1.34
1.64
0.65
0.78
€
1.99
2.42
(28) Other income/loss
The other income/loss broke down as follows:
2013
2012
€ millions
Before tax
Tax effect
Net
Before tax
Tax effect
Net
Actuarial gains/losses from defined benefit pension
obligations
Currency translation differences
Changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
Changes in fair value of derivatives in cash flow hedges
Other income/loss from investments accounted for using
the equity method
Other income/loss
3.0
– 65.4
17.4
– 0.4
0.0
--- 45.4
– 0.6
0.0
– 5.9
0.0
0.0
--- 6.5
2.5
– 69.2
21.0
– 48.2
– 65.4
11.5
– 0.4
14.1
– 2.0
15.5
0.0
– 0.3
--- 51.9
--- 42.0
0.0
0.7
– 4.6
0.0
17.1
14.1
– 1.3
10.9
– 0.3
--- 24.9
136
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated statement of
cash flows
(29) Other disclosures
The following table provides details of sales proceeds,
paid up amounts, and disposed assets and liabilities
arising from divestitures (including the deconsolidation
of AutoReflex, see note (2c)):
The cash and cash equivalents were composed of short-
term available cash in banks, securities, cash on hand,
and checks. Capital expenditures of € 4.9 million (PY:
€ 2.5 million) had not yet been realized as cash pay-
ments. This related to additions in both intangible assets
and property, plant, and equipment.
The acquisition costs, cash payments, and purchased
assets and liabilities for business acquisitions are pre-
sented in the following table:
€ millions
Intangible assets
Property, plant, and equipment
Non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets
Acquisition cost (preliminary)
Thereof paid
2013
84.6
0.4
1.7
4.3
4.0
7.7
– 10.2
– 20.4
72.0
157.7
130.0
2012
364.5
26.4
1.4
27.1
15.8
20.7
– 31.3
– 90.8
333.7
683.3
537.7
The amounts from the purchases of shares in consoli-
dated subsidiaries and business units less cash and
cash equivalents acquired reported in the cash flow
statement, in addition to the cash payments and ac-
quired funds listed in the table, also include payments for
acquisitions of the previous years (in particular payments
from contingent consideration; see note (33)).
€ millions
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant, and equipment
Non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Provisions and other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Disposal net assets
Net realizable value
Thereof paid-up
2013
9.5
13.7
0.8
0.1
12.4
5.0
7.3
– 22.9
– 4.6
21.2
4.6
4.6
2012
1.6
9.9
2.4
1.7
2.9
3.9
5.5
– 3.7
– 0.5
23.7
0.0
0.0
The disclosure of cash inflows and outflows from divesti-
tures in the cash flow statement is made under proceeds
from disposals of consolidated subsidiaries and business
units less cash and cash equivalents given up as well as
under the changes in cash and cash equivalents due to
changes in companies included in consolidation.
In the reporting year, we contributed both € 25.0 million
(PY: € 25.0 million) in cash and also real estate assets
with carrying amounts of € 9.8 million (PY: € 31.3 million)
to our plan assets to secure and service existing pension
obligations of Axel Springer (see note (13)).
The other financing in the cash flow from financing
activities particularly included the contributions from co-
shareholders in the context of jointly effected company
acquisitions.
137
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated segment report
(30) Basic principles of segment reporting
The segment reporting reflects the internal management
and reporting structures. Due to the further progress of
the digital transformation of the company, and particular-
ly due to the company acquisitions that occurred as well
as the sales of significant print activities initiated in the
reporting year and treated as discontinued operations,
Axel Springer further developed its internal organizational
and management structure in the reporting year. The
various customer groups and revenue types of an in-
creasingly digitally active publisher are reflected in the
new segment structure. The reporting format is now
broken down into the three operating segments: Paid
Models, Marketing Models, and Classifieds Ad Models.
These are in addition to the Services/Holding segment.
Segmentation of assets, liabilities, and investments
based on the operating segments does not occur as
these measures do not serve as a basis for decision
making at segment level.
(a) Operating segments
The Paid Models segment comprises all business mod-
els that are primarily used by paying readers.
Paid Models National is based primarily on the BILD and
WELT Group and comprises the digital media offers as
well as the newspapers and computer, automotive, sport,
and music magazines of the BILD, B.Z., and WELT
brand family. In addition, the investments in newspaper
and magazine publishers in Germany are included. Paid
Models International comprises the digital media offers
as well as the newspapers and magazines in Western,
Central, and Eastern Europe, where we are particularly
represented in Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Hungary, Swit-
zerland, Russia, and Spain. Onet.pl and azet.sk, the
leading Internet portals in Poland and Slovakia, also
belong to this segment.
The Marketing Models segment collects all domestic and
foreign business models whose revenues are primarily
generated by advertising customers in marketing based
on performance or reach. These particularly include the
performance-based activities of the zanox Group and the
reach-based marketing offers of Idealo, auFeminin, and
Bonial. Furthermore, this segment also comprises the
investment in the TV broadcast company Do⁄an TV.
The Classified Ad Models segment comprises all domes-
tic and foreign business models whose revenues are
primarily generated by paying job and real estate adver-
tising customers. Our portfolio of leading domestic and
foreign online classifieds portals, with the focus areas of
real estate and job advertising, is bundled in Axel Sprin-
ger Digital Classifieds. This primarily comprises the real
estate portals SeLoger, Immoweb, and Immonet, the job
portals of the StepStone Group, and the regional portal
meinestadt.de.
The Services/Holding segment comprises the remaining
business activities, including services such as customer
service, sales, logistics, direct marketing, and office
buildings, as well as purely internal departments like IT,
accounting, personnel, and corporate staff departments.
Our three offset printing plants, and the rotogravure
printing company PRINOVIS are likewise included in the
Services/Holding segment.
(b) Geographical information
The activities of the Axel Springer Group are conducted
mainly in Germany and in other European countries.
For purposes of geographical segment reporting, the
revenues are segmented according to the location of the
customer’s registered office and the non-current assets
according to the location of the legal entity.
138
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The effects of purchase price allocations mainly consist-
ed of amortization and depreciation on newly measured
assets acquired in the context of business combinations.
They also contain impairment losses on goodwill in the
amount of € 2.7 million in the Paid Models segment (PY:
€ 17.4 million in the Paid Models and Marketing Models
segments).
The reconciliation of the income from investments carried
on the income statement as well as the impairments is
shown below:
€ millions
2013
2012
Income from investments included in
EBITDA
Non-recurring effects included in income
from investments
Income from investments
12.1
16.3
13.6
25.7
– 10.3
5.9
Depreciation, amortization, impairments,
and write-ups (except from purchase price
allocations)
Thereof write-ups
Effects of purchase price allocations as far
as depreciation, amortization, and
impairments are affected
Depreciation, amortization, and
impairments
– 94.7
– 85.1
– 1.0
– 5.2
– 59.4
– 71.1
--- 155.1
--- 161.4
The non-current segment assets include goodwill, intan-
gible assets, property, plant, and equipment, as well as
investment properties.
(31) Segment information
The segment information was compiled on the basis of
the recognition and measurement methods applied in
the consolidated financial statements.
The external revenues comprise circulation revenues
from the sale of publishing products, advertising reve-
nues, and revenues from rendering services. The internal
revenues consist of revenues from the exchange of
goods and services between the various segments.
The transfer pricing is based on cost coverage.
We use the performance figure EBITDA (earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) to meas-
ure segment earnings. In calculating this performance
figure, non-recurring effects are eliminated.
Non-recurring effects include effects from the acquisition
and disposal of subsidiaries, business divisions, and
investments, as well as impairment and write-ups of
investments, effects from the sale of real estate, and
special depreciation and write-ups of real estate used
by the company.
The non-recurring effects of € 8.6 million
(PY: € – 30.2 million) in the Paid Models National seg-
ment relate particularly to the effects from the revalua-
tion of contingent purchase price liabilities (€ 24.0 million;
PY: € – 1.3 million), costs in connection with initiated
divestments (€ – 14.8 million; PY: € – 17.2 million), as
well as depreciation on financial assets (€ – 0.5 million;
PY: € – 9.3 million). The non-recurring effects of
€ – 9.0 million (PY: € 23.6 million) in the Marketing
Models segment are particularly based on the revalua-
tion of contingent purchase price liabilities (€ – 8.1 million;
PY: € 24.7 million). In the Classified Ad Models segment,
non-recurring effects of € – 12.8 million (PY: € – 4.9 million)
relate particularly to expenses in connection with realized
acquisitions (€ – 5.1 million; PY: € – 4.5 million) as well
as the revaluation of contingent purchase price liabili-
ties (€– 7.5 million; PY: € – 0.3 million).
139
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Other disclosures
(32) Capital management
Beyond the provisions of German law applicable to stock
corporations, Axel Springer SE is not subject to any
further obligations relating to capital preservation, wheth-
er from its own Articles of Incorporation or from contrac-
tual obligations. The financial key figures we used for
management purposes are primarily earnings-driven. The
goals, methods, and processes of our capital manage-
ment are subordinate to the earnings-driven financial key
figures.
We can utilize the funds derived from the promissory
notes placed in the prior year (€ 500.0 million) and also
draw down our credit line (€ 900.0 million) both for gen-
eral business purposes as well as to finance acquisitions.
The promissory note loan will expire in 2016 (nominal
value of € 269.5 million) or 2018 (nominal value of
€ 230.5 million). In addition, we arranged a new credit
line in the prior year in the amount of € 900.0 million.
Drawdowns of this new credit line will become due and
payable in September 2017. The drawdown of the credit
lines is tied to compliance with the credit terms. Since
the existence of the credit lines we have fully complied
with all credit terms.
For the purpose of maintaining and adjusting the capital
structure, the company can adjust the dividend pay-
ments to its shareholders or purchase treasury shares
representing up to 10 % of the subscribed capital.
Treasury shares can be used for acquisition financing, or
they can be retired. As of December 31, 2013, we held
no treasury shares (in the prior year, the treasury
shares represented 0.2 % of the company’s sub-
scribed capital).
140
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(33) Financial assets and liabilities
The balance sheet items comprising financial assets and liabilities can be attributed to the measurement categories
according to IAS 39 as follows:
€ millions
Assets 12/31/2013
Other non-current investments and securities
Loans and advances
Other non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Receivables due from related parties
Derivatives
Other
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Liabilities 12/31/2013
Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Liabilities due to related parties
Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument
Contingent consideration
Other
Other liabilities
Assets 12/31/2012
Other non-current investments and securities
Loans and advances
Other non-current financial assets
Trade receivables
Receivables due from related parties
Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument
Other
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Liabilities 12/31/2012
Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Liabilities due to related parties
Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument
Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument
Contingent consideration
Other
Other liabilities
Carrying
amount
Loans and
receivables
Financial
liabilities
Available-
for-sale
financial
assets
Financial
assets and
liabilities
held for
trading
No
category
according
to IAS 39
384.2
384.2
417.8
417.8
41.0
41.0
472.8
8.0
102.7
102.7
248.6
28.5
28.5
502.6
11.5
143.8
143.8
254.1
655.3
271.4
11.0
99.8
99.8
650.0
282.2
13.4
98.7
98.7
0.5
0.5
27.9
27.9
6.9
6.9
27.9
31.4
31.4
64.5
4.1
0.9
178.7
261.0
440.6
29.4
0.7
31.5
32.2
53.6
12.1
1.2
201.5
292.4
495.1
384.2
41.0
425.2
472.8
36.0
0.5
134.1
134.6
248.6
719.8
271.4
15.1
0.9
27.9
178.7
360.8
568.3
417.8
28.5
446.3
502.6
40.9
0.7
175.3
176.0
254.1
703.7
282.2
25.5
1.2
6.9
201.5
391.1
600.6
141
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
With the exception of the following financial assets and
liabilities, the valuation is at amortized cost.
The fair values of contingent considerations developed
as follows:
Fair value
based on
market
price
(level 1)
Fair value
based on
observable
market
data
(level 2)
Fair value
not based
on
observable
input
factors
(level 3)
€ millions
December 31, 2013
Other non-current
investments and securities
39.3
Derivatives not designated
as a hedging instrument
(positive fair value)
Derivatives designated as a
hedging instrument
(negative fair value)
Derivatives not designated
as a hedging instrument
(negative fair value)
Contingent consideration
December 31, 2012
Other non-current
investments and securities
22.1
Derivatives designated as a
hedging instrument
(positive fair value)
Derivatives designated as a
hedging instrument
(negative fair value)
Derivatives not designated
as a hedging instrument
(negative fair value)
Contingent consideration
0.5
0.9
27.9
0.7
1.2
6.9
178.7
201.5
€ millions
2013
There
of
Onet
There
of
Immo
web
There
of
Onet
There
of
Immo
web
2012
January 1
201.5
89.7
46.1
88.2
0.0
0.0
Initial
consolidation
Divestment
16.4
– 2.2
Payment
– 42.0
Revaluation not
affecting net
income
11.2
142.0
88.1
46.0
0.0
– 2.9
– 5.5
– 9.0
– 23.6
6.8
– 23.5
1.3
0.0
– 25.8
– 23.6
– 25.5
Revaluation
affecting net
income
Thereof other
operating
income
Thereof other
operating
expenses
Compound
2.8
1.0
16.8
6.8
0.8
1.9
3.1
1.3
0.3
0.1
December 31
178.7
67.1
53.7
201.5
89.7
46.1
Thereof
revaluation
affecting net
income
Thereof
revaluation not
affecting net
income
177.5
67.1
53.7
172.4
89.7
46.1
1.2
0.0
0.0
29.0
0.0
0.0
Payments during the reporting year relate particularly to
the acquisition of the remaining shares in Digital Window.
142
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
With the exception of the financial liabilities presented
below, the carrying amounts of the financial assets and
liabilities were identical to their fair values.
12/31/2013
12/31/2012
Carrying
amount Fair value
Carrying
amount Fair value
655.3
663.5
650.0
663.6
499.1
507.3
498.8
512.1
156.2
156.2
151.2
151.5
€ millions
Liabilities
Thereof promissory
note
Thereof due to
banks
The fair value disclosed is determined on the basis of the
advantage between the contractually agreed fixed inter-
est rate and the market interest rate (level 2 of the meas-
urement hierarchy, see note (3g)).
The net gains and losses of financial instruments (exclud-
ing interest and dividends) recognized in the income
statement are presented in the following table.
€ millions
Loans and receivables, financial liabilities
Available-for-sale financial assets
Financial assets and liabilities held for
trading
2013
29.8
12.8
2012
8.6
– 11.8
– 25.4
– 0.1
The net gains and losses in the categories of “loans and
receivables” and “financial liabilities” consisted mainly of the
result from the currency translation, the fair valuation of
contingent liabilities, and valuation allowances.
The net gains or losses of available-for-sale financial
assets consisted mainly of the gains and losses on the
disposal of these financial assets and impairments. The
net gains and losses in the category of “financial assets
and liabilities held for trading” mostly resulted from valua-
tion changes and other expenses for financial derivatives
assigned to this category.
Relating to available-for-sale financial assets, positive fair
value changes of € 17.2 million before taxes were rec-
ognized directly in equity for the remeasurement of our
investment in iProperty (PY: negative fair value adjust-
ments of € 2.0 million). In the reporting year, as in the
prior year, none of the amounts recognized in equity
were reversed by recognition in the income statement.
(34) Financial risk management
With respect to its financial assets and liabilities, the Axel
Springer Group is exposed to financial market risks,
liquidity risks, and credit risks. The task of financial risk
management is to limit these risks by means of targeted
measures.
(a) Financial market risks
Financial market risks for financial assets and liabilities
mainly consist of interest rate risks and exchange rate
risks.
With regard to selected financial instruments, compliance
with prescribed loss limits is monitored on a daily basis.
In principle, the effects of these risks on the value can be
assessed promptly and, where applicable, the loss risks
can be reduced.
Selected derivative hedging instruments are used to
hedge risks. The use of financial derivatives is governed
by appropriate guidelines of the Group. These guidelines
define the relevant responsibilities, permissible actions,
and reporting requirements, and prescribe the strict
separation of trading and back-office functions.
To hedge the interest rate risk, we employ interest rate
derivatives such as interest rate swaps, collars, forward
rate agreements, and interest futures, in particular, in
addition to increased use of fixed interest agreements.
The degree of hedging specified in the Axel Springer
finance regulations ranges between 30 % and 100 % of
the underlying transaction volume. In the annual average,
80.5 % (PY: 76.2 %) of the variable interest-bearing
promissory note loans and liabilities to banks have been
hedged using interest derivatives and fixed-interest
agreements. At the reporting date, an amount of
143
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
€ 332.5 million (PY: € 37.5 million) of the unsecured
variable-interest promissory note loans and liabilities
due to banks was not hedged.
The effects of market interest rate changes on variable-
interest financial instruments not hedged with financial
derivatives are calculated using a sensitivity analysis.
Assuming a parallel shift in the yield curve of 50 basis
points, the financial result would change by € 1.6 million
(PY: € 1.6 million).
Currency risks from operations are mainly avoided
through the incurrence of operating costs in the coun-
tries in which we sell our products and services. Remain-
ing currency risks from operations are insignificant to the
Group since the majority of EBITDA is earned in the euro
currency zone. In the reporting period, the share of
EBITDA not earned in euros was 19 % (PY: 13 %).
Currency risks from foreign currency claims and liabilities
(without contingent compensation) as well as claims and
liabilities in euros in non-euro countries with net expo-
sures starting at € 5 million per foreign currency are
hedged by means of coordinated forward exchange
transactions.
Cash and cash equivalents in local currency that are
generated in non-euro countries are either reinvested
to develop the local business activities, placed at Axel
Springer SE and secured by forward exchange transac-
tions, or distributed. Therefore, the foreign exchange risk
from fluctuating exchange rates for foreign currency cash
and cash equivalents is limited.
Effects from the currency translation of statements
prepared by subsidiaries in foreign currencies are
recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive
income. Therefore, Axel Springer does not hedge such
currency effects.
(b) Liquidity risk
We continually monitor the availability of financial re-
sources to fund the company’s operating activities and
investments by means of a Group-wide liquidity planning
system and monthly cash flow analyses. The liquidity and
financial flexibility of the Axel Springer Group is secured
by firmly promised credit lines in the amount of
€ 900.0 million (until 2017) as well as promissory notes
placed in 2012 (€ 500.0 million). Note (17) contains an
analysis of the due dates of our financial obligations. The
payment obligations for financial obligations that have
been contractually agreed but not yet recorded are pre-
sented in note (39).
(c) Credit risk
Financial assets may be impaired if business partners do
not adhere to payment obligations. The maximum expo-
sure to risk from financial assets, which are fundamental-
ly subject to credit risk, correspond to their carrying
amounts.
Significant risk items are contained in trade receivables,
receivables due from related parties, and other assets.
The majority of our business models are based on a
widely distributed and heterogeneous customer base.
We therefore estimate the risk of significant defaults to
be low. To the extent that credit risks are discernible, we
reduce them using active management of receivables,
credit limits, and credit checks of our business partners.
Appropriate allowances are formed to account for dis-
cernible default risks.
A deferred purchase price of € 75.0 million (PY:
€ 100.0 million) carried in other assets and related inter-
est claims in connection with the sale of investments in
regional newspapers are hedged by a contractual lien on
the shares sold.
Investments in securities are made only in instruments
with first-class ratings according to our finance regula-
tions. Investment in time deposits occurs exclusively at
financial institutions that belong to the deposit protection
fund and are classified by leading rating agencies as
being at least of Investment Grade Status (BBB- (S&P)
or Baa3 (Moody’s)).
144
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(35) Financial derivatives
(a) Financial derivatives designated as hedging
instruments
In 2013, designated hedging instruments were used in
particular to hedge against the interest rate risks of long-
term liabilities. The cash flows were hedged through
interest rate swaps. The maturities and nominal amounts
of the interest rate derivatives were chosen to match the
corresponding tranches of the variable-interest loans
(hedged items). The interest rate derivatives were meas-
ured at fair value. The changes in the fair value were
recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
until the hedged item was realized.
The fair value measurement of the interest rate deriva-
tives at the reporting date yielded negative fair values of
€ – 0.9 million (PY: € – 1.2 million). During the reporting
period, a profit of € 0.3 million (PY: loss of € 0.1 million)
was recognized in other income.
In connection with the refinancing of our credit facilities in
2012, the hedging relationship of the individual interest
rate derivatives did not apply, so that in the prior year we
recognized the unrealized losses from the remeasure-
ment of the interest rate derivatives in the amount of
€ 10.5 million previously carried in accumulated other
comprehensive income. These interest rate derivatives
no longer exist at the reporting date.
In addition, in the prior year there existed the hedging
relationship through the forward exchange contracts with
a positive fair value of € 0.7 million. This derivative se-
cured the payment of the purchase price adjustment for
the acquisition of Onet made in Polish zlotys at the begin-
ning of 2013. Unrealized gains of € 0.7 million previously
included in the accumulated other comprehensive income
have been reclassified to net income at the time of
realization.
Fair value changes in the net amount of € – 0.3 million
(PY: € – 0.2 million) after taxes were recognized in accu-
mulated other comprehensive income.
(b) Financial derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments
As of December 31, 2013, currency swaps regarding
loans of foreign subsidiaries with a negative fair value of
€ – 27.9 million and a positive fair value of € 0.5 million
(PY: negative fair value of € – 0.2 million) existed. They
were entered into to hedge currency risks from loans of
foreign subsidiaries or contingent liabilities. The nominal
value of the hedged transactions amounted to
€ 472.3 million (PY: € 26.5 million). The profits and
losses from the fair value measurement of these currency
swaps, as well as the opposite profits and losses from
the foreign currency measurement of the hedged loan
claims and obligations were recognized.
As of December 31, 2012, loans in the nominal amount
of € 280.0 million were hedged against interest rate risks.
The accounting for the interest rate derivatives was
therefore recognized at fair value through profit or loss.
The valuation of these derivatives resulted in the negative
fair values of € – 6.7 million as of the prior-year reporting
date.
In order to secure our investment in Do⁄an TV, we con-
cluded several guarantee agreements (derivatives) with
the seller. As a reliable fair value measurement of our
investment in Do⁄an TV is not possible, the valuation
of the derivatives is at amortized cost according to the
recognition of our investment.
(36) Relationships with related parties
Related parties are defined as those persons and com-
panies that control, are jointly managed, or can exert a
significant influence over the Axel Springer Group, or that
are controlled, jointly managed, or subject to significant
influence by the Axel Springer Group. Accordingly, the
members of the Springer family, the companies con-
trolled, jointly managed, or subject to significant influence
by this family, as well as companies in whose manage-
ment they hold a key position have been defined as
related parties for the Axel Springer Group. Control of
the Group is exercised by Axel Springer Gesellschaft für
Publizistik GmbH & Co or its parent company, Friede
Springer GmbH & Co. KG, a majority of which is attribut-
145
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
able to Dr. h. c. Friede Springer. In addition, the subsidi-
aries and associated companies of the Axel Springer
Group have been defined as related companies. In addi-
tion to the active members of the Executive Board and
Supervisory Board of Axel Springer SE (including their
family members) and their majority holdings, the institu-
tions managing the plan assets of the Axel Springer
Group must also be considered related parties.
Besides the business relationships with the consolidated
subsidiaries, the following business relationships existed
with related parties:
€ millions
Balance sheet
Loans
Receivables
Thereof trade
Allowances included
Provisions
Liabilities
Thereof trade
Income statement
Goods and services supplied
Goods and services received
Financial result
Total
Associated
companies
Other related
parties
Total
Associated
companies
Other related
parties
12/31/2013
12/31/2012
5.0
36.0
6.6
25.7
7.0
15.0
5.2
2013
18.0
63.2
0.6
3.2
31.2
2.9
2.2
0.0
4.0
4.0
16.0
30.3
0.5
1.8
4.8
3.7
23.5
7.0
11.0
1.2
2.0
32.9
0.1
3.1
40.9
9.1
28.1
6.2
25.5
13.0
2012
19.6
64.1
0.3
2.3
39.1
8.8
2.4
0.0
7.0
7.0
17.3
33.4
0.2
0.8
1.8
0.4
25.8
6.2
18.5
6.1
2.2
30.7
0.1
With regard to discontinued operations, services were
rendered amounting to € 79.9 million (PY: € 83.3 million)
and services were received amounting to € 6.5 million
(PY: € 5.3 million).
The changes in the allowances for receivables due to
related parties are presented in the table below:
€ millions
Balance as of January 1
Reversals
Additions
Balance as of December 31
2013
2012
28.1
– 3.4
0.9
25.7
27.3
– 0.4
1.2
28.1
As of December 31, 2013, receivables in the amount of
€ 31.1 million (PY: € 40.7 million) were neither past due
nor subject to valuation allowances. With regard to these
receivables, there were no indications at the reporting
date that would suggest that the related parties would
not fulfill their payment obligations.
The receivables due from associated companies included
a reimbursement claim for pension obligations in the
amount of € 27.9 million (PY: € 29.4 million) (see note (13)).
146
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The provisions referred to pension obligations owed to
members of the Executive Board. The liabilities include
obligations from share-based remuneration owed to
members of the Executive Board in the amount of
€ 4.1 million (PY: € 12.1 million).
The compensation of the members of the Executive and
Supervisory Board is described in detail in the compen-
sation report, which is part of the notes to the consoli-
dated financial statements. The compensation report is
included in the section “Corporate Governance Report”.
Goods and services provided to related companies were
mostly related to the distribution of newspapers and
magazines. The services received from related compa-
nies mainly comprised purchased publishing products
and printing services. A master agreement for the print-
ing of magazines is in effect with PRINOVIS until Decem-
ber 31, 2019. Under this agreement, services in the
amount of € 48.2 million (PY: € 53.6 million) were ren-
dered for companies of the Axel Springer Group in 2013.
In 2013, the fixed compensation of the members of the
Executive Board of Axel Springer SE amounted to
€ 9.4 million (PY: € 9.2 million). The variable compensa-
tion amounted to € 10.7 million (PY: € 10.7 million). The
measurement of the share-based compensation granted
to the Executive Board of Axel Springer SE gave rise to
personnel expenses of € 14.2 million (PY: € 2.3 million)
in the reporting year. Guaranteed pension payments to
members of the Executive Board resulted in a personnel
expense of € 0.5 million in fiscal year 2013 (PY:
€ 0.3 million).
The compensation of the members of the Supervisory
Board amounted to € 3.0 million (PY: € 2.5 million). A
Supervisory Board member received a compensation of
€ 0.1 million (PY: € 0.1 million) for his services as an
author.
An amount of € 2.6 million (PY: € 2.3 million) was paid to
former Executive Board members and special directors
and their survivors. A total amount of € 32.4 million (PY:
€ 32.5 million) was allocated to the provisions for pen-
sion obligations.
For transactions with the institutions managing the plan
assets of the Axel Springer Group, please find the expla-
nations in note (13).
(37) Contingent liabilities
As of December 31, 2013, contingent liabilities from
guarantees existed in the amount of € 11.6 million (PY:
€ 12.7 million).
(38) Contingent assets
Contingent assets were due from KirchMedia GmbH &
Co KGaA i.L. in the amount of € 263.3 million (PY:
€ 269.8 million). Insofar as advance payments are an-
nounced in the context of the insolvency proceedings
against KirchMedia GmbH & Co. KGaA i.L., we recog-
nize them as receivables. The receivables accepted in
the table of claims by the insolvency administrator origi-
nally totaled € 325.0 million. A total of € 6.5 million (PY:
€ 3.3 million) was paid in the reporting year.
147
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(39) Other financial commitments
(40) Events after the reporting date
The other financial commitments broke down as follows:
€ millions
12/31/2013 12/31/2012
Purchase commitments for
- intangible assets
- property, plant, and equipment
- inventories
4.9
5.9
21.1
2.7
4.1
9.8
Future payments under operating leases
106.0
115.4
Future payments under finance leases
Long-term purchase obligations
Other financial obligations
80.9
113.4
332.2
73.0
150.8
355.8
The long-term purchase obligations resulted from paper
supply contracts.
The future minimum lease payments from operating
leases at December 31, 2013 are broken down in the
following table:
€ millions
Due in up to one year
Due in one to five years
Due in more than five years
2013
34.5
69.2
2.3
2012
32.3
77.2
5.8
Total
106.0
115.4
The acquisition of the 100 % shares in the TV news sta-
tion N24 was completed upon receipt of the necessary
approval of the cartel and media authorities in February
2014 (see note (2c) for further details).
Among other things, the composition agreement con-
cluded between Deutsche Bank AG and the Kirch side
provided that an amount of € 775 million plus interest will
be paid to the Kirch side. As a creditor in the insolvency
proceedings of the Kirch Group (particularly including
KirchMedia GmbH & Co. KGaA i.I.), Axel Springer SE
expects to receive a payment from the insolvency ad-
ministrator. At the present time, it is not possible to make
a reliable statement concerning the amount and timing of
this payment.
There are no further significant events after the reporting
date to be reported.
(41) Declaration of Conformity with the German
Corporate Governance Code
Axel Springer SE published the Declaration of Conformity
with the German Corporate Governance Code issued
by the Management Board and Supervisory Board in
accordance with Section 161 of the German Stock
Corporations Act (AktG) on the company’s website
www.axelspringer.de → Investor Relations → Corporate
Governance, where it is permanently available to share-
holders. The Declaration of Conformity is also printed in
the Corporate Governance section of this Annual Report.
148
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(42) Companies included in the consolidated
financial statements and share property
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
Share----
Share
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
1
Axel Springer SE (previously Axel Springer Aktiengesellschaft), Berlin
(parent company)
-
-
Fully consolidated subsidiaries
Fully consolidated subsidiaries
Fully consolidated subsidiaries
Fully consolidated subsidiaries
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
AS Osteuropa GmbH, Berlin
AS TV-Produktions- und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Hamburg
ASV Direktmarketing GmbH, Hamburg
Axel Springer Asia GmbH, Hamburg
Axel Springer Auto-Verlag GmbH, Hamburg
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH, Berlin
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds Holding GmbH, Berlin
Axel Springer Digital GmbH, Berlin
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 Axel Springer Digital TV Guide GmbH, Berlin
11 Axel Springer Digital Ventures GmbH, Berlin
12 Axel Springer Financial Media GmbH, Munich
13
Axel Springer ideAS Engineering GmbH (previously Axel Springer
IdeAS GmbH), Berlin
14 Axel Springer International GmbH, Berlin
15 Axel Springer International Holding GmbH, Berlin
16
Axel Springer Media Impact GmbH & Co. KG (previously Axel
Springer Media Impact Dienstleistungs-GmbH), Berlin
17 Axel Springer Media Logistik GmbH, Berlin
18 Axel Springer Mediahouse Berlin GmbH, Berlin
19 Axel Springer Medien Accounting Service GmbH, Berlin
20 Axel Springer Services & Immobilien GmbH, Berlin
21
Axel Springer Syndication GmbH (previously Vierundfünfzigste
"Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH), Berlin
22 Axel Springer TV Productions GmbH, Hamburg
23
"Axel Springer Verlag" Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Berlin
24 Axel Springer Vertriebsservice GmbH, Hamburg
25 B.Z. Ullstein GmbH, Berlin
26
Bergedorfer Buchdruckerei von Ed. Wagner (GmbH & Co.),
Hamburg
27 Berliner Morgenpost GmbH (previously Ullstein GmbH), Berlin
28 BERLINER WOCHENBLATT Verlag GmbH, Berlin
29
BILD GmbH & Co. KG (previously BILD digital GmbH & Co. KG),
Berlin
30 Bonial International GmbH, Berlin
31
Buch- und Presse-Großvertrieb Hamburg GmbH & Co. KG,
Hamburg
32 Commerz-Film GmbH, Berlin
33 comparado GmbH, Lüneburg
34 COMPUTER BILD Digital GmbH, Hamburg
35 eprofessional GmbH, Hamburg
36
finanzen.net GmbH, Karlsruhe
37 Gofeminin.de GmbH, Cologne
38 hamburg.de GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
39
Idealo Internet GmbH, Berlin
40
Immonet GmbH, Hamburg
41
ims Internationaler Medien Service GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
42
meinestadt.de GmbH (previously Allesklar.com Aktiengesellschaft),
Siegburg
43 meinestadt.de Holding GmbH, Berlin
100.0
15
100.0
100.0
1
1
100.0
15
100.0
70.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
1
9
7
1
1
9
1
23
1
14
1
1
1
1
1
100.0
23
100.0
100.0
100.0
1
1
1
5)
5)
5)
5)
5)
5)
5)
6)
5)
5)
5)
5)
5)
5)
5)
100.0
23
100.0
6)
1
100.0
100.0
100.0
74.9
78.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
55.0
100.0
61.9
74.9
88.7
55.0
5)
6)
6)
23
60
1
1
1
15
39
5)
1
63
11
71
9
9
8
1
6)
6)
100.0
43
100.0
8
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
44 Metrigo GmbH, Hamburg
45 Niendorfer Wochenblatt Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
46 PACE Paparazzi Catering & Event GmbH, Berlin
47 Panther Holding GmbH, Berlin
48 Sales Impact GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
49 Schwartzkopff TV-Productions GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
50 Smarthouse Media GmbH, Karlsruhe
51 Sohomint GmbH, Hamburg
52 StepStone Deutschland GmbH, Düsseldorf
53 StepStone GmbH, Berlin
54 Transfermarkt GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
55 TunedIn Media GmbH, Berlin
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
56.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
91.0
72.6
100.0
100.0
51.0
77.6
6)
5)
6)
6)
5)
5)
6)
63
60
1
39
1
22
11
1
53
8
29
1
56
Ullstein GmbH (previously Achtunddreißigste "Media"
Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH), Berlin
100.0
5)
23
57 Umzugsauktion GmbH & Co. KG, Schallstadt
58 Visual Meta GmbH, Berlin
59 WBV Direktzustell-GmbH, Hamburg
60 WBV Wochenblatt Verlag GmbH, Hamburg
61 YOURCAREERGROUP AG, Düsseldorf
62 YOURCAREERGROUP International GmbH & Co. KG, Düsseldorf
63 ZANOX AG (previously ZANOX.de AG), Berlin
64 Zuio GmbH, Berlin
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
65 alFemminile s.r.l., Milan, Italy
66 Amiado Group AG, Zurich, Switzerland
67 Amiado Online AG, Zurich, Switzerland
68 APM Print d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo
69 AS-NYOMDA Kft, Kecskemét, Hungary
70 auFeminin.com Productions SARL, Paris, France
71 auFeminin.com S.A., Paris, France
72 Axel Springer - Budapest Kiadói Kft, Budapest, Hungary
73 Axel Springer - Magyarország Kft, Tatabánya, Hungary
74 Axel Springer Digital Classifieds France SAS, Paris, France
75 Axel Springer España S.A., Madrid, Spain
76 Axel Springer France S.A.S., Paris, France
77 Axel Springer Norway AS, Oslo, Norway
78
"Axel Springer Russia" Geschlossene Aktiengesellschaft, Moscow,
Russia
79 Axel Springer Schweiz AG, Zurich, Switzerland
80 Azet.sk a.s., Zilina, Slovakia
81 Belles Demeures S.A.S., Paris, France
82 Bonial SAS, Paris, France
83 Candidate Manager (US) Inc., Boston, USA
84 Candidate Manager Limited, Dublin, Ireland
85 Diagorim SAS, Paris, France
86 Digital Window Inc., Wilmington, USA
87 Digital Window Limited, London, Great Britain
88 DreamLab Onet.pl sp. z o.o., Krakow, Poland
89 enFemenino SARL, Madrid, Spain
90 Etoilecasting.com SAS, Paris, France
91 GoBrands Sp. z o.o., Krakow, Poland
92 Grupa Onet.pl SA, Krakow, Poland
93
Immoweb SA, Brussels, Belgium
51.0
76.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
52.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
25.1
74.9
100.0
100.0
80.8
92.9
93.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
5)
6)
40
39
60
27
53
53
9
23
71
79
66
114
134
73
71
15
1
1
8
1
1
9
2
1
70.0
119
100.0
111
100.0
100.0
30
84
100.0
121
82.2
122
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
87
63
92
71
71
92
100.0
105
80.0
74
149
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
94
IT-Jobbank A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
100.0
53
141 zanox SAS, Paris, France
95
Jobs LU Limited, Dublin, Ireland
100.0
121
142 zanox Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
100.0
121
143 zanox SRL, Milan, Italy
100.0
71
50.0
117
50.0
92
100.0
121
94.0
100.0
23
71
100.0
121
99.7
114
51.0
71
49.0
117
75.0
116
100.0
100.0
94.0
92
92
23
100.0
121
7.0
93.0
111
122
100.0
122
100.0
114
100.0
116
100.0
116
100.0
116
100.0
113
100.0
116
50.1
11
100.0
132
0.5
98.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
8
74
71
71
53
53
53
96
Jobs.ie Limited, Dublin, Ireland
97 Marmiton SAS, Paris, France
98 Media Impact Polska Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
99 MyJob Group Limited, Sheffield, Great Britain
100 Népújság Kft, Békéscsaba, Hungary
101 Netmums Limited, Watford, Great Britain
102 NIJobs.com Limited, Belfast, Ireland
103 NIN d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo
104 ofeminin.pl Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
105
ONET Holding Sp. z o.o. (previously Vidalia Investments Sp. z o.o.),
Warsaw, Poland
106
OnetMarketing Sp. z o.o. (previously SunWeb sp. z o.o.), Krakow,
Poland
107 OnetMarketing Sp. z o.o. S.K.A, Krakow, Poland
108 Petöfi Lap- és Könyvkiadó Kft, Kecskemét, Hungary
109 Pnet (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
110 Poliris S.A.S., Paris, France
111 PressImmo On Line S.A.S., Paris, France
112 RAS Online d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo
113 Ringier Axel Springer CZ a.s., Prague, Czechia
114 Ringier Axel Springer d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo
117 Ringier Axel Springer Polska Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
118 Ringier Axel Springer Print CZ a.s., Prague, Czechia
119 Ringier Axel Springer Slovakia a.s., Bratislava, Slovakia
120 runtastic GmbH, Pasching, Austria
121 Saongroup Limited, Dublin, Ireland
122 SeLoger.com S.A.S. (previously SeLoger.com SA), Paris, France
123 SmartAdServer SAS, Paris, France
124 soFeminine.co.uk Limited, London, Great Britain
125 StepStone A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
126 StepStone B.V., Leiden, Netherlands
127 StepStone France SAS, Paris, France
128 StepStone NV, Brussels, Belgium
129 StepStone Österreich GmbH, Vienna, Austria
130 StepStone Schweiz GmbH, Härkingen, Schwitzerland
131 StepStone Services Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
132 StepStone UK Holding Limited, London, Great Britain
133 Totaljobs Group Limited, London, Great Britain
134 Trans Press d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo
135 Villaweb SARL, Rennes, France
136 Viviana Investments Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
137 zanox B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
138 ZANOX Hispania SL, Madrid, Spain
139 zanox ltd., London, Great Britain
140 zanox Reklam Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi, Istanbul, Turkey
100.0
100.0
100.0
0.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
144
ZANOX VEICULAÇÃO DE PUBLICIDADE NA INTERNET LTDA., São
Paulo, Brazil
145 zanox we create partners AB, Stockholm, Sweden
146
ZÖLD ÚJSÁG Tömegkommunikációs és Kiadói Zrt, Budapest,
Hungary
Other subsidiaries 1)1)1)1)
Other subsidiaries
Other subsidiaries
Other subsidiaries
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
147 Achtundsechzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
148 Alster Wochenblatt Verlag GmbH, Hamburg
149 AS Buchversand GmbH, Munich
150
Axel Springer ideAS Ventures GmbH (previously Vierundsechzigste
"Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH), Berlin
151 Axel Springer Media Impact Management GmbH, Berlin
152 Axel Springer Security GmbH, Berlin
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
153 B.Z. Media GmbH, Berlin
100.0
25
154
BILD Multimedia Verwaltungs GmbH (previously BILD digital
Verwaltungs GmbH), Berlin
155 "Dating Café" Vermittlungsagentur GmbH, Hamburg
100.0
100.0
156 Dreiundsiebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
157 Dreizehnte "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Hamburg
158 Druck- und Verlagshaus Bergedorf GmbH, Hamburg
159 Einundsiebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
160 Finanzen Corporate Publishing GmbH, Berlin
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
161 Fünfundsiebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
163
Hammerich & Lesser Zeitschriften- und Buchverlag GmbH,
Hamburg
164 Hauptstadtsee 809. VV GmbH, Berlin
165 Idealo International GmbH, Berlin
100.0
39
100.0
100.0
100.0
166 ims Verwaltungs GmbH, Hamburg
167 Informationsmedien Handels GmbH, Hamburg
168 Jobanova GmbH, Munich
169 kinkaa GbR, Berlin
170
meinestadt.de Vertriebs-GmbH (previously meinestadt stellenmarkt
GmbH), Siegburg
171 myPass GmbH, Berlin
55.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
50.0
100.0
100.0
172 Neunundfünfzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
7)
63
63
63
35
63
63
73
1
60
23
23
1
1
1
42
23
1
1
1
1
23
38
1
1
1
1
53
39
47
42
1
1
1
0.0
129
7)
173
Neunundsechzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH,
Berlin
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
53
52
53
53
53
100.0
132
100.0
114
100.0
111
100.0
117
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
63
63
63
63
8)
174
New Waves Entertainment GmbH (previously I.S.I. TV Productions
GmbH), Berlin
175 Room 49 GmbH, Berlin
176 Sales Impact Management GmbH, Hamburg
177 Schwartzkopff TV-Productions Verwaltungsges. mbH, Hamburg
178 Scubia GbR, Berlin
179
Sechsundsechzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH,
Berlin
180
Sechsundsiebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH,
Berlin
181 Shop Now GmbH, Berlin
182 Siebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
183 SmartAdServer GmbH, Berlin
100.0
49
100.0
150
100.0
100.0
50.0
50.0
100.0
1
22
39
47
1
100.0
23
100.0
150
100.0
100.0
1
71
150
115 Ringier Axel Springer Management AG, Zurich, Switzerland
100.0
116
116 Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, Zurich, Switzerland
50.0
3)
15
162 hamburg.de Beteiligungs GmbH, Hamburg
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
5
5
71
71
71
71
71
71
80
121
247
121
247
121
247
7)
7)
7)
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
66.7
0.0
100.0
0.0
100.0
0.0
100.0
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
184
StepStone Verwaltungs GmbH (previously Fünfundsechzigste
"Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH), Berlin
185 Tarif24 GmbH, Berlin
186 TOPS Online Publications GbR, Lüneburg
187 Transfermarkt Verwaltungs GmbH, Hamburg
188 Umzugsauktion Verwaltungs GmbH, Schallstadt
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
100.0
100.0
90.0
10.0
51.0
51.0
53
39
33
39
29
40
23
63
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
231 Poradca podnikatela a.s., Zilina, Slovakia
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
51.0
113
232 Saongroup Caribbean (Jamaica) Limited, Kingston, Jamaica
100.0
211
233
Saongroup Caribbean (Trinidad) Limited, Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago
234 Saongroup.com India Pvt Limited, Pune, India
100.0
211
100.0
121
235 Shanghai Springer Advertising Company Ltd. i. L., Shanghai, China
100.0
236 Shanghai Springer Distribution Company Ltd. i. L., Shanghai, China
100.0
189 Vierundsiebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
190 Zanox 1 AG, Berlin
100.0
237 SMART ADSERVER DO BRASIL LTDA., São Paulo, Brazil
238 Smart AdServer Espana S.L., Madrid, Spain
191 Zebra Interactive UG (limited liability), Berlin
100.0
288
239 Smart AdServer Italia S.r.l., Milan, Italy
192 Zweiundfünfzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
193
Zweiundsechzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH,
Berlin
100.0
1
1
194 Zweiundsiebzigste "Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH, Berlin
100.0
23
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
240 Smart Adserver Limited, London, Great Britain
241 Smart AdServer Polska Sp. z o.o., Krakow, Poland
242 Smart AdServer USA Inc., Wilmington, USA
243 SPORT.SK s.r.o., Zilina, Slovakia
195 African Jobs Online Limited, Port Louis, Mauritius
100.0
121
244 Tecoloco Com S.A. de C.V. Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
196 Alpha Real spol. s.r.o., Zilina, Slovakia
197 Automotive Exchange Private Limited, Maharashtra, India
198 AUTOVIA, s.r.o., Bratislava, Slovakia
199 Axel Springer Editions SAS, Paris, France
200 Axel Springer Group Inc., New York, USA
201 Axel Springer Hírszolgálat Kft, Tatabánya, Hungary
202 Axel Springer International Finance B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
203 Axel Springer International Group Limited, London, Great Britain
204 Axel Springer Media France S.A.R.L., Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
205 Axel Springer Media Italia s.r.l., Milan, Italy
100.0
72.8
100.0
80
5
80
100.0
163
100.0
16
100.0
146
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
1
1
76
16
245 Tecoloco El Salvador S.A. de C.V., San Salvador, El Salvador
246 Tecoloco Holding S.A. de C.V., San Salvador, El Salvador
247 Tecoloco International Inc., Panama City, Panama
100.0
121
248 Tecoloco S.A. de C.V. Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
249 Tecoloco.com S.A. de C.V. Nicaragua, Managua, Nicaragua
0.4
99.6
95.0
3.0
2.0
121
247
247
245
215
206 Axel Springer Publishing International Limited, London, Great Britain
100.0
203
250 Tecoloco.com S.A. de C.V. Panama, Panama City, Panama
100.0
247
207 Axel Springer TV International Limited, London, Great Britain
100.0
203
251 The Home Directory (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
100.0
109
208 Azet.sk – katalóg s.r.o., Zilina, Slovakia
209 BEMFEMININO.COM.BR, Sao Paulo, Brazil
210 Beyond the Job Limited, Dublin, Ireland
211 CaribbeanJobs Limited, George Town, Cayman Islands
212 Communications Smart AdServer Canada Inc., Montreal, Canada
213 CompuTel Telefonservice AG, Chur, Switzerland
214 Cpress Media s.r.o., Zilina, Slovakia
215 Cybersearch S.A., Guatemala City, Guatemala
216 Estascontratadocom S.A., Panama City, Panama
217 Euro Blic Press d.o.o., Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina
218 eurobridge Inc., New York, USA
219 EUROPRESS POLSKA Sp. z o. o., Warsaw, Poland
220 Handelszeitung Medien AG, Zurich, Switzerland
221 Immostreet ES, Barcelona, Spain
222 Intermedia Publishing Limited, Dundee, Great Britain
223 Jean Frey AG, Zurich, Switzerland
224 Job Navigator (Pty) Limited, Johannesburg, South Africa
225 JumptoJobs Limited, Sheffield, Great Britain
226 Keyland Irishjobs Limited, Dublin, Ireland
227 My Kenyan Network Limited, Nairobi, Kenya
228 My Web Limited, Ebene, Mauritius
229 Périclès Atlantique S.A.R.L, Casablanca, Morocco
100.0
99.9
0.1
80
71
70
100.0
121
100.0
121
100.0
100.0
100.0
0.0
100.0
71
79
80
121
247
7)
100.0
247
100.0
114
100.0
1
100.0
117
100.0
79
100.0
111
100.0
121
100.0
79
100.0
109
100.0
121
100.0
121
100.0
195
100.0
109
51.0
16.0
110
111
252 wewomen.com Inc., Wilmington, USA
253 zanox Inc., Chicago, USA
254 zanox Schweiz AG, Zurich, Switzerland
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
255 Bonial Enterprises GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin
256 Bonial Ventures GmbH, Berlin
257 buecher.de GmbH & Co. KG, Augsburg
258 PRINOVIS Ltd. & Co. KG, Hamburg
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
259
Editions Mondadori Axel Springer (EMAS) S.E.N.C., Montrouge
Cedex, France
260 INFOR BIZNES Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
261 Prvni novinova spolecnost a.s., Prague, Czechia
Other associated companies and joint ventures 2)2)2)2)
Other associated companies and joint ventures
Other associated companies and joint ventures
Other associated companies and joint ventures
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
262 autohaus24 GmbH, Pullach
263 Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator GmbH, Berlin
264 Blitz-Tip Medien Verwaltungs GmbH, Bad Soden am Taunus
265
Blitz-Tip Radio Hessen Beteiligungsges. mbH & Co. KG, Bad Soden
am Taunus
266
Bonial Enterprises Verwaltungs GmbH (previously Sechzigste
"Media" Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH), Berlin
267 buecher.de Verwaltungs GmbH, Augsburg
268
BZV Berliner Zustell- und Vertriebsgesellschaft für Druckerzeugnisse
mbH, Berlin
230 Pnet Corporate Services (Pty) Limited, Johannesburg, South Africa
100.0
121
269 "Direkt" Redaktionsservice GmbH, Hamburg
100.0
100.0
100.0
71
63
63
65.0
74.9
33.3
25.1
4)
4)
9
1
1
1
50.0
76
49.0
117
27.0
116
50.0
50.0
33.3
33.3
65.0
33.3
33.3
24.8
6
11
60
1
9
1
27
60
4)
151
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
270 Dropspot GmbH, Berlin
271 elbe WOCHENBLATT Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co., Hamburg
272 Filmgarten GmbH, Berlin
273
Gesellschaft für integrierte Kommunikationsforschung mbH & Co.
KG, Munich
274
Gesellschaft für integrierte Kommunikationsforschung Verwaltungs
GmbH, Munich
275 Harburger Zeitungsverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Hamburg
276
hyvent GmbH previously Dreiundsechzigste "Media"
Vermögensverwaltungsges. mbH), Berlin
277 Intermedia Standard Presse-Code GmbH, Hamburg
278 InterRed GmbH, Haiger
279 ISPC Intermedia Standard Presse-Code GmbH & Co.KG, Hamburg
280 "Lühmanndruck" Harburger Zeitungsges. mbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
281 media kombi nord GbR, Hamburg
282 Mont Ventoux Media GmbH, Berlin
283 Motor-Talk GmbH, Berlin
284 MSV Medien Special Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
285 Myby GmbH & Co. KG i. L., Düsseldorf
286 Qivive GmbH i. L., Bad Homburg
287 Radio Hamburg GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
288
Sparheld International GmbH (previously Mein Gutscheincode
GmbH), Berlin
289 TraderFox GmbH, Reutlingen
290
TVB Transportvermittlungs- und Vertriebsgesellschaft Bergedorf
mbH, Hamburg
291
V.V. Vertriebs-Vereinigung Berliner Zeitungs- und Zeitschriften-
Grossisten GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin
292 Verlag Hans-Jürgen Böckel GmbH, Glinde
293 Verlags-Gesellschaft Hanse mbH & Co. KG, Hamburg
294 Verwaltungsgesellschaft elbe WOCHENBLATT mbH, Hamburg
295
Verwaltungsgesellschaft MSV Medien Special Vertrieb m.b.H.,
Hamburg
296 Volksdorfer Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Hamburg
297
Wochenblatt Verlag Schrader GmbH & Co. KG, Buchholz i.d.
Nordheide
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
40.0
24.9
42.0
25.0
25.0
24.8
49.0
32.0
24.0
32.0
24.8
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
1
60
39
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4.8
280
35.7
4.8
50.0
20.0
50.0
25.1
33.3
35.0
30.0
25.1
20.0
48.5
24.8
50.0
24.8
50.0
50.0
24.8
1
26
22
11
31
1
1
1
39
36
26
1
26
60
60
31
60
60
Company
NoNoNoNo.... Company
Company
Company
298 Wochenblatt Verlag Verwaltungsges. mbH, Buchholz i.d. Nordheide
299 WVV Werbevertrieb-Verwaltungs- und Beteiligungs-GmbH, Berlin
300 Zeitungs- und Zeitschriften Vertrieb Berlin GmbH, Berlin
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
301 AR Technology SAS, Paris, France
302 Asocijacija Privatnih Media, Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo
303 Autoreflex.com SAS, Paris, France
304 BULGARPRESS OOD, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
305 EMAS Digital SAS, Montrouge Cedex, France
306 HARLEQUIN MAGYARORSZÁG Kft, Budapest, Hungary
307 HUNGAROPRESS Sajtóterjesztö Kft, Budapest, Hungary
308 ITAS Media Private Limited, Delhi, India
309 Les Rencontres aufeminin.com SAS, Paris, France
310 MDB SAS, EVRY CEDEX, France
311 PRINOVIS Ltd., London, Great Britain
312 SOKOWEB TECHNOLOGIES, S.L., Barcelona, Spain
313 VINA WOMAN UK LTD., London, Great Britain
Other significant investments
Other significant investments
Other significant investments
Other significant investments
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
Other countries
Share
Share----
Share
Share
holding
holding
holding
holding
in %in %in %in %
24.8
33.3
35.5
via via via via
No.No.No.No.
60
27
1
86.5
305
20.0
114
100.0
301
25.5
50.0
45.0
24.0
49.0
50.0
49.0
25.1
31.2
30.0
1
76
1
1
5
71
74
1
30
71
314 Doğan TV Holding A.S., Istanbul, Turkey
315 iProperty Group Limited, Sydney, Australia
17.3
32
17.3
122
1) No full consolidation due to immaterial impact (relation of net income and balance
sheet total of the company to net income and balance sheet total of the Group).
2) No at equity consolidation due to immaterial impact (relation of net income of the
company to net income of the Group).
3) Control due to existing option rights.
4) No control due to the lack of management control.
5) The company has exercised the exemption options of Section 264 (3) of the
German Commercial Code (Handeslgesetzbuch – HGB).
6) The company has exercised the exemption options of Section 264b of the
German Commercial Code (Handeslgesetzbuch – HGB).
7) Shares less than 0.1%.
8)
zanox Ltd (company No. 05444440) is exempted from the statutory audit
obligation in Great Britain according to § 479A of the Companies Act 2006.
152
Boards
Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board is composed of the following persons:
Name, occupation
Dr. Giuseppe Vita
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of
Axel Springer SE
Dr. h. c. Friede Springer
Vice Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of
Axel Springer SE
ALBA plc & Co. KGaA
ALBA Finance plc & Co. KGaA
Dr. Gerhard Cromme
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of
Siemens AG
Siemens AG (Chairman)
ThyssenKrupp AG
(Chairman until March 2013)
Oliver Heine
Attorney at law and partner in the
law firm Heine & Partner
Rudolf Knepper
Member of the Supervisory Board of
Axel Springer AG
(since January 8, 2013 until April 24, 2013)
Klaus Krone
Member of the Supervisory Board of
Axel Springer SE
Dr. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller
President and Chairwoman of the Executive
Board of
TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG
Lufthansa AG
Siemens AG
Voith GmbH
Seats on other mandatory
supervisory boards
Seats on comparable boards
in Germany and abroad
RCS MediaGroup S.p.A., Italy (Board of Directors until
May 2013)
UniCredit S.p.A., Italy (Chairman of the Board of Directors)
ALBA Group plc & Co. KG (Advisory Board)
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, France (Board of Directors
until June 2013)
YooApplications AG, Switzerland (Board of Directors)
Prof. Dr. Wolf Lepenies
University Professor (emer.) FU Berlin;
Permanent Fellow (emer.) at
Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin
Dr. Michael Otto
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of
Otto GmbH & Co KG
Otto GmbH & Co KG (Chairman)
FORUM Grundstücksgesellschaft m.b.H.
(Chairman of the Advisory Board)
Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG (Partner)
153
Annual Report 2013
Axel Springer SE
Executive Board
The Executive Board is composed of the following persons:
Boards
Executive Board member
Dr. Mathias Döpfner
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Journalist
Seats on mandatory
supervisory boards
Seats on comparable boards
in Germany and abroad
B.Z. Ullstein GmbH (Advisory Board)
RHJ International SA, Belgium (Board of Directors)
Axel Springer Schweiz AG, Switzerland
(Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Time Warner Inc., USA (Board of Directors)
meinestadt.de GmbH (since December 2013)
Immoweb SA, Belgium
(Chairman of the Board of Directors)
AR Technology SAS, France (Board of Directors)
aufeminin.com S.A., France (Board of Directors)
AutoReflex.com SAS, France (Board of Directors)
SeLoger.com SAS, France
(Chairman of the Supervisory Board)
Automotive Exchange Private Limited, India
(Non-Executive Director)
ITAS Media Private Limited, India (Non-Executive Director)
Today Merchandise Private Limited, India
(Non-Executive Director, until January 2014)
Amiado Group AG, Switzerland
(Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Amiado Online AG, Switzerland
(Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Axel Springer Schweiz AG, Switzerland
(Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors)
CompuTel Telefonservice AG, Switzerland
(inactive; Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Handelszeitung Medien AG, Switzerland
(inactive; Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Ringier Axel Springer Management AG, Switzerland
(Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, Switzerland
(Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Axel Springer España S.A., Spain (Board of Directors)
Grupa Onet.pl S.A., Poland
(Chairman of the Supervisory Board)
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds France SAS, France
(Chairman of the Board of Directors, since April 2013)
Amiado Group AG, Switzerland
(Board of Directors, until January 2014)
aufeminin.com S.A., France (Board of Directors)
Automotive Exchange Private Limited, India
(Non-Executive Director)
Axel Springer – Budapest Kiadói Kft, Hungary
(Supervisory Board)
Axel Springer – Magyarország Kft, Hungary
(Supervisory Board)
Axel Springer Schweiz AG, Switzerland
(Board of Directors)
ITAS Media Private Limited, India (Non-Executive Director)
esmt European School of Management and Technology
GmbH (Supervisory Board, until August 2013)
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH
(Chairman of the Supervisory Board)
Axel Springer International Finance B.V., Netherlands
(Supervisory Board)
Ringier Axel Springer Management AG, Switzerland
(Board of Directors)
Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, Switzerland
(Board of Directors)
Do⁄an TV Holding A.S., Turkey (Supervisory Board)
B.Z. Ullstein GmbH (Advisory Board)
StepStone GmbH (Chairman of the Supervisory Board)
Axel Springer Digital Classifieds Holding GmbH
(Chairman of the Advisory Board)
aufeminin.com S.A., France (Board of Directors)
PRINOVIS Limited, Great Britain (Board of Directors)
Jan Bayer
President WELT Group and Printing
Media scholar
Ralph Büchi
President International Division
Master’s degree in business administration
Allesklar.com AG (until December
2013)
ZANOX AG (Chairman)
Dr. Julian Deutz
Executive Board member
(since January 1, 2014)
Master’s degree in business administration
Lothar Lanz
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating
Officer
Master’s degree in business administration
TAG Immobilien AG (since June 2013)
Zalando AG (since February 2014)
Dr. Andreas Wiele
President BILD Group and Magazines
Lawyer
ZANOX AG
dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
154
Financial Calendar
March 6, 2014
Annual Report, annual financial statements press
conference, investor/analyst teleconference
April 16, 2014
Annual shareholders’ meeting, Berlin
May 6, 2014
Quarterly financial report as of March 31, 2014
August 5, 2014
Interim financial report as of June 30, 2014
November 5, 2014
Quarterly financial report as of September 30, 2014
Imprint
Address
Axel Springer SE
Axel-Springer-Strasse 65
10888 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 2591-0
Investor Relations
ir@axelspringer.de
Phone: +49 30 2591-77421/-77425
Fax: +49 30 2591-77422
Corporate Communications
information@axelspringer.de
Phone: +49 30 2591-77660
Fax: +49 30 2591-77603
Design
Axel Springer SE
Corporate Communications
Photos
Daniel Biskup (p. 4, p. 6)
Matti Hillig (p. 6, p. 7)
Sergio Rinaldi (p. 76)
The Annual Report and up-to-date information about
Axel Springer are available on the Internet at
www.axelspringer.com
The English translation of the Axel Springer SE annual
report is provided for convenience only. The German
original is definitive.