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Daily Mail and General Trust plc 
Annual Report, 4th October, 2009

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT
T +44 (0)20 7938 6000  F +44 (0)20 7938 4626  W www.dmgt.co.uk

Short-term actions

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Long-term perspective

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DMGT Corporate Profile  
and Financial Highlights

DMGT
Corporate Profile and  
Financial Highlights

DMGT.co.uk

The Group’s businesses, other  
than its newspaper publishing,  
now make up 73% of the Group’s 
operating profit*, compared  
to 14% in 1996.

Operating Profit* 1996

Operating Profit* 2009

£88m

£278m

You have access to more information on our website:
DMGT’s corporate website has achieved an ‘AA’ accessibility rating  
in independent tests. It is independently regarded as one of the  
best programmed sites in the FTSE 350 index. 

Visit our web 2.0 interactive online Annual Report at www.dmgtreports.com/2009. 

  Newspaper publishing 86%, £75m
  Other businesses 14%, £13m

  Newspaper publishing 27%, £75m
  Other businesses 73%, £203m

DMGTREPORTS.COM/2009

Financial highlights

Revenue

09 

08 

Adjusted operating profit*

Adjusted profit before tax*

  £2,118m

  £2,312m

09 

08 

  £278m

  £317m

09 

08 

  £201m

  £262m

Adjusted earnings per share*

Dividend per share

09 

08 

  37.2p

  47.9p

09 

08 

  14.7p

  14.7p

*  Before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets and exceptional items;  

see Consolidated Income Statement on page 66 and reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

Contents

01 Introduction  02 Chairman’s Statement  04-32 Business Review  04 Chief Executive’s Review  12 DMGT at a Glance 14 Management 
Structure  15-21 Business to Business  15 Risk Management Solutions  17 dmg information  19 dmg world media  20 Euromoney 
Institutional Investor  22-27 Consumer  22 A&N Media: Associated Newspapers  25 A&N Media: Northcliffe Media  27 dmg radio 
australia  28 Financial and Treasury Review  33 DMGT and Corporate Responsibility  37 Board of Directors and Secretary  38 Directors’ 
Report  42 Corporate Governance  47 Remuneration Report  65 Independent Auditors’ Statement  66 Consolidated Income Statement   
67 Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense  68 Recognition of Movements in Equity  69 Consolidated Balance Sheet   
71 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  73 Significant Accounting Policies  83 Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement  99 Notes to  
the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  103 Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheet  147 Principal Subsidiaries  149 Five Year Financial 
Summary  151 Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc  152 Company Balance Sheet  153 
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet – U.K. GAAP  161 Shareholder Information

About dmgt

Investor relations

Corporate Responsibility

dmgt.co.uk/aboutdmgt
Group Overview
Board of Directors
DMGT History
DMGT Fact File

Corporate structure

dmgt.co.uk/corporatestructure
Management Structure
Risk Management Solutions
dmg information
dmg world media
Euromoney
Associated Newspapers
Northcliffe Media
dmg radio australia

dmgt.co.uk/investorrelations
Financial Announcements
Financial Calendar
Share Information
Analyst Consensus
Reports and Presentations
Board of Directors
Shareholder Services
Financial Analysis
Fixed Income Investors
Contacts for Investors

Corporate Governance

dmgt.co.uk/corporategovernance
Board Remit
Committee Remits
DMGT Memorandum and Articles

dmgt.co.uk/corporateresponsibility
The Community
The Environment
Our Employees
Our Readers
Financial Markets
For Schools

Media Centre

dmgt.co.uk/mediacentre
News Releases
Image Library
DMGT Factfile

Feedback

dmgt.co.uk/contact

Designed and produced by salterbaxter   Printed by CTD 

1

Introduction

Introduction

We are an innovative, adaptable and far-sighted 
company that has evolved over nearly 90 years  
to become a diversified worldwide media and 
information business. While we continue to adapt 
and do well in tough economic conditions, we are 
still very much a long-term business with strong 
underlying values. We are continuing to innovate  
and invest in preparation for the upturn.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Chairman’s Statement

2

Chairman’s
Statement

I would like to thank our employees  
for their magnificent response  
to the torrid market conditions.

Even more challenging  
year than last year 
This has been a most challenging year, 
and I would like to start by thanking all the 
Group’s employees for their magnificent 
response to torrid market conditions for 
all of our businesses. When the world’s 
financial system faced melt-down in 
October 2008, it was clear that we  
had to act fast to reduce our cost base, 
particularly in our newspaper divisions. 
As a result of this, we sadly had to  
release over 2,500 employees across  
our businesses.

But I’ve been very impressed at the speed 
with which all our businesses reacted  
in their own way to rapidly changing 
circumstances. A number have had to  
cut their cost base sharply; others, more 
fortunate, have only had to scale back 
their growth ambitions; a lucky few  
have actually continued to grow well.

In the circumstances, I am very pleased 
that we are reporting operating profit* 
down only 12% on last year’s result,  
and that it actually increased in the 
second half of the year.

An interesting time for a new 
Chief Executive to take over!
Martin Morgan took over as Chief 
Executive on 1st October, 2008. He cannot 
have expected, or wanted, such a baptism 
of fire, and much of the credit for the 
resilience shown in our results for the 
year belongs to him. 

Under his leadership, we have sold, 
restructured or closed a number  
of businesses around the Group  
that were loss making. But we have  
continued to invest in organic growth  
and continued to make a small number  
of bolt-on type acquisitions.

Martin has also started to put in  
place initiatives around talent and 
communications that will bear fruit  
over many years. We have been able  
to take advantage of the market  
downturn to bring in a number of  
very able senior executives.

The Group’s financial structure
With the benefit of hindsight, we went  
into this downturn with too much debt on  
our balance sheet, given the speed with  
which, we now know, the profitability of 
some consumer businesses can decline. 
However, the structure of our debt 
financing was sound, significantly due  
to some very timely facility extensions  
in 2008, and proved equal to all the 
uncertainty that was thrown at it this  
year. While we are now well placed  
in terms of availability and length of 
financing, I do want us to bring our  
debt back to our desired level as fast  
as possible. That way, we will better be 
able to take advantage of the opportunities 
that are surely going to arise.

Diversification
My father made a decision some 15 years 
ago to diversify the Group away from  
the U.K. newspaper market into other 
media less dependent on newspapers, 
advertising and the U.K. Given what has 
happened in the last year, that decision 
has proved to have been inspired. From 
next to nothing then, our B2B businesses 
have this year contributed nearly three 
quarters of the Group’s profit, with over 
60% of our profits* coming from outside 
the U.K. While some of the diversification 
has been more successful than others,  
in total it has been a well executed 
expansion, largely into the United States, 
graveyard of so many U.K. company 
expansion plans.

The Viscount Rothermere 
Chairman

*  Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items  

and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

3

Chairman’s Statement

Board changes
The year has seen further change on  
the Board, to which I referred in last 
year’s report. In February, we said 
goodbye to Ian Park, who had served  
the Group since 1984, first as Managing 
Director of Northcliffe until 1995, and 
latterly as an excellent non-executive 
Director. Then, in July, Marius Gray stood 
down from the Board after a remarkable 
24 years, including many years as 
Chairman of the Audit Committee. His 
contribution to the Board’s deliberations 
and to the Group’s success over the period 
of his tenure has been great, and he gives 
the lie to those who say that non-executive 
directors should serve for no longer than 
nine years. In Marius’ place, we welcomed  
to the Board David Nelson, senior partner 
of Dixon Wilson, Chartered Accountants.  
I am also grateful to David Verey, who  
has taken on the onerous role of 
Chairman of the Audit Committee.

The year ahead
The world appears to be a lot more  
stable than it was earlier this year,  
which is encouraging, and should  
enable our businesses outside the U.K.  
to return towards their historic growth 
rates. However, the U.K. economy, and 
particularly the U.K. consumer, looks  
likely to remain under pressure from  
tax rises, which seems likely in turn  
to restrain consumer advertising. 

Rothermere 
Chairman

Are newspapers dying?
To paraphrase Mark Twain, I think  
that rumours of their death are much 
exaggerated! The Daily Mail maintained  
its profitability this year, the second 
highest in its history. The combination  
of a formidable brand strength, a loyal 
audience very desirable to retail 
advertisers particularly, and less 
dependence on classified advertising, 
make it a wonderful business which,  
I believe, will be around for many years  
to come. 

Our regional titles have not fared so  
well this year, with their key classified 
advertising categories badly hit this year 
by the recession, rather than by structural 
challenges. While I do believe they will 
recover, I still expect regional media to 
look radically different in a decade, and 
we need to identify the winning business 
model to garner local revenues.

Changes in the online world
I am delighted to see so many online 
innovations and product developments 
around the Group, both in our B2B  
and our B2C companies. Ours is an 
increasingly digital world and, as a  
leading media company, we have no 
choice but to embrace it fully.

I welcome all initiatives around the  
world to encourage charging for good 
journalism and other products online.  
We continue to develop our classified 
advertising sites and the specialist sites 
linked to our newspaper titles, such as 
ThisisMoney, recently named Personal 
Finance Website of the Year in the U.K.  
We have recently launched a series of 
‘hyperlocal’ websites, aimed at smallish 
communities around the U.K., building on 
user generated content; early response 
from users is very encouraging.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

4

Chief Executive’s
Review

Our strategy for future success  
lies in three key areas.

1.  Growing our Business to Business divisions

2.  Supporting our newspapers and investing 

in digital consumer media

3.  Turning DMGT into a global growth company

Introduction
This Business Review is addressed to the 
members of the Company. Its purpose  
is to help them assess how the Directors 
have performed in their duty to promote 
the success of the Company. It is  
framed by the principles and guidelines 
for Operating and Financial Reviews 
published by the U.K. Accounting 
Standards Board in 2006. It outlines  
the main operational and financial  
factors underpinning the development, 
performance and position of the Group as 
well as those likely to affect performance 
over the coming year, illustrating this with 
key performance indicators.

This Chief Executive’s Review will start  
by setting out the nature, objectives and 
strategy of the Group. A business review 
of the development and performance of 
each of our operating divisions will follow 
on pages 15 – 27. A Financial and Treasury 
Review is on pages 28 to 32 and the 
principal risks and uncertainties the 
Group faces are set out in the Directors’ 
Report on pages 38 to 41.

DMGT’s philosophy
DMGT is a multimedia and information 
company providing essential news, 
entertainment and information services 
on both business to business (B2B) and 
consumer platforms. We operate in many 
different markets, in many countries,  
each with their own competitive and 
regulatory requirements. 

As I am sure you all know, it has been 
DMGT’s philosophy for many years to  
take advantage of its shareholding 
structure and to invest with a long-term 
perspective to generate value. Our 
particular ownership structure, with 
control maintained by the founding family, 

has proved itself throughout our long 
history to be a successful business model 
in the media and information industry.  
It is this ownership structure that affords 
us a longer-term perspective and that  
is at the heart of our philosophy. 

You will appreciate that we are intent  
on remaining diversified across both our 
B2B and consumer media sectors in order 
to give us a breadth of opportunities and 
to spread risk. At present, our B2B arm  
is made up of Risk Management Solutions 
(RMS), dmg information (dmgi), dmg  
world media and Euromoney Institutional 
Investor. Our consumer media division 
consists of A&N Media (which includes 
Mail Newspapers, Associated Northcliffe 
Digital (AND), the free newspaper division 
and Northcliffe Media) and dmg radio 
australia where we have announced  
the creation of a 50:50 joint venture  
with an Australian company called  
Illyria, the private investment vehicle  
of Mr Lachlan Murdoch. 

Strategy
The overarching strategy for the Group  
is to remain the owner of high-quality, 
sustainable, market-leading media and 
information assets across both the B2B 
and consumer sectors and to improve 
DMGT’s overall share rating. 

Over the last year we have experienced  
a very challenging economic environment. 
Our strategic focus was therefore 
preoccupied with managing the Group 
through its short-term challenges with  
the aim of minimising the long-term 
negative implications. We used this  
time as an opportunity to reassess our 
portfolio of businesses and ensure that 
they still operated within the framework  
of our investment criteria. We made every 
effort not to lose sight of our long-term 
strategic objectives and so continued to 
invest in new products and services.

Martin Morgan 
Chief Executive

*  Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items  

and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

5

Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

high margin, cash generative and  
produce a high return on capital.  
We are also focused on capturing and 
retaining entrepreneurial management, 
and we give preference to businesses 
which can benefit from DMGT’s  
long-term perspective. 

We have started to narrow the overall 
breadth of DMGT and to focus hard on 
businesses which have strong profit  
and growth potential. As evidence of  
this policy you can look to our refocusing 
of the exhibition division away from 
consumer to B2B, the disposal of the 
Evening Standard, the pending closure  
of all but the Freeview holiday and 
commercial service offerings of Teletext 
television service, the merger of our Metro 
Ireland with Herald AM, the recent closure 
of London Lite and the announcement of 
the sale of 50% of our interest in dmg 
radio, which, following our exit from  
U.K. radio a number of years ago, had 
become less of a core asset.

During the year we restricted our 
acquisition programme and only 
completed on a small number of limited 
scale deals which could be rolled into  
our best performance companies. 

In future, when we start making 
acquisitions again, we will continue our 
policy of not betting the farm on very large 
individual transactions, but instead on a 
programme of selective smaller scale 
deals which we can develop and which can 
benefit from our longer-term perspective. 
We will continue to divest on a periodic 
basis, and our track record over the last 
few years is generally good on this count.

My long-term strategic objective remains 
to turn DMGT into a truly global growth 
company with sustainable earnings and 
dividend growth. In order to achieve this 
goal, we must build on the solid and 
diversified platform that we have 
established. We will do this by continuing 
to invest in organic growth, in internal 
growth projects that will drive long-term 
revenue generation, and by ensuring  
that all our divisions are adopting the 
investment criteria I laid out at our 
Investor Day in March, both in the 
acquisition of new businesses and  
in the management of currently  
owned businesses. 

At Northcliffe Media, which has faced the 
most difficult of market conditions, we 
have reappraised our publishing portfolio 
and carried out a complete overhaul of 
operations. This has rebased the business 
on a much lower cost operating model, 
which will see substantial benefits when 
the economy recovers. 

Simultaneously, we have continued to 
invest in our B2B operations, particularly 
at RMS, dmg information and Euromoney, 
which can be proud of their performance. 
In addition, we have reorganised and 
restructured our exhibition division,  
dmg world media. 

It has long been a policy of mine that 
superior performance can only be 
achieved by superior people. In order  
to realise our long-term strategic 
objectives, it is imperative that we 
continue to carry out our talent agenda. 

The result of this deliberate deployment  
of capital is that an increased percentage 
of the Group’s revenue is generated  
from streams other than advertising: 
principally from subscription-based 
services and events. 

I see the three pillars of my leadership 
being diversification, adaptability  
and innovation.

Allocation of capital
DMGT has always been a first-mover  
in the media and information industry.  
The far-sighted decision, made many 
years ago, to diversify our portfolio and 
move away from a dependence on U.K. 
newspapers, was a critical factor in 
enabling us to perform as well as we did 
this year. Today we still hold a very strong 
market leading position in our national 
paper division, but can now boast a strong 
portfolio within the B2B sector as well. 

Our national papers have done 
tremendously well within an admittedly 
weak marketplace. Indeed, Associated’s 
operating profit* fell only 15% this year, 
which is an outstanding achievement in 
this climate. They are faring much better 
than others and the Daily Mail remains 
highly profitable. Over the last year we 
have continued to invest in our consumer 
sector in order to ensure the realisation  
of our ambitions both in the traditional 
media sphere (newspapers and radio)  
and in their online initiatives. 

A significant part of our operations are 
now outside the U.K. and the Group’s 
exposure to regulation has been greatly 
reduced as a result so that in 2009 more 
than 70% of its operating profits* were 
derived outside newspaper publishing, 
compared to 14% in 1996. Indeed, 73%  
of this year’s operating profit* was 
generated from the Group’s B2B 
operations, up from 60% last year.  
U.S. dollar derived operating profit* 
accounted for approximately 60% of  
the Group’s operating profit*. 

As I mentioned before, our ambition to  
see DMGT become a growth company 
relies on us continuing to adopt a growth 
criterion not only for new investments  
and acquisitions but also for our currently 
owned businesses. Every new investment 
and every existing business is reviewed 
against these criteria and capital will be 
allocated accordingly. We are focused  
on having businesses which operate  
in attractive growth markets. Such 
businesses should have products or 
services that are highly innovative and 
highly valued, brands which people  
value, ones which customers repeat  
buy. We have a strong bias towards 
market leaders. Businesses with these 
characteristics will not only grow but be 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

6

Chief Executive’s Review
Continued

DMGT operational model
You will hopefully have noticed that 
DMGT’s approach to managing the 
Group’s divisions and divisional strategies 
has not changed during these turbulent 
economic times: we continue to adopt  
a decentralised structure. We take a 
considerable amount of comfort in the 
fact that we know all our businesses  
are run by chief executives with expert 
knowledge of their companies and the 
markets in which they operate, and our 
operational structure has reflected this. 
Over the last year, we have continued to 
allow relative divisional autonomy with 
strong incentives based on performance; 
yet we continued to retain central control 
over surplus capital and its reinvestment. 

Maintaining this approach is of upmost 
importance to me. The benefits are 
numerous and made us highly resilient  
in withstanding the economic storm.  
At DMGT we realise that if you want to 
survive in this sector, you must be able to 
react quickly and efficiently to the rapidly 
changing media world in which we exist.  
If divisional management teams are able 
to exercise relative autonomy, they are 
able to keep the decision making as close 
to their customer as possible. I think  
you’ll agree that real innovation comes 
from having a customer focus – our 
decentralised model provides a fertile 
environment for innovative people and,  
in turn, a perfect breeding ground for 
innovative ideas. 

Short-term considerations
I have already mentioned how last year,  
in order to preserve our strategy, we had 
to focus hard on cost reduction and cash 
generative initiatives, given the downward 
pressure on revenues.

I am pleased to say that the decisive 
action we took to defend profitability  
in the first half of the year, along with the 
continued management of our cost base, 
offset much of the impact of the difficult 
and unpredictable trading conditions.  
I am also pleased to say, that having 
initially targeted revenue and cost 
initiatives to improve profitability by  
£100 million, we were able to raise  
that to £150 million by May. 

We took the precaution to model even 
deeper recessionary scenarios and their 
implications. From this information we 
were able to develop a strategy that would 
have enabled us to achieve an acceptable 
level of performance to meet our financial 
commitments. Fortunately, we have not 
had to implement such a plan. 

During these times of increased capital 
constraints, we have focused on nurturing 
our existing businesses rather than on 
making new acquisitions, maintaining 
revenue investment where we have 
growth opportunities. We have continued 
our disciplined disposal programme, 
particularly in the non-core consumer 
division of dmg world media, but also with 
the sale by dmgi of Property & Portfolio 
Research in July. 

record operating profit*. It will continue  
its programme of worldwide growth, by 
deepening its involvement in information 
decision support for risk management  
in the insurance industry and by launching 
new models dealing with new categories 
of risk.

dmg information
Understandably, the overall division  
was affected by the impact of significant 
cyclical declines in property transaction 
volumes. Nevertheless, with two of its 
companies achieving double digit revenue 
growth and operating profit* growth of 
over 20%, dmgi made another record 
operating profit* in sterling terms and 
maintained its profits* growth from  
a standing start in 1998, illustrated  
on page 18. 

We have continued to innovate, for 
example the launch of new hyperlocal 
news and information services, the 
development by Environmental Data 
Resources of a professional social 
networking site for environmental 
professionals, and the launch of AR,  
a print and online offering by Euromoney. 
Through such entrepreneurially  
minded initiatives, we are building  
growth for the future.

Business to Business summary
I am pleased to report that our B2B 
operations demonstrated their resilience 
this year, growing their profits*, despite 
the negative impact of our property 
businesses, and can boast combined 
revenues of £859 million and with a 
healthy operating margin of 24%. 

Risk Management Solutions
RMS continued to grow despite 
challenging market conditions worldwide, 
which curtailed clients’ desire to purchase 
news products and caused some to 
reassess their overall range of purchases 
over the year. There were a number of 
large industry mergers, which impacted 
RMS’s net bookings figures. Whilst 
prudent cost controls were taken in 
response to a slower growth rate in 
revenues, it managed to maintain its 
investment programme for future growth. 
Nevertheless, RMS achieved another 

dmgi’s ambition to invest in must-have, 
high-growth, innovative business 
information companies remains 
unchanged, as does its remit to  
diversify DMGT by sector, by  
business model and by geography. 

dmg world media 
dmg world media continued its strategy  
of divesting its non-core B2C businesses, 
resulting in a streamlined operation  
with market-leading exhibitions and 
conferences. As a consequence of this  
and the actions taken in the year on cost 
initiatives, it will have significantly lower 
revenues in 2009/10, but we expect with 
higher margins. The division now intends 
to expand its portfolio globally, whilst 
completing its withdrawal from the  
less lucrative consumer market and its 
disposal of non-core B2B exhibitions.

Euromoney Institutional Investor
The benefits of Euromoney’s strategy over 
recent years to build a more resilient and 
better focused business by increasing  
the proportion of revenues derived from 
subscription products, now 47% of  
total revenues, and transforming a 
predominantly publishing driven business 
to one with significant activities in 
electronic information and database 
services, were again demonstrated  
by the results produced. 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

7

Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

The Board regards Euromoney as a core 
business and a major plank in our global 
growth ambitions. Our objective at DMGT 
is that our diluted holding should not fall 
below 60% again, as it did in 2006 after  
the acquisition of Metal Bulletin plc.  
DMGT took its share of dividends from 
Euromoney in the year in the form of a 
scrip. This enabled us to offset the dilutive 
effect of the vesting of the second tranche 
of Euromoney’s capital appreciation plan, 
thereby maintaining our equity interest at 
just under 67%. It is the Board’s current 
intention also to take Euromoney’s 
forthcoming final dividend in the form  
of a scrip. 

Consumer 
As I am sure you are all aware, the 
consumer media industry is witnessing  
a time of unprecedented change. Whilst 
technology is undoubtedly an enabler, 
allowing us to extend our reach to our 
chosen audiences over a multitude  
of platforms, it has had a significant 
deflationary effect on advertising  
yields and newspaper copy sales.  
The environment forces us to remain  
even more focused and orientated  
around the needs of our customers  
and on the strength of our brands.

The availability of online news content  
in conjunction with the current economic 
climate has created less than ideal 
trading conditions for our printed paper 
businesses. Yet we remain positive in  
our outlook for both our national and  
local papers. 

We were forced to take decisive action  
in the first half of the year which had 
positive repercussions in the second  
half. At Associated Newspapers, this  
was driven by the strength of the Daily 
Mail which maintained its profitability.  
At Northcliffe, an improving profits*  
trend since the spring was aided by 
stabilisation of absolute weekly levels  
of advertising revenue as well as deep 
cost cutting and reorganisation measures. 

dmg radio australia increased its  
profits* by cutting costs and performing 
better than the radio advertising market 
as a whole.

Associated Newspapers
I can assure you all that the longer-term 
outlook for Associated remains robust. 
Quality of content has been at the heart  
of our success at Associated and we 
continue to invest in editorial quality. 
Although the graph you will see on page 
24 shows that the circulation of both the 
Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday fell 
marginally more than the market, we  
have already implemented a number of 
measures to ensure that we recruit more 
long-term loyal purchasers through a 
sustained direct marketing campaign.  
As a consequence, you will notice that 
circulation has stabilised in recent 
months and our market share is  
rising once again.

In addition to the profit enhancement 
programme, over the past year we have 
taken further measures to defend 
Associated’s profitability and to improve 
on its margins. In February, we took 
decisive action in selling a 75.1% 
controlling interest in the Evening 
Standard. We remain as a minority 
shareholder but with no involvement in  
its management. In July, we announced 
the planned closure of the majority of 
Teletext’s television business by early 
2010. The remaining businesses, which 
are profitable and show good profit 
growth potential, have been transferred  
to Associated Northcliffe Digital (AND) 
and will focus around the company’s 
online travel activities. 

London Lite traded in line with last year, 
but, following the decision of the Evening 
Standard to go free in October 2009,  
it was closed on 13th November after 
consultation with its employees. 

Our free morning newspaper, Metro, 
remains profitable and is well established 
and traded strongly towards the year end. 

Mail Digital continued to make  
progress this year. Despite the adverse 
trading conditions, it recorded a 22% 
improvement in revenue, and traffic to  
its primary website, MailOnline, increased 
by 68% to 30 million unique users in 
September, making it one of the U.K.’s 
leading newspaper websites. We continue 
to invest in this area.

Despite a negative long-term outlook  
for the printed paper industry, I am  
happy to report that the Daily Mail 
remains robust in a downward trending 
market. We continue to work to create  
a viable strategy to monetise better the 
Daily Mail’s readership through database 
marketing and Associated is growing  
its enterprise revenue, selling goods  
and services to readers and capitalising 
on each interaction. 

Naturally, the cost base of our national 
newspapers continues to adjust to a lower 
level of revenue growth due not only to the 
recession but also to the migration online. 
Our objective remains to meet the 
challenges of the digital age without 
losing the powerful advertising response 
from an engaged readership. 

AND’s portfolio of core digital classified 
portals, in jobs, property and motors, 
continued to build their brands in difficult 
economic conditions. During the year 
Jobsite became the recruitment partner 
to Johnston Press, sitting behind their 
extensive range of newspapers and 
websites. AND remains one of the U.K.’s 
leading digital media companies and is 
actively seeking to apply its expertise  
to expand. Its objective is to be the 
number one or two business in each 
chosen market. 

Northcliffe Media
Northcliffe Media was badly hit by very 
weak advertising. All categories suffered 
but particularly jobs, property and 
motors. The business anticipated this  
and moved very fast to reorganise. This 
included the closure of some print titles, 
the closure of three print plants, the 
consolidation of sub-editing and pre-
press centres, new call centres for 
recruitment and private advertising, 
outsourcing of national sales and more 
efficient distribution channels. Massive 
costs were taken out of the business, 
whilst the sales performance, in many 
areas, was significantly better when 
compared to others in the sector. 
Northcliffe remains profitable*. Indeed, 
with revenues having stabilised, 
Northcliffe is now seeing its profits* 
increasing year-on-year.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

8

Chief Executive’s Review
Continued

Northcliffe also extracted additional 
benefits by working more closely with 
AND’s leading digital businesses in  
jobs, property and motors.

Central and Eastern European operations 
felt the full force of the economic 
downturn later than the U.K., with the 
second half proving considerably weaker 
than the first. Our Hungarian newspapers, 
which are sold on subscription, have held 
up relatively well, but advertising markets 
in both print and digital fell substantially.

These adverse economic conditions are 
compounding the underlying structural 
challenges caused by the migration of 
readers and advertisers to the internet. 
We can expect a cyclical bounce back  
of some of the advertising revenue when 
the markets recover. The cyclical nature 
of the downturn in job advertising, in 
particular, is underlined by a similar 
impact felt by Jobsite. The strategic 
objective is to continue to transform 
Northcliffe into a new multi-platform  
local media information business. We  
do not expect to make further significant 
acquisitions in U.K. local print media.

dmg radio australia
dmg radio’s national metropolitan FM 
broadcasting Nova network traded well  
in the year, especially in outperforming 
the radio advertising market which was 
weak. Profitability improved in the year,  
as explained on page 27. 

Summary 
We may have experienced the worst 
recession in 70 years, but it’s not all 
negative. During 2009, our strategy of 
creating a diversified international 
portfolio of market-leading businesses  
in both business and consumer markets 
protected our profitability*. I feel positive 
that we are well positioned to deliver 
long-term growth and to capitalise on 
markets when they return. We have 
performed well in a turbulent market.
Our B2B group is already substantial  
in scale and produces healthy margins. 
The combination of our investment 
approach, focus on entrepreneurial talent 
and ability to be nimble and sure-footed 

will enable us to enter new niche areas  
by investing in market-leading companies 
with high quality earnings potential. 
Furthermore, there continue to be 
opportunities for organic growth  
right across the group. 

Within our consumer operations, we will 
continue to generate value from the Mail 
brand, becoming closer to its readers  
in Modern Mid Britain, capitalising on a 
broader range of consumer interactions 
and taking full advantage of its growing 
strength relative to its competitors. 

AND will continue to exploit the leading 
positions of its existing portfolio whilst it 
seeks out new investment opportunities  
in the consumer digital market place. 

At Northcliffe, we will continue to 
transform the business with the three 
building blocks at the core of this vision 
being a closer relationship with its 
audiences, better local relationships with 
and solutions for its advertising customers 
and a sustainable operating model. 

dmg radio remains devoted to exploiting 
its highly successful national Nova 
network in Australia and bringing its two 
Vega stations into profitability*, and will 
now benefit from the involvement of our 
new Australian partner. 

Share price performance
Our share performance remains 
important to us as it is an indicator as to 
whether our strategy is being understood 
and approved of by investors.

The value of our share price has been 
somewhat turbulent this year, reflecting 
the movements of the markets at large. 
The price of our widely traded ‘A’ shares 
started the financial year at £3.24 and fell 
as low as £2.11 in mid-March. The shares 
rallied at the start of May, along with the 
wider market, reaching £3.60, before 
falling back to £2.67 in June. In August, 
DMGT’s ‘A’ shares were caught up in a 
sharp rise of cyclical stocks, increasing 
back above £4.60, before closing the year 
at £4.39. The share price increased 65% 
from the middle of June to our year end. 

The market’s appreciation of our 
diversified portfolio of assets, the decisive 
actions we took this year, our high quality 
consumer national media franchises and 
the operationally geared nature of  
much of our revenues has led to us 
out-performing our peers again this  
year. Volatility in our share price has been 
increased by stock lending of DMGT’s 
shares continuing at unprecedented 
levels, rising from 16% to 23% at the  
end of the year, compared to the  
previous normal level of below 5%. 

Capital structure
The Company has not made a capital call 
on its shareholders since 1933. Capital 
growth is funded by long-term debt and  
by retained earnings. Since the late 1980s, 
our strategy has been to seek to raise the 
dividend in real terms. Since 2002, the 
Board’s policy has been to target a real 
rate of growth in the dividend in the region 
of 5% to 7% on the basis of the Directors’ 
confidence in the Group’s long-term 
financial health. 

Last November, the Board met following 
the onset of the full blown global financial 
crisis, with the U.K. economy having 
deteriorated significantly and DMGT 
looking to conserve cash in order to 
reduce its net debt. As a consequence,  
the Board declared an unchanged final 
dividend. This year, it decided to keep the 
total dividend unchanged, pending greater 
visibility on the economic outlook, whilst 
maintaining its policy of seeking to 
increase the dividend in real terms over 
the economic cycle. As shown on page 9, 
the compound dividend growth over the 
last twenty one years is 10% in nominal 
terms, which is an increase of 7% in  
real terms. 

The Company utilised 10,184,237  
‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares out of 
treasury in order to meet obligations  
to provide shares under various  
incentive plans valued at £29 million.  
It also acquired 1,626,058 such shares  
in treasury for £5.6 million.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

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Chief Executive’s Review

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ensure that we continue to attract and 
promote the very best talent and reward 
talent suitably in line with shareholders’ 
interests. During the year, Joe McCollum, 
our Human Resources Director, rolled out 
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programme. We also held our first ever 
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all its people. It is my strong belief that  
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it is the obligation of a Chief Executive  
to leave a company in a better shape than  
he found it in and I realise that the skills 
required of leaders in our industry ten 
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We made several further key 
appointments in order to populate the 
Group with new superior talent, talent  
of a new era, of a digital age, coming  
from within and from outside the Group. 
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At A&N Media, these included the 
appointment of Richard Titus, who joined 
us from the BBC, as chief executive of 
AND; from EMAP, Marcus Rich, as deputy 
managing director of Mail Newspapers; 
from News International, Roland Agambar 
as chief marketing officer; and from 
Alliance & Leicester, Jo Hart as director  
of shared services. RMS appointed 
Philippe Stephan as chief technology 

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Performance of DMGT ‘A’ and FTSE All-Share index  
relative to values at 30th September, 1988
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  DMGT A 

  FT All-Share Index

DMGT dividend history for the period 1988 – 2009 (pence)

officer and Paul Bianchi as senior vice 
president of human resources. DMGT  
will always invest in its people in order  
to grow.

Relationships with stakeholders, 
other than shareholders
Across the Group we take our corporate 
responsibility (CR) seriously. This vision 
permeates our approach to everything 
and influences our outlook on the 
environment, our employees and on local 
community issues where we operate. 

As one significant example of how our  
CR agenda can have a very beneficial 
implication for a community, RMS has 
developed an earthquake risk model 
which, in the event of an earthquake, 
assesses the likely number of injuries  
and displaced households, the potential 
fatalities, and the total economic loss.  
The humanitarian implications of this are 
immeasurable and while RMS’s models 
are a source of considerable revenue 
generation for its core business, RMS  
is committed to our CR agenda, and to  
this end they are providing, at no cost, 
advice on mitigation programmes in six  
South American and Latin American  
cities regarding engineering and housing 
construction in an attempt to minimise the 
damage (human and property) caused by 
earthquakes in these poorer communities. 

This is just one example of how DMGT 
companies are combining innovation and 
their business knowledge to drive their 
commitment to corporate responsibility.  
It is an attitude that I hope will permeate 
the Group at large over the next few years. 

For more detailed information on our  
CR agenda, please see the CR Report on 
pages 33 to 36 which makes reference  
to the policies the Board has adopted in 
this area, including the Code of Conduct, 
which was introduced in July this year.

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www.dmgtreports.com/2009

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Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

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Chief Executive’s Review
Continued

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DMGT and the environment
2006
2007
2003
1999
The environment is a topical issue.  
We recognise that our businesses have  
an impact on the environment, be that 
through our printing operations, offices, 
transport or other activities. We are  
truly committed to ensuring that, where 
possible, our impact on the environment  
is minimised. 

The greatest impact we make arises  
from our printing operations. Here,  
I am pleased to say that we have been 
diligent in measuring and reducing  
waste in our usage of materials, and, 
through our analysis of our carbon 
footprint, monitoring and improving  
our efficiency in the use of energy. 

We started to measure our footprint  
in 2006 and the graph shown opposite 
illustrates that the Group’s emissions 
have fallen steadily since then. 

We recently embarked on an energy 
management and abatement programme, 
commissioning specialist consultants to 
conduct an energy efficiency exercise at 
DMGT’s head office and an audit of energy 
consumption in our five U.K. print plants. 
The objective of the audit was to identify 
potential opportunities for saving  
energy, thereby reducing the Group’s 
environmental impact. As a result of  
this audit, Head Office carbon emissions  
have been reduced by 18% annually.  
In addition, energy saving measures and 
further investment at our print plants, in 
conjunction with the closure of older more 
inefficient production units, will, when the 
project is complete, provide a 40% saving 
against our original carbon output. If this 
initiative proves successful, we hope, 
where financially viable, to implement 
similar projects across the Group. 

DMGT and our employees 
Whilst continuing to invest in talent,  
the necessary focus on cost reduction 
meant that, regrettably, the number of 
employees fell by 2,760 from 17,524 at the 
beginning of the year to 14,764 at the year 
end, a reduction of 16%. This is not 
something we undertook lightly. The 
largest components of this arose within 

A&N Media’s U.K. operations (excluding 
the Evening Standard) which fell by over 
1,600 (16%) in the year, including the job 
losses from the closure of the three 
regional printing plants.

DMGT has been operating defined benefit 
pension schemes, primarily in its 
newspaper businesses, for a long time 
and has a reputation for the quality of 
pension provision for its employees. 
However, the cost of providing this benefit 
continues to rise as people are expected 
to live longer and, more recently, as 
turmoil in financial markets has reduced 
returns expected from investments. 

Given the size of the Company’s pension 
commitments compared to the size of  
the Group itself, this cost needs to be 
controlled to ensure the financial health 
both of the Company and of the pension 
scheme. Accordingly, the Board decided 
this year to keep its defined benefit  
(final salary) scheme open for current 
employees, but to close it to new 
employees with effect from 30th 
September. The Company also plans to 
introduce a series of measures designed 
to help secure the financial health of this 
scheme into the future. From 1st October, 
2009, new employees of A&N Media have 
been offered a defined contribution plan. 
This is consistent with our other newer 
and more international divisions where  
we have long believed defined contribution 
pension plans to be more appropriate. 

Social and community issues
Whilst the Group does not have formal 
policies in this area, community 
involvement is integral to our business,  
as well as to the personal motivation of 
our employees. We donate money, time 
and in-kind donations such as radio 
airtime and advertising space, and staff 
actively give time in their communities  
to a huge range of activities, including 
fundraising, organising events and acting 
as trustees to charitable initiatives. 

1988

CO2 efficiency (Emissions per revenue – 
1997
1992
CO2/£m Revenue)

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

11

Business Review
Chief Executive’s Review

At dmg radio australia, the radio market 
in Australia is expected to improve 
marginally over the next six months with  
a return to growth mid 2010. Given the 
robust performance of Nova and the 
restructuring of the Vega stations,  
dmgra expects to capitalise on this 
improved outlook.

I firmly believe that we have weathered 
the storm of this recession in the most 
effective way possible with more of our 
businesses being more geared towards 
the upturn than ever before.

Our focus will remain on cash generation 
and debt reduction, based on an 
assumption of no meaningful short- 
term improvement in the U.K. economy.  
At the same time, we will continue to  
drive organic growth through new  
product development and investments  
to increase market share.

We are a leaner and more focused 
company that is well positioned to  
benefit from any upturn in the economy 
and to deliver long-term growth.

Martin Morgan
Chief Executive

Information about persons  
with whom the Company  
has contractual or other 
arrangements essential  
to the Company’s business 
Group companies undertake business 
with a range of customers and suppliers. 
There is no dependence on any particular 
contractual arrangement, other than 
those disclosed in Note 38 to the Accounts 
as regards ink and printing, where 
arrangements are in place until 2015 and 
2022 respectively to obtain competitive 
prices and to secure supplies.

As regards the Group’s principal 
commodity, newsprint, arrangements are 
made annually with a range of suppliers  
to ensure the security of supply at the best 
available prices, having regard to the need 
for the necessary quality. Particularly  
in the light of its strategy to create a 
diversified international portfolio of media 
businesses, the Group is not dependent  
on any suppliers of other commodities, 
nor for its revenue on any particular 
customer. Distribution arrangements  
are in place to ensure the delivery of 
newspapers to retail outlets.

Trends and factors likely  
to affect the outlook
Given the signs of stabilisation in our 
markets, I remain positive about the  
year ahead. The new financial year has 
started with trading conditions remaining 
generally challenging. However, we are 
encouraged by the levels of growth and 
opportunities within our B2B operations 
together with continued signs of 
stabilisation within A&N Media.

RMS has already booked a number  
of contracts in the insurance-linked 
securities market which is a sign of 
improving health of capital markets.  
It is looking to resume the achievement  
of low double digit growth this year. 

At dmgi, there is some cautious optimism 
of the early signs of a gradual recovery  
in U.K. property markets. We expect  
our education, energy and financial 
information businesses to continue  
to grow strongly. 

At dmg world media, in general we  
expect exhibitor demand to be weak  
with a recovery more likely to be later  
in 2010 and into 2011. Our streamlined 
operating structure and remaining 
portfolio of market-leading exhibitions 
and conferences will allow the business  
to maximise its profit* and to capitalise 
quickly on any recovery. 

Euromoney’s current trading is in line  
with its expectations. The first quarter  
of the new financial year is expected  
to be the toughest: it expects a decline  
in year-on-year revenues to continue  
and profits* to fall despite the benefit  
of cost savings implemented in 2009  
and favourable exchange rates. From the 
second quarter, the year-on-year revenue 
comparatives should become easier, but 
the point at which revenues start to grow 
again is dependent entirely on the timing 
and scale of any recovery. The focus on 
maintaining margins will therefore be 
continued, although Euromoney has  
also stepped up its investment in new 
products and electronic publishing to take 
advantage of the recovery when it comes. 

Within A&N Media, national advertising 
revenue at Associated in the first eight 
weeks was down 8% on last year, a much 
better picture than seen in 2008/09. It is 
still difficult to predict future revenue 
trends, but we will benefit from the full 
year effect of the cost and efficiency 
improvements made during 2008/09 and 
elimination of loss-making entities. These 
leave Associated well placed to capitalise 
on the eventual recovery in the economy. 

At Northcliffe, advertising revenues seem 
to have stabilised with a much more 
consistent weekly run rate. Cost reduction 
will continue to be a focus and further 
savings will be made in 2010 as the 
programme of transformation continues. 
As with Associated, Northcliffe will benefit 
from the full year impact of the cost and 
efficiency improvements made in 2008/09. 
Our newspaper businesses will also 
benefit from lower newsprint costs.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Business Review
DMGT at a Glance

12

DMGT
at a Glance 

Divisional activities

Principal brands and products

Risk Management Solutions

– RiskLink
– RiskBrowser
– RiskSearch
– RiskTools Components
– ExposureSource Database
– Data Quality Toolkit
– Miu ILS Platform
– Paradex Parametric Indices

Employees  
at year end

1,757

Overview

Percentage  

of revenue

Head office

RMS is the world’s leading provider of products, services and expertise for the 

quantification and management of catastrophe risk. For 20 years RMS has applied models, 

analytics, data and multi-disciplinary knowledge to the management of insurance risk 

associated with perils such as earthquakes, hurricanes, windstorms and terrorist attacks. 

More than 400 leading insurers, reinsurers, trading companies and other financial 

institutions rely on RMS models’ analytics to make better risk management decisions. 

7%

£137m

7015 Gateway Boulevard

Newark

CA 94560

U.S.

Tel 001 510 505 2500

dmg information

–  Environmental Data Resources
–  Landmark Information Group
–  Trepp

–  Lewtan Technologies
–  Sanborn
–  Genscape
–  Hobsons

1,601

dmg world media

Euromoney Institutional  
Investor

A&N Media: Associated  
Newspapers

A&N Media:  
Northcliffe Media

dmg radio australia

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

–  New York International Gift Fair
–  Big 5, Index, and Hotel Show 

(Dubai)

–  Global Petroleum Show (Canada)
–  Surf Expo (U.S.)

–  Evanta’s CIO Executive Summits  

(U.S., Canada, Australia)
–  Gastech (Abu Dhabi 2009,  

Amsterdam 2011)

–  ad:tech (U.S., U.K., Australasia)
–  Imedia (U.S., U.K., Australasia)
–  ADIPEC (Abu Dhabi)

428

dmg world media is a leading international exhibition company that produces nearly  

70 market-leading trade exhibitions and conferences and publishes several online  

and print products.

dmg world media’s operation includes nearly 20 offices across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., 

the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Australia and additional exhibitions in countries 

such as the Netherlands, Thailand, and Venezuela.

–  Euromoney
–  Institutional Investor
–  Euroweek
–  Asiamoney
–  Latin Finance
–  Total Derivatives

–  The Daily Mail
–  The Mail on Sunday
–  Mail Online
–  TravelMail
–  This is Money
–  Metro
–  Loot

–  International Financial  

Law Review

–  Petroleum Economist
–  ISI Emerging Markets
–  BCA Research
–  Metal Bulletin
–  IMN

–  Thisistravel.co.uk
–  Teletextholidays.co.uk
–  Jobsite.co.uk
–  Villarenters.com
–  FindaProperty.com
–  Primelocation.com
–  Motors.co.uk
–  Loopylove.com

–  Leicester Mercury
–  Stoke – The Sentinel
–  Hull Daily Mail
–  Nottingham Evening Post
–  South Wales Evening Post
–  Evening Post (Bristol)

–  Thisis
–  Jobsite.co.uk
–  FindaProperty.com
– Primelocation.com
–  Motors.co.uk
–  Kisalfold (Gyor, Hungary)
–  Pravda (Bratislava, Slovakia)
– Profesia (Bratislava, Slovakia)

2,012

4,130

4,256

–  Nova 969 (Sydney)
–  Nova 100 (Melbourne)
–  Nova 1069 (Brisbane)
–  Nova 919 (Adelaide)
–  Nova 937 (Perth – Joint venture)

–  Vega 953 (Sydney)
–  Vega 915 (Melbourne)
–  5AA (Adelaide)
–  Star 1045 (Central Coast)
–  Brisbane 97.3 (Joint venture)

510

Headquartered in Newark, California, RMS serves the global financial markets from 

offices worldwide, with offices in the U.S., U.K., Bermuda, France, Switzerland, India, 

Japan and China.

dmg information is the Group’s business information division, providing business-to-

business information to the property, financial, energy, geo-spatial and educational 

recruitment markets. 

The U.S. accounts for the majority of revenues with the U.K. and Australia representing  

the other significant geographic markets.

11%

£230m

8%

£175m

£876m

15%

£328m

3%

£55m

3 Stamford Landing

Suite 400

46 Southfield Avenue

Stamford

Connecticut

CT 06902

U.S.

Tel 001 203 973 2940

3 Stamford Landing

Suite 400

46 Southfield Avenue

Stamford

Connecticut

CT 06902

U.S.

Tel 001 203 973 2940

Nestor House

Playhouse Yard

London EC4V 5EX

England

Tel 020 7779 8888

Northcliffe House

2 Derry Street

London W8 5TT

England

Tel 020 7938 6000

Northcliffe House

2 Derry Street

London W8 5TT

England

Tel 020 7400 1401

Level 5

75 Hindmarsh Square

Adelaide SA 5000

Australia

Tel 006 188 419 5000

Euromoney is a leading international business-to-business media group focused primarily 

on the international finance, metals and commodities sectors. It publishes more than  

70 magazines, newsletters and journals, including Euromoney, Institutional Investor and 

Metal Bulletin. It also runs an extensive portfolio of conferences, seminars and training 

courses and is a leading provider of electronic information and data covering international 

finance, metals and commodities and emerging markets. Its main offices are in London, 

New York, Montreal and Hong Kong and nearly half of its revenues are derived from 

15%

£318m

emerging markets.

to A&N Media.

Associated Newspapers is the Group’s national newspaper division which is also 

responsible for running the Group’s newspaper companion digital sites, Associated 

Northcliffe Digital and Teletext. Through Harmsworth Printing it provides printing services 

41%

Associated Northcliffe Digital, including the A&N Media companion sites, reaches an 

estimated 24% of all U.K. internet users.

Northcliffe Media is one of the largest local media organisations in the U.K., operating 

from 17 publishing centres. Northcliffe publishes over 100 publications in the U.K., 

including 17 paid-for daily titles, two free daily titles, 37 paid-for weeklies and over 60 free 

weekly newspapers. The unduplicated readership of Northcliffe’s newspapers is seven 

million. Furthermore, Northcliffe’s network of 150 local ‘this is’ websites attracted  

4.4 million unique users with 50 million page impressions in September 2009. Other 

commercial activities include international publishing interests in Hungary, Slovakia, 

Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.

dmg radio australia holds nine radio licences, including the national Nova FM network  

of stations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth and the Vega FM stations  

in Sydney and Melbourne.

Nova is a leading national radio network for listeners aged 18-39, while Vega is steadily 

growing its share of the 40-54 demographic, a complementary audience profile to Nova.

 
 
 
13

Business Review
DMGT at a Glance

Divisional activities

Principal brands and products

Overview

Percentage  
of revenue

Head office

RMS is the world’s leading provider of products, services and expertise for the 
quantification and management of catastrophe risk. For 20 years RMS has applied models, 
analytics, data and multi-disciplinary knowledge to the management of insurance risk 
associated with perils such as earthquakes, hurricanes, windstorms and terrorist attacks. 
More than 400 leading insurers, reinsurers, trading companies and other financial 
institutions rely on RMS models’ analytics to make better risk management decisions. 

7%
£137m

7015 Gateway Boulevard
Newark
CA 94560
U.S.
Tel 001 510 505 2500

Headquartered in Newark, California, RMS serves the global financial markets from 
offices worldwide, with offices in the U.S., U.K., Bermuda, France, Switzerland, India, 
Japan and China.

dmg information is the Group’s business information division, providing business-to-
business information to the property, financial, energy, geo-spatial and educational 
recruitment markets. 

The U.S. accounts for the majority of revenues with the U.K. and Australia representing  
the other significant geographic markets.

dmg world media is a leading international exhibition company that produces nearly  
70 market-leading trade exhibitions and conferences and publishes several online  
and print products.

dmg world media’s operation includes nearly 20 offices across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., 
the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Australia and additional exhibitions in countries 
such as the Netherlands, Thailand, and Venezuela.

Euromoney is a leading international business-to-business media group focused primarily 
on the international finance, metals and commodities sectors. It publishes more than  
70 magazines, newsletters and journals, including Euromoney, Institutional Investor and 
Metal Bulletin. It also runs an extensive portfolio of conferences, seminars and training 
courses and is a leading provider of electronic information and data covering international 
finance, metals and commodities and emerging markets. Its main offices are in London, 
New York, Montreal and Hong Kong and nearly half of its revenues are derived from 
emerging markets.

Associated Newspapers is the Group’s national newspaper division which is also 
responsible for running the Group’s newspaper companion digital sites, Associated 
Northcliffe Digital and Teletext. Through Harmsworth Printing it provides printing services 
to A&N Media.

Associated Northcliffe Digital, including the A&N Media companion sites, reaches an 
estimated 24% of all U.K. internet users.

Northcliffe Media is one of the largest local media organisations in the U.K., operating 
from 17 publishing centres. Northcliffe publishes over 100 publications in the U.K., 
including 17 paid-for daily titles, two free daily titles, 37 paid-for weeklies and over 60 free 
weekly newspapers. The unduplicated readership of Northcliffe’s newspapers is seven 
million. Furthermore, Northcliffe’s network of 150 local ‘this is’ websites attracted  
4.4 million unique users with 50 million page impressions in September 2009. Other 
commercial activities include international publishing interests in Hungary, Slovakia, 
Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.

dmg radio australia holds nine radio licences, including the national Nova FM network  
of stations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth and the Vega FM stations  
in Sydney and Melbourne.

Nova is a leading national radio network for listeners aged 18-39, while Vega is steadily 
growing its share of the 40-54 demographic, a complementary audience profile to Nova.

11%
£230m

8%
£175m

15%
£318m

41%
£876m

15%
£328m

3%
£55m

3 Stamford Landing
Suite 400
46 Southfield Avenue
Stamford
Connecticut
CT 06902
U.S.
Tel 001 203 973 2940

3 Stamford Landing
Suite 400
46 Southfield Avenue
Stamford
Connecticut
CT 06902
U.S.
Tel 001 203 973 2940

Nestor House
Playhouse Yard
London EC4V 5EX
England
Tel 020 7779 8888

Northcliffe House
2 Derry Street
London W8 5TT
England
Tel 020 7938 6000

Northcliffe House
2 Derry Street
London W8 5TT
England
Tel 020 7400 1401

Level 5
75 Hindmarsh Square
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia
Tel 006 188 419 5000

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Risk Management Solutions

– RiskLink

– RiskBrowser

– RiskSearch

– RiskTools Components

– ExposureSource Database

– Data Quality Toolkit

– Miu ILS Platform

– Paradex Parametric Indices

dmg information

–  Environmental Data Resources

–  Lewtan Technologies

–  Landmark Information Group

–  Trepp

–  Sanborn

–  Genscape

–  Hobsons

dmg world media

Euromoney Institutional  

Investor

A&N Media: Associated  

Newspapers

A&N Media:  

Northcliffe Media

dmg radio australia

–  New York International Gift Fair

–  Evanta’s CIO Executive Summits  

–  Big 5, Index, and Hotel Show 

(U.S., Canada, Australia)

(Dubai)

–  Gastech (Abu Dhabi 2009,  

–  Global Petroleum Show (Canada)

Amsterdam 2011)

428

–  Surf Expo (U.S.)

–  ad:tech (U.S., U.K., Australasia)

–  Imedia (U.S., U.K., Australasia)

–  ADIPEC (Abu Dhabi)

–  Euromoney

–  Institutional Investor

–  Euroweek

–  Asiamoney

–  Latin Finance

–  Total Derivatives

–  The Daily Mail

–  The Mail on Sunday

–  Mail Online

–  TravelMail

–  This is Money

–  Metro

–  Loot

–  Leicester Mercury

–  Stoke – The Sentinel

–  Hull Daily Mail

–  Nottingham Evening Post

–  South Wales Evening Post

–  Evening Post (Bristol)

–  International Financial  

Law Review

–  Petroleum Economist

–  ISI Emerging Markets

–  BCA Research

–  Metal Bulletin

–  IMN

–  Thisistravel.co.uk

–  Teletextholidays.co.uk

–  Jobsite.co.uk

–  Villarenters.com

–  FindaProperty.com

–  Primelocation.com

–  Motors.co.uk

–  Loopylove.com

–  Thisis

–  Jobsite.co.uk

–  FindaProperty.com

– Primelocation.com

–  Motors.co.uk

–  Kisalfold (Gyor, Hungary)

–  Pravda (Bratislava, Slovakia)

– Profesia (Bratislava, Slovakia)

–  Nova 969 (Sydney)

–  Nova 100 (Melbourne)

–  Nova 1069 (Brisbane)

–  Nova 919 (Adelaide)

–  Vega 953 (Sydney)

–  Vega 915 (Melbourne)

–  5AA (Adelaide)

–  Star 1045 (Central Coast)

–  Nova 937 (Perth – Joint venture)

–  Brisbane 97.3 (Joint venture)

510

Employees  

at year end

1,757

1,601

2,012

4,130

4,256

 
 
 
Business Review
Management Structure

14

Management
Structure

DMGT

1

2

3

A&N Media: Kevin Beatty 
Chief Executive

4

Risk Management 
Solutions

dmg  
information

dmg world media

Euromoney

Associated  
Newspapers

Northcliffe 
Media

dmg radio australia

7

5

12

6

13

8

14

10

16

11

17

9

15

18

1 Lord Rothermere Chairman, DMGT 2 Martin Morgan Chief Executive, DMGT 3 Peter Williams Finance Director, DMGT 4 Kevin Beatty Chief Executive,  
A&N Media 5 Martin Morgan Chairman, Risk Management Solutions 6 David Dutton Chairman, dmg information 7 Suresh Kavan Chairman, dmg world  
media 8 Padraic Fallon Chairman, Euromoney 9 Lord Rothermere Chairman, Associated Newspapers 10 Lord Rothermere Chairman, Northcliffe Media  
11 Peter Williams Chairman, dmg radio australia 12 Hemant Shah President and Chief Executive, Risk Management Solutions 13 Suresh Kavan Chief Executive,  
dmg information 14 Richard Ensor Managing Director, Euromoney 15 Paul Dacre Editor in Chief, Associated Newspapers 16 Michael Pelosi Managing Director,  
Northcliffe Media 17 Cathy O’Connor Chief Executive, dmg radio australia 18 Kevin Beatty Managing Director, Associated Newspapers

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Business Review
Business to Business: 
Risk Management Solutions

15

Risk Management 
Solutions

Key Figures††

Key developments

£137m

Revenue
(2008: £98m)

£42m

Operating profit*
(2008: £31m)

31%

Operating margin*
(2008: 31%)

* 

† 

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items 
and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit*  
on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year  
and at constant exchange rates.

††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers  

to one decimal place.

•  Operating profit* increased by  
9% with margins* constant.

•  Solid new sales bookings achieved 

despite difficult conditions.

•  Prudent cost controls initiated  
in response to slower growth.

Summary
In its first year as a separate operating 
division, RMS continued its growth  
with an increase in underlying† revenue  
of 7% and operating profit of 9%,  
despite challenging market conditions  
worldwide. The reported results  
benefited significantly from the stronger 
U.S. dollar, in which currency the majority  
of revenues are billed.

Year under review
In spite of difficult economic and trading 
conditions, RMS achieved solid new sales 
bookings in the year. More than 80% of 
new sales were in its core modelling 
business with the rest in specific growth 
initiatives including Data Solutions. 
Growth slowed to some extent in the  
first three-quarters of 2009 by client 
cost-cutting initiatives or client withdrawal 
from certain lines of business leading to 
product swaps and partial reductions in 
annual licence fees. Industry merger 
activity also resulted in 2009 reductions.

Operating achievements for the year 
included successful delivery of the version 
9.0 release for RMS’s core business, 
launch of RMS’s new Data Quality 
Analytics, and strong sales of Miu, a 
software product which helps RMS clients 
manage portfolios of catastrophe bonds.

Strategic direction
Building on 20 years of success as a 
catastrophe modelling company, RMS  
has augmented its strategy for future 
growth. Access to sophisticated models 
has become standard industry practice, 
and RMS clients now seek to differentiate 
themselves through an ability to integrate 
models into their enterprise-wide 
business processes and to understand 
better how to use and interpret models  
to make better decisions. Clients seek 
upstream capability to acquire and 
manage high-quality exposure data,  
and downstream capability to open and 
interpret the models, and then apply these 

insights to deliver targeted decision 
support for underwriting, pricing  
and managing their business. RMS  
is committed to providing complete 
solutions for its clients across this  
value chain.

RMS is also pursuing opportunities to 
extend its modelling ‘franchise’ beyond  
a historic focus on perils able to cause 
sudden, catastrophic, and correlated loss 
of property, business income, and human 
life. The company is investing in several 
growth opportunities in new addressable 
markets where RMS’s core competencies 
can enable the creation of new models, 
databases and analytic applications that 
could fundamentally and more broadly 
improve risk management practices  
in certain additional segments of the 
property, liability/casualty and life/ 
health insurance sectors.

Core business
RMS has established itself as an industry 
leading expert with the largest market 
share in the commercial catastrophe 
modelling business, which includes 
modelling of natural hazards risk, 
terrorism risk and risk from pandemic 
diseases. While RMS serves clients in a 
variety of sectors, its primary market is 
the global property and casualty re/
insurance industry, where it currently 
serves over 350 customers in 30 countries 
around the world. Products and services 
are developed and delivered through the 
activity of nearly 550 RMS employees in 
North America, Europe, Japan and China, 
and approximately 1,200 additional 
colleagues at India-based RMSI.

RMS models are deeply embedded in risk 
decision-making processes throughout 
the re/insurance vertical, including 
insurance companies, insurance and 
reinsurance brokers, reinsurers and  
the capital markets. RMS’s core business 
consists of the development of risk 
models, productised and delivered 
through a software platform and 
supported through high touch client 
relationships. Due to the nature of  
the deliverables, customers require 
interaction with a broad range of  
RMS colleagues with specialised  
skill sets as they seek to understand  
and deploy the models for a variety  
of business applications.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

0

50

Business Review
Business to Business: 
Risk Management Solutions

100

98

99

00

01

02

150

200

250

300

350

16

04

03

Risk Management Solutions
Continued

05

06

07

08

09

5

0

15

RMS released its next-generation models 
20
10
for North America earthquake risks, 
covering the U.S. (including Alaska), 
98
Canada, and Mexico. The new models 
draw on latest scientific research to  
99
help its clients differentiate risk between 
00
individual properties more precisely  
01
and gain greater insight into the factors 
02
affecting uncertainty in model results. 
03
The 9.0 release also included a suite of 
04
new and upgraded earthquake models for 
05
Central and South America that provide 
06
an integrated and seamless basis for 
07
managing earthquake risk across the 
08
entire Americas region. The release  
has been well received by the market, 
09
improving RMS’s competitive position.
100

50

0

40

5

0

15

10

25

20

Data solutions
05
Within the framework of its new strategy, 
06
RMS is expanding ‘upstream’ from its 
07
models to provide its clients with data  
08
and data management solutions. In the 
09
quarter to June, after substantial 
35
30
development work in partnership with  
key clients, RMS released its Data Quality 
Analytics, designed to help its clients 
assess, manage and improve the quality 
of their exposure data. This product 
represents the first of many products, 
services and solutions expected to  
150
provide RMS clients unique insights  
140
into the quality of their data, which  
130
should improve the performance of the 
120
catastrophe models as well as the quality 
110
of their downstream analytics and risk 
100
decisions. Sales were robust in the fourth 
90
quarter, the first following release of  
80
the product, and are expected to grow 
70
strongly in the coming year.
60
1995/96

1997/98

1996/97

1994/95

1998/99

2000/01

1999/2000

25

50

35

40

30

45

Capital markets
The capital markets were virtually shut 
down for the first half of the year, which 
had a significant impact on RMS’s efforts 
in this small but growing sector of its 
business. Catastrophe bond issuance  
was down as compared to 2008, although 
RMS provided expert assistance on 
several transactions. A relatively strong 
sales performance was achieved for the 
Miu software product, ending the year 
with more than 15 new customers and  
a strong pipeline into 2010.

150

200

Continuing investments
Despite the prudent cost controls needed 
250
in order to achieve its budgeted operating 
profit, RMS nevertheless maintained its 
robust investment programme in future 
growth, adding more than 60 new 
headcounts in North America and Europe 
during the year, beginning the ramp up  
of a multi-year development effort on  
its Next Generation software platform, 
and increasing its investment in a variety 
of newer growth initiatives operating in  
its Emerging Risk Solutions group,  
one or more of which is expected to 
deliver substantial growth over the 
medium to long-term.

Outlook
The new year has started well with a 
number of contracts booked, including 
several catastrophe bonds.

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

Latin American  
earthquake models

Focusing on the countries with the 
highest seismic risk and property 
exposure, RMS this year launched 16 
new and updated earthquake models for 
Latin America.

A response to the growing demand in an 
increasingly sophisticated market for 
detailed risk analysis in the region, the 
models enable insurers and reinsurers 
to seamlessly assess risk on a country-
by-country and region-wide basis. They 
also complement RMS’s next-generation 
models for the U.S. and Canada to 
provide the insurance industry with a 
complete picture of earthquake risk 
across the Americas.

 16

New and updated earthquake models  
for Latin America.

Risk Management Solutions revenue (£m)

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

06

07

08

09

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Key Figures††

£230m

Revenue
(2008: £217m)

£46m

Operating profit*
(2008: £44m)

20%

Operating margin*
(2008: 20%)

* 

† 

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items 
and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit*  
on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year  
and at constant exchange rates.

††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers  

to one decimal place.

17

Business Review
Business to Business: 
dmg information

dmg information

Key developments

•  Operating profit* increased  

by 4% with margins* constant

•  Strong performance from financial, 
education and energy companies.

•  Property affected by lower  
transaction volumes in U.S.  
and U.K. but well positioned.

It was a year of turbulence for dmgi’s 
markets with the financial crisis and 
tightening of credit making conditions 
difficult for both our Property Information 
and Financial Information businesses. 
Given this background the robustness of 
our portfolio has been demonstrated and 
overall performance of dmgi has been 
resilient. We are well placed to benefit  
in particular from a recovery in property 
transaction volumes and have used  
these tougher economic conditions to 
strengthen our market positions through 
continuing to enhance and develop 
products across all our markets.

dmgi’s revenues increased by 6% year 
-on-year to £230 million and operating 
profits* were 4% higher at £46 million. 
The businesses comprising dmgi are 
primarily U.S. based and therefore the 
reported results benefit from year-on-
year exchange rate movements. On a  
like-for-like basis, underlying revenue  
and operating profit* reduced by 6%  
and 7% respectively.

Property
Operating profit* from the property 
information companies fell by 23%  
to £18 million, with revenues being  
9% lower at £84 million. Despite this, 
margins* were still around 20% due to 
tight cost control. Underlying† revenues 
and operating profits reduced by 19%  
and 36% respectively.

The volume of housing transactions in the 
U.K. was at all-time low levels throughout 
the year, having plunged dramatically  
in early 2008, and, whilst we saw some 
positive signs of recovery towards the end 
of the financial year, at times the monthly 
volumes were less than half of their 
historical norm. This affected Landmark 
Information Group revenues, albeit our 
market position is as strong as ever.
The commercial property market volumes 
also declined significantly in both the U.S. 

and U.K., affecting Environmental Data 
Resources and Landmark respectively. 
Both companies continue to be innovative 
and expand their product offerings,  
whilst managing costs effectively in  
the current conditions.

During the year we sold Property & 
Portfolio Research, our commercial real 
estate forecasting business, to CoStar, Inc 
in exchange for an equity stake in CoStar, 
a provider of real estate information in  
the U.S. and U.K.

Landmark  
Information Group

Britain’s leading supplier of land and 
property information, Landmark 
Information Group, has seen its annual 
turnover increase more than tenfold over 
the last decade.

Growing its existing operations, moving 
into adjacent markets and entering new 
ones via acquisitions both domestically 
and in Europe, has been key to the 
company’s success.

Looking ahead, further integration of  
its market-leading acquisitions, Quest 
Associates and Metropix, within the 
Landmark product portfolio is high on 
the agenda, as is exploring European 
public sector geospatial opportunities 
and continuing the product expansion 
within the existing businesses in  
Utrecht and Dortmund.

 10x

Increase in Landmark’s turnover  
over the last 10 years.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Genscape, the leading provider of 
real-time information to the energy 
trading markets, grew its underlying† 
revenues by 12%. Whilst continuing  
to expand its geographic coverage of 
electricity supply data in the U.S. and 
continental Europe, the company also 
successfully launched new offerings  
to traders in the oil market and, during  
the forthcoming year, will grow products 
serving the natural gas markets. 

Sanborn’s revenues are primarily  
sourced from U.S. local, state and 
municipal budgets and funding has 
tightened significantly. Sanborn has 
performed well in the circumstances,  
and remains both profitable and in  
a market-leading position.

Throughout all the companies, costs  
have been managed aggressively  
and effectively as circumstances  
have demanded.

Outlook
The past couple of years have 
demonstrated the quality and resilience  
of dmgi companies in uncertain and 
turbulent market conditions. There  
now seems to be some cautious optimism 
of the early signs of a gradual recovery.

50

80

250

350

01

02

03

04

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07

08

09

00

01

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

02

03

Business Review
Business to Business: 
dmg information

05

04

18

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

07

dmg information
Continued

08
00
09
01

10

20

0

02

03

04
00
05
01
Other markets
06
02
63% of dmgi’s revenue comes from its 
07
03
companies operating in the financial, 
08
04
education, energy and geospatial markets. 
09
Revenue in these other markets was 17% 
05
150
higher year-on-year at £146 million and 
06
they contributed operating profits* of £32 
07
million representing 26% growth. The 
08
underlying revenue and operating profits 
09
were higher by 3% and 16% respectively.
200
98

400

100

50

0

0

99
In the financial information market,  
00
Trepp is the market leader of information 
01
to the Commercial Mortgage-Backed 
02
00
Securities (CMBS) market and, in 
03
turbulent market conditions, the value  
01
04
of its data and analytics has been proven 
02
05
by the increasing frequency of use and 
03
growing revenues. Trepp was also 
06
04
selected by the Federal Reserve Bank of 
07
05
New York as the collateral monitor for 
08
06
09
07

30

40

50

60

CMBS as part of the ‘Term Asset-Backed 
Securities Loan Facility’ (TALF). Trepp 
grew its underlying† revenues by 17%.

200

250

Our other company serving the financial 
350
information market, Lewtan Technologies, 
also had a good year, with record profits* 
and significant product enhancements in 
its offerings to the ABS investor market.

300

600

800

1,000

Hobsons, the education information 
business, grew underlying† revenues  
by 6% and improved margins. Hobsons 
continues to pursue an aggressive growth 
strategy, focused on providing products  
to education professionals to assist in the 
preparation, recruitment, management 
and advancement of students. Naviance, 
the company providing solutions in  
the U.S. high school segment, grew 
particularly strongly.

0

15
08
dmg information revenue◊ (£m)
09

10

5

0

10

20

30

20

25

40

30

35

40

45

50

60

70

01
06

02
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03
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04
09

05

06

98

99

00

00
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01
02

02
03

03
04

04
05

05
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06
07

07
08

08
09

09

0

50

100

150

200

◊ Excluding RMS (now a separate division) and Study Group (sold 2006).

100

150

50

200

0

250

300

05

06
dmg information operating profit*◊ (£m)
07

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

08
98
09
99

00

01

02

03

04

05

150
06

140
07
130
08
120
09
110

0

5

10

15

20

25

100
◊ Excluding RMS (now a separate division) and Study Group (sold 2006).
90

30

35

40

45

50

80
98
70
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009
99
60

1994/95

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0

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01

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0

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800

19

1,000

Business Review
Business to Business: 
dmg world media

dmg world media

Key developments

30

•  Operating profit* down by 3%  
on revenue decline of 13%.
40

70

60

50

Outlook
dmg world media will continue to focus  
on its B2B operations in North America, 
the Middle East, Australasia, and U.K. 

80

07

08

Key Figures††

09

0

10

20

£175m

Revenue
00
(2008: £202m)
01

02

04

03

£37m

05

06
Operating profit*
(2008: £38m)
07
08

09

0

21%

50

Operating margin*
(2008: 19%)

100

150

98

99
* 
00

01
† 
02

03

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items 
and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit*  
on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year  
and at constant exchange rates.

04
††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers  
05

to one decimal place.

0

5

10

15

20

06

07

08

09

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

dmg world media operating profit* (£m)
100

50

0

•  Strong performance from Middle  
East business, with profits up 20%.

•  Disposals of non-core B2C  
businesses resulted in a  
streamlined event organiser  
with market-leading products.

200

dmg world media, like the rest of the 
exhibition industry, experienced softer 
bookings for many of its shows which 
translated into lower revenues. Actions 
taken in the year on cost initiatives, 
together with the continued divestment  
of non-core business lines, enabled its 
full year operating profit* to be only 
slightly below that of last year. Dmg world 
media reported an increased operating 
margin. Underlying† revenues, adjusted 
for non-annual events, decreased by 9%  
and operating profit* by 5%. 

350

250

300

Business to business (B2B)
Revenues were down 10% to £149 million 
and profits* down 12% to £36 million. 
Underlying revenues and profits* were 
down 8% and 9%, respectively. The Dubai 
sector, comprising construction, interior 
design and hospitality shows, reported a 
19% increase in revenues and a 20% 
increase in profits*. Performance in the 
Oil and Gas portfolio was driven by one  
25
50
of its largest shows, the biennial ADIPEC, 
which more than doubled its profits from 
its previous show. However, a decline in 
the profits of its BMI and Australasia 
businesses had a detrimental effect on 
the B2B profits. The BMI business was 
sold in September. During the year, we 
divested our West Coast gift shows.

30

40

45

35

Business to consumer (B2C)
As a result of disposals in the last two 
years, B2C is now a small part of the 
division, with all publications fully divested 
and only a small number of remaining 
exhibitions. Overall, the B2C division, 
driven by a decline in the U.K. consumer 
business and certain Art & Antiques 
businesses now divested, performed 
poorly, with revenues down 24% to  
£26 million and losses* unchanged  
at £3 million. 

150

200

250

Recent attendances and booking trends 
have been more encouraging, but are  
yet to convert into revenues. dmg world 
media’s streamlined operating structure 
and broad portfolio of market-leading 
products leaves it well placed for  
any recovery.

ad:tech

With the successful launch of ad:tech 
Tokyo in September, dmg world media 
now runs eight ad:tech branded 
market-leading, award-winning digital 
marketing events annually across  
six countries. 

Playing host to thousands of media, 
marketing and technology professionals 
from around the world, the shows 
provide them with the tools and 
techniques they need to succeed in a 
constantly evolving digital environment.
With events running from March to 
November, ad:tech’s roster now  
takes in Beijing, London, New York,  
San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, 
Sydney and Tokyo.

 8

ad:tech branded market-leading events.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

05

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09

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2

0

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8

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4

2

0

06

07

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09

0

5

10

15

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25

30

35

40

1994/95

1995/96

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1997/98

1998/99

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

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1999/2000

0

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140

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60

Business Review
Business to Business: 
Euromoney Institutional Investor

20

Euromoney  
Institutional Investor

Key Figures††

Key developments

£318m

Revenue
(2008: £332m)

£77m

Operating profit*
(2008: £76m)

24%

Operating margin*
(2008: 23%)

* 

† 

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items 
and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit*  
on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year  
and at constant exchange rates.

††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers  

to one decimal place.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

•  Resilient performance due to 

successful subscription-driven 
diversification strategy.

•  Profits* maintained by tight control  
of costs and focus on high quality,  
high margin products.

Euromoney increased its operating profit* 
by 1% despite a 4% fall in revenues due  
to cost savings and the benefit of foreign 
exchange movements.

These results continue to highlight the 
success of Euromoney’s strategy to  
build a more resilient and better focused 
global information business. Subscription 
revenues increased by 24%, in sharp 
contrast to the declines in other revenue 
streams, and now account for 47% of total 
revenues against 37% in 2008. Similarly, 
the profits* from databases and 
information services, which include  
some of the highest margin products  
in Euromoney and are derived mostly  
from subscription products, accounted  
for 36% of its operating profits*, compared  
to 21% a year ago.

The performance of Euromoney’s various 
revenue streams reflects the timing of  
the reaction of its customers to the global 
credit crisis. For the past three quarters, 
the year-on-year declines in advertising 
and sponsorship (-20%) and delegate 
revenues (-30%) have been running at 
similar rates. In contrast, subscription 
revenues grew by a third in the first half, 
and have continued to grow in the second 
half, although the rate of growth has 
slowed rapidly.

Emerging markets, which account for 
nearly half of Euromoney’s revenues, 
were less exposed to the excess leverage 
and complex financial products that have 
characterised the credit problems in 
North America and Europe, and have 
come through the credit crisis well.

Tight control of costs and focus on  
high quality, high margin products was  
critical to Euromoney’s success in 2009. 
Operating margin* improved as cost  
cuts were implemented early in the year, 
leading to exceptional restructuring costs 
of £11 million, low margin products were 
eliminated quickly, and continued product 

investment ensured the growth in higher 
margin electronic publishing products 
was maintained.

Financial publishing
Revenues, which comprise a mix of 
advertising and subscriptions, fell by 10% 
to £75 million. Advertising revenues are 
heavily dependent on the marketing spend 
of global financial institutions and fell by 
20%. Many U.S. and European institutions 
stopped advertising altogether, whereas 
advertising from emerging markets held 
up well. In contrast, subscription revenues 
increased by 7% as Euromoney continued 
to invest in migrating its print products to 
a higher value web-first publishing model 
with an emphasis on subscriptions  
over advertising.

AR

In a market where closures are 
outpacing launches in the publishing 
sector, Euromoney this year debuted  
its latest print and online offering.

Covering the fast-growing U.S. and 
global hedge fund sector, AR combines 
the strengths of Alpha and Absolute 
Return. September’s launch – and its 
authoritative hedge fund rankings,  
as determined by size and investor 
opinion respectively – received national 
coverage in print and on television.

The title positions itself as a must- 
read thought-leader delivering the  
most insightful, entertaining and 
comprehensive industry content, both  
as a monthly magazine and constantly 
updated website.

Year 1

Launch of AR, Euromoney’s latest print 
and online offering.

Business Review
Business to Business: 
Euromoney Institutional Investor

21

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Databases and  
information services
This was the best performing division  
by some way. Revenues grew by 32%  
to £88 million and the adjusted operating 
margin improved. Revenues and profits* 
from this division are predominantly 
subscription-based and U.S. dollar-
denominated, and the decrease in  
the sterling-U.S. dollar rate was a 
significant factor in this year’s growth.

In volatile and challenging markets the 
demand for high quality information and 
data tends to hold up well, particularly  
for products that are an integral part of 
companies’ information flows and work 
processes, and have built up a strong 
brand loyalty. The main driver of growth 
from Databases and Information Services 
in 2009 was BCA: demand for its high 
quality, independent macro-economic 
research has proved robust despite  
the shrinking of the asset management 
industry. ISI, the emerging markets 
information business, experienced a more 
difficult time as many financial institutions 
cut investment and resources in this  
area, although CEIC, its emerging market  
data subsidiary, continued to grow as it 
expands its data coverage from Asia to 
other markets.

Outlook
Generally, markets seem to have 
stabilised after an exceptionally volatile 
and difficult period and the outlook among 
our customers is more positive than  
it has been for some time. The return  
to profitability of most global financial 
institutions should be a positive factor  
for trading in 2010.

However, the cuts in headcount and  
the restrictions on discretionary spend  
on marketing, training and information 
buying are not expected to be relaxed 
quickly, so that Euromoney’s revenues  
will continue to decline in the first quarter, 
a view which is supported by current 
levels of sales and forward bookings.

Euromoney’s clear, well-established 
strategy, combined with the strength  
of its brands and the diversity of its 
sectors, customers and geographic 
markets, means that it is well  
positioned to return to growth as  
soon as markets improve.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Business publishing
Euromoney’s activities outside finance  
00
are in sectors traditionally less volatile, 
and which follow different cycles. 
01
Revenues increased by 6% to £56 million 
02
and operating margin* improved. Among 
03
the sectors covered, metals, minerals and 
04
mining under the Metal Bulletin brand, 
05
telecoms under TelCap’s Capacity brand, 
06
and legal publishing all achieved good 
07
growth; only the energy sector was weak.
08

09

0

200

400

Training
Revenues are derived largely from paying 
delegates. Training is a discretionary 
spend for most customers, at least in the 
short term, and revenues fell sharply from 
the start of the second quarter, with an 
00
immediate negative effect on margins. 
01
Some of the revenue decline was self-
01
02
inflicted as course volumes were cut 
02
03
deliberately in the second half which, 
03
04
combined with the impact of early cost 
04
05
cuts, helped the margin recover a little. 
05
06
Training revenues for the year fell by 22% 
06
to £32 million and adjusted operating 
07
07
margin declined.
08
08
09
09

10

20

30

10

20

0
0

Conferences and seminars
Revenues comprise a roughly equal mix of 
sponsorship and paying delegates. Like 
Training, delegate revenues fell sharply 
from the start of the second quarter as 
customers cut back on travel and event 
attendance. Sponsorship revenues tend  
to follow similar trends to advertising,  
and have been declining at a more gradual 
rate but from an earlier starting point.  
In difficult markets there is inevitably  
a shift to the bigger, more established 
events, and the market contracts as  
many of the smaller events are cut.

1,000

800

600

Euromoney’s strategy for its event 
businesses reflects this experience, and 
during the year it focused on maintaining 
the market leading positions of its bigger 
events, at the same time shrinking 
volumes by eliminating many of the 
smaller, low margin events. Revenues  
fell by 15% to £75 million and the  
adjusted operating margin declined.

40
30

50

60

40

70

50

80
60

Euromoney revenue (£m)

00
00

01
01

02
02

03
03

04
04

05
05

06
06

07
07

08
08

09
09

0
0

50

200

100

150

400

200

600

250

300

800

350
1,000

Euromoney profit* (£m)

10

20

30

5

10

15

20

40

25

50

60

70

30

35

40

45

80

50

0

0

0

0

98
00

99
01

00
02

01
03

02
04

03
05

04
06

05
07

06
08

07
09

08

09

00

01

98

02

99

03

00

04

01

05

02

06

03

07

04

08

05

09

06

07

08

09

98

05

99

06

00

07

01

08

02

09

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

150

140

130

98

120

99

110

100

00

90

01

80

02

70

03

60

04

05

06

07

08

09

98

99

00

05

01

06

02

07

03

08

04

09

05

06

07

08

09

150

140

00

130

01

120

110

02

100

03

90

04

80

05

70

06

60

07

08

09

98

20

18

99

16

00

14

01

12

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10

8

03

6

04

4

05

2

06

0

07

08

09

16

00

14

01

12

02

10

03

8

04

6

05

4

06

2

07

0

08

09

20

18

06

16

07

14

08

12

09

10

8

6

4

2

0

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

06

07

08

09

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

50

100

150

200

250

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1994/95

1995/96

1996/97

1997/98

1998/99

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

1999/2000

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

1994/95

1995/96

1996/97

1997/98

1998/99

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

1999/2000

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

88

89

90

91

92

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94

95

96

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00

01

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60

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100

120

140

88

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93

94

95

96

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00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

0

1988

1989

5

1991

1990

1992

10

1993

1994

15

1995

1996

20

1997

1998

1999

25

2000

2001

30

2002

2003

35

2004

40

2005

2006

2007

2008

45

2009

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

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96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Business Review
Consumer: A&N Media:  
Associated Newspapers

22

A&N Media

Given the unprecedented trading conditions, A&N Media took decisive action on costs 
and achieved its cost reduction target in September. Headcount (excluding the Evening 
Standard) fell by over 1,600 (16%) in the year, including the job losses from the closure 
of three regional printing plants at Grimsby, Leicester and Bristol. As expected, the 
benefit of significantly lower costs came through in the second half of the year.

Associated Newspapers

Key Figures††

Key developments

£876m

Revenue
(2008: £988m)

£62m

Operating profit*
(2008: £73m)

7%

Operating margin*
(2008: 7%)

* 

† 

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items 
and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit*  
on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year  
and at constant exchange rates. The underlying 
percentage movements compare 52 weeks with  
52 weeks.

††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers  

to one decimal place.

Associated Newspapers benefited from the inclusion of  
an extra week’s trading, but all underlying† year-on-year 
comparisons are on a like-for-like basis, comparing 52 
weeks with 52 weeks and exclude the Evening Standard.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

•  Successful cost efficiency programme 

mitigates decline in advertising 
revenue.

•  Daily Mail records its second highest 

ever profit*.

In the face of extremely challenging 
economic conditions throughout the 
financial year and continued competitive 
activity in the London evening newspaper 
market for most of it, Associated 
Newspapers achieved a very satisfactory 
result. Total revenues were down £112 
million due to a 14% fall in underlying† 
advertising revenues and to the sale of  
the Evening Standard, but the group-wide 
cost efficiency programme generated £80 
million of savings. This, together with the 
sale of the Evening Standard, restricted 
the fall in operating profit* to £11 million 
and year-on-year profits* increased in the 
second half of the year. An exceptional 
operating charge of £85 million was made 
for restructuring and closure costs.

Newspaper operations
Circulation revenue was £366 million, 
down an underlying† 2%. Total advertising 
revenues were £350 million, down an 
underlying† 15%. Display advertising  
was down by an underlying† 16% to £281 
million. All categories were lower, but 
with retail, our largest category, the best 
performer. The Daily Mail’s readership 
remains extremely attractive particularly 
to retail advertisers. Underlying† 
classified advertising, which is not 
dependent on property and jobs, fell by 
only 12% to £60 million. Underlying† 
digital revenue from the newspaper titles’ 
companion sites was up 11%, buoyed  
by the success of the MailOnline brand. 
Costs, despite a sharp increase in 
newsprint prices, were down 8%.

The circulation of both the Daily Mail  
and The Mail on Sunday fell marginally 
more than the market, reflecting the 
decision to direct promotional activity 
away from CD and DVD giveaways towards 
a sustained direct marketing campaign to 
recruit more long-term loyal purchasers. 
In consequence, circulations have been 
stable in recent months. 

The Daily Mail’s average daily circulation 
for the year was 2,171,000 copies, which 
was 5.3% down year-on-year, in an overall 
market that contracted by 4.9%. However, 
the Daily Mail increased its Saturday cover 
price by 10 pence in October 2008 and this, 
together with a full year of the weekday 
price rise made in April last year, 
generated a 1% improvement in 
circulation revenue. Total advertising 
revenue fell by 11% year-on-year.

The average circulation for The Mail on 
Sunday of 2,073,000 copies fell marginally 
more than national Sunday circulations. 
However, the underlying strength of  
the brand was evidenced by a number  
of awards during the year, including  
YOU magazine which retained its title  
of ‘Supplement of the Year’ for an 
unprecedented second year at the  
British Press Awards. In common with 
circulation, the Sunday advertising market 
was harder hit than its daily counterparts. 
Consequently, total advertising revenues 
declined by 28% year-on-year, although 
The Mail on Sunday continued to carry  
a greater share of the Sunday advertising 
market by volume than any other  
national newspaper. 

23

Business Review
Consumer: A&N Media:  
Associated Newspapers

Revenue by source (£m)

Circulation

Advertising – display

Advertising – classified

Digital

Other

Evening Standard

2009

2008

366

281

60

9

16

20

367

330

67

8

16

60

Newspaper operations

752

847

70

38

16

88

41

12

876

988

AN Digital

Teletext

Contract print

Revenue by source

  Circulation 42%
  Advertising 32% (Display)
  Advertising 7% (Classified)
  Digital 1%
  Other 2%
  Evening Standard 2%
  AN Digital 8%
  Teletext 4%
  Contract print 2%

In response to the anticipated downturn in 
revenue base both the Daily Mail and The 
Mail on Sunday embarked on an extensive 
profit enhancement programme earlier  
in the year. Consequently the Daily Mail 
maintained its profitability year-on-year, 
whilst The Mail on Sunday continued to 
deliver a solid positive return. 

The newspapers’ companion websites 
were consolidated within a new division, 
Mail Digital which recorded a 22% 
improvement in revenue. Traffic to its 
primary website, MailOnline, increased  
by 68% to 30 million unique users in 
September, making it one of the U.K.’s 
predominant newspaper websites. 

The Free Newspaper division had a 
difficult year in line with the general 
newspaper market. Metro slightly 
decreased its circulation to 1,335,000 and 
saw total advertising revenue fall by 13%. 
However, early cost reducing initiatives 
enabled the title to protect its profits and 
Metro continues to have the largest 
distribution and be the most profitable 
free newspaper in the world. London  
Lite traded in line with last year, with 
advertising only 4% down, but since the 
end of the financial year, following the 
decision of the Evening Standard to go 
free, it has been closed after consultation 
with its employees. 7Days in Dubai 
experienced an extremely depressed 
advertising market, with revenues  
down 17%.

The Evening Standard was sold on  
28th February, with the Group retaining  
a 24.9% stake and negotiating a contract  
to provide accommodation and certain 
commercial services to the new  
Evening Standard company.

Loot made a profit despite advertising 
revenue being 20% down. 

Mail Today, the Delhi-based daily 
newspaper, in which Associated holds  
a 26% interest, has established itself  
as a strong editorial publication since  
its launch in November 2007. Expansion  
of the newspaper’s circulation was 
deliberately held back in 2009 whilst 
advertising confidence was low, but there 
are plans to double its circulation in 2010.

Printing
The difficult economic conditions have  
had a significant effect on Harmsworth 
Printing. With falls in circulation and 
advertising revenues, publishers have 
reduced their print orders and surplus 
capacity has increased at almost every 
print centre. In response to falling 
revenues, three sites were closed. 
Harmsworth Printing has successfully 
reorganised its production requirements 
across its remaining five sites,  
but continues to monitor its trading 
position and to seek further  
operational efficiencies.

Associated Northcliffe Digital
AND’s portfolio of digital businesses 
continued to build market share amidst 
difficult economic conditions. Revenue  
fell by 20% as a result of the economic 
slowdown. The Jobs and Property 
businesses were particularly affected, 
though both of these companies 
outperformed the decline in transaction 
volumes in their respective markets. 
Profitability was further affected by 
strategic investments in Jobsite’s 
marketing campaign, including TV and 
Portsmouth FC sponsorship and overall 
was down £5 million. AND remains  
one of the U.K.’s leading digital media 
companies, and is actively seeking to 
apply its expertise to expansion into  
new business opportunities as well as 
expanding our existing and adjacent 
verticals and embracing international 
opportunities.

Metro

Metro this year celebrated its tenth 
anniversary by overtaking the Daily 
Mirror to become the U.K.’s third most 
popular daily newspaper.

From the single city print run of 85,000  
it launched with in March 1999, Metro 
now boasts some 3.3 million readers  
for its 10 different editions, covering  
33 U.K. cities.

Recent innovations include the first ever 
3D cover wrap on a U.K. newspaper,  
in partnership with Sony Pictures, and 
the publication of its first environmental 
edition. This year also saw Metro.co.uk 
breach Nielsen’s top 10 U.K. newspaper 
websites for the first time, thanks to 
record traffic.

 10 years

since U.K. Metro launched.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

local markets through its partnership  
with Northcliffe Media. The division has 
recently signed deals with a number of 
regional newspaper groups, further 
increasing its reach to local audiences. 
The division also provides a variety  
of technology services to dealers.  
Revenues increased by 9%.

Other areas of operation
AND’s online dating business,  
Allegran, completed a successful 
restructuring programme that returned  
it to profitability. It implemented a new 
technology platform which provides  
it with increased flexibility in supporting 
its portfolio of sites, benefits have already 
been realised by the efficient launch  
of MatureDatingUK.com and the dating 
site of the Daily Mail. In addition AND  
has embarked on a highly successful  
new initiative to launch local community 
websites based on user generated  
content to capture commercial 
opportunities at a hyperlocal level.

Teletext
We plan to close the majority of Teletext’s 
loss-making television business in early 
2010, bringing to an end the Teletext 
information services provided under the 
terms of the public teletext licence. This 
follows a year when the operating losses 
from Teletext’s businesses increased by 
£1 million due to the continuing decline  
in television revenues, despite further 
significant actions on cost reduction. The 
remaining businesses will focus around 
the company’s online travel activities.

Outlook
It is difficult to predict future revenue 
trends but the extensive cost efficiency 
programme, together with its strong 
brands and diversified portfolio, leave 
Associated well placed to capitalise on  
the eventual recovery in the economy.

ANL operating profit* (£m)

Newspaper operations

AND

Teletext

Unallocated costs 

2009

2008

85

1

(4)

(20)

62

88

6

(3)

(18)

73

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Business Review
Consumer: A&N Media:  
Associated Newspapers

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

24

05

06

Associated Newspapers
Continued

07

08

09

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Jobs
98
The recruitment division continued its 
99
expansion with the acquisition of 
00
Broadbean, a leading provider of job 
01
posting and advertising analytics software 
02
to the recruitment market. AND’s flagship 
recruitment portal, Jobsite, embarked on 
03
a major advertising campaign, which 
04
exceeded expectations with sizeable 
05
increases in uploaded CVs and brand 
06
awareness. Jobsite also became the 
07
recruitment partner to Johnston Press. 
08
The partnership has quickly delivered 
09
significant uplifts in response. Revenue 
50
fell by 16% over the year due to 
contraction in the overall market. 
05
However, the company has remained 
profitable during this downturn and the 
06
rate of decline year-on-year has stabilised 
07
in recent months.
08

100

0

09

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Property
The Digital Property Group (‘TDPG’) 
concluded its integration programme, 
uniting its businesses of FindaProperty.
com, Primelocation.com, 
Homesandproperty.co.uk and 
FindaNewHome.com. Each of the sites 
has a distinct market position providing 
increased exposure and additional leads 
and instructions for estate agents.  
Despite the dramatic fall in property 
transaction volumes, TDPG’s revenues 
fell by only 11% whilst broadly maintaining 
its profit margins. Website traffic has 
250
continued to grow with 4.6 million unique 
users in September 2009, a 24% increase  
year-on-year. 

200

150

Motors
The Digital Automotive Division continued 
to invest in its used car website, Motors.
co.uk, building its customer base of 
automotive dealers by 22%. Motors.co.uk 
has particularly benefited by targeting 

Associated Newspapers circulation performance vs market trend 1994/95 – 2008/09

150

140

130

120

110

100
01
90
02
80
03
70

60
04

05

06

07

08

09

1994/95

1995/96

1996/97

1997/98

1998/99

1999/2000

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

  Daily Mail +22% 
  Other Daily Nationals -30.4% 

  Mail on Sunday +6.2%
  Other Sunday Nationals -33.7%

98

0

10
Associated Newspapers revenue (£m)
99
00

20

30

40

50

60

01
00

02
01

03
02

04
03

05
04

06
05

07
06

08
07

09
08

09

0

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

200

400

600

800

140

1,000

* Excluding television and before 2006 Northcliffe’s print and digital revenues.

00

01
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009
00
02

01

03

02

04

03

05

04

06

05

07

06

08

07

09

08

09

20

18

16

14

00

12

01

10

02

8

6

03

4

04

2

05

0

06

07

08

09

16

14

98

12

99

10

00

8

01

6

02

4

03

2

04

0

05

06

07

08

09

06

07

08

09

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

05

06

07

08

09

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

06

07

08

09

150

140

130

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

0

0

5

10

10

15

20

25

30

35

20

30

40

50

60

40

70

45

80

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1994/95

1995/96

1996/97

1997/98

1998/99

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

1999/2000

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

25

Business Review
Consumer: A&N Media: 
Northcliffe Media

Northcliffe Media

Key Figures††

Key developments

£328m

Revenue
(2008: £420m)

£24m

Operating profit*
(2008: £68m)

7%

Operating margin*
(2008: 16%)

* 

† 

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items 
and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).

 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit*  
on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year  
and at constant exchange rates. The underlying 
percentage movements compare 52 weeks with  
52 weeks.

††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers  

to one decimal place.

•  Underlying† decline in revenues  

of £98 million (24%).

•  Unprecedented trading conditions  

in the U.K.

•  Challenging print advertising markets 

in Hungary and Slovakia.

•  U.K. restructuring activities  

delivered year-on-year cost savings  
of £53 million.

•  Stabilisation of U.K. advertising 

revenues during the second half  
of the year.

Northcliffe’s portfolio of titles in the  
U.K. and in Central Europe were badly 
affected by weak advertising markets.  
All categories were under pressure  
but particularly recruitment, property  
and motors. The company responded  
by initiating a range of significant 
restructuring activities. Total headcount 
reduced by 20%, or 1,131 people. Overall, 
on a like-for-like basis, Northcliffe’s 
operating profit was down 66%, with 
revenues down £98 million, offset by cost 
reductions of £53 million. Exceptional 
costs of £13 million were incurred on 
restructuring activities and early 
termination of distribution costs. Like 
Associated, Northcliffe’s results benefited 
from the inclusion of an extra week’s 
trading, but all underlying† year-on-year 
comparisons are on a like-for-like basis, 
comparing 52 weeks this year with  
52 weeks last year.

U.K.
Trading conditions in the U.K. for local 
newspapers were unprecedented in 2009. 
Advertising revenues fell by 30% and 
newspaper sales were affected by the 
recession, as households scaled back  
on discretionary expenditure. Circulation 
revenues were 7% down. Underlying† 
revenues overall declined by £94 million, 
or 25%.

Unsurprisingly, the increase in 
unemployment levels has taken its toll  
on recruitment advertising revenues,  
both print and digital. Recruitment 
revenues declined by an underlying† 49%.

In the property category, the weak 
residential market which began in 2008 
continued into 2009. Estate agents and 

new home builders continued to scale 
back advertising spend. Underlying† 
revenues fell by 46%. The rate of  
year-on-year decline slowed to 18%  
in the month of September.

Historic market factors such as dealer 
consolidation, contraction of the number 
of used car dealers and reducing revenue 
yields from the transfer of advertising 
from print to online were exacerbated  
by reduced consumer spending. All of  
this contributed to underlying† Motors 
advertising falling by 24% in 2009.

Retail advertising, Northcliffe’s largest 
category in 2009, fell by an underlying† 
20%. All other categories combined 
contracted by an underlying† 11%.

Newspaper circulation revenues fell on  
a like-for-like basis by 7% to £70 million. 
Only a handful of cover price increases 
were implemented during the year. For 
the January to June 2009 ABC period, our 
dailies were down 9% compared with an 
industry average of 8%. The weekly titles 
recorded a fall of 8%, which was in line 
with the industry average decline.

This loss of print circulation contrasts 
with the rise in our digital audience.  
The number of visitors across our  
entire digital network was 4.4 million  
in September, up 31% on the previous 
year. The time spent on sites and the  
frequency of use (up 27% in September) 
also increased.

Despite the fall in revenues, Northcliffe 
has continued to innovate so as to  
improve the relevance and quality of  
its titles and products and to serve its 
customers better.

Digital advertising revenue of £17 million 
was in line with last year despite a decline 
in recruitment revenues of 35%. Growth 
was achieved across all other categories, 
particularly property where our improved 
digital property offering of findaproperty 
and primelocation continued to gain estate 
agent support. Progress was also made by 
motors.co.uk through increased inventory 
and higher yields. Retail and leisure digital 
advertising also recorded impressive 
growth on the back of print upsells.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Business Review
Consumer: A&N Media: 
Northcliffe Media

26

Northcliffe Media
Continued

Central Europe
Profits for the year of £4.3 million were  
£4.0 million or 49% below last year.

Underlying† revenues fell by £5.5 million 
(11%) as a result of weak markets in 
printed media for recruitment, motors  
and retail advertising. Print advertising 
revenues declined by 24% while online 
revenues were down 1% in the year. 
Circulation revenues were in line with  
last year.

Digital revenues reported year-on-year 
growth in the first quarter of 29% but  
have since deteriorated. In the month of 
September, digital revenues were 22% 
below the prior year. Digital recruitment 
revenue declines have been partially 
offset by online revenue growth from the 
expansion of the digital network in the 
Czech Republic and Hungarian classified 
and property websites.

Cost saving measures were implemented 
to mitigate the revenue shortfalls. 
Excluding acquisitions, headcount 
reductions of 132 (15%) were achieved, 
alongside pagination and promotional 
spending cuts.

Outlook
U.K. advertising revenues appear to have 
stabilised at a consistent weekly run  
rate, but the economy remains fragile. 

Cost reduction will continue to be a focus 
with further savings made in 2010 as the 
programme of transformation continues.

During the year, Northcliffe launched its 
digital directory initiative under the 
‘GoFind’ brand on the local thisisnetwork. 
Digital services revenues doubled in 2009 
and further growth is expected in 2010.

In the digital space we now have a mobile 
platform for all sites and work continues 
to widen the mobile offerings further to 
deliver audience growth anticipated 
through smart devices.

Across our print portfolio, Northcliffe’s 
journalists are being challenged to  
deliver a unique story a day as part of the  
drive to differentiate print from digital.  
A number of Northcliffe’s titles, both daily 
and weekly, are undergoing remarkable 
design changes to better reflect the 
essence of their communities and people 
with local skills, in an ever-widening 
range of topics, are being recruited on  
a pro bono basis by Northcliffe’s editors  
to add breadth and surprise to their titles.

The scale of revenue attrition forced  
a radical review of our cost base and 
operating model resulting in savings  
of £53 million, compared with the same 
period last year.

U.K. staff costs fell by £17 million as 
headcount was reduced by 1,024 or 23% 
since September 2008. In early 2009, 
Northcliffe embarked upon a major 
restructuring programme which delivered 
savings across all departments and at all 
levels. Process innovation and systems 
enhancements have facilitated greater 
efficiency in advertising, editorial, 
production and circulation departments, 
in particular.

Production and distribution costs have 
reduced by £22 million, despite a 
significant newsprint price increase 
during the year. Some savings were as  
a consequence of falling activity levels. 
However, more significant reductions  
have been made through rationalisation  
of the product portfolio, involving title 
closures, consolidation of editions, 
distribution changes and the closure  
of three printing plants.

Hull Daily Mail

Having kicked off Northcliffe’s roll-out  
of next generation local sites in 2008, 
this year saw the relaunch of a sports 
website, the development of a mobile 
service and establishment of the  
Gofind local directory platform. The 
title’s evolution into an integrated and 
innovative cross-platform publisher has 
been twice recognised by the Regional 
Press Awards, with the Hull Daily Mail 
named Multimedia Publisher of the Year 
in both 2008 and 2009.

 5th

time that the Hull Daily Mail has  
won awards in the last six years.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Key Figures††

Key developments

£55m

Revenue
(2008: £55m)

£4m

Operating profit*
(2008: £2m)

6%

Operating margin*
(2008: 4%)

DAB+

Ahead of the nationwide digital radio 
broadcast (DAB+) signal switch-on in 
August, dmg radio australia this year 
launched two new DAB stations.

The stations are lifestyle-driven brand 
Koffee and novanation, Australia’s first 
national commercial dance station.
Apple iPod Touch and iPhone users are 
also able to stream broadcasts of the 
new stations live to their devices using 
new applications dmg radio australia 
has developed for both.

Analogue stations Nova, Vega and 5AA 
all simulcast on the national DAB 
network, making dmg radio australia’s 
portfolio the most diverse digital radio 
offering from any broadcaster to date.

 2

new DAB stations launched this year.

27

Business Review
Consumer: 
dmg radio australia

dmg radio australia

•  dmgra outperformed the radio market.

•  Our stations increased their share  
of the total national metropolitan  
radio market from 19.9% to 20.1%. 

dmg radio australia (dmgra) significantly 
outperformed the radio market, which 
experienced a decline of 4.6% on the  
year prior. Underlying† profitability 
increased by 21%, reflecting the resilient 
performance in attaining revenue across 
the eastern states as well as a successful 
cost reduction programme.

The Nova network results were driven by 
strong performance in Sydney where 
Nova 969 increased its revenue share for 
the year from 14.4% to 15.3% in a market 
which declined 10.4% and also performed 
strongly in national revenues from Sydney 
onto other Nova stations.

The Nova Network achieved the number 
one ranking for 18-39 in every market for 
the critical breakfast timeslot in Survey 6, 
2009 and held the number two position 
overall for 18-39 for the year. Nova 
Brisbane continued its dominance of  
the Brisbane market achieving the No 1 
overall position for 18-39 in every survey 
across the year.

Vega FM stations in Sydney and 
Melbourne experienced strong growth  
in revenues of 12.4%, also significantly 
outperforming the market. Vega Sydney 
held its overall share of its target 
demographic of 40-54 for the year, with 
Vega Melbourne significantly increasing 
its share to the number two FM position  
in August.

5AA remains the No 1 talk station in 
Adelaide and held the number one overall 
position in commercial radio for all eight 
surveys of the year.

The radio industry launched digital  
radio into the five cap cities in August  
with dmgra launching two new services 
with its digital spectrum. 

dmgra continues to evolve its online 
presence with an increase of 21%  
on the year prior in unique browsers  
to its websites. 

Outlook
The company continues to focus on  
its core metropolitan brands. The Nova 
network is aiming to improve its position 
in the national 18-39 demographic.  
Vega stations are expected to improve 
operating profit performance  
significantly in the year ahead,  
following their restructuring.

dmg radio australia metropolitan revenue (£m)

01

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20

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50

60

 Adjusted operating profit (before exceptional items and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets).
 Underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit* on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions  
and disposals made in the current and prior year and at constant exchange rates.

* 
00
† 
01
††   Percentages are calculated on actual numbers to one decimal place.
02

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

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Business Review
Financial and Treasury Review 

28

Financial and  
Treasury Review

The purpose of this review is to outline key 
aspects of the Group’s performance over 
the last year and of its financial position.

Accounts
Our main communication this year  
is through an online web 2.0 Annual  
Report as the vast majority of our 
shareholders have opted out of receiving 
communications in print. For this reason, 
we have dispensed with a separate Annual 
Review, incorporating a summary set of 
financial statements. We are still required 
to produce a full printed version of the 
Annual Report. The principal change  
this year is from the adoption of IFRS 8 
Operating Segments.

This Financial and Treasury Review 
focuses on the adjusted results to  
give a more comparable indication  
of the Group’s underlying business 
performance. A discussion of other  
items included in the statutory results  
is given after the divisional performance 
review. The adjusted results are 
summarised below:

Adjusted  
results*

Revenue

Operating profit

Income from joint 
ventures and 
associates

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Tax charge

Minority interest

Group profit

Adjusted earnings  
per share

2009 
£m

2008 

£m Change†

2,118 

2,312 

278 

(1)

317 

–

(76) 

201 

(44) 

(16) 

141

(55) 

262 

(63) 

(18) 

181 

 37.2p

 47.9p

-8%

-12%

-36%

-23%

+29%

+12%

-22%

-22%

Revenue
The Group’s revenue in the year of £2,118 
million was 8% lower than the previous 
year. There was overall revenue growth  
of 1% from our B2B divisions, due to 
currency gains, whilst revenues of our 
consumer divisions fell by 14% due mainly 
to falls in advertising revenues.

The analysis of revenue by activity, 
illustrated in graph 1, shows that the 
percentage of revenue from consumer 
media has fallen further this year and is 
now 59%, down from 68% in 2005. Graph 2 
shows the geographic split of revenue. 
This shows that 65% of revenue by source 
was generated by U.K. businesses, 
compared with 78% in 2005, but we 
estimate that approximately 65% of overall 
Group income is generated in overseas 
currencies, principally the U.S. dollar.

Operating profit
The Group’s operating profit* amounted  
to £278 million, a decrease of 12% on the 
equivalent figure for last year. This figure 
is stated before charging £99 million as 
exceptional operating costs. This charge 
comprised reorganisation, restructuring 
and closure costs mainly within 
Associated, Northcliffe and dmg world 
media, offset by pension curtailments of 
£25 million. Of this, £50 million represents 
expenditure during the year and a further 
£37 million will be spent during 2009/10; 
the balance represents non-cash items.

The charge for amortisation of intangible 
assets fell by £1 million to £89 million.  
The Group also made an impairment 
charge of £347 million, principally relating 
to assets acquired in recent years by 
Northcliffe (£94 million), dmg radio  
(£93 million) and dmg world media  
(£89 million).

The analysis of operating profit* by activity 
is shown in graph 3. This shows that the 
percentage of profit* from B2B has risen 
from 38% in 2005 to 73% this year.

Key Figures††

-8%

Revenue

-12%

Operating profit*

-22%

Earnings per share*

Dividend unchanged

* 

 Adjusted results are stated before amortisation and 
impairment of intangible assets and exceptional items.

††   Underlying revenue or profit is revenue or profit on a 
like-for-like basis, adjusted for acquisitions and 
disposals made in the current and prior year and at 
constant exchange rates. 

† 

 Percentages are calculated on actual numbers to one 
decimal place.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

05
05

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06

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07

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08

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0

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29

Business Review
Financial and Treasury Review

05
05

06
06

05
05
05

06
06
06

07
07

The Group’s B2B operations 
demonstrated their resilience, growing 
their overall profit* by £13 million (7%), 
benefiting from a 21% reduction in the 
average sterling: U.S. dollar exchange  
rate over the year. The underlying†† result 
was a fall of 5%. The average sterling:  
U.S. dollar exchange rate for the year was  
£1: $1.55 (against £1:$1.97 last year).

09
09

08
08

07
07
07

08
08
08

Within consumer media, profits for the 
year fell by £54 million. Profits* of A&N 
Media were significantly lower, but 
rebounded in the second half reflecting 
more stable conditions and a lower cost 
base. At Associated Newspapers, this 
performance was driven by the strength of 
the Daily Mail. At Northcliffe, an improving 
profits* trend was aided by stabilisation of 

09
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0

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20

5
5
5

25
25

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10
10

30
30

15
15
15

35
35

20
20
20

Graph 1 Revenue by activity (%)
20
20

10
10

15
15

5
5

25
25

30
30

35
35

40
40

45
45

50
50

  Risk Management Solutions 

  Exhibitions and related activities 

  Euromoney Institutional Investor

  Business Information 

  National media 

  Local media

  Radio

05

06

07

08

09

05
05

06
06

07
07

08
08

09
09

05

06

07

08

09

0

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0
0

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10

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0

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20

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30

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20
Graph 2 Revenue by geographic area (%)
20

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30

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10

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40

50
50

35

60
60

40
50
50

30

45

40

60
60

50

50

70
70

80
80

  U.K. 

  Australia 

  North America

  Rest of Europe 

  Rest of World

05

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0

10

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30

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60

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80

absolute weekly levels of advertising 
revenue. dmg radio australia increased  
its profits* substantially, despite a small 
fall in revenues.

Joint ventures and associates
The Group’s share of the results* of its 
joint ventures and associates fell by £1.5 
million to a loss of £1.1 million. The profits 
of dmg radio australia’s joint ventures 
were offset by our share of the losses  
25
25
25
40
40
of India Today.

40
40
40

45
45
45

35
35
35

30
30
30

45
45

50
50

50
50
50

Net financing costs
2009 
£m

2008 
£m

Movement 
%

Net interest 
payable and 
similar charges

Swap premia 
income

(77)

(75)

-2%

1 

20

-96%

Total

(76) 

(55)

-36%

As the table shows, net interest payable 
and similar charges (excluding swap 
premia but including deemed finance 
charges and interest receivable) rose by 
£2 million to £77 million with the higher 
sterling value of interest on fixed US$ 
liabilities offset by lower interest rates  
on floating rate debt.

Income from tax equalisation swap 
premia fell by £19 million as these 
structures have been discontinued  
due to market conditions.

70

60

80

80
80

70
70
The Group’s interest cover calculated  
as the ratio of adjusted profits* before 
interest, depreciation and amortisation 
(EBITDA) to net interest payable (excluding 
swap premia), was 4.5 times this year, 
down from 5.8 in 2008, but well above the 
required three times. This is illustrated  
in graph 5.

Other income statement items
The Group recorded other net losses  
of £24 million, compared to net gains  
of £28 million in the prior period. This 
comprised mainly exceptional losses  
on the sale of consumer businesses and 
write offs of investments, offset partly  
by exceptional profits on the sale of 
properties. There were also £36 million  
of exceptional finance charges which 
included foreign exchange hedges.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
Business Review
Financial and Treasury Review

30

Financial and Treasury Review
Continued

Result before tax
The statutory result was a loss before tax 
for the year of £401 million, after charging 
£443 million for amortisation and 
impairment losses of assets, and £159 
million of exceptional items.

Taxation
After allowing for the effect of exceptional 
and other items that are not expected to 
recur, the underlying tax rate fell from 
24.0% to 22.1%. The continued low rate 
reflects tax reductions from tax-efficient 
financing and tax deductible amortisation 
in the U.S. that are expected to recur.

05
05
05

06
06
06

07
07
07

There were net exceptional credits of  
£138 million, being the deferred tax 
credits on goodwill and intangible assets 
(£52 million), tax credits on exceptional 
items (£24 million), the write back of 
provisions arising from the agreement  
of certain prior year open issues with  
tax authorities (£35 million) and the £28 
million credit on foreign exchange hedges.

08
08
08

05
05
05

06
06
06

07
07
07

08
08
08

Profit/loss after tax
Adjusted profit after tax and minority 
interests amounted to £141 million.  

09
09
09

09
09
09

The statutory result was a loss for the 
year of £303 million, after the exceptional  
tax credits.

05

05

Pensions
The deficit on the Group’s defined benefit 
pension schemes has increased from  
£41 million last year end to £430 million  
at 4th October, 2009 (calculated in 
accordance with IAS 19). This change  
is primarily due to an increase in the  
value attributed to its liabilities because  
of lower bond yields, augmented by a  
fall in the market value of the schemes’ 
assets. The funding agreement with the 
trustees remains in place until replaced 
by a new agreement reflecting the results 
of the 2010 triennial valuation.

06

06

07

07

08

08

Cash flow and net debt
Net debt has fallen by £178 million since 
the half year, but rose by £33 million 
during the full year from £1,015 million to 
£1,049 million, principally due to an 
increase of £50 million from the 
depreciation of sterling against the U.S. 
dollar. The Group generated trading cash 
flow of £296 million and disposal proceeds 
of £28 million. These funded acquisitions 
10

-10

09

09

-5

5

0

-10
-10
Graph 3 Operating profit* by activity (%)
-10

-5
-5
-5

0
0
0

5
5
5

-10
-10
10
10
-10
10

-5
-5
15
15
-5
15

0
0
20
20
0
20

5
5
-10
5

25
25
25

10
10
-5
10

30
30
30

15
15
0
15

35
35
35

5

20
20
20

40
40
40

10

  Risk Management Solutions 

  Business information 

  Exhibitions

  Euromoney Institutional Investor 

  National media 

  Unallocated central costs

  Local media 

  Radio 

05

06

07

08

09

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

of £73 million, capital expenditure of £40 
million, taxation (including related tax 
equalisation payments) of £83 million, 
interest of £67 million and dividends 
totalling £65 million.

Graph 4 summarises the Group’s sources 
of free cash flows and use of those funds 
during the year. The net cash inflow from 
operations, joint ventures and investments 
was £300 million. In general, the Group’s 
profits are converted rapidly into cash and 
cash generation was strong across the 
Group, with 100% of profits* converted 
into cash, before allowing for exceptional 
operating costs.

Acquisitions were largely pre-contracted 
earn-out payments and other deferred 
consideration. Disposals were of 
properties and businesses, principally  
the sale of the Antiques Trade Gazette  
in October 2008.

25

15

15

30

20

20

30

25

40
40
40

30
30
30

35
35
35

The Group’s ratio of year end net debt to 
EBITDA was 3.10 times, above the Group’s 
target of 2.5 times but is comfortably 
within the requirements of the Group’s 
bank covenants. The ratio was adversely 
35
affected by the decline in profitability at  
its consumer businesses. During the year, 
25
25
35
25
the Group acted to increase profitability 
and reduce cash outflows, in particular  
by reducing acquisition activity with the 
aim of returning the ratio of net debt to 
EBITDA to 2.5 by 2011. The Group’s 
Standard & Poor’s credit rating was 
reduced to BB+, largely due to the 
perceived weakness of the consumer 
businesses and the temporary increase 
in debt arising from the operational 
exceptional items and the impact of 
exchange rates on US$ liabilities.  
Net debt was reduced sharply in the 
second half of the year and we are  
looking to reduce it further.

Most of the Group’s debt remains in 
long-term bonds, the earliest of which is 
not repayable until 2013. At the year end, 
the Group had £847 million of Bonds  
due for repayment in 2013, 2018, 2021  
and 2027. It also had £180 million of 
committed banking facilities available  
to it until September 2011 and £240 million 
until September 2013. Consequently,  
the Group has sufficient committed  
debt facilities to meet its foreseeable 
requirements. It had surplus committed 
facilities of £200 million at the year end.

40

40

31

Business Review
Financial and Treasury Review

Treasury policies
The following paragraphs are a summary 
of the treasury policies of the Group and, 
where appropriate, of the Company. DMGT 
aims to have sufficient liquidity to meet 
both operational and capital cash flows 
and to impose the minimum cash 
constraints on the management and 
operation of the Group. Financial 
instruments, including derivatives, are 
used by the Group in order to manage  
the principal financial risks that arise in 
the course of business. These risks are 
liquidity or funding risk, foreign exchange 
risk, interest rate risk and counterparty 
risk. The instruments are used within the 
parameters set by the Finance Committee 
of the Board, and are not traded for a 
profit. The Group’s priority is to address 
the economic impact of financial risks 
using the most efficient or appropriate 
approach. This may result in IFRS 
accounting volatility.

Overview
The Group has adequate committed debt 
finance to meet current trading 
requirements. The Group aims to have 
70% to 80% of its debt at fixed interest 
rates to reduce the impact of interest rate 
fluctuations. Foreign exchange risk on 
transactions is not a large issue for the 
200
100
200

150

200

150

150

100

100

150

100

50

50

50

50

0

0

0

250

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Inflows £327m

Inflows £327m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

Outflows £361m

0

Group as the majority of its businesses 
operate in the country in which they are 
located. In principle, the underlying 
currency of net debt after taking account 
of derivatives is managed in proportion to 
the EBITDA in each currency. During 2009 
this policy was suspended and US$ 
liabilities were below this target and they 
remain so. This was to ensure that the 
Group minimised both liquidity risk and 
the risk of failing bank covenants. As the 
financial position is now clearer the Group 
will move back to its policy stated above. 
About 60% of the Group’s profits are 
expected to be earned from revenue  
billed in U.S. dollars outside the U.K.  
The Group’s foreign assets are only 
partially hedged by its foreign currency 
debt and economically its earnings are 
most exposed to movements in value  
of the U.S. dollar.

a) Liquidity risk
It is the Group’s policy to have sufficient 
surplus borrowing headroom such that  
its development is not constrained. The 
Group is funded by a mixture of equity, 
debt and retained profits. Debt consists 
mainly of committed bank facilities and 
bonds. The bank facilities provide the 
Group with flexibility for operational 
requirements and acquisitions. Overdraft 
200
300

400

350

250

350

400

300

250

250

300

300

350

350

400

400

0

0

50

50

100

100

150

150

200

200

250

250

300

300

350

350

400

400

0

0

50

50

100

0

0

50

50

100

100

100

Graph 4 Movement in net debt
150
250
150

250

200

200

150

300

150

200
  Operating activities 

200

250
£300m 

  Disposals 
  Capital expenditure 

£27m 
-£57m 

300

350
  Dividends 

350

400

  FX Settlements 
  Own share purchases 

250

300

300

350

350

400

400

400
-£65m

-£51m
-£6m

-£52m

-£49m

Interest and dividends  -£68m 

  Acquisitions 

  Taxation 

-£14m 

  Debt revaluation 

Inflows £327m

Outflows £361m

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Graph 5 Ratio of earnings before interest, tax depreciation  
and amortisation to net interest payable (£m)

05

06

07

08

09

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

facilities are also utilised. The bonds 
currently in issue consist of four sterling 
Eurobonds. Maturities of debt are 
maximised and spread in order to  
avoid the requirement for significant 
repayments at any point in time, as shown 
in graph 6. In September, the Group raised 
a further £25 million of funding through a 
sale and hire purchase back amortising 
over eight years. Surplus funds are 
generally used to pay down bank debt.  
If temporary surpluses arise, they are 
generally deposited in money market 
accounts with banks that provide bilateral 
credit lines.

Covenants on debt instruments are  
kept to a minimum, even if this results  
in marginally higher interest costs. 
External finance is unsecured and is 
usually an obligation of the Company  
or its immediate subsidiary, rather  
than of trading subsidiaries. This gives 
operating management maximum 
flexibility to run the business without  
the distraction of meeting short-term 
financing requirements.

Although the Group’s bank facilities are 
multi-currency, the limit to total drawings 
available is denominated in sterling. 
During the year the increase in value of 
the Group’s U.S. dollar drawings reduced 
the unutilised committed facilities below 
the Group’s £100 million target. This 
liquidity risk was eliminated through 
normal cash inflow and by increasing the 
Group’s borrowing facilities, releasing 
facilities used for Letters of Credit and  
by using medium term forward sales  
of US$ as an alternative to borrowing  
in U.S. dollars.

(b) Foreign exchange risk
(i) Transaction risk
Most of the Group’s businesses do  
not transact cross-border: hence 
multi-currency transaction risk is  
not substantial. The main exception is 
Euromoney which has net receipts in U.S. 
dollars and Euros and net payments in 
sterling and Canadian dollars. Euromoney 
has a series of U.S. dollar and Euro 
forward sale contracts in place up to two 
years forward to meet its sterling and 
Canadian dollar outgoings. Other than  
in Euromoney, there were no significant 
foreign currency forward contracts in 
existence that hedge revenues or costs. 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
Business Review
Financial and Treasury Review

32

Financial and Treasury Review
Continued

Major items of capital expenditure in 
foreign currency are fixed using forward 
currency purchases.

Tax on non-trading exchange rate 
movements is hedged, using cross 
currency swaps and forward currency 
contracts. The Group’s internal financing 
structures give rise to foreign exchange 
gains or losses which are either taxable  
or tax deductible. Where appropriate, the 
Group enters into market derivatives to 
hedge this exposure in economic terms 
through Tax Equalisation Swaps (TES). 
However, IAS 12 prohibits TES gains and 
losses from being shown net in the tax 
line and as a result increased volatility  
is introduced in the income statement. 
This year’s profit before taxation has been 
reduced by £28 million (2008 £68 million) 
in relation to these structures and tax 
payable has been reduced by a similar 
amount. Both have been removed in 
arriving at adjusted profits. These 
transactions are unlikely to continue  
at the same level in the near future.

(ii) Translation Exposure
Borrowings are principally incurred in 
sterling, with lesser amounts in U.S. 
dollars and other currencies. Generally, 
the proportion of foreign currency  
debt (after allowing for any hedging 
instruments) to total net debt is managed 
to be approximately equal to the 
proportion of foreign EBITA, compared to 
total Group EBITA. During 2009 this policy 
was suspended and US$ liabilities were 
below this target and they remain so. This 
was to ensure that the Group minimised 
both liquidity risk and the risk of failing 
bank covenants. As the financial position 
is now clearer the Group will move back  

to its policy stated above. A substantial 
proportion of non-sterling debt liabilities 
are created through the use of foreign 
exchange derivatives which are treated  
as net investment hedges. The 
consequence of this policy is that the 
Group’s significant foreign earnings  
are not hedged back to sterling.

(iii) Economic exposure
A substantial proportion of the Group’s 
value relates to foreign subsidiaries,  
in the U.S. in particular. The foreign 
currency debt described above is only a 
partial hedge of this economic exposure.

(iv) Netting
The Group may offset currency risks  
on trading, capital expenditure, tax  
and borrowings and only hedge the net 
exposure. This may result in not obtaining 
IFRS hedge accounting.

(c) Interest rate risk
The Group aims to have approximately 
70% of forecast net debt to 80% of target 
net debt as fixed interest rate liabilities. It 
aims to achieve this ratio over the medium 
term and it is applied to each of the 
Group’s main currencies. During 2009 the 
currency policy was suspended and US$ 
liabilities were below this target and they 
remain so. This was to ensure that the 
Group minimised both liquidity risk and 
the risk of failing bank covenants. As the 
financial position is now clearer the Group 
will move back to its policy stated above.

The predictability of interest costs is 
deemed to be more important than  
the possible opportunity cost foregone  
of achieving lower interest rates. 
Borrowings are made in either fixed or 

Graph 6 Maturity profile of Group net debt (£m)

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2009

2012

2015

2018

2021

2024

2027

Year ending September.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

floating rates. Interest rate swaps, cross 
currency swaps, and options are used to 
help attain the Group’s target level of fixed 
interest rate debt. The maturity dates  
are spread in order to avoid interest rate  
basis risk and also to negate short-term 
changes in interest rates. At the year  
end, fixed interest rate debt represented 
approximately 80% of total net debt 
(including options which are not treated  
as effective hedges under IFRS).

(d) Counterparty risk
Counterparties and their credit ratings 
are regularly reviewed by Group Treasury. 
The Group has counterparty limits for 
banks with long-term credit ratings of ‘AA’ 
or better, and a lower limit for single ‘A’ 
rated banks. Typically this is banks that 
extend credit facilities to the Group. The 
Group does not expect any counterparties 
to be unable to meet their obligations.

(e) Debt levels
The Group currently aims to manage its 
finances such that the ratio of net debt to 
EBITDA does not normally exceed 2.5:1. It 
is believed that this achieves close to the 
optimum level of gearing for the Group, 
but leaves it with sufficient headroom 
should it desire to increase its debt levels. 
As such the ratio will not be met 
consistently, as is currently the case,  
but will define the medium-term target 
level of net debt. Covenants on the  
Group’s bank facilities and hire purchase 
obligations are Net Debt: EBITDA of no 
more than 4:1 and EBITDA: interest of  
no less than 3:1.

Going concern
The Directors have continued to adopt the 
going concern basis for the preparation  
of the accounts. This has been done since, 
after considering relevant information, 
they have a reasonable expectation  
that the Company and the Group have 
adequate resources to continue  
in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future.

Peter Williams
Finance Director

dmg information
Building schools in  
developing countries

Hobsons has worked with educational 
charities for nearly a decade to help 
build schools and educational facilities 
to provide young people in developing 
countries with the learning and life skills 
they need to achieve their potential.

For the last five years, the company  
has worked with the charity Plan 
International and together they have  
built schools in countries including 
Guatemala, Kenya, Vietnam and Bolivia.

In 2009 Hobsons’ Plan fundraising 
efforts helped the Techiman community 
of central Ghana. Amongst other 
activities they raised funds and travelled 
to Ghana to help build a new primary 
school block with six classrooms,  
a library, and a teacher’s office; 
constructed a water storage facility; and 
raised funds for computer equipment.

 5 years

dmgi has worked with the charity  
Plan International for 5 years.

33

DMGT and Corporate 
Responsibility

DMGT
and Corporate Responsibility

Key developments in 2009

•  DMGT donated £700,000 to charity  

in 2009.

•  Group’s Carbon Footprint reduced  

to 110,700 tonnes of CO2*.

Introduction
Operating through a large number of 
global businesses, DMGT’s activities  
are diverse, with each separate business 
providing important channels of 
communication and media focus to 
different sections of society throughout 
the world.

The Group owes much of its success  
to the entrepreneurial ability of its 
management teams. Our businesses 
thrive by allowing local management to 
make local decisions in a local context, 
while benefiting from the global  
outlook and financial resources of  
the wider Group.

The success of DMGT’s businesses owes 
so much to understanding and engaging 
with the communities that they serve. This 
allows them to identify the issues relevant 
to their customer base and to campaign 
effectively. This approach delivers 
benefits to a broad range of stakeholders.

The aim of this report
The following report provides more  
detail of divisional activities focused 
around key impact areas of Corporate 
Responsibility (CR):
•  Environment
•  Waste
•  Sustainability
•  Employees
•  Customers
•  Suppliers
•  Community

*  This is based on restated figures resulting from  

an update of the emission factors used to calculate  
DMGT’s emissions and the consideration of structural 
changes that took place in the past years.

Reported here is a summary of our 
activities in this area. There is a dedicated 
section on the Group website, www.dmgt.
co.uk, with further information available 
that is updated regularly. 

We welcome your feedback. Please send 
any comments to: investor.relations@
dmgt.co.uk. 

Responsibility for this area lies with  
the Corporate Social Responsibility 
Committee, a sub-committee of the Board 
which is the forum at which corporate 
responsibility is discussed. The 
Committee’s remit is to oversee DMGT’s 
environmental, waste, sustainability, 
employee, customer, supplier and 
community practices. The Board has 
policies in place on equal opportunities, 
whistle-blowing, health and safety, the 
environment and in July adopted a Group 
Code of Conduct. Overall responsibility for 
CSR at Board level lies with the Chairman 
of the CSR Sub-Committee, Mr Dutton.  
All of these policies are set out on the 
DMGT Intranet.

Environment
Our main focus is managing the impact  
of our printing centres – five in the  
U.K. and two in Hungary. The key 
environmental impacts are waste 
generation (particularly waste newsprint), 
energy use, measured as part of our 
Carbon Footprint, and paper purchasing. 

The direct environmental impact from our 
office-based divisions is relatively low. 
Our offices around the world practise 
paper recycling; there are also schemes 
in place for the recycling of plastic, glass, 
toner cartridges, mobile phones and  
IT equipment. All printing centres have 
environmental management policies. The 
use of energy, newsprint, ink and plates 
and waste disposal have cost implications 
and are, therefore, managed for reasons 
of good business sense, as well as to 
reduce their environmental impact. 

Newsprint production waste, as a 
percentage of total newspaper output,  
has fallen this year. Newsprint production 
is measured and reported to divisional 
board meetings on a monthly basis.
Target percentages for waste paper  
are set for each product printed. This 
percentage varies according to certain 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

DMGT and Corporate 
Responsibility

34

DMGT and  
Corporate Responsibility
Continued

criteria, such as the numbers of copies 
required and edition changes. Actual 
waste volumes are compared against 
budgeted levels, with the results  
reviewed monthly at the appropriate  
board level. 

100% of production paper waste  
is recycled.

DMGT’s carbon footprint
We have employed ICF International to 
carry out a Carbon Footprint Analysis 
across DMGT. This exercise has been 
undertaken every year since 2006 using 
the widely recognised GHG protocol 
methodology developed by the World 
Resource Institute and the World 
Business Council for Sustainable 
Development. All DMGT divisions and 
countries of operations are covered.  
The emission sources included in the 
Carbon Footprint are the following:

•  Scope 1 emissions: direct emissions
  –   Buildings gas and fuel consumptions;
  –   Company owned vehicles;
  –   Refrigerant gas losses.

•  Scope 2 emissions: indirect emissions 
resulting from the use of electricity

•  Scope 3 emissions: other indirect 

emissions

  –  Business travel – air, car, rail;
  –  Outsourced delivery activities.

This year, we updated the emissions 
factors used to calculate DMGT’s 
emissions based on the latest figures 
provided by the GHG protocol methodology 
and the U.K. Government guidelines. As 
part of this process, we have revised 
previous years’ footprints as per the 
methodology recommendations.

Due to a number of structural changes 
that took place within DMGT recently,  
we also revised the baseline (2007)  
and the historical emissions so as to 
reflect disposals and acquisitions that 
have occurred since the baseline has  
been established.

As a result of both the emission factors 
update and the consideration of structural 
changes, DMGT’s historical emissions 
have changed since last year. The 
following table summarises the changes:

2006

2007

2008

113,900 118,600 118,200

119,300 121,500 121,600

Emissions (tCO2)
Emissions from  
original calculations

Revised emissions 
considering structural 
and emission factors 
changes 

This year, we calculated that the Group’s 
Carbon Footprint was 110,700 tonnes of 
CO2, a decrease of about 10,800 tonnes 
(9%) compared to the baseline (121,500 
tCO2). About 15% of this total corresponds 
to Scope 1 emissions, 62% Scope 2 
emissions and 23% Scope 3 emissions.

The reduction in emissions comes from 
the fact that some offices and printing sites 
closed during the year and that printing 
output has decreased. But it also reflects 
new travel policies and energy efficiency 
measures that have been implemented 
across the Group (in particular in printing 
facilities which represent an important 
part of our footprint).

DMGT is committed to reducing its 
emissions and we have embarked upon  
a comprehensive strategy to manage  
our Carbon Footprint. The Group has 
committed to reducing its Footprint by 
10% from the baseline year of 2007  
by the end of 2012. 

Sustainability
We believe that the issues surrounding 
sustainability offer our businesses 
opportunities, aligning our interests with 
those of society as a whole. We are 
continually investigating how to employ 
more sustainable practices.

Employees
DMGT is an equal opportunities employer 
and is committed to creating a positive 
working environment for employees 
within the Group. DMGT is organised  
into a number of autonomous businesses, 
each with their own policies and practices 
across a range of employee issues. 
Training and development is taken 
seriously across DMGT. 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

dmg world media
Carbon neutral exhibition

The Big 5 has this year been taking 
significant strides towards becoming 
Dubai’s first carbon neutral exhibition.

Working with EcoVentures, the Middle 
East’s top emissions reductions firm,  
the leading international building and 
construction show is aiming to restrict 
its environmental impact by having any 
emissions associated with the event 
reduced to net zero.

Building on EcoVentures’ greenhouse 
gas assessment dmg world media, 
through a combination of internal 
emissions reductions and the purchase 
of offsets, is reducing carbon emissions 
in specific emission-reduction projects 
in other locations to counteract the 
unavoidable emissions generated by  
the event.

 1st

The Big 5 aims to become Dubai’s  
first carbon neutral exhibition.

35

DMGT and Corporate 
Responsibility

Internal communication
A variety of approaches to staff 
communications exist within the  
Group, including:

•  A Group-wide intranet, DMGT Connect, 

supported by numerous intranets within 
each business;

•  A DMGT Chief Executive blog, begun  

in October 2009;

•  Regular communication events  

and briefings;

•  Face-to-face meetings;
•  Programmes related to specific  

key events (such as major changes  
in operations or equipment);

•  Regular staff e surveys in many of  

our businesses, providing employees 
with opportunities to suggest areas  
of improvement.

Health and safety 
A health and safety policy applies across 
DMGT, endeavouring to ensure the health, 
safety and welfare of its employees,  
and all others who could be affected  
by its activities. 

Across the Group there are many 
examples of good practice, health and 
safety management systems, the use of 
independent consultants and initiatives 
focused on business-specific health and 
safety risk areas. An example of health 
and safety good practice is at Associated 
Newspapers, which has a policy  
designed to work with OHSAS 18001 the 
Occupational Health and Safety Standard.

Health and safety is particularly critical  
in our printing press facilities,  
all of which have appropriate policies  
and ongoing management and  
monitoring programmes.

As in recent years the Group has had  
no fines or prosecutions for health and 
safety failures over the last 12 months. 

While the Chief Executive has overall 
responsibility for health and safety 
matters throughout DMGT, day-to-day 
responsibility is devolved to the managing 
directors of each division.

Customers
Editorial standards
There are a number of standard-setting 
bodies that have established codes  
to which DMGT’s consumer media 
divisions adhere. 

The main code for the Group’s U.K. 
newspapers is established and monitored 
by the Press Complaints Commission.  
The newspapers also adhere to the Code 
of Practice of Newspaper and Magazine 
Publishing. dmg radio complies with the 
Australian Communications and Media 
Authority Codes of Conduct and the 
Commercial Radio Codes of Practice  
and Broadcasting Services Act.

Responding to reader,  
viewer and listener needs
Remaining in touch with the diverse 
groups who make up our communities,  
so as to reflect their interests and 
champion their causes, is critical to 
DMGT’s success. 

Reader, viewer and listener satisfaction  
is monitored and handled in a number  
of ways, including timely responses to 
complaints, readership surveys and other 
processes to receive feedback actively 
from customers. 

Risk Management Solutions
Earthquake research project

Researchers at Risk Management 
Solutions have begun a two-phase 
project to address the humanitarian 
impacts of future earthquakes on six  
of the most at-risk South American 
capital cities. The objective of the first 
phase of the project is to quantify the 
humanitarian and economic risk for each 
of the capital cities. This will be provided 
in the form of expected losses for a 
specific ‘likely’ scenario earthquake and 
in a probabilistic format (exceedance 
probability curves). Impacts to be 
quantified include: total economic 
losses, potential fatalities, potential 
serious injuries and the number  
of displaced households. These 
quantitative analyses are designed to 
provide objective and comparative data 
on humanitarian impacts for the various 
cities. The project’s goal is to focus 
attention on what is an increasing 
problem throughout South America  
and much of the developing world.  
In the second phase they plan to 
implement mitigation solutions through 
partnerships with public agencies, NGOs 
and other local stakeholders to promote 
actions that lead to life safety and reduce 
future losses and suffering.

 Six

of South America’s most at-risk capital 
cities will be the focus of RMS’s 
earthquake research project.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

DMGT and Corporate 
Responsibility

36

DMGT and Corporate Responsibility
Continued

Within the established editorial 
framework, editors and journalists have 
the freedom to operate as appropriate. 
Compliance with editorial standards is 
strictly monitored within the divisions in 
several ways, including compliance 
committees, editorial responsibility, 
compliance audits and training. 

Suppliers
We are aware of the responsibility we have 
along the supply chain, in particular for 
newsprint, one of our largest purchases. 
We continually review the environmental 
credentials of paper suppliers and the 
sourcing of their products. 

Where virgin fibres are used in paper 
manufacture, we require that the forests 
are certified either by the Forest 
Stewardship Council or the Pan European 
Forestry Commission, both of which run 
schemes that provide credible guarantees 
that the product comes from well 
managed forests. 

Community
Community involvement is integral to  
our business, as well as to the personal 
motivation of our employees. We donate 
money, time and in-kind donations such 
as radio airtime and advertising space, 
and staff actively give time to activities, 
including fundraising and acting  
as trustees. 

The use of media channels and activities 
for fundraising is driven through 
participation in the communities that we 
serve and the concerns and contributions 
of our audience. 

Group charitable donations are allocated 
by a Charities Committee at DMGT, as  
well as being made on a smaller scale  
by divisional and local management. The 
Committee prefers to make donations to 
media and local charities where there is 
an employee representative who will 
sponsor and report back on the impact  
the allocation has had.

DMGT sources its paper mainly from 
European mills, all of which hold the 
environmental management standard 
ISO14001. In line with the Newspaper 
Industry Materials Committee policy,  
the Group sources 64.1% of its virgin  
fibre products from managed sources.

Some of our businesses have a Supplier 
Policy: for example Landmark 
Information’s policy states that the 
company believes in sourcing goods and 
services from suppliers who operate in an 
ethical way. A&N Media aims to acquire 
goods and services from reputable 
companies with a sound financial  
and ethical background, ensuring  
where possible goods are obtained  
from sustainable sources.

We aim to work with organisations that 
share our principles and aspirations.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Associated Newspapers
Financial Mail Women’s Forum

The Financial Mail Women’s Forum was 
formed in 2001 to help as many women 
as possible reach the highest ranks  
in British business and to support  
them with the most relevant news  
and features coverage, advice and 
networking opportunities. The network 
for senior women in business, politics, 
the arts and public service is an offshoot 
of Financial Mail on Sunday and meets 
quarterly. It is one of the most highly 
regarded initiatives of its kind in the 
country and works closely with a series 
of other women’s organisations. 

Realising Financial Mail’s mission to 
improve financial education, FMWF  
is publishing a newsletter for the 12,000 
women who leave prison each year  
to provide basic personal finance 
information as well as offering 
inspirational stories of achievement by 
former offenders coupled with a wide 
range of advice. The website will provide 
template letters for the women to 
download to help with job and bank 
account applications and FMWF hopes to 
establish a nationwide network to help 
them fill in the necessary paperwork to 
apply for benefits and schooling for their 
children. Financial problems are a factor 
for the vast majority of women in prison, 
and offering a guide for those completing 
their sentences is a practical 
contribution towards reducing the 
causes of re-offending.

 12,000

women leaving prison each year  
could benefit from FMWF’s  
financial newsletter.

37

Board of Directors

Board of Directors  
and Secretary

2

9

3

10

4

11

5

12

6

13

7

14

1

8

15

1 

 The Viscount Rothermere Chairman 
(Aged 42) †‡◊

6  P M Dacre Executive Director 

11 D J Verey, CBE Independent Non-executive Director

(Aged 61)

(Aged 58) *§

  Lord Rothermere was appointed to the Board  

in 1995 and appointed Chairman in 1998, having 
joined the Group in 1994. He is a non-executive 
director of Euromoney Institutional Investor plc.

  Paul Dacre was appointed to the Board in 1998, 
having joined the Group in 1979. He has been  
editor of the Daily Mail since 1992 and editor- 
in-chief of Associated Newspapers since 1998.

2  M W H Morgan Chief Executive 

7  P M Fallon Executive Director

(aged 59) פ

(Irish; Aged 63)

  Martin Morgan was appointed to the Board as Chief 
Executive and became a non-executive director of 
Euromoney Institutional Investor plc on 1st October, 
2008, having joined the Group in 1989. He was 
previously chief executive of dmg information.

  Padraic Fallon was appointed to the Board in 1999. 
He is chairman of Euromoney Institutional Investor 
plc. He joined Euromoney in 1974 as editor and was 
managing director from 1985 to 1992.

8  C W Dunstone Independent Non-executive Director

3  J P Williams FCA Finance Director

(Aged 45)

(Aged 56) פ

  Peter Williams was appointed to the Board as 
Group Finance Director in 1991, having joined  
the Group in 1982. He is an alternate director  
of Euromoney Institutional Investor plc and a 
non-executive director of Ibis Media VCT plc.

4  J G Hemingway Non-executive Director

(Aged 78) *†◊
John Hemingway was appointed to the Board  
in 1978. He is an independent solicitor.

  Charles Dunstone was appointed to the Board in 
2001. He is founder and chief executive of the 
Carphone Warehouse Group plc.

9  F P Balsemão Independent Non-executive Director

(Portuguese; Aged 72) †

  Francisco Balsemão was appointed to the Board  
in 2002. He is chairman and chief executive of 
IMPRESA, S.G.P.S, chairman of the European 
Publishers Council and a former prime minister  
of Portugal.

  David Verey was appointed to the Board in 2004  

and chairman of the Audit Committee on 31st July, 
2009. He is a non-executive director of LMS Capital 
plc and was formerly chairman of the Blackstone 
Group – U.K. and chairman of Lazard, London.

12 K J Beatty Executive Director 

(Aged 52)

  Kevin Beatty was appointed to the Board in  

2004, having joined the Group in 1996. He is chief 
executive of A&N Media and managing director of 
Associated Newspapers. He was managing director 
of Northcliffe Newspapers between 2001 and 2004.

13 N W Berry Independent Non-executive Director 

(Aged 67) *‡

  Nicholas Berry was appointed to the Board in 

February 2007. He is chairman of Stancroft Trust 
with wide experience in media and investment in 
emerging markets.

14 D H Nelson, ACA Non-executive Director 

(Aged 46) *‡ ◊

  David Nelson was appointed to the Board on  
1st July, 2009. He is senior partner of Dixon  
Wilson, Chartered Accountants.

5  D M M Dutton Executive Director 

10 T S Gillespie Non-executive Director

(Aged 67) §

(Canadian; Aged 71)

  David Dutton was appointed to the Board in  

1997. He advises the Group on property matters  
and is chairman of dmg information.

  Tom Gillespie was appointed to the Board in 2004.  
He is a former senior partner of Ogilvy Renault and  
has advised the Group on legal matters in Canada 
for many years.

15 N D Jennings, FCA Secretary 

(Aged 50)

  Nicholas Jennings was appointed Company 

Secretary in 1999, having joined the Group in 1988. 
He is also responsible for investor relations.

*  Member of the Audit Committee
† Member of the Nominations Committee
‡ Member of the Remuneration Committee
◊ Member of the Finance Committee
§ Member of the Risk Committee

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

38

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Report  
and Accounts for the year ended  
4th October, 2009.

Activities
The principal activities of the Group  
are set out on pages 12 and 13 of this 
Annual Report.

The analysis of turnover and operating 
profit for the years ended 4th October, 
2009 and 28th September, 2008 are 
included as Note 3 to the Consolidated 
Income Statement.

Business Review
The information that fulfils the Companies 
Act requirements of the business review 
is included in the Business Review on 
pages 4 to 32. This includes a review of the 
development of the business of the Group 
during the year, of its position at the end of 
the year and of likely future developments 
in its business. Details of the principal 
risks and uncertainties facing the Group 
are set out below.

Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties the 
Group faces vary across the different 
businesses and are the focus of the Risk 
Committee. These risks are identified in 
the DMGT Group Risk Register. The 
materiality of each risk is assessed 
against a framework to determine its 
significance and likelihood of occurrence. 
The Risk Register is used to determine the 
agenda and activity of the Risk Committee. 
The most material risks identified in the 
Risk Register, together with the steps 
taken to mitigate them, are described 
below. The operation of the Risk 
Committee is described on page 44  
and 45.

The geographic spread and diverse 
portfolio of businesses within the Group 
help to dilute the impact of some of the 
Group’s key risks. Certain of these risks 
are interdependent and should not be 
considered in isolation.

Exposure to changes in the 
economy and customer  
spending patterns
The current economic climate, especially 
in the U.K. and U.S. economies, continues 
to represent a significant risk to the 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Group. A significant (although decreasing) 
proportion of our revenue is derived from 
advertising, which has historically been 
cyclical, and has reduced as a result of 
the downturn in the global economy.  
A similar effect has been seen in our 
businesses that rely on non-advertising 
revenues in the financial and property 
markets. Despite the difficult trading 
conditions in these businesses, our 
long-term strategy of diversifying the 
Group’s portfolio, especially into business 
information and subscription revenue 
streams, and our commitment to  
invest in our core brands, puts us in  
a strong position both now and when 
growth returns.

The impact of technological  
and market changes on  
our competitive advantage
Our businesses operate in highly 
competitive environments that can be 
subject to rapid change. Our products  
and services, and their means of delivery, 
are affected by technological innovations, 
changing legislation, competitor activity 
or changing customer behaviour.  
A structural change in the advertising 
markets resulting in significant 
advertising moving away from our 
traditional products to the internet has 
affected our results both positively and 
negatively. We have developed an internet 
strategy for each of our main segments of 
advertising revenue.

The decentralised autonomous culture of 
the Group encourages an entrepreneurial 
approach to the development of new 
opportunities in response to these threats 
and we must continue to invest and adapt 
to remain competitive. Our strategy of 
diversification and willingness to take a 
long-term view helps us to react to these 
challenges and opportunities.

trustees as part of discussions around the 
three yearly actuarial valuation. A funding 
approach and a revised asset allocation 
strategy, designed to reduce and diversify 
the risk inherent in the investment 
portfolios, have been agreed and 
implemented. The cash flow of the main 
defined benefit scheme is broadly neutral 
so the trustees have not needed to sell 
assets to any material extent in these 
depressed markets. The next valuation 
will be undertaken as at 31st March, 2010. 
These actions have been supplemented  
by the recently announced closure of the 
scheme to new employees, changes to 
benefits and further proposals to be 
introduced next year that are designed to 
deal with the ongoing risk to the balance 
sheet created by defined benefit pension 
liabilities. By next year a programme to 
install updated, consistent defined 
contribution pension plans in all divisions 
will be complete, a further measure to 
control pension liabilities and costs 
incurred by the Group.

Impact of a major disaster  
or outbreak of disease
The first wave of the H1N1 influenza 
pandemic was not as severe as first 
predicted and had only a limited impact  
on DMGT. It is, however, possible that 
there will be a further wave in the 
northern hemisphere coinciding with the 
2009/10 winter flu season. At present the 
virus is at the low end of the virulence 
spectrum; however, it is impossible to 
predict whether the virus will mutate into 
a more virulent and severe form. A second 
wave could affect the Group’s ability to 
produce and deliver its products, reduce 
the demand for them, or affect our cost 
base. Some of our events businesses are 
more sensitive to a pandemic as the 
success of certain events can depend  
on confidence in global travel.

Pension scheme shortfalls
We operate defined benefit pension 
schemes for our newspaper divisions and 
certain senior executives. Reported 
earnings may be adversely affected by 
changes in our pension costs and funding 
requirements due to lower than expected 
investment returns, demographic changes 
and increased life expectancy. Recent 
turmoil in global equity markets and 
reduced bond yields has increased this 
risk, which is considered with the scheme 

Business continuity plans including 
specific pandemic planning measures 
have been implemented across the Group. 
We have called upon specific pandemic 
modelling expertise within RMS to give us 
the best available insight into the likely 
spread of the pandemic and issued 
regular communications to senior 
divisional management and staff 
members. In addition, we have 
implemented a pandemic influenza 
management scheme that includes 

39

Directors’ Report

provision of anti-viral medication to our 
staff. Our planning in advance of the 
recent events and since has allowed our 
businesses to be well prepared and to 
respond quickly as new information 
becomes available to protect our staff, 
brands and reputation.

Reliance on key management 
and staff retention
In order to pursue our strategy, we are 
reliant on key management and staff 
across all our businesses. We cannot 
predict with certainty that we will enjoy 
continued success in our recruitment and 
retention of high quality management and 
creative talent.

Our Group Human Resources Director has 
worked with divisional and executive 
management across the DMGT divisions 
to implement a formal approach to talent 
management and succession planning. 
This includes payment of competitive 
rewards, employee performance and 
turnover monitoring and a variety of 
approaches to staff communication.

Commercial  
Relationships including:
Volatility of newsprint
DMGT is reliant on a number of 
commercial relationships with key 
suppliers and third parties. A significant 
change to the commercial terms under 
which we trade or a loss of any of these 
key relationships could have a material 
impact on the Group’s financial results 
and ability to trade.

An example of this is newsprint which 
represents a significant proportion of  
our costs within the newspaper divisions. 
Newsprint prices are subject to volatility 
arising from variations in supply and 
demand. Generally, these variations  
are not large, but from time to time 
changes are significant. In response  
to this, significant time and resources  
are committed to developing these 
relationships to ensure they continue  
to operate satisfactorily. The Group’s 
newsprint requirements are also 
monitored by the board of Harmsworth 
Printing (to which the duties of the 
Newsprint Committee were transferred  
in October 2009) and, where possible,  
long-term arrangements are agreed  
with suppliers to limit the potential  
for volatility.

Acquisition and disposal risk
There are risks to our ability to achieve 
optimal value from disposals including the 
incorrect timing of any sale, the inability to 
identify and agree a deal with a purchaser, 
the unsuccessful separation of a business 
and management of any related costs, as 
well as the failure to realise any other 
anticipated benefits of a disposal. This risk 
is particularly pertinent, given the current 
economic climate.

As well as launching and building new 
businesses, an integral part of our 
success has, and will continue to be, the 
acquisition of businesses that 
complement our existing products or 
expand the scope of our expertise into new 
markets. A number of risks are inherent 
within any strategy to acquire. The Group 
generally acquires businesses with a high 
potential for growth in related markets. 
The majority of acquisitions considered 
are smaller add-on acquisitions, which 
reduces the size of the risk of each 
acquisition to the Group.

Reliance on IT infrastructure
All of our businesses are dependent on 
technology to some degree. Information 
systems are critical for the effective 
management and provision of services 
around the Group. Disruption to our 
information technology infrastructure or 
failure to implement new systems 
effectively could result in lost revenue and 
damage our reputation. Dedicated project 
management teams are used to manage 
the risk in any change project and 
business continuity plans are in place in 
each division to protect existing systems.

Information security
Information security has become an 
important issue in recent years as a result 
of several high profile losses of data. Any 
future breach in our data security could 
have a harmful impact on our business 
and reputation. A Group-wide policy has 
been set and the Risk Committee have 
overseen the implementation of this policy 
in all divisions.

Climate change
The risks associated with climate change 
include the introduction of or increase  
in legislation and regulation of the 
environmental impact of our operations. 
In the longer term, the physical impact of 

climate change could affect our business 
locations, distribution routes or third 
party suppliers. A Group wide review  
of the impact of climate change was 
performed in 2008 to identify the key risks 
and opportunities for the Group presented 
by future climate change.

Legal and regulatory
DMGT businesses are subject to varying 
legislation and regulation across several 
jurisdictions including health and safety 
and employment law as well as more 
specific regulations such as from the 
Office of Fair Trading and the Audit Bureau 
of Circulation. The impact of this 
legislation or regulations could adversely 
affect the results and future trading of the 
business. Whilst employees need to be 
responsible for their own health and 
safety, they are made aware of health and 
safety and of employment rights through 
the employee handbook. A Group-wide 
code of conduct highlighting key legal and 
regulatory issues affecting our 
businesses and working practices has 
been developed and distributed in the 
year. Controls are also in place 
surrounding compliance with the ABC’s 
regulations and other regulatory bodies to 
which we adhere.

Treasury risk
There are a number of risks arising from 
the Group’s Treasury operations including 
currency exchange rate fluctuations 
impacting on the Group’s reported 
earnings, liquidity risk, interest rate risk 
and debt levels. The current problems in 
global financial markets as a result of the 
credit crunch and banking crisis heighten 
the risk in this area. In addition, the 
treasury function within DMGT undertakes 
high value transactions and therefore 
there is inherently a risk of treasury  
fraud or error. The policies and 
procedures in place to manage these 
risks are discussed in the Financial and 
Treasury review on pages 31 and 32.

Tax risk
The Group operates within many 
jurisdictions; our earnings are therefore 
subject to taxation at differing rates 
across these jurisdictions. Whilst we 
endeavour to manage our tax affairs in  
an efficient manner, due to an ever more 
complex international tax environment 
there will always be a level of uncertainty 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Directors’ Report

40

Directors’ Report
Continued

when provisioning for our tax liabilities. 
There is also a risk of tax laws being 
amended by authorities in the different 
jurisdictions in which we operate which 
would have an adverse effect on our 
financial results. Working with divisional 
management and external experts we 
have a team of in-house specialists who 
review all tax arrangements within the 
Group and keep abreast of changing 
legislation.

This Annual Report contains certain 
forward-looking statements with respect 
to the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group. By their nature, these 
statements involve risk and uncertainty 
because they relate to events and depend 
on circumstances that may or may not 
occur in the future. There are a number of 
factors that could cause actual results or 
developments to differ materially from 
those expressed or implied by these 
forward looking statements. No 
assurances can be given that the forward- 
looking statements are reasonable as they 
can be affected by a wide range of 
variables. The forward-looking 
statements reflect the knowledge and 
information available at the date of 
preparation of this Annual Report, and will 
not be updated during the year. Nothing in 
this Annual Report should be construed 
as a profit forecast.

Results and dividends
The loss after taxation of the Group 
amounted to £305 million. After crediting 
minority interests of £2 million, the  
Group loss for the year amounted to  
£303 million.

An interim dividend of 4.80 pence per 
share was paid on the Ordinary and  
‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares and the 
Directors recommend that a final dividend 
of 9.90 pence per share be paid on  
12th February, 2010 making 14.70 pence 
per share for the year (2008 14.70 pence).

Directors
Biographical details of the Directors of the 
Company at 4th December, 2009 are set 
out on page 37. Messrs M.W.H. Morgan 
and D.H. Nelson were appointed to the 
Board on 1st October, 2008 and 1st July, 
2009, respectively. Messrs C.J.F. Sinclair, 
I.G. Park and S.M. Gray retired from the 
Board on 30th September, 2008,  

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

11th February, 2009 and 31st July, 2009 
respectively. All other Directors remained 
unchanged during the year.

The number of shares of the Company and 
of securities of other Group companies, in 
which the Directors or their families had 
an interest at the year end, are stated  
in the Remuneration Report on pages  
62 and 63.

In accordance with the Articles of 
Association, Messrs Dutton, Gillespie, 
Verey and Berry retire by rotation at the 
Annual General Meeting on 10th February, 
2010. Each being eligible, offers himself 
for re-election. Shareholders will be 
asked to confirm the appointment of  
Mr Nelson to the Board. The Directors 
would like to thank Messrs Sinclair,  
Park and Gray for their invaluable 
contributions to the Board’s deliberations.

Post balance sheet events
On 26th November, 2009, the Group 
announced the sale of a 50% interest  
in dmg radio australia to Illyria for 
estimated net proceeds of A$112 million  
(£63 million).

Share capital
There were no allotments of share capital 
during the year.

At the Annual General Meeting on 11th 
February 2009, the Company was granted 
the authority to purchase up to 10% of its 
own shares.

During the year, the Company transferred 
10,184,237 shares out of treasury, 
representing 2.73% of called up  
‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares,  
in order to satisfy incentive schemes.

The Company also purchased 1,626,058  
‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares for holding 
in treasury, having a nominal value of 
£203,257 in order to match obligations 
under various incentive plans. The 
consideration paid for these shares was 
£5.6 million. Shares repurchased during 
the year represented 0.44% of the called 
up ‘A’ Ordinary Non–Voting share capital 
at 4th October, 2009.

Full details of the Company’s share capital 
are given in Note 35.

Employees
Under the Group’s general policy of 
decentralised management, it is the 
responsibility of the management in each 
subsidiary to encourage the involvement 
and participation of employees in their 
company. The methods used vary 
company by company, but the linking to 
performance targets of a significant 
portion of remuneration is one widely 
used means.

The Group gives full and fair consideration 
to suitable applications from disabled 
persons for employment. If existing 
employees become disabled they will 
continue to be employed, wherever 
practicable, in the same job or, if this is 
not practicable, every effort will be made 
to find suitable alternative employment 
and to provide appropriate training.

Policy on payment of suppliers
The Group’s policy on supplier payments 
varies across its subsidiaries. These 
companies have no formal code or 
standard which deals specifically with  
the payment of suppliers. However,  
their policy is to ensure that the terms  
of payment, as specified by, and agreed 
with the supplier at the outset, are  
not exceeded.

The Company had no trade 
creditors at the year end date.
The Group’s average payment period, 
calculated on the basis of year end trade 
creditors, is 66 days (2008 63 days), 
although this is dependent on the year end 
date and cannot therefore be regarded as 
meaningful.

Donations
Charitable donations made by the Group 
in the year amounted to £700,000 (2008 
£946,000). This excludes the cost of 
publicity, often provided free of charge by 
the Group’s titles, and funds raised by 
them, further details on which are given in 
the Corporate Responsibility Report on 
page 36 of this Annual Report. No political 
donations were made by the Group.

41

Directors’ Report

Substantial shareholdings
As set out in Note 35, the Company has 
two classes of share capital – Ordinary 
shares and ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting 
shares. On 4th December, 2009 the 
following were interested in more than 3% 
of the issued Ordinary shares:

Rothermere Continuation Limited 
(and other parties to an agreement 
which comes within section 824 of 
the Companies Act 2006)

Codan Trust Company Ltd and Codan 
Trustees (BVI) Ltd (trustees of the 
Esmond Harmsworth 1998 Family 
Settlement)

63.1%

29.3%

Directors’ responsibilities 
statement
The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report and the 
financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors  
to prepare financial statements for  
each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors are required to prepare the 
Group financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union and Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation and have elected to prepare 
the parent Company financial statements 
in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards 
and applicable law). Under Company law 
the Directors must not approve the 
accounts unless they are satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view of the state  
of affairs of the Company and of the profit 
or loss of the Company for that period.

In preparing the Parent Company financial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies  
and then apply them consistently;

•  make judgments and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable  
and prudent;

•  state whether applicable U.K. 

Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained  
in the financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements  

on the going concern basis unless it  
is inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business.

Responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our 
knowledge:

In preparing the Group financial 
statements, International Accounting 
Standard 1 requires that Directors:

•  properly select and apply accounting 

policies;

•  present information, including 

accounting policies, in a manner that 
provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information;

•  provide additional disclosures when 

compliance with the specific 
requirements in IFRSs are insufficient 
to enable users to understand the 
impact of particular transactions, other 
events and conditions on the entity’s 
financial position and financial 
performance; and

•  make an assessment of the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the 
Company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and 
enable them to ensure that the financial 
statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Company 
and hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the 
United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

•  the financial statements, prepared in 

accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss  
of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as  
a whole; and

•  the Business Review, which is 

incorporated into the Directors’  
report, includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of  
the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included 
in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that 
they face.

Auditors
The Company’s auditors, Deloitte LLP, 
have indicated their willingness to 
continue in office and, in accordance with 
section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a 
resolution proposing their reappointment 
will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held on
10th February, 2010 at 9.00 a.m. at the 
Kensington Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington 
High Street, London W8. Details of all 
resolutions, including those to be put  
as special business, are set out in the 
enclosed circular to shareholders.

Corporate Governance
The following pages 42 to 46 on Corporate 
Governance also form part of this 
Directors’ Report.

By Order of the Board

N D Jennings, FCA
Secretary
4th December, 2009

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Corporate Governance

42

Corporate Governance

The Company is committed to high standards of corporate governance. The paragraphs below and in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 47 to 64 describe how the Board has applied the principles set out in the Combined Code (‘the Code’) issued by the Financial 
Services Authority in June 2008. The Code is part of the Listing Rules and applied to the Company throughout the year.

The Company has substantially complied with the provisions of the Code throughout the year, except where the Board has 
determined that they are inappropriate to the particular circumstances of the Company. The areas in which the Company  
has not applied the Code during the year essentially arise from the composition of the Board and are summarised as follows:

Provision

Area

Details of non-compliance and mitigating circumstances

A1.3

A3.2

A3.3

A4.1

A7.2

B1.6

B2.1

C3.1

Board Evaluation

Composition  
of the Board

Composition  
of the Board

The non-executive Directors did not meet as a group without the Chairman since his performance 
was assessed by the Remuneration Committee (without the Chairman being present).

Less than half of the Board are independent non-executive Directors.

The Board has not identified a senior independent non-executive Director since it believes that to 
identify such an individual is potentially divisive to a unitary body, as this Board is, and disruptive 
to the role of the Chairman.

Composition  
of the Nominations Committee

Independent non-executive Directors do not comprise a majority of the Committee’s  
members since Mr Balsemão is the only independent non-executive Director appointed. 
Nevertheless, the Board believes that the Committee operates well.

Re-election  
of Directors

Mr Hemingway is a non-executive Director who has served for more than nine years but is not 
subject to annual re-election.

The Board considers that the existing practice, which is to subject non-executive Directors to 
re-election at least every three years, complies with Company law and with the Articles and 
works well.

Service contracts and 
compensation

The service contracts of Messrs Morgan and Dacre exceed the one year recommended  
in the Code.

The explanation is given in the Remuneration Report on page 63.

Composition  
of the Remuneration Committee

The Committee comprises one independent non-executive Director, rather than two as set  
out in the Code.

Composition  
of the Audit Committee

The Committee comprises two independent non-executive Directors rather than three as  
set out in the Code.

In addition, the Chairman was not independent on appointment (Code provision A2.2).

The Board
The Company is headed by a Board which 
comprises a balance of seven executive 
Directors, including the Chairman and 
Chief Executive, and seven non-executive 
Directors. Biographical details of each of 
the Directors are set out on page 37. The 
Board has been progressively refreshed 
in recent years with several appointments, 
including four new independent Directors.

The division of responsibilities between 
the Executive Chairman and the Chief 
Executive is understood and works well. 
The Chairman’s role is to lead the Board 
and oversee the Company’s operations 
and strategy. The Chief Executive’s role is 
to manage the Company, develop strategy 
and ensure its successful implementation.

The Board normally meets regularly five 
times a year and at such other times as 
are necessary. It discusses and approves 
the Group’s commercial strategy.  

Its specific responsibilities are set out  
in a schedule of matters reserved to  
the Board which is published on the 
Company’s website at www.dmgt.co.uk/
corporate governance.

The Board met six times during the 
2008/09 financial year, all of which  
were regular meetings, attended by  
all Directors, except that Messrs Fallon 
and Dunstone were each unable to  
attend one of them. Individual attendance 
by Directors is set out on page 43.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

43

Corporate Governance

Number of 
meetings 
eligible  
to attend

Number  
of meetings 
attended

training as is considered necessary, both 
on appointment and at any subsequent 
time. There is an agreed procedure for 
Directors to take independent 
professional advice at the Company’s 
expense, if necessary.

Company Secretary
The Company Secretary, Mr Jennings,  
is responsible for advising the Board 
through the Chairman on all governance 
issues. All Directors have access to the 
advice and services of the Secretary.

6

6

6

6

6

5

6

6

5

2

6

1

5

6

6

6

Executive Directors

The Viscount 
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

D M M Dutton

P M Dacre

P M Fallon

K J Beatty

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

Non-executive (non-independent) Directors

J G Hemingway

S M Gray

I G Park

T S Gillespie

D H Nelson

6

5

2

6

1

Independent non-executive Directors

C W Dunstone

F P Balsemão

D J Verey

N W Berry

6

6

6

6

The Board believes that four  
non-executive Directors may be 
considered to be independent under  
the Code, namely Messrs Dunstone, 
Balsemão, Verey and Berry.

Messrs Hemingway and Gillespie are  
not regarded by the Board as independent 
under the Code because they have advised 
the Company over many years; nor is  
Mr Nelson because he is an advisor  
to the Chairman. Nevertheless, the  
Board believes that these non-executive 
Directors make an important contribution 
to its deliberations and have invaluable 
experience of the Company, its business 
and its staff.

Information and  
professional development
Procedures have been established to 
ensure that the Board receives timely  
and appropriate information both for  
its meetings and regularly between 
meetings. All Directors are offered such 

Election and re-election
The Company’s Articles of Association 
require that a Director appointed by the 
Board must stand for election at the next 
Annual General Meeting. Thereafter all 
Directors are subject to re-election every 
three years.

The terms and conditions of appointment 
of the non-executive Directors are 
available for inspection at the Registered 
Office of the Company during usual 
business hours.

Board evaluation
The Board has undertaken its annual 
evaluation of its own performance and 
that of its individual Directors. It reviewed 
its performance by reference to the 
schedule of matters reserved for it. The 
evaluation process took the form of a 
questionnaire sent to each Director, 
seeking their views on progress made on 
vision and strategy; Board meetings and 
communications; fellow Directors; 
consideration of Directors views; and has 
solicited other comments. The Chairman 
reported the consensus view on 
performance to the Board at its meeting 
in September, enabling it to conclude that 
it had been effective in the year under 
review. No changes to procedures were 
judged necessary.

Board Committees
The Board has established Nominations, 
Remuneration, Audit, Risk and Corporate 
Social Responsibility Committees with 
mandates to deal with specific aspects  
of its business. The remits of these 
committees are published on the 
Company’s website at www.dmgt.co.uk. 
Details of the membership of these 
committees are given on pages 43 to 45. 
Each committee reports to the Board at 
every regular meeting. In September  
and November 2009, the Board carried  
out a review of the performance of its 
committees and concluded that they  
had been effective in the year.

Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee comprises 
three Directors: the Viscount Rothermere 
(its chairman), Mr Hemingway and  
Mr Balsemão. The Deputy Finance 
Director, Mr Perry, is secretary to  
the Committee. The Chief Executive 
attends most meetings at the invitation  
of the Committee.

The Committee met four times during the 
year and all meetings were attended by all 
serving members. Individual attendance 
by members is set out below:

Number of 
meetings 
eligible  
to attend

Number  
of meetings 
attended

4

4

4

4

4

4

The Viscount 
Rothermere

J G Hemingway

F P Balsemão

The Committee reviews the structure, size 
and composition of the Board and makes 
recommendations to the Board on any 
changes. During the year it nominated  
Mr Nelson to the Board in succession  
to Mr Gray. Mr Nelson has been a  
member of the Finance Committee since  
November 2006 and has attended the 
Audit Committee since September 2008. 
The Committee determined, from his 
performance on those Committees  
and from his role as an advisor to the 
Chairman, that he had the right balance  
of skills, knowledge and experience, 
needed for the Board. External advice  
was not taken, nor advertising required  
in this instance.

The Committee continued to review 
succession planning for both executive 
and non-executive Directors. It has also 
assessed the most appropriate method  
of evaluating Directors’ performance.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Corporate Governance

44

Corporate Governance
Continued

Relations with shareholders
The Company maintains a regular 
programme of contact with its 
institutional shareholders. In the past 
year, this has included meetings in 
London, Scotland and the U.S.A.

Non-executive Directors are kept 
informed of the views of institutional 
shareholders by the regular distribution  
of analysts’ reports and feedback is 
provided from institutional meetings.

All shareholders are welcome to attend 
the Annual General Meeting, of which 20 
working days’ notice is given, where they 
have the opportunity to speak to Directors.

In the interests of transparency and to 
assist private shareholders, the Company 
posts all announcements and general 
presentations given to analysts and 
institutions on its corporate website. 
Shareholders and others interested in the 
Group are encouraged to use the site and 
to email questions which they might have 
to investor.relations@dmgt.co.uk. 
Questions to particular Directors should 
be addressed through the Secretary.

Internal controls and 
management of risk
The Board has overall responsibility for 
the Group’s system of internal control. 
This system is designed to provide 
reasonable assurance of the safeguarding 
of assets and shareholders’ investment 
and the reliability of financial information. 
Any such system can, however, provide 
only reasonable, and not absolute, 
assurance of these matters. The Directors 
confirm that they have reviewed the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
internal control for the period up to the 
date of the approval of the Accounts. The 
Board has not identified any significant 
failings or weaknesses during this review.

The Group adopts a prudent risk strategy, 
weighing opportunities for potential gain 
against threats to overall business 
objectives and profitability. Senior 

management addresses the opportunities 
and uncertainties relating to the business 
activities of the Group. The risk 
management process consists of the 
identification, evaluation and control of 
risks, which could threaten the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic, 
operational and financial objectives, as 
well as the active management of 
opportunities. The processes described 
below were in place throughout the year.

The Group operates on a divisional basis 
with each of the divisions described on 
pages 12 and 13 of the Annual Report 
having considerable autonomy as regards 
its operation and establishment of control 
systems. Overseeing the divisional 
structure is a central management 
responsible to the Board. Certain 
functions are undertaken centrally, 
notably newsprint buying, insurance, 
treasury, tax, pensions, and risk and 
assurance (including internal audit).

Operating businesses within the Group 
are required to confirm annually their 
compliance with Group accounting 
policies and financial reporting guidelines.

Divisional and subsidiary company boards 
regularly review relevant and timely 
financial information that is produced 
from the management information 
systems operated across the Group. This 
is supported by a framework of budgets 
that are approved at a divisional level by 
the Finance Committee. Variance analysis 
of actual results versus budget and 
forecast is undertaken regularly 
throughout the year.

The Group does not maintain common 
detailed accounting or operations 
manuals because of the diverse 
operations carried out by its divisions, 
though guidance is issued from the 
centre. Where applicable, divisions 
maintain their own manuals. A number of 
the divisions also undertake regular 
control review work as part of their 
control process.

In reviewing the effectiveness of the 
system of internal control the Board has 
considered material controls (including 
those undertaken through its 
committees), including financial, 
operational and compliance controls and 
risk management systems as follows:
The central Risk and Assurance function 
carries out internal audit activities across 
the Group. It operates under an internal 
audit charter which covers: the purposes 
and objectives of the Group’s internal 
audit function; its authority and scope; 
independence issues; standards of 
professional practice, performance 
monitoring, planning and reporting.  
The department also co-ordinates with  
a number of the divisions who undertake 
control reviews on companies within their 
divisions. Following each review, a formal 
report is issued to divisional management 
with the audit findings and management’s 
response. At each Audit Committee 
meeting, the Head of Assurance,  
Mr Ashby, reports on the internal audit 
activity across the Group, including 
progress against completion of the annual 
assurance plan and a summary of the 
findings of assurance reviews undertaken.

Risk Committee
The Risk Committee gives the Board 
assurance on risk management issues 
and processes. The process for the 
management of significant risks is 
undertaken by the Risk Committee and it 
accords with the Turnbull Guidance on 
internal control, appended to the Code. 
Over the course of the past year the Risk 
Committee has considered the key risks 
pertaining to all divisions and head office 
functions within the business as well as 
the key risks which affect the Group, 
including fraud risk.

The Committee, comprises Messrs 
Morgan, its chairman, Williams and 
Dutton, Mr Verey from 31st July (before 
that Mr Gray) and Mr Kass, the legal 
director of A&N Media. Mr Verey provides 
a non-executive perspective to the review 
of risk management processes within the 
Group, as well as providing a direct link to 
the Audit Committee.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

45

Corporate Governance

The Committee met four times during the 
year and all meetings were attended by all 
serving members. Individual attendance 
by members is set out on page 45.

Number of 
meetings 
eligible  
to attend

Number  
of meetings 
attended

4

4

4

4

1

3

4

4

4

4

1

3

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

D M M Dutton

H Kass

D J Verey

S M Gray

The head of the Group’s risk function,  
Mr Page, is Secretary to the Committee.

The Risk Committee considers risk 
registers prepared by each of the divisions 
of the Group and by central functions, on a 
rotational basis, in general reviewing a 
division and central function at each 
meeting. These reports identify inherent 
strategic and operational business risks 
and describe the controls in place to 
manage those risks. The Committee also 
embarked on a project to improve the 
quality and formality of risk management 
across the Group by embedding the DMGT 
risk management model into the operating 
divisions. The Committee considers the 
Group risk register (a consolidation of 
divisional and central function risk 
registers with Group-wide risks overlaid) 
annually. In addition, the Committee 
reviews specific risk management issues 
and topics for consideration across the 
Group. This year the Committee has 
focused on the following risks: fraud, 
information security (considered at a  
Risk Committee sponsored workshop  
for senior management); pandemic risk; 
and again on business continuity and 
disaster recovery planning. In addition,  
the Committee aimed at ensuring that  
the business conduct of its employees is 
appropriate to, and in accordance with, the 
Group’s values and ethics. The Committee 
also monitors developments in relevant 
legislation and regulations to consider the 
impact these might have on the Group and 
on its system of internal control.

Members of the Risk Committee also 
maintain direct links with each of the main 
divisions through attendance at divisional 
board meetings as directors of these 
boards. The Committee reports to the 
Board after each of its meetings to assist 
the Board in its determination of the 
overall effectiveness of the system of 
internal control and risk management 
more widely.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, on behalf of the 
Board, has responsibility for the review of 
financial risk management and of internal 
financial controls, as these directly relate 
to the quality of financial reporting. In 
addition, the Committee is mandated to:

•  review all public financial statements of 

the Company and of the Group, 
including the half year and annual 
financial statements, before such 
statements are submitted to the Board;

•  consider any appointment of external 

auditors to Group companies, to review 
audit fees and to consider any questions 
of resignation or dismissal of auditors;

•  monitor and review the resources and 

effectiveness of internal audit (including 
approval of the appointment and 
removal of the Head of Assurance);

•  agree the internal audit programme for 

the forthcoming year; and

•  to consider a summary of Group 
internal audit reports and such 
individual reports as the Committee 
sees fit and management’s response to 
any recommendations, and to monitor 
the progress of any required actions.

The Committee also considers significant 
financial reporting issues, approves any 
changes to Group accounting policies and 
reviews a summary of recommendation 
letters to management prepared by the 
Group’s external auditors following their 
audit procedures.

The Committee comprises four non-
executive Directors: Messrs Verey (its 
chairman from 31st July), Hemingway, 
Berry and Nelson. Mr Nelson was 
appointed on 1st July and Mr Gray stood 
down as chairman on the date of his 
retirement from the Board on 31st July. 
The Code recommends that an audit 
committee should comprise at least three 
members, all of whom should be 
independent non-executive Directors. 
Only Messrs Verey and Berry are 
considered to be independent under the 
Code. Nevertheless, the Board believes 
that the Committee operates 
independently. Members’ qualifications 
are set out in their biographies on page 37. 
The Board is satisfied that Mr Nelson, 
senior partner of a firm of chartered 
accountants, and Mr Verey, the Committee 
chairman, have recent and relevant 
financial experience. The Company 
Secretary, Mr Jennings, also a Chartered 
Accountant, is secretary to the Committee.

The Audit Committee met four times 
during the year and all meetings were 
attended by all serving members, except 
that Mr Hemingway was unable to attend 
one of them. Individual attendance by 
members is set out below:

Number of 
meetings 
eligible  
to attend

Number  
of meetings 
attended

4

4

4

4

3

4

4

4

4

3

D J Verey

J G Hemingway

N W Berry

D H Nelson

S M Gray

The Finance Director attends all meetings 
and the Chief Executive most meetings  
by invitation.

The Committee has implemented the 
procedures set out in the Smith Guidance 
to the Code which are within its control.  
It reviews the Group’s policy on  
whistle blowing.

In addition, the Committee has  
primary responsibility for making a 
recommendation to the Board on the 
appointment, reappointment and removal 
of the external auditors, together with 
approval of their remuneration. As part  
of its role in ensuring the effectiveness of 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Corporate Governance

46

Corporate Governance
Continued

Procedures exist to monitor the 
independence of the external auditors and 
include a policy on employment of former 
audit principals. There is also a policy  
on the provision of non-audit services  
with which the Group’s head office and  
each division complies. The choice  
of firm is normally determined on the  
basis of professional expertise and 
competitiveness. The Group may engage 
the external auditors to perform audit-
related work, accountancy advice and 
corporate tax services. Non-audit 
services in other areas are decided on 
their merits and are put out to tender 
where the amounts in question are 
significant. The external auditors are 
excluded from the following areas: where 
they are auditing their own work; where a 
mutuality of interest is created; or where 
the external auditor would be put in the 
role of advocate for the Company.

remit or operations. In November 2009, 
the Board conducted its own review  
of the Committee’s performance and 
confirmed that the Committee had 
fulfilled its obligations and been  
effective in the year under review.

Euromoney Institutional Investor plc is 
subject to the requirements of the Code  
in its own right. As disclosed in its latest 
annual report, it has in place its own 
system of internal control and risk 
management processes which forms  
part of the Group’s overall framework of 
control. The joint ventures and associates 
of the Group are not included in the 
Group’s system of internal control 
described above.

On behalf of the Board

Non-audit fees payable to Deloitte LLP in 
2009 amounted to £2.3 million, compared 
to £1.8 million the previous year, reflecting 
the continuing extent of their involvement 
in the restructuring of Northcliffe Media.

N D Jennings, FCA
Secretary 
4th December, 2009

During the year, the Committee received 
reports from management on the status  
of the finance systems within A&N Media, 
on Going concern and the financial 
consequences for DMGT of various 
economic downturn scenarios, on the 
Company’s response to the Financial 
Reporting Council’s key questions for  
audit committees and on developments in 
international financial reporting standards.

The Committee also reviewed the annual 
internal audit plan, summaries of reports 
received and reviewed the effectiveness 
and resources of the Group’s internal 
audit function. In September, it carried out 
an annual review of its terms of reference 
and of its effectiveness and concluded 
that it did not need to recommend to the 
Board any substantive changes to its 

the audit process, the Committee also 
undertakes an annual assessment of the 
qualifications, expertise and resources  
of the external auditors.

The appointment of Deloitte LLP as the 
Group’s external auditors (incumbents 
since the last audit tender in 2001) is kept 
under annual review, and, if satisfactory, 
the Committee will recommend the 
reappointment of the audit firm. The 
appointment of Deloitte followed a formal 
tender process undertaken in 2001  
and, rather than adopting a policy on 
tendering frequency, the annual review  
of the effectiveness of the external  
audit is supplemented by a periodic 
comprehensive reassessment by the 
Committee. Such a reassessment was 
performed this year, as with many 
suppliers, and having received assurances 
on the continued quality of the audit, the 
Committee determined to recommend  
the reappointment of the incumbent firm. 
As the appointment of the auditors is for 
one year only, being subject to annual 
approval at the Company’s AGM, there is 
no contractual commitment to the current 
audit firm and as such the Committee  
may undertake an audit tender at any  
time at its discretion.

In performing its review, the Committee 
evaluated the adequacy of the audit firm’s 
key processes and controls in certain  
key areas including, but not limited to:

•  arrangements for ensuring 

independence and objectivity, including 
the rotation of key audit partners;

•  appropriateness of the planned audit 

scope and its execution;

•  the robustness and perceptiveness of 

the auditors in their handling of the key 
accounting and audit judgements; and

•  the quality of their reporting.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

47

Remuneration Report

Remuneration Report

This report has been prepared in 
accordance with the relevant 
requirements of the Large- and Medium-
Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 and of the 
Listing Rules of the Financial Services 
Authority. As required by the Regulations, 
a resolution to approve the report will be 
proposed at the Company’s AGM.

The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee, which was 
established in 1992, is responsible inter 
alia for overall Group remuneration policy 
and for setting the remuneration, benefits 
and terms and conditions of employment 
of the Company’s executive Directors and 
other senior managers. The Committee’s 
terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website.

The members of the Committee are the 
Viscount Rothermere, its chairman, Mr 
Berry and Mr Nelson. Mr Berry was 
appointed to the Committee with effect 
from 11th February, 2009, the date of Mr 
Park’s retirement, and Mr Nelson was 
appointed in July 2009, prior to the 
retirement of Mr Gray. The Combined 
Code (‘the Code’) recommends that a 
remuneration committee should be 
composed entirely of independent 
non-executive directors. The Board 
considers it appropriate that the Viscount 
Rothermere, as Chairman of the Board 
and as the Company’s largest 
shareholder, is a member of the 
Committee. He always leaves meetings in 
advance of any discussion of his own 
remuneration. While Mr Nelson is not 
considered by the Board to be independent 
under the Code, the Board does consider 
him to act independently as regards 
remuneration issues.

The Committee met six times during the 
year, four of which were regular meetings. 
All meetings were attended by all serving 
members, except that the Viscount 

Rothermere did not attend any part of one 
meeting, when matters affecting his own 
remuneration were discussed. Individual 
attendance by members is set out below:

In September, the Committee conducted a 
formal review of its effectiveness and 
concluded that it had fulfilled its remit  
and been effective in the year.

Remuneration policy
The Committee seeks to structure 
remuneration packages on an individual 
basis appropriate to the level of 
responsibility, but generally designed to 
retain and motivate the individual.

The Company encourages Directors to 
own shares in the Company and executive 
Directors have a target of a minimum 
shareholding of 1.5 times their salary,  
to be built up over a suitable period.  
The design of the long-term incentive  
plan element of remuneration packages 
encourages executive Directors to achieve 
this goal which aligns their interests with 
those of shareholders.

The Chairman is also the largest 
shareholder in the Company. He has been 
and will continue to be a long-term 
shareholder. His shareholding provides  
an alignment with long-term shareholders 
that is not always the case in other 
companies. Consequently, the Committee, 
without the Viscount Rothermere present, 
has decided that with effect from  
1st October, 2009, the Chairman will  
not receive any future LTIP awards, but  
as partial compensation will be entitled  
to a maximum annual bonus of 200% 
salary, with at most one half payable in 
cash and the remainder in shares which 
would not vest until a further three years. 
The Committee believes this approach  
is both simple and transparent; and 
provides a strong alignment with other 
shareholders over the long term.

Number of 
meetings 
eligible to 
attend

Number of 
meetings 
attended

6

4

2

4

2

5

4

2

4

2

The Viscount 
Rothermere

N W Berry

D H Nelson

S M Gray

I G Park

The Finance Director, Mr Williams,  
is secretary to the Committee.

The Committee seeks the recommendations 
of the Chief Executive, who usually attends 
meetings of the Committee by invitation 
other than when his own remuneration  
is being discussed, as regards the 
remuneration of the other executive 
Directors and of the divisional managing 
directors. It also seeks input from the 
Finance Director regarding financial 
performance and other issues and  
from the HR director and from the 
Company Secretary.

The Committee makes reference, where 
appropriate, to pay and employment 
conditions elsewhere in the Group, 
especially when determining annual 
salary increases, and to external  
evidence of remuneration levels in other 
companies, particularly in the media field. 
It also makes reference to advice sought 
from external advisors. During the year 
such advice was received from Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) and 
MM&K. Freshfields, which also provided 
other legal services, advised on contracts. 
MM&K provided market data and gave 
advice on best practice. Freshfields and 
MM&K were appointed by the Committee.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

48

Remuneration Report
Continued

In the case of Mr Fallon, the Committee 
considers that his remuneration as 
executive chairman of Euromoney, a 
separately listed company, should be set 
by the remuneration committee of that 
company. The report on this is set out in 
Euromoney’s Annual Report.

The Committee considers that a 
successful remuneration policy needs to 
be sufficiently flexible to take account of 
commercial demands, changing market 
practice and shareholder expectations. 
Ordinary shareholders will be provided 
with the opportunity to endorse the 
Company’s remuneration policy on a 
regular basis through the annual vote on 
the Remuneration Report.

In setting the remuneration of executive 
Directors, the Committee is cognisant of 
the remuneration increases being given 
around the Group. For 1st October, 2009, 
when strict overall limits are being set on 
increases throughout the newspaper 
divisions and elsewhere in the Group, the 
Committee has decided not to increase 
executive Directors’ salaries.

As explained in last year’s report, in 2008, 
the Committee decided, in view of the 
exceptional trading conditions faced by the 
Group and the lack of visibility into future 
trading, that it should make no LTIP award 
for 2008/09 and focus all incentive pay on 
the annual performance. The policy for 
the Chief Executive and Finance Director 
for 2009/10, includes an award of LTIPs 
and these two executives will also 
participate in the DMGT Executive Bonus 
Scheme, which has maximum payment of 
100% salary. Mr Beatty will also receive 
an LTIP award and participates in an 
annual bonus scheme, with a maximum 
payment of 60% of salary, based on his 
division’s results. The Committee agreed 
in November 2009 that LTIP awards would 

be made, with appropriately stretching 
performance targets linked to the 
business strategy with four equally 
weighted measures – EBITA, Free Cash 
Flow, Net debt/EBITDA and Performance 
against the Strategic Plan. In the case of 
Mr Beatty, part of his LTIP performance 
target is based on his divisional results. 

Mr Dacre does not participate in an  
annual bonus plan.

The Committee also reviews the Chief 
Executive’s recommendations for the 
remuneration packages of the managing 
directors of the Company’s operating 
divisions, other than Euromoney, and 
oversees the bonus arrangements 
established in each division, including 
long-term incentive arrangements. These 
are designed individually to reflect the 
targets and objectives of each division.

Following the adoption of the revised LTIP 
in 2006, it is not intended to make further 
options awards to executive Directors 
under the 2006 Executive Share Option 
Scheme except in exceptional 
circumstances such as recruitment or the 
need to retain a key executive.

Remuneration components – 
executive Directors
A significant proportion of each executive 
Director’s remuneration is performance-
related. The main components of the 
remuneration package for executive 
Directors are:

i.  Basic fees and salary;

ii.  Annual performance-related bonuses;

iii. Long-term performance-related 

incentive arrangements – through 
membership of the Group’s LTIP;

iv. Share options – grants are no longer 

made;

v. Pension entitlements/cash allowances 
– in lieu of pension allowances under 
the DMGT Senior Executives Pension 
Fund (‘SEPF’) and

vi. Other benefits (i.e. benefits in kind, 

expense reimbursement, etc).

Remuneration components  
– non-executives
The remuneration of non-executive 
Directors is determined by
the Board. Fees are paid for membership 
of Board committees and range from 
£4,000 per annum to £12,500 per annum, 
except that the Audit Committee chairman 
receives a fee of £25,000. No increases 
were made in the year and none are being 
made for the 2009/10 financial year.

Audited information

Directors’ Remuneration
The total amounts of the remuneration 
and other benefits of the Directors of the 
Company for the years ended 4th October, 
2009 and 28th September, 2008 are shown 
below for Directors:

Aggregate emoluments

11,181

11,095

2009 
£000

2008 
£000

Gains on exercise of  
share options

Amounts receivable under 
long-term incentive 
schemes

Sums paid to third parties 
for Directors’ services

101

182

54

98

–

79

11,434

11,356

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

49

Remuneration Report

Directors’ emoluments
The emoluments of the Directors are shown below:

2009 
Fees and  
Salary 
(Note i) 
£000

2009 
Cash 
Allowances 
(Notes ii)  
£000

2009  
Benefits  
in kind 
(Note iii) 
£000

2009 
Bonus/Profit 
share 
(Note iv)
£000

The Viscount 
Rothermere 

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

D M M Dutton 

P M Dacre 

P M Fallon 

K J Beatty 

J G Hemingway

C W Dunstone

F P Balsemão

T S Gillespie

D J Verey

N W Berry

D H Nelson

C J F Sinclair

S M Gray

I G Park 

2008 Total

688

850

640

309

1,133

209

628

79

30

34

30

47

45

19

10 

88

14

197

77

246

– 

479

13

179 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

4,853

5,032

1,191

962

4

1

2

1

23

12

16

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

1

60

82

432 

534 

402 

185 

– 

3,227

395

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

2009 
Total 
£000

1,321

1,462

1,290

495

1,635

3,461

1,218

79

30

34

30

47

45

19

10

88

15

2008 
Total 
£000

2009  
Pension 
Contributions 
£000

2008  
Pension 
Contributions 
£000

705

–

1,053

351

1,621

4,276

879

79

39

34

30

50

40

–

 1,872 

106 

39

11,174

–

–

315

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

315

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,175

5,098

11,279

11,174

i) Basic fees and salary
Basic salaries are set by the Committee 
and reviewed annually. The figures for 
fees and salary include fees for Directors 
of subsidiaries including for the Viscount 
Rothermere and Messrs Morgan and 
Fallon as directors of Euromoney.

For non-executive Directors they  
also include Committee fees,  
where applicable.

ii) Cash allowances
Cash allowances include an allowance 
paid to each of the Viscount Rothermere 
(from 31st January), Messrs Williams, 
Dacre and Beatty (from 31st December, 
2008), in lieu of continued membership of 
the DMGT Senior Executives Pension Fund.

The Viscount Rothermere, Mr Morgan and 
Mr Williams also receive a cash allowance 
instead of having a company car and 
Messrs Morgan and Dacre instead  
of the Company providing Central  
London accommodation.

iii) Benefits in kind
Benefits in kind include the taxable  
value of company cars, fuel allowances 
and company contributions to medical 
insurance plans.

iv) Annual performance- 
related bonuses
DMGT Executive Bonus Scheme:  
The Viscount Rothermere (up to  
1stOctober, 2009), Mr Morgan and  
Mr Williams are members of the DMGT 
Executive Bonus Scheme (‘the Scheme’). 
The Scheme was introduced in 1993 and 
revised in 2006 and 2008. The maximum 
annual bonus is 100% of salary and is paid 
in a combination of cash and ‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting shares of DMGT, which  
must be retained for at least three years. 
Participants may choose the proportion  
of the bonus which is to be deferred in  
the form of shares, but must defer at  
least 50%.

The Board recognised that, at the 
beginning of 2008/09, the Group faced a 
very challenging economic environment. 
Its immediate focus was to support the 
Executive in managing the Group through 
the immediate challenges, taking 
whatever tough decisions were necessary, 
whilst continuing to position the Group to 
pursue its long-term strategy and benefit 
from the eventual economic recovery.

In the context of this immediate focus,  
the Committee decided therefore to focus 
all incentive pay on annual performance 
which would pay out only in the event of 
the Executive taking the decisive action 
the Board considered necessary to cut 
costs, to control and reduce debt, and to 
manage the Group successfully through 
the challenges then faced. Targets 
included measures for debt reduction  
and exceeding a challenging budget. In 
addition to the annual bonus a ‘special’ 
incentive was set, focused on 2008/09 
performance for executive Directors of  

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

period against a peer group of U.K. and 
overseas companies determined by the 
Committee. TSR is the aggregate of  
share price growth and dividends paid 
(assuming that such dividends are 
reinvested in shares during the five-year 
period), and is commonly adopted as a 
measure of comparative performance. 
These performance conditions were 
chosen by the Committee in order to 
incentivise the Executives to increase 
long-term shareholder value.

Individuals were given six months to  
make commitments in order to allow  
for them to make purchases of shares, 
where appropriate. Once an individual 
agreed to commit shares which were 
owned by him or by his close family,  
the Trustee of the Trust decided whether 
to make an award of an equal number  
of shares to those committed.

Remuneration Report

50

Remuneration Report
Continued

up to 100% of salary, which was in lieu  
of a November LTIP award; and this  
made, for 2008/09 only, the maximum  
payable 200% of salary for the Viscount 
Rothermere, Mr Morgan and Mr Williams. 
The Committee set stretching targets  
for adjusted pre-tax profits and equally 
stretching targets against net debt: 
EBITDA for the special incentive.

The Group adjusted profit before tax for 
the year ended 4th October, 2009 (before 
amortisation and impairment of intangible 
assets and exceptional items) was ahead 
of target. This resulted in a (profit linked) 
bonus of 65.7% of salary being earned  
by the Viscount Rothermere, Mr Morgan  
and Mr Williams. Against very stretching 
targets for net debt: EBITDA the Group 
has performed well, resulting in a special 
incentive earned by Lord Rothermere, 
Messrs Morgan, Williams and Dutton  
of 60% of salary and by Mr Beatty of 30% 
of salary. Both the annual bonus and 
special incentive combined for 2008/09 
resulted in total bonuses of 125.7% of 
salary for Lord Rothermere, Mr Morgan, 
Mr Williams and Mr. Beatty. Half of this 
bonus will be paid in cash in December 
2009 and half deferred into shares,  
in the form of nil price options which 
cannot be exercised for at least three 
years. The cash component of the bonus  
is shown in the table on page 49.

Major progress was made in 2008/09 in 
defending the Group’s profitability through 
the cost enhancement programme and  
in meeting the Group’s bank covenants.  
The Committee believes that the bonuses 
fairly reflect these achievements.

Other arrangements: Mr Beatty has a 
bonus based on the performance of his 
division and for 2008/09 only on the 
performance of the Group. The maximum 
bonus he could earn is normally 60% of 
salary, but was set at 160% of salary for 
2008/09 (the extra 100% being in lieu of a 
November 2008 LTIP award). Mr Beatty is 
eligible for a maximum annual bonus of 
60% of salary in 2009/10 and will receive 
an LTIP award.

Mr Fallon is entitled to 6.49% of the 
pre-tax profit earned by Euromoney, 
which has a comprehensive profit sharing 
scheme that links the pay of its executive 
directors to the profits of that group.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

v). Pension contributions
Pension contributions were made on 
behalf of Mr Morgan in lieu of continued 
membership of the DMGT Senior 
Executives Pension Fund, as explained  
on page 61.

Long-term performance-related 
incentive arrangements
The Daily Mail and General Trust Long-
Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), established  
in 2001 and revised in 2006 and 2008,  
is designed to align the interests of 
participants and shareholders. Further, 
the LTIP will only provide rewards for 
participants if the Company achieves 
exceptional returns for shareholders.  
This is achieved by calibrating 
participants’ rewards to stretching 
performance targets.

These Award levels have been set to take 
account of the current remuneration 
strategy. The Committee’s intention is  
to continue to monitor market practice 
and will consider the appropriate targets 
in relation to each year’s Awards. It will 
therefore ensure that Award levels are 
competitive and motivational to the 
Executives concerned and acceptable  
to shareholders. The Committee intends 
to operate the LTIP annually.

The LTIP is supervised by the Committee 
and is operated in conjunction with an 
employee discretionary trust (the ‘Trust’). 
The Trust will acquire ‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting Shares in the Company 
(‘shares’) to satisfy awards under the  
LTIP or treasury shares will be used.

In 2006/07 and previous years, Executives 
were invited to commit shares in the 
Company at a market price and receive a 
matching award under the LTIP which had 
been established in 2001. If a participant 
holds the committed shares for five years, 
he will be eligible to receive matching 
shares on a sliding scale.

Awards under the LTIP are subject to 
performance conditions, which will 
determine whether, and to what extent, 
shares under awards will vest. The 
performance conditions relate to the TSR 
of the Company initially over a five-year 

51

Remuneration Report

Having received agreements to commit shares, the Trustee made the awards set out in the table below:

‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting 
shares in award

At  
29th September, 
2008

Awarded  
during  
year

Vested  
during  
year

The Viscount 
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

P M Dacre

D M M Dutton

K J Beatty

28,800

34,929

38,681

47,559

36,250

43,926

230,145

15,690

19,014

15,462

17,766

17,500

85,432

32,700

32,850

36,149

11,155

34,124

40,313

187,291

92,800

32,974

125,774

10,094

14,084

25,587

3,984

16,142

18,807

88,698

14,800

13,119

27,919

745,259

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

 – 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

 – 

–

–

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

 – 

–

–

–

 – 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

–

– 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Lapsed  
during  
year 
(Note i)

(28,800) 

– 

–

–

–

–

(28,800) 

(15,690)

– 

–

–

–

(15,690)

(32,700) 

–

– 

–

–

–

(32,700)

(92,800) 

– 

(92,800)

(10,094) 

–

– 

–

–

–

(10,094)

(14,800)

–

(14,800)

(194,884)

At  
4th October, 
2009

Award 
Price 
£

End of 
initial 
performance 
period

Date of 
Award

6.45

5.33

7.04

7.53

7.88

7.17

6.45

5.33

7.04

7.88

7.17

7.43

7.43

7.04

7.53

7.88

7.17

7.43

7.04

7.43

5.33

7.04

7.53

7.88

7.17

6.45

7.04

18-Jul-02

18-Jul-03

15-Sep-04

01-Apr-05

28-Jul-06

4-Jul-07

15-Feb-02

15-Jul-03

28-Sep-04

28-Aug-06

26-Feb-07

28-Aug-02

24-Jul-03

15-Sep-04

23-Mar-05

28-Jul-06

13-Mar-07

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-07

31-Dec-08

31-Dec-09

31-Dec-10

31-Dec-11

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-07

31-Dec-08

31-Dec-10

31-Dec-11

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-07

31-Dec-08

31-Dec-09

31-Dec-10

31-Dec-11

19-Sep-02

14-Oct-04

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-08

10-Oct-02

18-Jul-03

15-Sep-04

07-Apr-05

26-Sep-06

20-Jun-07

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-07

31-Dec-08

31-Dec-09

31-Dec-10

31-Dec-11

23-Jul-02

15-Sep-04

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-08

–

34,929

38,681

47,559

36,250

43,926

201,345

–

19,014

15,462

17,766

17,500

69,742

–

32,850

36,149

11,155

34,124

40,313

154,591

–

32,974

32,974

–

14,084

25,587

3,984

16,142

18,807

78,604

–

13,119

13,119

550,375

(i)  On 1st January, 2009, the awards made in 2002 lapsed and those made in 2004 vested as to 50%. Each Director elected to defer 

his 2004 award for a further two years.

(ii) All participants have also elected to delay the realisation of their 2003 awards for a further two years.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

52

Remuneration Report
Continued

Comparator groups and TSR ranking conditions

Company

Emap plc

Independent News & Media plc

Reed Elsevier plc

stv group plc (formerly SMG plc)

The News Corporation plc

Thomson Reuters Corporation  
(formerly The Thompson Corporation)

Trinity Mirror plc

United Business Media plc

Gannet Co. Inc

New York Times Co

Tribune Co

Reuters Group plc

Informa plc

McGraw-Hill Companies Inc

Pearson plc

Washington Post Co

Johnston Press plc

For awards made in 2003, 2004 and 2005

For awards made in 2006

For awards made in 2007

Included in comparator peer group

Y(1)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y(3)

Y

Y(1)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y(2)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y(2)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y(4)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Note 1 from 2008 replaced by Johnston Press plc 
Note 2 from 2008 replaced by New York Times   

Note 3 from 2008 replaced by Washington Post Co
Note 4 removed in 2008

During the prior year, three comparators, Tribune Co, EMAP plc and Reuters Group plc were taken over. The Committee  
determined to substitute these companies with those set out in the tables above from the date of completion of their takeovers.  
For 2007, Reuters Group plc was removed from the comparator group and the scale recalibrated as shown in the table below:

TSR Ranking within list  
of comparator companies

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Fifth

Sixth

Seventh

Below seventh

% of award capable of realisation

For awards made in 2001 – 05

For awards made in 2006

For awards made in 2007

300%

150%

150%

75%

75%

75%

75%

0%

300%

225%

150%

120%

90%

60%

30%

0%

300%

225%

150%

112.5%

75%

37.5%

0%

0%

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

53

Remuneration Report

Performance to date

Year of  
award

Initial performance 
period

Position at  
4th October, 2009

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

1st Jan, 2003 to 
31st Dec, 2007*

1st Jan, 2004  
to 31st Dec, 2008†

1st Jan, 2005  
to 31st Dec, 2009

1st Jan, 2006  
to 31st Dec, 2010

1st Jan, 2007  
to 31st Dec, 2011

Sixth

Sixth

Sixth

Eighth

Sixth

DMGT’s TSR ranking for the awards made 
in 2002, for which the performance period 
was 1st January, 2002 to 31st December, 
2006 was eighth place.

*  DMGT’s TSR ranking for the awards 
made in 2003, during their initial 
performance period of 1st January, 2003 
to 31st December, 2007, was ninth place. 
This performance period was extended 
to 31st December, 2009 in accordance 
with the rules of the LTIP.

†  The ranking for the awards made in 

2004 during their initial performance 
period of 1st January, 2004 to  
31st December, 2008, was sixth place. 
This performance period has been 
extended to 31st December, 2010 in 
accordance with the rules of the LTIP.

Graphs
Graphs of DMGT’s performance against 
each of its comparators for each of these 
periods are set out on pages 55 and 56. 
These graphs have been plotted using the 
relative rankings of each comparator at 
the end of each month. As such, they are 
approximations to the actual rankings 

under the rules, which are calculated 
using a two month average for the starting 
point and for each subsequent month.  
This can give different results between 
the table above and the graphs.

The graphs on pages 54 to 55 compare  
the DMGT total shareholder return  
with that of the FTSE 100 index and  
of the media index over a period of five  
years, as required by the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report Regulations 2002. 
As a constituent of the FTSE 100 from 
1999 to 2006 and during 2007 and as a 
constituent of the media index throughout 
the period, the Directors regard both 
indices as the most appropriate indices 
for purposes of comparison of the Group’s 
performance. Additional graphs on that 
page illustrate performance over a 23 
year period for which data is available.

The graphs on pages 53 to 56 are unaudited.

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs FTSE 100 2004-2009 

Under performance -46% Key

250%

200%

150%

100%

50%

0%

Sep 04

Sep 05

Sep 06

Sep 07

Sep 08

Sep 09

 DMGT ‘A’ TSR
 FTSE 100 TSR

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

54

Remuneration Report
Continued

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs FTSE 100 1986-2009 

Out performance +103%

Key

4000%

3000%

2000%

1000%

0%

Sep 86

Sep 87

Sep 88

Sep 89

Sep 90

Sep 91

Sep 92

Sep 93

Sep 94

Sep 95

Sep 96

Sep 97

Sep 98

Sep 99

Sep 00

Sep 01

Sep 02

Sep 03

Sep 04

Sep 05

Sep 06

Sep 07

Sep 08

Sep 09

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Sector 2004-2009 

Under performance -34%

Key

200%

100%

0%

Sep 04

Sep 05

Sep 06

Sep 07

Sep 08

Sep 09

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Sector 1986-2009 

Out performance +175%

Key

4000%

3000%

2000%

1000%

0%

Sep 86

Sep 87

Sep 88

Sep 89

Sep 90

Sep 91

Sep 92

Sep 93

Sep 94

Sep 95

Sep 96

Sep 97

Sep 98

Sep 99

Sep 00

Sep 01

Sep 02

Sep 03

Sep 04

Sep 05

Sep 06

Sep 07

Sep 08

Sep 09

 DMGT ‘A’ TSR
 FTSE 100 TSR

 DMGT ‘A’ TSR
 FTSE 100 TSR

 DMGT ‘A’ TSR
 FTSE 100 TSR

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

55

Remuneration Report

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Comparators 2003-2009 
300%

6th position Key

300%

250%

250%
200%

200%
150%

150%
100%

100%
50%

50%
0%

0%

D ec 02
D ec 02

M ar 03
Jun 03
M ar 03
Jun 03

Sep 03
Sep 03

D ec 03
D ec 03

M ar 04
Jun 04
M ar 04
Jun 04

Sep 04
Sep 04

D ec 04
D ec 04

M ar 05
Jun 05
M ar 05
Jun 05

Sep 05
Sep 05

D ec 05
D ec 05

M ar 06
Jun 06
M ar 06
Jun 06

Sep 06
Sep 06

D ec 06
D ec 06

M ar 07
Jun 07
M ar 07
Jun 07

Sep 07
Sep 07

D ec 07
D ec 07

M ar 08
Jun 08
M ar 08
Jun 08

Sep 08
Sep 08

D ec 08
D ec 08

M ar 09
Jun 09
M ar 09
Jun 09

Sep 09
Sep 09

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Comparators 2004-2009 

6th position Key

200%
200%

150%
150%

100%
100%

50%
50%

0%
0%

D ec 03
D ec 03

M ar 04
M ar 04

Jun 04
Jun 04

Sep 04
Sep 04

D ec 04
D ec 04

M ar 05
M ar 05

Jun 05
Jun 05

Sep 05
Sep 05

D ec 05
D ec 05

M ar 06
M ar 06

Jun 06
Jun 06

Sep 06
Sep 06

D ec 06
D ec 06

M ar 07
M ar 07

Jun 07
Jun 07

Sep 07
Sep 07

D ec 07
D ec 07

M ar 08
M ar 08

Jun 08
Jun 08

Sep 08
Sep 08

D ec 08
D ec 08

M ar 09
M ar 09

Jun 09
Jun 09

Sep 09
Sep 09

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Comparators 2005-2009 

6th position Key

180%
180%
160%
160%
140%
140%
120%
120%
100%
100%
80%
80%
60%
60%
40%
40%
20%
20%
0%
0%

D ec 04
D ec 04

M ar 05
M ar 05

Jun 05
Jun 05

Sep 05
Sep 05

D ec 05
D ec 05

M ar 06
M ar 06

Jun 06
Jun 06

Sep 06
Sep 06

D ec 06
D ec 06

M ar 07
M ar 07

Jun 07
Jun 07

Sep 07
Sep 07

D ec 07
D ec 07

M ar 08
M ar 08

Jun 08
Jun 08

Sep 08
Sep 08

D ec 08
D ec 08

M ar 09
M ar 09

Jun 09
Jun 09

Sep 09
Sep 09

United Business Media
Pearson
United Business Media
Thomson Reuters
Pearson
News Corporation
Thomson Reuters
Reed Elsevier
News Corporation
DMGT ‘A’
Reed Elsevier
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
DMGT ‘A’
Trinity Mirror
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
Washington Post Co /ex-Tribune
Trinity Mirror
Independent News & Media
Washington Post Co /ex-Tribune
Gannett Co
Independent News & Media
New York Times Co
Gannett Co
stv (ex Scottish Media Group)
New York Times Co
stv (ex Scottish Media Group)

Pearson
Pearson
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters
Reed Elsevier
Reed Elsevier
United Business Media
United Business Media
News Corporation
News Corporation
DMGT ‘A’
DMGT ‘A’
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
Washington Post Co /ex-Tribune
Washington Post Co /ex-Tribune
Trinity Mirror
Trinity Mirror
New York Times Co
New York Times Co
Independent News & Media
Independent News & Media
Gannett Co
Gannett Co
stv (ex Scottish Media Group)
stv (ex Scottish Media Group)

Pearson
Pearson
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters
United Business Media
United Business Media
Reed Elsevier
Reed Elsevier
News Corporation
News Corporation
DMGT ‘A’
DMGT ‘A’
Washington Post Co /ex-Tribune
Washington Post Co /ex-Tribune
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
Trinity Mirror
Trinity Mirror
New York Times Co
New York Times Co
Gannett Co
Gannett Co
Independent News & Media
Independent News & Media
stv (ex Scottish Media Group)
stv (ex Scottish Media Group)

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

56

Remuneration Report
Continued

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Comparators 2006-2009 
160%

9th position Key

160%
140%

140%
120%

120%
100%

100%
80%

80%
60%

60%
40%

40%
20%

20%
0%

0%

D ec 05
D ec 05

M ar 06
M ar 06

Jun 06
Jun 06

Sep 06
Sep 06

D ec 06
D ec 06

M ar 07
M ar 07

Jun 07
Jun 07

Sep 07
Sep 07

D ec 07
D ec 07

M ar 08
M ar 08

Jun 08
Jun 08

Sep 08
Sep 08

D ec 08
D ec 08

M ar 09
M ar 09

Jun 09
Jun 09

Sep 09
Sep 09

Total Shareholder Return: DMGT vs Media Comparators 2007-2009 

6th position Key

160%
160%

120%
120%

80%
80%

40%
40%

0%
0%

D ec 06
D ec 06

M ar 07
M ar 07

Jun 07
Jun 07

Sep 07
Sep 07

D ec 07
D ec 07

M ar 08
M ar 08

Jun 08
Jun 08

Sep 08
Sep 08

D ec 08
D ec 08

M ar 09
M ar 09

Jun 09
Jun 09

Sep 09
Sep 09

Pearson
Thomson Reuters
Pearson
Informa plc
Thomson Reuters
Reed Elsevier
Informa plc
News Corporation
Reed Elsevier
New York Times Co/ex-Reuters
News Corporation
United Business Media
New York Times Co/ex-Reuters
Washington Post Co
United Business Media
DMGT ‘A’
Washington Post Co
McGraw-Hill Companies Inc
DMGT ‘A’
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
McGraw-Hill Companies Inc
Trinity Mirror
Johnston Press/ex-EMAP
Independent News & Media
Trinity Mirror
Independent News & Media

Reuters Group plc
Reuters Group plc
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters
Reed Elsevier
Reed Elsevier
Washington Post Co
Washington Post Co
News Corporation
News Corporation
United Business Media
United Business Media
DMGT ‘A’
DMGT ‘A’
Informa plc
Informa plc
New York Times Co/ex-EMAP
New York Times Co/ex-EMAP
McGraw-Hill Companies Inc
McGraw-Hill Companies Inc
Trinity Mirror
Trinity Mirror
Independent News & Media
Independent News & Media
Johnston Press
Johnston Press

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

57

Remuneration Report

Following a revision to the Scheme in 
2008, LTIPs awarded subsequently 
comprise either Core Awards, Matching 
Awards or Transition Awards.

The normal maximum Core Award to an 
executive is 62.5% of salary annually, and 
the maximum Matching Award is two 
times the number of Shares that vest 
under the Core Award.

Core Awards will vest under normal 
circumstances after three years and the 
proportion of the Shares that vest will 
depend for the March 2008 award on 
absolute growth in EPS over the three 
years from the Award date, with the  
base period being the financial year  
prior to the date of Award.

The employee would then receive 
Matching Awards of Shares equivalent to 
50% of the vested Core Award which will 
vest at the end of three, four, five and six 
years from the date of Award, so long as 
he continues to hold the Shares in the 
Core Award.

Thus, if the participant continues to be 
employed by the Company six years after 
the Award was granted, the employee 
could receive a maximum of Shares, 
valued at the Award date, of 187.5% of 
salary. He would have to wait six years  
to be able to receive this maximum.  
The vesting of Matching Awards is not 
subject to satisfaction of a further 
performance condition.

Therefore, the vesting level of both the 
Core Awards and Matching Awards is 
determined by performance over the 
initial three year performance period.  
The vesting profile of Matching  
Awards is designed to achieve  
retention of executives, and  
encourages long-term shareholding.

For executives whose main focus is  
on their Division, the performance  
criteria may reflect the performance  
of their Division.

Participants will not receive dividends  
on Shares under their Awards. However, 
the number of Shares which vest under  
an Award will be increased during the 
Relevant Period by reference to dividends 
which would have been paid on those 
Shares during the Relevant Period.

The first Core Awards were made in 
March 2008. As these Core and Matching 
Awards will not be capable of vesting in 
full until 2014, the Committee also made 
‘Transition Awards’ in 2008.

The Transition Awards will normally  
vest to the executives only if they are still 
employed in the Company three years 
after the Award, i.e. March 2011. There  
are to be no post-grant performance 
conditions attached to the Transition 
Awards. Transition Awards do not benefit 
from any linked Matching Awards.

In exceptional circumstances, an initial 
grant of up to 100% of salary may be 
made, which could result in a maximum 
award after six years of 300% of salary.

In setting the size of the Awards, the 
Committee took account of the EPS 
performance over the last three years 
and made Transition Awards over Shares 
equal to 30% of salary to the Viscount 
Rothermere and Messrs Williams, Dutton 
and Morgan.

For the March 2008 Awards: no part of the 
Award will vest if EPS growth is less than 
5% p.a. compound growth, with 20% of the 
Award vesting at this level of achievement; 
80% of the Award will vest at 12% p.a. 
compound growth; with full vesting at  
15% p.a. compound growth; and pro-rata 
vesting between these points.

The expected value of an Award of 62.5% 
of salary has been calculated by PwC  
as 68% of salary using a Monte Carlo 
valuation model using assumptions based 
on their historical analysis which do not 
indicate a forecast of management of 
expected outcomes for DMGT.

The award prices in the tables below are the prices on the date the awards were made. These were used to determine the number  
of shares awarded.

‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting 
shares in award 
Core Awards

The Viscount 
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

D M M Dutton

K J Beatty

At  
29th September,  
2008 

Awarded during 
year 

Vested during 
year

Lapsed during 
year

At  
4th October, 
2009

Award Price  
£

Date of Award

End of initial 
performance 
period

97,860 

47,780

91,076 

43,962 

89,390

370,068

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

97,860

47,780

91,076

43,962

89,390

370,068

4.27

4.27

4.27

4.27

4.27

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

03-Oct-10

03-Oct-10

03-Oct-10

03-Oct-10

03-Oct-10

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

58

Remuneration Report
Continued

‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting 
shares in award 
Transition 
Awards

The Viscount 
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

D M M Dutton

K J Beatty

At 29th 
September, 2008 

Awarded during 
year 

Vested during 
Year

Lapsed during 
year

At 4th October, 
2009

Award Price 
£

Date of Award

46,973 

22,934

43,716 

21,102 

42,907

177,632

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

46,973

22,934

43,716

21,102

42,907

177,632

4.27

4.27

4.27

4.27

4.27

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

19-Mar-08

End of initial 
performance 
period

19-Mar-11

19-Mar-11

19-Mar-11

19-Mar-11

19-Mar-11

Share options
1997 Executive Share Option Scheme: Options were granted under this Scheme prior to 2006. Options granted do not normally  
vest until three years after the award and two performance conditions have been met. The first condition is that, in respect of four 
out of six consecutive monthly calculation dates (which start in the thirtieth month following the date of grant of a particular option), 
the total shareholder return (TSR) of the Company must exceed that of the FTSE 100 index. Secondly, there must be real growth in 
earnings per share (‘eps’) over a period of three consecutive financial years.

The status of both performance conditions on share options outstanding during the year is as follows:

1997 Scheme

Exercise price

TSR condition  
(performance  
to date v. FTSE 100)

EPS condition

Dec 98

Dec 99

June 00

Dec 00

Jul 01

Dec 01

Dec 02

Dec 03

Dec 04

6.48

10.30

10.96

8.34

7.25

6.45

5.73

6.08

7.24

met
-54%
-61%

met

met

met
-76%
-59%
-57%

met

met

met

met

met

met

met

met

met

Status

Vested; lapsed

not vested

not vested

vested

vested

vested

not vested

not vested

not vested

2006 Executive Share Option Scheme: Under the 2006 Scheme, each award of options has a maximum life of 10 years.  
The maximum award limit is 100% of salary in any year in normal circumstances and 200% of salary in exceptional circumstances. 
Awards to Directors and other senior managers will not normally vest until three years after the award and the performance 
conditions have been met.

Options granted under the 2006 Scheme have two separate conditions. The first condition is that the total shareholder return  
(‘TSR’) of the Company must exceed that of the 250 largest companies in the FTSE index. No part of the award will vest for below 
median TSR: 12.5% of the Option vests at Median TSR; 50% vests at upper quartile TSR and pro rata between these points.  
The second condition is growth in earnings per share (‘EPS’) – 12.5% of the Option will vest at EPS growth of RPI +3% p.a.  
(nil below this); 50% will vest at RPI +5% p.a.; and pro rata between these points. These performance conditions were chosen  
by the Remuneration Committee in the light of institutional guidelines in order to incentivise the executives to increase  
shareholder value. Under the 2006 Scheme, should the performance conditions not be met, re-testing is not permitted.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

59

Remuneration Report

The status of both performance conditions on share options outstanding during the year is set out below. Since neither the TSR  
nor the EPS condition for the options granted in November 2006 was met in the year, all of those options granted to participating 
Directors have now lapsed.

2006 
Scheme

Mar 06

Nov 06

Dec 07

Exercise price

6.98

6.88

5.05

TSR condition  
(performance  
to date v. median)

not met
-12%

+1%

EPS condition

not met

not met

not yet tested

Status

not vested; lapsed

not vested

not vested

Options to acquire ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares in the Company
The table below sets out options granted under the DMGT 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme from June 1997 to December 2004; 
and under the DMGT 2006 Executive Share Option Scheme since March 2006. All options under both Schemes were granted at 
market value at the date of grant and none required any payment. They are not normally exercisable before the third anniversary  
of the date of grant and, in all circumstances, will lapse if not exercised within 10 years. No Directors’ options had their terms and 
conditions varied during the year.

‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting shares 
in the Company

At  
29th September, 
2008

Granted  
during  
year

Exercised  
during  
year

At  
4th October,  
2009

Exercise  
Price  
£

Normal date 
from which 
exercisable

Note vi

Expiry date

The Viscount 
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

60,000

36,000

30,000

30,000

50,000

40,000

60,000

65,000

65,000

436,000

20,000

16,000

15,000

10,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

35,000

35,000

191,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

30,000

50,000

50,000

60,000

65,000

65,000

365,000

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

 – 

– 

–

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

–

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

 – 

(60,000) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

(65,000)

–

(125,000) 

(20,000) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

(35,000)

–

(55,000)

(10,000) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

(65,000)

–

(75,000)

–

36,000

30,000

30,000

50,000

40,000

60,000

–

65,000

311,000

–

16,000

15,000

10,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

–

35,000

136,000

–

15,000

20,000

30,000

50,000

50,000

60,000

–

65,000

290,000

6.48

10.30

8.34

6.45

5.73

6.08

7.24

6.98

6.88

6.48

10.30

8.34

6.45

5.73

6.08

7.24

6.98

6.88

6.48

10.30

8.34

6.45

5.73

6.08

7.24

6.98

6.88

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

15-Dec-01

15-Dec-08

23-Dec-02

23-Dec-09

18-Dec-03

18-Dec-10

14-Dec-04

16-Dec-05

8-Dec-06

6-Dec-07

31-Mar-09

27-Nov-09

14-Dec-11

16-Dec-12

8-Dec-13

6-Dec-14

31-Mar-16

27-Nov-16

15-Dec-01

15-Dec-08

23-Dec-02

23-Dec-09

18-Dec-03

18-Dec-10

14-Dec-04

16-Dec-05

8-Dec-06

6-Dec-07

31-Mar-09

27-Nov-09

14-Dec-11

16-Dec-12

8-Dec-13

6-Dec-14

31-Mar-16

27-Nov-16

15-Dec-01

15-Dec-08

23-Dec-02

23-Dec-09

18-Dec-03

18-Dec-10

14-Dec-04

16-Dec-05

8-Dec-06

6-Dec-07

31-Mar-09

27-Nov-09

14-Dec-11

16-Dec-12

8-Dec-13

6-Dec-14

31-Mar-16

27-Nov-16

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

60

Remuneration Report
Continued

‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting shares 
in the Company

At  
29th September, 
2008

Granted  
during  
year

Exercised  
during  
year

At  
4th October,  
2009

Exercise  
Price  
£

D M M Dutton

P M Dacre

K J Beatty

* vested

20,000

25,000

35,000

40,000

30,000

30,000

180,000

60,000

30,000

25,000

60,000

60,000

100,000

50,000

80,000

100,000

100,000

665,000

30,000

14,000

14,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

20,000

30,000

50,000

50,000

253,000

2,090,000

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

 – 

– 

– 

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

 –

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 –

 – 

–

– 

– 

–

– 

(30,000)

–

(30,000)

(60,000) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

– 

(100,000)

–

(160,000)

(30,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(50,000)

–

(80,000)

20,000

25,000

35,000

40,000

–

30,000

150,000

–

30,000

25,000

60,000

60,000

100,000

50,000

80,000

–

100,000

505,000

–

14,000

14,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

20,000

30,000

–

50,000

173,000

 (525,000)

1,565,000

8.34

5.73

6.08

7.24

6.98

6.88

6.48

10.30

8.34

7.25

6.45

5.73

6.08

7.24

6.98

6.88

6.48

10.30

10.96

8.34

6.45

5.73

6.08

7.24

6.98

6.88

Normal date 
from which 
exercisable

Note vi

*

18-Dec-03

16-Dec-05

8-Dec-06

6-Dec-07

31-Mar-09

27-Nov-09

Expiry date

18-Dec-10

16-Dec-12

8-Dec-13

6-Dec-14

31-Mar-16

27-Nov-16

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

15-Dec-01

15-Dec-08

23-Dec-02

23-Dec-09

18-Dec-03

18-Dec-10

11-Jul-04

14-Dec-04

16-Dec-05

8-Dec-06

6-Dec-07

31-Mar-09

27-Nov-09

11-Jul-11

14-Dec-11

16-Dec-12

8-Dec-13

6-Dec-14

31-Mar-16

27-Nov-16

15-Dec-01

15-Dec-08

23-Dec-02

23-Dec-09

16-Jun-03

16-Jun-10

18-Dec-03

18-Dec-10

14-Dec-04

16-Dec-05

8-Dec-06

6-Dec-07

31-Mar-09

27-Nov-09

14-Dec-11

16-Dec-12

8-Dec-13

6-Dec-14

31-Mar-16

27-Nov-16

The mid-market price of the ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares was £4.2388 at 4th October, 2009 and £3.2425 at 28th September, 2008. 
It ranged from £2.1075 to £4.608 during the year.

Pensions entitlements and cash allowances
The Group operates a two-tier defined benefit pension scheme for senior employees (including most of the Company’s executive 
Directors), details of which are given on page 61. It is the Company’s policy that annual bonuses, payments under the Executive 
Bonus Scheme and benefits in kind are not pensionable.

Prior to 6th April, 2006, the Committee reviewed in detail the impact of the pensions tax regime operating from that date.  
It developed a new policy, designed to be neutral in terms of cost compared to existing expenditure on pensions.  
This new policy incorporated the removal of the pensionable earnings cap for pension accruing after 6th April, 2006.

Individual executive Directors were affected very differently by these changes and for some it was not tax-efficient to accrue  
further pension for service from 6th April, 2006. However, it is for individual Directors to decide when to opt out of the scheme,  
in which case a cash allowance is paid. Cash allowances paid in lieu of pensions are shown on page 49.

Under the prescribed transitional arrangements, their accrued pension at that date will remain linked to future increases  
in pensionable earnings and they will continue to be eligible for death in service benefits.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

61

Remuneration Report

Accrued entitlements under the DMGT Senior Executives Pension Fund

Accrued 
Pension 
Entitlement at 
28th September, 
2008 
£000

Age at  
4th October, 
2009 
Years

Inflationary 
increase  
£000

Real increase 
in accrued 
pension  
£000

Accrued 
Entitlement at 
4th October, 
2009  
£000

Transfer  
value as at  
28th September, 
2008  
£000

Member’s 
Contributions  
£000

Transfer value 
of real 
increase in 
accrued 
pension net of 
member’s 
contributions 
£000

Other changes 
to transfer 
value  
£000

Transfer 
value as at  
4th October, 
2009  
£000

41

56

60

51

61

59

59

315

667

84

685

93

3

16

33

4

–

5

4

(6)

(117)

3

(124)

–

66

325

583

91

561

98

626

6,312

16,369

1,377

17,275

1,987

5

–

–

4

–

–

37

54

722

(130)

(2,342)

41

(2,544)

–

553

(172)

121

(1,025)

298

6,735

13,855

1,543

13,706

2,285

Director

The Viscount 
Rothermere

J P Williams

P M Dacre

K J Beatty

C J F Sinclair

M W H Morgan

Accrued benefits under the Harmsworth Pension Scheme

Age at  
4th October,  
2009 
Years

Accrued Pension 
Entitlement at 
28th September, 
2008 
£000

Director

Inflationary 
increase  
£000

Real increase in 
accrued pension 
£000

Accrued 
Entitlement at  
4th October,  
2009 
£000

Transfer value  
as at 30th 
September, 2007 
£000

Transfer value of 
real increase in 
accrued pension 
£000

Other changes to 
transfer value 
£000

Transfer  
value as at  
4th October, 2009 
£000

P M Fallon

63

8

–

1

9

172

–

(3)

169

Notes to Directors’ Pension Entitlements
(i) 

 At the year end, no executive Directors were accruing further pension in the DMGT Senior Executives Pension Fund, following the decision  
by two executive Directors to opt out of the Fund during the year. The normal retirement age under the Fund for this group is sixty. For each 
Director, the accrued entitlement at 4th October, 2009 represents the annual pension that is expected to be payable on eventual retirement, 
based on the salary of each Director at this date and pensionable service accrued to 5th April, 2006 or subsequent date of opting out of the Fund. 
A spouse’s/dependant’s pension equal to two thirds of the Director’s pension is incorporated and the Director can currently elect to receive the 
pension from age 50, subject to a discount if retirement takes place before 60. The pension, when in payment, will receive annual increases  
in line with inflation, which may be limited when inflation exceeds 3% per annum.

(ii) 

 All transfer values have been calculated on the basis of actuarial advice in accordance with U.K. legislation. The transfer values of the accrued 
entitlement represent the value of assets that the pension scheme would need to transfer to another pension provider on transferring the 
scheme’s liability in respect of the Directors’ pension benefits.

(iii)   Mr Fallon’s pension benefit in the above table relates to a deferred pension in the Harmsworth Pension Scheme for pensionable service  

between 1st April, 1978 and 1st April, 1986. This benefit has been increased for payment after Normal Retirement Age. Neither the Group  
nor Mr Fallon continue to make any contributions to this scheme.

(iv)   The Company does not make any pension contributions on behalf of Mr Dutton.

(v) 

 Mr Morgan’s pension benefit in the above table relates to a deferred pension in the DMGT’s Senior Executive Pensions Fund for pensionable 
service between 8th May, 1989 to 31st August, 2000, when he transferred to the U.S. In addition, Mr Morgan has the following pension 
arrangements:

•   A U.S. deferred compensation plan, which is held in a rabbi trust. This provides a defined contribution cash benefit with a defined benefit 

pension underpin in respect of the period 1st September, 2000 to 30th September, 2008.

•   An employer financed retirement benefits scheme (EFRBS) in respect of service from 1st October, 2008 operated on behalf of the  

Company under an offshore trust located in Jersey.

(vi)   Mr Sinclair retired from the Group on 30th September, 2008 and immediately took his benefits, including a lump sum payment.  

His accrued entitlement and transfer value have been calculated as at this date and not at 4th October, 2009.

(vii)  Mr Dacre began to take his pension benefits, including a lump sum payment, on 14th November, 2008, being his sixtieth birthday.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
Remuneration Report

62

Remuneration Report
Continued

Directors’ Interests in DMGT plc (audited information)
The number of shares of the Company and of securities of other Group companies in which current Directors or their families had 
an interest at the dates shown are stated below:

Holdings of 12.5 pence Ordinary and ‘A’ Ordinary  
Non-Voting shares in Daily Mail and General Trust plc Note

At 4th October 2009

At 28th September, 2008 

Ordinary  ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting 

Ordinary ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting

Beneficial

The Viscount Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

J G Hemingway

D M M Dutton

P M Dacre 

P M Fallon

C W Dunstone

F P Balsemão

T S Gillespie

D J Verey

K J Beatty

N W Berry

D H Nelson

Non-Beneficial

The Viscount Rothermere

J G Hemingway

D H Nelson

Total Directors’ interests

Less: duplications

* as at date of appointment

i, ii 

i, ii 

i, ii

i

i

i

11,903,132

75,977,758

11,903,132

764

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,500

–

–

–

902,007

262,767

200,000

170,812

125,950

41,500

13,800

–

7,500

15,000

27,919

–

–

764

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,500

–

–

–

76,213,053

902,007*

243,072

200,000

112,312

125,950

41,500

13,800

–

7,500

15,000

27,919

–

–*

11,910,396

77,745,043

11,910,396

77,902,113

639,208

4,000

–

643,208

12,553,604

(4,000)

12,549,604

5,540,000

5,540,000

212,611

11,292,611

89,037,654

(5,752,611)

639,208

4,000

–

643,208

12,553,604

(4,000)

83,285,043

12,549,604

5,540,000

5,540,000

212,611*

11,292,611

89,194,724

(5,752,611)

83,442,113

(i)   The figures in the table above include ‘A’ shares committed by executives  

under the LTIP, details of which are set out on page 51.

The shares held and valued at 4th October, 
2009 as a multiple of salary were:

(ii)  The figures in the table above include ‘A’ shares awarded to executives under  

the DMGT Executive Bonus Scheme. For the Viscount Rothermere and  
Mr Williams respectively, 25,013 and 19,701 of these shares were subject  
to restrictions, explained on page 49, at 4th October, 2009. The comparable  
figures at 29th September, 2008 were 26,839 and 21,414 respectively. 

816,575 of the ‘A’ shares of Mr Morgan were awarded on 26th September, 2008, 
having being earned during his time at DMG Information. These shares must  
be retained until 26th September, 2011, or are otherwise subject to forfeiture.

Value of  
shares held at  
4th October, 
2009  
£m

Salary  
multiple at  
4th October, 
2009

379

2.1

4.0

1.2

0.7

0.6

0.1

552

11.4

4.7

1.8

2.4

0.5

0.2

The Viscount 
Rothermere

P M Fallon*

M W H Morgan

J P Williams 

D M M Dutton

P M Dacre

K J Beatty

*  in the case of Mr Fallon, shares in Euromoney are 

included of which he is an executive Director.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
63

Remuneration Report

All three tranches of the award have 
vested in full since the £50 million profit 
target (subsequently adjusted to £57 
million following the acquisition of Metal 
Bulletin plc) was achieved in 2007 and 
again in 2008. The number of options 
granted under the second tranche was 
provisional and was adjusted for the 
allocation of options from true-up audit 
adjustments during the period to 31st 
December, 2008 as required by its 
remuneration committee. As such the 
actual number of options granted varied 
from those disclosed last year. Full details 
of this scheme are contained in 
Euromoney’s Annual Report.

The Chairman and Messrs Williams, 
Dutton, Fallon and Beatty have contracts 
of up to one year in duration. Mr Morgan 
has a contract which is reducing from  
two years to one year over a four-year 
period. Mr Dacre has a rolling two-year 
contract which the Committee considers 
wholly appropriate for his particular 
responsibilities and for the industry  
in which he works. The Committee 
differentiates between what might be 
termed ‘corporate executives’ and  
‘media executives’ whom it wishes to  
tie in to the Group and to prevent from 
working for competitors. Mr Dacre is a 
media executive.

Directors, interests  
in Euromoney
Directors’ beneficial shareholdings in 
Euromoney were as follows:

The Viscount 
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

J P Williams

D M M Dutton

P M Fallon

At 
4th October, 
2009

At  
28th September, 
2008

22,708

20,864

7,532

3,236

40,000

579,124

652,600

7,532*

3,075

15,000

532,998

579,469

* as at date of appointment

In addition, Mr Fallon holds options in 
Euromoney, exercisable as follows:

Non-executive Directorships
The Company allows its executive 
Directors to take a very limited number of 
outside directorships. Individuals retain 
the payments received from such services 
since these appointments are not 
expected to impinge on their principal 
employment. This does not apply where a 
Group executive serves as a non-executive 
Director of a company because the Group 
has a significant interest, as was the case 
of Mr Williams’ directorship of GCap 
Media plc. In this case, all fees were paid 
to the Company.

At 
4th October, 
2009

At  
28th September, 
2008

–

–

–

85,000

255,000

2,533

46,126

46,126

Mr Williams retained fees of £12,500 (2008 
£12,500) respectively from his outside 
non-executive directorships.

At £3.9575  
before 11th 
February, 2009

At £4.3125 before 
25th June, 2009

At £3.69 between 
1st February,  
2009 and  
1st August, 2009

At £0.0025 between  
14th February,  
2009 and  
30th September, 
2014

Service Contract arrangements
Contracts of service are negotiated on  
an individual basis as part of the overall 
remuneration package and their length  
is inevitably conditioned by external 
competitive pressures. For this reason, 
the contracts of two of the executive 
Directors exceed the one year 
recommended in the Code. The 
Committee believes that the length of 
contract should be appropriate to the 
individual. Thus where DMGT employs 
individuals with unique talents within the 
areas of business within which it operates, 
the Committee believes that they should 
have longer contracts.

46,126

388,659

The mid-market price of Euromoney’s 
shares was £3.70 at 4th October, 2009  
and £3.3625 at 28th September, 2008.  
It ranged from £1.47 to £3.70 during  
the year.

Mr Fallon is a member of Euromoney’s 
Capital Appreciation Scheme which was 
introduced in 2005. As such, he was 
awarded an option to subscribe for shares 
in September 2005. The exercise price of 
each option is 0.25 pence with three option 
tranches, assuming the performance 
conditions are met, expiring on 30th 
September, 2014.

Details of these service contracts are set 
out below:

Date of 
Contract

Notice 
Period

Company 
with whom 
contracted

The Viscount 
Rothermere

17th Oct, 
94

1 month

DMGT

M W H Morgan

1st Oct,  
08

1 year 9 
months*

DMGT

J P Williams 

D M M Dutton

P M Dacre

P M Fallon

K J Beatty

30th Nov, 
04

27th Nov, 
02

13th July, 
98

2nd June, 
86

19th May, 
02

1 year

DMGT

1 year

DMGT

2 years

DMGT

1 year Euromoney

1 year Associated

*  Mr Morgan’s notice period will reduce  

to one year and six months as of  
1st October, 2010, one year and three 
months as of 1st October, 2011 and  
to one year on 1st October, 2012.

In the event of earlier termination of their 
contracts, each Director is entitled to 
compensation equal to their basic salary, 
benefits, pension entitlement and, as 
appropriate, bonus or profit share for  
their notice period.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Remuneration Report

64

Other related party transactions
No Director of the Company has, or had,  
a disclosable interest in any contract of 
significance subsisting during or at the 
end of the year.

Disclosable transactions by the Group 
under IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, 
are set out in Note 41. There have been  
no other disclosable transactions by  
the Company and its subsidiaries with 
directors of Group companies and with 
substantial shareholders since the 
publication of the last Annual Report.

On behalf of the Board

Rothermere
Chairman
4th December, 2009

Remuneration Report
Continued

The contracts of Mr Morgan and  
Mr Williams are subject to mitigation  
and, in the event of the Director obtaining 
alternative employment during the notice 
period, do not provide for further payment 
after such event. This mitigation does  
not apply to their pension benefit. Share 
options would be treated as for any 
member of the scheme, depending on  
the reason for termination of the contract.

Mr Fallon has a second service contract 
with Euromoney Publications (Jersey) 
Limited (‘EPJ’), a subsidiary of Euromoney 
dated 4th May, 1993. This contract has the 
same terms as his first contract, except 
that termination does not include a car 
allowance as Mr Fallon does not receive 
this benefit from EPJ.

Appointments and  
re-election
Directors retiring by rotation and standing 
for re-election at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting are shown in the 
Directors’ Report on page 40.

Non-executive Directors are appointed 
for specified terms and are subject to 
re-election by the Ordinary shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting following 
appointment, and thereafter at least every 
three years. Each appointment can be 
terminated before the end of the three-
year period, with no notice or fees due. 
The dates of the appointment or 
subsequent re-appointment of the 
non-executive Directors are set out below:

T S Gillespie

D J Verey

N W Berry

C W Dunstone

J G Hemingway

F P Balsemão

D H Nelson

Date of appointment/ 
re-appointment

7th Feb, 2007

7th Feb, 2007

7th Feb, 2007

6th Feb, 2008

6th Feb, 2008

11th Feb, 2009

1st July, 2009

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

65
Independent Auditors’ Report 
to the Members of Daily Mail 
and General Trust plc

We have audited the Group financial 
statements of Daily Mail and General 
Trust plc for the year ended 4th October, 
2009 which comprise the Group Income 
Statement, the Group Statement of 
Recognised Income and Expense, the 
Group Statement of Changes in Equity,  
the Group Balance Sheet, the Group Cash 
Flow Statement, and the related notes 1 to 
42. The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in their preparation is 
applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union.

This report is made solely to the 
Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with sections 495 and 496 of 
the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work 
has been undertaken so that we might 
state to the company’s members those 
matters we are required to state to them 
in an auditors’ report and for no other 
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted  
by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the 
Company and the Company’s members as 
a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities  
of Directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement, the Directors 
are responsible for the preparation of the 
Group financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
Our responsibility is to audit the Group 
financial statements in accordance  
with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (U.K. and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with 
the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) 
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the  
financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence  
about the amounts and disclosures in  
the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud  
or error. This includes an assessment  
of: whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the Group’s circumstances 
and have been consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed; the reasonableness 

of significant accounting estimates made 
by the Directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the Group financial 
statements:
•  give a true and fair view of the state  

of the Group’s affairs as at 4th October, 
2009 and of its loss for the year  
then ended;

•  have been properly prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted  
by the European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matter 
prescribed by the  
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in  
the Directors’ Report for the financial  
year for which the financial statements 
are prepared is consistent with the  
Group financial statements.

Matters on which we are 
required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect  
of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ 

remuneration specified by law are  
not made; or

•  we have not received all the  

information and explanations  
we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required  
to review:

•  the Directors’ statement contained 
within the Financial and Treasury 
Review in relation to going concern; and

•  the part of the Corporate Governance 
statement relating to the Company’s 
compliance with the nine provisions of 
the June 2008 Combined Code specified 
for our review.

Independent Auditors’ Report  
to the Members of Daily Mail  
and General Trust plc

Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent 
Company financial statements of Daily 
Mail and General Trust plc for the year 
ended and on the information in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report that  
is described as having been audited. 

William Touche 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants 
and Statutory Auditors

London, United Kingdom

4th December, 2009

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Consolidated income statement 

66

Consolidated income statement
for the 53 weeks ending 4th October, 2009

Continuing operations

Revenue 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation  
and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Exceptional operating costs 

Amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Operating (loss)/profit before share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Total operating (loss)/profit  

Other gains and losses 

(Loss)/profit before net finance costs and tax 

Investment revenue 

Finance costs 

Net finance costs 

Loss before tax 

Tax 

(Loss)/profit after tax from continuing operations 

Discontinued operations 

Profit from discontinued operations 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Attributable to: 

Equity shareholders 

Minority interests 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

(Loss)/earnings per share 

From continuing operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

From discontinued operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

From continuing and discontinued operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Note 

3 

3 

3 

3, 18, 19 

3, 4 

3, 7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

25 

36 

37 

14 

53 weeks 
ending 

52 weeks 
ending  
4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

 2,117.5  

2,311.7

 277.6  

(99.2) 

(435.7) 

(257.3) 

(8.7) 

(266.0) 

(23.5) 

(289.5) 

 2.2  

(113.8) 

(111.6) 

(401.1) 

 94.5  

(306.6) 

 1.2  

(305.4) 

(303.4)  

(2.0) 

(305.4) 

(80.1)p 

(80.1)p 

0.3p 

0.3p 

(79.8)p 

(79.8)p 

316.9

(31.8)

(258.1)

27.0

3.5

30.5

27.7

58.2

3.0

(129.3)

(126.3)

(68.1)

84.7

16.6

 0.2

16.8

 – 

16.8

16.8

0.0p

(0.2)p

0.1p

0.1p

0.1p

(0.1)p

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67 Consolidated statement of 

recognised income and expense

Consolidated statement  
of recognised income and expense
for the 53 weeks ending 4th October, 2009

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

Fair value movements on available-for-sale investments 

Losses on cash flow hedges 

Change in value of net investment hedges recorded in equity 

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes 

Deferred tax on actuarial movement 

Deferred tax on other items recognised directly in equity 

Current tax on items recognised in equity 

Share of associates items recognised in equity 

Net deficit recognised directly in equity 

Transfers 

Translation reserves recycled to Income Statement on disposals 

Transfer of gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges from translation reserve to Income Statement 

Total recognised income and expense for the year 

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders 

Minority interests 

Note 

36 

36 

36 

36 

32, 36 

34, 36 

34, 36 

11, 36 

7 

36 

36 

53 weeks 
ending 

52 weeks 

ending    

4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

(305.4) 

 39.8  

 1.4  

(4.5) 

(41.9) 

(424.5) 

 118.9  

 1.7  

 –  

(2.4) 

 16.8 

58.8 

 – 

(17.5)

(45.3)

(110.4)

30.9 

9.1 

1.0 

 – 

(311.5) 

(73.4)

 0.9  

 3.5  

 4.4  

(612.5) 

(613.9) 

1.4 

(612.5) 

(0.1)

(2.9)

(3.0)

(59.6)

(75.0)

15.4 

(59.6)

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53 weeks 
ending 

52 weeks 
ending 
4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

(612.5) 

(55.3) 

 –  

 27.1  

(8.2) 

(43.2) 

12.4  

(5.6) 

 52.3  

 –  

(3.1) 

(636.1) 

 548.6  

(87.5) 

(59.6)

(56.3)

(0.5)

 7.0 

(12.2)

(20.2)

16.6 

(88.3)

 21.0 

 27.0 

(6.4)

(171.9)

720.5 

548.6

Consolidated reconciliation  
of movements in equity

68

Consolidated reconciliation  
of movements in equity
for the 53 weeks ending 4th October, 2009

Total recognised income and expense for the year 

Dividends paid 

Initial recording of put options granted to minority interests in subsidiaries 

Exercise of acquisition put option commitments 

Transactions with minorities 

Settlement of exercised share options of subsidiary 

Credit to equity for share-based payments 

Shares purchased to be held in treasury 

Own shares released on vesting of share options 

Revaluation of previously held interest in associate on acquisition of control 

Adjustment to equity following increased stake in controlled entity 

Total movement in equity for the year 

Equity at the beginning of year 

Equity at the end of year 

Note 

12, 36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 4th October, 2009

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investments  

Joint ventures 

Associates   

Available-for-sale investments 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial assets  

Retirement benefit assets   

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets

Inventories   

Trade and other receivables 

Current tax receivable 

Derivative financial assets  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables   

Current tax payable 

Acquisition put option commitments 

Borrowings  

Derivative financial liabilities 

Provisions   

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables   

Acquisition put option commitments 

Borrowings  

Derivative financial liabilities 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Provisions   

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net (liabilities)/assets 

69 Consolidated balance sheet

Note 

As at 
4th October, 
2009 
£m 

As at 
  28th September, 
2008 
£m

18 

19 

20 

21 

21 

22 

24 

31 

32 

34 

23 

24 

28 

31 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

33 

27 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

24.3  

11.3  

734.2  

460.9  

440.4  

35.6  

18.1  

4.2  

 5.5  

 –  

164.6  

 1,863.5  

 23.6  

 377.5  

12.8  

17.9  

 47.4  

 479.2  

2,342.7  

(640.1) 

(97.0) 

(11.2) 

(20.5) 

(9.5) 

(38.7) 

(817.0) 

(0.6) 

(0.7) 

(1,040.7) 

(82.2) 

(430.4) 

(34.4) 

(24.2) 

(1,613.2) 

(2,430.2) 

(87.5) 

22.0

10.6

873.5 

630.0 

501.9 

32.6

 11.3 

8.3 

 0.9 

 2.5 

31.1 

2,092.1 

27.6 

456.9 

 – 

13.6 

45.3 

543.4 

 2,635.5 

(650.2)

(119.2)

(29.5)

(26.0)

(33.8)

(27.4)

(886.1)

(1.1)

(7.6)

(1,004.2)

(38.6)

(43.7)

(31.6)

(74.0)

(1,200.8)

(2,086.9)

548.6 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet

70

Consolidated balance sheet
as at 4th October, 2009
Continued

Shareholders’ equity

Called up share capital 

Share premium account 

Share capital 

Capital redemption reserve 

Revaluation reserve 

Shares held in treasury 

Translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Equity shareholders’ funds 

Equity minority interests 

Note 

35 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

36 

37 

As at 

As at 
4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

49.1  

 12.4  

61.5  

 1.1  

4.1  

(46.8) 

9.8  

(164.0) 

(134.3) 

 46.8  

(87.5) 

49.1 

12.4 

61.5 

 1.1 

39.5 

(93.5)

22.2 

479.1 

509.9 

 38.7 

548.6 

The accounts on pages 66 to 148 were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 4th December, 2009. They were signed 
on their behalf by:

Rothermere
M.W.H. Morgan
Directors

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
71

Consolidated cash  
flow statement

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the 53 weeks ending 4th October, 2009

Operating (loss)/profit before share of results of joint ventures and associates  
– continuing operations 

Adjustments for: 

Share-based payments 

Pension curtailments 

Depreciation  

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 

Decrease in inventories 

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in trade and other payables 

Increase in provisions 

Additional payment into pension schemes 

Cash generated by operations 

Taxation paid 

Taxation received 

Net cash from operating activities 

Investing activities 

Interest received 

Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 

Dividends received from available-for-sale investments 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Expenditure on internally generated intangible fixed assets 

Purchase of available-for-sale investments 

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Proceeds on disposal of available-for-sale investments  

Purchase of subsidiaries 

Purchase of additional interests in controlled entities 

Treasury derivative activities 

Investment in joint ventures and associates 

Loans to joint ventures and associates repaid 

Proceeds on disposal of businesses 

Proceeds on disposal of associates 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Note 

3 

39 

32 

3, 20 

3, 20 

3, 19 

3, 18, 19 

19 

22 

16 

16 

21 

21 

17 

7 

53 weeks 
ending 

52 weeks 
ending 
4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

(257.3) 

27.0 

 12.5  

(27.4) 

 61.7  

 25.4  

 89.1  

 346.6  

250.6  

5.8  

 109.4  

(88.0) 

 24.2  

(4.2) 

297.8  

(32.3) 

 18.3  

283.8  

0.9  

 2.1  

 0.2  

(39.6) 

(17.8) 

(2.5) 

 20.5  

 1.3  

(22.0) 

(24.1) 

(58.7) 

(5.4) 

 0.4  

 4.7  

 –  

 16.6 

 – 

63.1 

 7.4 

90.3 

167.8 

372.2 

0.6 

(3.9)

(6.3)

5.4 

 – 

368.0 

(24.3)

 11.2 

354.9 

1.6 

3.1 

0.3 

(64.5)

(18.7)

(15.9)

15.4 

55.1 

(104.3)

(36.3)

(37.2)

(13.5)

 4.8 

 58.5 

 7.2 

(140.0) 

(144.4)

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated cash  
flow statement

72

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the 53 weeks ending 4th October, 2009
Continued

Note 

53 weeks 
ending 

52 weeks 
ending 
4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

12, 36 

(55.3) 

37 

37 

36 

39 

15 

15 

15 

15 

15, 26 

15 

15, 26 

(9.3) 

 0.2  

(5.6) 

5.2  

(77.0) 

(14.4) 

25.0  

(16.1) 

(56.3)

(10.3)

 0.2 

(88.3)

(0.6)

(64.8)

(26.0)

 – 

10.7 

(147.3) 

(235.4)

(3.5) 

44.3  

 6.1  

46.9  

(24.9)

64.0 

5.2 

44.3

Financing activities 

Equity dividends paid 

Dividends paid to minority interests 

Issue of shares by Group companies to minority interests 

Purchase of own shares 

Receipt/(payment) on exercise/settlement of subsidiary share options 

Interest paid 

Loan notes repaid 

Sale and lease back finance receipts 

Decrease/(increase) in bank borrowings 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Exchange gain on cash and cash equivalents 

Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73 Significant accounting policies

Significant accounting policies

1 Basis of preparation
DMGT is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.  
The address of the registered office is given on page 161.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board as adopted  
by the European Union and with those parts of the Companies 
Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts 
under IFRS.

These financial statements have been prepared for the  
53 weeks ending 4th October, 2009. The Group and its national 
and local media divisions, prepare financial statements for a  
52 or 53 week financial period ending on a Sunday near to the 
end of September. The Group has prepared the 2009 financial 
statements on the basis of a 53 week financial year to 4th 
October 2009 in order to ensure that the Group’s year end 
remains close to the end of September in the current and 
forthcoming financial years. As the current financial year is  
53 weeks, the comparative figures for the 52 weeks ended  
28th September, 2008 are not entirely comparable with the 
amounts presented for the current financial year as the 
comparative figures include the results of the national  
and local media divisions for 52 weeks.

The Group’s remaining divisions prepare financial statements for 
a financial year to 30th September and do not prepare additional 
financial statements corresponding to the Group’s financial year 
for consolidation purposes as it would be impracticable to do  
so. As a result, the financial statements are comparable in 
relation to those elements of the comparatives that relate to  
the Group’s other divisions. The Group considers whether there  
have been any significant transactions or events between the 
end of the financial year of the other divisions and the end of  
the Group’s financial year and makes any material adjustments 
as appropriate.

The principal accounting policies used in preparing this 
information are set out in note 2. 

These financial statements have also been prepared in 
accordance with the accounting policies set out in the 2008 
Annual Report and Accounts, as amended by the following  
new accounting standards.

Impact of new accounting standards
In the current year, the Group has adopted the following 
accounting standards:

The Group has adopted IFRS 8, Operating Segments in advance 
of its effective date with effect from 29th September, 2008.  
IFRS 8 sets out disclosure requirements concerning an entity’s 
operating segments, products, services, geographical areas in 
which it operates and its major customers and replaces IAS 14, 
Segmental Reporting. IFRS 8 requires operating segments to  
be identified on the basis of internal reports about components 
of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the DMGT Board  
to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their 

performance. Adoption of this standard did not change the 
analysis of the Group’s results and performance significantly.  
In addition the following IRFICs were adopted which had no 
significant impact on the Group’s financial statements:

IFRIC 12 Service Concession Agreements (effective for periods 
beginning on or after 1st January, 2008);

IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes (effective for periods 
beginning on or after 1st July, 2008); and

IFRIC 14 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset Minimum Funding 
Requirements and their Interaction (effective for periods 
beginning on or after 1st January, 2008).

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements,  
the following standards have been issued but not applied  
to the information in these financial statements since they  
do not apply to this reporting period:

Amendment to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements 
(effective for periods commencing on or after 1st January, 2009). 
This amendment introduces changes to the way in which 
movements in equity must be disclosed and requires an entity  
to disclose each component of other comprehensive income  
not recognised in profit or loss. The amendment also requires 
disclosure of the amount of income tax relating to each 
component of other comprehensive income as well as several 
other minor disclosure amendments.

Amendment to IAS 23, Borrowing Costs (effective for periods 
commencing on or after 1st January, 2009). This standard 
requires all borrowing costs which are directly attributable to  
an acquisition construction or production of a qualifying asset  
to form part of the cost of that asset. The Group does not expect 
a significant impact from the adoption of this standard.

Amendment to IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial 
Statements (effective for periods commencing on or after  
1st July, 2009). The amendment introduces changes to the 
accounting for partial disposals of subsidiaries, associates  
and joint ventures. Adoption of these amendments is not 
expected to significantly impact the measurement, presentation 
or disclosure of future disposals.

Amendments to IAS 32, Puttable financial instruments and 
obligations arising on liquidation (effective for periods beginning 
on or after 1st January, 2009). The amendments are relevant  
to entities that have issued financial instruments that are (i) 
puttable financial instruments or (ii) instruments, or components 
of instruments that impose on the entity an obligation to deliver 
to another party a pro rata share of the net assets on liquidation 
only. As a result of the amendments, some financial instruments 
that currently meet the definition of a financial liability will be 
classified as equity because they represent the residual interest 
in the net assets of the entity. The amendments set out extensive 
detailed criteria to be met in order to be able to classify these 
instruments as equity. The impact of these amendments is 
restricted to specific cases and no analogies can be made.  
The Group does not expect a significant impact from the 
adoption of this standard.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Significant accounting policies

74

Significant accounting policies
Continued

1 Basis of preparation – Continued
Amendments to IAS 39, Financial instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement (effective for periods commencing on or after 1st 
July, 2009). The amendments clarify treatment of inflation in a 
financial hedged item and one-sided risks in a hedged item. The 
Group does not expect a significant impact from the adoption of 
this standard.

2009 Annual Improvements (the majority of changes will effect 
periods beginning on or after 1st January, 2010). The IASB  
has issued several improvements to IFRSs – a collection of 
amendments to 12 International Financial Reporting Standards 
– as part of its programme of annual improvements to its 
standards. The Group does not expect a significant impact 
following these changes.

Amendments to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment (effective  
for periods commencing on or after 1st January, 2009).  
The amendments clarify that vesting conditions are service 
conditions and performance conditions only. Other features  
of a share-based payment are not vesting conditions. It also 
specifies that all cancellations, whether by the entity or by  
other parties, should receive the same accounting treatment. 
The Group does not expect a significant impact from the 
adoption of this standard.

Amendment to IFRS 3, Business Combinations (effective for 
periods commencing on or after 1st July, 2009). The amendment 
introduces changes that will require acquisition-related costs 
(including professional fees previously capitalised) to be 
expensed and adjustments to contingent consideration to be 
recognised in income and will allow the full goodwill method to 
be used when accounting for non-controlling interests. This will 
result in a change to the Group’s accounting policy for purchases 
of stakes in controlled entities.

Amendment to IFRS 7, Improving Disclosures about Financial 
Instruments (effective for periods commencing on or after 1st 
January, 2009). The amendment clarifies and enhances existing 
disclosure requirements about the nature and extent of liquidity 
risk arising from financial instruments. The Group does not 
expect a significant impact from the adoption of this standard.

2008 Annual Improvements (the majority of changes will affect 
periods beginning on or after 1st January, 2009). The standard 
makes 41 amendments to 25 IFRSs as part of the first annual 
improvements project. The amendments include: restructuring 
IFRS 1, mainly to remove redundant transitional provisions; an 
amendment to bring property under construction or development 
for future use as an investment property within the scope of IAS 
40. Such property currently falls within the scope of IAS 16; and 
an amendment to clarify the circumstances in which an entity 
can recognise a prepayment asset for advertising or promotional 
expenditure. Recognition of an asset would be permitted up to 
the point at which the entity has access to the goods purchased 
or up to the point of receipt of services. The standard is not 
expected to have a significant impact on the Group. In relation to 
the amendment to IAS 38 regarding prepayments for advertising 
or promotional expenditure, the Group will be required to 
reassess its accounting approach to reflect the requirements  
of the standard. The Group has followed the guidance of the 
amendments to IFRS 8 in relation to segment assets.

The following interpretations have been issued which are  
not applicable to the Group since they are only effective for 
accounting periods beginning on or after 4th October, 2009.  
The adoption of these interpretations is not expected to have 
any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

IFRIC 15, Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate 
(effective for periods beginning on or after 1st January, 2009);

IFRIC 16, Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation 
(effective for periods beginning on or after 1st October, 2008);

IFRIC 17, Distributions of non-cash assets (effective for periods 
beginning on or after 1st July, 2009); and

IFRIC 18, Transfers of assets from customers (effective for 
periods beginning on or after 1st July, 2009).

2 Significant accounting policies
The Group financial statements incorporate the financial 
statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries together 
with the Group’s share of all of its interests in joint ventures and 
associates. The financial statements have been prepared on the 
historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of financial 
instruments.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely 
to affect its future development, performance and position are 
set out in the Financial and Treasury review on pages 28 to 32, 
the Business Review on pages 4 to 32 and the Directors’ report 
on pages 38 to 41. The Group’s funding arrangements, together 
with details of undrawn facilities, are disclosed in notes 30 and 
31. As highlighted in notes 30 and 31 to the financial statements, 
the Company has long term financing in the form of Eurobonds 
and meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through 
bank facilities which expire in two to four years. The current 
economic conditions create uncertainty particularly over the 
future performance of those parts of the business that derive a 
significant proportion of revenue from advertising. The Board’s 
forecasts and projections, after taking account of reasonably 
possible changes in trading performance, show that the 
Company is expected to operate within the terms of its current 
facilities. After making enquiries, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will have access to 
adequate resources to continue in existence for the foreseeable 
future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

75 Significant accounting policies

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
Accounting for subsidiaries
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. Control is 
achieved where the Group has the power to govern the financial 
and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from 
its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the 
year are included in the Group Income Statement from the 
effective date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal, as 
appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the 
financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting 
policies into line with those used by other members of the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses 
are eliminated on consolidation.

Minority interests
Minority interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries 
are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. 
Minority interests consist of the amount of those interests at  
the date of the original business combination and the minority’s 
share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. 
Losses attributable to the minority in excess of the minority’s 
share in equity are allocated against the interests of the Group 
except to the extent that the minority has a binding obligation 
and is able to make an additional investment to cover such 
losses. When the subsidiary subsequently reports profits, the 
minority does not participate until the Group has recovered all  
of the losses of the minority it previously reported.

Business combinations
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the 
purchase method. The cost of the acquisition is measured as the 
aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets 
given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments 
issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus 
any costs directly attributable to the business combination. The 
acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities 
are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, other 
than non-current assets and liabilities of disposal groups which 
are recognised at fair value less costs to sell. Where an 
adjustment to fair values relating to previously held interests 
(including interests which were equity accounted under IAS 28, 
Investments in associates) is required on achieving control, this 
is accounted for as an adjustment directly in equity.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions is recognised as an asset and 
initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the 
business combination over the Group’s interest in the net fair 
value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities recognised. Where control is achieved in more than 
one exchange transaction, goodwill is calculated separately for 
each transaction based on the cost of each transaction and the 
appropriate share of the acquiree’s net assets based on net fair 
values at the time of each transaction.

The interest of minority shareholders in the acquiree is initially 
measured at the minority’s proportion of the net fair value of the 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. 

Purchase and sale of shares in a controlled entity
Where the Group’s interest in a controlled entity increases, no 
adjustments are recorded to the fair values of the assets already 
held on the Balance Sheet. The Group calculates the goodwill 
arising as the difference between the cost of the additional 
interest acquired and the increase in the Group’s interest in  
the fair value of the subsidiary’s net assets at the date of the 
exchange transaction. Any difference between the cost of the 
additional interest, goodwill arising and the existing carrying 
value of the minority share of net assets is adjusted directly  
in equity.

Where the Group’s interest in a controlled entity decreases, 
which does not result in a change of control, the Group increases 
the minority interest’s share of net assets by the book value of 
the share of net assets disposed. Any profit or loss on disposal of 
the share of net assets to the minority interest is calculated  
by reference to the consideration received, the book value of the 
share of net assets disposed and a proportion of any relevant 
goodwill in the Balance Sheet relating to the subsidiary.

Interests in joint ventures and associates
A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby the Group 
and other parties undertake an economic activity that is subject 
to joint control, that is when the strategic financial and operating 
policy decisions relating to the activities require the unanimous 
consent of the parties sharing control.

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant 
influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint 
venture. Significant influence is the power to participate in the 
financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is  
not control or joint control over those policies.

The post-tax results of joint ventures and associates are 
incorporated in the Group’s results using the equity method  
of accounting. Under the equity method, investments in joint 
ventures and associates are carried in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet at a cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in  
the Group’s share of the net assets of the joint venture and 
associate, less any impairment in the value of investment. 
Losses of joint ventures and associates in excess of the of  
the Group’s interest in that joint venture or associate are not 
recognised. Additional losses are provided for, and a liability is 
recognised, only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal 
or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the 
joint venture or associate.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s share  
of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities of the joint venture or associate recognised 
at the date of acquisition is recognised as goodwill. The goodwill 
is included within the carrying amount of the investment.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Significant accounting policies

76

Significant accounting policies
Continued

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
Foreign currencies
For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, 
the assets and liabilities of entities with a functional currency 
other than sterling are translated to sterling using exchange 
rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense 
items and cash flows are translated at the average exchange 
rates for the period and exchange differences arising are 
recognised directly in equity. On disposal of a foreign operation, 
the cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that 
operation is recognised in the Income Statement as part of the 
gain or loss on sale.

The Group records foreign exchange differences arising on 
retranslation of foreign operations within the translation reserve 
in equity.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, 
transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional 
currency are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the 
date of the transaction. At each balance sheet date, monetary 
items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. 

Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated 
in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate prevailing on 
the date when fair value was determined. Non-monetary items 
that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign 
currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary 
items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included 
in the Income Statement for the period. 

Goodwill, intangible assets and fair value adjustments arising on 
the acquisition of foreign operations after transition to IFRS are 
treated as part of the assets and liabilities of the foreign 
operation and are translated at the closing rate. Goodwill which 
arose pre-transition to IFRS is not translated.

In respect of all foreign operations, any cumulative exchange 
differences that have arisen before 4th October, 2004, the date of 
transition to IFRS, were reset to nil and will be excluded from the 
determination of any subsequent profit or loss on disposal. 

Intangible assets
Goodwill
Goodwill and intangible assets acquired arising on the 
acquisition of an entity represents the excess of the cost of 
acquisition over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the 
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the 
entity recognised at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially 
recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at 
cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested 
annually for impairment. Negative goodwill arising on an 
acquisition is recognised directly in the Income Statement.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of 
a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and are translated at the closing exchange rates on the 
balance sheet date.

On disposal of a subsidiary or a jointly controlled entity,  
the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the 
determination of the profit or loss recognised in the Income 
Statement on disposal.

Goodwill arising before the date of transition to IFRS, on 4th 
October, 2004, has been retained at the previous U.K. GAAP 
amounts subject to being tested for impairment at that date. 
Goodwill written off to reserves under U.K. GAAP prior to 1998 
has not been reinstated and is not included in determining any 
subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment 
losses. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment either annually or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate  
a possible decline in the carrying value.

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped at  
the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable  
cash flows, known as cash-generating units. If the recoverable 
amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying 
amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to 
reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit 
and then to the other assets of the unit, pro-rated on the basis  
of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit, but subject  
to not reducing any asset below its recoverable amount.  
An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed  
in a subsequent period.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs  
to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated 
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using  
a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific  
to the asset or cash-generating unit.

Licences
Radio licences are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation. 
Amortisation is charged to the Income Statement on a  
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives from the 
commencement of service of the network, estimated by 
management to be 20 years.

Computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of  
the costs incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific 
software. These costs are amortised over their estimated useful 
lives, being three to five years.

Costs that are directly associated with the production of 
identifiable and unique software products controlled by the 
Group, and that are expected to generate economic benefits 
exceeding costs and directly attributable overheads are 
capitalised as intangibles. 

77 Significant accounting policies

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
Computer software which is integral to a related item  
of hardware equipment is accounted for as property,  
plant and equipment.

Costs associated with maintaining computer software 
programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred.

At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying 
amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered 
an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the  
extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does  
not generate cash flows that are independent from other  
assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for 
impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that  
the asset may be impaired.

Research and development expenditure
Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense 
in the period in which it is incurred.

An internally-generated intangible asset arising from the 
Group’s development activity, including software for internal 
use, is recognised only if the asset can be separately identified,  
it is probable the asset will generate future economic benefits, 
the development cost can be measured reliably, the project is 
technically feasible and the project will be completed with a  
view to sell or use the asset. Additionally, guidance in Standing 
Interpretations Committee (SIC) 32 has been applied in 
accounting for internally developed website development costs.

Internally-generated intangible assets are amortised on a 
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, when the 
asset is available for use, and are reported net of impairment 
losses. Where no internally-generated intangible asset can be 
recognised, development expenditure is charged to the Income 
Statement in the period in which it incurred.

Marketing costs
Marketing and promotional costs are charged to the Income 
Statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation 
is charged to the Income Statement on a reducing balance  
or straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the 
intangible assets from the date they become available for  
use. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Publishing rights, titles and exhibitions 

Radio licences 

Brands 

Market and customer related databases 

Customer relationships 

Computer software licences 

 20 years

20 years

20 years

 3 – 20 years

3 – 20 years

3 – 5 years

Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings held for use are stated in the Balance Sheet 
at their cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation  
and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. 

Assets in the course of construction are carried at cost, less  
any recognised impairment loss. Depreciation of these assets 
commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

Fixtures and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their 
expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, 
where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item 
of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference 
between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the 
asset and is recognised in the Income Statement.

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets, 
other than property, plant and equipment under construction 
using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives 
as follows:

Freehold buildings and long leasehold properties 

50 years

Short leasehold premises 

the term of the lease

Plant and equipment 

3 – 25 years

Depreciation is not provided on freehold land

Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 
Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct 
labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in 
bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. 
The Group uses the Average Cost (AVCO) method in the national 
and local media divisions and the First In First Out (FIFO) method 
in the remaining divisions.

Pre-publication costs
Pre-publication costs represent direct costs incurred in the 
development of titles prior to their publication. These costs are 
recognised as work in progress on the Balance Sheet to the 
extent that future economic benefit is virtually certain and can 
be measured reliably.

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Significant accounting policies

78

Significant accounting policies
Continued

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents shown in the Balance Sheet includes 
cash, short-term deposits and other short-term highly liquid 
investments with an original maturity of three months or less. 
For the purpose of the Group Cash Flow Statement, cash and 
cash equivalents are as defined above, net of bank overdrafts.

Revenue
Group revenue comprises revenue of the Company and its 
subsidiary undertakings. Revenue is stated net of value added 
tax, trade discounts and commission where applicable and is 
recognised using several methods. Subscriptions revenue, 
including revenue from information services, is recognised  
over the period of the subscription or contract. Publishing and 
circulation revenue is recognised on issue of publication or 
report. Advertising is recognised on issue of publication, over 
the period of the online campaign or date of broadcast. Contract 
print revenue is recognised on completion of the print contract. 
Exhibitions, training and events revenues are recognised over 
the period of the event.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the 
Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
relevant lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive 
to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight-
line basis over the lease term.

Dividends
Dividend income from investments is recognised when the 
shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established. 
Dividends are recognised as a distribution in the period in  
which they are approved by the shareholders. Interim  
dividends are recorded in the period in which they are paid.

Borrowing costs
Unless capitalised under IAS 23 all borrowing costs are 
recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which  
they are incurred. Finance charges, including premiums paid  
on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs and 
discounts related to borrowings, are accounted for on an 
accruals basis and charged to the Income Statement using  
the effective interest method.

Operating profit before share of results of joint ventures 
and associates
The Group discloses as operating profit, profit before share  
of results from associates and joint ventures, other gains and 
losses, investment income and finance costs. The Directors 
believe that this measure is useful to readers as it shows the 
results of the Group’s operations before contribution from joint 
ventures and associates and because it excludes one-off gains 
and losses on disposal of businesses, properties and similar 
items of a non-recurring nature.

Retirement benefits
As permitted by IFRS 1, First-time adoption of International 
Financial Reporting Standards, the Group elected to recognise 
all cumulative actuarial gains and losses in the pension schemes 
operated by the Group at the date of transition to IFRS. Pension 
scheme assets are measured at market value at the balance 
sheet date. Scheme liabilities are measured using the projected 
unit credit method and discounted at a rate reflecting current 
yields on high quality corporate bonds having regard to the 
duration of the liability profiles of the schemes.

Other gains and losses
Other gains and losses comprise profit or loss on sale of trading 
investments, profit or loss on sale of property, plant and 
equipment, impairment of available-for-sale assets, profit or 
loss on sale of businesses and profit or loss on sale of joint 
ventures and associates.

Leasing
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms  
of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards  
of ownership of the asset to the lessee. All other leases are 
classified as operating leases. 

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of  
the Group at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if 
lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments as 
determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding 
liability to the lessor is included in the Balance Sheet as a 
finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned 
between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation  
so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining 
balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognised in the 
Income Statement.

For defined benefit retirement plans, the difference between  
the fair value of the plan assets and the present value of the plan 
liabilities is recognised as an asset or liability on the Balance 
Sheet. Actuarial gains and losses arising in the year are taken  
to the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense. For this 
purpose, actuarial gains and losses comprise both the effects  
of changes in actuarial assumptions and experience adjustments 
arising because of differences between the previous actuarial 
assumptions and what has actually occurred. For defined benefit 
schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the 
projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being 
carried out triennially. In accordance with the advice of 
independent qualified actuaries in assessing whether to 
recognise a surplus, the Group has regard to the principles  
set out in IFRIC 14.

Other movements in the net surplus or deficit are recognised  
in the Income Statement, including the current service cost,  
any past service cost and the effect of any curtailment or 
settlements. The interest cost less the expected return on 
assets is also charged to the Income Statement. The amount 
charged to the Income Statement in respect of these plans is 
included within operating costs or in the Group’s share of the 
results of equity accounted operations as appropriate.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

79 Significant accounting policies

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
Since the assets and liabilities of the Group’s defined benefit 
plans cannot be allocated to individual entities on a fair and 
reasonable basis, the scheme’s assets and liabilities are not 
attributed to reporting segments and the pension charge in each 
segment in the segmental analysis represents the contributions 
payable for the period.

The Group’s contributions to defined contribution pension plans 
are charged to the Income Statement as they fall due.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each 
balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow 
all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected  
to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the  
asset realised, based on tax rates that have been enacted  
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date,  
and is not discounted.

Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of the current tax 
payable and deferred tax for the year.

The current tax payable or recoverable is based on the taxable 
profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported 
in the Income Statement because some items of income or 
expense are taxable or deductible in different years or may never 
be taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is 
calculated using the U.K. and foreign tax rates that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. 

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset and stated net in the 
Balance Sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to set off 
current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they 
either relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation 
authority or on the same taxable entity or on different taxable 
entities which intend to settle the current tax assets and 
liabilities on a net basis.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable in 
the future arising from temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the 
computation of taxable profit. It is accounted for using the 
balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are 
generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and 
deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that taxable profits will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets 
and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences 
arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial 
recognition other than in a business combination of other assets 
and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable 
profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary 
differences arising in investments in subsidiaries and 
associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the 
Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference 
and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse 
in the foreseeable future.

Goodwill arising on business combinations also includes amounts 
corresponding to deferred tax liabilities recognised in respect of 
acquired intangible assets. A deferred tax liability is recognised to 
the extent that the fair value of the assets for accounting purposes 
exceeds the value of those assets for tax purposes and will form 
part of the associated goodwill on acquisition.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a 
legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied 
by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle  
its current assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Tax is charged or credited to the Income Statement, except  
when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity,  
in which case the tax is also recognised directly in equity.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised  
on the Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party  
to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net  
amount reported in the Balance Sheet when there is a  
legally enforceable right to settle on a net basis, or realise  
the asset and liability simultaneously and where the Group 
intends to net settle.

Financial assets
– Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated  
at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances  
for estimated irrecoverable amounts.

– Available-for-sale investments
Investments and financial assets are recognised and  
de-recognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale  
of an investment is under a contract whose terms require 
delivery of the investment within the timeframe established  
by the market concerned, and are measured at fair value, 
including transaction costs.

Investments are classified as either held-for-trading or 
available-for-sale. Where securities are held-for-trading 
purposes, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value 
are included in net profit or loss for the period. For available- 
for-sale investments, gains and losses arising from changes  
in fair value are recognised directly in equity, until the security  
is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time  
the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is 
included in the net profit or loss for the period. 

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Significant accounting policies

80

Significant accounting policies
Continued

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
The fair value of listed securities is determined based on quoted 
market prices, and of unlisted securities on management’s 
estimate of fair value determined by discounting future cash 
flows to net present value using market interest rates prevailing 
at the year end.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments
– Trade payables
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their 
nominal value.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group 
are classified according to the substance of the contractual 
arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial 
liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any 
contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the 
Group after deducting all of its liabilities. The accounting policies 
adopted for specific financial liabilities and equity instruments 
are set out below:

Capital market and bank borrowings
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts are initially measured at 
fair value (which is equal to net proceeds at inception), and are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective 
interest rate method. A portion of the Group’s bonds are subject 
to fair value hedge accounting as explained below and this 
portion is adjusted for the movement in the hedged risk to the 
extent hedge effectiveness is achieved. Any difference between 
the proceeds, net of transaction costs and the settlement or 
redemption of borrowings is recognised over the term of the 
borrowing.

Equity instruments 
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the 
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Derivative financial instruments  
and hedge accounting
The Group’s activities expose it to the financial risks of changes 
in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

The use of financial instruments is governed by the Group’s 
policies, which are set out on pages 31 and 32 of the Financial 
and Treasury Review and approved by the Finance Committee  
of the Board of Directors, which provide written principles on  
the use of financial instruments consistent with the Group’s  
risk management strategy. The Group does not use derivative 
financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value at 
the date the derivatives are entered into and are subsequently 
re-measured to fair value at each reporting date. The fair value 
is determined by using market data and the use of established 
estimation techniques such as discounted cash flow and option 
valuation models. The Group designates certain derivatives as:

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

I. Hedges of the change of fair value of recognised assets  
and liabilities (‘fair value hedges’); or

II. Hedges of highly probable forecast transactions  
(‘cash flow hedges’); or

III. Hedges of net investment in foreign operations  
(‘net investment hedges’)

To qualify for hedge accounting, each individual hedging 
relationship must be expected to be effective, be designated  
and documented at its inception and throughout the life of  
the hedge relationship.

– Fair value hedges
The Group’s policy is to use derivative financial instruments 
(primarily interest rate swaps) to convert a proportion of its fixed 
rate debt to floating rates in order to hedge the interest rate risk.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and 
qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the Income 
Statement, together with changes in the fair value of the hedged 
asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk to the 
extent that the hedge relationship is effective. When the hedging 
instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no 
longer qualifies for hedge accounting, hedge accounting is 
discontinued.

– Cash flow hedges
The Group’s policy is to use certain derivative financial 
instruments in order to hedge the foreign exchange risk arising 
from certain firm commitments or forecast highly probable 
transactions in currencies other than the functional currency  
of the relevant Group entity.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that 
are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows  
are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion  
is recognised immediately in the Income Statement. 

If a hedged firm commitment or forecast transaction results  
in the recognition of a non financial asset or liability, then,  
at the time that the asset or liability is recognised, the associated 
gains and losses on the derivative that had previously been 
recognised in equity are included in the initial measurement  
of the asset or liability.

For hedges that do not result in the recognition of an asset  
or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are recognised in the 
Income Statement in the same period in which the hedged item 
affects the Income Statement. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, revoked, or no longer 
qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain 
or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is 
retained in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. If a 
hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net 
cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is 
included in the Income Statement for the period.

81 Significant accounting policies

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued 
– Net investment hedges
The Group seeks to manage the foreign currency exposure 
arising on retranslation of the reporting entity’s share of  
net assets of foreign operations at each reporting date by 
designating certain derivative financial instruments and foreign 
currency borrowings as net investment hedging instruments.

Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net 
investment in foreign operations are recognised directly in 
equity in the translation reserve. Gains and losses arising  
from changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments are 
recognised in equity to the extent that the hedging relationship  
is effective. Any ineffectiveness is recognised immediately in  
the Income Statement for the period. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies 
for hedge accounting. Gains and losses accumulated in the 
translation reserve are included in the Income Statement  
on disposal of the foreign operation.

Non-hedged derivatives
The Group uses forward contracts to provide a gain or loss 
equivalent to income tax payable or receivable on foreign 
exchange gains or losses incurred when intra group balances 
are translated to the closing rate at the year end. These 
contracts (‘Tax Equalisation Swaps’) are marked to market with 
the movement in fair value taken to income. Tax Equalisation 
Swaps are not capable of being designated as hedging 
instruments under IAS 39.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other 
host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their 
risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of the 
host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair 
value, with gains and losses reported in the Income Statement.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present 
obligation, legal or constructive, as a result of a past event,  
and it is probable that the Group will be required to settle  
that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’  
best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation 
at the balance sheet date, and are discounted to present value 
where the effect is material.

Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled and cash-settled share-based 
payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based 
payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of 
non-market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant.  
The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled 
share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over 
the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the shares 
that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non 
market-based vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured using a binomial pricing model which is 
calibrated using a Black-Scholes framework. The expected life 
used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s 
best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, exercise 
restrictions and behavioural considerations.

A liability equal to the portion of the goods or services received 
is recognised at the current fair value determined at each 
balance sheet date for cash-settled share-based payments.

The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2, Share-based 
Payments to all equity instruments granted after 7th September, 
2002 but not fully vested at 4th October, 2004 the date of 
transition to IFRS.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources  
of estimation uncertainty
In addition to the judgement taken by management in selecting 
and applying the accounting policies set out above, management 
has made the following judgements concerning the amounts 
recognised in the consolidated financial statements:

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
Determining whether goodwill and intangible assets are 
impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the 
relevant cash generating units. The value in use calculation 
requires management to estimate the future cash flows 
expected to arise from the cash generating unit and compare the 
net present value of these cash flows using a suitable discount 
rate to determine if any impairment has occurred. A key area of 
judgement is deciding the long-term growth rate of the 
applicable businesses and the discount rate applied to those 
cash flows. The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible 
assets at the balance sheet date was £1,195.1 million (2008 
£1,503.5 million) after an impairment loss of £346.6 million (2008 
£167.8 million) was recognised during the year (notes 18 and 19).

Acquisitions and intangible assets
The Group’s accounting policy on the acquisition of subsidiaries 
is to allocate purchase consideration to the fair value of 
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired 
with any excess consideration representing goodwill. In 
determining the fair value of assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities acquired significant estimates and assumptions, 
including assumptions with respect to cash flows and 
unprovided liabilities and commitments, particularly in respect 
to tax, are often used. The Group recognises intangible assets 
acquired as part of a business combination at fair values at the 
date of the acquisition. The determination of these fair values is 
based upon management’s judgement and includes assumptions 
on the timing and amount of future cash flows generated by the 
assets and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. 
Additionally, management must estimate the expected useful 
economic lives of intangible assets and charge amortisation on 
these assets accordingly.

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Significant accounting policies

82

Significant accounting policies
Continued

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued 
Acquisition option commitments
Written put options to acquire further stakes in subsidiaries, 
associates and joint ventures written at the time of business 
combinations, unless so deeply in the money that they represent 
in-substance ownership interests, are considered financial 
instruments under IAS 32 and IAS 39. Put options over a minority 
stake in a subsidiary give rise to a financial liability under IAS 32. 
Put options over an associate are within the scope of IAS 39 and 
are accounted for as derivatives at fair value through profit and 
loss. Where put options over associates have a fair value of £nil, 
no accounting is required. Written put options are classified 
within current liabilities if exercisable within one year.

Share-based payments
The Group makes share-based payments to certain employees. 
These payments are measured at their estimated fair value at 
the date of grant, calculated using an appropriate option pricing 
model. The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed 
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the 
estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. The 
key assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the options 
are the discount rate, the Group’s share price volatility, dividend 
yield, risk free rate of return, and expected option lives. 
Management regularly perform a true-up of the estimate of the 
number of shares that are expected to vest, this is dependent on 
the anticipated number of leavers. See note 39 for further detail.

Taxation
Being a multinational Group with tax affairs in many geographic 
locations inherently leads to a highly complex tax structure 
which makes the degree of estimation and judgement more 
challenging. The resolution of issues is not always within the 
control of the Group and is often dependent on the efficiency of 
legal processes. Such issues can take several years to resolve. 
The Group takes a conservative view of unresolved issues, 
however the inherent uncertainty regarding these items means 
that the eventual resolution could differ significantly from the 
accounting estimates and therefore impact the Group’s results 
and future cash flows.

Retirement benefit obligations
The cost of defined benefit pension plans is determined using 
actuarial valuations prepared by the Group’s actuaries. This 
involves making certain assumptions concerning discount rates, 
expected rates of return on assets, future salary increases, 
mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the 
long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject  
to significant uncertainty. The assumptions and the resulting 
estimates are reviewed annually and, when appropriate, changes 
are made which affect the actuarial valuations and, hence, the 
amount of retirement benefit expense recognised in the Income 
Statement and the amounts of actuarial gains and losses 
recognised in the Statement of Recognised Income and  
Expense. The carrying amount of the retirement benefit 
obligation at 4th October, 2009 was a deficit of £430.4 million 
(2008 £41.2 million). Further details are given in note 32.

The Group is party to a number of put and call options over the 
remaining minority interests in some of its subsidiaries. IAS 39 
requires the fair value of these acquisition option commitments 
to be recognised as a liability on the Balance Sheet with a 
corresponding decrease in reserves. Subsequent changes in the 
fair value of the liability are reflected in the Income Statement. 
On exercise and settlement of the put option liability, cumulative 
amounts are removed from retained earnings along with the 
derecognition of the minority interest and recognition of 
additional goodwill. Key areas of judgement in calculating the 
fair value of the options are the expected future cash flows and 
earnings of the business and the discount rate. At 4th October, 
2009 the fair value of these acquisition option commitments is 
£11.9 million (2008 £37.1 million).

Contingent consideration
Estimates are required in respect of the amount of contingent 
consideration payable, which is determined according to 
formulae agreed at the time of the business combination, and 
normally related to the future earnings of the acquired business. 
The Directors review the amount of contingent consideration 
likely to become payable at each balance date, the major 
assumption being the level of future profits of the acquired 
business. At 4th October, 2009 the Group has outstanding 
contingent consideration payable amounting to £23.5 million 
(2008 £37.6 million).

Contingent consideration is discounted to its fair value in 
accordance with IFRS 3 and IAS 37. The difference between the 
fair value of these liabilities and the actual amounts payable is 
charged to the Income Statement as notional finance costs.

Adjusted profits and exceptional items
The Group presents adjusted earnings by making adjustments 
for costs and profits which management believe to be 
exceptional in nature by virtue of their size or incidence or have a 
distortive effect on current year earnings. Such items would 
include one off gains and losses on disposal of businesses, 
properties and similar items of a non-recurring nature together 
with reorganisation costs and similar charges, tax and by adding 
back impairment of goodwill and amortisation and impairment 
of intangible assets. See note 13 for a reconciliation of profit 
before tax to adjusted profit.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

83

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement

3 Segment analysis
The Group’s business activities are split into seven operating divisions – RMS, business information, exhibitions, Euromoney, 
national media, local media and radio. These divisions are the basis on which information is reported to the Group Board. The 
segment result is the measure used for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment and represents profit earned by each 
segment, including share of results from joint ventures and associates but before exceptional operating costs, amortisation and 
impairment charges, other gains and losses, net finance costs and taxation.

Consistent with disclosures made in the Group’s Financial Report for the six months ended 29th March, 2009 the Group has 
separately disclosed the results of RMS which meet the criteria of a reportable segment under IFRS 8, Operating Segments. In prior 
periods the results of RMS were included within the business information segment.

Details of the types of products and services from which each segment derives its revenues are included within the business review 
on pages 4 to 32.

The accounting policies applied in preparing the management information for each of the reportable segments are the same as the 
Group’s accounting policies described in note 2.

Inter-segment sales are charged at prevailing market prices other than the sale of newsprint from the national media to the local 
media division which is at cost. The amount of newsprint sold during the year amounted to £28.2 million (2008 £35.1 million).

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

2009   

Group 
profit 
before 
  exceptional 
operating 
2009  
costs and 
Less amortisation 

and   

impairment 
of joint  of goodwill 
and  
intangible 

operating 
profit 

ventures 
and 
associates 
£m 

assets   
£m

42.2 

46.2 

37.1 

77.0 

61.7 

24.0 

3.7 

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement

84

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

3 Segment analysis – Continued

2009 
External 
revenue 
£m 

2009 
Inter- 
segment 
revenue 
£m 

Note 

2009 
Total 
revenue 
£m 

2009 
Segment 
result 
£m 

RMS 

Business information 

Exhibitions 

Euromoney  

National media 

Local media 

Radio 

Corporate costs 

 Operating profit before exceptional operating costs  
and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and  
intangible assets 

 Exceptional operating costs including impairment  
of property plant and equipment 

 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

 Amortisation of intangible assets 

 Operating loss before share of results  
of joint ventures and associates 

 Share of result of joint ventures and associates 

 Total operating loss 

 Other gains and losses 

 Loss before net finance costs and tax 

 Investment revenue 

Finance costs 

Loss before tax 

Tax 

 Profit from discontinued operations 

Loss for the year 

 18, 19  

 19  

 7  

 8  

 9  

 10  

 11  

 25  

136.5  

229.8  

174.6  

317.6  

876.0  

327.9  

55.1  

1.8  

0.3  

–  

–  

61.1  

2.7  

–  

138.3  

230.1  

174.6  

317.6  

937.1  

330.6  

55.1  

42.2  

46.4  

37.1  

77.3  

57.9  

24.5  

5.6  

–  

0.2  

–  

0.3  

(3.8) 

0.5  

1.9  

 2,117.5  

 65.9  

 2,183.4  

291.0  

(0.9) 

 291.9 

(14.3)

277.6 

(99.2)

(346.6)

(89.1)

(257.3)

(8.7)

(266.0)

(23.5)

(289.5)

2.2 

(113.8)

(401.1)

94.5 

 1.2 

(305.4)

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets within the 
national media division comprised £85.1 million from newspapers, £0.3 million from digital offset by a loss of £4.3 million from 
television and unallocated divisional central costs of £19.4 million.

Included within unallocated central costs is a credit of £4.6 million which adjusts the pensions charge recorded in each operating 
segment from a cash rate to actuarial accrual rate in accordance with IAS 19, Employee benefits.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
85

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

3 Segment analysis – Continued
An analysis of the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant 
and equipment, exceptional operating costs, investment income and finance costs by segment is as follows:

2009 
  Impairment 
2009  of goodwill 
and 

 Amortisation 
  of intangible 
assets 
assets 
Note 19  Notes 18, 19 
£m 

£m 

2009 

2009 
  Impairment Depreciation 
  of property,  of property, 
plant 
and 
operating  equipment  equipment 
Note 20 
Note 20 
£m 
£m 

costs 
£m 

plant 
and 

2009 
intangible  Exceptional 

2009 
Investment 
income 
Note 9 
£m 

RMS 

Business information 

Exhibitions 

Euromoney  

National media 

Local media 

Radio 

Segment result 

Corporate costs 

Group total 

(1.9) 

(12.1) 

(13.2) 

(17.1) 

(26.5) 

(7.1) 

(11.2) 

(89.1) 

 –  

 –  

(0.5) 

(88.8) 

(21.9) 

(48.1) 

(94.2) 

(93.1) 

(346.6) 

 –  

(89.1) 

(346.6) 

 –  

(1.2) 

(10.0) 

(9.8) 

(63.2) 

(13.8) 

(0.2) 

(98.2) 

 24.4  

(73.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(1.2) 

(21.9) 

(1.7) 

 –  

(24.8) 

(0.6) 

(25.4) 

(3.3) 

(8.1) 

(1.8) 

(2.5) 

(29.1) 

(13.0) 

(2.2) 

(60.0) 

(1.7) 

(61.7) 

0.2  

 –  

0.5  

0.3  

1.0  

 –  

 –  

2.0  

 0.2  

2.2  

2009 
Finance  
costs 
Note 10   

£m

(0.3)

(1.1)

 – 

(30.7)

(0.3)

 – 

 – 

(32.4)

(81.4)

(113.8)

The Group’s exceptional operating costs represent reorganisation costs of £83.3 million, charges relating to a rationalisation of the 
Group’s property portfolio of £3.7 million together with exceptional provisions of £10.5 million in the national media division and  
£1.0 million in the local media divisions for a bad debt offset by pension curtailments of £24.7 million in corporate costs. There is  
a related current tax credit of £5.1 million associated with the total exceptional operating costs.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

86

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

3 Segment analysis – Continued

RMS 

Business information 

Exhibitions 

Euromoney  

National media 

Local media 

Radio 

Segment result 

Corporate costs 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs  
and amortisation and impairment of goodwill  
and intangible assets 

Exceptional operating costs including impairment  
of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment of goodwill 

 Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets 

 Operating profit before share of results of joint ventures  
and associates 

 Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

 Total operating profit 

 Other gains and losses 

 Profit before net finance costs and tax 

 Investment revenue 

Finance costs 

Loss before tax 

Tax 

 Profit from discontinued operations 

Profit for the year   

Note 

 18  

 19  

 7  

 8  

 9  

 10  

 11  

 25  

2008 
External 
revenue 
£m 

 97.9  

 217.4  

 201.6  

 332.0  

 987.7  

 420.4  

 54.7  

2008 
Inter- 
segment 
revenue 
£m 

3.2  

0.2  

 –  

 –  

2008 
Total 
revenue 
£m 

 101.1  

 217.6  

 201.6  

 332.0  

77.0  

 1,064.7  

6.6  

 –  

 427.0  

 54.7  

2008 
Segment 
result 
£m 

 30.7  

 44.5  

 38.3  

 76.7  

 69.5  

 68.9  

 4.1  

 2,311.7  

 87.0  

 2,398.7  

332.7  

2008   

Group 
profit 
before 
  exceptional 
operating 
2008  
costs and 
Less  amortisation 

and   

impairment 
of joint  of goodwill 
and  
intangible 

operating 
profit 

ventures 
and 
associates 
£m 

 –  

0.3  

 –  

0.4  

(3.1) 

0.5  

2.1  

0.2  

assets   
£m

 30.7 

 44.2 

 38.3 

 76.3 

 72.6 

 68.4 

 2.0 

332.5 

(15.6)

 316.9 

(31.8)

(167.8)

(90.3)

27.0 

3.5 

30.5 

 27.7 

 58.2 

 3.0 

(129.3)

(68.1)

 84.7 

 0.2 

16.8 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets within the 
national media division comprised £88.6 million from newspapers, £6.0 million from digital offset by a loss of £3.0 million from 
television and unallocated divisional central costs of £19.0 million.

Included within unallocated central costs is a credit of £15.2 million which adjusts the pensions charge recorded in each operating 
segment from a cash rate to actuarial accrual rate in accordance with IAS 19, Employee Benefits.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
87

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

3 Segment analysis – Continued
An analysis of the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant 
and equipment, exceptional operating costs, investment income and finance costs by segment is as follows:

2008 
Impairment 
2008  of goodwill 
and 

 Amortisation 
  of intangible 
assets 
assets 
Note 19  Notes 18, 19 
£m 

2008 
intangible  Exceptional 
operating 
costs 
£m 

£m 

2008 

2008 
Impairment  Depreciation 
  of property,  of property, 
plant 
and 
equipment 
Note 20 
£m 

plant 
and 
equipment 
Note 20 
£m 

RMS 

Business information 

Exhibitions 

Euromoney  

National media 

Local media 

Radio 

Segment result 

Corporate costs 

Group total 

(1.4) 

(9.0) 

(13.7) 

(14.8) 

(28.2) 

(13.1) 

(10.1) 

 –  

 –  

(81.3) 

(5.7) 

(9.0) 

(71.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(4.5) 

 –  

(13.2) 

(6.8) 

 –  

(90.3) 

(167.8) 

(24.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(90.3) 

(167.8) 

(24.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(5.6) 

(1.8) 

 –  

(7.4) 

 –  

(7.4) 

(2.3) 

(6.3) 

(2.2) 

(2.8) 

(32.9) 

(12.5) 

(2.4) 

(61.4) 

(1.7) 

(63.1) 

2008 
Investment 
income 
Note 9 
£m 

0.2  

0.2  

0.5  

0.6  

0.2  

–  

0.2  

1.9  

 1.1  

3.0  

2008 
Finance  
costs 
Note 10   

£m

– 

(1.2)

(0.1)

(11.9)

(1.9)

– 

– 

(15.1)

(114.2)

(129.3)

The Group’s exceptional operating costs comprised local media restructuring costs totalling £4.5 million, together with 
reorganisation costs of £18.7 million within national media and £8.6 million within local media.

The Group’s revenue comprises sales excluding value added tax, less discounts and commission where applicable and is analysed 
as follows:

Sale of goods 

Rendering of services 

2009  
Total 
£m 

727.4  

2009 
2009 
Inter-  Continuing 
segment  operations 
£m 

£m 

2008 
Total 
£m 

2008 
Inter-  Continuing 

2008   

segment 
£m 

operations   

£m

 –  

 727.4  

670.4  

 –  

670.4 

 1,456.0  

(65.9) 

 1,390.1  

1,728.3 

(87.0) 

1,641.3 

 2,183.4  

(65.9) 

 2,117.5  

2,398.7 

(87.0) 

2,311.7  

The Group includes circulation and subscriptions revenue within sales of goods, the remainder of the Group’s revenue, excluding 
investment revenue is included within rendering of services. Investment revenue is shown in note 7.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

88

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

3 Segment analysis – Continued
By geographic area
The majority of the Group’s operations are located in the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, North America and Australia. 

The geographic analysis below is based on the location of companies in these regions. Export sales and related profits are included 
in the areas from which those sales are made. Revenue in each geographic market in which customers are located is not disclosed 
as there is no material difference between the two.

Revenue is analysed by geographic area as follows:

U.K. 

Rest of Europe 

North America 

Australia 

Rest of the World 

2009 
Total and 
continuing 
£m 

2008 

Total and   

continuing 
£m

 1,369.2  

 1,614.1 

 56.9  

 71.3 

 530.0  

 486.5 

 65.7  

 95.7  

 70.8 

 69.0 

 2,117.5  

2,311.7 

The closing net book value of goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment is analysed by geographic area  
as follows:

Closing 
net book 
value of 
goodwill 
2009 
£m 

Closing 
net book 
value of 
goodwill 
2008 
£m 

Closing 
net book 
value of 
intangible 
assets 
2009 
£m 

intangible 

Closing  Closing net  Closing net 
net book  book value 
book value 
value of  of property,  of property, 
plant and 
plant and 
equipment 
assets  equipment 
2008 
2009 
£m 
£m 

2008 
£m 

Total  
2009 
£m 

U.K. 

Rest of Europe 

North America 

Australia 

Rest of the World 

 294.4  

342.4  

 114.3  

176.1  

 374.9  

440.2  

783.6  

3.9  

10.4  

 15.2  

413.4  

479.1  

 263.3  

 1.9  

20.6  

 1.9  

39.7  

 57.2  

 10.9  

17.8  

277.5  

146.8  

 11.8  

 19.9  

 25.2  

 15.6  

 4.8  

17.8  

24.7  

14.4  

4.8  

39.0  

701.9  

74.7  

36.3  

Total   
2008   
£m

958.7 

46.0 

781.3 

163.1 

56.3 

734.2  

873.5  

 460.9  

630.0  

 440.4  

501.9  

1,635.5  

2,005.4 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
89

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

4 Operating (loss)/profit analysis
Operating (loss)/profit before the share of results of joint ventures and associates is further analysed as follows:

Revenue 

Decrease in stocks of finished goods and work in progress  

Raw materials and consumables 

Inventories recognised as an expense in the period 

Staff costs   

Pension scheme curtailments 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Promotion and marketing costs 

Venue and delegate costs   

Editorial and production costs 

Distribution and transportation costs 

Royalties and similar charges 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Rental of property 

Other property costs 

Rental of plant and equipment 

Foreign exchange translation differences  

Other expenses 

Note 

 6 

32 

18, 19 

19 

20 

20 

5 Auditors’ remuneration
The total remuneration of the Group’s auditors, Deloitte, and its associates is analysed as follows:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts 

The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

Total audit fees 

Other services pursuant to legislation 

Corporate finance services 

Tax services 

Other services 

Total non-audit fees 

2009 
Total and 
continuing 
£m 

2008 
Total and 
continuing 
£m

 2,117.7  

2,311.7 

(2.4) 

(315.1) 

(317.5) 

(765.0) 

27.4  

(346.6) 

(89.1) 

(114.9) 

(104.7) 

(95.4) 

(85.7) 

(52.3) 

(61.7) 

(25.4) 

(25.1) 

(38.8) 

(3.9) 

4.8  

(281.1) 

(257.3) 

2009 
£m 

 0.4  

1.9 

2.3 

0.1 

0.1 

0.5 

1.5 

2.2 

4.5 

(1.8)

(345.0)

(346.8)

(734.6)

 – 

(167.8)

(90.3)

(159.6)

(117.6)

(104.2)

(91.3)

(56.9)

(63.1)

(7.4)

(20.9)

(37.4)

(5.9)

2.9 

(283.8)

27.0 

2008   
£m

 0.3 

 2.5 

 2.8 

 0.1 

 0.7 

 0.6 

 0.4 

 1.8 

 4.6 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and their associates for non-audit services to the Company are not required to be disclosed 
because the consolidated financial statements are required to disclose such fees on a consolidated basis.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

90

Notes to the consolidated 
income statement
Continued

6 Employees
The average number of persons employed by the Group including Directors is analysed as follows:

RMS 

Business information 

Exhibitions   

Euromoney  

National media 

Local media 

Radio 

Group operations 

2009 
Number 

 1,852  

 1,750  

 558  

 2,211  

 4,346  

 4,759  

 485  

 77  

2008 
Number

1,921

1,800

783

2,362

4,510

5,579

554

74

 16,038  

17,583

The comparative average number of employees have been restated to ensure a consistent calculation across the Group using a Full 
Time Equivalent basis.

Total staff costs comprised:

Wages and salaries 

Share-based payments 

Social security costs 

Pension costs 

Note 

39 

32 

2009 
£m 

668.3  

14.9 

 51.5  

 30.3  

 765.0  

2008 
£m

 641.5

 17.0

 55.6

 20.5

 734.6

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
91

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

7 Share of results of joint ventures and associates

Share of profits from operations of joint ventures  

Share of losses from operations of associates  

Operating (losses)/profits from joint ventures and associates 

Share of associates’ other gains and losses 

Before amortisation, impairment of goodwill, interest and tax 

Share of amortisation of intangibles of joint ventures 

Share of associates’ interest (payable)/receivable 

Share of joint ventures’ tax 

Share of associates’ tax 

Impairment of carrying value of joint venture 

Impairment of carrying value of associate 

Share of associates items recognised in equity 

Share of results from operations of joint ventures  

Share of results from operations of associates  

Impairment of carrying value of joint ventures 

Impairment of carrying value of associates 

Share of associates’ items recognised in equity 

Note 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

2009 
£m 

0.4  

(1.3) 

(0.9) 

 –  

(0.9) 

(0.8) 

(0.2) 

(0.6) 

(0.2) 

(2.4) 

(3.6) 

(8.7) 

(2.4) 

(11.1) 

(1.0) 

(1.7) 

(2.4) 

(3.6) 

(8.7) 

(2.4) 

(11.1) 

2008   
£m

 0.5 

(0.3)

0.2 

 9.8 

10.0 

(0.6)

 0.2 

(0.8)

(0.5)

 – 

(4.8)

3.5 

 – 

3.5 

(0.9)

9.2 

 – 

(4.8)

3.5 

 – 

3.5 

(i) 

In the prior year this represents the Group’s share of Centurion Holiday Group Limited’s (formerly Indigo Holidays Limited) profit 
on disposal of Hotels4u.com.

(ii)  Represents a write down in the carrying value of the Group’s investment in Mail Today Newspapers Pvt. Limited.
(iii) Represents a write down in the carrying value of the Group’s investment in Inview Interactive Limited. In the prior year Centurion 
Holidays Group Limited was liquidated following the period end. The Group’s carrying value was written down to the proceeds 
received on liquidation.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

92

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

8 Other gains and losses

Profit on sale of available-for-sale investments 

Impairment of available-for-sale assets   

Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Amounts provided against deferred consideration receivable on disposal 

(Loss)/profit on sale of businesses 

Loss on deemed part disposal of Euromoney Institutional Investor plc   

Note 

22 

17 

2009 
£m 

 –  

(8.7) 

 1.5  

(5.6) 

(8.3) 

(2.4) 

(23.5) 

2008   
£m

 7.6 

(10.1)

6.8 

 – 

 23.4 

 – 

27.7 

The impairment of available-for-sale assets represents a further impairment charge for the Group’s investment in Spot Runner 
Inc., an advertising services company, in light of its continued trading performance.

The (loss)/profit on sale of businesses mainly comprises a loss of £5.0m on the national media division’s sale of a 75.1% interest in 
the Evening Standard offset by a £2.7 million curtailment gain, a profit of £2.4m within the business information division on its 
disposal of Property Portfolio Research and net losses of £9.1m in the exhibitions division in relation to a £6.2 million profit on sale 
of Metropress and losses of £15.3 million in relation to various consumer event businesses. There is a deferred tax charge of £2.4 
million in relation to these profits and losses. 

Following the disposal of the 75.1% interest in the Evening Standard, the Group has no Board representation and no influence  
over the day-to-day management of this business. The Group’s remaining 24.9% interest has therefore been accounted for as an 
available-for-sale asset (note 22).

In the prior year the profit on sale of businesses mainly comprises the sale of Consumer North American Home Shows in the 
exhibitions division, Dolphin and the European business of Hobsons within business information and British Pathé within national 
media. No tax charge is due on the sale of Hobsons and British Pathé due to the availability of a statutory exemption. A tax charge of 
£1.9 million arose on the sale of Consumer North American Home Shows and a tax charge of £2.4 million arose on the sale of Dolphin.

9 Investment revenue

Dividend income 

Interest receivable from short-term deposits 

2009 
£m 

 0.2  

 2.0  

2.2  

2008   
£m

0.3 

2.7 

3.0 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
93

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

10 Finance costs

Interest, arrangement and commitment fees payable on bonds, bank loans and loan notes 

Loss on derivatives, or portions thereof, not designated for hedge accounting 

Finance charge on discounting of deferred consideration  

Other 

Analysed as follows:
Interest, arrangement and commitment fees payable on bonds, bank loans and loan notes 

Finance charge on discounting of deferred consideration  

Change in fair value of non designated portion  
of derivatives designated as net investment hedges 

Change in fair value of interest rate caps not designated for hedge accounting 

Note 

33 

33 

Change in fair value of derivative hedge of bond 

Change in fair value of hedged portion of bond 

Tax equalisation swap income 

Non foreign exchange gain on tax equalisation options 

Foreign exchange loss on tax equalisation arrangements 

Foreign exchange loss on restructured hedging arrangements 

Change in fair value of acquisition put option commitments 

2009 
£m 

(76.1) 

(28.0) 

(1.7) 

(8.0) 

2008   
£m

(78.3)

(45.6)

(2.4)

(3.0)

(113.8) 

(129.3)

(76.1) 

(1.7) 

(2.0) 

 –  

 9.0  

(9.0) 

(79.8) 

 0.8  

 1.1  

 1.9  

(27.9) 

(6.2) 

(1.8) 

(35.9) 

(113.8) 

(78.3)

(2.4)

 2.6 

(0.2)

1.1 

(1.1)

(78.3)

14.5 

5.3 

 19.8 

(67.8)

 – 

(3.0)

(70.8)

(129.3)

The finance charge on the discounting of contingent consideration arises from the requirement under IFRS 3, Business 
Combinations to discount contingent consideration back to current values.

Tax equalisation swap income and the gain from tax equalisation options totalling £1.9 million (2008 £19.8 million) arises from the 
economic hedging of tax on foreign exchange movements. The foreign exchange loss on tax equalisation arrangements of £27.9 
million (2008 £67.8 million) is excluded from adjusted profit since it is equal to a reduced tax charge (see note 11). In addition, the 
foreign exchange loss on intra group financing, premium on repurchase of bonds, on restructured hedging arrangements and the 
change in fair value of acquisition put options are also excluded from adjusted profits.

The foreign exchange losses on restructured hedging arrangements of £6.2 million (2008 £nil) arise from forward contracts 
classified as ineffective under IAS 39, Financial instruments, following the Directors’ review of the Group’s U.S. dollar revenue 
capacity in its U.K. based businesses.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

94

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

11 Tax

The credit on the loss for the year consists of:

U.K. tax

Corporation tax at 28% (2008 29%) 

Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Overseas tax

Corporation tax 

Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Total current tax 

Deferred tax

Origination and reversals of timing differences 

Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Total deferred tax 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

 –  

25.4  

 25.4  

(1.0) 

1.4  

 25.8  

 64.7  

4.0  

 68.7  

 94.5  

18.0 

28.2 

46.2 

(18.4)

(0.8)

27.0 

60.6 

(2.9)

 57.7 

84.7 

Being a multinational Group with tax affairs in many geographic locations inherently leads to a highly complex tax structure which 
makes the degree of estimation and judgement more challenging. 

A current tax credit of £nil (2008 £1.0 million) and a deferred tax credit of £120.6 million (2008 £40.0 million) was credited directly to 
equity (note 36).

The tax charge for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the U.K. of 28% (2008 29%) representing the 
weighted average annual corporate tax rate for the full financial year. The differences are explained below:

Loss on ordinary activities before tax – continuing 

Profit before tax – discontinued operations 

Tax on loss on ordinary activities at the standard rate 

Effect of: 

Amortisation and Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Other expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Additional items deductible for tax purposes 

Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets 

Effect of overseas tax rates 

Effect of associates tax 

Tax losses unrelieved 

Write off/disposal of subsidiaries 

Adjustment in respect of prior years 

Other 

Total tax credit on the loss for the year 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

2009 
£m 

(401.1) 

 1.2  

 112.0  

(54.8) 

(8.3) 

 37.0  

1.5  

 9.8  

(1.4) 

(40.0) 

 10.4  

 30.8  

(2.5) 

 94.5  

2008   
£m

(68.1)

0.2 

19.7 

(21.3)

(15.6)

70.1 

7.1 

0.1 

2.4 

(9.0)

7.7 

24.5 

(1.0)

84.7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

11 Tax – Continued
The net prior year credit of £30.8 million (2008 £24.5 million) arose largely from the agreement of certain prior year open issues 
with tax authorities and a reassessment of the level of tax provisions required.

Adjusted tax on profits before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, restructuring costs and non-recurring items 
(adjusted tax charge) amounted to a charge of £44.3 million (2008 £62.8 million) and the resulting rate is 22.1% (2008 24.0%). The 
differences between the tax credit and the adjusted tax charge are shown in the reconciliation below:

Total tax credit on the loss for the year 

Deferred tax on intangible assets and goodwill 

Current tax on foreign exchange on tax equalisation contracts 

Agreement of open issues with tax authorities 

Tax on other exceptional items 

Adjusted tax charge on the loss for the period 

2009 
£m 

 94.5  

(52.4) 

(27.9) 

(34.4) 

(24.1) 

(44.3) 

2008   
£m

84.7 

(37.2)

(67.8)

(23.8)

(18.7)

(62.8)

In calculating the adjusted tax rate, the Group excludes the potential future deferred tax effects of intangible assets and goodwill as 
it prefers to give the readers of its accounts a view of the tax charge based on the current status of such items.

A credit of £27.9 million relating to tax on foreign exchange losses (2008 £67.8 million) has been treated as exceptional as it matches 
foreign exchange losses of £27.9 million (2008 £67.8 million) on tax equalisation swaps included within finance costs (see note 10).

12 Dividends paid

2009 
Pence 
per share 

2009 
£m 

2008 
Pence 
per share 

2008   
£m

Amounts recognisable as distributions to equity holders in the period

Ordinary shares – final dividend for the year  
ended 28th September, 2008 

‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares – final dividend for the year  
ended 28th September, 2008 

Ordinary shares – final dividend for the year  
ended 30th September, 2007 

‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares – final dividend for the year  
ended 30th September, 2007 

Ordinary shares – interim dividend for the year  
ended 4th October, 2009 

 9.90  

 2.0  

 9.90  

 35.1  

 –  

 –  

4.80 

 –  

 –  

 37.1  

 1.0  

‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares – interim dividend for the year  
ended 4th October, 2009 

 4.80  

 17.2  

Ordinary shares – interim dividend for the year  
ended 28th September, 2008 

‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares – interim dividend for the year  
ended 28th September, 2008 

 –  

 –  

14.70  

 –  

 –  

 18.2  

 55.3  

 –  

 –  

 9.90  

 9.90  

 – 

 –  

 4.80  

 4.80  

 14.70  

 – 

 – 

 2.0 

 36.4 

 38.4 

 – 

 – 

 1.0 

16.9 

 17.9 

56.3 

The Board has declared a final dividend of 9.90p per Ordinary/‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting share (2008 9.90p) which will absorb  
an estimated £37.9 million of shareholders’ funds for which no liability has been recognised in these financial statements.  
Subject to shareholder approval it will be paid on 12th February, 2010 to shareholders on the register at the close of business  
on 4th December, 2009.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

96

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

13  Adjusted profit 

(before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible 
assets, other gains and losses and exceptional financing costs, after taxation and minority interests)
2008   
£m

2009 
£m 

Note 

Loss before tax – continuing operations 

Profit before tax – discontinued operations 

Add back:

Amortisation of intangible assets in Group profit from operations  
and in joint ventures and associates 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Exceptional operating costs 

Share of associates’ other gains 

Impairment of carrying value of joint venture 

Impairment of carrying value of associate 

Other gains and losses:

Profit on sale of available-for-sale investments 

 Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 

 Amounts provided against deferred consideration receivable on disposal 

Loss/(profit) on sale of businesses 

 Impairment of available-for-sale assets 

 Loss on deemed part disposal of Euromoney Institutional Investor plc 

 Profit on sale of discontinued operations 

Finance costs:

 Foreign exchange loss on tax equalisation arrangements 

 Foreign exchange loss on restructured hedging arrangements   

 Change in fair value of acquisition put option commitments 

Tax:

 Share of tax in joint ventures and associates 

Profit before exceptional operating costs, amortisation and impairment of goodwill  
and intangible assets, other gains and losses and exceptional financing costs, taxation  
and minority interests 

Total tax credit on the profit for the period 

Adjust for:

Deferred tax on intangible assets and goodwill 

 Current tax on foreign exchange on tax equalisation arrangements 

 Agreed open issues with tax authorities 

 Tax on other exceptional items 

Interest of minority shareholders 

25 

3, 7 

3 

3 

7 

7 

7 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

25 

10 

10 

10 

7 

11 

11 

11 

11 

11 

(401.1) 

 1.2  

 89.9  

 346.6  

 99.2  

 –  

 2.4  

 3.6  

 –  

(1.5) 

5.6  

8.3 

 8.7  

 2.4  

(1.2) 

 27.9  

 6.2  

 1.8  

 0.8  

 200.8  

 94.5  

(52.4) 

(27.9) 

(34.4) 

(24.1) 

(15.8) 

(68.1)

 0.2 

90.9 

167.8 

 31.8 

(9.8)

 – 

 4.8 

(7.6)

(6.8)

 – 

(23.4)

 10.1 

 – 

(0.2)

67.8 

 – 

3.0 

 1.3 

261.8 

84.7 

(37.2)

(67.8)

(23.8)

(18.7)

(18.1)

Adjusted profit before exceptional operating costs, amortisation and impairment of goodwill  
and intangible assets, other gains and losses and exceptional financing costs after taxation  
and minority interests 

 140.7  

180.9 

The adjusted minority share of profits for the year of £15.8 million (2008 £18.1 million) is stated after eliminating a credit of £17.8 
million (2008 £1.2 million), being the minority share of exceptional items.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
97

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

14 (Loss)/earnings per share
Basic loss per share of 80.1p (2008 0.0p) and diluted loss per share of 80.1p (2008 0.2p) are calculated, in accordance with IAS 33, 
Earnings per share, on Group loss for the financial year of £303.4 million (2008 £nil) and on the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares in issue during the year, as set out below.

As in previous years, adjusted earnings per share have also been disclosed since the Directors consider that this alternative 
measure gives a more comparable indication of the Group’s underlying trading performance. Adjusted earnings per share of 37.2p 
(2008 47.9p) are calculated on profit before exceptional operating costs, amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible 
assets, after charging the taxation and minority interests associated with those profits, of £140.7 million (2008 £180.9 million), as set 
out in note 13 above, and on the basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

Basic (loss)/earnings per share

Loss per share from continuing operations 

Adjustment to exclude earnings of discontinued operations 

2009 
Diluted 
pence 
per share 

(80.1) 

 0.3  

Basic (loss)/earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations 

(79.8) 

Add back:

Amortisation of intangible assets in Group profit from operations  
and in joint ventures and associates 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Exceptional operating costs 

Share of associates’ other gains 

Impairment of carrying value of joint venture 

Impairment of carrying value of associate 

Other gains and losses:

Profit on sale of available-for-sale investments 

 Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 

 Amounts provided against deferred consideration  
receivable on disposal 

Loss/(profit) on sale of businesses 

 Impairment of available-for-sale assets 

 Loss on deemed part disposal of Euromoney  
Institutional Investor plc 

 Profit on sale of discontinued operations 

Finance costs:

Foreign exchange loss on tax equalisation  
arrangements 

 Foreign exchange loss on restructured hedging  
arrangements 

 Change in fair value of acquisition put option commitments  

Tax:

 23.7  

 91.5  

 26.2  

 –  

 0.6  

1.0  

–  

(0.4) 

1.5  

2.2  

 2.3  

0.6  

(0.3) 

 7.4  

1.6  

0.5  

2008 
Diluted 
pence 
per share 

2009 
Basic 
pence 
per share 

2008   
Basic   
pence   

per share

(0.2) 

 0.1  

(0.1) 

24.1  

44.4  

8.4  

(2.6) 

 –  

 1.3  

(2.0) 

(1.8) 

 –  

(6.2) 

 2.7  

 –  

(0.1) 

18.0  

 –  

0.8  

(80.1) 

 0.3  

(79.8) 

 23.7  

 91.5  

 26.2  

 –  

 0.6  

 1.0  

 –  

(0.4) 

1.5  

2.2  

 2.3  

 0.6  

(0.3) 

 7.4  

 1.6  

 0.5  

 – 

 0.1 

0.1 

24.1 

44.4 

8.4 

(2.6)

 – 

 1.3 

(2.0)

(1.8)

 – 

(6.2)

 2.7 

 – 

(0.1)

18.0 

 – 

0.8 

Share of tax in joint ventures and associates 

0.2  

 0.3  

 0.2  

 0.3 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
Notes to the consolidated  
income statement 

98

Notes to the consolidated  
income statement
Continued

14 (Loss)/earnings per share – Continued

2009 
Diluted 
pence 
per share 

2008 
Diluted 
pence 
per share 

2009 
Basic 
pence 
per share 

2008   
Basic   
pence   

per share

Profit before exceptional operating costs, amortisation and impairment  
of goodwill and intangible assets, other gains and losses and exceptional  
financing costs, taxation and minority interests 

Adjust for:

Deferred tax on intangible assets and goodwill 

 Current tax on foreign exchange on tax equalisation arrangements 

 Agreed open issues with tax authorities 

 Tax on other exceptional items 

Interest of minority shareholders 

 78.8  

87.2  

 78.8  

87.4 

(13.9) 

(7.4) 

(9.1) 

(6.4) 

(4.8) 

(9.9) 

(18.0) 

(6.3) 

(5.0) 

(0.3) 

(13.9) 

(7.4) 

(9.1) 

(6.4) 

(4.8) 

(9.9)

(18.0)

(6.3)

(5.0)

(0.3)

Adjusted earnings per share (before exceptional operating costs, amortisation  
and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, other gains and losses and  
exceptional financing costs after taxation and minority interests) 

 37.2  

 47.7  

 37.2  

 47.9 

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year for the purpose of these calculations is as follows:

Number of ordinary shares in issue  

Shares held in Treasury 

Basic earnings per share denominator 

Effect of dilutive share options 

Dilutive earnings per share denominator   

Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement
15 Analysis of net debt 

2009 
Number 

m m

 392.6  

(14.0) 

 378.6  

 0.1  

 378.7  

2008   

Number 

 395.3 

(17.7)

 377.6 

 – 

 377.6 

Fair 
value 
hedging 

Other 
Cash 
non-cash 
flow  adjustments  movements  movements 
£m 
£m 

Foreign 
exchange 

£m 

£m 

At 
beginning 
of year 
£m 

45.3  

(1.0) 

44.3  

 –  

(25.0) 

 –  

(838.9) 

(165.3) 

 –  

(984.9) 

Note 

26 

30 

30 

30 

30 

30 

30 

30 

(4.4) 

 0.9  

(3.5) 

(0.5) 

 14.4  

(4.7) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(9.0) 

16.6  

(20.3) 

2.0  

 –  

 –  

(9.0) 

 9.0  

 –  

 6.5  

(0.4) 

 6.1  

 –  

(0.8) 

 –  

 –  

(22.7) 

 –  

(17.4) 

(3.3) 

(20.7) 

(29.7) 

(10.8)  

(1,014.6) 

(8.8) 

At 
end 
of year 
£m

 47.4 

(0.5)

 46.9 

(0.5)

(14.8)

(4.7)

(847.1)

(173.3)

(20.3)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(3.4) 

 –  

 0.8  

(1.9) 

 –  

(4.5) 

(1,013.8)

 –  

(34.8)

(4.5) 

(1,048.6)

 Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank overdrafts 

 Net cash and cash equivalents 

 Debt due within one year 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

 Hire purchase obligations  

 Debt due after one year 

Bonds 

Bank loans 

 Hire purchase obligations 

 Net debt before effect of derivatives 

 Effect of derivatives on bank debt 

Net debt  

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
99

Notes to the consolidated  
cash flow statement 

15 Analysis of net debt – Continued
The net cash outflow of £3.5 million includes a cash outflow of £50.0 million in respect of operating exceptional items.

Other non-cash movements in respect of debt due within one year arose following a vendors’ decision to take a loan note alternative 
to satisfy a put option balance on certain prior year acquisitions (note 29) amounting to £2.1 million and a vendors’ decision to take a 
loan note alternative to satisfy the £1.3 million contingent consideration balance on certain prior year acquisitions (note 33).

Other non-cash movements in respect of bonds comprises the unwinding of premium of £1.1 million (2008 £1.0 million) offset by the 
amortisation of issue costs of £0.3 million (2008 £0.3 million).

Other non-cash movements in respect of bank loans comprises accrued interest of £1.9 million (2008 £10.4 million).

16 Summary of the effects of acquisitions
Notable acquisitions completed during the period, the percentage of voting rights acquired, the dates of acquisition and the goodwill 
arising was as follows:

Business 
description 

Consideration 
paid 
£m 

Intangible 
fixed assets 
acquired 
£m 

Name of acquisition 

Segment 

Metropix 

Business 
Information  

% voting 
rights 
acquired 

100% 

Date of 
acquisition 

December 
2008 

Supplier of floor-plan 
drawing services 

Reflex  
Publishing 

Broadbean  
Technology 

Exhibitions 

100% 

November  Event organiser and publisher 
in the energy sector 

2008 

National 
Media 

100% 

October 

Multiple job posting and 
2008   application tracking solutions 

Provisional fair value of net assets acquired with acquisitions:

Goodwill 

 Intangible assets 

 Property, plant and equipment 

 Current assets 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Trade creditors and other payables 

 Deferred tax 

 Net assets acquired 

Note 

18 

19 

20 

34 

4.3 

1.6  

7.7  

Book 
value 
£m 

– 

– 

 0.2  

2.1  

 0.7  

(2.6) 

– 

 0.4 

2.5  

 1.6  

4.8  

Provisional 
fair value 
adjustments 
£m 

 6.5  

 8.9  

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2.2) 

13.2  

Goodwill   
arising   
£m

2.4   

 –   

4.1 

Provisional 

fair value   

£m

 6.5 

 8.9 

 0.2 

 2.1 

 0.7 

(2.6)

(2.2)

13.6 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
cash flow statement 

100

Notes to the consolidated  
cash flow statement
Continued

16 Summary of the effects of acquisitions – Continued
Cost of acquisitions: 

 Contingent consideration   

Cash 

 Consideration at fair value 

 Directly attributable costs  

 Total cost of acquisition 

Note 

33 

Non-cash 
£m 

Cash paid in  
current period 
£m 

 6.0  

 –  

 6.0  

 –  

 6.0  

 –  

 7.3  

 7.3  

 0.3  

 7.6  

Total 
£m

 6.0 

 7.3 

 13.3 

 0.3 

 13.6 

If all acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenues for the year would have been £2,117.7 
million and Group loss attributable to equity holders of the parent would have been £303.1 million. This information takes into 
account the amortisation of acquired intangible assets for a full year, together with related income tax effects but excludes any 
pre-acquisition finance costs and should not be viewed as indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the 
acquisitions had actually been completed on the first day of the financial year.

Total profit attributable to equity holders of the parent since the date of acquisition for companies acquired during the period 
amounted to £0.8 million.

The aggregate consideration for these and other businesses was £13.3 million, of which £7.3 million was paid in cash during the 
year, and an estimated amount of £6.0 million payable in the form of contingent consideration, depending upon trading results.  
This contingent consideration has been discounted back to current values in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations.  
In each case, the Group has used acquisition accounting to account for the purchase.

Goodwill arising on the acquisitions is principally attributable to the anticipated profitability relating to the distribution of the 
Group’s products in new and existing markets and anticipated operating synergies from the business combinations.

In the prior year the Group acquired the remaining 51% of the membership interests of George Little Management LLC (GLM) for 
cash consideration of £78.6 million (US$155.0 million). Costs incurred were £0.2 million.

GLM owns and manages trade shows for consumer goods in the U.S., serving industries as diverse as giftware, social stationery, 
home textiles, tabletop, gourmet house wares, contemporary furniture and wellness. GLM is involved in the production of nearly 40 
trade shows in 15 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

Purchase of additional shares in controlled entities

Cash consideration (including acquisition expenses of £0.1 million (2008 £nil)) 

2009 
£m 

 24.1  

2008   
£m

 36.3 

During the period the Group acquired additional shares in controlled entities amounting to £24.1 million (2008 £36.3 million).  
In addition the Group opted to receive a scrip dividend from Euromoney, amounting to £13.7 million, thereby acquiring a further  
1.8% of the issued ordinary share capital of Euromoney. Under the Group’s accounting policy for the acquisition of shares in 
controlled entities, no adjustment has been recorded to the fair value of assets and liabilities already held on the balance sheet.  
The difference between the cost of the additional shares, goodwill arising and the carrying value of the minority share of net  
assets is adjusted directly in equity. The adjustment to equity in the period was a charge of £3.1 million.

In the prior year this includes a cash payment of £26.7 million on acquisition of a further 5.4% of the issued ordinary share capital  
of Euromoney. The adjustment to equity in the prior period was a charge of £6.4 million.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101

Notes to the consolidated  
cash flow statement 

16 Summary of the effects of acquisitions – Continued
Reconciliation to purchase of subsidiaries as shown in the cash flow statement:

 Cash consideration including acquisition expenses  
of £nil (2008 £0.2 million)   

 Cash consideration including acquisition expenses  
of £0.3 million (2008 £0.5 million) 

 Cash paid to settle contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions   

 Cash and cash equivalents acquired with subsidiaries 

GLM 

Others 

Note 

16 

16 

33 

16 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

 –  

 78.8 

 7.6  

 15.1  

(0.7) 

 22.0  

 14.8 

 14.2 

(3.5)

 104.3 

Cash paid in respect of contingent consideration relating to prior year acquisitions was mainly within the national media division.

The businesses acquired during the year contributed £1.1 million to the Group’s net operating cash flows, £nil attributable  
to investing and £nil attributable to financing activities.

17 Summary of the effects of disposals
On 21st January, 2009, the national media division sold a 75.1% interest in the Evening Standard for cash proceeds of £8.3 million. 
Following disposal the Group has no Board representation and no influence over the day-to-day management of the title.  
The remaining 24.9% investment has therefore been treated as an available-for-sale investment.

The impact of the disposal on net assets was as follows:

Property, plant and equipment 

Total net assets disposed   

Loss on sale of businesses 

Satisfied by:

Cash received 

Directly attributable costs  

Cash reinvested 

Pension curtailment gain   

Note 

20  

8  

£m

1.0 

 1.0 

(2.3)

(1.3)

8.3 

(4.0)

(8.3)

2.7 

(1.3)

During the period the Evening Standard absorbed £11.4 million of the Group’s net operating cash flows, paid £nil in respect of 
investing activities and paid £nil in respect of financing activities.

The other principal disposals completed during the period, the proceeds received and date of disposal were as follows:

Name of disposal 

Metropress 

Mayhill 

Various consumer shows 

Segment 

 Exhibitions 

 Exhibitions 

 Exhibitions 

Date of disposal 

October 2008 

September 2009 

At various dates between March 2009  
and September 2009 

 Property Portfolio Research 

Business information 

July 2009 

Disposal proceeds   

£m

6.4 

4.6 

2.2 

13.8 

The proceeds on disposal of Property Portfolio Research were received in the form of shares in CoStar, Inc., a leading provider of 
information, marketing and analytic services to commercial real estate professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom 
(note 22).

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
cash flow statement 

102

Notes to the consolidated  
cash flow statement
Continued

17 Summary of the effects of disposals – Continued
The impact of disposals of businesses on net assets was:

Goodwill 

 Intangible assets  

 Property, plant and equipment 

Trade and other receivables 

 Cash at bank and in hand   

 Deferred tax 

Trade creditors and other payables 

 Net assets disposed 

 Profit on disposal of businesses 

Satisfied by:

Cash received 

 Investment in CoStar, Inc.   

 Liabilities assumed 

 Recycled cumulative translation differences 

 Directly attributable costs  

Reconciliation to disposal of businesses as shown in the cash flow statement:

 Cash consideration net of disposal costs   

 Cash consideration net of disposal costs – discontinued operations 

 Cash reinvested 

 Cash and cash equivalents disposed with subsidiaries 

Note 

25 

Note 

18 

19 

20 

34 

8 

22 

36  

2009 
£m 

 12.6  

 1.2  

(8.3) 

(0.8) 

 4.7  

£m

 18.7 

 3.2 

 2.2 

 2.3 

 0.8 

1.6 

(5.1)

 23.7 

(6.0)

 17.7 

 13.6 

 13.8 

(3.5)

(0.9)

(5.3)

 17.7 

2008   
£m

63.4 

0.2 

 – 

(5.1)

58.5

The businesses disposed of during the year contributed £0.1 million to the Group’s net operating cash flows, £nil attributable to 
investing and £nil attributable to financing activities.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
103

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet

18 Goodwill

Cost

 At 30th September, 2007 

Additions 

 Additions in relation to purchase of additional interests in controlled entities 

 Revaluation of previously held interest in associate on acquisition of control 

 Reduction on recognition of deferred tax asset for pre-acquisition losses 

 Adjustment to previous year estimate of deferred consideration 

Disposals 

 Adjustment in respect of prior period acquisition 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 28th September, 2008   

Additions 

 Additions in relation to purchase of additional interests in controlled entities 

 Adjustment to previous year estimate of deferred consideration 

Disposals 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 4th October, 2009 

Accumulated impairment losses

At 30th September, 2007 

Impairment  

Disposals 

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008   

Impairment  

Disposals 

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Net book value – 2008 

Net book value – 2009 

Note 

Goodwill   

£m

16 

16 

3,(i) 

33 

17 

16 

16 

33 

17 

 962.2

 60.4 

 24.3 

 27.0 

(2.8)

(2.9)

(44.5)

 2.1 

 40.8 

 1,066.6 

 6.5 

 18.9 

(8.6)

(69.4)

 55.6 

1,069.6 

Note 

Goodwill   

£m

3 

17 

3 

17 

 74.8 

 130.5 

(14.9)

 2.7 

 193.1 

 187.5 

(50.7)

 5.5 

335.4 

873.5 

734.2 

(i) 

In the prior year, following a reassessment of the recoverability of tax losses acquired with Metal Bulletin, a reduction  
in the carrying value of goodwill of £2.8 million within the Euromoney segment on recognition of deferred tax assets  
for pre-acquisition losses was recorded. In accordance with IAS 12, Income taxes, the Group is required to reduce  
its previously capitalised goodwill to offset the recognition of this deferred tax asset.

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill might be impaired. 
Intangible assets are tested separately from goodwill only where impairment indicators exist. The Group has no intangible  
assets with indefinite lives. Goodwill impairment losses recognised in the year were £187.5 million (2008 £130.5 million).

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

104

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

18 Goodwill – Continued
When testing for impairment, the recoverable amounts for all the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) are measured at the higher 
of value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Value in use by discounting future expected cash flows. These calculations use cash 
flow projections based on management approved budgets and projections which reflect management’s current experience and 
future expectations of the markets in which the CGU operates. Risk adjusted discount rates used by the Group in its impairment 
tests range from 9.5% to 12.0% (2008 9.1% to 13.5%), the choice of rates depending on the market and maturity of the CGU. The 
Group’s estimate of the weighted average cost of capital has increased from the previous year and the 2009 half year results 
reflecting principally a 2% increase in equity premium. The growth rates used in the projections range between 0% and 5.0%  
(2008 0% to 5.0%) and vary with management’s view of the CGU’s market position, maturity of the relevant market and do not 
exceed the long-term average growth rate for the market in which it operates.

Further disclosures in accordance with paragraph 134 of IAS 36, Impairment of assets, are provided where the Group holds an 
individual goodwill item relating to a CGU that is significant, which the Group considers to be 15.0% of the total, in comparison  
with the Group’s total carrying value of goodwill.

The only significant item of goodwill included in the net book value above relates to BCA, a business within Metal Bulletin, which  
has a carrying value of £144.6 million (2008 £129.7 million) together with intangible assets with a carrying value of £84.1 million.  
The carrying value of BCA has been determined using a value in use calculation in line with IAS 36. The methodology applied to  
the value in use calculations reflects past experience and external sources of information including:

(i)  Forecasts by the business based on cash flows derived from budgets for 2010. The Directors believe these to be reasonably 

achievable.

(ii)  Subsequent cash flows for between one and three additional years increased in line with growth expectations of the business.
(iii) A discount rate of 9.5% and
(iv)  Long-term growth rates of 3%.

Using the above methodology the recoverable amount exceeded the total carrying value by £50.5 million. For this business  
the Directors performed a sensitivity analysis on the total carrying value of the CGU. For the recoverable amount to be equal  
to the carrying value then the discount rate would need to be increased by 3.0% or the long-term growth rate would need  
to be reduced by 3.5%.

The impairment charge is analysed by major CGU as follows:

CGU 

Segment 

Goodwill 
impairment 

Intangible asset 
impairment 
£m 

Discount rate  
 used 2009 
% 

Discount rate 
used 2008 
% 

Reason for 
impairment 

Reduction in budgeted  
profitability for the year  
ended 3rd October, 2010   
combined with impact  
of increase in WACC  
discount rate 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

11.0% 

11.5% 

11.5% 

11.5% 

11.5% 

11.5% 

9.5% 

9.5% 

9.5% 

9.5% 

9.5% 

9.5% 

9.5% 

9.1% 

9.5% 

9.1% 

Declining profitability due  
to a fall in demand 

Declining profitability due  
to a fall in customer spend  
on training 

GLM 

TSSE 

iMedia 

CGS 

Mayhill 

Evanta 

Other 

IMN 

ABF 

Exhibitions 

Exhibitions 

Exhibitions 

Exhibitions 

Exhibitions 

Exhibitions 

Exhibitions 

37.1 

 4.9  

 4.1  

 3.4  

 2.1  

 1.6  

 2.7  

 55.9  

Euromoney 

15.9 

Euromoney 

6.0 

 21.9  

32.0 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.9  

 32.9  

 –  

 –  

 –  

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
105

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

18 Goodwill – Continued

CGU 

Segment 

Goodwill 
impairment 
£m 

Intangible asset 
impairment 
£m 

Discount rate  
 used 2009 
% 

Discount rate 
used 2008 
% 

Bristol United Press 

  Local media 

 46.5  

Leek Post and Times 

  Local media 

Newsquest titles 

CIN 

Tau-Online   

Southern Titles 

  Local media 

  Local media 

  Local media 

  Local media 

Perex Publishing Rights 

  Local media 

Other 

  Local media 

Teletext 

Jobsgroup   

Allegran 

Loot 

DMR 

Other 

 National media 

 National media 

 National media 

 National media 

 National media 

 National media 

 Nova Sydney radio licence  

 Vega Sydney radio licence   

 Nova Melbourne radio licence 

 Vega Melbourne radio licence 

 Nova Brisbane radio licence 

 Nova Adelaide radio licence 

 Central Coast radio licence 

Radio 

Radio 

Radio 

Radio 

Radio 

Radio 

Radio 

Other 

Total 

Business Information 

 2.1  

 –  

 5.3  

 6.0  

 –  

 2.5  

 2.9  

 65.3  

13.3  

 5.2  

 5.0  

 4.7  

 4.5  

 11.7  

 44.4  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 187.5  

 –  

 –  

 4.0  

 –  

 0.6  

 15.6  

 6.3  

 2.4  

 28.9  

 –  

 2.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 1.1  

 3.6  

 26.2  

 22.2  

 4.9  

 16.1  

 15.3  

 4.7  

 3.8  

 93.2  

 0.5 

 159.1  

11.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

11.5% 

11.5% 

11.5% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

12.0% 

9.5% 

10.0% 

10.5% 

10.5% 

9.5% 

10.5% 

10.5% 

10.0% 

10.5% 

13.5% 

10.0% 

10.5% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

Reason for   
impairment 

Significant downturn in 
regional advertising  
revenues leading to 
revised budget for 
the year ended 
3rd October, 2010 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Closure of  
analogue services 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (i) 

Note (ii) 

Note (ii) 

Note (ii) 

Note (ii) 

Note (ii) 

Note (ii) 

Note (ii) 

Recoverable amounts have been determined using value in use calculations for all of the above CGUs.

(i) 

In light of unprecedented market conditions in the past 12 months and performance in the current year, the Group has critically 
reassessed the forecast for the forthcoming year. For certain businesses this has resulted in a reduced outlook compared with 
that anticipated in the prior year and half year 2009. In addition the Group’s WACC has increased as set out above. 

(ii)  Revised profit outlook in response to continued challenging trading conditions and market declines combined with an increased 

risk adjusted discount rate following an increase in the Group’s WACC.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

106

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

18 Goodwill – Continued
In the prior period Euromoney reassessed the recoverability of tax losses acquired with Metal Bulletin and as a result recognised a 
deferred tax asset of £2.8 million. In accordance with IAS 12, Income Taxes, the Group is required to reduce its previously 
capitalised goodwill to offset this deferred tax asset.

Additionally in the prior period, included within the gift sector charge is an amount of £41.4 million relating to George Little 
Management LLC (GLM). GLM was an associate on 3rd October, 2004, the Group’s transition date to IFRS. On transition to IFRS, the 
Group elected not to apply IFRS 3, Business Combinations, retrospectively to past business combinations and the carrying value of 
goodwill, intangible assets and other assets and liabilities associated with the Group’s stakes in its subsidiaries, associates and 
joint ventures. As a result of the application of IFRS 3 on acquiring control of GLM a double count of goodwill in respect of the
Group’s acquisition of its initial 25% stake has occurred as under U.K. GAAP the majority of this stake was attributed to goodwill and 
no separately identifiable assets were recorded. As a result of this double count the Group was required to record an impairment 
charge of £14.4 million immediately following acquisition of control in 2008 and this is included in the charge for that period.

The balance of the gift sector charge reflected a downturn in the gift sector markets they support.

19 Other intangible assets

Cost

At 30th September, 2007 

Analysis reclassifications 

Additions 

Internally generated 

Disposals 

Transfer from/(to) property, plant  
and equipment  

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008 

Additions  

Internally generated 

Disposals  

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

  Publishing  
rights  
and titles 
£m 

Note 

Radio 
licences 
£m 

Brands 
£m 

Customer 
 related 
databases 
£m 

Computer 
 software 
£m 

Other 
£m 

Total   
£m

441.8  

218.9  

171.7  

 108.0  

 –  

2.8  

 –  

(8.2) 

(0.7) 

14.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

7.9  

 –  

97.2  

 –  

(2.0) 

(0.1) 

16.1  

 –  

 3.6  

 –  

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

6.3  

450.2  

226.8  

282.9  

117.5  

 –  

 –  

(18.3) 

14.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 47.9  

 2.0  

 1.3  

(19.8) 

 30.9  

 5.2  

 0.6  

(0.2) 

 4.7  

446.4  

274.7  

297.3  

127.8  

68.1  

(0.5) 

0.1  

18.7  

(3.0) 

3.8  

1.8  

89.0  

 1.7  

 15.9  

(26.6) 

 2.4  

82.4  

4.6  

0.5  

5.9  

 –  

 –  

 –  

0.5  

1,013.1 

 – 

109.6 

18.7 

(13.4)

2.8 

47.1 

11.5  

1,177.9 

– 

 –  

 –  

 8.9 

 17.8 

(64.9)

 1.7  

 102.1 

13.2  

1,241.8 

 20 

 16 

 17 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
107

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

19 Other intangible assets – Continued 

Accumulated amortisation

At 30th September, 2007 

Analysis reclassifications 

Charge for the year 

Impairment  

Disposals 

Transfer from/(to) property, plant  
and equipment  

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008 

Charge for the year 

Impairment  

Disposals  

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Net book value – 2008 

Net book value – 2009 

  Publishing  
rights  
and titles 
£m 

Note 

Radio 
licences 
£m 

Brands 
£m 

Customer 
 related 
databases 
£m 

Computer 
 software 
£m 

Other 
£m 

Total   
£m

 3 

 20 

 3, 18 

 17 

240.5  

 –  

26.7  

19.7  

(4.8) 

(0.3) 

 2.3  

284.1  

 19.8  

 12.4  

(18.3) 

 0.4  

298.4  

166.1  

148.0  

68.3  

 –  

10.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

2.1  

80.5  

 11.0  

 93.2  

 –  

 34.1  

218.8  

146.3  

50.7  

 –  

27.4  

12.2  

(1.6) 

 –  

3.2  

91.9  

 24.8  

 35.2  

(18.1) 

 3.3  

137.1  

191.0  

55.9  

160.2  

20.7  

2.5  

13.6  

0.1  

(0.2) 

 –  

1.7  

38.4  

 19.9  

 18.3  

(0.2) 

 3.9  

80.3  

79.1  

47.5  

37.8  

(2.5) 

11.0  

2.5  

(2.3) 

0.8  

1.8  

49.1  

 12.3  

 –  

(25.1) 

 1.3  

37.6  

39.9  

44.8  

2.4  

 –  

1.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

3.9  

 1.3  

 –  

 –  

3.5  

 8.7  

7.6  

4.5  

420.4 

 – 

90.3 

34.5 

(8.9)

0.5 

11.1 

547.9 

 89.1 

 159.1 

(61.7)

 46.5 

780.9 

630.0 

460.9 

The methodologies applied to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) when testing for impairment and details of the above 
impairment charge, are set out in note 18.

The carrying values of the Group’s larger intangible assets are further analysed as follows:

BCA mastheads 

 GLM – New York International Gift Fair brand 

 Metal Bulletin mastheads 

 Genscape intellectual property 

 Associated Mediabase software 

 Nova 96.9 radio licence 

 Nova 100 radio licence 

BCA customer relationships 

Nova 106.9 radio licence 

Evanta brand 

 Institutional Investor title 

 Trinity Mirror Southern Titles   

 Vega 95.3 radio licence 

 Vega 91.5 radio licence 

Perex title 

2009 
Carrying 
value 
£m 

67.3  

66.1  

26.4  

24.4  

21.6  

18.1  

17.6  

16.8 

 14.8  

13.4  

7.4  

 6.4  

 –  

–  

 –  

2009 
2008  Remaining  Remaining 
Carrying amortisation  amortisation 
period 
Years 

value 
£m 

period   
Years

2008   

67.3  

83.1  

26.4 

22.3  

21.7  

43.6  

20.7  

16.8 

29.8  

12.6  

8.3  

22.9  

22.6  

16.3  

10.2  

26.8  

18.0  

26.8 

16.5  

0.9  

11.5  

12.2  

12.4 

15.5  

11.8  

8.0  

17.8  

15.8  

16.0  

2.8  

27.8 

 19.0 

27.8

17.5 

1.9 

12.5 

13.2 

13.4

16.5 

12.8 

9.0 

18.8 

16.8 

17.0 

3.8 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

108

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

20 Property, plant and equipment

Freehold 
properties 
£m 

Note 

Long 
leasehold  
properties 
£m 

Short 
leasehold 
properties 
£m 

Plant 
and 
equipment 
£m 

140.2  

 –  

3.0  

(2.5) 

 –  

 –  

10.5  

0.6  

151.8  

 –  

 2.2  

(5.7) 

 –  

0.5 

148.8  

88.5  

 –  

0.8  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(10.1) 

(0.2) 

79.0  

 –  

 0.4  

(8.6) 

 –  

 0.3  

71.1  

57.7  

0.3  

1.3  

(1.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

0.5  

58.3  

 –  

 3.8  

(1.5) 

 –  

 3.1  

63.7  

711.7  

0.6  

52.0  

(38.9) 

(2.6) 

(2.8) 

(0.4) 

9.3  

728.9  

 0.2  

 36.5  

(136.7) 

(5.2) 

 12.7  

636.4 

19 

16 

17 

Freehold 
properties 
£m 

Note 

Long 
leasehold  
properties 
£m 

Short 
leasehold 
properties 
£m 

Plant 
and 
equipment 
£m 

3 

19 

3 

(i) 

17 

 23.9  

 3.4  

 –  

(0.4) 

 –  

 –  

 0.3  

 0.2  

27.4  

 4.2  

 1.9  

(0.3) 

 –  

 –  

33.2  

124.4  

 115.6  

 34.3  

 2.3  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(0.3) 

 –  

 36.3  

 2.0  

 –  

(5.9) 

 –  

 –  

32.4  

42.7  

 38.7  

 32.8  

 386.4  

 3.6  

 –  

(1.3) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.2  

 35.3  

 3.9  

 0.9  

(1.2) 

 –  

 1.1  

40.0  

23.0  

23.7 

 53.8  

 7.4  

(32.6) 

(2.2) 

(0.5) 

 –  

 4.8  

 417.1  

 51.6  

 22.6  

(123.6) 

(2.0) 

 8.3  

374.0  

311.8  

262.4 

Total   
£m

998.1 

0.9 

57.1 

(42.9)

(2.6)

(2.8)

 – 

10.2 

1,018.0 

 0.2 

 42.9 

(152.5)

(5.2)

 16.6 

920.0  

Total   
£m

 477.4 

 63.1 

 7.4 

(34.3)

(2.2)

(0.5)

 – 

 5.2 

 516.1 

 61.7 

 25.4 

(131.0)

(2.0)

 9.4 

479.6 

501.9 

 440.4 

Cost

 At 30th September, 2007 

 Owned by subsidiaries acquired 

Additions  

Disposals 

 Owned by subsidiaries disposed 

 Transfers to intangible fixed assets 

 Reclassifications 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 28th September, 2008   

 Owned by subsidiaries acquired 

Additions  

Disposals 

 Owned by subsidiaries disposed 

 Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 30th September, 2007 

Charge for the year 

Impairment  

Disposals 

Owned by subsidiaries disposed 

Transfers to intangible fixed assets 

Reclassifications 

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008   

Charge for the year 

Impairment  

Disposals 

Owned by subsidiaries disposed 

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Net book value – 2008 

Net book value – 2009 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
109

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

20 Property, plant and equipment – Continued
(i) 

Included within exceptional operating costs is an impairment charge of £25.4 million (2008 £7.4 million) in relation to property, 
plant and equipment. Of this charge £21.9 million relates to printing equipment within the national media division. These assets 
are now considered obsolete due to excess capacity within the Group.

Included within property, plant and equipment are assets with a net book value of £37.6 million relating to the Group’s colour press 
operation. These assets were sold and leased back during the year under a hire purchase agreement. 

The following table analyses assets in the course of construction included in property, plant and equipment above.

Assets in the course of construction

 Cost and net book value

 At 30th September, 2007   

 Projects completed 

Additions  

 At 28th September, 2008   

 Projects completed 

Additions  

 At 4th October, 2009 

Note 

(i) 

Long 
leasehold  
properties 
£m 

Short 
leasehold 
properties 
£m 

Plant 
and 
equipment 
£m 

0.3  

(0.2) 

 0.5  

0.6  

(0.4) 

 –  

0.2  

 0.5  

(0.5) 

 0.1  

 0.1  

 –  

 1.3  

1.4  

37.1  

(26.7) 

6.2  

16.6  

(11.9) 

 2.7  

7.4  

Total 
£m

37.9 

(27.4)

6.8 

17.3 

(12.3)

 4.0 

9.0 

(i)  The projects completed during the prior year mainly relate to the Group’s new colour printing facility which became available for 

use and has been transferred out of assets under construction.

21 Investments in joint ventures and associates

Joint Ventures 

At 30th September, 2007   

Additions 

Loan repayment 

Share of retained reserves 

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008   

Additions 

Loan repayment 

Share of retained reserves 

Provision against carrying value 

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Cost 
of shares 
£m 

Share of post- 
acquisition  
retained  
reserves 
£m 

Loans 
£m 

18.7  

 6.3  

 –  

 –  

0.6  

25.6  

 0.4  

 –  

 –  

(2.4) 

 5.6  

29.2  

7.2  

 –  

(1.1) 

 –  

0.1  

6.2  

 1.3  

(0.4) 

 –  

 –  

 0.4  

7.5  

(6.7) 

 –  

 –  

(2.6) 

(0.5) 

(9.8) 

 –  

 –  

(2.8) 

 –  

 0.2  

(12.4) 

Total   
£m

19.2 

6.3 

(1.1)

(2.6)

0.2 

22.0 

 1.7 

(0.4)

(2.8)

(2.4)

 6.2 

24.3 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

110

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

21 Investments in joint ventures and associates – Continued
Summary aggregated financial information for the Group’s joint ventures, extracted on a 100% basis from the joint ventures’ own 
financial information as at 4th October, 2009 is set out below:

2009 
Revenue 
£m 

2009 
Operating  
profit/(loss) 
£m 

2009 
Total 
expenses 
£m 

 1.1  

 2.1  

 1.6  

 2.3  

 16.5  

 23.6  

0.3  

(0.1) 

(8.5) 

1.0  

4.6  

(2.7) 

(0.8) 

(2.2) 

(10.1) 

(1.5) 

(14.0) 

(28.6) 

2009 
Non-current  
assets 
£m 

2009 
Current 
assets 
£m 

2009 
Current 
liabilities 
£m 

2009 
Non-current 
liabilities 
£m 

 –  

 –  

0.7  

0.2  

48.2  

49.1  

0.6  

1.8  

1.7  

1.0  

18.3  

23.4  

(0.2) 

(1.3) 

(3.2) 

(0.1) 

(2.8) 

(7.6) 

(1.4) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(23.5) 

(24.9) 

2008 
Revenue 
£m 

2008 
Operating  
profit/(loss) 
£m 

2008 
Total 
expenses 
£m 

 0.8  

 1.4  

 0.8  

 1.8  

15.7  

 20.5  

 –  

 0.4  

(8.3) 

1.1  

4.3  

(2.5) 

(0.8) 

(1.0) 

(9.1) 

(1.0) 

(12.9) 

(24.8) 

2008 
Non-current  
assets 
£m 

2008 
Current 
assets 
£m 

2008 
Current 
liabilities 
£m 

2008 
Non-current 
liabilities 
£m 

 –  

 –  

 3.9  

 0.2  

29.9  

 34.0  

0.4  

 1.4  

 1.7  

1.0  

4.9  

 9.4  

(0.3) 

(0.9) 

(2.4) 

(0.1) 

(2.2) 

(5.9) 

(1.3) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(13.3) 

(14.6) 

2009   
Profit/(loss) 
for the period   

£m

0.3 

(0.1)

(8.5)

(0.8) 

2.5 

(5.0)

2009   

Net assets/ 

(liabilities)  

£m

(1.0)

0.5 

(0.8)

1.1 

40.2 

40.0 

2008   
Profit/(loss) 
for the period   

£m

 – 

 0.4 

(8.3)

 0.8 

 2.8 

(4.3)

2008   

Net assets/ 

(liabilities)  

£m

(1.2)

0.5 

 3.2 

1.1 

19.3 

 22.9 

 Business information 

Exhibitions   

 National media 

 Local media 

Radio 

 Business information 

Exhibitions   

 National media 

 Local media 

Radio 

 Business information 

Exhibitions   

 National media 

 Local media 

Radio 

 Business information 

Exhibitions   

 National media 

 Local media 

Radio 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
111

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

21 Investments in joint ventures and associates – Continued
At 4th October, 2009 there were no material contingent liabilities or capital commitments in respect of the Group’s joint ventures 
(2008 None).

Information on principal joint ventures from the latest available accounts (all incorporated in Great Britain and registered and 
operating in England and Wales unless otherwise stated).

Unlisted

Mail Today Newspapers Pvt. Limited  
(incorporated and operating in India) 

Brisbane FM Radio Pty Limited 
(incorporated and operating in Australia)  

DMG Radio (Perth) Pty Limited 
 (incorporated and operating in Australia)  

Principal 
activity 

Year 
ended 

Description 
of holding 

Group 
interest 
%

Publisher of 
 classified publications 

30th September, 
2009 

Ordinary  

26.0% 

Independent 
 radio operator 

Independent 
 radio operator 

31st December, 
2008 

30th September,  
2009 

Ordinary  

50.0% 

Ordinary  

50.0% 

Associates

At 30th September, 2007 

Correct misallocation in prior years 

Additions 

Loan repayment 

Share of retained reserves 

Provided during the year 

Transfer to investment in subsidiaries 

Disposals 

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008   

Additions 

Share of retained reserves 

Provided during the year 

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Cost of 
shares 
£m 

Loans 
£m 

Share of post 
acquisition 
retained  
reserves 
£m 

99.2  

(9.8) 

6.3  

 –  

 –  

(4.8) 

(55.8) 

(9.5) 

 2.3  

 27.9  

 2.5  

 –  

(3.6) 

4.0  

30.8  

6.3  

(0.1) 

0.9  

(3.7) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(0.1) 

 0.4  

3.7  

 1.5  

 –  

 –  

 0.7  

5.9  

(40.8) 

9.9  

 –  

 –  

7.8  

 –  

(0.1) 

 2.3  

(0.1) 

(21.0) 

 –  

(4.4) 

 –  

 –  

(25.4) 

Total   
£m

64.7 

 – 

7.2 

(3.7)

7.8 

(4.8)

(55.9)

(7.3)

2.6 

10.6 

 4.0 

(4.4)

(3.6)

 4.7 

11.3 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

112

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

21 Investments in joint ventures and associates – Continued
Summary aggregated financial information for the Group’s associates, extracted on a 100% basis from the associates’ own financial 
information is set out below:

RMS 

 Business information 

Euromoney  

 National media 

 Local media 

2009 
Revenue 
£m 

 1.1  

 7.3  

2.0  

 108.2  

 4.0  

 122.6  

2008 
Revenue 
£m 

 0.8  

 4.4  

 2.2  

 101.9  

 4.8  

 114.1  

2009 
Operating  
profit/(loss) 
£m 

2008 
Operating 
profit/(loss) 
£m 

2009 
Profit/(loss) 
for the period 
£m 

2008   
Profit/(loss) 
for the period 
£m

(7.3) 

(1.0) 

0.7  

(3.8) 

0.2  

(11.2) 

0.1  

(0.7) 

 0.8  

(4.0) 

 0.1  

(3.7) 

(0.2) 

(1.1) 

0.5  

(5.0) 

0.2 

(5.6) 

0.3 

(0.7)

 0.6 

 21.3 

 0.1 

 21.6 

Summary aggregated financial information for the Group’s associates, extracted on a 100% basis from the associates’ own financial 
accounts is set out below:

RMS 

 Business information 

Euromoney  

 National media 

 Local media 

RMS 

Business information 

Euromoney  

National media 

Local media 

2009 
Non-current  
assets 
£m 

 0.1  

 1.8  

 –  

19.8  

 1.3  

2009 
Current 
assets 
£m 

 3.5  

 3.4  

 1.0  

37.5 

 1.0  

 23.0  

 46.4  

2008 
Non-current  
assets 
£m 

 0.2  

 0.7  

 –  

 20.7  

 1.0  

22.6  

2008 
Current 
assets 
£m 

 2.7  

 1.4  

 0.6  

 36.0  

 2.1  

42.8  

2009 
Total 
assets 
£m 

 3.6  

 5.2  

 1.0  

57.3 

 2.3  

 69.4  

2008 
Total 
assets 
£m 

 2.9  

2.1  

0.6  

56.7  

3.1  

65.4  

2009 
Current 
liabilities 
£m 

2009 
Non-current 
liabilities 
£m 

2009 
Total 
liabilities 
£m 

(0.1) 

(4.5) 

 –  

(38.0) 

(0.4) 

(43.0) 

(0.2) 

 –  

(46.0) 

 –  

(46.2) 

(0.1) 

(4.7) 

 –  

(84.0) 

(0.4) 

(89.2) 

2008 
Current 
liabilities 
£m 

2008 
Non-current 
liabilities 
£m 

2008 
Total 
liabilities 
£m 

(0.2) 

(3.1) 

(0.2) 

(56.8) 

(0.9) 

(61.2) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(8.3) 

 –  

(8.3) 

(0.2) 

(3.1) 

(0.2) 

(65.1) 

(0.9) 

(69.5) 

2009   

Net assets/ 

(liabilities)  

£m

3.5 

0.5 

1.0 

(26.7)

1.9 

(19.8)

2008   

Net assets/ 

(liabilities)  

£m

 2.7 

(1.0)

 0.4 

(8.4)

2.2 

(4.1)

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
113

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

21 Investments in joint ventures and associates – Continued
Information on principal associates from the latest available accounts (all incorporated and operating in Great Britain unless 
otherwise stated).

Unlisted

Independent Television News Limited 

Principal 
activity 

Year 
ended 

Description 
of holding 

Group 
interest 
%

Independent TV  
news provider 

31st December,  
2008 

Ordinary  

20.0% 

A-Z Agentia de Publicitate S.A.  
(incorporated and operating in Romania)   

Publisher of  
 classified publications 

31st December,  

Ordinary  

50.0% 

2008

Joint ventures and associates have been accounted for under the equity method using unaudited accounts to 4th October, 2009.

22 Non-current assets – available-for-sale investments

At 30th September, 2007 

Additions 

Disposals 

Impairment charge 

Fair value movement in the year 

Exchange adjustment 

At 28th September, 2008   

Additions 

Disposals 

Impairment charge 

Fair value movement in the year 

Exchange adjustment 

At 4th October, 2009 

Note 

8  

36  

8  

36  

Listed 
£m 

 48.9  

 –  

(47.4) 

(1.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 14.1  

 –  

 –  

 1.4  

(0.4) 

15.1  

Unlisted 
£m 

 3.4  

 15.9  

(0.1) 

(8.6) 

(0.1) 

0.8  

11.3  

 1.9  

(3.4) 

(8.7) 

 –  

 1.9  

3.0  

Total   
£m

 52.3 

15.9 

(47.5)

(10.1)

(0.1)

0.8 

11.3 

 16.0 

(3.4)

(8.7)

 1.4 

 1.5 

18.1 

The investments above represent listed equity securities and unlisted securities, which are recorded as non-current assets unless 
they are expected to be sold within one year, in which case they are recorded as current assets. The investments in listed securities 
have no fixed maturity or coupon rate and the fair value of these investments is based on quoted market prices. Since there is no 
active market upon which they are traded, other unlisted equity securities are recorded at cost less provision for impairment, as 
their fair values cannot be reliably measured.

Available-for-sale investments are analysed as follows:

Listed

CoStar, Inc.  

Other 

Unlisted

Spot Runner, Inc. 

Other 

Note 

17 

2009 
£m 

 14.9  

 0.2  

 15.1  

 –  

 3.0  

 3.0  

2008   
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.5

3.8

11.3

The Group’s investment in CoStar, Inc. is subject to certain restrictions and cannot be disposed until six months have elapsed since 
the date of acquisition.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

114

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

22 Non-current assets – available-for-sale investments – Continued
Information on principal available-for-sale investments, taken from the latest published accounts (incorporated in Great Britain 
unless stated otherwise) is as follows:

CoStar, Inc. (incorporated in the U.S.A. and operating in the U.S.A. and the U.K.) 

 The Press Association Limited 

 Spot Runner, Inc. (incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Currency analysis of available-for-sale investments:

Sterling 

U.S. dollar   

Australian dollar 

Other 

Interest analysis of available-for-sale investments:

Non-interest bearing 

23 Inventories

Raw materials and consumables 

Work in progress 

Finished goods 

Class of 
 holding 

 Common stock 

 Ordinary 

 Common stock 

Group 
interest 
%

2.8%

15.6%

5.0%

2009 
£m 

 2.1  

 14.8  

 1.2  

 –  

18.1  

2009 
£m 

18.1  

2009 
£m 

 13.8  

 9.6  

 0.2  

 23.6  

2008   
£m

 1.5 

 9.2 

 0.4 

 0.2 

 11.3 

2008   
£m

 11.3 

2008   
£m

15.2 

12.1 

0.3 

27.6 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
115

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

305.8  

(33.1) 

272.7  

 81.4  

 23.4  

377.5  

1.0  

 0.1  

 3.1  

4.2  

368.7 

(17.7)

 351.0 

79.8 

26.1 

456.9 

 0.2 

 0.6 

7.5 

8.3 

 381.7  

465.2 

2009 
£m 

(17.7) 

(23.2) 

 6.7  

 1.7  

 0.2  

(0.8) 

(33.1) 

2009 
£m 

 3.0  

 1.8  

 2.3  

 10.9  

 18.0  

2008   
£m

(14.4)

(8.2)

 4.3 

1.3 

 0.1 

(0.8)

(17.7)

2008   
£m

 1.5 

 0.6 

 0.7 

 12.1 

 14.9 

24 Trade and other receivables

Current assets

 Trade receivables 

 Allowance for doubtful debts 

 Prepayments and accrued income 

 Other debtors 

 Non-current assets

 Trade receivables 

 Prepayments and accrued income 

 Other debtors 

Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts:

At start of year 

 Impairment losses recognised 

 Amounts written off as uncollectible 

 Amounts recovered during the year 

 Owned by subsidiaries disposed 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At end of year 

Ageing of impaired trade receivables:

31 – 60 days 

 61 – 90 days 

 91 – 120 days 

121 + days 

Total 

Included in the Group’s trade receivables are debtors with a carrying value of £92.7 million (2008 £183.5 million) which are past due 
as at 4th October, 2009 for which no allowance has been made. The Group is not aware of any deterioration in the credit quality of 
these customers and considers that the amounts are still recoverable.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

116

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

24 Trade and other receivables – Continued
Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables:

1 – 30 days overdue 

 31 – 60 days overdue 

 61 – 90 days overdue 

 91 + days overdue 

Total 

2009 
£m 

 53.6  

 22.8  

 6.4  

 9.9  

 92.7  

2008   
£m

 119.8 

 38.6 

 11.0 

 14.1 

 183.5 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value.

25 Discontinued operations
The following businesses were acquired with a view to resale.

In September 2009 the Group received final payment of £1.2m after related costs from the sale of Atalink Limited, following 
agreement of their completion accounts. There is no related tax charge. The business and net assets of Atalink Limited were sold in 
March 2007 and were treated as a discontinued operation up to that date. The Group’s Income Statement does not include any 
trading results from discontinued operations other than the profit on disposal from the proceeds above.

In the prior period the Group received a final payment of £0.2 million from the sale of Energy Information Centre Limited, following 
agreement of their completion accounts, in December 2007. Energy Information Centre Limited was sold in April 2007 and was 
treated as a discontinued operation up to that date. In May 2008, the Group received a final payment of £25,000 from the sale of the 
business and assets of Systematics International Limited, following agreement of their completion accounts. There were no related 
tax charges in relation to these transactions. The business and net assets of Systematics International Limited was sold in May 
2007 and was treated as a discontinued operation up to that date.

The Group’s Income Statement includes the following results from discontinued operations:

Profit on sale of businesses 

Profit before tax 

Attributable tax expense 

Net profit attributable to discontinued operations 

26 Cash and cash equivalents

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Unsecured bank overdrafts 

 Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement 

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents by currency: 

Sterling 

U.S. dollar   

 Australian dollar 

 Canadian dollar 

Euro 

Other 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Note 

30 

15 

2009 
£m 

 1.2  

 1.2  

 –  

 1.2  

2009 
£m 

 47.4  

(0.5) 

 46.9  

26.2  

2.6  

 1.1  

 1.6  

 2.6  

13.3  

47.4  

2008   
£m

 0.2 

 0.2 

 – 

0.2 

2008 
£m

45.3

(1.0)

44.3

 7.7 

 13.0 

 – 

 1.7 

 4.2 

 18.7 

45.3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
117

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

26 Cash and cash equivalents – Continued
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents by interest type:

Floating rate interest 

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents equate to their book values.

27 Trade and other payables

 Current liabilities 

 Trade payables 

 Interest payable 

 Other taxation and social security 

 Other creditors 

Accruals 

 Deferred income 

 Non-current liabilities 

 Other creditors 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value.

28 Current tax

 Corporation tax payable 

 Corporation tax receivable  

29 Acquisition put option commitments

Current 

 Non-current 

2009 
£m 

 47.4  

2008 
£m

45.3 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

 84.7  

 32.5  

 28.0  

 56.7  

 229.6  

 208.6  

 640.1  

 0.6  

 640.7  

2009 
£m 

 97.0  

(12.8) 

 84.2  

2009 
£m 

 11.2  

 0.7  

 11.9  

 100.8 

 32.7 

 34.6 

 36.2 

 219.5 

 226.4 

 650.2 

1.1 

 651.3 

2008   
£m

 119.2 

 – 

 119.2 

2008   
£m

 29.5 

 7.6 

 37.1 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

118

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

30 Borrowings 
The Group’s borrowings are unsecured and are analysed as follows: 

2009 

 Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Over five years 

2008 

 Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Over five years 

Overdrafts 
£m 

Bank loans 
£m 

Bonds 
£m 

Loan notes  Finance leases 
£m 

£m 

Total 
£m

 0.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.5  

1.0  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 1.0  

 0.5  

 43.2  

 130.1  

 –  

 173.3  

 173.8  

 –  

 43.2  

 40.8  

 81.3  

 165.3  

 165.3  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 847.1  

 847.1  

 847.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 838.9  

 838.9  

 838.9  

 14.8  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 14.8  

 25.0  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 25.0  

 4.7  

 5.1  

 8.3  

 6.9  

 20.3  

 25.0  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 20.5 

 48.3 

 138.4 

 854.0 

 1,040.7 

 1,061.2 

 26.0 

 43.2 

 40.8 

 920.2 

 1,004.2 

 1,030.2 

The Group’s borrowings are analysed by currency and interest rate type as follows:

2009 

 Fixed rate interest 

 Floating rate interest 

 Non-interest bearing 

2008 

 Fixed rate interest 

 Floating rate interest 

 Non-interest bearing 

Sterling 
£m 

U.S. Dollar 
£m 

Other 
£m 

Total 
£m

872.1  

120.6  

 –  

 992.7  

 838.9  

 57.9  

 –  

 –  

 68.0  

 –  

 68.0  

 –  

 133.4  

 –  

 896.8  

 133.4  

 –  

 0.5  

 –  

 0.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 872.1 

 189.1 

 – 

 1,061.2 

 838.9 

 191.3 

 – 

 1,030.2 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
119

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

30 Borrowings – Continued
The Group’s borrowings, analysed by currency and interest rate type after taking account of all derivative instruments are  
as follows:

Sterling 
£m 

U.S. dollar  Australian dollar 
£m 

£m 

Other 
£m 

Total 
£m

2009 

 Analysed as: 

 Fixed rate interest 

 Floating rate interest 

2008 

 Analysed as: 

 Fixed rate interest 

 Floating rate interest 

 550.1  

(36.4) 

 513.7  

 291.0  

 220.7  

 511.7  

 488.9  

 64.4  

 553.3  

 310.0  

 147.9  

 457.9  

 19.0  

 16.3  

 35.3  

 19.0  

 –  

 19.0  

 –  

 0.5  

 0.5  

 860.1 

 201.1 

 1,061.2 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 817.9 

 212.3 

 1,030.2 

Committed Borrowing Facilities
The Group’s bank loans bear interest charged at LIBOR plus a margin based on the Group’s ratio of net debt to EBITDA. Additionally, 
each facility contains a covenant based on a minimum interest cover ratio. EBITDA for these purposes is defined as the aggregate  
of the Group’s consolidated operating profit before share of results of joint ventures and associates before deducting depreciation, 
amortisation and impairment of goodwill, intangible and tangible assets, before exceptional items and before interest and finance 
charges. These covenants were met at the relevant test dates during the period.

The Group’s facilities and their maturity dates are as follows: 

Expiring in more than one year but not more than two years 

 Expiring in more than two years but not more than three years 

 Expiring in more than four years but not more than five years 

 Total bank facilities 

2009 
£m 

 180.0  

 30.0  

 210.0  

 420.0  

2008   
£m

 70.0 

 180.0 

 240.0 

 490.0 

The following undrawn committed borrowing facilities were available to the Group in respect of which all conditions precedent had 
been met:

Expiring in more than one year but not more than two years 

Expiring in more than two years but not more than three years 

Expiring in more than four years but not more than five years 

 Total undrawn committed bank facilities   

2009 
£m 

 105.7  

 30.0  

 68.2  

 203.9  

2008   
£m

 5.7 

 84.5 

 157.3 

 247.5 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

120

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

30 Borrowings – Continued
Bonds
The nominal, carrying and fair values of the Group’s bonds and the coupons payable are as follows:

2013 Bond   

2018 Bond   

2021 Bond   

2027 Bond   

Coupon 
% 

7.5  

5.75  

10.0  

6.375  

2009 
Fair value 
£m 

 283.5  

 143.5  

 159.0  

 150.0  

 736.0  

2008 

2009 
Fair value  Carrying value 
£m 

£m 

2008 

2009 
Carrying value  Nominal value 
£m 

£m 

276.8  

129.9  

157.9  

138.4  

 703.0  

 303.4  

 175.9  

 169.9  

 197.9  

 847.1  

 299.9  

 172.8  

168.4  

 197.8  

838.9  

 300.0  

 175.0  

 156.4  

 200.0  

 831.4  

2008   
Nominal value   

£m

 300.0 

 175.0 

156.4 

 200.0 

831.4 

The Group’s bonds have been adjusted from their nominal values to take account of the premia, direct issue costs, discounts and 
movements in hedged risks. The issue costs, premia and discounts are being amortised over the expected lives of the bonds using 
the effective interest method. The unamortised issue costs amount to £3.1 million (2008 £3.4 million), the unamortised premia £13.9 
million (2008 £15.2 million).

The fair value of the Group’s bonds has been calculated on the basis of quoted market rates.

Loan notes
The Group has issued loan notes which attract interest at rates of approximately LIBID to LIBID minus 1%. The loan notes are 
repayable at the option of the loan note holders with a six month notice period and are treated as current liabilities.

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management
The Group is exposed to credit, interest rate and currency risks arising in the normal course of business. Derivative financial 
instruments are used to manage exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates but are not 
employed for speculative purposes. Full details of the Group’s treasury policies are set out in the Financial and Treasury Review  
on pages 28 to 32.

Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital, defined as equity shareholders’ funds and net borrowings, to ensure that entities in the Group  
are able to continue as going concerns for the foreseeable future.

Debt management 
The Group borrows on an unsecured basis and arranges its debt to ensure an appropriate maturity profile. The Group’s principal 
sources of funding are the long-term sterling bond market and committed bank facilities. The Group is mindful of its credit rating, 
currently BB and ensures it has sufficient committed bank facilities in order to meet short-term business requirements, after 
taking into account the Group’s holding of cash and cash equivalents together with any distribution restrictions which exist.  
The Group aims to maximise the term and flexibility of indebtedness and retain headroom in the form of undrawn committed  
bank facilities of approximately £100.0 million. Additionally, the Group arranges its currency borrowings in order that they are  
in proportion to the ratio of earnings in that particular currency to total Group earnings.

The Directors consider that the Group’s bond issuances together with its bank facilities will be sufficient to cover the likely  
medium-term cash requirements of the Group. 

Associates, joint ventures and other investments in general arrange and maintain their own financing and funding requirements.  
In all cases such financing is non-recourse to the Company.

The Group’s interim internal target of Net Debt to EBITDA cover is 2.5 times whilst the limit imposed by its bank covenants is no 
greater than 4 times. The actual ratio for the year was 2.99 times.

Cash and liquidity risk management 
The Group monitors cash balances and ensures that sufficient resources are available to meet entities operational requirements. 
Short-term money market deposits are used to manage liquidity whilst maximising the rate of return on cash resources, giving due 
consideration to credit risk.  

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
121

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued
Market risk management
The Group’s primary market risks are interest rate fluctuations and exchange rate movements. 

Interest rate risk management
The limit imposed by the Group’s bank covenants is at least 3 times EBITDA to net interest. The actual ratio for the year was 4.45. 

The Group’s interest rate exposure management policy is aimed at reducing the exposure of the consolidated businesses to changes 
in interest rates. Group policy is to have 70% to 80% of interest exposures fixed with the balance floating. This is achieved by issuing 
fixed rate sterling bond debt and entering into derivative contracts that economically swap fixed rate interest into floating rate. 
Derivatives are used to hedge or reduce the risks of interest rate and exchange rate movements and are not entered into unless 
such risks exist. The derivatives in place to meet Group policy are as follows: 

(i)  Fixed to floating swaps hedging a portion of the Group’s bonds; Changes in the fair value of the swaps are recognised in the 

income statement and at the same time the carrying value of the hedged bonds is adjusted for movements in the hedged risk to 
the extent effective and those adjustments are also recognised in the income statement. These interest rate swaps amount to 
£75.0 million (2008 £75.0 million) with the Group paying floating rates of between 1.99% and 6.03% (2008 5.38% and 5.85%).

(ii)  Cross currency fixed to fixed interest rate swaps. These amounted to £227.6 million/US$435.0 million (2008 £255.5 million/

US$485.0 million) resulting in the Group paying fixed U.S. dollar interest at rates of between 4.40% and 6.07% (2008 4.40% and 
6.07%), £18.8 million/AUS$45.0 million (2008 £18.8 million/AUS$45.0 million) with the Group paying fixed Australian dollar 
interest at rates of between 6.15% and 6.22% (2008 6.15% and 6.22%).

(iii) The Group also had a number of outstanding interest rate caps. These amounted to US$100.0 million notional (2008 US$100.0 

million) at a rate of 6.00% (2008 6.00%).

The fair values of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and forward foreign exchange contracts represent the replacement costs 
calculated using market rates of interest and exchange at 4th October, 2009. The fair value of long-term borrowings has been 
calculated by discounting expected future cash flows at market rates.

Foreign exchange rate risk management
Translation exposures arise on the earnings and net assets of business operations in entities with functional currencies other than 
that of the parent company. The net asset exposures are economically hedged, to a significant extent, by a policy of denominating 
borrowings in currencies where significant translation exposures exist, most notably U.S. dollars.

The Group also designates currency swaps and forward contracts as net investment hedges, hedging the Group’s overseas 
investments.

Credit risk management
The Group’s principal credit risk relates to its trade and other receivables and non-performance by counterparties to financial 
instrument contracts.

Trade and other receivables
The Group’s customer base is diversified geographically and by division with customers generally of a good financial standing. 
Before accepting any new customers, the Group assesses the potential customers’ credit quality and sets credit limits by customer. 
The average credit period is 48 days (2008 51 days). The Group considers the credit risk of trade receivables to be low, although the 
Group remains vigilant in the current economic climate. The Group reserves the right to charge interest on overdue receivables, 
although the Group does not hold collateral over any trade receivable balances. The Group makes an allowance for bad and doubtful 
debts specific to individual debts. This provision is reviewed regularly in conjunction with a detailed analysis of historic payment 
profiles and past default experience.

The Group’s receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful debts and allowances for impairment are made where 
appropriate.

Institutional counterparty risk
The Group seeks to limit interest rate and foreign exchange risks, described above, by the use of financial instruments. As a result, 
credit risk arises from the potential non-performance by the counterparties to those financial instruments, which are unsecured. 
The amount of this credit risk is normally restricted to the amounts of any hedge gain and not the principal amount being hedged. 
The Group also has a credit exposure to counterparties for the full principal amount of cash and cash equivalents. Group policy  
is to have no more than £20.0 million deposited (or at risk) with any ‘AA’ counterparty, £10.0 million for ‘AA’ rated counterparties.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

122

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued 
Credit risk is controlled by monitoring the credit quality of these counterparties, principally licensed commercial banks and 
investment banks with strong long-term credit ratings, and of the amounts outstanding with each of them. The Group has no 
significant concentration of risk with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.

The credit risk on short-term deposits and derivative financial instruments is considered low since the counterparties are banks 
with high credit ratings. Group policy is to have no more than £20.0 million deposited (or at risk) with any ‘AA’ counterparty,  
£10.0 million for ‘A’ rated counterparties. The Group has no significant concentration of risk with exposure spread over a large 
number of counterparties and customers.

At the balance sheet date the Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk to be as follows:

 Expiring in one year or less 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Bank deposits 

 Derivative financial instruments 

 Expiring in more than one year 

 Trade and other receivables 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

 296.1  

 47.4  

 23.4  

 4.1  

 371.0  

 377.1 

 45.3 

 14.5 

 7.7 

 444.6 

Fair value hedges
The Group’s policy is to use interest rate swaps to convert a proportion of its fixed rate debt to floating rates in order to hedge the 
interest rate risk with changes in fair value of the hedging instrument recognised in the income statement for the period together 
with the changes in the fair value of the hedged item due to the hedged risk, to the extent the hedge is effective.

Gains and losses on the borrowings and related derivatives designated as fair value hedges included in the income statement for 
the year ended 4th October, 2009 were:

 Sterling interest rate swaps 

 Sterling debt 

Total 

Fair value 
movement 
gain/(loss) 
£m 

9.0  

(9.0) 

 –  

2008 
£m 

(4.6) 

4.6 

 –  

2009 
£m

4.4

(4.4)

 – 

Cash flow hedges   
The Group enters into cash flow hedges using two types of derivatives: fixed to fixed cross currency interest rate swaps and forward 
exchange derivatives which fix the exchange rate on a portion of future currency expenditure. All cash flow hedges were effective 
throughout the year ended 4th October, 2009. 

Net investment hedges 
The Group enters into forward currency sales and cross currency swaps to hedge the Group’s investment in foreign operations.  
All net investment hedges were effective throughout the year ended 4th October, 2009 

Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting 
Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting represent forward contracts which provide a gain or loss equivalent to income  
tax payable or receivable on foreign exchange gains or losses incurred when intra group balances are translated to the closing  
rate at the year end. These contracts (‘Tax Equalisation Swaps’) are marked to market with the movement in fair value taken to 
income. Tax Equalisation Swaps are not capable of being designated as hedging instruments under IAS 39. 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
123

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued 
The Group’s derivative financial instruments, other than acquisition option commitments, and their maturity profiles are 
summarised as follows:

Derivative financial assets: 

2009

 Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Over five years 

2008

 Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Over five years 

Derivative financial liabilities:

2009

 Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Over five years 

2008

 Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Over five years 

Fair value  
hedges 
£m 

Cash flow 
hedges 
£m 

Net  
investment  
hedges 
£m 

  Derivatives not 
qualifying 
for hedge 
accounting 
£m 

Derivative   
financial 

 assets   

£m

 –  

 –  

 2.0  

 2.4  

 4.4  

 4.4  

 0.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.1  

 0.6  

 0.5  

 –  

 –  

 0.5  

 1.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 17.3  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 17.3  

5.1  

 0.3  

 –  

 –  

 0.3  

 5.4  

 –  

 –  

 0.6  

– 

 0.6  

 0.6  

 8.4  

 –  

 –  

 0.6  

 0.6  

 9.0  

 17.9 

 0.5 

 2.6 

 2.4 

 5.5 

 23.4 

 13.6 

 0.3 

 – 

 0.6 

 0.9 

 14.5 

Fair value  
hedges 
£m 

Cash flow 
hedges 
£m 

Net  
investment  
hedges 
£m 

  Derivatives not 
qualifying 
for hedge 
accounting 
£m 

Derivative   
financial 

 assets   

£m

(3.6) 

(1.2) 

 –  

 –  

(1.2) 

(4.8) 

 –  

 –  

(1.4) 

(3.3) 

(4.7) 

(4.7) 

(5.0) 

(7.5) 

 –  

 –  

(7.5) 

(12.5) 

(4.6) 

(3.6) 

(3.8) 

 –  

(7.4) 

(12.0) 

(0.9) 

 –  

(31.7) 

(41.8) 

(73.5) 

(74.4) 

(3.2) 

 –  

(9.9) 

(16.6) 

(26.5) 

(29.7) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(26.0) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(26.0) 

(9.5)

(8.7)

(31.7)

(41.8)

(82.2)

(91.7)

(33.8)

(3.6)

(15.1)

(19.9)

(38.6)

(72.4)

Sensitivity analysis
In managing the Group’s interest rate and currency risks, the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations. However, 
changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates may have an impact on the Group’s results. 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

124

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued 
At 4th October, 2009, it is estimated that an increase of 1.0% in interest rates would have increased the Group’s finance costs by £3.7 
million (2008 £3.3 million). There would have been no effect on amounts recognised directly in equity. This sensitivity has been calculated 
by applying the interest rate change to the Group’s variable rate borrowings, net of any interest rate swaps, at the year end date. 

At 4th October, 2009, it is estimated that a decrease of 1.0% in interest rates would have decreased the Group’s finance costs by  
£4.0 million (2008 £3.3 million). There would have been no effect on amounts recognised directly in equity. This sensitivity has been 
calculated by applying the interest rate change to the Group’s variable rate borrowings, net of any interest rate swaps, as at the year 
end date.

At 4th October, 2009, it is estimated that a 10.0% strengthening of sterling against the U.S. dollar would have reduced the net  
loss taken to equity by £51.4 million (2008 £32.5 million) and increased the net loss taken to income by £nil (2008 £2.3 million).  
A 10.0% weakening of sterling against the U.S. dollar would have increased the net loss taken to equity by £63.8 million  
(2008 £41.8 million) and decreased the net loss taken to income by £nil (2008 £2.8 million). This sensitivity has been calculated by 
applying the foreign exchange change to the Group’s financial instruments which are affected by changes in foreign exchange rates.

At 4th October, 2009, it is estimated that a 15.0% strengthening of sterling against the Japanese Yen would have reduced the net loss 
taken to equity by £nil (2008 £nil) and reduced the net loss taken to income by £nil million (2008 £17.7 million). A 15.0% weakening of 
sterling against the Japanese Yen would have increased the net loss taken to equity by £nil (2008 £nil) and increased the net loss 
taken to income by £nil (2008 £24.0 million). This sensitivity has been calculated by applying the foreign exchange change to the 
Group’s financial instruments which are affected by changes in foreign exchange rates.

The carrying amounts and gains and losses on financial instruments is as follows:

2009 

2009 

2009 
Carrying   Gain/(loss)  Gain/(loss)  
to equity 
to income 
£m 
£m 

amount 
£m 

2008 

2008 

2008 
Carrying  Gain/(loss)   Gain/(loss) 
to income 
£m 

amount 
£m 

to equity   

£m

Investments 

Available-for-sale  

Trade receivables   

Cash and deposits   

 Loans and receivables 

Interest rate swaps 

 Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps 

 Forward foreign currency contracts 

 Derivative assets in effective hedging relationships   

Forward foreign currency contracts 

 Forward foreign currency options 

Interest rate caps   

 Derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments 

Trade payables 

Bank overdrafts 

Bonds 

Bank loans 

Loan notes 

 Amounts payable under hire purchase contracts 

 18.1  

 18.1  

(8.5) 

(8.5) 

3.0  

3.0  

 11.3  

 11.3  

(10.1) 

(10.1) 

 273.7  

 47.4  

 321.1  

(15.4) 

 2.0  

(13.4) 

 26.2  

 351.2  

 6.5  

 45.3  

 32.7  

 396.5  

 4.4  

 –  

 18.4  

22.8  

 –  

 –  

 0.6  

 0.6  

(84.7) 

(0.5) 

(847.1) 

(173.8) 

(14.8) 

(25.0)  

 4.4  

 –  

(1.0) 

 3.4  

 4.4  

1.1  

 –  

5.5  

 –  

(0.2) 

(69.9) 

(10.7) 

(1.0) 

 –  

 –  

 13.6  

 49.7  

 63.3  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.3  

 –  

 5.3  

 5.6  

0.3  

 8.0  

0.6  

 8.9  

 –  

(100.8) 

(0.4) 

(1.0) 

 –  

(838.9) 

(22.7) 

(165.3) 

(0.8) 

(25.0) 

 –  

 –  

(3.3) 

2.7  

(0.6) 

0.1  

 –  

 2.6  

2.7  

14.8  

 11.3  

(0.1) 

26.0  

 –  

(0.1) 

(61.0) 

(15.0) 

(1.7) 

 –  

 Liabilities at amortised cost 

(1,145.9) 

(81.8) 

(23.9) 

(1,131.0) 

(77.8) 

0.7 

 0.7 

12.7 

5.6 

18.3 

 – 

(25.9)

69.2 

 43.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(1.5)

(0.4)

 – 

(12.6)

12.2 

 – 

(2.3)

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
125

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued

2009 

2009 

2009 
Carrying   Gain/(loss)  Gain/(loss)  
to equity 
to income 
£m 
£m 

amount 
£m 

2008 

2008 

2008 
Carrying  Gain/(loss)   Gain/(loss) 
to income 
£m 

amount 
£m 

to equity   

£m

Interest rate swaps 

 Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps 

 Forward foreign currency contracts 

 Derivative liabilities in effective hedging relationships 

 Acquisition put option commitments 

 Forward foreign currency contracts 

 Derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments 

(0.3) 

(73.5) 

(17.9) 

(91.7) 

(11.9) 

 –  

(11.9) 

 5.0  

(3.9) 

(7.1) 

(6.0) 

(1.8) 

(31.4) 

(33.2) 

 –  

(60.7) 

(45.7) 

(106.4) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(4.6) 

(26.6) 

(15.2) 

(46.4) 

(37.1) 

(26.0) 

(63.1) 

 –  

(0.5) 

 –  

 – 

(10.9)

(97.9)

(0.5) 

(108.8)

(3.0) 

(74.3) 

(77.3) 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 Total for financial instruments 

(886.9) 

(134.0) 

(31.3) 

(818.2) 

(137.6) 

(48.8)

Reconciliation of net gain or loss taken to equity: 

 Change in fair value of hedging derivatives 

 Fair value movement in available-for-sale assets 

 Translation of financial instruments of overseas operations 

 Transfer of gain on cash flow hedges from fair value reserves to income statement 

 Total loss on financial instruments to equity 

Reconciliation of net gain or loss taken through income to net finance costs

 Total loss on financial instruments to income 

Add back: 

 Impairment of trade receivables 

 Investment impairment 

 Bank interest receivable 

 Finance charge on discounting of deferred consideration  

Net finance costs 

Note 

36 

36 

36 

2009 
£m 

(46.4) 

 1.4  

 10.2  

 3.5  

(31.3) 

2008   
£m

(62.8)

 – 

 16.9 

(2.9)

(48.8)

Note 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

(134.0) 

(137.6)

24  

8  

9  

10  

10 

15.4  

 8.5  

(2.0) 

(1.7) 

 3.3 

 10.1 

(2.7)

(2.4)

(113.8) 

(129.3)

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

126

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued
Reconciliation of amounts due under hire purchase agreements   

 Future minimum lease payments 

 Future finance charges 

 Present value of minimum lease payments 

2009 
Due in 
less than 
one year 
£m 

2009 
Due  
between  
one and  
five years 
£m 

6.3  

(1.6) 

4.7  

16.5  

(3.2) 

13.3  

2009 
Due 
in more 
than 
5 years 
£m 

7.8  

(0.8) 

7.0  

2009 
Total 
£m 

30.6  

(5.6) 

25.0  

2008 
Due in 
less than 
one year 
£m 

2008 
Due  
between  
one and  
five years 
£m 

2008   
Due 
in more 
than 
five years 
£m

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 – 

 – 

 – 

2008 
Total 
£m 

 –  

 –  

 –  

As set out in note 20, the above hire purchase arrangement relates to certain of the Group’s colour print assets which were sold and 
leased back under a hire purchase arrangement during the year. The Group has the option to buy the assets for an amount equal to 
the amount outstanding at the date falling three months before the fifth anniversary of the agreement.   

The remaining undiscounted contractual liabilities and their maturities are as follows:

Trade 
payables 
£m 

Interest  
rate  
swaps 
£m 

Currency 
swaps 
£m 

Forward 
contracts 
£m 

Bank 
loans and  
 overdrafts 
£m 

Bonds 
£m 

Hire 
purchase 
£m 

Loan 
notes 
£m 

Total 
£m

(6.3) 

(6.3) 

(10.4) 

(7.6) 

– 

– 

(24.3) 

(30.6) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(14.9) 

(330.8)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(189.1)

(822.2)

(403.7)

(281.0)

(377.8)

(2,073.8)

(14.9) 

(2,404.6)

(25.8) 

(803.4)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(121.1)

(737.8)

(325.7)

(474.5)

(377.2)

(2,036.3)

(25.8) 

(2,839.7)

2009 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Between five and ten years 

 Between ten and fifteen years  

 Between fifteen and twenty years 

(84.7) 

(0.3)  

(16.2) 

(146.4) 

(29.1) 

(48.0) 

(61.0) 

(61.0) 

(1.0) 

(44.7) 

–  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

– 

 –  

– 

 –  

– 

(196.1) 

(29.1) 

(448.8) 

(137.8) 

(37.0) 

(37.0) 

(143.1) 

(442.3) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(359.1) 

(244.0) 

(234.7) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(77.1) 

(1,347.6) 

(182.5) 

(84.7) 

(0.3) 

(458.5) 

(223.5) 

(1,408.6) 

(183.5) 

 –  

 –  

(15.3) 

(15.3) 

(2.5) 

(217.3) 

 –  

(6.0) 

(32.0) 

(32.0) 

 –  

(129.7) 

(426.3) 

(8.5) 

(8.5) 

(599.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(61.0) 

(61.0) 

(471.5) 

(192.3) 

(436.5) 

(247.5) 

(1,408.8) 

(441.6) 

(599.5) 

(1,469.8) 

(1.0) 

(44.8) 

(46.5) 

(101.4) 

 –  

 –  

(192.7) 

(193.7) 

2008 

Within one year 

(100.8) 

 Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Between five and ten years 

 Between ten and fifteen years   

 Between fifteen and twenty years 

 –  

 –  

 –  

–  

 –  

 –  

(100.8) 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
127

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued
Reconciliation of undiscounted liabilities to balance sheet amounts: 

 Undiscounted 
value of  
financial  
liabilities 
£m 

Interest 
£m 

 Unamortised 
issue costs 
£m 

Mark to 
Discount/ 
Premium 
Effect of 
market 
on issue  adjustments  discounting 
£m 

£m 

£m 

 Undiscounted 
value of 
financial 
asset 
£m 

Total 
£m

2009 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Between five and ten years 

 Between ten and fifteen years  

 Between fifteen and twenty years 

Analysed as follows: 
Trade payables 

Bank overdrafts 

Loan notes 

Bank loans 

Bonds 

Hire purchase 

Interest rate swaps 

 Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps 

 Forward foreign currency contracts 

2008 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 Between five and ten years 

 Between ten and fifteen years  

 Between fifteen and twenty years 

(330.8) 

(189.1) 

(822.2) 

(403.7) 

(281.0) 

(377.8) 

(2,073.8) 

(2,404.6) 

(84.7) 

(0.5) 

(14.9) 

(183.0) 

62.6 

63.6 

158.7 

184.9 

 87.6  

34.7  

525.9 

592.1 

 –  

 –  

 0.1  

 9.2  

 0.3  

 0.4  

 0.8  

 1.0  

 0.4  

 0.2  

 2.8  

 3.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(1.2) 

(1.3) 

(3.6) 

(6.3) 

(2.2) 

 0.6  

(12.8) 

(14.0) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(4.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(4.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(1,408.6) 

 577.2  

 3.1  

(14.0) 

(4.8) 

(30.6) 

(0.3) 

(458.5) 

(223.5) 

5.6 

 –  

 –  

 –  

– 

 –  

 –  

 –  

– 

 –  

 –  

 –  

– 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(2.5) 

(1.7) 

0.2 

9.7 

9.9 

156.0 

(120.4)

70.1 

(58.0)

193.3 

(472.8)

27.3 

27.1 

(187.1)

(158.2)

(241.1)

(12.6) 

113.8 

5.5 

3.0 

431.6 

(1,117.2)

587.6 

(1,237.6)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

– 

 – 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

– 

 –  

 18.1  

(15.1) 

 366.9  

220.7 

(84.7)

(0.5)

(14.8)

(173.8)

(847.1)

(25.0)

(0.3)

(73.5)

(17.9)

(2,404.6) 

 592.1  

 3.1  

(14.0) 

(4.8) 

 3.0  

 587.6  

(1,237.6)

(803.4) 

(121.1) 

(737.8) 

(325.7) 

(474.5) 

(377.2) 

(2,036.3) 

(2,839.7) 

61.9  

62.4  

177.1  

212.4  

105.1  

47.6  

604.6  

666.5  

0.3  

0.3  

0.7  

1.1  

0.7  

0.3  

3.1  

3.4  

(1.1) 

(1.3) 

(2.7) 

(5.7) 

(5.1) 

0.7  

(14.1) 

(15.2) 

 4.4  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 4.4  

(0.3) 

 1.3  

 579.4  

(158.8)

 14.0  

(44.4)

(18.4) 

 226.0  

(355.1)

 5.9  

 7.7  

(6.1) 

(9.6) 

(9.9) 

 27.2  

 27.2  

 119.2  

(84.8)

(338.9)

(215.5)

 413.6  

(1,038.7)

 993.0  

(1,197.5)

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

128

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

31 Derivative financial instruments and risk management – Continued
Analysed as follows:

 Undiscounted 
value of  
financial  
liabilities 
£m 

Interest 
£m 

 Unamortised 
issue costs 
£m 

Mark to 
Discount/ 
Premium 
Effect of 
market 
on issue  adjustments  discounting 
£m 

£m 

£m 

 Undiscounted 
value of 
financial 
asset 
£m 

Trade payables 

Bank overdrafts 

Loan notes 

Bank loans 

Bonds 

 Interest rate swaps 

 Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps 

 Forward foreign currency contracts 

(100.8) 

(1.1) 

(25.8) 

(192.6) 

 –  

0.1  

0.8  

27.3  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(1,469.8) 

638.3  

3.4  

(15.2) 

4.4  

(8.5) 

(441.6) 

(599.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(2,839.7) 

666.5  

3.4  

(15.2) 

4.4  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

4.2  

(12.6) 

(1.5) 

(9.9) 

Total 
£m

(100.8)

(1.0)

(25.0)

(165.3)

(838.9)

(4.3)

(26.6)

(35.6)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

427.6  

565.4  

993.0  

(1,197.5)

32 Retirement benefits 
The Group operates a number of pension schemes covering most major Group companies under which contributions are paid by the 
employer and employees.  

The schemes include funded defined benefit pension arrangements, providing service-related benefits, based on final pensionable 
salary in addition to a number of defined contribution pension arrangements. The defined benefit schemes in the U.K. and some 
defined contribution plans are administered by trustees or trustee companies.  

The Group has been progressively introducing a number of PensionSaver group personal pension plans to provide a consistent 
pensions saving vehicle across all Group divisions. These plans have replaced the trust-based defined contribution arrangements 
which are now in the final stages of being wound up.  

The assets of all the pension schemes and plans are held independently from the Group’s finances. 

The total net pension costs of the Group for the year ended 4th October, 2009 were £28.8 million (2008 £20.5 million). 

Defined Benefit Schemes 
On 14th September, 2009 the Company announced a number of changes affecting the Harmsworth Pension Scheme, the principal 
defined benefit scheme for the Group, that were designed to help secure the financial health of this scheme into the future and to 
control the cost to the Group of its operation. The Company decided that the scheme would remain open for future accrual of 
pension benefits for current employees. However, from 1 October, 2009 new employees will no longer be offered the option to 
transfer from PensionSaver plans to the Harmsworth Pension Scheme after five years’ service. Existing members of the scheme 
will continue to be able to earn additional pension benefits in the scheme but their pay increases counting towards pension will be 
limited to those at or below the prevailing rate of inflation, with inflation capped at 5%. In addition, the Company plans to introduce  
a series of measures principally designed to limit the Company’s exposure to people living longer than is currently expected.  
The measures will be discussed with scheme trustees and a formal process of employee consultation will begin as soon as the 
proposals have been finalised. 

The changes applying from 1st October, 2009 mentioned above, along with the effect of recent Group disposals and restructures, 
resulted in an exceptional credit to pension costs in respect of the defined benefit schemes of £27.4 million in the year ended  
4th October, 2009.   

Full actuarial valuations of the defined benefit schemes are carried out triennially by the actuary using the projected unit credit 
method. The figures in this note are based on calculations performed as part of the work carried out for the actuarial valuations  
of the main schemes as at 31st March, 2007, adjusted to 4th October, 2009 by the actuary.  

The funding strategy agreed with the Trustee of the principal scheme made allowance for assumed future investment returns  
on the scheme’s assets of 3.3% p.a. above price inflation, compared with the real return of some 2.6% p.a. implicit within the 
calculation of the Technical Provisions (i.e. the value of the scheme’s benefit liabilities). The Company agreed with the Trustee  
that this margin would be covered by a contingent asset and the Company has put in place letters of credit (to be updated annually) 
of an amount sufficient to cover any potential shortfall in this additional investment return arising prior to the next triennial 
valuation. As at 4th October, 2009, the letters of credit had a value of £32.1 million (2008 £21.8 million).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
129

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

32 Retirement benefits – Continued
Cash contributions paid by the Company to the principal scheme as required by the schedule of contributions remain at the same 
level of 18.0% of members’ scheme salaries (2008 18.0%) with employees contributing either 5.0% or 7.5% depending on which 
section of the scheme they are in. However, since 1st January, 2009 a majority of members have agreed to a salary sacrifice 
arrangement whereby the Company pays the equivalent of the employee’s contribution in exchange for a corresponding reduction  
in salary. In addition, the Company agreed to make a series of funding payments amounting to £3.2 million over a period of 27 
months commencing in September, 2009 in exchange for which the Trustees agreed to accept the cancellation of an additional  
£40.0 million letter of credit that had been provided by the Company following the merger of the two main pension schemes of the 
Group in November, 2007. The first payment of £1 million under this agreement was made on 29th September, 2009.

At 4th October, 2009, the defined benefit obligation to the Group relating to the DMGT AVC Plan, as measured for the purposes of  
this disclosure under the requirements of IAS19, was £60.9 million (2008 £53.0 million). The assets of the Plan were £51.5 million 
(2008 £55.9 million), producing a deficit of £9.4 million (2008 £2.9 million surplus). In the prior year an adjustment was made to cap 
the value of assets in the Plan since any surplus in the Plan is not recoverable by the Group. The Plan is closed to further member 
contributions. 

The valuation of the Plan showed that the combined accumulated assets as at 31 March, 2008 represented 100% of the Plan’s 
Technical Provisions in respect of past service benefits. The Group has not been required to make contribution payments in respect 
of the Plan and the Plan has had no impact on the pension cost reported in these financial statements.

Members of the defined benefit schemes are able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) into unit-linked funds held 
within each scheme. No benefit obligation arises to the Group from these AVCs and the related unit-linked AVC assets have been 
excluded from the scheme assets reported below.

A reconciliation of the net pension obligation reported in the balance sheet is shown in the following table:

Present value of defined benefit obligation  

Assets at fair value 

Impact of asset ceiling on AVC Plan 

(Deficit)/Surplus reported in the balance sheet 

2009 
Schemes  
in surplus 
£m 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

2009 
Schemes 
in deficit 
£m 

(1,901.8) 

 1,471.4  

 –  

2009 
Total 
£m 

(1,901.8) 

 1,471.4  

 –  

(430.4) 

(430.4) 

2008 
Schemes 
in surplus 
£m 

(70.0) 

 75.4  

(2.9) 

 2.5  

2008 
Schemes 
in deficit 
£m 

(1,551.0) 

 1,507.3  

 –  

(43.7) 

2008 
Total   
£m

(1,621.0)

 1,582.7 

(2.9)

(41.2)

The International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee, in its document IFRIC 14, has interpreted the extent to which a 
company can recognise a pension surplus on its balance sheet. Having taken account of the rules of the schemes, the fact that the 
schemes remain open to new accrual, and the current and anticipated levels of service cost and cash contributions, the Company 
considers that recognition of surpluses in the schemes on its balance sheet is in accordance with the interpretations of IFRIC 14. In 
2009 all schemes were in deficit. In 2008, the two main schemes were in deficit, the Metal Bulletin scheme was in surplus and the 
DMGT AVC Plan had its assets capped to the value of the liabilities.  

The deficit for the year, set out above, excludes a related deferred tax asset of £120.5 million (2008 £11.5 million asset).  

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

130

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

32 Retirement benefits – Continued
A reconciliation of the present value of the defined benefit obligation is shown in the following table: 

 Defined benefit obligation at start of year  

 Service cost 

 Service cost in respect of salary sacrifice  

 Interest cost 

 Past service cost 

 Settlement/curtailment 

 Member contributions 

 Benefit payments 

 Actuarial (gain)/loss as a result of: 

– changes in assumptions  

– membership experience  

 Defined benefit obligation at the end of year 

A reconciliation of the fair value of assets is shown in the following table:

 Fair value of assets at start of year 

 Expected return on assets  

 Company contributions 

 Member contributions 

 Benefit payments 

 Actuarial movement 

 Fair value of assets at end of year 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

(1,621.0) 

(1,777.1)

(24.7) 

(5.4) 

(111.4) 

(1.0) 

 27.4 

(3.4) 

 94.3 

(281.3) 

 24.7 

(39.2)

 –

(104.1)

(0.6)

– 

(8.8)

75.6 

241.4 

(8.2)

(1,901.8) 

(1,621.0)

2009 
£m 

1,582.7  

 116.2  

 31.3  

 3.4  

(94.3) 

(167.9) 

1,471.4  

2008   
£m

1,867.9 

131.1 

1.5 

8.8 

(75.6)

(351.0)

1,582.7 

The Company made monthly contribution payments from October 2008. An advance payment of Company contributions for 2008  
was made in September, 2007.

The fair value of the assets held by the pension schemes and the long-term expected rate of return on each class of assets are 
shown in the following table: 

Equities 

Bonds 

Property 

Other assets 

Total

2009 

 Value at 4th October, 2009 (£ million)* 

 % of assets held 

 Long-term rate of return expected at 4th October, 2009 (%) 

2008 

 Value at 28th September, 2008 (£ million)* 

 % of assets held 

 827.8  

 56.3  

 8.3  

 989.9  

 62.6  

 Long-term rate of return expected at 28th September, 2008 (%) 

 8.7  

2007 

 Value at 30th September, 2007 (£ million)  

 % of assets held 

1,356.6  

 72.6  

Long-term rate of return expected at 30th September, 2007 (%) 

 7.8  

 487.2  

 33.1  

 4.6  

 399.5  

 25.2  

 5.0  

254.0  

 13.6  

 4.9  

 103.1  

 53.3  

 1,471.4 

 7.0  

 6.6  

 3.6  

 4.6  

 100.0 

 7.0 

 129.9  

 63.4  

 1,582.7 

 8.2  

 7.0  

156.0  

 8.4  

 6.5  

 4.0  

 5.0  

 100.0 

 7.5 

101.3  

 5.4  

 5.5  

1,867.9 

 100.0 

 7.1 

* In 2009 and 2008, equities include hedge funds and infrastructure funds that have the same long-term expected rate of return.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
131

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

32 Retirement benefits – Continued
The trust deed of each of the schemes explicitly prohibits investment of the scheme assets in employer-related investments, apart 
from those required in order that a passively managed U.K. equity portfolio can be utilised by the trustees. The value of DMGT ‘A’ 
Ordinary Non-Voting Shares held by the U.K. equity passive manager on behalf of the schemes at 4th October, 2009 was £0.1 million 
(2008 £0.2 million).

The assumption for the expected overall rate of return on assets is a weighted average of the expected returns for each asset class 
based on the proportion of assets held in each class at the beginning of the year. The expected return on bonds has been selected 
having regard to gross redemption yields at the start of the year. The expected returns on equities and property are based on a 
combination of estimated risk premiums over Government bond yields, the gross redemption yields on bonds, and consensus 
economic forecasts for future returns.

The actual return on plan assets was a loss of £51.7 million (2008 loss of £219.9 million) representing the expected return plus the 
associated actuarial gain or loss during the year.

The main financial assumptions are shown in the following table: 

 Price inflation 

 Salary increases 

 Pension increases 

 Discount rate for scheme liabilities 

 Expected overall rate of return on assets  

2009 

% %

 3.1  

 3.0  

 3.0  

 5.4  

 7.0  

2008 

3.7

4.2

3.7

7.0

7.5

The discount rate for scheme liabilities reflects yields at the balance sheet date on high quality corporate bonds. The assumption for 
salary growth has been adjusted to take account of the limit on expected future pay increases counting towards pension that applies 
from 1st October, 2009. All assumptions were selected after taking actuarial advice. 

Mortality assumptions take account of scheme experience, and also allow for further improvements in life expectancy based on 
‘medium cohort’ projections but with a minimum rate of reduction in mortality rates in future of 1% per annum. Allowance is made 
for the extent to which employees have chosen to commute part of their pension for cash at retirement and for the proportion of 
members with dependants at retirement eligible for a pension. 

The table below illustrates examples of the assumed average life expectancies from age 60 for the principal schemes:

2009 
Future life  
expectancy 
from age 
60 (years) 

2008   

Future life 
expectancy   
from age   
60 (years)

 For a current 60-year old male member of the scheme   

 For a current 60-year old female member of the scheme 

 For a current 50-year old male member of the scheme   

 For a current 50-year old female member of the scheme 

 25.6  

 28.2  

 26.7  

 29.2  

The amounts charged to the Income Statement based on the above assumptions are shown in the following table:

 Service cost 

 Service cost in respect of salary sacrifice  

 Interest cost 

 Expected return on assets  

 Past service cost 

 Settlement/curtailment 

Net (credit)/charge to Income Statement   

2009 
£m 

 24.7  

 5.4  

 111.4  

(116.2) 

 1.0  

(27.4) 

(1.1) 

25.5

28.0

26.6

29.1

2008   
£m

 39.2 

 – 

 104.1 

(131.1)

 0.6 

 – 

 12.8 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

132

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

32 Retirement benefits – Continued
Pension costs and the size of any pension surplus or deficit are sensitive to the assumptions adopted. The table below indicates  
the effect from changes in the principal assumptions used above:  

Mortality 

 Change in pension obligation at 4th October, 2009 from a 1 year change in life expectancy 

 Change in 2009 pension cost from a 1 year change 

 Salary Increases  

 Change in pension obligation at 4th October, 2009 from a 0.25% change 

 Change in 2009 pension cost from a 0.25% change 

Discount Rate 

 Change in pension obligation at 4th October, 2009 from a 0.10% change  

 Change in 2009 pension cost from a 0.10% change 

2009   
£m

 59.6 

 4.0 

 1.9 

 0.1 

 35.0 

 0.8 

+/- 

+/- 

+/- 

+/- 

+/- 

+/- 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of recognised income and expense (SORIE) are shown in the following table:

 Actuarial loss recognised in SORIE 

 Impact of asset ceiling on AVC Plan 

 Total loss recognised in SORIE 

 Cumulative actuarial gain recognised in SORIE at beginning of year 

 Cumulative actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in SORIE at end of year 

A history of experience gains and losses is shown in the following table:

 Present value of defined benefit obligation 

 Fair value of scheme assets 

 Impact of asset ceiling in AVC Plan (from 2006) 

 Combined deficit in schemes  

 Experience adjustments on defined benefit obligation 

 Experience adjustments on fair value of scheme assets   

2009 
£m 

(1,901.8) 

1,471.4  

 –  

(430.4) 

(256.6) 

(167.9) 

2008 
£m 

(1,621.0) 

 1,582.7  

(2.9) 

(41.2) 

 233.2  

(351.0) 

2007 
£m 

(1,830.1) 

 1,682.4  

(3.6) 

(151.3) 

(43.0) 

 77.6  

2009 
£m 

(424.5) 

 –  

(424.5) 

146.4  

(278.1) 

2006 
£m 

(1,654.1) 

 1,443.2  

 –  

(210.9) 

(12.9) 

 156.2  

2008   
£m

(117.8)

7.3 

(110.5)

 256.9 

 146.4 

2005   
£m

(1,423.1)

 1,197.3 

 – 

(225.8)

 20.2 

 40.8 

The Group expects to contribute approximately £35.4 million to the schemes during the 2010 financial year. 

Included in scheme assets in 2007 is an advance payment into the Group’s pension schemes amounting to £25.1 million in respect of 
2008 contributions. The Company has been making regular monthly contribution payments since October 2008. 

U.K. defined contribution plans
The Group has introduced a number of PensionSaver group personal pension plans that have replaced the trust-based defined 
contribution pension plans previously offered to employees. These plans create a consistent pensions savings vehicle across all 
Group divisions.

The aggregate value of the group personal pension plans and the remaining trust-based defined contribution pension plans was 
£29.6 million (2008 £24.5 million) at the year end. The pension cost attributable to these plans during the year amounted to £4.2 
million (2008 £4.4 million).

Overseas pension plans
Overseas subsidiaries of certain Group divisions operate defined contribution retirement benefit plans, primarily in North America 
and Australia. The pension cost attributable to these plans during the year amounts to £5.2 million (2008 £3.3 million). 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

32 Retirement benefits – Continued
Pension arrangements for executives 
The Group operates a contributory defined benefit scheme for senior executives (including some executive Directors), details of 
which are included in the above disclosures. However, at the year end no executive Directors were accruing further pension 
following the decision by two executive Directors to opt out of this scheme during the year.  

Stakeholder pension 
DMGT provides access to a stakeholder pension plan for relevant employees who are not eligible for the other pension schemes 
operated by the Group. 

33 Provisions

Current liabilities   

 At 28th September, 2008 

 Charged during year 

 Utilised during year 

Transfer  

 Transfer from non-current liabilities 

 Transfer to loan notes 

 Contingent consideration paid  

 Notional interest on contingent consideration 

15 

16 

10 

 Adjustment to goodwill/contingent consideration  18 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 4th October, 2009 

Non-current liabilities 

 At 28th September, 2008 

Additions 

 Charged during year 

Transfer  

 Transfer to current liabilities 

 Contingent consideration paid  

 Notional interest on contingent consideration 

16 

16 

10 

 Adjustment to goodwill/contingent consideration  18 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 4th October, 2009 

Coupon 
discount 
£m 

Onerous  
leases 
£m 

Note 

Reorgan- 
isation  

Contingent 
costs  consideration 
£m 

£m 

0.5  

 7.1  

(5.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

1.8  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 1.8  

 7.7  

(0.1) 

(1.2) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(0.1) 

 8.1  

2.4  

 –  

 6.1  

(1.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(0.1) 

 6.6  

 –  

 7.2  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 7.2  

 –  

 –  

 7.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

12.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 10.0  

(1.3) 

(13.7) 

 0.6  

(1.6) 

 0.2  

6.3  

25.5  

 6.0  

 –  

 –  

(10.0) 

(1.4) 

 1.1  

(7.0) 

 3.0  

Legal 
£m 

6.0  

 2.3  

(4.0) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 4.3  

1.6  

 –  

(0.6) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

Other 
(i) 
£m 

Total   
£m

7.0  

 4.9  

(4.3) 

 1.2  

 1.6  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.6  

11.0  

2.1  

 –  

(0.3) 

 1.8  

(1.6) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 0.1  

2.1  

 27.4 

 29.2 

(14.2)

 – 

 11.6 

(1.3)

(13.7)

 0.6 

(1.6)

 0.7 

38.7 

31.6 

 6.0 

 12.7 

 – 

(11.6)

(1.4)

 1.1 

(7.0)

 3.0 

 34.4 

 7.5  

 17.2  

 1.0  

(i)  Other current provisions principally comprise annual leave provisions of £2.9 million (2008 £2.2 million), dilapidation provisions 
of £0.1 million (2008 £0.1 million), contract discount provisions of £2.8 million (2008 £2.2 million) and agency rebates of £3.0 
million (2008 £1.3 million). 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

134

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

33 Provisions – Continued
Other non-current provisions principally comprise long-term leave provisions of £0.4 million (2008 £0.4 million) and dilapidation 
provisions of £1.7 million (2008 £1.7 million).

The Group’s coupon discount and redundancy and reorganisation provisions are all expected to be utilised within the next  
12 months. The lease provisions are dependent on the terms of the lease whilst the timing of cash flows for legal disputes  
have been split using Directors’ best estimates.

The uncertainties surrounding and the nature of the Group’s contingent consideration provisions are disclosed in critical accounting 
judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (note 2). The maturity profile of the Group’s contingent consideration 
provision is as follows: 

2009 
£m 

 6.3  

 6.1  

 11.1  

 23.5  

2008   
£m

 12.1 

 11.8 

 13.7 

 37.6 

  Accelerated 
capital 
  allowances 
£m 

Note 

Goodwill   Revaluation 
and roll 
over gains 
£m 

and 
intangibles 
£m 

U.K. 
capital 
losses 
£m 

Trading 
losses and 
tax credits 
£m 

Pension 
scheme 
deficit 
£m 

Other 
£m 

Total   
£m

34.8  

101.0  

8.3  

(8.3) 

(20.5) 

22.5 

(2.2) 

135.6 

 –  

34.8  

12.1  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

46.9  

49.7  

(2.8) 

(4.3) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

42.6  

 –  

42.6  

42.6  

(0.6) 

100.4  

(37.2) 

 –  

12.5  

0.1  

5.8  

81.6  

54.5  

27.1  

(34.6) 

 –  

2.2  

1.6  

 3.5  

54.3  

23.1  

31.2  

54.3  

 –  

8.3  

(2.7) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

5.6  

5.6  

 –  

 3.1  

 0.5  

 –  

 –  

 –  

9.2  

 –  

 9.2  

9.2  

 –  

(8.3) 

3.4  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(4.9) 

(4.9) 

 –  

 –  

(0.5) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(1.3) 

(21.8) 

(20.8) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(2.3) 

(44.9) 

(1.5) 

(43.4) 

(32.4) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(2.0) 

 –  

22.5  

(3.1) 

(30.9) 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(11.5) 

(11.5) 

 –  

 9.9  

(6.1) 

(8.3) 

(9.4) 

(9.1) 

 –  

 –  

(3.1) 

(29.9) 

(17.9) 

(12.0) 

(10.4) 

(8.0)

127.6 

(57.7)

(40.0)

 12.5 

0.1 

0.4 

42.9 

74.0 

(31.1)

(68.7)

(118.9) 

(1.7) 

(120.6)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

0.7  

2.2 

 1.6 

2.2 

(5.4) 

(79.3) 

(120.5) 

(41.3) 

(140.4)

 –  

(5.4) 

(5.4) 

–  

(79.3) 

(79.3) 

 –  

1.1  

24.2 

(120.5) 

(120.5) 

(42.4) 

(164.6)

(41.3) 

(140.4)

 Expiring in one year or less 

 Expiring between one and two years 

 Expiring between two and five years 

34 Deferred taxation

 Disclosed within non-current  
liabilities 

 Disclosed within non-current  
assets 

 At 30th September, 2007 

(Credit)/charge to income 

(Credit)/charge to equity 

 Owned by subsidiaries acquired 

 Owned by subsidiaries sold 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 28th September, 2008 

 Disclosed within non-current liabilities 

 Disclosed within non-current assets 

(Credit)/charge to income  

Credit to equity  

 Owned by subsidiaries acquired  

 Owned by subsidiaries sold  

 11 

36 

 16 

17 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At 4th October, 2009 

 Disclosed within non-current liabilities   

 Disclosed within non-current assets 

 At 4th October, 2009 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

34 Deferred taxation – Continued
The deferred tax assets disclosed in the balance sheet in respect of tax losses and tax credits are analysed as follows:

U.K. 

 North America 

Australia 

2009 
£m 

18.3  

59.1  

1.9  

79.3  

2008   
£m

1.6 

41.8 

1.5 

44.9 

(i)  These losses have been recognised on the basis that the Directors are of the opinion based on recent and forecast trading, that 

sufficient suitable taxable profits will be generated in the relevant territories in future accounting periods, such that it is 
considered probable that these assets will be recovered. Of these assets, £45.9 million will expire between 2017 and 2029. The 
remaining assets have no expiry date.

(ii)  There is an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £68.0 million (2008 £24.0 million) which relates to trading losses where there is 
insufficient certainty that these losses will be utilised in the foreseeable future. Of these assets £17.6 million will expire in 2029. 
The remaining assets have no expiry date. There is an additional unprovided deferred tax asset relating to capital losses carried 
forward of £23.6 million (2008 £29.4 million). 

(iii) No deferred tax liability is recognised on temporary differences of £52.9 million (2008 621.8 million) relating to the unremitted 

earnings of overseas subsidiaries as the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it 
is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The temporary differences at 4th October, 2009 are significantly 
reduced from the previous year as a result of a change to U.K. tax legislation which largely exempts from U.K. tax, overseas 
dividends received on or after 1st July, 2009. The temporary differences at 4th October, 2009 represent only the unremitted 
earnings of those overseas subsidiaries where remittance to the U.K. of those earnings may still result in a tax liability, 
principally as a result of dividend withholding taxes levied by the overseas tax jurisdictions in which those subsidiaries operate.

35 Called Up Share Capital

 Ordinary shares of 12.5 pence each 

 ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares of 12.5 pence each 

Authorised 
2009 
£m 

2.5  

48.5  

51.0  

Authorised 
2008 
£m 

  Allotted, issued  Allotted, issued 
and fully paid 
2008 
£m

and fully paid 
2009 
£m 

2.5  

48.5  

51.0  

2.5  

46.6  

49.1  

2.5 

46.6 

49.1 

Allotted, issued  Allotted, issued 
and fully paid 
2008 
Number of shares  Number of shares Number of shares  Number of shares

and fully paid 
2009 

2009 

2008 

 Ordinary shares 

 ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares  

20,000,000 

20,000,000 

19,886,472 

19,886,472

  388,000,000  388,000,000  372,696,648 

372,696,648

408,000,000  408,000,000  392,583,120 

392,583,120

The two classes of shares are equal in all respects, except that the ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares do not have voting rights  
and hence their holders are not entitled to vote at general meetings of the Company.

During the year the Company disposed of 10,184,237 ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares, in order to satisfy incentive schemes.  
This represented 2.73% of the called up ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting share capital at 4th October, 2009.

The Company also purchased 1,626,058 ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares having a nominal value of £203,257 to match obligations 
under incentive plans. The consideration paid for these shares was £5.6 million. Shares repurchased during the period represented 
0.44% of the called up ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting share capital at 4th October, 2009.

At 4th October, 2009 options were outstanding under the terms of the Company’s 1997 and 2006 Executive Share Option Schemes 
over a total of 6,380,067 (2008 6,978,245) ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

136

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

36 Reserves

Share premium account

At beginning and end of year 

Capital redemption reserve 

 At beginning of year 

 On cancellation of ‘A’ Ordinary shares 

 At end of year 

Revaluation reserve 

 At beginning of year 

Note 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

12.4  

 12.4 

 1.1  

 –  

 1.1  

39.5  

(36.8) 

 1.4  

4.1  

 0.8 

 0.3 

1.1

 46.0 

(6.5)

 – 

39.5 

 Transfer to retained earnings realised gain on GCap Media plc shares   

 Fair value movement in available-for-sale assets 

(i) 

22 

 At end of year 

(i)  The revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of the Group’s available-for-sale investments. It also includes £3.7 million 
(2008 £3.7 million) in relation to historic property valuations originally recorded under U.K. GAAP. These properties are no 
longer held at fair value but the historic revaluation amount will remain in the revaluation reserve until the properties are sold.

During the year, £36.8 million has been transferred from the revaluation reserve to retained earnings. Of this amount £15.9 
million relates to properties sold in previous years for which the historic revaluation amount had not been transferred to 
retained earnings on disposal. Accordingly, a transfer from revaluation reserves has been made in the current year. The balance 
£20.9 million, which together with £6.5 million transferred to retained earnings in the prior year, arose prior to transition to IFRS 
on the disposal of the Group’s U.K. Radio assets to GWR Group plc (GWR), and should also have been so transferred to retained 
earnings in the prior period on disposal of the Group’s interest in GCap Media plc (GCap). This investment was held as an 
available-for-sale investment on formation of GCap when the Group’s investment in its associate GWR was acquired by Capital 
Radio plc at deemed cost, the previous carrying value of GWR, in accordance with paragraph 19 of IAS 28. Since that time, the 
Group applied available-for-sale accounting in accordance with IAS 39. On disposal of the Group’s investment, there was no gain 
on the available-for-sale investment to be recycled and all impairment losses had already been recorded through the Income 
Statement. Accordingly, a reserves transfer for the remaining historic U.K. GAAP gain of £36.8 million has been made in the 
current period from revaluation reserve to retained earnings.

 Shares held in treasury

 At beginning of year 

 Purchase of own shares 

 Own shares released on vesting of share options 

 Own shares cancelled 

 At end of year 

2009 
£m 

(93.5) 

(5.6) 

 52.3  

 –  

(46.8) 

2008   
£m

(44.4)

(88.3)

 21.0 

 18.2 

(93.5)

The Group’s investment in its own shares is classified within shareholders’ funds as shares held in treasury. At 4th October, 2009, 
this investment comprised the cost of 9,657,228 ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares (2008 18,215,407 shares). The market value of these 
shares at 4th October, 2009 was £42.4 million (2008 £59.1 million).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
137

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

36 Reserves – Continued

 Translation reserve 

 At beginning of year 

 Exchange differences on translation of overseas operations 

 Translation reserves recycled to Income Statement on disposals 

 Transfer of loss/(gain) on cash flow hedges to Income Statement 

 Losses on cash flow hedges 

 Change in value of net investment hedges 

 Transfer minority share of items reported directly in equity 

 At end of year 

2009 
£m 

 22.2  

 39.8  

 0.9  

 3.5  

(4.5) 

(41.9) 

(10.2) 

9.8  

2008 
£m

 27.0 

58.8 

(0.1)

(2.9)

(17.5)

(45.3)

 2.2 

22.2 

The translation reserve arises on the translation into Sterling of the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations, offset by changes 
in fair value of financial instruments used to hedge this exposure.   

Retained earnings 

At beginning of year 

Net profit for the year 

Dividends paid 

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes 

Credit to equity for share-based payments 

Settlement of exercised share options of subsidiary 

Initial recording of put options granted to minority interests in subsidiaries 

Transfer from revaluation reserves realised gain on GCap Media plc  

Exercise of acquisition put option commitments 

Cancellation of shares held in treasury 

Transfer minority share of items reported directly in equity 

Revaluation of previously held interest in associate on acquisition of control 

Adjustment to equity following increased stake in controlled entity 

Current tax on items recognised in equity  

Deferred tax on actuarial movement 

Deferred tax on other items recognised directly in equity 

Share of items recognised in SORIE by the Group’s associates 

At end of year 

At end of year – Total Reserves 

Note 

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

12 

32 

39 

(i) 

37 

18 

34 

34 

7 

 479.1  

(303.4) 

(55.3) 

(424.5) 

12.4  

(43.2) 

 –  

 36.8  

 27.1  

 –  

(8.1) 

 –  

(3.1) 

 –  

 118.9  

 1.7  

(2.4) 

(164.0) 

(183.4) 

601.7 

 – 

(56.3)

(110.4)

 16.6 

(20.2)

(0.5)

 6.5 

 7.0 

(18.2)

(8.7)

27.0 

(6.4)

1.0 

 30.9 

 9.1 

 – 

479.1 

460.8 

(i)  £nil (2008 £0.5 million) representing the fair value of written put options granted to minority shareholders in the year has been 
recorded as a reduction in equity on initial recognition, as the arrangement represents a transaction with equity holders. 
Changes in fair value after initial recognition are recorded in the Income Statement. 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

138

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

37 Minority interests   

 At beginning of year 

 Share of profit 

 Dividends paid 

 Shares issued 

 Minority interests arising from business combinations 

 Share of items reported directly in equity  

 Other transactions with minorities 

 Exchange adjustment 

 At end of year 

38 Commitments and contingent liabilities
Commitments

 Property, plant and equipment 

 Contracted but not provided in the financial statements   

2009 
£m 

38.7  

(2.0) 

(9.3) 

 0.2  

 –  

 18.3  

 1.4  

(0.5) 

 46.8  

2008   
£m

27.6 

16.8 

(10.3)

0.2 

0.2 

6.5 

(2.5)

0.2 

38.7

2009 
£m 

2008   
£m

 0.2  

0.7 

At 4th October, 2009 the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating 
leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year 

 Between one and two years 

 Between two and five years 

 After five years 

2009 
Properties 
£m 

2009 
Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

2008 
Properties 
£m 

33.1  

 22.9  

 58.4  

64.2  

 178.6  

 4.6  

 3.4  

 3.1  

 –  

 11.1  

31.2  

25.2  

62.3  

 82.6  

201.3  

2008   
Plant and   
equipment   

£m

2.9 

3.4 

3.3 

 – 

9.6 

The Group’s most significant leasing arrangements relate to rented properties. The Group negotiates lease contracts according to 
the Group’s needs with a view to balancing stability and security of tenure and lease terms with the risk of entering into excessively 
long or onerous arrangements. Of the Group’s rented properties, the most significant commitment relates to the head office 
premises at 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT. This lease expires on 25th December, 2022.

The Group entered into arrangements with its ink suppliers to obtain ink for the period to September 2015 at competitive prices and 
to secure supply. At the year end, the commitment to purchase ink over this period was £130.5 million (2008 £148.6 million). 

The Group has entered into agreements with certain printers for periods up to 2022 at competitive prices and to secure supply. At 
the year end, the commitment to purchase printing capacity over this period was £141.9 million (2008 £65.1 million).

Contingent liabilities
As set out in note 31 the Group has issued stand by letters of credit in favour of the Trustees of the Group’s defined benefit pension 
fund amounting to £37.8 million (2008 £64.3 million).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
139

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

38 Commitments and contingent liabilities – Continued
The Group is exposed to libel claims in the ordinary course of business and vigorously defends against claims received. The Group 
makes provision for the estimated costs to defend such claims when incurred and provides for any settlement costs when such an 
outcome is judged probable.

Four writs claiming damages for libel have been issued in Malaysia against Euromoney Institutional Investor and three of its 
employees in respect of an article published in one of Euromoney’s magazines, International Commercial Litigation, in November 
1995. The writs were served on Euromoney on 22nd October, 1996. Two of these writs have been discontinued. The total outstanding 
amount claimed on the two remaining writs is 82.0 million Malaysian ringgits (£15.1 million). No provision has been made in these 
accounts since the Directors do not believe that Euromoney has any material liability in respect of these writs.

39 Share-based payments
The Group offers a number of share-based remuneration schemes to Directors and certain employees within the RMS, Business 
information and Euromoney divisions in addition to those at DMGT plc. Share options are typically exercisable after three years, 
subject in some cases to the satisfaction of performance conditions, and up to 10 years from the date of grant at a price equivalent  
to the market value of the respective shares at the date of grant at a price equivalent to the market value of the respective shares at 
the date of grant. Details of the performance conditions relating to the DMGT plc schemes are explained in the Remuneration Report 
on pages 47 to 64.

For equity-settled share-based payment transactions, IFRS 2, Share-based payments, applies to grants of shares, share options  
or other equity instruments made after 7th November, 2002 that had not vested by 1st January, 2005.

The charge to the Income Statement arising from the most significant schemes is as follows:

Division 

DMGT 

RMS 

Euromoney  

 S

cheme  

 Executive Share Option Scheme 

Executive Bonuses 

 Long-Term Incentive Plan 

Capital Appreciation Plan 

Others – principally Business information 

2009 
£m 

0.3  

2.4 

0.9  

6.9  

3.1  

1.3  

2008 
£m

1.6 

3.5 

1.2 

4.7 

4.7 

1.3 

14.9  

 17.0 

The fair value of share options for each of these schemes was determined using a Black-Scholes model. Full details of inputs to the 
models, particular to each scheme, are set out below. With respect to all schemes, the share price volatility has been estimated, 
based upon relevant historic data in respect of the DMGT ‘A’ Ordinary share prices.

The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability.

The Group did not re-price any of its outstanding options during the year.

Further details of the Group’s schemes are set out below:

DMGT 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme
Details of the terms and conditions relating to this scheme are set out in the remuneration report on page 58.

Outstanding at 28th September, 2008 

Forfeited during the year 

Expired during the year 

Outstanding at 4th October, 2009 

Exercisable at 4th October, 2009 

Exercisable at 28th September, 2008 

2009  
Number of 
share options 

2,316,245 

(138,500) 

(4,938) 

2,172,807 

 –  

 –  

2009 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£ 

6.43 

6.38 

6.08 

6.43 

 –  

 –  

2008  
Number of 
share options 

2,490,354 

(124,854) 

(49,255) 

2,316,245 

 –  

 –  

2008 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£

6.44

6.87

6.09

6.43

 – 

 – 

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

140

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

39 Share-based payments – Continued
No share options were granted or exercised during the year.

The options outstanding at 4th October, 2009 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.8 years (2008 6.3 years). 

Options under the DMGT 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model for options, granted since 7th November, 2002, are as follows:

Date of grant 

 Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

 Option price (£) 

 Number of share options outstanding 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (£) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (£) 

  16th December, 
2002 

2nd January, 
2003 

8th December, 
 2003 

6th June,  
2004 

6th December, 
2004

 5.73  

 5.73  

594,795  

10.00  

6.50  

5.73  

 5.00  

 1.61  

 20.00  

1.35  

 5.82  

 5.82  

52,000  

10.00  

6.50  

5.82  

 5.00  

 1.58  

 20.00  

 1.37  

6.08  

6.08  

667,304  

10.00  

6.50  

6.08  

 4.80  

 1.65  

 20.00  

1.43  

6.84  

6.84  

5,000  

10.00  

6.50  

6.84  

 4.60  

 1.51  

 20.00  

1.61  

7.24 

7.24 

853,708 

10.00 

6.50 

7.24 

 4.50 

 1.52 

 20.00 

1.70 

DMGT 2006 Executive Share Option Scheme 
Details of the terms and conditions relating to this scheme are set out in the remuneration report on page 58.

 Outstanding at 28th September, 2008 

 Granted during the year 

 Forfeited during the year 

 Expired during the year 

 Outstanding at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 28th September, 2008 

2009  
Number of 
share options 

2009 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£ 

2,953,500 

610,000 

(163,500) 

(468,046) 

2,931,954 

 551,000  

 –  

6.33 

2.51 

6.39 

6.97 

6.33 

 –  

 –  

2008  
Number of 
share options 

 £

2,176,500 

824,000 

(47,000) 

 –  

2,953,500 

 –  

 –  

2008 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

 6.89 

 4.85 

 6.67 

 – 

 6.33 

 – 

 – 

No share options were exercised during the year. Options were forfeited by leavers.

The options outstanding at 4th October, 2009 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7.8 years (2008 8.2 years). 

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £0.3 million (2008 £0.8 million). 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
141

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

31st March, 
2006 

 6.98  

 6.98  

458,000  

 10.00  

 7.00  

 6.98  

 4.50  

 1.72  

 20.00  

 1.53  

5th July,   27th November,   17th December,   

2006 

 6.11  

 6.11  

93,000  

 10.00  

 7.00  

 6.11  

 4.80  

 2.01  

 20.00  

 1.44  

2006 

 6.88  

 6.88  

2007 

 5.05 

 5.05 

991,000  

652,954 

 10.00  

 10.00 

 7.00  

 6.88  

 4.30  

 1.90  

 20.00  

 1.51  

 7.00 

 5.05 

 4.30 

 2.84 

 20.00 

 1.18 

27th May, 
2008 

9th June,   24th November,  
2008 

2008 

 3.82  

 3.82  

 2.50  

 2.50  

26th January,   

2009 

 2.53 

 2.53 

 4.02  

 4.02  

35,000  

 10.00  

 7.00  

 4.02  

 4.30  

 3.66  

 20.00  

 0.92  

100,000  

308,000  

294,000 

 10.00  

 10.00  

 10.00 

 7.00  

 3.82  

 4.30  

 3.85  

 30.00  

 0.85  

 7.00  

 2.50  

 3.00  

 5.89  

 40.00  

 0.56  

 7.00 

 2.53 

 3.00 

 5.81 

 40.00 

 0.56 

39 Share-based payments – Continued
DMGT 2006 Executive Share Option Scheme Continued
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:

Date of grant 

 Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

 Option price (£) 

 Number of share options outstanding 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (£) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (£) 

Date of grant 

Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

Option price (£) 

Number of share options outstanding 

Term of option (years) 

Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

Exercise price (£) 

Risk-free rate (%) 

Expected dividend yield (%) 

Volatility (%) 

Fair value per option (£) 

DMGT Long-Term Incentive Plan 
Details of the terms and conditions relating to this scheme are set out in the remuneration report on page 50.

 Outstanding at 28th September, 2008 

 Granted during the year 

 Exercised during the year   

 Expired during the year 

 Outstanding at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 28th September, 2008 

2009  
Number of 
awards 

1,260,287 

 –  

(29,886) 

(29,885) 

1,200,516 

 –  

 –  

2009 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£ 

5.82 

 –  

7.04 

7.04 

5.82 

 –  

 –  

2008  
Number of 
awards 

 £

695,626 

565,425 

 –  

(764) 

1,260,287 

 –  

 –  

2008   
Weighted   
average   
exercise price   

7.09

4.27

 – 

7.17

5.82

 – 

 – 

No share awards were granted or forfeited during the year.

The awards outstanding at 4th October, 2009 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.6 years (2008 2.2 years).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the awards made during the year is £nil (2008 £2.3 million).

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

142

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

39 Share-based payments – Continued
Options under the DMGT Long-Term Incentive Scheme
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:

Date of grant 

 Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

 Option price (£) 

1st January,  
2003 

1st January,  
2004 

1st January,  
2005 

1st January,  
2006 

5.94  

5.94  

7.04  

7.04  

7.53  

7.53  

7.88  

7.88  

1st January,  

2007

7.17 

7.17 

 Number of share options outstanding 

111,557  

161,972  

95,650  

111,261  

154,651 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (£) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (£) 

5.00  

 –  

 Nil  

5.00  

1.55  

20.00  

4.51  

5.00  

 –  

 Nil  

4.80  

1.42  

20.00  

5.35  

5.00  

 –  

 Nil  

4.50  

1.46  

20.00  

5.72  

5.00  

 –  

 Nil  

4.50  

1.52  

20.00  

5.99  

5.00 

 – 

 Nil 

4.30 

1.82 

20.00 

5.45

Date of grant 

 Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

 Option price (£) 

19th March,  
2008 

19th March,  
2008 

19th March,  
2008 

19th March,  
2008 

4.27  

4.27  

4.27  

4.27  

4.27  

4.27  

4.27  

4.27  

19th March,  

2008

4.27 

4.27 

 Number of share options outstanding 

129,265  

64,632  

64,632  

64,632  

64,632 

2.70  

 –  

 Nil  

4.30  

3.36  

20.00  

3.95  

3.00  

 –  

 Nil  

4.30  

3.36  

20.00  

3.95  

4.00  

 –  

 Nil  

4.30  

3.36  

20.00  

3.95  

5.00  

 –  

 Nil  

4.30  

3.36  

20.00  

3.95  

6.00 

 – 

 Nil 

4.30 

3.36 

20.00 

3.95 

19th March,  

2008

4.27 

4.27 

177,632 

6.00 

 – 

 Nil 

4.30 

3.36 

20.00 

3.95 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (£) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (£) 

Date of grant 

 Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

 Option price (£) 

 Number of share options outstanding 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (£) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (£) 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

39 Share-based payments – Continued
RMS options plan
RMS options were granted at market value. The options become exercisable after a four year vesting period and lapse after  
10 years from grant date. Previously, the stock issued under the plan was subject to a nine month holding period, which has been 
subsequently removed during 2007. The stock issued under the plan is subject to put or call options where DMGT has the right  
to settle in DMGT ‘A’ Ordinary shares or cash. The options plan classification changed from a cash settled plan in June 2005  
to an equity settled plan following this change of settlement feature of stock issued under the plan.

 Outstanding at 28th September, 2008 

 Granted during the year 

 Forfeited during the year 

 Exercised during the year   

 Outstanding at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 28th September, 2008 

2009 
Number of 
share options 

2009 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
$ 

2008  
Number of 
share options 

 $

2008   
Weighted   
average   
exercise price   

2,796,530 

1,256,992 

(288,633) 

(761,492) 

3,003,397 

1,015,951 

888,803 

36.64 

47.74 

43.64 

30.96 

42.12 

35.64 

28.60 

2,176,759 

1,123,515 

(95,994) 

(407,750) 

2,796,530 

1,224,342 

609,803 

29.99

45.65

39.15

25.72

36.64

32.11

23.06

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was $47.81 (2008 $45.43). 

The options outstanding at 4th October, 2009 had a weighted average exercise price of $42.12 (2008 $36.64) and a weighted  
average remaining contractual life of 5.10 years (2008 8.01 years).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is $10.7 million (2008 $11.8 million). 

The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:   

Date of grant 

During 2001 

During 2002 

During 2003 

During 2004 

During 2005

Market value of shares at date of grant (US$) 

 Option price (US$) 

 Number of share options outstanding 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (US$) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (US$)  

5.26 

5.26 

7,646 

 –  

6-9 

5.26 

4.00 

2.00 

35.00 

22.22 

4.81 

4.81 

3,283 

0.67 

6-9 

4.81 

4.00 

2.00 

35.00 

22.43 

5.56 

5.56 

9.13 

9.13 

37,894 

46,822 

1.67 

6-9 

5.56 

4.00 

2.00 

35.00 

21.38 

2.67 

6-9 

9.13 

4.00 

2.00 

35.00 

17.91 

16.61

16.61

87,783

3.67

6-9

16.61

4.00

2.00

35.00

12.53

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

144

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

39 Share-based payments – Continued
RMS options plan – Continued

Date of grant 

Market value of shares at date of grant (US$) 

 Option price (US$) 

 Number of share options outstanding 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (US$) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Expected dividend yield (%) 

 Volatility (%) 

 Fair value per option (US$)  

During 2006 

During 2007 

During 2008 

During 2009

29.78 

29.78 

36.39 

36.39 

45.43 

45.43 

47.81

47.81

728,958 

800,629 

979,515 

1,117,023

4.27 

6-9 

29.78 

4.00 

2.00 

35.00 

8.57 

3.80 

6-9 

36.39 

4.70 

2.00 

35.00 

10.29 

3.80 

6-9 

45.43 

4.10 

2.00 

29.00 

10.69 

3.80

6-9

47.81

2.20

2.50

29.32

9.59

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of comparable companies.

The Euromoney Capital Appreciation Plan (CAP)
The CAP executive share option scheme was approved by shareholders on 1st February, 2005. Each of the CAP awards comprises 
an option to subscribe for ordinary shares of 0.25p each in the Company for an exercise price of 0.25p per ordinary share.  
The awards become exercisable on satisfaction of certain performance conditions and lapse to the extent unexercised on  
30th September, 2014. The initial performance condition was achieved in the financial year 2007 and the option pool (a maximum  
of 7.5 million shares) was allocated between the holders of outstanding awards. One third of the awards vested immediately.  
The primary performance target was achieved again in 2008 and, after applying the additional performance condition, 2,241,269 
options from the second tranche of options vested in February 2009. The primary performance target was also achieved this year 
and 1,521,498 options for the third (final) tranche of options in 2009 will vest in February 2010, the maximum number of options 
potentially vesting adjusted for the businesses not achieving the additional performance criteria. For those individual participants 
businesses where the additional performance conditions for the second and final tranche have not been met, the vesting is deferred 
until the profits are at least 75% of that achieved in 2007 but no later than by reference to the year ending 30th September, 2012.

The CAP options were valued using a fair value model that adjusted the share price at the date of the grant for the net present  
value of expected future dividend streams up to the date of the expected exercise.

 Outstanding at 28th September, 2008 

 Granted during the year 

 Exercised during the year   

 Outstanding at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 4th October, 2009 

 Exercisable at 28th September, 2008 

2009 
Number of 
share options 

2009 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£ 

2008  
Number of 
share options 

 £

2008   
Weighted   
average   
exercise price   

2,690,780 

1,262,767 

0.0025 

0.0025 

2,500,000 

2,500,000 

(2,198,610) 

 1.86  

(2,309,220) 

1,754,937 

1,754,937 

2,690,780 

0.0025 

0.0025 

0.0025 

2,690,780 

1,754,937 

2,690,780 

0.0025

0.0025

3.85

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £1.86 (2008 £3.85). 

The options outstanding at 4th October, 2009 had a weighted average exercise price of £0.0025 (2008 £0.0025) and a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of 5.0 years (2008 6.0 years).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £3,157 (2008 £6,250).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
145

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

39 Share-based payments – Continued
The Euromoney Capital Appreciation Plan
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:   

Date of grant 

 Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 

 Option price (p) 

 Number of share options outstanding 

 Term of option (years) 

 Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 

 Exercise price (p) 

 Risk-free rate (%) 

 Dividend growth (%) 

 Fair value per option (£) 

Tranche 1 

Tranche 2 

Tranche 3   

  20th June, 2005  20th June, 2005  20th June, 2005

4.01 

0.25 

75,001 

10.00 

3.28 

0.25 

5.00 

8.44 

3.28 

4.01 

0.25 

4.01

0.25

158,438 

1,521,498

10.00 

10.00

4.53 

0.25 

5.00 

8.44 

3.02 

5.53

0.25

5.00

8.44

2.82

Other divisional management incentive schemes
The Group operated a long-term incentive scheme for senior employees of the Group’s national media division based on cumulative 
profit targets for the three years to 30th September, 2007. At the end of each of the three years, participants in the scheme were 
invited to pledge their annual bonus either as cash or by taking DMGT ‘A’ Ordinary shares, both of which must be committed to the 
scheme until the end of its three year life. The initial scheme vested at 30th September, 2007 and so a matching award was made to 
each participant.

Matching awards of 56,368 shares were made on 27th November, 2007 when the share price was £5.43.

No shares were forfeited or lapsed during the year.

The Group operates a long-term incentive plan for senior employees of the Group’s local media division based on profit and revenue 
targets. Participants in the scheme have the choice of being rewarded with a cash bonus or by taking DMGT ‘A’ Ordinary shares. 
Where a participant chooses to take shares it is a condition of the scheme that the shares must be held for a minimum of two years. 
No shares were awarded, forfeited or lapsed during the year.

40 Ultimate holding company  
The Company’s ultimate holding company and immediate parent company is Rothermere Continuation Limited, a company 
incorporated in Bermuda.

41 Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are 
not disclosed in this note. The transactions between the Group and its joint ventures and associates are disclosed below.

The following transactions and arrangements are those which are considered to have had a material effect on the financial 
performance and position of the Group for the period.

Ultimate Controlling Party
The Company’s ultimate controlling party is the Viscount Rothermere, the Company’s Chairman. Transactions relating to the 
remuneration and shareholdings of the Viscount Rothermere are given in the Remuneration Report.

Transactions with Directors
There were no material transactions with Directors of the Company during the year, except for those relating to remuneration  
and shareholdings, disclosed in the Remuneration Report.

For the purposes of IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, executives below the level of the Company’s Board are not regarded  
as related parties.

The remuneration of the Directors at the year end, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below  
in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24. Further information about the individual Directors’ remuneration  
is provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 47 to 64.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet 

146

Notes to the consolidated  
balance sheet
Continued

41 Related party transactions – Continued

 Short-term employee benefits 

 Other long-term benefits 

 Share-based payments 

2009 
£m 

6.1 

5.2 

0.3 

11.6 

2008   
£m

6.1 

5.1 

1.8 

13.0 

There were no retirement benefits or termination charges in 2009 or 2008.

Transactions with joint ventures and associates
Details of the Group’s principal joint ventures and associates are set out in note 21.

Associated Newspapers Limited has a 45% shareholding in Fortune Green Limited. During the period the Group received revenue 
for newsprint, computer and office services of £0.9 million (2008 £0.9 million). Amounts due from Fortune Green Limited at  
4th October, 2009 were £0.2 million (2008 £0.3 million).

Associated Newspapers Limited has a 20% share in the Newspapers Licensing Agency (NLA) from which royalty revenue of  
£2.5 million was received (2008 £3.0 million). Commissions paid on this revenue total £0.3 million (2008 £0.5 million).  
The amount due from the NLA on 4th October, 2009 was £0.1 million (2008 £0.2 million due to the NLA).

Daily Mail and General Holdings Limited has a 15.8% share holding in The Press Association. During the period the Group received 
services amounting to £1.3 million (2008 £1.8 million) and the net amount due from the Press Association as at 4th October, 2009 
was £33,000 (2008 £0.1 million).

During the period, the Company received services from companies in which Directors have an interest totalling £6.9 million  
(2008 £7.9 million) and received revenue of £0.6 million (2008 £0.6 million). The net amount owed by these companies at  
4th October, 2009 was £0.6 million (2008 £0.1 million).

In January, 2009 the Group sold 75.9% of the Evening Standard. Since this date the Group has received revenue of £5.6 million  
(2008 £nil) and paid for services of £13.3 million (2008 £nil). The net amount due from the Group at 4th October, 2009 was  
£1.0 million (2008 £nil).

During the period, Landmark charged management fees of £0.3 million (2008 £0.3 million) to Point X Ltd, and recharged costs  
of £0.1 million (2008 £0.1 million). Point X received royalty income from Landmark of £77,000 (2008 £43,000) and owed £39,000  
to Landmark (2008 £0.1 million) at the period end.

During the period, Landmark recharged costs totalling £0.2 million (2008 £nil) to Financial Asset Search Ltd and at the period  
end was due £0.2 million (2008 £nil).

During the period, DMG Radio Australia Pty Ltd invoiced DMG Radio Perth Pty Ltd AU$2.8 million (2008 AUS$2.8 million).

Other related party disclosures
During the period, two loans of £33,263 and £3,732 made to an officer of the Company were repaid in full. The loans bore interest  
at 5% and 6.25% respectively per annum. The maximum principal amount outstanding during the period was £33,263 and £3,732.

At 4th October, 2009, the Group owed £1.6 million (2008 £1.5 million) to the pension schemes which it operates. This amount 
comprised employees’ and employer’s contributions in respect of September 2009 payrolls which were paid to the pension schemes 
in October 2009.

The Group recharges its principal pension schemes with costs of investment management fees. The total amount recharged during 
the year was £0.7 million (2008 £0.7 million).

42 Post Balance Sheet Events
Details of material post balance sheet events are given in the Directors’ Report on page 40.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
147

Principal subsidiaries

Principal subsidiaries

Principal subsidiary 

Central activities

Daily Mail and General Investments plc* 

Daily Mail and General Holdings Limited* 

Daily Mail International Limited 

DMG Investment Holdings Limited 

DMG Media Investments Limited 

RMS

Risk Management Solutions Inc (96.3%) 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Business information

DMG Information, Inc 
(Incorporated in the U.S.A.) 

Trepp, LLC 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Lewtan Technologies, Inc 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Environmental Data Resources, Inc 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Landmark Information Group Limited 

Prodat Systems plc 

The Sanborn Map Company, Inc 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Genscape, Inc. (98.2%) 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Genscape International, Inc. 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Hobsons, Inc 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Exhibitions 

DMG World Media (U.K.) Limited 

DMG Angex Limited 

DMG World Media (Canada), Inc 
(Incorporated and operating in Canada) 

DMG World Media (U.S.A.) Inc (96.9%) 
(Incorporated and operating in U.S.A.) 

Activity

Financing company

Holding company

Holding company

Holding company

Holding company

Provider of risk management information on natural and other related perils

Provider of commercial mortgage-backed securities and real estate information

Holding company

Provider of asset-backed securities information

Provider of geographic based real estate information services

Provider of property and mapping information

Provider of property and mapping information

Provider of GIS and photogrammetric mapping services 
for government and engineering markets

Provider of real time power supply and other energy information

Provider of real time power supply and other energy information

Careers and education information publishing and services

Trade publishing and exhibition management

Organisers of public exhibitions and magazine publishers

Organisers of consumer and trade exhibitions

Organisers of consumer exhibitions

DMG World Media Dubai (2006) Limited 
(Incorporated in Jersey; managed and operating in Dubai) 

George Little Management, LLC (96.9%) 
(Incorporated and operating in U.S.A.) 

Euromoney

Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (66.8%) 

BCA Research, Inc (66.8%) 
(Incorporated and operating in Canada) 

Euromoney Institutional Investor (Jersey) Limited (66.8%) 
(Incorporated in Jersey; operating in Hong Kong) 

HedgeFund Intelligence Limited (66.8%) 

Information Management Network, Inc (66.8%) 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Institutional Investor, Inc (66.8%) 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Organisers of trade exhibitions

Organisers of trade exhibitions

Publishing, training and events

Information Services

Publishing

Publishing

Conferences

Publishing

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
Principal subsidiaries

148

Principal subsidiaries
Continued

Principal subsidiary 

Internet Securities, Inc (65.32%) 
(Incorporated and operating in the U.S.A.) 

Metal Bulletin Limited (66.8%) 

National media

Associated Newspapers Limited 

Find a Property Limited 

Harmsworth Printing (Didcot) Limited 

Harmsworth Printing (Stoke) Limited 

Harmsworth Printing Limited 

Harmsworth Quays Printing Limited 

Jobsite (U.K.) Worldwide Limited 

Loot Limited 

Motors.co.uk Limited 

Primelocation Limited 

Teletext Limited 

Local media

Bristol News & Media Limited 

Central Independent News and Media Limited 

Cornwall & Devon Media Limited 

Courier Media Group Limited 

Derby Telegraph Media Group Limited 

Essex Chronicle Media Group Limited 

Gloucestershire Media Limited 

Grimsby & Scunthorpe Media Group Limited 

Lapcom Kft 
(Managed, incorporated and operating in Hungary) 

Leicester Mercury Media Group Limited 

Lincolnshire Media Limited 

Mail News & Media Limited 

Northcliffe Local Media (South East) Limited 

Northcliffe Media Limited 

Nottingham Post Media Group Limited 

Perex a.s. 
(Managed, incorporated and operating in Slovakia) 

South West Wales Media Limited 

Staffordshire Sentinel News and Media Limited 

Western Morning News & Media Limited 

Radio

Nova 96.9 Pty Ltd 
(Incorporated and operating in Australia) 

Nova 100 Pty Limited 
(Incorporated and operating in Australia) 

Nova 106.9 Pty Ltd 
(Incorporated and operating in Australia) 

Activity

Information Services

Publishing and event management

Publication of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro and London Lite

Provision of internet property services

Printing of newspapers

Printing of newspapers

Printing of newspapers

Printing of newspapers

Provision of internet recruitment services

Publication of Loot

Provision of internet classified car services

Provision of internet property services

Provision of teletext services

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publication of newspapers in Gyor and Szeged, Hungary

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Holding company of local media group

Publisher of local media

Publication of newspapers in Slovakia

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Publisher of local media

Commercial radio broadcaster of Nova 96.9, Sydney

Commercial radio broadcaster of Nova 100, Melbourne

Commercial radio broadcaster of Nova 106.9, Brisbane

(i) 

 Unless stated otherwise the whole of the Ordinary share capital of subsidiary undertakings is held directly by Daily Mail and 
General Trust plc (where marked *) or indirectly by one of the Company’s subsidiaries.

(ii)   All subsidiaries, except where indicated, operate principally within the United Kingdom.
(iii)  All principal subsidiaries have been included in the Group accounts.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
149 Five year financial summary

Five year financial summary

Group Income Statement

Revenue 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and  
amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets and  
exceptional operating costs 

Operating (loss)/profit  before share of results from joint ventures  
and associates 

Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Total operating (loss)/profit 

Other gains and losses 

(Loss)/profit before net finance costs and tax 

Net finance costs 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Tax 

(Loss)/profit for the year after tax 

Discontinued operations 

Equity interests of minority shareholders  

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Profit before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets,  
exceptional items and taxation 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share 

Adjusted earnings per share (before amortisation and  
impairment of intangible assets and exceptional items) 

Group cash flow information

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Investing activities   

Financing activities  

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash outflow/(inflow) from change in debt and lease finance 

Change in net debt from cash flows 

Loan notes issued and loans, lease finance and liquid resources  
arising from acquisitions 

Other non-cash items 

(Increase)/decrease in net debt in the year 

Net debt at beginning of year   

Net debt at end of year 

2005 
£m 

2006 
£m 

2007 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2009   
£m

2,136.3  

2,176.0  

2,235.1  

2,311.7  

 2,117.5 

283.4  

300.4  

322.4  

316.9  

 277.6 

(47.9) 

(150.9) 

(163.0) 

(289.9) 

(534.9)

235.5  

149.5  

159.4  

27.0  

(257.3)

(2.3) 

233.2  

15.5  

248.7  

(53.4) 

195.3  

(39.9) 

155.4  

  –  

(13.3) 

5.6  

155.1  

188.6  

343.7  

(32.2) 

311.5  

(60.0) 

251.5  

  –  

(11.7) 

1.8  

161.2  

35.7  

196.9  

(54.8) 

142.1  

(20.3) 

121.8  

0.5  

(15.3) 

3.5  

30.5  

27.7  

58.2  

(126.3) 

(68.1) 

84.7  

16.6  

0.2  

(16.8) 

(8.7)

(266.0)

(23.5)

(289.5)

(111.6)

(401.1)

 94.5 

(306.6)

 1.2 

2.0 

 142.1  

 239.8  

 107.0  

  –  

(303.4)

237.3  

259.7  

288.2  

261.8  

200.8 

35.9p 

35.8p 

60.8p  

60.7p 

27.4p 

27.2p 

0.1p 

(79.8)p

(0.1)p 

(79.8)p

43.2p 

46.4p 

49.3p 

47.9p 

37.2p

2005 
£m 

2006 
£m 

2007 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2009   
£m

332.9  

350.8  

313.4  

354.9  

283.8 

(175.5) 

(202.9) 

(316.5) 

(144.4) 

(140.0)

(125.2) 

(173.3) 

32.2  

91.4  

0.4  

124.0  

32.2  

(7.0) 

25.2  

(2.0) 

(10.4) 

12.8  

(25.4) 

124.0  

(2.5) 

96.1  

(25.4) 

36.6  

11.2  

3.3  

14.3  

28.8  

(28.1) 

(31.2) 

96.1  

(0.9) 

64.0  

(31.2) 

(131.6) 

(162.8) 

(34.1) 

(15.3) 

(212.2) 

(235.4) 

(147.3)

(24.9) 

64.0  

5.2  

44.3  

(24.9) 

(20.6) 

(45.5) 

  –  

(18.7) 

(64.2) 

(3.5)

44.3 

 6.1 

46.9 

(3.5)

23.5 

20.0 

  – 

(54.0)

(34.0)

(779.8) 

(767.0) 

(738.2) 

(950.4) 

(1,014.6)

(767.0) 

(738.2) 

(950.4) 

(1,014.6) 

(1,048.6)

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five year financial summary

150

Five year financial summary
Continued

Group balance sheet information

Goodwill and intangible assets 

Tangible assets 

Fixed asset investments 

Other non current assets 

Fixed assets 

Net-current liabilities 

Long-term liabilities 

Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity

Called up share capital 

Share premium account 

Revaluation reserve 

Other reserves 

Minority interests   

Retained earnings   

Total equity 

Shareholder information 

Dividend per share* 

Price of ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares:   

Lowest 

Highest 

2005 
£m 

2006 
£m 

2007 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2009 
£m

916.2  

1,124.9  

1,480.1  

1,503.5  

1,195.1

500.8  

203.7  

  –  

513.7  

160.2  

 32.7  

520.7  

136.2  

109.2  

501.9  

440.4 

43.9  

42.8  

53.7 

174.3 

1,620.7  

1,831.5  

2,246.2  

2,092.1  

1,863.5 

(174.4) 

(247.6) 

(329.4) 

(342.7) 

(337.8)

(1,092.8) 

(1,108.6) 

(1,196.3) 

(1,200.8) 

(1,613.2)

353.5  

475.3  

720.5  

548.6  

(87.5)

50.2  

8.3  

71.1  

(20.9) 

  –  

244.8  

353.5  

50.2  

9.7  

46.5  

(54.9) 

  –  

423.8  

475.3  

49.4  

12.4  

46.0  

(16.6) 

 27.6  

601.7  

720.5  

49.1  

12.4  

39.5  

(70.2) 

 38.7  

479.1  

49.1 

12.4 

4.1 

(35.9)

46.8 

(164.0)

548.6  

(87.5)

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

12.00p 

13.05p 

14.35p 

14.70p 

14.70p

£6.50 

£7.61 

£5.55 

£8.01 

£6.00 

£8.65 

£2.59 

£6.77 

£2.11

£4.61

* Represents the dividends declared by the Directors in respect of the above years.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report to 
the Members of Daily Mail and 
General Trust PLC

151

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members 
of Daily Mail and General Trust PLC

Other matter
We have reported separately on the  
Group financial statements of Daily Mail 
and General Trust plc for the year ended  
4th October, 2009. 

William Touche 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants 
and Statutory Auditors

London, United Kingdom

4th December, 2009

We have audited the parent Company 
financial statements of Daily Mail and 
General Trust plc for the year ended  
4th October, 2009 which comprise the 
Balance Sheet, and the related notes  
1 to 17. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation 
is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the 
Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with sections 495, 496 and  
497 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we 
might state to the Company’s members 
those matters we are required to state  
to them in an auditors’ report and for  
no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the Company and the Company’s 
members as a body, for our audit work,  
for this report, or for the opinions we  
have formed.

Respective responsibilities  
of Directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement, the Directors 
are responsible for the preparation of the 
parent Company financial statements  
and for being satisfied that they give a  
true and fair view. Our responsibility is  
to audit the parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on 
Auditing (U.K. and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with  
the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) 
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the  
financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence  
about the amounts and disclosures in  
the financial statements sufficient to  
give reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused 
by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the parent 
company’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately 
disclosed; the reasonableness of 
significant accounting estimates made  
by the Directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent Company 
financial statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state  
of the parent Company’s affairs  
as at 4th October, 2009;

•  have been properly prepared in 

accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice; and

•  have been prepared in accordance  

with the requirements of the  
Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters 
prescribed by the  
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report to be audited has been properly 
prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006; and

•  the information given in the Directors’ 
Report for the financial year for which 
the financial statements are prepared  
is consistent with the parent Company 
financial statements.

Matters on which we are 
required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the 
following matters where the Companies 
Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have  

not been kept by the parent Company,  
or returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

•  the parent Company’s financial 
statements and the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be 
audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ 
remuneration specified by law  
are not made; or

•  we have not received all the  

information and explanations  
we require for our audit.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Company balance sheet  
as at 4th October, 2009

152

Company balance sheet
as at 4th October, 2009

Fixed assets

Intangible fixed assets 

Tangible fixed assets 

Investments:

Group undertakings 

Other investments 

Current assets

Debtors – amounts falling due within one year 

Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year 

Net current liabilities 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors

Amounts falling due after more than one year 

Provisions for liabilities 

Net assets   

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital 

Share premium account 

Shares held in treasury 

Capital redemption reserve 

Profit and loss account 

Equity shareholders’ funds 

Note 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

13 

13 

13 

14 

15 

As at 

As at  
4th October,  28th September, 
2008 
£m

2009 
£m 

53.2 

0.5 

90.1

0.4

1,826.2 

1,825.6

0.3 

1.0

1,826.5 

1,826.6

148.9 

147.8

(229.7) 

(80.8) 

(204.9)

(57.1)

1,799.4 

1,860.0

(1,093.9) 

– 

705.5 

49.1 

12.4 

(46.8) 

1.1 

689.7 

705.5 

(975.4)

(0.8)

883.8

49.1

12.4

(93.5)

1.1

914.7

883.8

The accounts on pages 152 to 160 were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 4th December, 2009. They were signed 
on their behalf by: 

Rothermere
M.W.H. Morgan
Directors 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
153

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

1 Basis of preparation
The separate financial statements of the Company are prepared 
under the historical cost convention, modified to include the 
revaluation to fair value of certain financial instruments as 
described below, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 
and U.K. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.K. GAAP). 
The following paragraphs describe the main accounting policies 
under U.K. GAAP, which have been applied consistently in both 
the current and prior year.

Profit for the financial year
As permitted by section 480 of the Companies Act 2006, a 
separate profit and loss account for the Company has not been 
included in these accounts. The Company’s loss after tax for the 
year, calculated on a U.K. GAAP basis, was £198.5 million (2008 
loss £141.8 million).

Impact of amendments to accounting standards
In the current year certain minor amendments to U.K. financial 
reporting standards were issued by the U.K. Accounting 
Standards Board. The adoption of these amendments has not 
had any impact on the Company’s accounting policies.

2 Significant accounting policies
Intangible fixed assets
Intangible assets principally comprise purchase trademarks and 
are capitalised and amortised through the profit and loss 
account over the lower of their useful economic lives and a 
period of 20 years.

Impairment reviews of intangible fixed assets are carried out at 
the end of the first financial year after acquisition and where 
there is any indication of impairment.

Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates 
calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of 
each asset on a straight line basis over its expected useful life. 
All of the Company’s tangible fixed assets are artworks with a 
residual value at least equal to cost and therefore no 
depreciation has been applied in either the current or prior 
period on the basis that any change would not be material.

Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than the entity’s reporting 
currency are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the 
date of the transaction. At each balance sheet date, monetary 
items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items 
carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies 
are retranslated at the rate prevailing on the date when fair 
value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured 
in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not 
retranslated. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of 
monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are 
included in the income statement for the period.

Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost, less any provision 
for impairment, where appropriate.

Other investments are classified as either held for trading or 
available-for-sale and are measured at either fair value or at 
cost less provision for impairment where fair value cannot be 
reliably determined.

Where investments are classified as held for trading, gains and 
losses arising from changes in fair value are included in net 
profit or loss for the period. For available-for-sale investments, 
gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are 
recognised directly in equity, until the investment is disposed of 
or is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative 
gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the net 
profit or loss for the period. Impairment charges are recorded in 
the profit and loss account when they occur.

Investments and financial assets are recognised and  
de-recognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale  
of an investment is under a contract whose terms require 
delivery of the investment within the time frame established  
by the market concerned, and are measured at fair value, 
including transaction costs.

Taxation
Current tax, including U.K. corporation tax and foreign tax, is 
provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using  
the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is provided in 
full on timing differences that result in an obligation at the 
balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax,  
at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallise 
based on current tax rates and law. Timing differences arise 
from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation 
computations in periods different from those in which they are 
included in financial statements. Deferred tax is not provided on 
timing differences arising from the revaluation of fixed assets 
where there is no commitment to sell the asset, or on 
unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and associates where there 
is no commitment to remit these earnings. Deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely 
than not that they will be recovered.

Financial instruments
Financial assets
– Trade debtors
Trade debtors do not carry any interest and are stated at their 
nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances for 
estimated irrecoverable amounts.

– Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, short-term 
deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments that are 
readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to 
an insignificant risk of changes in value.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

154

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP
Continued

2 Significant accounting policies – Continued
Financial instruments – Continued
Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the 
Company are classified according to the substance of the 
contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is 
any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of 
the Company after deducting all of its liabilities.

– Trade creditors
Trade creditors are not interest bearing and are stated at their 
nominal value.

– Capital market and bank borrowings
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts are initially measured at 
fair value (which is equal to net proceeds at inception), and are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective 
interest rate method. A portion of the Company’s bonds are 
subject to fair value hedge accounting and this portion of the 
carrying value is adjusted for the movement in the hedged risk  
to the extent hedge effectiveness is achieved. Any difference 
between the proceeds, net of transaction costs and the 
settlement or redemption of borrowings is recognised over  
the term of the borrowing.

– Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the 
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable 
right to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and liability 
simultaneously.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Company’s activities expose it to the financial risks of 
changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The 
Company uses various derivative financial instruments to 
manage its exposure to these risks.

The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s 
policies, which are set out on pages 36 and 41 of the Financial 
and Treasury Review and approved by the Board of Directors, 
which provide written principles on the use of financial 
derivatives consistent with the Company’s risk management 
strategy. The Company does not use derivative financial 
instruments for speculative purposes.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

The Company does not apply hedge accounting except for fair 
value hedges. Gains and losses arising on derivatives that form 
part of net investment hedge or cash flow hedge relationships in 
the consolidated financial statements are recorded in the profit 
and loss account in the Company.

– Fair value hedges
The Company’s policy is to use derivative instruments (primarily 
interest rate swaps) to convert a proportion of its fixed rate debt 
to floating rates in order to hedge the interest rate risk. Changes 
in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as 
fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement, 
together with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or 
liability that are attributable to the hedged risk to the extent that 
the hedge relationship is effective. When the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer 
qualifies for hedge accounting, hedge accounting is 
discontinued.

Financial instruments – disclosures
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided in 
FRS 29 (IFRS 7) Financial Instruments: Disclosures which states 
that disclosure in respect of financial instruments is not 
required in parent company financial statements where such 
disclosures are included in publicly available consolidated 
financial statements.

Cash flow statement
The Company has utilised the exemptions provided under  
FRS 1 (Revised) and has not presented a cash flow statement.  
A consolidated cash flow statement has been presented in the 
Group’s Annual Report.

Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemptions of FRS 8 
which states that disclosure of related party transactions is not 
required in the parent company financial statements when those 
statements are presented together with its consolidated 
financial statements.

Share-based payments
The Company operates the Group’s LTIP and other Group 
share-based payment schemes, details of which can be found  
in note 39 of the Group’s Annual Report.

155

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

3 Employees

Average number of persons employed by the Group by activity including Directors: 

Total staff costs comprised:

Wages and salaries 

Share-based payments 

Social security costs 

Pension costs 

4 Intangible Assets

Cost

At 28th September, 2008 and 4th October, 2009 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

At 28th September, 2008 

Charge for the year 

Impairment  

At 4th October, 2009 

Net book value – 2008 

Net book value – 2009 

2009 
Number 

10 

2008 
Number

11

2009 
£m 

6.9 

0.6 

0.7 

0.8 

9.0 

2008 
£m

5.6

1.4

0.8

0.9

8.7

Trademarks 
£m

136.0

45.9

5.3

31.6

82.8

90.1

53.2

The Company tests intangible assets at the end of the first financial year after acquisition and where there is any indication of 
impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that the intangibles assets might be impaired. When testing for impairment, 
the recoverable amounts for all the Company’s income generating units (IGUs) are measured at their value in use by discounting 
future expected cash flows. These calculations use cash flow projections based on management approved budgets and projections 
which reflect management’s current experience and future expectations of the markets in which the IGU operates.

The impairment charge recognised in the year relates to the Company’s interests in its local media IGUs. The risk adjusted discount 
rate used was 11.5%.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

156

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP
Continued

5 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost

At 28th September, 2008 

Additions 

At 4th October, 2009 

Accumulated depreciation

At 28th September, 2008 and 4th October, 2009 

Net book value – 2008 

Net book value – 2009 

6 Investments in Group Undertakings (as listed on pages 147 to 148)

At 28th September, 2008 

Additions 

At 4th October, 2009 

7 Other Investments

Cost

At 28th September, 2008 

Additions 

Disposals 

At 4th October, 2009 

Fixtures and fittings 
£m

0.6

0.1

0.7

0.2

0.4

0.5

Cost 
£m 

1,825.6 

72.6 

1,898.2 

Provision  Net book value 
£m

£m 

– 

1,825.6

(72.0) 

(72.0) 

0.6

1,826.2

£m

1.0

0.3

(1.0)

0.3

Additions to other investments comprises the Company’s investment in shares of Thomson Reuters.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
157

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

8 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed by Group undertakings 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Corporation tax 

Derivative financial assets  

The Company’s corporation tax debtor represents amounts due from subsidiaries for Group relief.

9 Creditors

Due within one year

Bank overdrafts 

Loan notes   

Interest payable 

Amounts owing to Group undertakings 

Accruals and deferred income 

Derivative financial liabilities 

2009 
£m 

73.9 

7.0 

43.0 

25.0 

148.9 

2009 
£m 

6.0 

2.3 

32.6 

185.6 

3.2 

– 

2008 
£m

70.4

8.5

65.9

3.0

147.8

2008 
£m

4.0

2.5

32.4

163.8

0.6

1.6

229.7 

204.9

Loan notes attract interest at approximately LIBOR minus 0.5% and were issued as part of the consideration for various 
acquisitions. The loan notes are repayable at the option of the loan note holder.

10 Creditors

Due after more than one year

7.5% Bonds 2013 

5.75% Bonds 2018 

10% Bonds 2021 

6.375% Bonds 2027 

Bank loans  

Derivative financial liabilities 

2009 
£m 

303.3 

175.9 

170.0 

197.9 

173.3 

73.5 

1,093.9 

2008 
£m

299.4

173.5

168.2

197.8

105.4

31.1

975.4

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

158

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP
Continued

10 Creditors – Continued
The nominal values of the bonds are as follows:

7.5% Bonds 2013 

5.75% Bonds 2018 

10% Bonds 2021 

6.375% Bonds 2027 

2009 
£m 

300.0 

175.0 

156.4 

200.0 

831.4 

2008 
£m

300.0

175.0

156.4

200.0

831.4

The Company’s bonds have been adjusted from their nominal values to offset the premia paid on settlement or redemption, direct 
issue costs and discounts. The issue costs, premia and discounts are being amortised over the expected lives of the bonds using the 
effective interest method. The unamortised issue costs amount to £3.1 million (2008 £3.4 million), the unamortised premia £13.9 
million (2008 £15.2 million).

Details of the fair value of the Company’s bonds are set out in note 30 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts. The book value of 
the Company’s other borrowings equates to fair value.

The Company’s bank loans are denominated in U.S. dollars and Sterling. The interest rates on these borrowings ranged as follows:

Sterling 

U.S. dollar   

2009 
High 

6.77% 

5.40% 

2009 
Low 

0.90% 

0.56% 

2008 
High 

7.35% 

6.23% 

The maturity profile of the Company’s borrowings is as follows:

Overdrafts 
£m 

Bank loans 
£m 

Bonds 
£m 

Loan notes 
£m 

6.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6.0 

4.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4.0 

– 

43.2 

130.1 

– 

173.3 

173.3 

– 

– 

28.2 

77.2 

105.4 

105.4 

– 

– 

303.3 

543.8 

847.1 

847.1 

– 

– 

– 

838.9 

838.9 

838.9 

2009

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

Between two and five years 

Over five years 

2008

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

Between two and five years 

Over five years 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

2008 
Low

5.23%

2.50%

Total 
£m

8.3

43.2

433.4

543.8

1,020.4

1,028.7

2.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2.3 

2.5 

6.5

– 

– 

– 

– 

2.5 

–

28.2

916.1

944.3

950.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
159

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

11 Provisions for liabilities

Deferred taxation 

Other provisions 

(i) Movements on other provisions were as follows:
At beginning of year 

Utilised during year 

At end of year 

Note 

12 

(i) 

2009 
£m 

(0.6) 

0.6 

– 

0.6 

– 

0.6 

2008 
£m

0.2

0.6

0.8

1.1

(0.5)

0.6

The provision relates to probable costs associated with subsidiary disposal commitments and is expected to be utilised within the 
next 12 months.

12 Deferred Taxation

Other timing differences 

Movements on the provision for deferred taxation were as follows:

At beginning of year 

LTIP charge 

Net credit to profit and loss account 

At end of year 

13 Reserves
Share premium account

At beginning and end of year 

Shares held in treasury

At beginning of year 

Additions 

Own shares released on vesting of share options 

Own shares cancelled 

At end of year 

2009 
£m 

(0.6) 

2009 
£m 

0.2 

(0.1) –

(0.7) –

(0.6) 

2009 
£m 

12.4 

2009 
£m 

(93.5) 

(5.6) 

52.3 

– 

(46.8) 

2008 
£m

0.2

2008 
£m

0.2

0.2

2008 
£m

12.4

2008 
£m

(44.4)

(88.3)

21.0

18.2

(93.5)

The Company’s investment in its own shares is classified within shareholders’ funds as Shares held in treasury. At 4th October, 
2009 this investment comprised the cost of 9,657,228 ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares (2008 18,215,407 shares). The market value of 
these shares at 4th October, 2009 was £42.4 million (2008 £59.1 million). The treasury shares are considered to be a realised loss 
for the purposes of calculating distributable reserves.

Details of the Company’s share capital can be found within note 35 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP

160

Notes to the Company  
balance sheet – U.K. GAAP
Continued

14 Capital redemption reserve

At beginning and end of year 

15 Profit and loss account

At beginning of year 

Net loss for the year 

Dividends paid 

Moved to hedging reserve   

Other movements on share option schemes 

At end of year 

Total reserves – 2008 

Total reserves – 2009 

£m

1.1

£m

914.7

(149.9)

(55.3)

2.4

(22.2)

689.7

898.2

656.4

The Company estimates that £620.6 million of the Company’s profit and loss account reserve is not distributable (2008 £602.7 million).

16 Contingent liabilities
At 4th October, 2009 the Company had guaranteed borrowing facilities of subsidiaries under which £nil (2008 £60.0 million)  
were outstanding. The Company had also guaranteed a subsidiary’s outstanding derivatives which have a mark to market asset 
valuation of £0.5 million (2008 liability of £5.4 million) and letters of credit with a principal value of £5.3 million (2008 £9.1 million).  
The Company has also issued stand by letters of credit in favour of the Trustees of the Group’s defined benefit pension fund 
amounting to £37.8 million (2008 £64.3 million).

17 Controlling Party
The Company’s ultimate controlling party is the Viscount Rothermere, the Company’s Chairman. Transactions relating to the 
remuneration and shareholdings of the Viscount Rothermere are given in the Remuneration Report.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
161

Shareholder information

Shareholder information

Company Secretary and Registered Office
N D Jennings, FCA. 
Northcliffe House 
2 Derry Street 
London 
W8 5TT 
England

Registered Number: 184594

Reports. It also offers practical help on matters such as 
transferring shares or updating your own details. Shareholders 
may register for the service at www.shareview.co.uk.

This report is available electronically on the Company’s website 
which contains a link to Shareview to enable shareholders to 
register for electronic mailings. Notification by email has been 
given of the availability of this Annual Report on the Company’s 
website to those shareholders who have registered.

Website
The Group has an internet web site which gives information on 
the Company and its operating subsidiaries and provides details 
of significant Group announcements. It also has a site giving 
details of job opportunities within the Group.

Low Cost Share Dealing Service
The Company has arranged with its brokers, JP Morgan 
Cazenove Limited, to provide a simple, low-cost share dealing 
service for ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares in Daily Mail and 
General Trust plc.

The addresses are:
www.dmgt.co.uk
www.dmgtopportunities.com

Financial Calendar 2010 (provisional)

14th January
10th February
10th February
12th February
31st March
4th April
27th May
9th June
11th June
9th July
Late July
30th September
3rd October
25th November
1st December
3rd December

Annual Report published
Interim management statement
Annual General Meeting
Payment of final dividend
Payment of interest on loan notes
Half year end
Half Yearly Financial Report published
Interim ex-dividend date
Interim record date
Payment of interim dividend
Interim management statement
Payment of interest on loan notes
Year End
Annual results and final dividend announced
Ex-dividend date
Record date

Capital Gains Tax
The market value of both the Ordinary and ‘A’ Ordinary Non-
Voting shares in the Company on 31st March, 1982 (adjusted for 
the 1994 bonus issue of ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares and for 
the four–for–one share split in 2000) was 9.75 pence.

Registrars
All enquiries regarding shareholdings, dividends, lost share 
certificates, loan notes in the Company and in Daily Mail and 
General Investments plc, or changes of address should be 
directed to Equiniti, the Company’s Registrars, at the address 
set out on page 162.

Electronic Communications
Equiniti operate Shareview, a free online service which enables 
shareholders with internet access to check their shareholdings 
and other related information and to register to receive 
notification by email of the release of the Half Yearly and Annual 

The main features are: a basic commission of 1% on both 
purchases and sales (subject to a minimum commission of  
£10 per transaction); reduced commission rates for transactions 
over £5,000; and no minimum investment. For further details, 
please contact JP Morgan Cazenove Limited, Company Share 
Schemes, at 20 Moorgate, London EC2R 6DA; the telephone 
number is 020 7155 5155.

Equiniti also provide a simple low cost dealing service for 
Ordinary and ‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting shares details of which  
are available at www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or by calling  
0845 670 37037.

Details of these and other low cost dealing services can be found 
on the Company’s website at www.dmgt.co.uk/investorrelations.

Loan Notes
Loan notes issued by the Company and by Daily Mail and General 
Investments plc, a subsidiary, are repayable in whole or in part 
at the option of loan note holders every six months. Loan note 
holders requiring repayment should complete the redemption 
section on the back of their loan note and send it to reach the 
Registrars by 28th February or 31st August for repayments on 
31st March or 30th September respectively.

Share Price Information
The current price of the Company’s Ordinary and ‘A’ Ordinary 
Non-Voting shares can be found on the homepage of the 
Company’s website at www.dmgt.co.uk. A graph, illustrating the 
historical performance of the ‘A’ shares, is shown on page 9.

Eurobond Paying Agent
The principal paying agent for the Company’s 7.5% Bonds  
due 2013, 10% Bonds due 2021 and the 6.375% Bonds due  
2027 is Deutsche Bank AG London, Winchester House, 1 Great 
Winchester St, London EC2N 2DB. The principal paying agent  
for the Company’s 5.75% Bonds due 2018 is HSBC Bank plc, 
Corporate Trust and Loan Agency, 8 Canada Square, London  
E14 5HQ. Enquiries should be directed to John Donegan, Group 
Financial Controller, who can be contacted on 020 7938 6627, 
and whose e-mail address is john.donegan@dmgt.co.uk.

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Shareholder information

162

Shareholder information
Continued

Crest
Shareholders have the choice either of holding their shares in 
electronic form in an account on the CREST system or in the 
physical form of share certificates.

Investor Relations
Investor relations are the responsibility of Nicholas Jennings, 
Company Secretary, whose office is responsible for distribution 
of the Annual Report. He is assisted by Fran Sallas. The investor 
relations’ e-mail address is investor.relations@dmgt.co.uk.

Sharegift
In the U.K., DMGT supports ShareGift, which is administered by 
the Orr Mackintosh Foundation (registered charity number 
1052686) and which operates a charity share donation scheme 
for shareholders wishing to give small holdings of shares to 
benefit charitable causes. It may be especially useful for those 
who wish to dispose of a small parcel of shares which would cost 
more to sell than they are worth. There are no capital gains tax 
implications (i.e. no gain or loss) on gifts of shares to charity and 
it is also possible to obtain income tax relief. If you would like to 
use ShareGift or receive more information about the scheme, 
they can be contacted by visiting their website at www.sharegift.
org or by writing to the Orr Mackintosh Foundation, 46 Grosvenor 
Street, London W1K 3HN.

Shareholdings at 4th October, 2009
Ordinary Shares

 Range of holdings 

1-1,000 

1,001-5,000  

5,001-10,000 

10,001-20,000 

20,001-50,000 

50,001-100,000 

100,001-500,000 

500,001 & over 

‘A’ Ordinary Non-Voting Shares

Range of holdings 

1-1,000 

1,001-5,000  

5,001-10,000 

10,001-20,000 

20,001-50,000 

50,001-100,000 

100,001-500,000 

500,001 & over 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

Advisers

Stockbrokers
JP Morgan Cazenove Limited
20 Moorgate
London
EC2R 6DA
Telephone: 020 7588 2828

Auditors
Deloitte LLP
2 New Street Square
London
EC4A 3BZ
Telephone: 020 7936 3000

Credit Suisse Securities 
(Europe) Limited
One Cabot Square
London
E14 4QJ
Telephone: 020 7888 8888

Registrars
Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA
Telephone: 0871 384 2302
Facsimile: 0871 384 5100

Number of  
shareholders 

534 

150 

17 

7 

4 

4 

7 

3 

% 

73.55 

20.66 

2.34 

0.96 

0.56 

0.56 

0.96 

0.41 

Shares 

198,731 

339,942 

120,042 

107,964 

101,780 

307,750 

972,100 

17,738,163 

747 

100.00 

19,886,472 

Number of  
shareholders 

953 

659 

306 

195 

141 

71 

137 

103 

% 

37.15 

25.69 

11.93 

7.60 

5.50 

2.77 

5.34 

Shares 

396,671 

1,696,953 

2,235,754 

2,774,678 

4,484,250 

5,021,613 

29,717,796 

4.02 

326,368,933 

2,778 

100.00 

372,696,648 

%

1.00

1.71

0.60

0.54

0.51

1.55

4.89

89.20

100.00

%

0.11

0.46

0.60

0.74

1.20

1.35

7.97

87.57

100.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
163

Notes

www.dmgtreports.com/2009

Notes

164

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2009

DMGT Corporate Profile  
and Financial Highlights

DMGT
Corporate Profile and  
Financial Highlights

DMGT.co.uk

The Group’s businesses, other  
than its newspaper publishing,  
now make up 73% of the Group’s 
operating profit*, compared  
to 14% in 1996.

Operating Profit* 1996

Operating Profit* 2009

£88m

£278m

You have access to more information on our website:
DMGT’s corporate website has achieved an ‘AA’ accessibility rating  
in independent tests. It is independently regarded as one of the  
best programmed sites in the FTSE 350 index. 

Visit our web 2.0 interactive online Annual Report at www.dmgtreports.com/2009. 

  Newspaper publishing 86%, £75m
  Other businesses 14%, £13m

  Newspaper publishing 27%, £75m
  Other businesses 73%, £203m

DMGTREPORTS.COM/2009

Financial highlights

Revenue

09 

08 

Adjusted operating profit*

Adjusted profit before tax*

  £2,118m

  £2,312m

09 

08 

  £278m

  £317m

09 

08 

  £201m

  £262m

Adjusted earnings per share*

Dividend per share

09 

08 

  37.2p

  47.9p

09 

08 

  14.7p

  14.7p

*  Before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets and exceptional items;  

see Consolidated Income Statement on page 66 and reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

Contents

01 Introduction  02 Chairman’s Statement  04-32 Business Review  04 Chief Executive’s Review  12 DMGT at a Glance 14 Management 
Structure  15-21 Business to Business  15 Risk Management Solutions  17 dmg information  19 dmg world media  20 Euromoney 
Institutional Investor  22-27 Consumer  22 A&N Media: Associated Newspapers  25 A&N Media: Northcliffe Media  27 dmg radio 
australia  28 Financial and Treasury Review  33 DMGT and Corporate Responsibility  37 Board of Directors and Secretary  38 Directors’ 
Report  42 Corporate Governance  47 Remuneration Report  65 Independent Auditors’ Statement  66 Consolidated Income Statement   
67 Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense  68 Recognition of Movements in Equity  69 Consolidated Balance Sheet   
71 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  73 Significant Accounting Policies  83 Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement  99 Notes to  
the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  103 Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheet  147 Principal Subsidiaries  149 Five Year Financial 
Summary  151 Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc  152 Company Balance Sheet  153 
Notes to the Company Balance Sheet – U.K. GAAP  161 Shareholder Information

About dmgt

Investor relations

Corporate Responsibility

dmgt.co.uk/aboutdmgt
Group Overview
Board of Directors
DMGT History
DMGT Fact File

Corporate structure

dmgt.co.uk/corporatestructure
Management Structure
Risk Management Solutions
dmg information
dmg world media
Euromoney
Associated Newspapers
Northcliffe Media
dmg radio australia

dmgt.co.uk/investorrelations
Financial Announcements
Financial Calendar
Share Information
Analyst Consensus
Reports and Presentations
Board of Directors
Shareholder Services
Financial Analysis
Fixed Income Investors
Contacts for Investors

Corporate Governance

dmgt.co.uk/corporategovernance
Board Remit
Committee Remits
DMGT Memorandum and Articles

dmgt.co.uk/corporateresponsibility
The Community
The Environment
Our Employees
Our Readers
Financial Markets
For Schools

Media Centre

dmgt.co.uk/mediacentre
News Releases
Image Library
DMGT Factfile

Feedback

dmgt.co.uk/contact

Designed and produced by salterbaxter   Printed by CTD 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc 
Annual Report, 4th October, 2009

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT
T +44 (0)20 7938 6000  F +44 (0)20 7938 4626  W www.dmgt.co.uk

Short-term actions

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Long-term perspective