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FY2014 Annual Report · Daily Mail and General Trust plc
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SATISFYING
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THE
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc  
Annual Report 2014

 
A GUIDE TO  
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DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEHIGHLIGHTS
Revenue#

£1,864m

2013: £1,802m

Statutory profit before tax†

£267m

2013: £179m

Net debt/EBITDA

 1.5x

2013: 1.5x

Adjusted earnings per share#*

55.7p

2013: 49.9p

Adjusted profit before tax#*

£291m

2013: £267m

Dividend per share

20.4p

2013: 19.2p

Digital share of revenues#

International share of revenues# ◊

Adjusted profit before tax#*

46%

2013: 42%

47%

2013: 48%

Subscriptions share of revenues#

Operating margin#*

28%

2013: 29%

 17%

2013: 17%

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

£291m

£267m

£247m

£220m

£230m

Profit split by B2B and Consumer#*
2014
B2B 75%

Consumer 25%

2013
B2B 77%

Consumer 23%

*   Before exceptional items, other gains and losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, pension finance charges, premiums on bond redemptions and amortisation 

of intangible assets arising on business combinations; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 81 and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

# From continuing and discontinued operations.
†  Statutory profit before tax is for continuing operations only (excluding the disposed of Evenbase and Northcliffe Media businesses).

◊  Non UK revenues by destination.

CONTENTS
Overview
Highlights 
DMGT 

IFC
01

Strategic Report
Chairman’s Statement 
DMGT at a Glance 
Our Business Model 
Market Overview 
Chief Executive’s Review 
Key Performance Indicators 
Operating Review 

Risk Management Solutions 
dmg information 
dmg events 
Euromoney Institutional Investor 
dmg media 
Financial Review 
Principal Risks 
Our People 
Corporate Responsibility Review 

02 
04
06
08
10
14 
16
16
18
20
22
24
26 
30
34
35

Governance
Board of Directors  
Directors’ Report 

Chairman’s Statement on Governance 
Corporate Governance 
Remuneration Report 
Statutory Information 
Annual General Meeting 2015: 
Resolutions 
Independent Auditor’s Report 

Financial Statements 
Shareholder Information 

38
40
40
41
51
74

77
78
81
180

DMGT

DMGT is an international business 
built on entrepreneurship and 
innovation. We bring together 
leading companies and talented 
people to provide businesses and 
consumers with high-quality 
analysis & insight, information, 
news and entertainment.

Find out more about 
our businesses page 16.

THE NEED-TO-KNOW

Our portfolio and  
global reach 

Our Business Model 

The opportunities 
within our markets 

Our CEO’s  
Review 

p04

p06

p08

p10

Our Key Performance
Indicators 

The risks we face and 
how we manage them 

Our sustainable
practices 

Financial Statements 

p14

p30

p35

p81

01

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

BUILDING ON 
OUR SUCCESS

The Viscount Rothermere 
Chairman

I am delighted to write to you following 
another successful year at DMGT. The 
results we have delivered are a testament 
to the quality of our assets, the creativity 
of our workforce and the entrepreneurial 
approach of our management team. 

DMGT remains at the forefront of the 
international business-to-business (B2B) 
and consumer media sectors. We have a 
diverse asset portfolio which has delivered 
a strong underlying performance and total 
shareholder returns (as shown in the charts 
on page 03).

On behalf of the Board and as the largest 
shareholder in DMGT, I would like to thank 
Martin Morgan and his management 
team for continuing to expand our B2B 
companies and develop our consumer 
media presence.

The management strategy, fully endorsed 
by the Board, is focused on building a 
global growth company in the media and 
B2B markets we serve. DMGT’s operating 
margin has improved from 13% in 2009 to 
17% in 2014. This is due to the combination 
of the improving consumer margin and the 
increased proportion of the business that is 
B2B (as shown in the charts on page 03).

In the financial year covered by this report, 
this strategy helped deliver organic growth 
and returns on our recent investments. 
As a result, adjusted earnings per share rose 
by 12% to 55.7 pence. DMGT generated 
healthy cash flow, and the Board is 
recommending a 7% increase in the final 
dividend per share for 2014.

At the operating level, the benefits of 
our global footprint, entrepreneurialism 
and creativity were evident across 
our businesses. 

02

In consumer media, the Mail titles 
consolidated their position as pioneers 
of quality popular journalism. MailOnline 
continued to win new global audiences, 
whilst increasing its editorial coordination 
with Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday. 
Advertising revenues have remained solid 
and our print titles have gained market 
share despite the challenges faced by 
traditional print media.

Among our B2B assets, RMS maintained 
its leading position for catastrophe risk 
modelling. We took the decision to delay 
the deployment of RMS(one) during the 
year, which reflected a determination to 
roll out this technology only when it fully 
meets clients’ expectations. Your Board 
regrets the impact the delay in the launch 
of RMS(one) has had on us, as shareholders, 
and the executive team is working hard to 
support RMS to deliver on its revised plan.

We saw further expansion in our 
information businesses. The acquisition of 
Decision Insight Information Group (DIIG), 
a leading property search group in the UK 
and Ireland, reflects our ability to make 
acquisitions that will deliver further growth. 
At dmg events, we successfully increased 
the frequency and geographic presence 
of flagship events which have continued 
to be the must-attend exhibitions and 
networking opportunities for their 
respective communities. 

Meanwhile, Euromoney is improving its 
digital capabilities through the launch of 
its Delphi content management system. 
The project will enhance coordination 
and the use of technology across the 
Euromoney portfolio.

During the financial year, DMGT unlocked 
significant value from the sale of Evenbase 
and through the IPO of Zoopla Property 
Group Plc, in which we remain a supportive 
and engaged financial investor. We also 
made a number of acquisitions to 
strengthen our B2B information capabilities. 
The twin approach of organic investment 
and bolt-on acquisitions has continued to 
diversify the Group by business area 
and geography.

DMGT will continue to pursue international 
expansion in high-growth markets. In the 
period covered by this Annual Report, 
I witnessed those growth opportunities 
at first hand with a visit to our businesses 
in Asia. I was delighted to see how well 
dmg information has established itself, with 
its hub office in Singapore. Our expansion 
continues in other geographies, with 
Euromoney acquiring Mining Indaba, 
an investment forum in South Africa, 
whilst dmg events has expanded its 
overseas businesses to include Mexico 
and Morocco.

The implementation of our Group strategy 
is overseen by the Board, which continues 
to maintain high standards of governance. 
The Governance Report (pages 40 to 50) 
sets out the framework for operating 
performance and shareholder value that is 
central to the growth of DMGT. The strategy 
is overseen by a Board of Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors with relevant skills 
and experience. The Board’s commitment 
to diversity is explained in the Corporate 
Governance section of this report.

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

“ Although market trends are 
changing rapidly in many parts of 
the media and business information 
market, DMGT is well positioned  
to withstand volatility.”

At the senior management level, 
remuneration and incentives are aligned 
with performance. The value creation 
metrics and related payments are set 
out in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 51 to 73.

The operational performance and 
strategic vision set out in this Annual 
Report demonstrates that we have the 
right strategy in place and the right 
management to deliver it. At the same 
time, the family control of DMGT means we 
take a long-term perspective, creating an 
environment to drive sustained returns for 
all investors.

Throughout its history, DMGT has relied 
upon the talent, experience and skills of 
its employees. As Chairman of the Board, 
I want to thank all our staff for their 
dedication and hard work. 

The media and business information 
markets continue to change rapidly. 
DMGT is well positioned to participate in 
future developments and withstand market 
volatility. The Board remains confident 
in DMGT’s long-term growth prospects.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

Revenue by sector (%): 2009 vs. 2014

39

2009

43

2014

61

57

 B2B
 Consumer

Operating margin by sector (%): 2009 vs. 2014 

2009 
B2B: 24% 
Consumer: 6% 

2014
B2B: 22%
Consumer: 10%

Total shareholder returns 2009 – 2014

350
Our balanced portfolio and geographical spread positions us well for the future.

350

250

200

150

100

50

0

S e p 0 9

D e c 0 9

M

ar 10

Ju n 10

S e p 10

D e c 10

M

ar 11

Ju n 11

S e p 11

D e c 11

M

ar 12

Ju n 12

S e p 12

D e c 12

M

ar 13

Ju n 13

S e p 13

D e c 13

M

ar 14

Ju n 14

S e p 14

DMGT
Gannett
Reed Elsevier
Informa

Pearson
UBM
New York Times
Thomson Reuters

Trinity Mirror
Johnston Press

03

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORT
DMGT AT A GLANCE

A WORLD-CLASS
GLOBAL PORTFOLIO

B2B

Financial performance

Key developments

Primarily targeting the global property 
and casualty reinsurance industry, 
producing risk analysis models, 
services, expertise and data solutions 
for use in the quantification and 
management of catastrophic risks.

A global provider of B2B information 
and analysis for the property 
information, education and 
energy sectors.

An organiser of B2B exhibitions and 
associated conferences focusing on 
the energy, construction, interiors and 
digital marketing sectors. 

A B2B media group focused primarily 
on the international finance, metals 
and commodities sectors. It provides 
data and research, produces trade 
publications – both online and print 
– and runs conferences, seminars 
and training courses.

Consumer

An international publisher with a print 
and digital portfolio. Assets include 
two of the UK’s most read paid-for 
newspapers and the world’s 
most visited English language 
newspaper website.

Operating margin

• Launch of new storm models

• The delay of RMS(one) and 
continued investment in 
the product

26%

2013: 32%

Operating profit

£45m

2013: £57m

Operating margin

• Acquisition of Decision Insight 

Revenues

£172m

2013: £175m

Employees

1,164

2013: 1,197

Revenues

£391m

2013: £293m

17%

2013: 20%

Employees

2,829

2013: 2,052

Operating profit

£68m

2013: £58m

Information Group (DIIG) 
(SearchFlow)

• Hobsons new product 

launches

• Genscape continued growth

• Trepp product innovation

• Disposal of Lewtan 

(October 2014)

Revenues

£100m

2013: £87m

Employees

376

2013: 357

Operating margin

• Increased frequency of 

key shows

• Geographic expansion 

27%

2013: 24%

Operating profit

£27m

2013: £21m

Revenues

£407m

2013: £405m

Operating margin

29%

2013: 29%

Employees

2,348

2013: 2,351

Operating profit

£117m

2013: £119m

• Development of the Delphi 
platform for automating, 
storing and delivering 
content 

• Acquisition of Mining Indaba

Revenues

£796m

2013: £793m

Operating margin

12%

2013: 10%

Employees

2,833

2013: 3,353

Operating profit

£95m

2013: £80m

• Investment in MailOnline, 
in particular international 
expansion

• Delivery of cost efficiencies 

in the Mail Newspapers

• Completion of the Evenbase 

disposal (October 2014)

Joint ventures and associates

DMGT’s share of operating profits/(loss)

Zoopla Property Group Plc 
One of the UK’s leading property websites.

Local World 
UK local media business.

Zoopla Property 
Group Plc

£17m

2013: £15m

Local World

£15m

2013: £11m

• IPO of Zoopla Property 

Group Plc

04

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

DMGT operates in over 40 countries. We are an 
international Group, well positioned for further growth.

UK

Revenue (up 6%)

£992m

2013: £937m

North America

Revenue (up 4%)

£473m

2013: £454m

Rest of the World

Revenue (down 3%)

£399m

2013: £410m

Employees by geography (%)

Revenue by destination (%)

20

34

46

21

26

53

 UK 
 North America 
 Rest of the World  (down 2%)

(down 2%)
(up 13%)

(up underlying 1%)
 UK 
 North America 
(up underlying 11%)
 Rest of the World  (up underlying 7%)

05

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORT
OUR BUSINESS MODEL

CREATING
SUSTAINABLE VALUE

DMGT is an international 
portfolio of digital, information, 
media and events businesses. 
The common thread that 
unites our businesses is in 
providing our customers 
with high-quality information, 
news and entertainment.

B2B

Consumer

By harnessing technology, we can create 
new insights and allow customers to use 
our information in ways that best serve 
their needs.

HOW WE MAKE MONEY
Our revenue models

06

A DIVERSIFIED BUSINESS
WITH A BALANCED PORTFOLIO

Our business is highly cash generative and increasingly diversified 
by activity, geography and revenue type.

Operating profit by business

13

27

19

8

33

1 RMS 
2 dmg information 
3 dmg events 
4 Euromoney 
5 dmg media 
Excludes corporate costs

13%
19% 
8% 
33%
27% 

Operating profit by region

1 UK 
2 North America 
3 Rest of the World 

45% 
44% 
11%

45

11

44

Revenue by type

17

17

13

28

8

17

1 Print advertising 
2 Digital advertising 
3 Circulation 
4 Subscriptions 
5  Events, conferences 

17% 
8%
17% 
28%

and training 

13% 
6 Transactions and other  17% 

Find out more about our  
business portfolio on page 16.

1.  Subscription 
Our B2B businesses have a strong 
subscription revenue component with 
high renewal rates demonstrating the 
strength of our client relationships.

2.  Advertising
Growth in our digital advertising 
revenues continues to offset weakness 
in print advertising. Enhanced user 
engagement drives advertiser 
interest in increasingly sophisticated 
advertising formats.

3. Circulation
Circulation revenues are generated 
from sales of Daily Mail and The Mail 
on Sunday newspapers, which 
continue to gain market share in  
a declining market.

4. Events attendance  
and sponsorship
Exhibitor and delegate fees and 
sponsorship revenues are earned from 
the growing portfolio of trade shows 
run by dmg events and from 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OUR FIVE STRENGTHS GIVE DMGT 
A UNIQUE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

HOW WE CREATE VALUE

Entrepreneurial heart
that fosters constant innovation,  
growth and talent development across  
our international businesses.

Active portfolio management
which reflects our investment philosophy  
and responds to market opportunities.

Devolved and diversified
Group structure which gives our businesses 
freedom within a framework and ensures 
that they remain close to their customers.

Family ownership
which enables the Company to continually 
adapt and innovate, allowing it to take 
entrepreneurial risks and make investment 
decisions for the long term.

Trusted expertise
providing customers with the vital news and 
entertainment, analysis, data and information 
they need in the form that they want it.

For customers
Our deep understanding of 
customer needs enables us 
to create content that gives 
our businesses a 
competitive edge and 
informs our customers.

For shareholders
We have a strong track 
record of generating a 
positive return. Investment 
of strong cash flow and our 
active portfolio management 
drive sustainable earnings 
and dividend growth.

For employees
We back talent, making 
it a priority to identify, 
develop and cultivate 
entrepreneurs within our 
business and through 
acquisitions.

Find out more about our  
global reach on page 05.

Euromoney’s conferences, seminars 
and training activities.

5. Transactions
dmg information’s revenues from its 
property information business are 
influenced by property transaction 
volumes; they are “quasi-subscription” 
in nature due to their regularity 
and frequency.

Our approach
Leveraging expertise; we use our 
knowledge and experience to replicate 
business opportunities and develop our 
businesses across borders.

Freedom within a framework: we give our 
businesses autonomy to make the right 
decisions due to their close relationships 
with their customers, which drives product 
innovation. In exchange we set clear 
targets and demand financial discipline.

Incentives for management: we 
encourage entrepreneurship, fostering a 
sense of ownership and accountability and 
aligning remuneration with performance.

07

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
MARKET OVERVIEW

ADAPTING TO 
CONTINUOUS CHANGE

DMGT comprises of a portfolio of businesses 
working across diverse marketplaces. Each has its 
own individual characteristics as well as sharing 
common features and trends.

The commonalities and characteristics found across DMGT’s portfolio define 
the nature of the environment in which we operate and create a framework 
when setting and implementing our strategy. These are: 

•  Fast paced and frequently changing

•  Technology driven, with constant innovation

•  Customer centric

•  Content and information driven

•  International

Other features of our marketplace are the competitive and consumer 
environments. Through our decentralised structure, we remain close to our 
customers and markets, allowing innovation and adaptability to drive growth 
opportunities across the Group. 

COMPETITION
Some of our more specialist B2B businesses operate in specific niches which 
mean they are often the only major operator in that sector. Where our 
businesses operate in more competitive sectors we focus on innovation, 
ensuring we remain relevant and essential.

Our consumer media brands operate in perhaps the most competitive of 
marketplaces. The number of digital news providers continues to grow and 
compete with our print titles and websites for customers and advertising 
revenues. dmg media is fortunate to have consumer titles which benefit from 
being trusted brands with significant scale and audience reach enabling it 
to retain and, in some instances, grow its market share.

CUSTOMERS
Across our B2B businesses customers tend to demand high-value services and 
come from primarily the insurance, property, education, energy and finance 
sectors. We prefer to form long-term relationships with our customers by 
working with many of them on a subscription basis where we achieve high 
renewal rates.

The largest number of customers is in our consumer media business. We reach 
nearly 30 million people a month or 59% of the adult population in the UK. 
Our customer base outside the UK is growing as MailOnline continues to 
attract global audiences, especially in the US.

Our devolved and decentralised structure is essential in ensuring that our 
businesses remain nimble and close to their customers, therefore anticipating 
and meeting their ever-changing needs. 

TRENDS
When considering the factors most likely to impact our diverse marketplaces 
we have identified four major trends. We ensure that the implications of these 
trends are considered both as opportunities and as risks. More detail on how 
we manage the risks can be found on pages 30 to 33. 

08

CONTINUOUS 
INNOVATION

•  Technological change is 

accelerating at a pace never  
seen before and so is the speed  
at which consumers are adopting 
new technology. 

•  It took 30 years for electricity and 

25 years for telephones to reach 10% 
adoption but tablet devices have 
achieved this rate within five years. 

•  The ‘internet of things’ – networks 
of sensors to collect data, monitor 
and optimise processes – will drive 
productivity across a range 
of industries.

•  Mobile continues to be a major 
trend, with data traffic set to 
increase nearly elevenfold 
between now and 2018. 

•  Automation will disrupt traditional 
roles. Many manual tasks have the 
potential to be delivered through 
robotics. Intelligent software systems 
can increase the productivity of 
knowledge workers. 

•  The entire landscape is becoming 
ever more global, with around five 
billion people forecast to have 
access to the internet by 2025.

DMGT and innovation
As an entrepreneurial company 
strongly focused on digital growth, 
DMGT keeps one step ahead by 
continually fostering innovation and 
embracing new ideas. At the same 
time, our family heritage encourages 
the long-term thinking needed to 
invest for the future. Our decentralised 
approach enables us to remain close 
to customers, gaining greater insight 
and understanding into exactly 
what they value, engage with and, 
ultimately, want to buy. 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FOUR MAJOR TRENDS

IMPORTANCE  
OF DATA

GLOBAL  
SHIFTS

A COMPETITIVE  
TALENT POOL

•  The amount of data available to 
businesses is growing rapidly and 
customers’ demand for real-time 
information is also increasing. 

•  Companies are beginning to see 

their data as a revenue source and 
using advanced analytics to 
produce actionable insights. 

•  At the same time, as internet use 

grows so does the issue of 
cybersecurity. Despite excellent 
security practices employed by 
many cloud providers, these services 
are likely to be prime targets for 
attacks by cybercriminals.

•  Emerging and growth markets will 

continue to strengthen their 
economic power. By 2050 the GDP 
of the E7 (China, India, Brazil, Russia, 
Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey) is set 
to be double that of the G7 (US, 
Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy 
and Canada). 

•  The trend for urbanisation continues, 
with 75% of the world’s population 
forecast to be living in cities by 2050, 
with Africa and Asia leading 
the way. In 1990 there were 
10 megacities (those with more 
than 10 million inhabitants) in the 
world. By 2030 this is forecast to rise 
above 40.

•  The supply of talent is shifting at a 
time when demand is increasing. 
Mature economies are not able 
to find the talent they need, 
just as emerging markets are 
increasing their demand for highly 
educated workers. 

•  The labour pool is shrinking, 

especially in terms of those qualified 
to take advantage of big data 
and analytics. 

•  The concept of a job for life is 

being challenged. Skills learnt now 
will become out of date in a few 
years’ time, so the need for 
continuous education will 
become more important. 

DMGT and data
As a provider of valuable data to 
customers all over the world, DMGT 
is strongly positioned to benefit from 
these trends, and we will continue to 
create optimisation tools to automate 
the flow of information. We recognise 
the increasing importance customers 
place on real-time insights and 
are investing and innovating in 
this area. We are highly aware of 
the cybersecurity threat to our 
businesses, as well as to those of our 
customers, and the need to maintain 
constant vigilance.

DMGT and global change
Understanding cities and their shifting 
demographics is critical to reaching 
urban consumers and the demand 
for information to do this will grow. 
Urbanisation will also increase 
demand for property and energy, 
already key market areas for DMGT 
companies. In terms of the shift in 
economic power, we continue to 
invest in growth markets, particularly 
Asia, seeking out new opportunities 
and establishing joint ventures. In our 
mature markets we remain agile. 
Rather than opting for a short-term 
strategy, we ensure that we adapt 
and innovate for the long term.

DMGT and talent 
As a successful global employer able 
to offer a wide range of exciting 
opportunities, we are well positioned 
to attract talent and understand the 
need to constantly re-educate our 
people. As an organisation, we 
champion our strong and enterprising 
culture in order to attract and retain 
recruits, particularly those starting 
their careers.

09

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

PERFORMING  
WELL AGAINST  
OUR OBJECTIVES

Martin Morgan 
Chief Executive

Introduction and Strategy
DMGT has delivered another year of strong 
performance with continued growth from 
the B2B companies and excellent profit 
performance from consumer media. 
Strong organic growth from investment 
and innovation and active portfolio 
management have ensured the effective 
use of shareholders’ capital. 

DMGT has pursued a consistent strategy 
of growing its B2B companies, developing 
its consumer businesses and diversifying 
internationally into high-growth markets. 
We measure the success of this strategy 
through our key performance indicators 

. There is an update on how these 
have progressed over the past year on 
pages 14 and 15 of the Strategic Report. 
The performance over the past year has 
been encouraging and with our stronger 
balance sheet we face the future with 
increasing confidence. 

Financial performance
DMGT has delivered another year of strong 
performance in 2014. Group underlying 
revenues rose by 5% and underlying 
operating profit increased by 15%, at an 
operating margin of 17%. Although our 
reported results have been negatively 
impacted by the strength of the British 
pound against the US dollar, we are 
pleased to report that the adjusted profit 
before tax and earnings per share was 
in line with market expectations. Further 
information can be found in the Financial 
Review (pages 26 to 29). 

Our performance in the year reflects good 
growth from the B2B operations and an 
excellent profit performance from the 
consumer media business, dmg media. 
The Group has delivered strong cash flows 
and executed successful disposals. As a 
result the year-end net debt to EBITDA ratio 
(1.5 times) was comfortably below the 
Group’s preferred upper limit of around 
2.0 times. DMGT’s increased financial 
strength has enabled the Group to invest 
in our businesses, make acquisitions, 
conclude the share buy-back programme 
and early debt repayment, as well as 
increase the dividend. 

In March we took the decision to postpone 
the launch of RMS(one), the real-time 
software as a service risk management 
platform being developed by RMS. 
The principal reasons were that product 
performance was unsatisfactory and 
that it had become clear that more 
development was required to meet 
customer expectations. A thorough 
review of the product’s design was carried 
out and based on a new simplified 
architecture, and one which will utilise 
a range of the latest technologies, the 
launch is now planned for late 2015. 

We regret the failure to deliver RMS(one) 
in accordance with the original timetable 
and the impact that this has had.

This Strategic Report sets out our Group 
strategy and objectives and an overview of 
performance. Further information on each 
of our operating businesses can be found 
on pages 16 to 25.

Represents a key performance 
indicator within the Annual Report

10

In the Financial Review (pages 26 to 29), 
Stephen Daintith, Finance Director, 
describes our earnings performance in 
detail. Our principal risks and the steps 
we take to mitigate them are set out on 
pages 30 to 33.

Social, environmental and community 
information is set out in our Corporate 
Responsibility Review on pages 35 to 37. 
Our approach to governance can be 
found in the Directors’ Report commencing 
on page 40.

Strategic ambition
Over the past five years, DMGT has 
transformed into a more focused B2B 
information and consumer media group, 
generating growing underlying revenues 
and sustainable profits. This transformation 
has been delivered through:

•  growing our B2B companies with organic 
growth enhanced by both acquisitions 
and investment;

•  developing our consumer media 

businesses through the strength of the 
Mail brand across a range of consumer 
platforms and creating an effective 
and lower cost operating structure; and

•   diversifying internationally through our 

B2B operations and MailOnline.

Our consistent strategy is pursued by 
the Group’s operating businesses: RMS, 
dmg information, dmg events, Euromoney 
Institutional Investor (Euromoney) and 
dmg media. 

We aim to deliver compelling proprietary 
content for both specialist B2B and 
consumer audiences. Our customers 
trust us to deliver vital information when 
and where they need it. We recognise 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

Our strategic ambition

Our strategic priorities

Developing  
our consumer 
media  
businesses

Growing our 
business to  
business  
companies

A global 
growth  
company

Diversifying 
internationally  
into high-growth 
markets

  Fostering innovation to deliver  

organic growth

  Maintaining rigorous and active 
portfolio management

  Driving international growth

  Using technology to enable growth

  Attracting and developing 

entrepreneurial talent

Strategic priorities 
In order to deliver on our strategic 
ambitions, we are focused on five strategic 
priorities, which are listed above and 
expanded on pages 12 and 13.

Fostering innovation to deliver 
organic growth
By creating an entrepreneurial 
environment in which innovation thrives, 
DMGT develops compelling content which 
is relevant and trusted. Our approach to 
fostering innovation is through organic 
investment and bolt-on acquisitions. 

During the year there have been a 
number of significant organic investments. 
These include RMS(one), a real-time risk 
management platform, with a programme 
of incremental deliverables to Joint 
Development Partner clients being 
planned for late 2015. Within dmg 
information, investment has been made 

at Genscape, Hobsons and Trepp with 
resultant new product launches such as 
Hobsons’ Naviance Curriculum, and 
Trepp’s Trepp Trade. Euromoney has 
delivered a new digital content platform, 
Delphi, which will enable faster growth at 
many of its businesses. On the consumer 
side, further investment has been made 
at MailOnline and Wowcher. 

Maintaining rigorous and active  
portfolio management
During the year there were a number 
of significant developments with both 
acquisitions and disposals being made. 
We are also increasingly taking influential 
minority stakes as a way of making new 
additions to the portfolio. Our overall aim is 
to create a balanced revenue stream by 
market sector and geography to ensure 
the resilience of the Group’s long-term 
growth trajectory by an effective use of 
shareholders’ capital.

DMGT investment preferences

the opportunities in fast-changing 
markets where we are utilising digital 
innovation in an ever more interactive 
and real-time manner. 

Our devolved and diversified operating 
structure ensures that our entrepreneurial 
philosophy can thrive with effective 
strategic decision making resulting from 
business leaders being close to their 
markets. DMGT continues to derive 
significant advantage from its long-term 
family ownership, creating an environment 
in which strong sustainable returns can be 
achieved based on a prudent view of risk. 
Active portfolio management and strong 
financial discipline are important aspects 
of DMGT’s strengths with notable 
developments over the past year coming 
to fruition, as described throughout 
this report.

The significance of our B2B businesses has 
continued to increase. As a result of this we 
have decided to bring together the B2B 
companies, RMS, dmg information and 
dmg events, under a single division called 
dmg b2b. This will allow us to bring common 
management discipline to this area of 
DMGT as we have done with our consumer 
facing business through the previous 
formation of dmg media. 

Suresh Kavan is the Chief Executive Officer 
of dmg b2b and I am its Chairman. 
Our individual businesses, such as RMS, 
will continue to be run by their CEOs.  
We will also continue to report the financial 
results of each of the three areas within 
dmg b2b (RMS, dmg information, 
dmg events) individually.

Organic

Bolt-on

Adjacent

New Sector

11

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

“ Our customers trust us to deliver 
vital information when and 
where they need it.”
Martin Morgan, Chief Executive

MEETING DMGT’S 
INVESTMENT CRITERIA

We have a consistent and 
considered approach to 
investments. We look to 
invest in businesses which:

•  have the potential for 
high rates of organic 
growth;

•  are international 

in reach;

•  have innovative 
products, quality 
content and deep 
customer insight;

•  are market leaders;

•  have entrepreneurial 

and creative leadership;

•  can benefit from 

DMGT’s long-term 
perspective; and

•  meet our financial 

criteria.

Various acquisitions were made to expand 
the depth and breadth of our B2B activities. 
dmg information expanded its property 
information services through acquiring 
Decision Insight Information Group (DIIG), 
Genscape further developed its energy 
information services through acquiring 
the US-based Energytics, dmg events 
expanded its sector reach by acquiring 
Quartz Coatings, Euromoney acquired 
Infrastructure Journal and the Mining 
Investment Events Division of Summit 
Professional Networks (Mining Indaba) 
enhancing its product offering in the 
metals and mining sector. 

In October 2014 we disposed of Lewtan, 
part of dmg information. The business was 
sold to maintain our strategic priority to be 
a rigorous and active portfolio manager 
and to dispose of businesses when they 
have a higher value to another owner.

During the year, the transformation of 
dmg media has led to the disposal of 
Evenbase, the digital recruitment business, 
and a reduction in our stake in the 
Zoopla Property Group Plc (ZPG) through 
an Initial Public Offering. We are pleased 
with the return on capital achieved on 
both these businesses and we will retain 
our remaining c. 32% stake in ZPG for the 
foreseeable future. 

Influential stakes in businesses of strategic 
importance were made by Hobsons in iProf 
in India, by dmg information in Skymet, 
also in India, and Genscape’s investment 
in Petrotranz, which was increased to just 
over a 50% stake in November 2014. By 
using our expertise in developing young 
businesses, we believe we can build these 
initial stakes into valuable long-term growth 
opportunities. Further information on 
our joint ventures and associates can 
be found in the Financial Review on 
pages 26 to 29.

We retain a balanced capital allocation 
approach. We now have increased 
flexibility made possible by our 
strengthened balance sheet, to create 
shareholder value. While organic 
investment remains our first priority, 
supported by bolt-on acquisitions, we 
will also continue to identify targeted 
acquisitions in adjacent markets and new 
sectors. These investments will be balanced 

against delivering real dividend growth, 
pension fund contributions as well as further 
returns in the form of share and bond 
buy-backs. 

We have a consistent approach to 
regularly evaluating the strength of 
our existing portfolio as well as new 
opportunities which are summarised in 
DMGT’s investment criteria table on the left.

Driving international growth
Growth in new geographies and sectors 
is a long-term ambition and further 
progress was made during 2014. Our 
non-UK revenues now account for 47% 
of total revenues with 26% coming from 
North America and 21% from the Rest of 
the World and non-UK revenues grew at 
an underlying rate of 9%.

We are progressively establishing offices 
and investing in businesses across Asia, 
Africa and South America.

•  RMS has established a sales office in 
Singapore and China to expand into 
the Pacific region, complementing its 
well-established business in Japan. 

•  dmg information’s new regional offices in 
Singapore and New Delhi have brought 
a number of our operations together 
and are creating new momentum. 

•  Genscape will be starting operations 

in Japan. 

•  dmg events is expanding in India and 
South East Asia and its Energy division 
is establishing itself in Mexico and looking 
to expand its presence in this region.

•  Entry into Africa is being led by exhibitions 
and conferences, in particular by dmg 
events in energy as well as Euromoney in 
the mining sector through its acquisition 
of Mining Indaba.

We remain confident that there is 
considerably more international growth 
potential to unlock over time.

Using technology to enable growth
Technology is a business enabler for our 
proprietary content through platform 
development or from exploiting device-
led opportunities. In the past year, there 
have been a range of new platform 
developments. For example, Hobsons’ 

12

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014Given our increased financial strength, 
we are in a position to capture growth 
opportunities through further investment 
and acquisitions. Our teams of talented 
entrepreneurs have the ability to navigate 
their way through challenging market 
conditions to exploit growth opportunities 
and deliver long-term shareholder value. 
DMGT’s outlook remains positive and we 
look forward to making further progress 
in 2015. 

Martin Morgan
Chief Executive

Radius and Euromoney’s Delphi which 
are creating new business opportunities. 
In the consumer media environment, 
understanding how technology can 
harness the value of scalable audiences 
through developing new apps for mobile 
devices and linking with social media are 
ongoing development areas for MailOnline 
and Wowcher. 

One way in which we measure our ability 
to harness technology has been through 
monitoring the proportion of our revenues 
from digital sources. In 2014, we have 
seen a further increase in the digital 
share of Group revenue to 46% 
The proportion of digital revenues is 
expected to continue to grow. 

 . 

Attracting and developing  
entrepreneurial talent 
Creating a culture where innovation 
thrives is vital in attracting and developing 
entrepreneurial talent. We believe that the 
quality of leadership will dictate the pace 
and success of the Group’s future growth. 
Our businesses continue to achieve 
external recognition with a range of 
awards over the past year reflecting the 
depth and strength of talent at DMGT. 

DMGT has established a strategy on how 
to recruit, retain and develop its talent 
to ensure ongoing success. One of the 
main initiatives has been the Leadership 
Development Programme which almost 
100 senior leaders have attended this year. 
It addresses the fundamentals of how 
technology, market dynamics, innovation 
and customer challenges can be 
harnessed. Hackathons, based in London 
and New York, were held to stimulate 
technical innovation. To reflect the growing 
importance of product management, 
the first project management workshop 
was held.

It is important to adapt our remuneration 
arrangements to reflect fast-moving 
market conditions and the Group’s 
longer-term investment horizon. Details of 
our approach to training, management 
and remuneration are set out in detail in 
the Corporate Responsibility Review 
(pages 35 to 37) and in the Remuneration 
Report (pages 51 to 73). 

Trends affecting DMGT
DMGT’s markets remain challenging, not 
only from an economic perspective but 
also due to the pace of technological 
change and patterns of consumption in 
both B2B and consumer environments. 

Technology is enabling businesses to 
innovate on faster cycles and often at 
lower cost than before, which is creating 
new opportunities. Demand for vertical 
specialities and the ability to analyse and 
use data in real-time on a scale previously 
unknown, is a powerful trend and one 
we intend to exploit. We believe that the 
quality and interpretation of data will 
become increasingly important and 
one that can be driven by harnessing 
technological innovation and by deeply 
understanding customer needs.

The continued exponential growth of the 
consumer internet economy linking to 
social media and accessing information 
across an ever-increasing number and 
variety of devices is an important trend 
and one which DMGT is already exploiting. 
We recognise that ongoing innovation 
will be required to maintain our strong 
market positions. 

More information on the trends affecting 
DMGT can be found on page 08 of the 
Strategic Report. 

Share price
The price of DMGT’s A Ordinary Non-Voting 
Shares (A Shares) has increased by 1% from 
£7.62 on 30 September 2013 to £7.68 on 
30 September 2014, compared to a 3% 
increase for the FTSE All-Share Index over 
the year.

Outlook
The Board remains confident that the 
Group has excellent long-term growth 
prospects. DMGT has created a diverse set 
of businesses which together provide a 
sustainable platform for long-term growth. 

The financial performance in 2015 will be 
adversely impacted by investment in 
RMS(one), one of dmg events’ largest 
events, Gastech, not occurring in the year 
and by the disposal of the Evenbase digital 
recruitment business during 2014.

13

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MEASURING OUR
PERFORMANCE

Represents a key performance 
indicator within the Annual Report

Our strategic priorities

  Fostering innovation to deliver 

organic growth

  Maintaining rigorous and active 
portfolio management

  Driving international growth

  Using technology to enable growth

  Attracting and developing 

entrepreneurial talent

Description

Relevance

Performance

Narrative

Strategic priority

Underlying  
revenue growth

Underlying revenue growth 
compares revenues on a 
like-for-like basis and is an 
important indicator of the 
health and trajectory of the 
individual businesses and 
the Group as a whole.

Group adjusted 
profit before tax 

As a portfolio-based Group, 
DMGT periodically buys and 
sells businesses and allocates 
capital to increase adjusted 
profit before tax over the 
long term.

Operating 
margin

Increasing adjusted 
operating margin indicates 
an improvement in the 
quality of DMGT’s business 
assets, though is balanced 
with investing for the long 
term and seeking strong 
underlying revenue growth.

Net debt/ 
EBITDA ratio

Management aims to 
maintain a strong balance 
sheet and retain DMGT’s 
investment-grade status and 
consequently targets the 
year end net debt/EBITDA 
ratio to be no more than 
2.0 times.

Earnings  
per share

Management seeks 
sustained long-term growth 
in adjusted earnings per 
share to maximise overall 
returns for DMGT’s owners.

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

+2%

+2%

+3%

+3%

+5%

Underlying revenue growth

+5%

2013: +2%

The increase in underlying revenue growth 
reflects the strength of the B2B businesses 
(+8%) and a stable performance from 
dmg media.

£291m

£267m

£247m

£220m

£230m

Group adjusted profit before tax# *

£291m

2013: £267m

Group adjusted profit before tax grew by 
9%, despite the adverse impact of the 
stronger British pound relative to the US 
dollar. dmg media and dmg information 
were significant contributors to the growth.

17%

17%

15%

15%

16%

Operating margin# *

 17%

2013: 17%

The Group margin remained unchanged 
in the year as the acquisition of lower 
margin businesses within dmg information 
and increased RMS(one) costs were offset 
by an improved margin at dmg media.

1.5x

1.5x

1.6x

Net debt/EBITDA

 1.5x

2013: 1.5x

2.0x

2.3x

Through strong operational cash flows, 
continued portfolio management and 
tight control of working capital, the net 
debt/EBITDA ratio remains comfortably 
below our preferred upper limit of 2.0 times 
despite share buy-back programmes.

55.7p

49.9p

47.4p

43.6p

46.4p

Earnings per share# *

55.7p

2013: 49.9p

The continued growth in adjusted 
earnings per share reflects the improved 
profitability of our business and the effect 
of the share buy-back programmes.

Dividend  
per share

The Board’s policy is to 
maintain dividend growth 
in real terms over the long 
term and for this to be 
supported by earnings 
per share growth.

14

15

10

5

0

4.1p

1994

20

Dividend

Inflation

20.4p

Dividend per share

20.4p

2013: 19.2p

We have proposed a full-year dividend 
of 20.4 pence, up by 6% from last year, 
continuing our strong track record of 
dividend growth and delivering an 8% 
cumulative annual growth rate over the 
past 20 years.

7.3p

2014

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014 
 
 
 
DMGT has pursued a consistent strategy of growing its B2B companies, 
developing the consumer businesses and diversifying internationally 
into high-growth markets. 

The Board seeks to deliver sustained long-term growth for DMGT’s owners and understands the importance 
of attracting and developing entrepreneurial talent, fostering innovation and using technology to deliver that 
growth. Due to DMGT being a changing portfolio of different companies, many Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 
that are targeted by individual businesses, such as client numbers, revenue per client and employee productivity, 
are not appropriate at a consolidated Group level. The KPIs shown below however are considered to be good 
indicators of the Group’s overall progress against its strategic priorities.

Description

Relevance

Performance

Narrative

Strategic priority

Balanced 
revenue by 
sector

DMGT seeks to develop its 
consumer media businesses 
and grow its B2B companies. 
This KPI tracks the proportion 
of total revenues attributable 
to each sector.

43

57

 B2B 

 Consumer

B2B/Consumer revenue mix# 

57%/43%

2013: 53%/47%

We continue to maintain a balance of 
revenues between B2B and Consumer 
businesses. The underlying growth of the 
B2B businesses and portfolio management 
resulted in a greater proportion of 
revenues coming from B2B despite the 
strength of the British pound.

International 
share of total 
revenues

This measures the proportion 
of revenue generated 
outside the UK. DMGT’s 
long-term strategic objective 
is to develop into a global 
growth company. This KPI 
measures DMGT’s success 
in internationalising 
the business.

21

26

International share of total revenues# 

47%

2013: 48%

53

The strength of the British pound during 
the year had an adverse impact on the 
proportion of revenues from outside of 
the UK.

 North America

 UK 
 Rest of the World

54

46

 Digital 

 Non-digital

28

72

 Subscription 

 Other

7%

Digital share of 
total revenues

We expect digital activities 
to account for the majority 
of DMGT’s future growth. 
This KPI tracks the proportion 
of Group revenues that come 
from the digital content.

Subscription 
share of total 
revenues

Subscription-based revenue 
is a more stable and less 
cyclical revenue source than 
advertising and is largely 
derived from digital B2B 
products. This KPI tracks, 
relative to the rest of the 
portfolio, the Group’s ability 
to generate high-quality, 
digital B2B earnings.

Organic 
investment  
as a % of total 
revenues

Investing back into the 
businesses to support 
product innovation and 
effective use of technology, 
is key to delivering DMGT’s 
sustained long-term growth. 
The Board expects organic 
investment to be at least 5% 
of revenues.

Digital share of total revenues#

46%

2013: 42%

The mix of the Group’s revenues continued 
to change with an increased proportion of 
digital revenues and reduced print revenues.

Subscription share  
of total revenues# 

28%

2013: 29%

The strength of the British pound during 
the year had an adverse impact on the 
proportion of subscription-based revenues 
as these are primarily US dollar denominated.

Organic investment as  
a % of total revenues

7%

2013: 7%

DMGT continued to reinvest in the businesses 
during the year, notably in RMS, dmg 
information, Euromoney and MailOnline.

#  From continuing and discontinued operations. 
*   Before exceptional items, other gains and losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, pension finance 

charges, premiums on bond redemptions and amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations.

15

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
OPERATING BUSINESS REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Risk Management Solutions (RMS) is a vibrant company, 
leading and developing the industry it helped create 
25 years ago with innovative risk management solutions. 
Its entrepreneurial founder still leads the company, 
which has been part of DMGT since 1998.

Business review

Revenue

Operating profit*

Operating margin*

2014
£m

172

45

26%

2013
£m

175

57

32%

Movement
%

Underlying
%

-2%

-20%

+4%

-12%

*   Before exceptional items, impairment of intangible assets and amortisation of intangible assets arising on business 
combinations; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 81 and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

Key developments

RMS continues to be a market leader in 
catastrophe modelling. RMS has taken clear 
strategic actions to create a sound future 
for the business. The roll-out programme 
for RMS(one), the groundbreaking new 
risk management environment, has been 
redefined. Both the core business and 
RMS(one) are expected to underline RMS’s 
long-term growth prospects.

2015. RMS expects that this lower risk, 
phased approach will lead to staged 
utilisation by RMS’s broader client base.

The delay in the launch of RMS(one) 
impacted our financial performance. 
Details are set out on page 26 in the 
Financial Review. 

RMS continued to innovate in the 
catastrophe modelling market producing 
highly competitive models. Recent releases 
included the US and Canada Severe 
Convective Storm Models, the China and 
Hong Kong Typhoon and Coastal Flooding 
and the US Hurricane and Coastal Flooding 
models. These products have been well 
received by customers and beneficially 
influenced RMS’s performance in the year.

In Capital Markets, structural changes in 
the industry are creating opportunities 
for RMS. Pioneering a new approach to 
modelling indemnity catastrophe bonds, 
RMS facilitated the launch of a high-profile, 
innovatively structured Catastrophe Bond 
which commanded good levels of 
demand in the market.

When completed, RMS(one) will be the 
first and only real-time exposure and risk 
management environment and is a major 
development for the industry (see pullout 
box). Following the postponement of its 
launch, the approach to the development 
of the product changed during 2014 with 
certain elements of the existing software 
being improved and simplified in order 
to enhance the product’s performance, 
functionality and openness. 

Strategic priorities
The strategic focus for RMS has been to 
sustain the market position of its core 
modelling capabilities alongside 
developing RMS(one), which will 
reinforce the future of the business.

Business model
RMS is a world leader in catastrophe 
modelling, providing critical risk 
management solutions to hundreds of 
financial institutions around the world. RMS 
offers information and analysis to insurers, 
brokers and reinsurers and its services are 
increasingly in demand from new sectors 
and organisations.

Revenues are derived mainly from annual 
subscriptions, with recurring revenue 
renewal rates of 95%. RMS has healthy 
operating margins reflecting the high value 
its customers place on its products and 
services and the strength of the company’s 
market position.

Performance highlights
RMS produced solid results with underlying 
revenue growth of 4% to £172 million. 
Reported revenues were down 2% 
reflecting the adverse impact of the 
strength of the British pound versus the 
US dollar. The core modelling business 
saw continuing good demand for its 
subscription services and overall renewal 
rates remained above 95%. 

We did not deliver RMS(one) when we said 
we would, and we very much regret that 
we let down clients, our hard-working 
team, and you, our shareholders. A revised 
plan has been implemented which will 
result in a programme of incremental 
deliverables to Joint Development Partner 
clients during 2015. At a minimum, delivery 
of RMS’s first high-definition models to the 
broader client base is expected by late 

16

•  Launch of new storm models

•  The delay of RMS(one) and continued 

investment in the product

Fostering innovation to deliver  
organic growth 
The vitality of the business has been 
demonstrated this year with several new 
initiatives and developments. 

RMS(one) continues to be the major 
strategic development and has the 
potential to open up a new wave of 
modelling capabilities, products and 
clients. By the end of 2015, RMS(one) 
aims to make available the industry’s 
first High-Definition models. The RMS(one) 
eco-system is attracting a robust set of 
partners who are creating new third-party 
catastrophe models to extend the choice 
available to clients for a market-leading, 
comprehensive risk management solution. 

RMS announced an exciting partnership 
with the Risky Business initiative. Launched 
in October 2013, it aims to quantify and 
publicise the economic risks the US faces 
from the impacts of climate change. RMS 
joined the initiative as a content partner, 
and intends to further develop methods 
to model climate change risk that foster 
market-driven solutions.

In July 2014, a public-private partnership 
with the United Nations and The World Bank 
was announced as part of a new RMS 
initiative to expand access to its 
catastrophe models for governments in 
developing and developed countries.

RMS announced a partnership in 
September 2014 with The Rockerfeller 
Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative 
which will allow cities in the 100RC Network 
access to the RMS(one) exposure and risk 
management platform as well as RMS 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014“ We are pursuing a vigorous 
programme of catastrophe 
modelling development to 
lead and respond to escalating 
global risk issues including 
climate change.”
Hemant Shah, Co-Founder and CEO

catastrophe models to help them make 
well-informed decisions about managing 
and mitigating natural hazard risk.

Driving international growth
RMS derives over 40% of its revenues from 
clients in North America, with the balance 
coming from around the world, mainly 
Bermuda, Europe and Asia. The new RMS 
office in Singapore creates a base from 
which to expand into Australia, Japan 
and China over the longer term. Initial 
developments have included establishing 
a sales operation with a new emerging 
market customer base of domestic Asian 
companies. Changes and consolidation 
in the insurance industry in Japan also 
provide good growth opportunities for RMS.

Using technology to enable growth
RMS(one) will be a groundbreaking 
technological innovation that will transform 
risk management. Redefining our rollout 
programme and refocusing the business 
were difficult steps to take but represent a 
key stage in RMS’s understanding of both 
the complexities of a major IT initiative and 
the commitment to deliver what is right for 
DMGT, RMS and its customers.

Attracting and developing 
entrepreneurial talent
RMS has been nurturing a global 
community of talent with a particular 
emphasis on enhancing the quality of 
the catastrophe modelling team, which 
increased in size by 25% last year. As part 
of the refocusing of RMS(one)’s direction, 
a reorganisation of the business resulted 
in a reduction in staff of just under 10%, 
primarily in software engineering, along 
with the recruitment of key new talent and 
leadership and a concerted effort to focus 
critical work behind top existing internal 
talent. Appropriate retention and incentive 
plans have been put in place as part of the 
overall approach to attracting, retaining 
and developing the right capabilities 
across the RMS organisation.

Risks
The most significant risks for RMS are those 
relating to the launch and subsequent 
performance of RMS(one). RMS is 
dependent on a small number of third 
parties for platform and application 
development. Non-performance by one or 
more of these third parties could jeopardise 
the planned release of RMS(one), the 
quality of the final product, or subsequent 
client adoption rates. Controls in place to 
reduce this risk include additional Board 
governance, financial incentives and 

RMS(one): 2015 key actions

All exposures
All risks 
One place

High-Definition 
models

Own your  
view of risk

Democratisation 
of insights

Real-time

When completed, RMS(one) will be  
the first and only real-time exposure  
and risk management environment 
for insurers and reinsurers. We are 
implementing a revised plan for RMS(one) 
which will have four key implications:

1)  We do not now expect any new 

meaningful revenues from RMS(one) 
until FY 2016, with a consequent 
adverse impact on profitability 
in FY 2015 (see Outlook section). 

2)  Our immediate focus is to meet the 
needs of our six Joint Development 

Partner clients. We are working 
closely with them on an agile 
programme of incremental 
deliverables throughout 2015. 

3)  We will continue to support existing 
RMS products that are in the market 
for years to come. 

4)  We are continuing to work on the 
schedule of what capabilities will 
be available and when. At a 
minimum, the first high-definition 
models will be released to our client 
base by late 2015.

contract milestones, and these relationships 
are constantly monitored and reviewed.

To mitigate the development risks, RMS has 
in-sourced expertise and resources from 
highly specialised partners for platform 
and for application development. RMS’s 
in-house team continue to have the major 
role in the development, launch and sales 
of RMS(one). The risk from a loss of key talent 
remains relevant. 

Additional risks relating to RMS(one) are that 
the cloud infrastructure does not meet client 
usage and service level commitments.

Priorities in the year ahead
The main focus for the RMS management 
team in 2015 will be the continued 
development of RMS(one). RMS is 
committed to delivering a product which 
meets and then exceeds clients’ needs 
and expectations, and one which will 
transform the long-term growth prospects 
of the business.

Alongside this, RMS will maintain a vigorous 
programme of catastrophe modelling 
development, responding to the global 
climate change debate and other 
important risk themes. Two important core 
model releases for RMS in early 2015 will be 
updates to the European Windstorm and 
North Atlantic Hurricane models. RMS is 
also developing the industry’s first High-
Definition models, which will include the 
Japan Typhoon, European Flood, New 
Zealand Earthquake and US Earthquake.

Overall, RMS will ensure that it maintains 
and strengthens its position as a world 
leader in risk management solutions. 

Outlook
RMS expects underlying revenue growth to 
be in the low single digits in 2015. Significant 
RMS(one) revenues and amortisation costs 
are not expected to commence until 
financial year 2016, due to the delayed 
delivery of the product. With the changed 
approach to product development, 
capitalised development expenditure 
in financial year 2015 is expected to be 
materially lower than the £36 million in 
financial year 2014. The combination of the 
reduced capitalisation of development 
costs and committed increases in RMS(one) 
data centre costs will result in RMS’s overall 
operating profit margin being around 10% 
to 15% in financial year 2015. 

17

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
STRATEGIC REPORT
OPERATING BUSINESS REVIEW

DMG INFORMATION 

dmg information is a portfolio of  
innovative companies, providing specialist 
B2B services, which thrive under an 
entrepreneurial and growth-focused 
management approach. 

Business review

Revenue

Operating profit*

Operating margin*

2014
£m

391

68

17%

2013
£m

293

58

20%

Movement
%

Underlying
%

+34%

+17%

+12%

+26%

*   Before exceptional items, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and amortisation of intangible assets 

arising on business combinations; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 81 and the reconciliation in Note 13 
to the Accounts.

dmg information’s companies are experts 
in their field, providing high-value B2B 
content and information services to the 
property, education and energy sectors.

dmg information’s strategy. The business 
continued to actively manage its portfolio 
in the property and energy sectors and 
made strategic investments elsewhere. 

Business model 
Each of dmg information’s companies 
has a strong position in its market niche, 
operating in attractive, long-cycle sectors 
with good growth prospects. Proprietary 
content and vertical expertise, combined 
with a strong focus on class-leading 
content and solutions delivery, ensures 
close customer relationships are built 
and maintained. Around 90% of dmg 
information’s revenues are subscription 
based or quasi-subscription based 
with high renewal rates and healthy 
profit margins. 

Performance highlights
dmg information delivered another year 
of good performance, achieving broad-
based, double-digit growth in underlying 
revenues across most of the portfolio. 
Revenues were £391 million with underlying 
growth of 12%. Reported revenue 
growth was 34% reflecting the benefit of 
acquisitions partly offset by the adverse 
impact of the strength of the British pound 
relative to the US dollar. 

Operating profit increased by an 
underlying 26% to £68 million with an 
operating margin of 17%.

Margins declined compared to the 
previous year due to the acquisition of the 
lower margin Decision Insight Information 
Group (DIIG) (known as SearchFlow) 
and the inclusion, for the first time, of 
loss-making Xceligent as a subsidiary. 
The underlying margin adjusted for 
these increased nicely, reflecting good 
flow-through of profit from new sales.

Achieving the optimal balance of organic 
investment and bolt-on acquisitions is 
an increasingly important element of 

In property, revenues grew by 13% on an 
underlying basis. EDR delivered robust 
growth in the context of a flat US commercial 
property market, supported by the roll-out 
of the EDR Lender Portal, a web-based 
compliance application. Xceligent, the 
provider of verified US commercial real 
estate information, continued to build out its 
geographical footprint. In the UK, Landmark 
and SearchFlow produced strong growth, 
buoyed by the upswing in the residential 
property market and further new 
product initiatives. 

In education, Hobsons grew its revenues 
by an underlying 12%. In the US, Hobsons’ 
services continue to benefit from rising 
demand from high schools and from higher 
education institutions for their enrolment 
services. New product launches included 
Naviance Curriculum, a blended learning 
solution to help students reach their 
long-term career goals using proprietary 
video content. Hobsons’ Australian business 
continued its expansion with a diversified 
product offering through Edumate 
and Naviance. 

In energy, Genscape continued its strong 
growth trajectory providing real-time, 
fundamental production data and analysis 
across the power, oil, gas, agriculture, 
biofuels and maritime shipping markets. 
Underlying revenues rose by 21% with good 
organic growth from its oil, North American 
gas and biodiesel products. 

The financial information businesses, 
Trepp and Lewtan, delivered underlying 
revenue growth of 5%. In the context of 
the continuing challenges faced by the 
financial markets they serve, this was an 
encouraging performance and reflects 
the companies’ strength of market position 
and successful product innovation. 

18

making lawyers’ lives easier

Key developments

•  Acquisition of Decision Insight 

Information Group (DIIG) 
(SearchFlow)

•  Hobsons new product launches

•  Genscape continued growth

•  Trepp product innovation

•  Disposal of Lewtan (October 2014)

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014“ We have a commitment to 
organic growth and innovation, 
combined with carefully 
targeted acquisitions to create 
long-term sustainable growth.”
Suresh Kavan, Chief Executive

Active portfolio management
Since 2011, dmg information has become 
increasingly focused on strategically 
aligned acquisitions to optimise its 
long-term growth potential. The largest 
of these to date was SearchFlow, for 
£76 million in October 2013, a property 
information company complementary 
to dmg information’s existing businesses. 
Genscape acquired Energytics, a provider 
of information services to energy traders. 
With the Energytics predictive analytics 
services, Genscape is expanding its 
real-time and day-ahead power market 
analytics. Hobsons expanded into the 
Indian education market with the purchase 
of a 10% stake in iProf Learning Solutions, 
a leading learning management and test 
preparation provider.

Lewtan was sold after the financial year 
end. The business was sold to maintain 
our strategic priority to be a rigorous and 
active portfolio manager and to dispose of 
businesses when they have a higher value 
to another owner. Trepp will be classified 
under property information going forward.

Strategic priorities
Fostering innovation to deliver 
organic growth
dmg information continues to invest 
organically to ensure that its companies 
have product and technology foundations 
that can scale with the continued growth 
of the businesses. 

Hobsons further developed its position 
in the education market through the 
launch of Radius, the first Student Lifecycle 
Management solution to proactively 
engage students during recruitment, 
enrolment and through to graduation. 
Trepp consolidated its position in the 
commercial mortgage-backed securities 
(CMBS) market with the launch of Trepp 
Trade a collaborative workflow solution 
that provides bid list management, analysis 
and colour tracking.

Driving international growth
dmg information continues to expand its 
geographic footprint and has invested in 
regional headquarters in Singapore and 
a centralised office in Delhi, India. Together 
these create the foundations to bolster 
international growth. Within its businesses, 
there is also a focus on international 
growth. With its new office in Kuala Lumpur, 

Hobsons is an early entrant into Asia and is 
seeking to leverage the existing product set 
and services already provided in Australia. 
Additionally, Asia Risk Centre (ARC) the 
independent specialised modelling and 
analytics company in the agriculture 
domain, is now included in dmg 
information’s portfolio, and has offices 
in Singapore, California and Delhi. 

Attracting and developing 
entrepreneurial talent
As a parent group, dmg information nurtures 
an environment where entrepreneurs have 
the freedom to innovate and lead their 
companies in a fast-changing market. 
Given the increasing scale of dmg 
information’s strategic ambitions, there has 
been a renewed focus on enhancing and 
strengthening talent within the individual 
businesses. In particular, Landmark and 
Genscape have expanded their teams to 
ensure the resources are in place to meet 
their growth expectations. 

Risks
The principal risks impacting dmg 
information are those arising from a data 
security breach and the regulation of data. 

Within business information companies 
that are holding significant volumes of 
data, some of which is of a personal nature, 
a data breach could negatively impact 
the reputation of the business and trust of 
its customers. dmg information businesses 
such as Hobsons, Trepp and Genscape 
could be adversely impacted by a data 
breach or cyberattack.

Similarly, any new law or regulation that 
requires the free public provision of energy 
or environmental property information 
would dilute the value of a number of dmg 
information’s businesses such as Landmark, 
EDR and Genscape. 

Other risks relating to dmg information’s 
high-growth businesses include talent 
development and retention, emergence 
of new competitors and failure to identify 
new technological trends in the market.

Priorities in the year ahead
dmg information will continue to execute 
on its strategy with a commitment to: 
organic growth and innovation; a 
continued focus on bolt-on acquisitions; 
and a continuous study of new sectors and 
geographic entry opportunities. It is also 
an active portfolio manager, constantly 
reviewing its businesses for strategic fit.

Outlook
Given the long-cycle nature of the sectors 
served, there will be a bias towards 
long-term investment and decision making 
rather than reflecting short-term trading 
dynamics. Overall, revenues are expected 
to grow by around 10% on an underlying 
basis in 2015. Over the next three years, 
further efficiencies are expected from 
greater scale, although in the near term 
further investment will be required to 
expand our geographic footprint 
and make appropriate technology 
developments. Operating margins are 
expected to remain in the high teens 
in 2015.

Revenue by sector (%)

13

9

23

55

 Property information
 Education information
 Energy information
 Financial information

19

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
OPERATING BUSINESS REVIEW

DMG EVENTS 

dmg events’ entrepreneurial culture 
creates opportunities in high-growth 
geographies and sectors.

Business review

Revenue

Operating profit*

Operating margin*

2014
£m

100

27

27%

2013
£m

Movement
%

Underlying
%

+15%

+28%

+21%

+29%

87

21

24%

*   Before exceptional items, impairment and amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations; 

see Consolidated Income Statement on page 81 and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

With access to fast-changing market 
environments, dmg events now generates 
growth from almost half a million visitors 
per year, and over 13,000 exhibitors from 
more than 60 countries. An entrepreneurial 
culture backed by investment has 
encouraged extensive innovation which 
has created strong levels of growth. 

Business model
Operating over 70 fairs and conferences 
annually across over 20 countries has seen 
the business establish a balanced and 
diversified global footprint. Many of the 
events are highly regarded, large-scale 
events enjoying strong growth. A market-
focused strategy has enabled fast 
expansion through a clear ability to 
deliver high-quality events in response 
to clients’ needs.

Performance highlights 
dmg events delivered strong results in 2014, 
with underlying revenue growth of 21% and 
underlying profit growth of 29%. Reported 
results benefited from one of the large 
biennial events, Global Petroleum Show 
(GPS), being held in June 2014 but were 
adversely impacted by the stronger 
British pound relative to the US dollar.

dmg events has created a range of 
value-added initiatives which have driven 
demand and expanded the size of the 
existing events. These have included 
adding new sections and demonstrations 
as well as creating educational features 
and additional content. It has also enabled 
the successful increase in the frequency 
of some of the large events, with strong 
performances from Gastech, GPS and 
ADIPEC. The business has also successfully 
operated in a variety of new geographies 
within the ‘Energy and Construction’ 
portfolios, expanding into new countries 
such as Mexico, Kuwait, India and South 
Korea during 2014. 

The ‘Construction & Interiors’ and ‘Hotel 
& Hospitality’ assets have experienced 
dynamic growth particularly with the Big 5, 
INDEX and Hotel Show brands. The Big 5 
Dubai event has established itself as the 
largest construction event in the Middle 
East and Africa, creating successful 
geo-clones in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and 
India. INDEX, a design exhibition, and 
the Hotel show, both Middle East based, 
enjoyed strong growth generated from 
the addition of new event sections 
and features.

Strategic priorities 
Strategic priorities remain focused on 
developing a balanced and diversified 
portfolio of market-leading, branded 
events. Given the growth opportunities 
within the existing portfolio, dmg events 
will remain in the high-spend, long-cycle 
sectors with strong macro trends of ‘Energy, 
Construction & Interiors’ and ‘Hotel & 
Hospitality’. Over the medium term, further 
expansion will be accelerated by entering 
new long-cycle, high-spend related sectors 
in both established and emerging markets. 

Fostering innovation to deliver organic 
growth/Using technology to enable growth 
Our entrepreneurial culture will enable 
continued successful innovation to drive 
organic growth. In addition, adopting the 
latest technologies to enhance the user 
experience, such as apps which enhance 
event navigation and communication, 
in-door positioning and near-field 
communications, will improve the quality 
of events. Through the use of mobile 
technology, using big data from events to 
gain greater visitor knowledge, exhibitors’ 
marketing can be more targeted, scientific 
and therefore more effective. 

20

Key developments

•  Increased frequency of key shows

•  Geographic expansion

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014“ Innovation initiatives and a 
market-focused strategy are 
creating exciting long-term 
opportunities for dmg events.”
Geoff Dickinson, CEO

Maintaining rigorous and active  
portfolio management
During 2014, investment has been 
allocated to expand existing successful 
sectors. The Quartz Coatings event 
acquisition made in January 2014 
complemented the existing Middle East 
Coatings show. The acquisition, which 
operates in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, 
Mexico and Morocco, is also expected to 
enable cloning of existing events into new 
geographies. In the year ahead, dmg 
events will continue to examine a variety 
of strategic investments and acquisitions 
in either existing or new geographies 
and sectors. 

Driving international growth
dmg events will continue to expand into 
new geographies where appropriate. High 
levels of growth have been generated from 
emerging markets through establishing 
strong stakeholder relationships and by 
carefully identifying markets that are less 
volatile and aligned to dmg events’ 
sectors. In the medium term, dmg events 
expects to expand its presence in the 
following areas:

Attracting and developing 
entrepreneurial talent
A light touch management style, 
supported by recruiting top talent with 
proven entrepreneurial skills, continues to 
help dmg events to grow. Through training, 
backed by mentoring and coaching, 
dmg events constantly aims to create 
leading events teams. Incentive schemes, 
awards and recognition programmes 
are developed to make dmg events the 
preferred events environment for ambitious 
top talent.

Risks
The key risk facing dmg events is reliance on 
venues. dmg events is reliant on third-party 
venues in which key events are run. The loss 
of a key venue shortly before a major show 
could result in a cancelled, or significantly 
curtailed, event with a resultant impact on 
both revenue in the year of cancellation 
and, potentially, in subsequent years. 

Other risks include talent development 
and retention, competitor threats and 
geopolitical unrest or a catastrophe, 
which could affect global travel.

Priorities in the year ahead 
Following a very successful Global 
Petroleum Show in 2014, to meet market 
demand, the event will be moving to 
an annual basis in 2015. The increased 
frequency of this large event will be a 
clear priority for the Energy business. 
The continuing strategy of driving strong 
entrepreneurially led organic growth 
will be accelerated through increased 
investment in new sectors and geographies. 

Outlook
Gastech, one of dmg events’ largest 
events, won’t be occurring during FY 2015 
and the Global Petroleum Show is 
expected to be a smaller event as it 
moves from a biennial to an annual cycle. 
Consequently, reported revenues are 
expected to decline by around 10% 
although, given the range of growth 
initiatives across the dmg events portfolio, 
underlying revenues are expected to 
increase by between 10% and 15%. 
The operating margin is expected to 
be between 20% and 25%.

•  North and Latin America;

•  South East Asia, India and China;

•  Africa; and

•  Arabian Gulf.

Creating a smoother cycle: frequency of major events

Event

FY 2013

FY 2014

FY 2015

FY 2016

FY 2017

H1

H2

H1

H2

H1

H2

H1

H2

H1

H2

Big 5 Dubai

ADIPEC

Global Petroleum Show

Gastech

Annual

Biennial

18 months

21

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
OPERATING BUSINESS REVIEW

EUROMONEY INSTITUTIONAL 
INVESTOR 

The diversity of Euromoney’s portfolio of  
leading international B2B information services 
has supported a resilient performance  
despite challenging market conditions.

Business review

Revenue

Operating profit*

Operating margin*

2014
£m

407

117

29%

2013
£m

405

119

29%

Movement
%

Underlying
%

+0%

-1%

+3%

+4%

*   Before exceptional items, impairment and amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets arising on business 

combinations; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 81 and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

By division, Research and Data delivered 
a slight underlying decline in revenues 
through the subscription services of 
BCA and Ned Davis Research (NDR). 
Financial Publishing and Business 
Publishing both produced good revenue 
performances although operating 
margins decreased reflecting the 
investment in the transition to a digital-first 
publishing model. The Conferences and 
Seminars division delivered growth in 
revenues and profits benefiting from its 
exposure to the asset management 
industry. Training revenues declined as 
banking sector customers reduced their 
spending, although margins increased 
slightly following a restructuring undertaken 
in the previous year.

Euromoney has a strong balance sheet 
with a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 0.3 times. 
Investment in the digital transformation 
of Euromoney continued with the launch 
of the first products (BCA Research and 
Global Capital) on its new technology 
platform, Delphi, which was delivered 
on time and on budget. 

Strategic priorities
Euromoney’s overall strategy remains the 
building of a robust and tightly-focused 
global online B2B information business 
with an emphasis on emerging markets. 

Fostering innovation to deliver 
organic growth
Euromoney regards innovation as critical 
to the future success of the business 
and continues to invest in new products, 
services and technology to meet 
increasing digitally driven demand. 
For instance, in response to changes in 
regulation, Euromoney’s Global Capital 
launched a new renmimbi (RMB) data 
and news analysis service on all 
aspects of the internationalisation  
of the RMB market.

Euromoney is a major contributor to our B2B 
strategy of achieving international growth, 
particularly in emerging markets. It is 
publicly listed on the London Stock 
Exchange and DMGT owns a c. 68% stake.

Business model
Euromoney is an entrepreneurial B2B 
organisation operating in fast-changing, 
international markets. Investment in its 
Delphi digital platform (see page 23 
for information) enables the long-term 
growth of its products and services, with 
a particular strategic focus on increasing 
the proportion of subscription revenues.

Euromoney is focused on the 
international finance, metals and 
commodities sectors. It provides digital 
research and data, publishes both online 
and print titles and runs conferences, 
seminars and training courses all over 
the world. Half of Euromoney’s revenues 
derive from subscriptions and a third 
from emerging markets. 

Performance highlights
Euromoney continues to operate in 
challenging conditions in several of its 
markets, which impacts its performance. 
Revenues were up by 3% on an underlying 
basis at £407 million. Flat reported revenues 
reflected the benefit of acquisitions offset 
by the strength of the British pound relative 
to the US dollar. The operating margin 
remained stable reflecting tight control 
of underlying costs offset by the planned 
investment in digital publishing, including 
the Delphi platform.

The performance reflects modest growth 
in subscription services, helped by 
improving conditions in the asset 
management sector. There was good 
growth in event sponsorship and delegate 
revenues and profits, in the context of 
challenging financial and commodities 
markets. Advertising revenues were weak 
reflecting the continued pressure on 
global financial institutions. 

22

Key developments

•  Development of Delphi platform  

for automating, storing and  
delivering content 

•  Acquisition of Mining Indaba

Maintaining rigorous and active  
portfolio management
There were two significant acquisitions 
in the year. 

Euromoney acquired Infrastructure Journal 
for £13 million in October 2013. Infrastructure 
Journal has been successfully combined 
with Euromoney’s Project Finance business 
to create a comprehensive online source of 
news, analysis and data for the international 
infrastructure market under a new brand, 
IJ Global. The Mining Indaba brand was 
acquired, as part of the £46 million Summit 
Professional Networks transaction, and 
operates the world’s largest mining 
investment forum and Africa’s largest 
mining event. Mining Indaba provides 
Euromoney with an excellent opportunity 
to expand its position in the commodities 
and mining investment markets.

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014“ The Delphi platform has created 
opportunities for Euromoney 
through new product innovation 
and ever-increasing customer 
satisfaction.”
Christopher Fordham, Managing Director

In November 2014, Euromoney announced 
plans to acquire a 15.5% equity stake in a 
new company incorporated to acquire 
Dealogic Holdings Plc. The investment 
will be funded through the disposal of 
Euromoney’s interests in Capital DATA 
and Capital NET.

Driving international growth
Euromoney’s main offices are in London, 
New York, Montreal and Hong Kong. 
More than a third of its revenues are 
derived from emerging markets, with 
customers in over 200 countries, which 
creates a highly diversified organisation 
by both geography and customer type.

Using technology to enable growth
Investment in technology was a particular 
emphasis in the year. Delphi, the new 
platform for authoring, storing and 
delivering content, is the largest internal 
investment in the company’s history and 
is a significant long-term competitive 
development for the business. It is expected 
to improve the quality and relevance of 
existing subscription products as well as 
increase the speed to market of new digital 
information services. 

The first products launched on the Delphi 
platform include a fully integrated online 
research service from BCA Research. 

Euromoney’s capital markets content 
was combined under a new Global 
Capital brand to create an international 
news and data service on a single, 
device-neutral platform. 

Euromoney is also developing Investor 
Intelligence Network, a private online 
network connecting buyers, sellers and 
intermediaries in asset management 
worldwide. It gives investors sophisticated 
tools to deploy capital. 

Attracting and developing 
entrepreneurial talent
The Capital Appreciation Plan (CAP) is 
Euromoney’s long-term incentive scheme 
designed to retain and reward profit growth 
and is an integral part of the delivery of 
Euromoney’s successful growth strategy. 
At the AGM in January 2014, shareholders 
approved the introduction of the new 
2014 CAP.

A series of training initiatives have been 
started to improve digital capabilities 
across key functions including content 
creation, technology and sales and 
marketing. The programmes are aimed 
at increasing the skills base of the 
Company to give further momentum 
to Euromoney’s growth strategy.

Delphi and BCA Research

Delphi is Euromoney’s group-wide 
content platform to allow its businesses 
to enhance product value and 
generate cost efficiencies.

BCA Research was one of the first 
businesses to adopt Delphi, opening 
up the business to new possibilities:

Domain
expertise

Customer
relationship

1)  Customers are now able to search 
and interrogate content across 
geographies and asset classes, 
instantly and online.

2)  Intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces make 

it possible for users to access and 
customise data from multiple 
sources.

3)  BCA is delivering the full potential of 
its information and insight, keeping it 
relevant and vital to its customers.

Technology- 
based  
innovation

Risks
Euromoney holds and publishes large 
quantities of information and data 
including customer, employee and 
commercial data. The integrity, availability 
and security of this information is key to 
the continued success of the business. 

The investment banking sector, particularly 
fixed income, accounts for roughly half 
of Euromoney’s revenues. Challenging 
market conditions have shown few signs 
of improvement and increased regulatory 
pressure on investment banks continues 
to affect trading.

The emergence of new, sometimes 
disruptive technologies and the proliferation 
of social media is changing how customers 
access and use Euromoney’s products and 
services. A failure to respond to these 
changes and migrate the publishing 
businesses from traditional print media to 
interactive, searchable, online products, 
and to keep pace with developments in 
the delivery of events and training, could 
impact on the value of the Group’s 
products and services.

Other risks relating to Euromoney include 
published content risk, portfolio 
management and compliance risk.

Priorities in the year ahead
Euromoney will continue to pursue its 
strategy to accelerate various growth 
opportunities. The exploitation and roll-out 
of the Delphi platform to boost organic 
growth will be a priority in the year. 

Euromoney expects to use its financial 
strength to fund further acquisitions. To 
complement the established and more 
mature assets in the portfolio, Euromoney 
is increasingly looking at earlier stage 
businesses to invest in where opportunities 
are more extensive.

Outlook
The pressures on the investment banking 
sector, which accounts for nearly half of 
Euromoney’s revenues, show no real sign 
of easing. Euromoney’s businesses serving 
the asset management sector have seen 
conditions improve during 2014 and are 
positioned for further growth over the 
coming year. 

23

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
OPERATING BUSINESS REVIEW

DMG MEDIA 

dmg media’s transformation to a focused 
portfolio of businesses delivering high 
quality, popular content to a scaled 
audience is well advanced. 

Business review

Revenue

Operating profit*

Operating margin*

2014
£m

796

95

12%

2013
£m

793

80

10%

Movement
%

Underlying
%

+0%

+19%

+0%

+28%

*   Before exceptional items, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and amortisation of intangible assets arising 

on business combinations; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 81, segment analysis in Note 3 to the 
Accounts and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.

dmg media remains close to its customers 
through delivering highly valued content 
with a platform-agnostic approach, a 
model which is increasingly flexible in the 
fast-moving consumer market.

Business model
dmg media’s portfolio of print and 
digital consumer media businesses 
includes two of the UK’s most read paid-for 
newspapers, Daily Mail and The Mail 
on Sunday, and the world’s most visited 
English language newspaper website, 
MailOnline. The Mail brand is the number 
one newspaper brand in the UK and has 
achieved scale in other geographic 
markets, including the US. The portfolio also 
includes Metro, one of the world’s biggest 
free newspapers and Wowcher, one of the 
UK’s largest online vouchering websites. 
Revenues are generated from advertising 
and circulation, with an increasing 
proportion from digital revenue streams. 
The newspaper businesses continue 
to generate the significant proportion 
of profits whilst the digital businesses 
are driving dmg media’s overall 
revenue growth.

Performance highlights
dmg media delivered a good 
performance. Revenues were £796 million, 
in line with the previous year on an 
underlying basis, reflecting a resilient 
newspaper performance and strong 
growth from both MailOnline and 
Wowcher. Operating profits were 
£95 million, an underlying increase of 
28% with a margin of 12%. The increase in 
profitability was a result of stable revenues 
combined with significant cost efficiencies 
in the newspaper businesses.

The newspapers grew profits and 
improved operating margin with strong 
conversion to cash. The newspapers also 
strengthened their position in the market. 

Further investment was committed to the 
digital businesses to drive long-term 
growth, particularly at MailOnline. 

dmg media’s transformation to a focused 
portfolio of assets has involved further 
portfolio management activity, including 
the disposal of Evenbase. It also resulted 
in £20 million of exceptional restructuring 
costs in the year, notably resulting from 
reduced headcount in the newspaper 
businesses and central functions.

Mail titles
Advertising revenues from the Mail titles 
increased by 4% on an underlying basis to 
£252 million, with growth in digital revenue 
more than offsetting declines in print. 
MailOnline (including metro.co.uk)
delivered £62 million of advertising 
revenues, an increase of 46% compared 
to the previous year. The decline in print 
advertising revenues of 5% to £190 million 
reflects the continuing growth in 
competition for advertising budgets 
from other media, particularly digital.

Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday 
increased their average share of the UK 
national newspaper market for the year 
to 22.5% and 21.3% respectively. Total 
circulation revenues were £326 million, 
an underlying decline of 4%. Mail Plus, the 
paid-for online version of Daily Mail and  
The Mail on Sunday, continued to develop 
its product and interactive capabilities and 
had 46,000 subscribers by the year end. 

MailOnline grew its global audience to 
185 million monthly unique browsers and 
11.8 million average daily unique browsers 
in September 2014. The average number of 
monthly unique browsers during the year 
increased by 41% compared to the prior 
year and the average daily unique 
browsers increased by 38%. 

24

Key developments

•  Investment in MailOnline, in particular 

international expansion

•  Delivery of cost efficiencies in the Mail 

Newspapers

•  Completion of sale of Evenbase 

(October 2014)

MailOnline continues to focus on 
increasing the size and engagement level 
of its global audience and, in particular, its 
US audience. There were 63 million monthly 
unique US browsers and 3.2 million average 
daily unique US browsers in September 
2014, with average growth during the 
whole year of 45% and 42% respectively.

Metro 
Metro, the free morning newspaper 
targeting urban commuters, remains 
the UK’s third largest daily and one of 
the world’s biggest free newspapers. 
It achieved revenues of £75 million in 
the year, a decline of 3%. 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014“ The strength and trust inherent 
in the Mail brand provides 
long-term opportunities for 
dmg media through both print 
and digital formats.” 
Kevin Beatty, Chief Executive

Wowcher
Wowcher, the daily deals and online 
discounts business, delivered substantial 
growth with revenues increasing by 73% to 
£24 million. With a database of 5.95 million 
subscribers, it is extending its product 
offering to drive future growth. Wowcher 
broke even in the second half of 2014 and 
expects to be profitable during FY 2015.

Maintaining rigorous and active  
portfolio management
The sale of Jobsite in October 2014 was 
the final step in the disposal of Evenbase, 
following the sale of Jobrapido, OilCareers 
and Broadbean earlier in the year. The sale 
completed dmg media’s exit from the 
digital recruitment market, enabling it 
to focus on the core Mail businesses.

Evenbase
The Evenbase businesses, which were 
disposed of in 2014, contributed revenues 
of £53 million, with operating profits of 
£15 million.

Total proceeds were £152 million 
including £92 million in October 2014. 
The decision to exit the digital recruitment 
market reflects the commitment to active 
portfolio management.

Strategic priorities
The business remains focused on 
maintaining the profitability of the 
newspapers whilst generating revenue 
growth through its digital businesses. 
dmg media continues to innovate with 
content, product and distribution initiatives 
to develop a scalable global audience, 
whilst remaining committed to the highest 
editorial standards.

Fostering innovation to deliver 
organic growth
MailOnline continued to develop its content 
and product offering, including Fashion 
Finder, Chatterbox, (the eCommerce and 
advertising initiative), enhanced video 
content and an increasing focus on mobile 
applications. Metro’s digital operation, 
metro.co.uk, was transferred into 
MailOnline to drive synergies and maximise 
revenue opportunities whilst delivering 
a differentiated content proposition for 
a younger audience. 

The Mail titles’ marketing strategy combines 
effective content-driven promotions 
utilising the Mail Rewards Club database to 
generate customer information across the 
network. The MyMail portal was launched 
in October 2014, with consumers able to 
view content, earn points and carry out 
eCommerce transactions. The Mail Travel 
platform was also relaunched in 
September 2014 with encouraging 
early results.

Driving international growth
MailOnline has continued its pursuit of 
international growth with investment and 
expansion in the US, Canada and Australia. 
Nearly 20% of MailOnline’s revenue was 
generated in the US in the year, with 
revenues more than doubling on the 
previous year. It now employs over 160 
people in the North American region, 
where both editorial and commercial 
teams have been strengthened in order 
to drive audience and revenue growth. 
In January 2014, MailOnline launched 
an Australian joint venture with Mi9, part 
of the Nine Entertainment Co, with the 
partnership contributing improved 
advertising relationships and video content. 

Attracting and developing 
entrepreneurial talent
Talent remained a key priority in the year. 
The programme aimed to ensure that the 
right skills, experience and structure are 
in place to implement the exciting future 
of the business. 

dmg media made a number of key 
strategic hires, particularly in digital 
activities, reflecting the developing 
nature of the business. This included 
investment in critical support functions 
such as Technology, Finance and Human 
Resources, which are seen as key enabling 
services to future success. The Graduate 
scheme focused on recruiting specifically 
into a Business Analysis Graduate 
programme to develop dmg media’s 
analytical capabilities.

dmg media received a variety of industry 
awards for editorial excellence as well as 
media and advertising campaigns. 

Risks
The principal risks to dmg media relate to 
the successful execution of the MailOnline 
growth strategy and continued changes 
in the national newspaper market leading 
to an acceleration in any ongoing decline 
of circulation and advertising revenues.

MailOnline continues to grow a significant 
global audience. The MailOnline 
management team is currently focused on 
growing advertising revenue in the UK, US, 
Australia and across the rest of the world. 
The successful delivery of this growth 
requires investment and carries a degree 
of uncertainty. 

As digital media markets have grown, the 
newspaper market has declined. Our print 
titles have consistently outperformed the 
market, successfully managing the decline 
in print revenue and restructuring their cost 
bases, to deliver robust profits. Our industry 
continues to face these challenges 
which present both ongoing risks, and 
also opportunities. 

Other risks faced by individual businesses 
include the failure of key newspaper 
industry-specific suppliers, information 
security, data protection, cyber risk and 
the retention and recruitment of high-
quality staff.

Priorities in the year ahead
The benefits of the portfolio changes, the 
reductions in costs and the investment in 
initiatives to drive growth, will help dmg 
media continue to perform well. While 
downward pressure on newspaper 
advertising and circulation is likely to 
continue, growth in digital revenues and 
the benefits of a more efficient cost base 
are expected to mitigate the impact 
on profitability. 

Outlook 
Investment in our growth businesses will 
continue, particularly at MailOnline where 
the long-term opportunities and potential 
returns are attractive. 

Underlying revenues are expected to be 
stable with operating margins to be around 
12%, in line with last year. 

25

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REVIEW

The Financial Review highlights DMGT’s 
encouraging performance in the year, which 
saw growth in revenues, profits and earnings 
per share, and a balanced allocation of capital.

Key financial highlights*

Underlying revenue

Underlying operating profit

Operating margin

+5%

2013: +2%

EPS

+12%

2013: +7%

+15%

2013: +6%

Dividend

20.4p

2013: 19.2p

 17%

2013: 17%

Adjusted PBT

+9%

2013: +10%

Dividend increase

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

+6%

2013: +7%

 1.5x

2013: 1.5x

In this report, underlying revenue or profit* is revenue or profit on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for constant exchange rates, disposals, closures and non-annual events occurring in 
the current and prior year and acquisitions. For dmg information, underlying growth includes the year-on-year organic growth from acquisitions and excludes ECCTIS, a Hobsons 
business, which was disposed of in January 2014. For dmg events, the comparisons are between events held in the year and the same events held the previous time other than 
ADIPEC, which became an annual event in November 2013 and which is compared to 50% of the revenues and profits of the biennial November 2012 event. For Euromoney, 
no adjustments are made for the timing of events but acquisitions are excluded completely and underlying profit excludes the benefit in both FY 2013 and FY 2014 of the historic 
acceleration of its CAP incentive plan charge. For dmg media, underlying comparisons exclude contract printing revenue, which ceased last year, the central and eastern 
European businesses, which were disposed of last year, Villarenters, Metro Play, OilCareers, Broadbean and Jobrapido, which were disposed of this year, and distribution services, 
which ceased earlier this year. dmg media’s underlying revenues only include the profit but not the gross-up, equivalent to the cost of sales, from low margin newsprint resale 
activities. The disposal of Jobsite, formerly part of dmg media’s Evenbase portfolio, completed in October 2014 and the business is still included in the underlying figures. 
Northcliffe Media is excluded from the DMGT Group underlying comparisons. 

*   Unless otherwise stated, all profit and profit margin figures in this Financial Review refer to adjusted results and not statutory results. Adjusted results are stated before exceptional 
items, other gains and losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, pension finance charges, premiums on bond redemptions and amortisation of intangible assets 
arising on business combinations. For a reconciliation of Group profit to adjusted Group profit, see Note 13.

Performance highlights
Adjusted profit before tax rose by 9% to 
£291 million 
 reflecting a 4% rise in 
operating profit, an increased 
contribution from joint ventures and 
associates and a reduced net finance 
charge. The recommended full-year 
dividend increased by 6%  
shows the balanced nature of DMGT’s 
portfolio of businesses by revenue type, 

. The review 

sector and geography and emphasises 
the rising contribution to revenues from 
digital operations. 

RMS
This Financial Review would not be 
complete without some comment on RMS, 
given the level of attention that it has, 
quite rightly, received from the investment 
community over the past year. RMS’s profit 

margin in the year fell to 26%, compared to 
32% the previous year, due to incremental 
costs associated with RMS(one), notably 
data centre costs. 

Over the past four years we have been 
capitalising the software development 
costs of RMS(one) and as at the end of the 
year these amounted to £86 million and 
were carried on the balance sheet. 

Revenue profile
By business (%)

43

By type (%)

By destination (%)

9

22

21

5

17

17

13

28

8

17

21

26

53

 RMS 
 dmg information 
 dmg events 
 Euromoney 
 dmg media 

9%
21%
5%
22%
43%

26

 Print advertising 
 Digital advertising 
 Circulation 
 Subscriptions 
 Events, conferences and training 
 Transactions and other 

17%
8%
17%
28%
13%
17%

 UK 
 North America 
 Rest of the World 

53%
26%
21%

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL REVIEW “ DMGT aims to deliver sustained 
long-term profitable growth and 
understands the importance 
of reinvesting in the business.” 
Stephen Daintith, Finance Director

Business performance

RMS
dmg information
dmg events
Euromoney
dmg media
Northcliffe media
Corporate costs

DMGT

Revenues

Operating profit*

FY 2014

FY 2013

Growth

FY 2014

FY 2013

Growth

£m
172
391
100
407
796
–
–

£m
175
293
87
405
793
49
–

Reported
-2%
+34%
+15%
+0%
+0%
-100%
–

Underlying
+4%
+12%
+21%
+3%
+0%
–
–

1,864

1,802

+3%

+5%

£m
45
68
27
117
95
–
(43)

311

£m
57
58
21
119
80
7
(43)

Reported
-20%
+17%
+28%
-1%
+19%
-100%
+0%

Underlying
-12%
+26%
+29%
+4%
+28%
–
+0%

300

+4%

+15%

All figures are rounded to the nearest million pounds, consequently not all totals equal the sum of the component integers.

Following a review of the appropriateness 
and justification of this carrying value, the 
decision was taken to impair £45 million 
of the cumulative software development 
spend, resulting in the carrying value of 
the RMS(one) asset being reduced from 
£86 million to £41 million. This resulted from 
revisions to the timing of RMS(one) releases, 
following the delay of its launch, and 
anticipated phasing of client adoption. 
In addition to this impairment, which is 
treated as an exceptional item, the 
business incurred £4 million of further 
exceptional costs associated with a 
reduction in headcount, following a 
change in the approach to the 
development of RMS(one). 

As a result of the changed approach, 
capitalised RMS(one) development costs 
in the coming year will be materially lower 
than the £36 million capitalised in FY 2014. 
The reduced capitalisation of expenditure, 
combined with committed increases in 
data centre costs, is expected to result in 
RMS’s overall operating profit margin being 
around 10% to 15% in financial year 2015. 
Given the delay in the launch of RMS(one), 
significant revenues and amortisation 
costs are not expected to commence 
until FY 2016. 

Revenue performance
Group revenues in the financial year 
increased by 5% on an underlying basis 

. On a reported basis, revenues rose 

by 3% and were adversely impacted by the 
strength of the British pound relative to the 
US dollar, an average exchange rate of 
£1:$1.66 compared to £1:$1.56 in the prior 
year. Reported revenues benefited from 
acquisitions made during the year, the 
impact of which outweighed that of 
revenues lost with disposals. 

There was good underlying growth in 
several revenue categories, particularly 
events and digital advertising, which was 
partly offset by the revenue decline in print 
advertising and circulation.

Revenues from B2B businesses, comprising 
RMS, dmg information, dmg events 
and Euromoney Institutional Investor 
(Euromoney), were £1,069 million, 
an underlying increase of 8%. 

RMS grew underlying revenues by 4% to 
£172 million. The core modelling business 
saw continuing good demand for its 
subscription services and overall renewal 
rates remained in excess of 95%. RMS 
continued the development of RMS(one) 
during the year and incremental releases 
to Joint Development Partners are 
expected in 2015 though significant 
revenues are not expected until FY 2016. 

dmg information’s revenues increased 
by an underlying 12% to £391 million in the 
year, buoyed by improving conditions in 
the UK property market and continued 
good growth in its education and energy 
businesses. Reported revenue growth of 
34% reflects the impact of acquisitions 
made during the year.

dmg events’ revenues of £100 million grew 
by an underlying 21%, with the successful 
transition of the ADIPEC event from a 
biennial to annual cycle and good growth 
from the Gastech event.

Euromoney’s revenues increased by 3% on 
an underlying basis to £407 million, though 
reported revenues were stable reflecting 
the strengthening of the British pound. 
Solid growth in subscriptions and events 
was offset by continuing weakness in 
advertising revenues.

Revenues from the consumer business, 
dmg media, were £796 million, stable on 
an underlying basis. Growth in the digital 
businesses, largely MailOnline, offset the 
impact of declining print advertising and 
circulation revenues. 

The charts on page 26 demonstrate DMGT’s 
diverse revenue profile.

Operating profit performance
In the financial year, operating profit 
of £311 million was up by 15% on an 
underlying basis and by 4% on a reported 
basis. The overall operating margin 
remained at 17% 
growth at dmg media, which improved its 
margin from 10% to 12%, and dmg events, 
offset by reduced margins at RMS and 
dmg information. 

, reflecting strong 

The Group’s B2B operations increased 
overall profit by an underlying 8% to 
£258 million, whilst the profit from consumer 
media was £95 million, an underlying 
increase of 28%. 

The Group’s B2B operations generated 
75% of operating profit and 25% was from 
consumer media. The profit split includes 
corporate costs allocated on a revenue 
basis. Well over half of our profits came 
from outside the UK. 

Financing costs
Adjusted net finance costs, including 
investment income, decreased by 
£4 million to £51 million. Net interest 
payable and similar charges declined 
by 10%, benefiting from the redemption 
of bonds in December 2013. There was 
negligible investment income in the year 
whereas the prior year included a £2 million 
dividend from the Press Association. 
Following its disposal of MeteoGroup, 

27

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL REVIEW
CONTINUED

the Press Association paid a dividend 
of £9 million during the year but, given 
the reason for the dividend, it has been 
excluded from adjusted results. 

The pension finance charge, which is 
excluded from adjusted results, was 
£8 million for the year compared to 
£13 million for the prior year. The prior year 
was restated from £15 million of finance 
income following the revision to 
International Accounting Standard 19 –
Employee Benefits [IAS 19 (Revised)].

Exceptional finance costs included a 
£24 million charge for the premium on 
the early redemption, in December 2013, 
of £56 million of 10.0% Bonds, due 2021, 
and £50 million of 5.75% Bonds, due 2018.

Joint ventures and associates
DMGT’s share of the adjusted operating 
profit of joint ventures and associates 
increased from £22 million to £31 million, 
reflecting a £17 million contribution from 
the Zoopla Property Group Plc, in which 
DMGT holds a c. 32% stake, and £15 million 
from Local World, which continued to 
improve its operating margin. The 
contribution from other joint ventures and 
associates was negligible. Xceligent, which 
is in its investment phase, changed from 
being an associate to a subsidiary of dmg 
information in October 2013.

Results before taxation
Adjusted profit before tax rose by 9% to 
£291 million 
. The statutory pre-tax 
profit for the financial year was £267 million 
compared to £179 million in the prior year.

Taxation
The adjusted tax charge of £59 million 
(2013 £49 million) is stated after adjusting 
for the effect of exceptional items. The 
adjusted tax rate increased from 18.3% 
to 20.1% for the year, primarily due to a 

Statutory and adjusted profit reconciliation

£ millions
Operating profit
Joint ventures and associates
Other gains and losses
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Discontinued operations
Profit after tax
Non-controlling interests

Attributable to owners of the company

reduced impact on the rate from tax-
efficient financing and tax deductible 
amortisation in the US. The effective tax 
rate is expected to increase to around 
22% over the next three years.

Profit after tax
Adjusted Group profit after tax and minority 
interests increased by 10% to £207 million. 
Statutory post-tax profit was £283 million, 
compared with £188 million in the prior year.

Earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share 
increased by 12% to 55.7 pence, 
compared with 49.9 pence in the prior year 
. The weighted average number 

of shares in issue during the year was 
372.4 million, down from 377.5 million in 
the previous year, as a result of the share 
buy-back programmes announced in 
November 2012 and September 2014.

Exceptional items and amortisation
Exceptional operating costs were 
£72 million in the year, compared to 
£49 million in the prior year. These 
included £27 million of cash items, 
compared to £28 million in the prior year. 
There were £20 million of restructuring 
costs at dmg media, with the reduced 
headcount in its newspaper businesses 
and central functions reflecting the 
considerably more focused portfolio 
of businesses it has become. RMS 
incurred £4 million of restructuring costs 
and a £45 million impairment of the 
RMS(one) software.

The charge for amortisation of intangible 
assets arising on business combinations 
increased by £4 million to £44 million. The 
Group also made an impairment charge 
against goodwill and acquired intangible 
assets of £20 million, including £15 million in 
respect of dmg media’s Jobrapido business 
prior to its disposal.

The Group recorded other net gains on 
disposal of businesses and investments of 
£179 million, compared to a net gain of 
£61 million last year. The gains primarily 
related to the IPO of Zoopla Property Group 
Plc and dmg media’s online recruitment 
businesses, OilCareers and Broadbean.

Capital allocation
The Group’s senior management continues 
to believe that the creation of shareholder 
value over the long term requires a 
balanced and flexible approach to 
investing in growth and returning excess 
capital to shareholders. DMGT benefits 
from the cash generative nature of the 
businesses, proceeds from disposals and 
scope for increasing the level of debt. 
When allocating capital we prioritise 
organic investment, targeting at least 5% of 
revenues each year, followed by targeted 
acquisitions, sustained real dividend 
growth, funding the Group’s pension 
schemes whilst they have an actuarial 
deficit, share buy-backs and, given the 
relatively high coupons on the Group’s 
existing bond debt, bond buy-backs.

Cash flow and net debt
Net debt has increased by £30 million to 
£603 million, and is down from £793 million 
at the half year, reflecting seasonal cash 
flows and disposal proceeds. 

The Group generated operating cash flow 
of £243 million, a conversion rate of 78% of 
operating profits. The conversion rate was 
adversely impacted by increased capital 
expenditure, notably product development 
at dmg information, and increased 
working capital due to reduced trade 
payables. There were net interest payments 
of £53 million in the period and £82 million 
was spent on the DMGT share buy-back 
programmes, including £40 million in 
respect of future payments under incentive 
plans. Active portfolio management 

Statutory
profit
184
14
139
(70)
267
(18)
34
283
(20)

263

Discontinued
operations
15

Impairment
and 
amortisation¹
40
7

Exceptional
items²
72
5

15
(3)
(11)
–

–

47
(5)
17
58
(6)

53

77
(24)

53
1

54

Adjusting
items³

6
(139)
19
(114)
(8)
(40)
(162)

(162)

Adjusted
profit
311
31
–
(51)
291
(59)
–
233
(25)

207

1.  Impairment of goodwill and impairment and amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations.
2. Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and acquired computer software, property, plant and equipment and investment property.
3. Adjusting items include other gains and losses, premiums on bond redemptions, dividend income and tax on joint ventures and associates.
All figures are rounded to the nearest million pounds, consequently not all totals equal the sum of the component integers.

28

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL REVIEW continued throughout the year with 
acquisitions totalling £174 million and 
disposals proceeds totalling £253 million. 

Notable acquisitions included DIIG (known 
as SearchFlow), Infrastructure Journal, 
Energytics and the trade and certain assets 
of the Mining Investment Events Division of 
Summit Professional Networks (Mining 
Indaba). Disposals included assets within 
the Evenbase portfolio, namely OilCareers, 
Broadbean and Jobrapido. The disposal 
of Jobsite completed in October 2014 for 
£92 million. DMGT reduced its stake in the 
Zoopla Property Group Plc, through an IPO 
in June 2014, from 52% to 32% and received 
£180 million in proceeds.

DMGT’s principal net debt remains in 
long-term bonds. Following £106 million of 
bond buy-backs in December 2013, at the 
year end the Group had £569 million of 
bonds with £264 million of December 2018, 
£108 million of April 2021 and £196 million 
of June 2027 bonds. The Group also held 
£63 million of other debt and £29 million 
of cash.

Bank facilities were increased by 
£239 million, in March and October 2014, 
to £539 million and, following £149 million 
of bond buy-backs in October 2014, bond 
debt now constitutes less than half of the 
debt available to DMGT. At the year end 
the bank facilities were £489 million, 
of which £430 million was unutilised.

DMGT’s ratio of year-end net debt to 
adjusted profits before interest, depreciation 
and, amortisation (EBITDA) was 1.5 times, 
well below the Group’s preferred upper 
limit of 2.0 times 
. DMGT regained its 
investment grade corporate credit rating 
from Standard & Poor’s in March 2014 and 
is now rated as BBB-.

Treasury and currency
DMGT maintains sufficient liquidity to 
meet its operational requirements and to 
maintain adequate capital cash flows. 
Financial instruments, including derivatives, 
are used by DMGT in order to manage the 
principal financial risks that arise in the 
course of business. These risks are liquidity 
or funding risks, foreign exchange risk, 
interest rate risks and counterparty risks. 
The instruments are used within the 
parameters set by the Investment and 
Finance Committee and approved by the 
Board. The Group’s priority is to address the 
economic impact of financial risks using 
the most efficient or appropriate approach.

Pensions
The Group’s defined benefit pension 
schemes provide retirement benefits for UK 
staff, largely in dmg media. These schemes 

are closed to new entrants. The net deficit 
in the defined benefit schemes increased 
from £208 million at the beginning of the 
year to £212 million at the financial year 
end (calculated in accordance with IAS 19 
(Revised)). Funding payments into the main 
schemes during the year were £50 million, 
including the £13 million final instalment in 
respect of the disposal of Northcliffe Media. 
In February 2014, the Group and Trustees 
agreed a revised funding plan accruing to 
the main schemes through to 2026, totalling 
c. £34 million p.a. to 2020, £28 million p.a. 
to 2022 and then £23 million p.a. thereafter. 
In addition, a contribution equal to 20% of 
any share buy-backs will be contributed 
to the schemes, albeit this will be offset 
by up to £5 million of agreed funding 
contributions each year. Contributions 
will be discontinued should the schemes’ 
actuary agree the schemes are no longer 
in deficit, with the next formal actuarial 
valuation scheduled for 31 March 2016.

There has been no significant change in 
the allocation of the schemes’ investments, 
broadly 75% risk-seeking and 25% non 
risk-seeking. All new UK employees are now 
offered defined contribution pension plans. 
These plans are used to fulfil the Group’s 
obligations under auto-enrolment.

In June 2014 Kevin Abbott was appointed 
Chairman of the Trustees. Kevin is also 
Chairman of the Trustees of Barclays Bank’s 
pension schemes. Kevin replaced Charles 
Wood who had served as Chairman for 
seven years, a period that included five 
actuarial valuations. DMGT would like 
to thank Charles for being an excellent 
steward of the members’ interests.

Capital risk management
The Group’s strategy for capital risk 
management is set out in Note 33 to 
the Accounts.

Share buy-back
DMGT announced a £100 million share 
buy-back programme in November 2012 
and, having acquired £69 million of shares 
in the prior year, the programme was 
completed on 4 September 2014 with 
£31 million of share purchases in the period. 
On 17 September 2014, DMGT announced 
a further £100 million share buy-back 
programme, reflecting the confidence of 
the Board in the growth prospects of DMGT.

Dividends
The dividend policy is to grow dividends 
by between 5% and 7% p.a, in real terms, 
over the long term. The recommended final 
dividend is 14.2 pence which, if approved, 
would make the total dividend for the 
year 20.4 pence, an increase of 6% on the 
prior year.

To maintain this performance, 
the Board and management 
undertake to:

•  generate underlying revenue growth 
over the course of the business cycle;

•  increase Group adjusted profit 

before tax;

•  maintain healthy double-digit 

operating margins;

•  prudently manage net debt;

•  seek sustained earnings per share 

growth; and

•  maintain dividend growth in real terms. 

Financial KPIs  
As part of how we measure success against 
our strategic priorities, we have a number 
of KPIs which are designed to provide key 
measures of performance that are most 
relevant to the Group. These are detailed 
on pages 14 and 15. DMGT and its 
businesses adopted the financial KPIs to 
ensure that the Group delivers continued 
good organic growth; remains highly cash 
generative; reinvests strong cash flow in 
active portfolio management; and offers 
real dividend growth.

DMGT aims to deliver sustained long-term 
profitable growth and understands the 
importance of reinvesting in the businesses 
to support product innovation and the 
effective use of technology. The amount 
spent on organic investment initiatives in 
the year was 7% of revenues. DMGT’s 
success in generating profits across its B2B 
and Consumer operations has enabled 
the Group to make progress against its 
financial KPIs. DMGT remains committed to 
increasing the proportion of revenues from 
digital businesses, from outside the UK and 
from subscription businesses. 

Summary
DMGT delivered record adjusted profit 
before tax in the year, despite currency 
headwinds. The performance in 2015 will 
be adversely impacted by investment in 
RMS(one), the timing of events and the 
disposal of Evenbase. Our strong cash flow 
and flexible capital allocation, along with 
the ability to invest in organic initiatives 
and acquire businesses, both bolt-on 
acquisitions and in new sectors, should 
further help DMGT to meet its financial 
objectives over the long term.

Stephen Daintith
Finance Director

29

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORT
PRINCIPAL RISKS

MEASURING
OUR RISKS

Our strategic priorities

  Fostering innovation to deliver 

organic growth

  Maintaining rigorous and active 
portfolio management

  Driving international growth

  Using technology to enable growth

  Attracting and developing 

entrepreneurial talent

Impact and likelihood

• Market disruption creates 

opportunities as well as threats. 
• As a risk, it affects many businesses 
in the Group, most notably the 
newspapers. 

• Results in falling revenue, margins, 

or the need for significant 
investment to innovate products in 
order to keep pace with changes 
in customer demand, competitors 
and changing behaviours. 
• As an opportunity, disruption 
enables us to move into new 
markets and geographies 
and develop new products 
and businesses.

• The pace of change across all our 
markets has accelerated in recent 
years. DMGT businesses are likely 
to face disruption to their markets 
every year, however a major 
market disruption is only expected 
to occur every five to 10 years.

• Underperformance of the Group 

and/or impairment losses. 
• Growth opportunities and 

potential synergies lost by failure 
to identify acquisition targets.
• Diversion of management time 
from other operational matters 
to manage underperforming 
acquisitions.

• The Group completes multiple 

small acquisitions every year, some 
may not perform as expected. 
Larger acquisitions are rarer.

• New products and services may 

not perform as expected, resulting 
in revenue and operating profits 
that are below expectations as 
well as potential impairment losses.

• With a high number of launches 

every year, it is likely that some will 
not perform as expected, however 
it is rare for a single product launch 
to represent a major investment.

Strategic  
priority Mitigation

Change in outlook at year 
end 2014

• The Group’s diverse portfolio 
of businesses and products 
reduces the overall Group 
impact.

• The Board regularly reviews 

the strategy against 
developments.

• The Leadership Team 
monitors markets, the 
competitive landscape and 
technological developments.

• The autonomous culture of 
the Group encourages an 
entrepreneurial approach to 
the development of organic 
growth opportunities and 
new products.

• Adherence to our investment 
criteria and approval by the 
Investment and Finance 
Committee.

• Acquisitions in related 

markets with a high potential 
for growth. 

• Performance of detailed 

due diligence.

• Retention of key employees 
in the acquired businesses.

• Board level monitoring is 

performed post-acquisition.

• Disposals overseen by the 
Board and the Strategy 
Development Director.

• Adherence to our investment 
criteria and approval by the 
Investment and Finance 
Committee.

• Board or specific oversight 
committee monitoring for 
significant investments.
• Product management 

workshop held in 
October 2014.

This risk in our 
diversified Group has 
remained relatively 
stable during FY 2014.

The external 
environment and 
rate of acquisitions 
remains stable,  
as a result the risk 
is unchanged.

The most significant 
product launch next 
year will be the staged 
incremental RMS(one) 
deliverables and, 
having experienced 
delays in FY 2014, the 
risk has increased.

Strategic risks

Description
Market disruption
Caused by:
• New technologies and products 
e.g. mobile, tablet, cloud and 
big data.

• Globalisation of markets.
• Freely available information 

and content.

• Changing behaviours and 
demands of customers e.g. 
millennials, online adoption, 
digital vs. print, software 
vs. platform and social 
media usage.

• Competitor innovation.

Management of portfolio  
and allocation of capital
• Acquisitions fail to yield 

expected value.

• Failure to identify trends in 
the market and identify 
appropriate acquisition 
targets at the right price.

• Failure to identify or successfully 

develop organic growth 
opportunities, for example 
MailOnline.

• Failure to dispose of non-core 
businesses at the right time.

New product launches and 
developments do not yield 
expected returns
• The Group is constantly 

developing and launching 
innovative new products, 
services and events, including 
enhancements to existing 
offerings. 

• This is a key driver of growth 

for the Group.

• The most significant in recent 

years has been the 
development of RMS(one).

30

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014Understanding the risks and, just as importantly, the opportunities 
that impact DMGT’s businesses is vital. Effective risk and opportunity 
management saves time and money, and gives assurance  
to management, the DMGT executive team, Risk Committee  
and the Board.

The Group’s risks are categorised as either strategic or operational. Strategic risks are linked to the Group’s 
strategic priorities and impact the whole Group. Operational risks are those arising from the execution of the 
business functions and typically impact on one or more of the operating businesses. Further details of the 
Group’s risk management process, the governance structure surrounding risk and the Risk Committee can  
be found in the Governance Report on page 44. 

Strategic risks

Description

Impact and likelihood

Strategic  
priority Mitigation

Change in outlook at year 
end 2014

Securing and retaining the right 
people for senior and business 
critical roles
• The inability to recruit and retain 
talented people could impact 
the Group’s ability to maintain 
its performance and deliver 
growth. 

• Key skills affected by this risk are:
  – Leadership;
  – Entrepreneurship; and
  –  Technology and software 

development.

Economic downturn
• UK national newspaper 
advertising revenue is 
impacted by fluctuations 
in the wider economy.

• Euromoney is affected by the 
investment banking sector, 
especially fixed income.

• Property and financial markets 
in the UK and US are similarly 
affected. 

• Lack of growth in other 

key markets.

US dollar earnings
• A significant portion of Group 

profits arise in US dollars.

• The Group’s functional currency 

is the British pound.

• The strength of the British pound 

compared to the US dollar 
directly impacts earnings 
reported in British pounds.

See Note 33 for more information.

• Securing and retaining the best 

• Formal approach to 

people in key roles is one of 
the main drivers of business 
performance and growth.

• The inability to find and recruit the 
best people therefore impacts 
DMGT’s operating businesses.
• When key staff leave or retire, 
knowledge, experience or 
competitive advantage may 
be lost if succession plans are 
inadequate.

• At any one time the Group has 
unfilled vacancies for key roles, 
however only a small number of 
roles are deemed to be business 
critical. A significant impact from 
loss of key talent would therefore 
rarely occur.

• A downturn in any of DMGT’s key 
markets, including advertising, 
will impact revenue. 

• If cost savings cannot be made 

to offset falling revenue, profit will 
also fall.

• The likelihood of future impact is 
dependent on external market 
and macroeconomic factors. 

talent management and 
succession management, 
coordinated centrally 
by DMGT.

• Investment in DMGT 

Leadership Development 
Programme and related 
programmes.

• Payment of competitive 

rewards.

• Alignment of staff incentives 

and Group Strategy.
• Staff performance and 
turnover monitoring.

• Succession and retention 

planning.

• Staff communication. 

• Diversifying into business 

information and subscription 
revenue streams.

• Investment in strong brands.
• Cross geography and sector 

approach.

• The pound has strengthened 

against the dollar over FY 2014 
but began to weaken towards 
the end of the year. 

• The impact in the future is 

dependent on global economic 
factors and the proportion of 
earnings arising in US dollars.

• The Investment and Finance 
Committee approve Group 
Treasury Policies.

• Debt is held in proportion to 
currency of earnings as far 
as possible.

The risk has increased 
in RMS as a result of 
the delay to RMS(one) 
but remains stable 
across the rest of 
the Group.

The portfolio effect 
reduces the impact 
of individual markets, 
however recent 
growth in the US 
economy reduces the 
outlook for this risk.

The mix of US dollar to 
British pound earnings 
is largely unchanged 
in FY 2014, hence the 
risk remains stable.

31

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEMEASURING OUR RISKS  
CONTINUED

Operational risks

Description
Failure or significant delay 
to a major change project 
• The Group undertakes 
change projects every 
year.

• The most significant 
current project is 
RMS(one).

• The planned April 2014 

launch of RMS(one) was 
delayed and will now be 
made available through 
staged incremental 
deliverables during 
FY 2015.

Information security 
breach or cyberattack 
• Loss of confidential, 

personal or payment card 
information.

• Challenge to the integrity 

of a DMGT product.
• Unavailability of online 

products.

Reliance on third parties –  
key commercial 
relationships
Key third parties include:
• Data centre and cloud 
software and service 
providers.

• IT development support 
and design of RMS(one).

• Data providers.
• Event venues.
• Newsprint suppliers.
• Newspaper distribution 

and wholesale.

Impact and likelihood

• Increased costs, impairment 
losses and delayed or lower 
revenues can result from a failure 
of, or delay to, a major project.
• This risk has been emphasised 
through the delay of RMS(one).
• A further delay to RMS(one) could 

have a significant impact on 
DMGT’s share price, increase 
the likelihood of further write offs; 
lower adoption rates and reduce 
future revenues.

Divisions  
most affected Mitigation

Change in outlook at year 
end 2014

RMS

• Approval by the Investment 
and Finance Committee for 
significant projects.

• Rigorous planning process.
• Ongoing project 
management.

• Monitoring by the local board. 
• Independent third-party 

assessments and reporting to 
the local board for significant 
projects.

• Significant projects are 
reviewed by the Risk 
Committee.

RMS(one) remains 
the largest project 
currently under way.

• An information security breach 

All

• Group information security 

would cause reputational 
damage and loss of customer 
confidence, and is likely to result 
in loss of revenue.

• Significant management time 
and cost would be needed to 
investigate and manage the 
incident.

• The risk is relevant to all businesses 
in the Group, especially Hobsons, 
MailOnline, RMS and Euromoney.

• Attacks on Group websites and 
networks are frequent though 
rarely successful. 

• An operational or financial failure 

of a key supplier could affect 
the ability of DMGT to deliver 
products, services or events with 
a direct impact on financial 
results and management time. 

• DMGT businesses are making 
greater use of third parties, 
especially for software 
development and cloud 
storage solutions, which results 
in an increasing exposure.

• RMS is now increasingly reliant on 
key third parties for a significant 
portion of the RMS(one) project. 

policy and detailed security 
standards.

• Group policy on business 

continuity planning including 
IT system disaster recovery.

• Oversight by the Risk 

Committee, CTO Council 
and Information Security 
Committee.

• Regular reviews by Risk  

& Assurance.

• Security is reviewed as part 

of every internal audit.

• Concentrations of risk are 
monitored at Group level.
• Significant time dedicated 
to managing relationships.
• Operational and financial 

due diligence is undertaken 
for key suppliers.

• Where possible, long-term 

arrangements are agreed with 
suppliers to limit the potential 
for volatility.

• Newsprint requirements are 

managed by a dedicated team.

The inherent risk is 
increasing, though 
this is reduced by 
improving security 
controls. As a result 
the net risk is 
considered 
unchanged from 
the prior year.

Reliance on third 
parties for aspects of 
the RMS(one) project 
increases the risk in 
the short term. 

RMS,
dmg media

32

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTPRINCIPAL RISKSOperational risks

Description

Impact and likelihood

Divisions  
most affected Mitigation

Change in outlook at year 
end 2014

Data regulation 
• A number of DMGT 
businesses provide 
valuable proprietary 
information.

• Increased regulation 

of information provision 
could impact existing 
DMGT products.

• Complex data regulatory 

environment across 
multiple jurisdictions.

• The new EU Data Privacy 
Regulation is expected 
in FY 2015. 

Pension scheme deficit
• The UK newspaper 

business operates defined 
benefit pension schemes.
• Deficits in the schemes are 
ultimately funded by the 
sponsoring company.
• Pension Fund Trustees 
control the investment 
allocation.

• A change in the regulatory 

All

• Managed by operating 

environment which forces DMGT 
to make proprietary information 
publicly available would have a 
significant impact on the business 
models and viability of some of 
our businesses. 

• Compliance with the 

requirements of the new Data 
Privacy regulations could result 
in increased costs.

• Higher fines for data breach.

business management with 
oversight from the DMGT Risk 
Committee.

• Legal, Risk and Compliance 

Conference held in June 2014 
which focused on data risks.

The new EU Data 
Privacy Regulation 
and an increased 
level of focus on 
privacy and the 
digital society 
globally results in an 
increase in this risk. 

• Statutory earnings may be 

DMGT

affected by funding requirements 
that result from pension deficits as 
a result of lower than expected 
investment returns or changes 
made to the risk profile of our 
investment portfolio.

• Next triennial valuation will 

be undertaken in 2016.

• The agreed funding plan gives 
certainty over the financial 
commitment for the next 
three years.

• Triennial valuation completed 
in the year and new funding 
plan agreed.

The agreement of the 
three-year funding 
plan reduces 
uncertainty in the 
short term.

33

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEOUR PEOPLE 

One of our five strategic priorities is to secure the right 
people and engage them in pursuit of the mission 
of their business in accordance with our values and 
ambitions. They are encouraged to think creatively 
and be entrepreneurial, to deliver organic growth 
and ensure we are always at the forefront of 
technological development.

Peter Duffy
HR Director

Leadership Teams. Detailed profiles of 
our CR Champions can be found on our 
website www.dmgt.com/cr.

Communications/engaging  
with our people
Whilst preserving and respecting our 
decentralised approach, DMGT messages 
are cascaded through a variety of 
communication channels including a CEO 
blog from Martin Morgan; a Group intranet 
that displays Group policies, news stories, 
awards won and CR information; LinkedIn 
to connect DMGT’s corporate profile with 
those of our businesses; and DMGT Daily, 
a daily digital newsletter containing news 
relating to the sectors in which our 
businesses operate as well as significant 
Group news and CR stories.

Culture
We expect our leaders to promote and 
share DMGT values. We appreciate that 
they understand and know what is best 
for their businesses, their people and 
their communities. We encourage 
and leverage the distinctiveness of 
our operating businesses whilst at the 
same time operating within an agreed 
framework of financial and other controls. 

At Group level we have a small head office 
team, based in London, which provides the 
businesses with expertise and experience. 
We encourage synergies between our 
businesses and relationships between our 
people. In this way, we adopt an approach 
that shares best practice across our 
businesses and at the centre.

Gender breakdown of our employees

The strong sense of family heritage, coupled 
with DMGT’s commitment to the long-term 
success of the Company, creates a unique 
working environment which reaches 
each and every one of our businesses 
(see Corporate Governance section on 
pages 41 to 50).

Group policies
We uphold equal opportunities and also do 
not discriminate. Our businesses are required 
to follow DMGT policies that safeguard the 
welfare of our employees. These include 
policies on equal opportunities, anti-bribery, 
our Code of Conduct, entertainment and 
gifts, information security and health and 
safety. We have an active and rolling 
training programme to reinforce 
compliance and to ensure there is a high 
level of awareness of our standards.

The table below sets out the gender 
breakdown of our employees which supports 
our aim to promote equality and diversity, 
we openly share these values through 
our Group Code of Conduct. 

Human rights
We believe that our exposure to the 
associated risks in the context of Human 
Rights frameworks is minimal. DMGT does 
not have a specific HR policy but has a 
number of policies that cover areas such as 
Health and Safety, Bribery and Corruption 
and a questionnaire for evaluating if new 
suppliers are ethical and lawful.

Number of Board Directors
Number of senior executives (excluding Board Directors)*
Number of Directors of subsidiary companies
Number of employees (excluding senior executives, 
Executive Board Directors and Directors of 
subsidiary companies)
Total

Percentage of total DMGT employees

Men

Women

FY 2013
13 
46
–
5,599

FY 2014
13
43
1,157
4,315

FY 2013
2
13
–

FY 2014
2
11
216
3,747 3,887

5,658 5,528

3,762

4,116

60%

57%

40%

43%

*   The senior executives total includes DMGT head office executives and CEOs of the Group’s operating businesses 

and their direct reports. Number of Directors of subsidiary companies not collected in FY 2013.

We empower our people, not only to 
deliver the best for their business, but also 
to give back to the communities in which 
they live and work.

Training and development 
We understand that to deliver and sustain 
the levels of performance we expect 
(see our Strategic Ambitions on page 11), 
we need to develop our employees and 
also provide them with the opportunities 
to grow and fulfil their potential. 

Each of the operating businesses has in 
place a variety of education and training 
initiatives. We supplement these with key 
Group initiatives, an implicit objective of 
which is to build internal networks and to 
foster peer assistance and collaboration. 
Examples of these are:

•  Leadership Development Programme 

(LDP): this is a comprehensive programme 
consisting of two week-long modules 
with a six-month period in between.  
It has been developed and delivered 
in partnership with The Moller Centre, 
Churchill College, The University of 
Cambridge. The programme allows the 
sharing of insights in critical leadership 
areas such as markets and competitive 
landscapes and advances in 
technology. There is particular emphasis 
on the development of coaching skills to 
unleash the talent within our people and 
to develop high-performance teams. 

•  Hackathon: in addition to those run locally 
by the businesses, DMGT organised an 
event for technologists and developers, 
delivered simultaneously in New York and 
London. Participants enjoyed insights 
from thought leaders and worked to 
develop various ideas and apps which 
could have commercial value.

•  CR Champions network: these are 

individuals who have been recognised 
as championing CR initiatives at their 
businesses. They come together to share 
best practice, to communicate DMGT’s 
CR campaigns and are recognised for 
their efforts. It also acts as a development 
opportunity as the individuals are offered 
exposure to divisional and Group 

34

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOUR PEOPLECORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REVIEW

ACTING RESPONSIBLY
IN EVERYTHING  
WE DO

Claire Chapman
Chairman 
Corporate Responsibility Committee 

OUR APPROACH TO RESPONSIBILITY

DMGT is committed to sustainable, long-term 
performance. Managing our businesses and brands 
responsibly, valuing our stakeholders and respecting 
the communities we serve and our environment are 
essential for our success. We apply DMGT’s Company 
values to our Corporate Responsibility (CR) activities 
and consider these in the decisions we make. We 
support, encourage and monitor these activities 
ensuring best practice is championed and shared. 

We bring together companies that operate 
with integrity and with the shared purpose 
of empowering customers with current, 
relevant and vital news, information and 
insight. We encourage and support 
entrepreneurial behaviour and value 
people who are courageous, curious and 
stretch themselves but who also act with 
the best interests of all of our stakeholders. 

CR Committee
Our commitment to CR is led by the Board. 
Day-to-day management of CR is 
delegated to the CR Committee, which 
defines and implements our CR agenda 
and activities. How the Committee 
operates is outlined in the Corporate 
Governance section on page 50. 
Each Operating Business is represented 
on the Committee. This enables us to 
evaluate risk exposure, monitor progress, 
share best practice and provide guidance 
across the Group. 

DMGT Board

DMGT CHARITY COMMITTEE

DMGT CR COMMITTEE:
Representatives from DMGT,  
RMS, dmg information,  
dmg events, Euromoney, dmg media

RMS  
CR  
Committee

dmg 
information 
businesses 
CR activities

dmg events 
businesses
CR  
activities

Euromoney 
Charity 
Committee

dmg media  
CR  
Committee

CR 
Champions 
Network

35

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTRATEGIC REPORT
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REVIEW

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REVIEW
CONTINUED

Our approach
We focus on three areas in our approach to CR: environment; 
our stakeholders; and our people (see page 34).

Environment
Our most significant environmental impact comes from the 
printing plants in our consumer media businesses. The majority 
of our newspapers are now produced at plants designed to be 
as efficient as possible. 

We are, and have for many years been, committed to 
comprehensive and transparent reporting of our environmental 
performance. We have collected CO2 emissions data from 
each of our businesses. This data is collated and independently 
reviewed by the environmental consultancy, ICF International, 
which calculates our emissions following the Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol. The Group’s carbon footprint can be seen in the 
table below. The reduction in the FY 2014 footprint is largely due 
to the closure of the Harmsworth Quays printing facility, and the 
move to a more energy efficient facility at Thurrock.

Our stakeholders
A deliberate part of our CR philosophy is that our businesses should 
play a huge part in their local communities and have a direct and 
immediate impact. We have a list of principles that donations 
adhere to. These are listed on our website (www.dmgt.com). These 
include that charities supported should be small organisations, 
that the donation is multi-year and that there is an employee 
sponsor representing them at DMGT. During the year the Group 
donated £1.2 million to charity. There are countless examples of 
how our employees have been involved in charitable initiatives. 
Indeed, too many to list in this report. However our website,  
www.dmgt.com/cr, lists many of these examples and is 
continuously updated.

DMGT GREEN WEEK 2014:
A SNAPSHOT OF ACTIVITIES

25+ 

BUSINESSES
TOOK PART

DMGT PROFILE
HIGH LEVELS OF 
ENGAGEMENT

300+

INCREASE IN 
AWARENESS 
OF GREEN ISSUES

In 2014, we continued the Community Champions Awards 
recognising and rewarding the good deeds of DMGT employees. 
The scheme gathered pace during the year with well over 100 
nominations and a new Award category for environmental 
initiatives. The scheme is detailed at www.dmgt.com/cr with 
a video of the Awards ceremonies held in London, New York 
and San Francisco at www.youtube.com/user/dmgtplc.

14% FALL

IN CARBON FOOTPRINT
 SINCE 2013

2015...

INITIATIVE TO BE REPEATED

Carbon footprint
The table below shows the evolution of our carbon footprint since 2007: 

Year

2007
2008 
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014

Scope 1:
Combustion of fuel
and operation
of facilities

Tonnes of CO2e

Scope 2:
Electricity, heat, steam
and cooling purchased
for own use

7,600
7,600
7,800
7,100
 7,400
7,400
7,400
4,500

63,700
62,900
56,800
51,300
45,200
43,100
36,800
33,800

Scope 3:
Business travel
and outsourced
delivery

23,200
22,200
21,400
21,400
22,300
24,900
26,800
26,600

tCO2e/£million revenue*

Total scope
1 & 2
emissions/revenue

52.9
49.3
48.5
46.9
42.8
43.2
40.5
 34.8

*  Emissions from Northcliffe have been removed for all years.

Note: The figures in this table are rounded, therefore the total may differ from the sum of the rounded subtotals.

36

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014Our people
How we focus on our people is detailed in the Our People section on page 34.

Here are a few of our CR Champions.

CR Champions case study

A network of nearly 30 individuals called 
CR Champions represent each and every 
one of our businesses and meet by 
conference call each quarter to discuss 
CR at a grassroots level. 

The CR Champions share ideas, lessons 
learnt from CR initiatives they have 
carried out, and collaborate and share 
best practice. The discussions feed into 
the CR Committee. 

The network is also designed to provide 
an opportunity for some of our most 
talented employees to develop their 
leadership skills.

To find out more about the CR Champions 
network go to www.dmgt.com/cr.

CR aims
The table below summarises the CR Committee’s key activities in 2014 in the areas we focus on: the environment; our stakeholders; and 
our people. It shows the aims we set ourselves at the beginning of the year and how we have delivered against these. The table also 
details DMGT’s CR aims for the year ahead and how we will measure success in these areas.

2014

Environment
Aim

To continue to 
encourage DMGT 
employees to be 
aware of their 
impact on the 
Group’s carbon 
footprint

Green Week to be 
implemented 
across our 
businesses

Result

Polar Bear 
awareness 
campaign 
continued to be 
rolled out across 
the Group 

Green Week 
implemented 
Group-wide during 
July 2014

Our stakeholders
Aim

Result

Our people
Aim

Review of suppliers’ 
credentials and 
how they are 
evaluated at the 
businesses

Review carried 
out and findings 
reviewed by CR 
Committee

Community 
Champions Awards 
(CCA) to be refined 
with more focused 
categories (Personal 
Achievement, Team 
and Green)

More nominations

All Group businesses 
to be encouraged 
to participate

Aim

Success factor

Aim

Success factor

Aim

2015

Greater promotion 
and participation 
in CCA Green 
Award, to drive 
environmental 
awareness across 
the Group 

Green Award for 
CCAs chosen from 
Green Week 
activities. Targeted 
communications 
and recognition of 
exemplary Green 
performance and 
initiatives

CO2 target set in 
2012 to be reached 
in 2015

10% reduction in 
CO2 from 2012 
levels reached

Increased 
transparency of CR 
activities on DMGT 
corporate website 
ensuring each 
business is fully 
represented

Clear and 
transparent CR 
section of website 
that represents all 
the CR activities 
taking place 
Group-wide

Greater visibility 
(internal and 
external) of CR 
Champions 
network and its 
achievements, 
to reinforce CR 
behaviours and 
messages

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by the Finance Director.

Result

Nominations in 
excess of 100 
received

Nominations 
from all Group 
businesses

Enhanced CCA 
activities

Success factor

Greater visibility 
of CR Champions 
and their role at 
business level

Specific recognition 
as a talent 
development 
opportunity

By order of the Board

Stephen Daintith
Finance Director

37

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
GOVERNANCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1

5

2

6

3

7

4

8

1. The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman 
Appointed to the Board: 1995 
Chairman: 1998
Skills and experience: Lord Rothermere 
brings significant experience of media 
and newspapers. He worked at the 
International Herald Tribune in Paris 
and the Mirror Group before moving to 
Northcliffe Newspapers in 1995. In 1997 
he became Managing Director of the 
Evening Standard.
Committee membership: Investment and 
Finance, Nominations and Remuneration.
Other appointments: Euromoney 
Institutional Investor PLC.

2. M W H Morgan
Chief Executive
Appointed to the Board and Chief 
Executive: 2008
Skills and experience: Martin Morgan 
provides strong and committed leadership 
to the Group gained through more than 30 
years in the media industry. Prior to joining 
DMGT, Martin held various senior positions 
at Reed International both in the UK and 
the US. He joined DMGT in 1989 and 
became CEO of dmg information. 
Committee membership: Investment and 
Finance, and Risk.
Other appointments: Euromoney 
Institutional Investor PLC, City of London 
Investment Trust and RMS.

3. S W Daintith
Finance Director
Appointed to the Board and Finance 
Director: 2011
Skills and experience: Stephen Daintith 
provides significant expertise in finance 
gained through a number of roles.  
He was COO and CFO of Dow Jones and 
previously CFO at News International. 
Before these roles he held several senior 
positions at British American Tobacco, 

38

including CEO of their Switzerland and 
Bangladesh businesses and CFO at their 
Pakistan and South Africa operations. 
Stephen trained and qualified as a 
chartered accountant at the London 
offices of PwC.
Committee membership: Corporate 
Responsibility, Investment and Finance, 
and Risk. 
Other appointments: Euromoney 
Institutional Investor PLC Audit Committee, 
RMS and Zoopla Property Group Plc.

4. K J Beatty
Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 2004
Skills and experience: Kevin Beatty 
brings a number of years media industry 
experience. He is Chief Executive of dmg 
media. He was Managing Director of the 
Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd. 
Kevin has been Managing Director of 
The Mail on Sunday, the Evening Standard 
and London Metro; COO of Associated 
New Media; and Northcliffe Newspapers. 
Other appointments: Newspaper Publishers 
Association, PA Group and Local World.

5. P M Dacre
Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 1998
Skills and experience: Paul Dacre brings 
unparalleled experience of the UK 
newspaper industry. He joined the Group 
as US Bureau Chief in 1979. Appointed Editor 
of the Evening Standard in 1990, he has 
been Editor of Daily Mail since 1992 and 
Editor-in-Chief of Associated Newspapers 
since 1998, years which saw the launches 
of Metro and MailOnline.

6. D M M Dutton
Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 1997
Skills and experience: David Dutton has 
a wealth of commercial experience. 
He founded Pizzaland in 1970. He was 
a founder and Managing Director 
of Trevian Holdings Plc, a property 
development company.
Committee membership: Corporate 
Responsibility, Investment and Finance, 
and Risk. 
Additional appointments (Group 
companies): Artirix, dmg information, 
Hobsons, Landmark Information Group, 
RMS, Zoopla Property Group Plc.

7. F P Balsemão 
Independent Non-Executive Director
(Portuguese)
Appointed to the Board: 2002
Skills and experience: Francisco Balsemão 
provides the Board with insight into 
international relations, gained through 
his career as Prime Minister of Portugal 
and elected member of the State Council. 
He serves as Chairman of the European 
Publishers Council and sits on the 
International Advisory Board of Santander 
International Group.
Committee membership: Nominations.
Other appointments: Impresa Group 
and IMPRESA, SGPS.

8. N W Berry
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 2007
Skills and experience: Nicholas Berry’s 
global commercial, B2B media ownership 
and emerging markets experience is of 
significant value to the Board. He is owner of 
Mintel International, Intersport Switzerland 
Psc and Chairman of Stancroft Trust. 
Committee membership: Audit, Investment 
and Finance (from June 2014), Nominations 
and Remuneration.

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 20149

13

10

14

11

15

12

9. J G Hemingway
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 1978
Skills and experience: John Hemingway 
provides the Board and Committees with 
expertise of legal matters. He recently 
surrendered his practising certificate as a 
solicitor for which he qualified in 1953. After 
national service in the RAF, John joined 
Freshfields in the City of London where he 
was a partner from 1960 to 1974. For more 
than 40 years, John has specialised in 
advising a limited number of families 
on the structuring and management 
of their family resources. This remains his 
principal activity.
Committee membership: Audit, 
Investment and Finance, and Nominations.

10. Lady Keswick
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 2013
Skills and experience: Lady Keswick’s 
extensive career is based in public policy 
and international affairs, particularly in 
Asia. She is Deputy Chairman of the Centre 
of Policy Studies and was a Special Policy 
Adviser to the Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke QC 
MP, working at the Departments for Health 
and Education and Science and the Home 
Office and HM Treasury. She previously 
worked in advertising and journalism.

11. A H Lane
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 2013
Skills and experience: Andrew Lane 
brings a range of experience of dealing 
in complex legal and regulatory matters.  
He is a partner at Forsters LLP and 
specialises in private client law. 
Committee membership: 
Investment and Finance, and Risk 
(from December 2014).
Other appointments: A Trustee of the 
Pension Fund of the Royal Agricultural 
Society of England.

12. D H Nelson
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 2009
Skills and experience: David Nelson 
provides the Board and Audit Committee 
with relevant financial expertise, gained 
through a career in accounting. He is 
Senior Partner at Dixon Wilson, Chartered 
Accountants, and a Non-Executive 
Director of a number of family companies. 
He is an adviser to UK-based families and 
their businesses, advising on financial and 
tax matters in the UK and overseas. He is a 
trustee of a number of substantial UK Trusts.
Committee membership: Audit, Investment 
and Finance, Nominations, Remuneration 
and Risk (from February to December 2014).

13. K A H Parry
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board: 2014
Skills and experience: Kevin Parry is a 
Chartered Accountant who brings a broad 
range of experience and skills to the Board. 
He previously served as a Non-Executive 
Director of Schroders plc and chairman 
of its Audit and Risk Committee and as 
a member of its Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees. He has also 
been a Non-Executive Director of Knight 
Frank LLP. He was Director and Chief 
Financial Officer of Schroders plc, 
Group Chief Executive of Management 
Consulting Group PLC and the managing 
partner of KPMG’s London-based 
information, communications and 
entertainment practice.
Committee membership: Audit (from 
May 2014) and Risk (from December 2014). 
Other appointments: Intermediate Capital 
Group plc, Standard Life plc, Royal National 
Children’s Foundation and Homes and 
Communities Agency.

14. H J Roizen 
Independent Non-Executive Director
(American)
Appointed to the Board: 2012
Skills and experience: Heidi Roizen provides 
the Board with experience in digital media, 
entrepreneurial growth and business 
development in both public and private 
companies in the US. She teaches 
Entrepreneurship at Stanford University. Heidi 
was Vice President of Worldwide Developer 
Relations for Apple Computers, as well as 
being CEO and co-founder of pioneering 
consumer software company T Maker. 
Committee membership: Risk (until 
September 2014) and Remuneration 
(from October 2014).
Other appointments: TiVo Inc, DFJ and 
MailOnline.

15. D Trempont
Independent Non-Executive Director
(American)
Appointed to the Board: 2011
Skills and experience: Dominique 
Trempont brings experience as an 
Executive and board member in large 
multinational high-tech companies and 
start-ups. He has extensive knowledge 
of online solutions. He is currently on the 
boards of three US public companies, 
focusing on disruptive technologies, 
emerging markets and Asia. 
Committee membership: Audit.
Other appointments: On24, Trion Worlds 
and RMS.

C Chapman 
General Counsel & Company Secretary
Claire acts as Secretary to the Board, Chair 
of the Corporate Responsibilty Committee 
and is a member of the Risk Committee.

D J Verey
David Verey retired from the Board at the 
AGM on 5 February 2014.

39

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT  
ON GOVERNANCE

In this section:

40  Chairman’s Statement on Governance
41  Corporate Governance
45  Audit Committee Report
48  Risk Committee Report
49   Investment and Finance  

Committee Report

49  Nominations Committee Report
50   Corporate Responsibility  

Committee Report
51  Remuneration Report
74  Statutory Information
77   Annual General Meeting 2015:  

Resolutions

Chairman’s Statement on Governance 
Strong governance is essential to the way 
we operate throughout the Group. It is a 
key factor in our ability to achieve growth 
in a profitable, responsible and sustainable 
manner and in how we maximise 
shareholder value over the long term. 
In practice, this means that the Board 
establishes parameters within which 
our businesses operate and deliver 
shareholder value.

DMGT’s approach to governance is 
distinctive. The benefits that the family 
shareholding and long-term view bring 
are significant. 

During 2014, strategy has remained a core 
topic of our Board discussions. Areas of 
particular focus include RMS(one), dmg 
information’s strategy and the expansion 
of MailOnline. 

We have continued to draw on the 
expertise of individual Board members 
to the benefit of our operating businesses. 

Dominique Trempont and Heidi Roizen 
bring their sector knowledge and industry 
experience to the RMS Operating Board 
and MOL Advisory Board respectively.

•  continue to maintain a securities 

dealing code for certain of its employees 
in the form of the Model Code in its 
current form;

As explained in the CEO Review on pages 
10 to 13 we have decided to bring our B2B 
businesses together. This will improve their 
ability to learn from each other and share 
best practice.

Family shareholding 
RCL is a holding company incorporated 
in Bermuda. The main asset of RCL is its 
holding of DMGT Ordinary Shares. RCL is 
owned by a trust (Trust) which is held for the 
benefit of myself and my immediate family. 
Both RCL and the Trust are administered in 
Jersey, in the Channel Islands. The directors 
of RCL, of which there are seven, include 
two directors of DMGT, namely myself and 
John Hemingway.

•  continue to observe the UK Corporate 
Governance Code on a ‘comply or 
explain’ basis; and

•  have an appropriate number of 

independent Non-Executive Directors 
on its Board.

It is also intended by RCL that the 
Company’s independent directors at the 
time will take decisions on behalf of the 
Company in relation to any proposed 
transaction between the Company and 
RCL, or between the Company and an 
associate of RCL, where any such proposed 
transaction would have been a related 
party transaction under Chapter 11 of the 
Listing Rules in its current form.

RCL has controlled the Company for many 
years and maintains that the Company 
should be managed in accordance with 
high standards of corporate governance 
for the benefit of all shareholders, as has 
been the case throughout the period 
of RCL’s control.

Details of how we have applied the 
standards of corporate governance 
throughout the year are set out in the 
remainder of this Report. Details of our 
Board members are set out on pages 38 
and 39, including membership details 
of each of our Board Committees.

RCL has indicated to the Company that its 
intentions for the Company’s governance 
are long term in nature and that it would 
discuss with the Board of the Company 
any material change in its intentions. In 
particular, RCL has confirmed its intention 
that the Company will:

•  continue to observe the Listing Principles 

in their current form;

AGM 
The holders of Ordinary Shares are 
entitled to attend and vote at the AGM 
on 4 February 2015. The resolutions are 
summarised on page 77.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

Family controlled with split share structure

Total economic interest (%)

Total shares: 367m

Owned by Family 25% (Including RCL holding of 19%)

Owned by others 75%

R
C
L
1
0
0
%

Ordinary Shares 
(Voting)
20m

A Shares  
(Non-Voting)
347m

*  The extended Harmsworth family owns 25% of the A Shares and RCL owns 19% of that 25%.

As at 30 September 2014.

40

29

71

 Family
 Others

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Governance in action
UK Corporate Governance Code (Code)
The Code remains an important part of 
how we operate. The Code allows a 
‘comply or explain’ approach to achieving 
best governance practice. Whilst we 
comply with the majority of the Code 
requirements, we have chosen to deviate 
from the Code in some areas. These are 
detailed below. This allows us to recognise 
the benefits that we continue to derive 
from our heritage, and to take a long-term 
view of our operations. We remain satisfied 
that we continue to operate in 
accordance with high standards of 
governance. We have kept, and we will 
continue to keep, compliance with the 
Code under review and to adapt our 
position as needed.

and risk management and information; 
training and development. More detail on 
how this happens in practice is described 
in the remainder of this Report. 

How the Board operates 
There is a schedule of matters reserved to 
the Board. This details key matters of the 
Company’s management that the Board 
does not delegate. This can be seen on 
www.dmgt.com/corporate-governance. If 
any Director had any concerns about the 
way the Board was operating these would 
be recorded in the minutes. No such 
concerns were raised during the reporting 
period. Day-to-day management is the 
responsibility of the Executive Directors 
and of the executive management of 
the operating businesses.

The composition of the Audit Committee 
has been Code compliant for the majority 
of the year except for a period of three 
months between David Verey retiring in 
February and Kevin Parry joining in May. 

Delegation of authority
The Board has delegated certain activities, 
under formal terms of reference to Board 
Committees, details of which are set out 
on pages 45 to 50.

The service contracts of the Executive 
Directors are Code compliant. 

Information required under DTR 7.2.6 is 
provided on page 74 and forms part of 
this Report.

Leadership
The Board has a duty to promote the 
long-term success of the Company for 
its shareholders. This includes: the review 
and monitoring of strategic objectives; 
approval of major acquisitions, disposals 
and capital expenditure; financial 
performance; overseeing the Group’s 
systems of internal controls; governance, 

Board meetings
There were five scheduled Board meetings 
held in the reporting period. Each year the 
Board holds a meeting where the specific 
focus is on our strategy. This was held in July 
2014. All meetings were held at Northcliffe 
House, London, except the July Strategy 
session and September meeting, which 
were both held in New York. 

Division of Chairman and CEO 
responsibilities
There is a clear division of responsibilities 
between the Chairman and the Chief 
Executive. The Chairman is responsible 
for leading the Board and overseeing 

operations and strategy. The Chief 
Executive is responsible for the execution 
of the strategy and the day-to- day 
management of the Group, supported by 
the Finance Director and the executive 
management team.

Leadership Team
The Leadership Team is led by the Chief 
Executive and meetings are attended by 
the CEOs of the operating businesses, the 
Finance Director, the Group HR Director, 
the Strategy Development Director and 
the Chairman. The Leadership Team meets 
regularly throughout the year to discuss 
key issues of common interest with all the 
operating businesses.

Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors, as members 
of the Board and its Committees, are 
responsible for ensuring the Company 
has sound systems of internal controls, 
an effective risk management process 
and additionally, for monitoring financial 
performance. All Committee Chairmen 
report to the Board on Committee activity 
at each Board meeting.

Independence
The Board has determined that Francisco 
Balsemão, Nicholas Berry, Lady Keswick, 
Kevin Parry, Heidi Roizen and Dominique 
Trempont are independent within the 
meaning of the Code. Francisco Balsemão 
has been on the Board for 12 years. The 
Board has reviewed his independence, 
recognising that longevity of service is only 
one factor to be taken into account. The 
Board is satisfied that he has continued to 
demonstrate independence in terms of 
character and judgement.

UK Corporate Governance Code compliance

Provision

A 4.1

Code principle

Explanation

Composition of the Board

A4.2

Non-Executive Directors

B1.1

Composition of the Board

Composition of the 
Nominations Committee

B2.1

D2.1

The Board has not appointed a Senior Independent Director. It considers that identifying 
such an individual is potentially divisive to a unitary Board and disruptive to the role of the 
Chairman. 
The Non-Executive Directors did not meet as a group without the Chairman since his 
performance is evaluated by the Remuneration Committee (without the Chairman 
being present).
Less than half of the Board are independent Non-Executive Directors. The Board believes 
that its current composition is appropriate taking into account the heritage of the Group, 
the interests of our operating businesses represented on the Board and that a good 
balance is achieved from its Non-Executive Directors in terms of skill and independence. 
The Board keeps this under review.
Independent Non-Executive Directors do not comprise the majority of members of the 
Nominations Committee. The Board considers that given the heritage of the organisation 
and the global nature of its business, the members of the Nominations Committee are 
best suited to make recommendations to the Board on all aspects under the 
Nominations Committee’s terms of reference.

Composition of the 
Remuneration Committee

The Committee comprises one independent Non-Executive Director, rather than three. 
More details are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 72.

41

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

John Hemingway is not considered to be 
independent as he is a director of RCL. 
David Nelson and Andrew Lane are 
similarly not considered to be independent 
as they are each advisers to the Chairman 
and to RCL. 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.

Effectiveness
The Board reviewed its effectiveness within 
the context of the principles and provisions 
of Section B of the Code. In addition to its 
review of independence, the Board 
evaluation process noted separately in 
this Report the following:

•  Appointments: the Nominations 

Committee is responsible for referring 
potential appointments to the Board for 
approval and is assisted by the Chief 
Executive and the Group HR Director. 
Further details are in the Nominations 
Committee report on page 49. 

•  Time: the time commitment of each 

Non-Executive Director is set out in his/
her Letter of Engagement. Each Letter of 
Engagement is renewed annually both 
following the shareholder vote at the 
AGM and following a review by the 
Nominations Committee to ensure it 
remains in line with best practice.

•  Multiple commitments: the Nominations 
Committee recognises that its Board 
members may be directors of other 
companies and that additional 
experience is likely to enhance 
discussions at the Board. Details of any 
additional directorships are on pages 
38 and 39. In addition, we recognise 
that the experience of our Non-
Executive Directors is important across 
our activities. For this reason, Dominique 
Trempont was appointed as a Non-
Executive Director to the RMS Operating 
Board in 2013 and Heidi Roizen to the 
MailOnline Advisory Board, also in 2013. 
Executive Directors are generally 
permitted to hold Non-Executive 
directorships as long as it does not 
lead to conflicts of interest or time.

•  Development and information: on joining, 

Directors receive a comprehensive, 
tailored induction programme, which 
includes time with the General Counsel 
& Company Secretary, the Executive 
Directors and a range of senior 
managers across the Group. During the 
year, the Board has received updates 
on key areas of finance and governance 
as well as areas of the business.

•  Re-election: in line with the Code, all 

Directors stand for re-election annually 
and will do so at the February 2015 AGM.

Board members have visited and received 
presentations from DMGT’s operating 
businesses on a rolling basis. During the 
year, as part of Directors’ ongoing 
development, these updates were a 
combination of presentations to the whole 
Board and smaller groups as deemed 
appropriate. In particular:

•  visits to Trepp, Euromoney, RMS and 

MailOnline, New York;

•  dmg information presentations to 

the Board; and

•  during 2014 Kevin Parry, as part of 

his induction programme as a new 
Non-Executive Director, participated, 
over a number of days, in meetings with 
DMGT departmental heads, leaders of 
the operating companies as well as 
visiting these businesses and members 
of the Board.

Evaluation
In 2014, the Board undertook a review 
of its own performance and those of its 
Committees, which built on the results of 
the 2013 review. The review was conducted 
through an internal process facilitated 
by the Company Secretary. A revised 
questionnaire was used as a result of 
feedback following the 2013 evaluation 
process where the Board agreed that 
a specific set of questions on the remit 
and key issues facing the Board would be 
more appropriate. In particular, the Board 
considered how it was discharging its 
strategic remit and oversight of the key 
issues facing the Group and its businesses.

Completed questionnaires were 
submitted and reviewed by the Chairman. 
A summary of findings was presented to 
the Board in a manner that did not identify 
individual specific responses ensuring that 
the follow-up discussion with the entire 
Board was open. The responses showed 
that the Board welcomed the process and 
that overall, the Board was happy with the 
progress during the year and that the 
Board and its Committees continue to 
function well.

Actions arising from the evaluation 
included ensuring that time on the Board 
agenda was allocated for:

•  reviews of major projects and lessons 

learnt during the year;

•  continuing to review the composition 
of the Board through the Nominations 
Committee; and

•  continuing to follow-up on key matters 
and actions arising at Board meetings 
and ensuring sufficient time is 
allocated at meetings for discussion 
of these matters.

Board composition and diversity
We have continued to focus on the 
composition of the Board during 2014 
to ensure that we have the right mix of 
members to contribute effectively to 
the development of our strategy and 
how we operate. In particular, to 
continue to enhance the mix of skills 
and expertise represented.

Kevin Parry joined the Board and Audit 
Committee on 22 May 2014. He was 
identified as a candidate by seeking 
recommendations from Board members, 
their contacts and networks. A shortlist 
was prepared on that basis and 
candidates were contacted and the final 
selection was made by the Nominations 
Committee. Following a transitional period, 
he was appointed as Chairman of the 
Audit Committee on 9 December 2014, 
after the year-end process concluded.

Nicholas Berry joined the Investment 
and Finance Committee on 26 June 2014. 
Heidi Roizen stepped down from the 
Risk Committee on 30 September 2014, 
becoming a member of the Remuneration 
Committee on 1 October 2014. 

The Board remains supportive of the 
principles stated in the Davies Report. 
Our view remains that diversity is broader 
than gender. We consider diversity in its 
broadest sense in reviewing how the Board 
operates and its composition. We do not 
see this as solely a compliance issue and 
consider that there is a risk that it becomes 
seen as such. The split of the Group’s profits 
between our US and other businesses, the 
global nature of our operations and the 
range of activities undertaken across the 
Group has been reflected over recent years 
in our Board appointments. Maintaining 
this broad range of appropriate skills and 
experience will continue to be a factor in our 
Board succession planning. Further details 
on our approach is in the Nominations 
Committee report on page 49.

Accountability
Finance and business reporting 
The Board has delegated day-to-day 
responsibility for internal controls to the 
Audit Committee and for risk management 
to the Risk Committee. Further details of 
the activities of these Committees are on 
pages 45 to 48 respectively.

42

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014DMGT Board – membership

Member

Chairman 
The Viscount Rothermere
Chief Executive 
M W H Morgan
Finance Director 
S W Daintith
Executive Directors
K J Beatty
P M Dacre
D M M Dutton
Non-Executive Directors
F P Balsemão
N W Berry
J G Hemingway
Lady Keswick
A H Lane
D H Nelson
K A H Parry

H J Roizen
D Trempont
D J Verey

Member for the period

Meetings held

Meetings attended

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Joined 
22/05/2014
Yes
Yes
Left 
05/02/2014

5

5

5

5
5
5

5
5
5
5
5
5
2 
since 22/05/2014
5
5
2 
before 05/02/2014

5

5

5

5
5
5

5
5
5
4
5
5
2

5
5
1

Internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility for 
establishing and maintaining an effective 
system of internal controls. This system 
provides reasonable rather than absolute 
assurance that the Group’s business 
objectives will be achieved within the risk 
tolerance levels defined by the Board. The 
Group operates on a divisional basis with 
each of the divisions having considerable 
autonomy as regards its operation and 
establishment of internal control systems. 
Overseeing the divisional structure is a 
central management team responsible 
to the Board. Certain functions are 
undertaken centrally, including: Group 
accounting; investor relations; strategy; risk; 
internal audit; corporate tax; treasury; 
insurance; senior management reward; 
and senior recruitment and HR. Euromoney 
Institutional Investor PLC is subject to the 
requirements of the Code in its own right. 
As disclosed in its latest report, it has in 
place its own system of internal controls 
and risk management processes which 
form part of the Group’s overall framework 
of control.

consolidated financial statements relating 
to investments has been assessed and are 
considered as appropriate.

In reviewing the effectiveness of the 
system of internal controls, the Board has 
considered the controls described below, 
which include financial, operational 
and compliance controls and risk 
management systems.

Audit Committee
As described in more detail on pages 45 
to 48, the Audit Committee, on behalf of 
the Board, has responsibility for the regular 
review of internal controls and financial 
risks. It fulfils this by: receiving regular reports 
from internal audit (see below); reviewing 
the results of the key internal controls 
certifications (see below); reviewing 
a summary of internal control findings 
prepared by the Group’s External Auditors 
following their audit procedures; and 
considering significant financial reporting 
issues and approving any changes to 
Group accounting policies, which are 
set centrally.

The Directors have excluded joint ventures 
and associates, principally Zoopla Property 
Group Plc and Local World from their 
assessment of internal controls over 
financial reporting, as the Group does 
not have the ability to dictate or modify 
controls at these entities. Controls over 
the recording of amounts in the Group’s 

Risk Committee 
The Risk Committee, described in more 
detail on page 48, oversees the risk 
management processes and considers the 
Group risk register annually. The Committee 
also reviews specific risks and monitors 
developments in relevant legislation and 
regulation and the impact on the Group 

and on its system of internal controls. The 
Committee reports to the Board at each of 
its meetings on its operations to enable it to 
determine the overall effectiveness of risk 
management and the system of internal 
controls as it relates to key risks. 

Investment and Finance Committee
The Investment and Finance Committee, 
described in more detail on page 49, 
evaluates the benefits and risks of 
investment opportunities and financing 
proposals. Above certain defined levels, 
the Board approves programmes relating 
to acquisition and divestment proposals 
and capital expenditure. 

Internal audit
The Group’s internal Risk and Assurance 
(R&A) function provides assurance on the 
operation and adequacy of the internal 
financial control environment across the 
Group’s operating businesses. The Head 
of Risk and Assurance reports on reviews, 
including any follow-up on past reviews, 
to DMGT and Operating Business 
management, and the Audit Committee 
on a regular basis. An annual plan is 
developed each year and approved by 
the Audit Committee. Input, with reference 
to past reviews and key risks, is received 
from divisional and executive 
management, the Audit Committee, 
and External Auditors.

43

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

Confirmation of key internal controls, 
and bribery and fraud assessment
Each Operating Business confirms the 
operation of key internal financial controls 
to Group Finance and R&A annually. The 
purpose of the assessment is to confirm the 
operation of a basic framework of internal 
controls, including anti-fraud controls, 
which are expected to be in place in each 
business unit. They are particularly focused 
on financial controls, and they are intended 
to provide standards against which the 
control environments of DMGT’s business 
units can be monitored. An annual bribery 
and fraud risk assessment review is 
completed at the same time, detailing risks 
and mitigating controls. In each case, the 
R&A team review and follow-up these 
submissions, as appropriate.

Review of relevant and timely financial 
information
Operating Business and DMGT executive 
management regularly review relevant and 
timely financial information. This is produced 
from a management information system 
operated across the Group. It is supported 
by a framework of quarterly forecasts as 
well as annual budgets that are approved 
at a divisional level by the Investment and 
Finance Committee.

Senior Accounting Officer sign-off
The Group Finance Director is the Senior 
Accounting Officer (SAO) and is required, 
by HMRC, to certify that the Company, 
and its subsidiaries, have established and 
maintained appropriate arrangements to 

ensure that tax liabilities are calculated 
accurately in all material respects.

Effectiveness of internal controls
The Directors confirm that they have 
followed the process described above 
to review the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of internal controls for the period 
to the sign-off of the Accounts. The Board 
confirms that it has not identified any 
material weaknesses or failings during 
this time.

Risk management
The Board considers all significant business 
risks to the Group including financial risk, 
operational risk and compliance risk that 
could undermine achieving the Group’s 
strategy and business objectives. Given 
the Group’s divisional structure, a flexible 
approach to risk management systems has 
been implemented so that each operating 
business can tailor and adapt its risk 
management processes to its specific 
circumstances. This approach, which 
provides an overarching framework for 
acceptable risk parameters, has the 
commitment of the Leadership Team 
and the executive management of the 
Operating Businesses. 

Oversight is provided by the Risk 
Committee. The Audit Committee is 
responsible for the review of financial risks. 
The requisite risk and control capability 
is assured through the Risk Committee 
and Board challenge. A Group-wide risk 
assessment process is managed annually 

by the R&A team, reviewing risk in 
Operating Businesses and risks to  
achieving business plans. 

The results are collated and presented 
to the Risk Committee and an overall 
Group-wide risk plan is derived. This process 
assists managers to identify internal and 
external threats and to prioritise responses 
to those risks. This Group-wide risk 
assessment is aimed at providing the Risk 
Committee with insight into any material 
changes and trends in the risk profile and 
to evaluate whether the system, including 
reporting and controls, adequately 
supports the Board in overseeing key risks.

Principal risks and mitigating actions are  
set out on pages 30 to 33.

Investment opportunities and 
financing proposals
Investment and operating decisions are 
delegated under formal terms of reference 
to the Investment and Finance Committee. 
This Committee works alongside executive 
management to ensure that investment 
decision making and Group strategy 
development operates in accordance with 
best practice. The Committee evaluates 
the benefits and risks of investment 
opportunities and financial proposals up 
to an agreed level, above which the 
Board approves programmes relating to 
acquisition and divestment proposals and 
capital expenditure. Details in respect of 
the Investment and Finance Committee’s 
activities are given on page 49.

Risk oversight at DMGT

DMGT Board

Audit Committee
Financial risks

Risk Committee

Risk & Assurance

RMS

dmg information 
and dmg events 
divisional 
management

Euromoney 
divisional 
management

dmg media 
divisional 
management

DMGT HQ and 
Pensions

44

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014Fair, balanced and understandable
One of the key governance requirements 
of a Group’s financial statements is for 
the reports to be fair, balanced and 
understandable. The coordination and 
review of Group-wide input into the Annual 
Report is a specific project, with defined 
time frames, which runs alongside the 
formal audit process undertaken by the 
External Auditor. The Audit Committee’s 
and the Board’s confirmation of satisfaction 
with the process and the statements being 
made is underpinned by:

Relations with shareholders
Any concerns raised by shareholders in 
relation to the Company and its affairs 
are communicated to the Board through 
regular briefings. Analyst reports are 
circulated to the Board. Feedback 
from meetings held with the executive 
management or the Investor Relations 
team and institutional shareholders, 
are also communicated to the Board.

Engagement with institutional investors 
in 2014

•  comprehensive guidance being 

provided to the Operating Businesses in 
respect of each of the requirements for, 
and each of their contributions to, the 
Annual Report;

•  a verification process in respect of the 

factual context of the submissions made; 

Chairman’s dinner 
Investor Roadshow 
Investor Briefing (RMS, 
Euromoney, MailOnline) 
www.dmgt.com/
investorbriefing
Investor Roadshow 

January
May (Results)
September

November 
(Results)

•  comprehensive sign-off process by 
owners of all statements made; and

•  comprehensive reviews undertaken 
at different levels of the Group with 
the aim of ensuring consistency and 
overall balance.

As a result of this process, the Audit 
Committee and the Board are satisfied 
with the overall fairness, balance and 
clarity of the Annual Report.

Audit Committee

The Company’s website, www.dmgt.com, 
provides the latest news and historical 
financial information, details about 
forthcoming events for shareholders and 
analysts and other information regarding 
the Group.

Private shareholders are given the 
opportunity to raise queries with the 
Company Secretary.

The Group is committed to reducing its 
impact on the environment in line with 
its Environment Policy and encourages 
shareholders to receive communications 
electronically in order to reduce 
printing and paper usage. Shareholders 
can register to receive electronic 
communications through the Company’s 
Registrars, Equiniti. Shareholders can 
additionally register for Regulatory News 
Service email alerts at www.dmgt.com. 
Contact details can be found on page 181.

Board Committees

The Board has delegated certain 
activities to its Committees, as described 
on pages 45 to 50. During the year,  
the following acted as Secretary to  
the stated Committees:

•  the General Counsel & Company 
Secretary to the Audit, Investment 
and Finance, and Nominations 
Committees;

•  the Head of Reward to the 
Remuneration Committee;

•  the Head of Risk and Assurance to the 

Risk Committee; and

•  the Assistant Company Secretary to 

the CR Committee.

of the finance team at DMGT, together 
with the External Auditors. This review 
has included testing the financial 
assumptions with key customers.

David Nelson
Acting Chairman of the Audit Committee

Since our AGM on 5 February 2014, I have 
been Acting Chairman of the Committee. 

RMS(one)
•  The accounting treatment of the costs 

capitalised in relation to the 
development of RMS(one). 

The UK Corporate Governance Code invites 
the Committee to report on the significant 
issues considered during the year. Further 
details are contained later in the report, 
but the most important issues were:

•  The Company announced a delay to the 
launch of RMS(one) in March 2014. Since 
that time the Committee has overseen 
an in-depth review of the accounting 
treatment of costs capitalised and the 
appropriate extent of an impairment 
charge. The review has involved the 
Committee, the CFO and other members 

•  Whilst such reviews of the carrying 

value of capitalised assets are of course 
carried out each year, the innovative 
nature of the RMS(one) platform and 
the total spend on it, continues to require 
judgements to be made of the likely 
revenue stream and the speed of 
adoption of the new technology. 

45

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

External Auditors
•  Deloitte LLP has been the Group’s 

External Auditors for over 10 years. In 
accordance with the recommendations 
of the Code, and related guidance, we 
conducted a tender process involving 
the four largest audit and assurance 
practices. After detailed consideration, 
the Committee recommended to the 
Board that, subject to shareholder 
approval at the 2015 AGM, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
should be appointed as the Group’s 
External Auditors. 

•  To minimise any disruption to the 
audit process and to best protect 
shareholders’ interests, a handover 
process has been ongoing since 
September 2014.

•  As Acting Audit Committee Chairman, 
I would like to thank Deloitte LLP for their 
service during the year.

•  Kevin Parry, who was appointed to the 
Board and the Committee in May 2014, 
was appointed the Audit Committee 
Chairman on 9 December 2014 following 
the end of the year-end audit process. 
In addition to its routine business, the 
Committee will continue to closely 
monitor the transition to the new 
External Auditors. 

David Nelson
Acting Chairman of the Audit Committee

46

Membership
The Committee has been supported in its activities during the year by the Chief 
Executive, Finance Director, Financial Controller, Head of R&A and the General Counsel 
& Company Secretary. Membership and meetings are shown below.

Member

D H Nelson (Chairman from 04/02/2014)
N W Berry
J G Hemingway
K A H Parry

D Trempont
D J Verey (Chairman until 04/02/2014)

Audit Committee Report
During the year the Chairman of the 
Committee, David Verey, retired. David 
Nelson was appointed acting Chairman. 
Independent, Non-Executive Director 
Kevin Parry was appointed to the Board 
and Audit Committee on 22 May 
and Chairman of the Committee on 
9 December following completion of 
year-end reporting and a transition period.

The integrity of the Group’s financial 
results and internal control systems are 
important to both Directors and to 
shareholders. They are also important to 
the way that the Group’s businesses are 
operated as they are required to measure 
and sustain achievement of DMGT’s 
strategic objectives.

The Committee assists the Board in its 
oversight and monitoring of financial 
reporting and internal controls. It tests and 
challenges these areas in conjunction with 
management and internal and External 
Auditors, as appropriate.

A summary of the key responsibilities, 
activities and governance follows:

Key responsibilities
•  Monitoring the integrity of the annual 

and interim financial statements, reports 
to shareholders and corporate 
governance statements.

•  Making recommendations to the Board 

regarding the annual and interim 
financial statements.

•  Making recommendations to the Board 

on the appointment, retention and 
replacement of the External Auditor.

•  Overseeing the Group’s relationship with 

the External Auditor.

•  Reviewing financial risks and monitoring 

the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal controls.

Member 
for period

Meetings
held

Meetings 
attended

Yes
Yes
Yes
Joined
 22/05/2014

Yes
Left
 04/02/2014

4
4
4
1 
since
 22/05/2014
4
2 
before
 04/02/2014

4
4
4
1

4
1

•  Approving the internal and external 

audit plans.

•  Reviewing regular reports from the 
Head of R&A on the Internal Audit 
reviews completed, the progress against 
the internal audit plan and issues arising.

•  Monitoring the compliance with the 
policy on the balance of non-audit 
to audit work performed by the 
External Auditor.

Key activities during the period
•  The Committee reviewed the financial 
statements released by the Company, 
including the full-year and half-year 
results, interim management statements 
and the Zoopla Property Group Plc IPO 
statements.

•  The Committee reviewed the financial 
trading updates, risks and financial 
controls, including the key internal 
controls checklist report prepared by 
R&A and considered actions arising.

•  Reviewing the accounting treatment 
of RMS(one) and changes required 
following the postponement of the 
launch. This included the establishment 
of a working party consisting of two 
members of the Committee, the CFO 
and senior members of the DMGT 
finance team who worked in conjunction 
with the External Auditors. The working 
party carried out a detailed review of 
expenditure to date, forecast further 
expenditure and revenue streams, the 
robustness of the assumptions made, 
and the accounting judgements 
therefore required. 

•  The Committee reviewed actions against 
the internal audit plan and monitored 
management actions recommended. 
Additionally, the Committee approved 
the plan for the forthcoming year.

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014•  The External Auditor, as part of its 

assurance process, confirmed that it is 
considered to be independent and 
objective. The Committee agreed 
with this assessment and no matters of 
concern were raised. During the year, 
the External Auditor presented its plans 
for the interim review and the year-end 
audit and the Committee approved the 
scope of work to be undertaken. The 
External Auditor also presented its report 
on internal controls which provided a 
benchmark for additional improvements.

•  During the course of the year, the 

Committee met with the External Auditor 
and the Head of R&A without the 
presence of management. 

•  The Committee received regular 

updates on the status of any litigation 
matters and trends across the Group.

•  The Committee reviewed and updated 
its Terms of Reference to reflect best 
practice and to minimise the potential 
for overlap or gaps with its remit and 
that of the Risk Committee.

•  The Committee discussed Senior Finance 

Officer appointments at Group 
businesses.

•  The Committee confirmed that it had 
complied with its Terms of Reference 
throughout the year.

•  The Committee reviewed its membership 
and confirmed that it had complied with 
the Code for the majority of the year.

•  The Committee confirmed, that in 
accordance with the provisions of 
the Code, each of David Nelson and 
Kevin Parry had recent and relevant 
financial experience.

The independence review is conducted 
by a review of compliance with policies in 
place in the Group and within the audit firm 
to maintain independence and objectivity. 
The findings are shared with the Committee. 
The Committee, having reviewed the 
report prepared by the External Auditor 
on its relationships within the Group and 
the review by management, is satisfied 
that the External Auditor’s objectivity has 
not been impaired. The External Auditor is 
required to assess periodically that it, in its 
professional judgement considers itself to 
be independent. This has been done at 
each Committee meeting. In particular, 
the Committee requires that details in 
respect of audit and non-audit services 
are provided to it to ensure that the 
Group’s policy on the provisions of non-
audit services by the External Auditor 
has been followed. 

Governance
•  The External Auditor has been providing 
audit services since 2001 when it won 
a competitive tender to replace the 
incumbent firm. The current audit partner 
was appointed in 2011 following the 
rotation of the previous partner. 

•  The Company conducted a tender 

process for its audit services during the 
year. A sub-set of the Committee and 
management participated in panel 
presentations from four audit firms and 
made a recommendation to the 
Committee for approval. A consistent 
table of evaluation criteria was utilised 
as part of the process. The benefit of 
a new approach from a different firm 
was balanced against the impact 
of a transition period when selecting 
a new firm. As a result of the tender 
the Committee recommended 
that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
be appointed.

•  The effectiveness review of the external 
audit process was carried out through a 
Client Satisfaction Survey to obtain views 
of senior finance management and 
certain Committee members. This 
included a review of the planning, 
execution and reporting activities along 
with the assessment of the quality and 
leadership of the external audit teams 
involved in any audit. The results were 
presented to the Committee to assist 
in the review of the effectiveness of 
the audit process for the prior year. 
No material issues were raised. 

•  The Committee carried out a review 

of the R&A function, which concluded 
that the department was effective. 

Looking ahead, the Committee believes 
that it is important to remain focused on 
the audit and assurance processes 
within DMGT. 

The key activities for the forthcoming 
year are:

•  strategic review of our internal audit and 
assurance plan to ensure alignment and 
support of the Group’s plan;

•  ensuring that there is a clear plan for the 
remit and work of each of the Audit and 
Risk Committees and how these activities 
will interrelate, and accountability;

•  continuing the progress made to date 
around internal controls, assessment 
and audit follow-up plans; 

•  continuing to ensure that accounting 
developments are communicated to, 
and applied by, the Committee in line 
with best practice; and

•  continuing the review of accounting 
judgements in respect of material 
projects.

External Auditor’s independence, 
objectivity and non-audit services
The Company’s policy on the External 
Auditor’s independence is consistent with 
the ethical Standards set out by the Audit 
Practices Board in the UK. The Committee 
reviews independence on a regular basis. 
This is designed to ensure that:

•  the External Auditor does not act as a 
manager or employee of the Group;

•  there is separation between the 

interests of the External Auditor and 
the Group; and

•  the External Auditor is not required to act 

as an advocate for the Group.

The definition of non-audit services 
adopted by the Committee complies with 
the ethical Standards issued by the Audit 
Practices Board in the UK. The Committee, 
having reviewed the activities during the 
reporting period, is satisfied that the policy 
has been complied with and that the 
External Auditor remains independent. 
Details in respect of the non-audit fees paid 
are in Note 5 on page 105.

The Committee has primary responsibility 
for making recommendations to the Board 
on the independence and reappointment 
of the External Auditor. As noted above, 
the Committee had recommended 
that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP be 
appointed at the 2015 AGM. 

Significant and material issues 
The Committee has considered a number 
of material issues during the year, including:

•  recognising that accounting impacts 
arising from the delay of the RMS(one) 
launch, as noted on page 46, a working 
group was formed to specifically 
review any judgements made and the 
appropriate accounting treatment;

•  policy and practice in respect of 

internally generated assets, including 
RMS(one). The RMS(one) project is the 
largest such project undertaken by the 
Group where internal costs have been 
capitalised. As such, specific attention 
has been warranted to the treatment 
of costs incurred; 

•  impairment considerations of goodwill 

and intangible assets. Whilst this is 
undertaken each year, the Committee 
considers that it is important to ensure 
that a consistent and robust approach 
is taken; 

47

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

•  categorisation of items as exceptional. 

The Committee has paid specific 
attention to this area to ensure that 
treatment of such items remains 
consistent with the Group’s accounting 
policy and that a consistent year-on-
year approach has been taken;

•  application of internal controls and how 
these were managed, trends and areas 
of potential financial risk. Whilst the 
Committee does not consider there 
to be any material weaknesses in the 
internal controls process, it considers that 
its review of internal controls is a priority 
item ensuring that a high standard is 
maintained and that improvements are 
made incrementally as best practice 
evolves; and

The Committee recognises that applicable 
regulations change and that there should 
be a process for ensuring that these 
changes are monitored and appropriate 
practices adopted in a timely manner.

The Committee has discussed with the 
External Auditor the areas of significant 
risk identified by the External Auditor 
(see pages 78 to 80) and has satisfied itself 
that such risks are being appropriately 
managed. In addition, the Committee has 
considered a number of other risks as part 
of discharging a best practice approach, 
which have included:

•  acquisition and disposal accounting;

•  revenue recognition;

•  the impact of changes to regulation 

•  valuation, completeness and 

•  related party transactions and;

•  deferred tax recognition and 

uncertain positions.

The Committee is satisfied that all issues 
and significant risks have been managed 
appropriately and in accordance with the 
relevant accounting standards and 
principles.

David Nelson
Acting Chairman of the Audit Committee

on the Company and how any 
changes would be implemented 
and communicated. 

accounting for financial instruments;

•  accounting for remuneration schemes;

•  defined benefit pension schemes 

measurements;

Remuneration Committee
Details in respect of the Remuneration 
Committee are set out in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 51 to 73.

Risk Committee

Membership
The Committee has been supported in its activities during the year by the Head of Risk 
and Assurance. Membership and meetings are shown below.

Member

M W H Morgan (Chairman)
S W Daintith
D M M Dutton
C Chapman
D H Nelson

M Page
H J Roizen
D J Verey

Member 
for period

Meetings 
held

Meetings
 attended

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Joined
03/02/2014

Yes
Yes
Left
 03/02/2014

4
4
4
4
3 
after 
03/02/2014
4
4
2 
before
 03/02/2014

4
4
4
4
3

4
4
1 

Key responsibilities
•  Monitoring the Group’s risk assessment 

methodology, including new risks, 
detection and prevention of fraud and 
bribery, and the Group’s Speak-Up 
arrangements.

•  Considering Group risks including 

potential future risks and their impact.

•  Reviewing the Group risk register and risk 
registers from each Operating Business 
annually and approving the principal 
risks and uncertainties, and other 
risk disclosures. 

•  Reviewing reports on any material risk 

incidents and the adequacy of 
proposed actions.

Key activities
•  The Committee reviewed the Group’s risk 

management processes, risk register 
and the risk registers of dmg information, 
dmg events, dmg media and RMS.

•  Operating Businesses’ information 
security and cyber resilience and 
implementation of the Group’s 
information security standards was 
considered at each meeting.

•  Other specific risk reviews included: 
reliance on key third parties; health 
and safety; market disruption; market-
influencing information products; 
and newsprint supplier risk.

Governance
•  The Committee updated its terms of 

reference to reflect best practice and 
to minimise any overlap or gaps with its 
remit and that of the Audit Committee. 
It also confirmed compliance with these 
terms of reference.

•  The Committee reported to the Board on 
its operations and the Group’s principal 
risks and uncertainties.

Looking ahead, the Committee will 
continue to monitor key risks affecting 
Operating Businesses and the Group, 
especially common areas of risk across 
multiple businesses. Other areas of focus 
will include information security, data 
privacy, change management and 
business continuity.

48

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014Investment and Finance Committee

Membership
The Committee has been supported in its activities during the year by the Deputy 
Finance Director, Director of Strategy Development and the General Counsel & 
Company Secretary. Membership and meetings are shown below.

Member

The Viscount Rothermere (Chairman)
M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
D M M Dutton
N W Berry

J G Hemingway
A H Lane
D H Nelson

Member
 for period

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Joined
 26/06/2014

Yes
Yes
Yes

Meetings
held

Meetings
 attended

11
11
11
11
3 
after 
26/06/2014
11
11
11

11
11
11
11
3

9
11
11

Key responsibilities
•  Reviewing all acquisitions, disposals and 

capital expenditure within its remit.

•  Reviewing pension scheme 

management, including oversight of 
the Pensions Sub-Committee activities.

•  Authorising of the purchase by the 

Company of its own shares.

•  Reviewing matters pertaining to the 

financial affairs of the Company and its 
subsidiaries, including loans made to the 
Company, giving of any guarantee and 
approval of capital programmes.

•  Reviewing the Group’s tax strategy and 
its implementation, including oversight 
of the Tax Sub-Committee.

Key activities
•  Reviewing all acquisitions, disposals 

and capital expenditure within its remit, 
including presentations made by 
Operating Businesses for support in line 
with strategic objectives.

Nominations Committee

Membership
The Committee has been supported in its activities during the year by the Chief 
Executive, Group HR Director, and the General Counsel & Company Secretary. 
Membership and meetings are shown below.

Member

The Viscount Rothermere (Chairman)
F P Balsemão
N W Berry
J G Hemingway
D H Nelson

Key responsibilities
•  Defining the core skills and experience, 
and diversity for potential new Board 
members, identifying and reviewing 
potential candidates. 

•  Reviewing the diversity position of the 

Board in light of best practice.

•  Making recommendations on Board 

and Committee composition.

Member 
for period

Meetings 
held

Meetings 
attended

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

4
4
4
4
4

3
4
4
4
3

•  Interviewing shortlisted candidates and 
making recommendations based on 
the same to the Board.

Succession planning
Given the importance of succession 
planning, in addition to the general Board 
planning undertaken by the Nominations 
Committee, as in the previous year, the 
Non-Executive Directors held a separate 
session in November 2014 facilitated by 
the Group HR Director.

•  Reviewing performance against budget 

and plan including reviewing debt 
position, including tracking performance 
against the original investment case 
and assumptions for acquisitions 
and investments.

•  Oversight of the Company’s pension 

scheme planning, including discussions 
with the various Scheme Trustees and 
their advisers.

•  Review of the Company’s dividend 

planning activities.

•  Review and approval of the Company’s 

investment criteria.

•  Review and approval of the Company’s 

tax strategy.

•  Oversight of the Chairman’s Fund for 

Innovation and Growth.

•  Oversight of the Company’s share 

buy-back programme.

•  Oversight of the Company’s repurchase 

of certain of its Bonds.

Governance
•  The Committee reviewed its membership 
and approved the recommendation 
that Lord Rothermere continue as its 
Chairman. 

•  The Committee confirmed that it had 
complied with its Terms of Reference 
throughout the year.

Key activities
•  Reviewing potential candidates for 

Board appointments. 

•  Discussing Board and Committee 

composition and longevity of service 
and Board independence.

•  Reviewing governance activities against 

best practice.

•  Reviewing the letter of engagement 
with each Non-Executive Director to 
ensure the provisions remained in line 
with best practice. Following shareholder 
approval at the AGM, re-engaged the 
service of Non-Executive Directors for a 
further period of a minimum of one year.

•  Reviewing time commitments 

required by Non-Executives and 
confirmed that it was satisfied that the 
Directors had met or exceeded the time 
commitment required.

•  In line with the Code, recommended 
that all Directors stand for re-election 
at the AGM.

49

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

Looking ahead, the Committee’s key 
activities for the forthcoming year are:

Governance
•  The Committee reviewed its 

•  Reviewing the composition of the Board 

to ensure that the right skills and 
experience to support the Group’s 
strategy are represented.

•  Reviewing Committee membership 
to ensure that there is a balance of 
skills reflected.

•  Continuing to review succession 

planning for the Executive Directors.

membership and confirmed the 
explanatory statement (on page 41) 
in respect of the Code. 

•  The Committee confirmed that it had 
complied with its Terms of Reference 
throughout the year.

•  The Committee paid particular attention 

to extending the term of any Non-
Executive Director that has served 
a term in excess of six years.

•  The Committee reviewed the 

independence of the Non-Executive 
Directors and agreed to recommend 
that Francisco Balsemão, Nicholas Berry, 
Lady Keswick, Kevin Parry, Heidi Roizen 
and Dominique Trempont remained 
independent in accordance with the 
Code provisions.

•  The Committee reviewed the Report to 
Shareholders contained in the Annual 
Report and recommended it for 
approval by the Board.

Corporate Responsibility Committee 

Membership

Member

C Chapman (Chairman)
S W Daintith
D M M Dutton
R Beistman
P S Collins
A G DiCola
C R Jones
G Poss 
K FitzGerald

R Stunt

P Duffy

Member
 for period

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Left 
11/11/2013

Left 
11/11/2013

Left 
11/11/2013

Meetings
held

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
1 
before
 11/11/2013
1 
before
 11/11/2013
1 
before
 11/11/2013

Meetings 
attended

4
4
1
4
3
3
2
3
0

0

0

Key responsibilities
•  Setting the Group’s Corporate 

Responsibility (CR) strategy and have 
an overview of CR issues. 

•  Developing and protecting the reputation 
of DMGT as an ethical and responsible 
corporate citizen.

•  Ensuring that the Company has a positive 

social impact on its stakeholders and 
the community at large.

•  Monitoring and reporting on 

purchasing procedures in areas where 
sustainability is a major consideration 
(principally newsprint).

•  Monitoring and reviewing legislative, 
regulatory, governmental or similar 
developments (including proposals 
for participation in non-mandatory 
third-party initiatives) relating to 
environmental issues.

•  Recommending and setting 

environmental targets (including the 
Group’s carbon footprint target).

•  Reporting on and monitoring carbon/
energy usage abatement measures 
taken by DMGT businesses.

•  Monitoring and assisting the spread 
of best practice across the Group on 
Company employee matters and 
make recommendations in the areas 
of engagement, communication, 
health and safety, diversity, learning, 
development, training and careers.

•  Monitoring and assisting the spread of 

best practice across DMGT businesses to 
achieve an honest, reliable and trusted 
relationship with our employees, 
suppliers and customers.

•  Encouraging an exchange of ideas 

between Group companies.

•  Promoting involvement of our businesses/
employees within their local communities 
including the promotion of relevant and 
allied charitable activities. 

50

Key activities
•  Reviewing entries for the Community 

Champions Awards and choosing the 
winners of each category.

•  Communicating the focus of charitable 

giving for the Group.

•  Agreeing submissions for matched 
funding to be put forward to the 
Charity Committee for consideration.

•  Reviewing data used to calculate the 

annual carbon footprint.

•  Approval of the content of the CR Review 

for the Annual Report.

•  Monitoring the progress of the CR 

Champions Network.

•  Launching the Group-wide Green Week 

initiative to promote environmental 
awareness across our businesses.

Looking ahead, the Committee will focus 
on continuing to develop Group-wide 
initiatives such as the Community 
Champions Awards, Green Week and 
the CR Champions Network as a talent 
development opportunity.

Governance
•  The Committee reviewed its membership 
and approved the recommendation 
that Claire Chapman continue as 
its Chairman.

•  The Committee confirmed that it had 
complied with its Terms of Reference 
throughout the year.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ REPORTREMUNERATION REPORT

In this section:

51 

52 

53 

61  

 Chairman’s statement on 
remuneration
 Executive Directors: remuneration  
at a glance
 Executive Directors: annual report  
on remuneration
 Executive Directors: remuneration 
policy

70    Non-Executive Directors: annual  

70 

71 

72 

report on remuneration
 Non-Executive Directors: 
remuneration policy
 Annual report on remuneration: 
Directors’ shareholdings
 Annual report on remuneration: 
Remuneration Committee role and 
activities

Chairman’s statement on remuneration 
Key decisions made by the Remuneration 
Committee (the Committee) during the 
year were:

Bonus payments for FY 2014
DMGT has delivered another year of strong 
performance. Group underlying operating 
profit increased by 15% at an operating 
margin of 17%. However, in light of the 
delayed release of RMS(one) and the 
associated impairment charge, the 
Committee decided that the annual 
bonus for those Executive Directors with 
responsibility for B2B would be reduced by 
25%. This decision was made with the full 
support of the Executive Directors affected. 
Full details can be found on pages 53 
and 63.

Paul Dacre
Paul Dacre’s remuneration for the past year 
was agreed in 2008 in recognition of the 
fact that Mr Dacre had agreed to work 
beyond DMGT’s retirement age at that 
time. In the ensuing five years, under his 
aegis as Editor-in-Chief, Daily Mail and The 
Mail on Sunday significantly out-performed 
the market; MailOnline has become the 
worlds most visited English language 
newspaper website with a major presence 
in the US; and Metro is one of the world’s 
biggest free newspapers. However, Daily 
Mail and The Mail on Sunday continue to 
face a challenging print newspaper 
market and this has required strategic focus 
on operational efficiencies and a more 
integrated approach across the business.

In the light of this, Paul Dacre requested that 
his remuneration be more directly linked  
to the overall success of the business. To 
achieve this, he has waived his contractual 
right to a salary increase of the higher of RPI 
or 5% each year. He has also waived his 
annual salary supplement of £500,000.

The Committee has agreed that Paul 
Dacre will receive a 3% salary increase 
with effect 1 October 2014 and that,  
in line with other Executive Directors, in the 
future he will receive an annual award 
under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. 
Awards will vest after three years with the 
performance conditions focused on the 
delivery of strategic objectives for the Mail 
titles. Accordingly, an amendment to the 
remuneration policy is proposed, to make 
Paul Dacre an annual LTIP award of 70% 
of salary. To effect this, approval is sought 
for changes to the LTIP.

Salary review FY 2015
A salary increase of 3% was awarded to 
all Executive Directors with effect from 
1 October 2014. This is in accordance with 
general salary budgets across the Group. 

Vesting of the 2010 LTIP award
The award for Martin Morgan vested based 
on results against targets over the period 
from 1 October 2010 to 30 September 2013. 
The Committee considered that good 
progress had been made against the 
strategic targets and judged the outcome 
to be 37.5%, slightly higher than the 35% 
estimated vesting in last year’s report. 
Details are shown in table 4.1 on page 54 
and table 6.1 on page 56.

Vesting of the 2007 LTIP award
DMGT’s total shareholder return (TSR) 
ranked fourth against a competitor group 
of 12 companies, resulting in the award 
vesting at 120%. Details are shown in table 
4.2 on page 55.

Awards under the 2012 LTIP
The Committee considers that the four LTIP 
strategic objectives continue to reflect the 
aims of the Group and progress against 
these will ensure that Executives are 
aligned with delivering a strong underlying 
performance and long-term sustained 
returns for shareholders. The strategic 
objectives are: 

•  to grow B2B business; 

•  continue to invest in strong brands of 
digital consumer media, particularly 
MailOnline; 

•  grow sustainable earnings and 

dividends; and;

•  increase the Company’s exposure to 

growth economies and to international 
opportunities.

Each year, the Committee reviews 
progress against the strategic targets 
and I am pleased to be able confirm that 
DMGT remains on track for achieving 
these objectives.

Divisional incentive schemes
We considered our long-term incentive 
arrangements. In particular, we 
considered the plans for RMS in light of the 
postponement of the launch of RMS(one) 
to ensure that they focus and motivate 
employees, rewarding them for the 
achievement of strategic priorities.

New appointment to the Committee
The Committee is pleased to confirm the 
appointment of Heidi Roizen with effect 
from 1 October 2014. Heidi Roizen brings 
considerable experience from the US, 
digital media and entrepreneurial 
environments.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

51

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors: remuneration at a glance

Corporate performance in FY 2014
Key indicators of corporate performance are shown below:

Adjusted profit before tax
Dividend per share
Adjusted earnings per share
Share price

2014

£291m
20.4p
55.7p
£7.68

2013

£267m
19.2p
49.9p
£7.62

Movement

+9%
+6%
+12%
+1%

FY 2014 Remuneration outcomes for the Executive Directors
The table below summarises the remuneration for the Executive Directors in FY 2014:

Salary 2014
Increase with effect from 1 October 2014
Salary supplement
Bonus (including deferred amounts)
As a % of salary
Taxable benefits
Pension benefits
LTIP awards vesting in year
Recruitment award

Total remuneration FY 2014

Total remuneration FY 2013

The Viscount
 Rothermere
 £000

M W H
 Morgan 
£000

S W 
Daintith 
£000

K J 
Beatty 
£000

 797
3%
 – 
 833 
105%
 37 
 295 
438 
 – 

2,400

 2,304 

 957 
3%
 – 
514 
54%
 21 
 354 
175
 – 

 679 
3%
 – 
 359 
53%
 16 
 204 
 – 
 169

 707 
3%
 – 
 424 
60%
 32 
 262 
 – 
 – 

2,021

2,949 

1,427

 1,417 

1,425 

 2,218 

P M 
Dacre 
£000

 1,378 
3%
1,000
 – 
–
 34 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 2,412 

1,847 

D M M 
Dutton 
£000

 348 
3%
 – 
 88
25%
 1 
 – 
 188
 – 

625

484 

Total 
£000

 4,866 

 1,000
 2,218 

 141 
 1,115 
801 
169

 10,310 

 11,219 

The key elements of remuneration for the Executive Directors
The key elements of remuneration applicable for each Executive Director in FY 2014 are described below:

The Viscount Rothermere
Salary of £796,800 (including Euromoney Board fees); annual bonus opportunity of 180% of salary maximum, 90% of salary on-target, 
no deferral applies; pension allowance of 37% of salary; car allowance and family medical insurance. Lord Rothermere does not 
participate in the LTIP.
M W H Morgan
Salary of £956,700 (including Euromoney Board fees); annual bonus opportunity of 100% of salary maximum, 50% of salary on-target, 
any amount above target deferred into nil cost options for two years; standard LTIP award of 100% of salary vesting in full after five 
years; pension allowance of 37% of salary; car allowance and family medical insurance.
S W Daintith
Salary of £679,000; annual bonus opportunity of 100% of salary maximum, 50% of salary on-target, any amount above target deferred 
into nil cost options for two years; standard LTIP award of 100% of salary vesting in full after five years; pension allowance of 30% of 
salary; car allowance and family medical insurance.
K J Beatty
Salary of £707,000; annual bonus opportunity of 60% of salary maximum, 30% of salary on-target, any amount above target deferred 
into nil cost options for two years; standard LTIP award of 100% of salary vesting in full after five years; pension allowance of 37% of 
salary; company car allowance and family medical insurance.
P M Dacre
Salary of £1,377,600; salary supplement payments totalling £1,000,000 were made during FY 2014 which comprised two £500,000 
payments rather than the usual one amount of £500,000. Two payments fell into FY 2014 under the timetable agreed when the 
arrangement was put in place in 2008; company car and car allowance, fuel benefit and family medical insurance.
D M M Dutton
Salary of £347,600; annual bonus opportunity of 50% of salary maximum, 25% of salary on-target, no deferral applies; personal  
medical insurance. David Dutton does not participate in the LTIP.

52

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTExecutive Directors: annual report on remuneration

Annual report on remuneration table 1: Single figure of remuneration paid to Executive Directors – Audited
The table below sets out the single total figure of remuneration and breakdown for each Executive Director in FY 2014 and FY 2013. 
Details of the calculation of the annual bonus figure for FY 2014 can be found in the section Variable pay awards vesting in FY 2014, on 
pages 53 and 54. Details of the calculation of the LTIP figure for 2014 can be found under the Outcome of LTIP awards section on pages 
54 and 55.

Financial 
year

Salary 
and fees1
£000

Salary 
supplement2
£000

Taxable
 benefits3
£000

Pension
 benefits
£000

2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013

2014
2013

797
774
957
929
679
659
707
686
1,378
1,312
348
337
 – 
9

4,866 
4,706

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,000
500
–
–
–
–

295
286
354
344
204
198
262
254
–
–
–
–
 – 

37
37
21
21
16
17
32
26
34
35
1
1
 – 
2

1,000 
500

141 
139

 1,115 
1,082

Total 
fixed
£000

1,129
1,097
1,332
1,294
899
874
1,001
966
2,412
1,847
349
338
 – 
11

 7,122 
6,427

Annual 
bonus4
£000

833
1,207
514
815
359
543
424
360
–
–
88
146
 – 
246

2,218
3,317

Total 
annual 
remuneration
£000

LTIP5,6

£000

Recruitment 
award7
£000

Total 
remuneration
£000

1,962
2,304
1,846
2,109
1,258
1,417
1,425
1,326
2,412
1,847
437
484
 – 
257

9,340
9,744

438
–
175
840
 – 
 – 
–
 892 
–
–
188
 – 
 – 
–

–
–
–
–
169
 – 
–
–
–
–
–
 – 
 – 
–

2,400
2,304
2,021
2,949
1,427
1,417
1,425
2,218
2,412
1,847
625
484
 – 
257

801 
1,732

 169 
–

10,310 
11,476

The Viscount  
Rothermere

M W H Morgan

S W Daintith

K J Beatty

P M Dacre

D M M Dutton

P M Fallon8

Total

Notes

1.  Salary shown for Lord Rothermere and Martin Morgan includes fees of £30,000 p.a. as Directors of Euromoney.

2. Paul Dacre received salary supplement payments totalling £1,000,000 during FY 2014 which comprised two £500,000 payments rather than the usual one amount of £500,000. 

Two payments fell into FY 2014 under the timetable agreed when the arrangement was put in place in 2008.

3. Taxable benefits comprise car or equivalent allowances which are £34,000 p.a. for Lord Rothermere; £18,000 p.a. for Martin Morgan and £14,000 p.a. for Stephen Daintith. 

Kevin Beatty had a company car until June with a taxable value of £23,000. From June to September he received an allowance of £5,333. Paul Dacre has a company car with 
a taxable value of £15,000 p.a. plus a car allowance of £10,000 p.a. Paul Dacre also received a fuel benefit of £6,500 p.a. All of the Executive Directors received medical benefits 
with a cost to the Company of approximately £3,000 p.a. with the exception of David Dutton’s medical benefit which was at a cost of £1,300 p.a.

4. The bonuses shown include amounts that will be deferred into shares but do not have any further performance conditions attached, the calculation of which is detailed in table 

5 on page 55. Details of the calculation of the FY 2014 bonus and the amounts deferred are shown on pages 53 and 54.

5. Value of LTIP in 2013 relates to the agreed vesting of the 2010 award of 37.5% for Martin Morgan (a slight increase on the estimated vesting of 35% in last year’s report) and 53.9% 
for Kevin Beatty on 30 September 2013 and includes the value of all subsequent matching shares. Details of the award are shown in table 6.1 on page 56. The share price when 
the core award vested on 30 September 2013 of £7.62 has been used to provide a value for the shares. The awards are not realisable until December 2016 when all of the 
matching shares have vested. The value for Martin Morgan in 2013 has been adjusted from £783,885 to £839,876 to reflect the increased vesting level.

6.  The 2007 LTIP award vested at 120% on 31 December 2013. The share price on 27 June 2014 of £8.31, the date the award was realised, has been used to provide a value for the 

shares. Details of this award and vesting are shown in table 4.2 on page 55.

7.  The value for the recruitment award made to Stephen Daintith in January 2011 was calculated using the price at vesting on 2 January 2014 of £9.725. There were no performance 

conditions for this award except continued employment at the point of vesting.

8. Padraic Fallon died on 13 October 2012.

Executive Directors: Variable pay awards vesting in FY 2014
Annual report on remuneration table 2.1: Annual bonus weightings, opportunity and outcomes 
The details of the weightings and opportunity relating to the annual bonus paid to Executive Directors for the year ended 
30 September 2014 and included in the single figure table 1 on page 53 are shown below. The performance measures are either 
adjusted pre-tax profits or strategic objectives. In the light of the delayed release of RMS(one) and the associated impairment charge, 
the Committee decided that the annual bonus for those Executive Directors with responsibility for B2B would be reduced by 25%. 
This decision was made with the full support of the Executive Directors affected. A reduction was not applied to the part of 
Lord Rothermere’s bonus which is paid in replacement of an LTIP. The resulting bonus amounts are shown in the table below:

Weightings

Opportunity as a % of salary

B2B

Consumer

Overall
DMGT

Strategic
 objectives

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Actual 
outcome 
% of salary

Actual 
outcome
£000

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
K J Beatty
D M M Dutton

40%
30%
30%
–
40%

20%
20%
20%
50%
20%

40%
30%
30%
–
40%

–
20%
20%
50%
–

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

90%
50%
50%
30%
25%

180%
100%
100%
60%
50%

104.5%
53.7%
52.9%
60.0%
25.3%

 833
 514
 359
 424
88

53

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors 

Annual report on remuneration table 2.2: Profit measures 
The profit measure is split into three categories and weighted appropriately to the role of the Executive Director (shown in table 2.1).  
The Board considers the performance targets for the measures to be commercially sensitive and they will not be disclosed. The following 
illustrates performance against targets for the profit measures:

Profit targets

B2B
Consumer
Overall DMGT

Below
0%

Threshold
0%

Target
100%

Maximum
200%

Outcome as
 a % of target

71%
200%
166%

Annual report on remuneration table 2.3: Strategic objectives 
For the Executive Directors shown below with strategic objectives forming part of their bonus, the following illustrates performance 
against targets:

M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
K J Beatty

Strategic objectives

Strategic review and technology capability
Capital structure and head office performance
Strategic review

Below
0%

Threshold
0%

Target
100%

Maximum
200%

Outcome as
a % of target

160%
150%
200%

Annual report on remuneration table 3: Deferred annual bonus 
The Committee agreed the following deferral requirements would apply to the annual bonus with no further performance conditions:

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
K J Beatty
D M M Dutton

Deferral requirement

Nil
Amounts above target bonus deferred for 2 years
Amounts above target bonus deferred for 2 years
Amounts above bonus deferred for 2 years
Nil

Type of
 deferral

None
Nil cost options
Nil cost options
Nil cost options
None

Amount
 deferred
 FY 2014
£000

Amount 
deferred 
as a % of 
FY 2014 bonus

 – 
 35
20
212

 – 
7%
5%
50%
 – 

Annual report on remuneration table 4.1: Outcome of LTIP awards in FY 2013 
The vesting of the LTIP awarded to Martin Morgan in FY 2010, for which the performance period ended on 30 September 2013, was 
judged to be 37.5% which was a slight increase compared to the estimated vesting of 35% in last year’s report. The amended number 
of resulting shares and their value are reflected in table 6.1 on page 56 and in the single figure table 1 on page 53. There was no 
change to the 2013 LTIP outcome for Kevin Beatty.

There is no LTIP value for performance at or below threshold; maximum value is 100%. The award is not realisable until the matching 
awards have vested in December 2016. No dividends accrue on this award. The measures were chosen to reflect the strategic aims 
of DMGT set in 2010. The Board considers the targets to be commercially sensitive and they will not be disclosed. 

Performance measures 

EBITDA
Cumulative free cash
Investment grade rating
Strategic measures

Total

Below
0%

Threshold
0%

Target 
50%

Maximum
100%

Weighting

25%
25%
25%
25%

100%

Actual 
outcome

0.0%
0.0%
12.5%
25.0%

37.5%

54

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT 
Executive Directors

Annual report on remuneration table 4.2: Outcome of LTIP awards in FY 2014 
The LTIP awarded to Lord Rothermere, Martin Morgan and David Dutton in 2007, for which the performance period ended on 
31 December 2013, vested to the level set out below. DMGT ranked fourth against its comparator group of 12 companies resulting  
in a vesting of 120%. 

There is no value for performance at or below threshold; maximum value is 300%. Due to vesting taking place during a close period, 
the award was not realised until 23 June 2014 at a share price of £8.31. No dividends accrue on this award. The measures were chosen 
to reflect DMGT’s relative performance against a comparator group over the period 2007 to 2013. The amounts shown at realisation 
are reflected in the single figure table 1 on page 53.

Percentage of award realisable

TSR relative to performance group

300%
225%
150%
120%
90%
60%
30%
0%

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Below Seventh

Awards

LTIP awarded
2007

Actual 
vested shares 
at 120%

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
D M M Dutton

43,926
17,500
18,807

52,711
21,000
22,568

Value at
realisation
(£8.31 per

share) 
£000

438
175
188

Executive Directors: Awards made under share schemes
Annual report on remuneration table 5: Nil cost options – Audited
The table below sets out the details of all outstanding awards of nil cost options as part of the deferred bonus plan, including those 
derived from the Executive Directors’ bonuses for FY 2013 that were granted in December 2013 at the closing price on 29 November 
2013 of £9.155. Following the exercise of an award, a cash payment with a value equivalent to the sum of all of the dividends declared 
for the award between the grant date and the date of delivery of the shares is made. No further performance conditions are imposed.

The value of December 2013 awards at issue were £351,086 for Martin Morgan, £212,922 for Stephen Daintith and £153,754 for Kevin 
Beatty. Awards will be made in December 2014 in respect of bonuses for FY 2014, to the value of £35,398 for Martin Morgan; £20,030 
for Stephen Daintith and £212,100 for Kevin Beatty.

Award date

Dec 2009

Dec 2010

Dec 2011

Dec 2012

Dec 2012

Dec 2013

Award type
Relating to
Exercisable from
Expiry date
Status of awards
Award price

Outstanding awards

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
K J Beatty

Total outstanding

Exercised during year

Nil cost
 options
2009 Bonus
Dec 2012
Dec 2016
Vested
£4.10

Nil cost
 options
2010 Bonus
Dec 2013
Dec 2017

Nil cost
 options
2011 Bonus
Dec 2014
Dec 2018

Nil cost
 options
2013 Bonus
Dec 2015
Dec 2020
Vested Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding
£9.16
£5.27

Nil cost
 options
2012 Bonus
Dec 2015
Dec 2019

Nil cost
 options
2012 Bonus
Dec 2014
Dec 2019

£5.39

£5.27

£3.98

 –
–
–
 96,196 

 96,196 

 187,581 
 77,272 
–
 34,970 

 299,823 

 110,464 
 44,215 
 24,201 
 17,069 

 195,949 

–
 21,560 
 22,588 
 19,473 

 63,621 

 129,635 
–
–
–

 129,635 

–
 38,349 
 23,257
 16,795 

 78,401 

Total
outstanding

427,680 
 181,396
70,046
184,503 

863,625

Total

The Viscount Rothermere

 105,306 

 – 

–

–

 –

–

105,306

55

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Annual report on remuneration table 6.1: 2010 LTIP award, core award and matching shares – Audited
The table below sets out the details of the 2010 LTIP core awards and matching shares which vest in the year and also those that are 
due to vest (to the extent that the core award vested) in subsequent years in accordance with the 2001 Plan rules. 

No further performance conditions apply, except that the core award and none of the matching awards are realisable until the full 
award vests. Total values for core and matching awards for the 2010 LTIP award are shown in the single figure table 1 on page 53 against 
2013.

Award date

Award type
Relating to
Vests
Realisable in
Status of awards

Outstanding awards

M W H Morgan
K J Beatty

Dec 2010

Dec 2010

Dec 2010

Dec 2010

Dec 2010

Core
2010 LTIP
Sep 2013
Dec 2016
Restricted
 until Dec 2016

Matching
2010 LTIP
Dec 2013
Dec 2016
Restricted
 until Dec 2016

Matching
2010 LTIP
Dec 2014
Dec 2016
Outstanding

Matching
2010 LTIP
Dec 2015
Dec 2016
Outstanding

Matching
2010 LTIP
Dec 2016
Dec 2016
Outstanding

 36,740 
39,017 

 18,370 
 19,508 

 18,370 
 19,508 

 18,370 
 19,508 

 18,370 
 19,508 

Total
 outstanding

110,220
117,049 

Value at 
30 Sep 2013
(£7.62 per share)
£000

 840 
892 

Annual report on remuneration table 6.2: 2009 LTIP award, core award and matching shares – Audited
The table below sets out the details of the 2009 LTIP core awards and matching shares which vest in the year and also those that are 
due to vest (to the extent that the core award vested) in subsequent years in accordance with the 2001 Plan rules. 

No further performance conditions apply, except that the core award and none of the matching awards are realisable until the full 
award vests. 

Award date

Award type
Relating to
Vests
Realisable in
Status of awards

Outstanding awards

M W H Morgan
K J Beatty

Dec 2009

Dec 2009

Dec 2009

Dec 2009

Dec 2009

Core
2009 LTIP
Sep 2012
Dec 2015
Restricted
 until Dec 2015

Matching
2009 LTIP
Dec 2012
Dec 2015
Restricted
 until Dec 2015

Matching
2009 LTIP
Dec 2013
Dec 2015
Restricted
 until Dec 2015

Matching
2009 LTIP
Dec 2014
Dec 2015
Outstanding

Matching
2009 LTIP
Dec 2015
Dec 2015
Outstanding

69,053
51,042

 34,527 
 25,521 

 34,527 
 25,521 

 34,527 
 25,521 

 34,527 
 25,521 

Total
 outstanding

 207,161 
 153,126 

Value at 
30 Sep 2012
(£4.82 per share)
£000

 999 
738 

56

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTExecutive Directors

Annual report on remuneration table 7: Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIP)
All of the outstanding awards subject to performance conditions are summarised in the table below, including those awarded in 
December 2013 under the 2012 LTIP. Awards are made annually in line with policy. Further information about LTIP policy can be found 
in policy report table 6 on page 65 of this report. 

In all cases there is no payout at threshold performance. The Board considers that the specific targets relating to the measures for the 
LTIPs are commercially sensitive and will disclose performance against targets at the time the award vests.

Status of award 

Realised

Award name

Award date
Performance  
period ends
Standard award  
as a % of salary
Award price
Price at vesting
Performance  
measures

Maximum 
percentage of face 
value that could vest
Estimatede/
Actual vestinga

Outstanding awards

M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
K J Beatty

Total outstanding

Exercised/realised during year

The Viscount 
Rothermere
M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
D M M Dutton

Total exercised/
realised during year

Notes

2007 LTIP1
 award

2009 LTIP2
core award

2010 LTIP2 

core award

2011 LTIP
 award

2012 LTIP
 award

2013 LTIP3
 award

Recruitment4
 award

Jul 2007

Dec 2009

Dec 2010

Feb 2012

Dec 2012

Dec 2013

Jan 2011

Dec 2013

Sep 2012

Sep 2013

Oct 2016

Oct 2017

Oct 2018

Jan 2014

187.5%
£7.17
£8.31
Relative 
performance 
of TSR against
 comparator
 group

187.5%
£4.04
£4.82
EBITDA;
 cumulative 
free cash; 
net debt/
EBITDA 
average; and
performance
 against
 strategic 
plan

187.5%
£5.59
£7.62
EBITDA;
 cumulative 
free cash;
 investment 
grade 
rating; and
performance
 against
 strategic 
plan

Vested but
 restricted 
until 
Dec 2015
100%

Vested but
 restricted 
until 
Dec 2016
100%

300%

120% a

52.5%a

M W H
Morgan
37.5%a
K J Beatty
 53.9%a

100%
£4.37
N/A
•  Grow B2B business; 
•  Continue to invest in strong brands 

100%
£5.27
N/A

100%
£9.16
N/A

N/A
£5.72
£9.73
None

of digital consumer media, 
particularly MailOnline; 

•  Grow sustainable earnings and 

dividends; and

•  Increase the Company’s exposure 

to growth economies and to 
international opportunities.

Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding

Realised

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%e

100%e

100%e

100%a

 – 
 – 
 – 

 –

 207,161 
 – 
 153,126 

 110,220 
 – 
 117,049 

 206,350 
 146,453 
 152,494 

 176,243 
 125,085 
 130,246 

 104,500 
 74,167 
 77,226 

 360,287 

 227,269 

 505,297 

 431,574 

 255,893 

 52,711 
 21,000 
–
 22,568 

96,279

Total
 outstanding

 804,474
 345,705 
 630,141 

 1,780,320

Total

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 17,421 
 – 

 52,711 
 21,000 
 17,421 
 22,568 

17,421

113,700

1.  The value of the 2007 LTIP is shown in table 4.2 on page 55 and in the single figure table 1 on page 53.

2. The value of core and matching awards for the 2009 and 2010 LTIP are shown in tables 6.1 and 6.2 on page 56 and the value of the 2010 award is shown in the single figure  

table 1 on page 53. The outstanding awards shown include the core and matching awards. 

3. The value of the 2013 LTIP awards at issue were £956,700 for Martin Morgan, £679,000 for Stephen Daintith and £707,000 for Kevin Beatty.

4. The value of the recruitment award for Stephen Daintith is shown in the single figure table 1 on page 53.

57

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Annual report on remuneration table 8: Share options subject to performance conditions – Audited
A summary of the outstanding options which were granted under the 1997 Executive Option Scheme is shown below. The 165,000 
options granted to Executive Directors in 2003 lapsed in full in December 2013.

Award date

Date from which exercisable
Expiry date
Exercise price
Status of awards
Likely vesting
Performance conditions

Outstanding awards

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
K J Beatty
P M Dacre
D M M Dutton

Total outstanding

Dec 2004

Dec 2007
Dec 2014
£7.24
Performance conditions not met
Will lapse
TSR must exceed that of the FTSE 100 
index for four out of six consecutive 
monthly calculation dates. EPS real 
growth over a period of three 
consecutive financial years

60,000 
20,000 
30,000 
80,000 
40,000 

230,000 

Annual report on remuneration table 9: Executive Directors’ accrued entitlements under DMGT Senior Executive’s  
Pension Fund – Audited
The Group operates a two-tier defined benefit scheme for senior employees. It is the Company’s policy that annual bonuses, 
payments under the Executive Bonus Scheme and benefits in kind are not pensionable.

The Company does not make any contributions on behalf of Paul Dacre or David Dutton. No Executive Directors are now accruing 
further pension in the DMGT Senior Executives’ Pension Fund. The normal retirement age under the Fund for this group is 60. 

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
K J Beatty
P M Dacre

Defined benefit: Accrued annual
 benefit as at 30 September 2014
 based on normal retirement age
£000

76
87
102
673

Defined 
benefit: normal 
retirement age

 3 Dec 2027 
 16 Feb 2010 
 1 Nov 2017 
 14 Nov 2008 

Defined benefit: 
Additional value 
of benefits if early 
retirement taken

Weighting of 
pension benefit 
value as shown
 in single figure table

 – 
 N/A 
 –
 N/A 

 Cash allowance: 100% 
 Cash allowance: 100% 
 Cash allowance: 100%
 N/A 

Payments to past Directors
There were no payments made to past Directors during the year.

Payments for loss of office
There were no payments made to any Directors relating to loss of office during the year.

58

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT 
Executive Directors

Annual report on remuneration table 10: Percentage change in remuneration of the Chief Executive 
The table below sets out the remuneration delivered to the Chief Executive compared to total employee remuneration.

Chief Executive remuneration (excluding LTIP)1
Total employee remuneration2
Average number of employees3
Average remuneration3

Notes

FY 2013 Total 
000

£2,109
£543,600
10,205 
£53.27

FY 2014 Total 
000

% 
increase/decrease

£1,846
£550,400
9,947 
£55.33

-12.5%
+1.3%
-2.5%
+3.9%

1.  The decrease in remuneration for the Chief Executive is due to the bonus outcome in FY 2014 being lower than for FY 2013.

2. Total employee remuneration includes salaries, wages and incentives, but excludes pension benefits.

3. Average headcount for the year has reduced; average remuneration has increased as a result of planned remuneration increases across the Group.

Annual report on remuneration chart 1: Comparison of overall performance and remuneration of the CEO

The chart compares the 
Company’s TSR with the Media 
Sector Total Return Index and 
the FTSE 100 Index over the past 
seven financial years, assuming 
an initial investment of £100. 

The Company is a constituent of 
the Media Sector Total Return 
Index and, accordingly this is 
considered to be the most 
appropriate comparison to 
demonstrate the Company’s 
relative performance.

£

500

400

300

200

100

0

DMGT
Media Sector Total Return Index
FTSE 100

FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013

FY 2014

Annual report on remuneration table 11: Chief Executive remuneration outcomes FY 2009 to FY 2014 

Financial year ending

Total remuneration (single figure)
Annual variable pay (% maximum)
LTIP achieved (% maximum)

Notes

FY 20091
£000

2,312
63%
0%

FY 20102
£000

2,961
98%
25%

FY 20113 
£000

1,722
40%
25%/100%

FY 20124 
£000

2,809
63%
52.5%

FY 20135 
£000

2,949
88%
37.5%

FY 20146 
£000

2,021
54%
40%

1.   In FY 2009 maximum bonus opportunity was 200% of salary. No LTIP awards were made in that year or vested in that year. Maximum bonus opportunity was 100% of salary in all 

other years.

2.  In FY 2010 the price on 31 December 2009 (£4.14) is used for the 2003 LTIP award which vested 75% out of a maximum 300% in December 2009.

3. Two awards vested in FY 2011. The price on 31 December 2010 (£5.72) is used for the 2004 award which vested 75% out of a maximum 300% in December 2010. The price on  

30 September 2011 (£3.68) is used for the 2008 transition award which vested 100% in September 2011.

4. In FY 2012 the price on 30 September 2012 (£4.82) is used for the 2009 award which vested 52.5% out of a maximum 100% in September 2012.

5. In FY 2013 the price on 30 September 2013 (£7.62) is used for the 2010 award which vested 37.5% out of a maximum 100% in September 2013 and the 2006 award lapsed.

6. In FY 2014 the price on realisation on 23 June 2014 (£8.31) is used for the 2007 award which vested at 120% out of a maximum 300% in December 2013.

59

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Annual report on remuneration chart 2: Relative importance of spend on pay
The chart below sets out the relative importance of spend on pay in the financial year. 

The adjusted profit before tax figure for FY 2013 has been restated due to a change in accounting standards.

+1%

632

638

+9%

291

267

-17%

69

70

42.1

73

FY 2013

FY 2014

Total employment pay

FY 2013
■ Buy-back
■ Dividend

FY 2014
■ Buy-back
■ Dividend

FY 2013

FY 2014

Adjusted profit before tax

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

60

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTExecutive Directors’ remuneration policy
Introduction
In accordance with the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2013, shareholders are 
provided with the opportunity to endorse the Company’s remuneration policy through a binding vote. The current policy was agreed 
at the AGM on 5 February 2014. The binding vote on our intended Directors’ remuneration policy will be put to shareholders at the AGM 
on 4 February 2015 (see page 77) and the policy will be operated, as described, from that date.

Policy applied to Executive Directors
The Committee aims to structure remuneration packages which motivate and retain Executive Directors and are appropriate to their 
level of responsibility. 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. Accordingly, the Committee is proposing some 
amendments to the remuneration policy for FY 2015 which are shown below:

Policy report table 1: Executive Directors’ basic fees and salary

Purpose

Operation

Levels

Performance framework
Implementation

Other employees

To recruit, retain and reflect responsibilities of the Executive Directors and be competitive with  
peer companies.
Reviewed annually for the following year taking into account contractual agreements, general 
economic and market conditions and the level of increases made across the Group as a whole.
Benchmarking is performed periodically and our intention is to apply judgement in evaluating  
market data.
Annual increases are in line with average UK-based employees, subject to particular circumstances 
such as changes in roles, responsibilities or organisation, or as the Committee determines otherwise 
based on factors listed under ‘Operation’.
Policy Amendment: Paul Dacre receives a contractual salary increase of the higher of RPI or 5%. 
This contractual increase has been waived by Paul Dacre from 1 October 2014. In future Paul Dacre’s 
salary increases will be considered and awarded in line with those of the other Executive Directors.
Maximum is set at a level the Committee considers appropriate taking account of the individual’s skills, 
experience, performance and external environment.
Subject to satisfactory performance throughout the year.
Increases to base salaries for Executive Directors in FY 2014 were in line with average levels of increase 
for UK employees across the Group at 3%.
Base salary increases elsewhere in the Group are set at a business level, taking into account economic 
factors, competitive market rates, roles, skills, experience and individual performance. The change in 
wages and salaries for the Company as a whole is reported in chart 2 on page 60.

Policy report table 2: Executive Directors’ pension

Purpose

Operation

Levels

Performance framework
Implementation

Other employees

To recruit, retain and reflect responsibilities of the Executive Directors and be competitive with  
peer companies.
No Executive Director accrues final salary pension benefits.
Pension benefits are provided in the form of a cash allowance only.
In lieu of membership of a Company pension scheme, Lord Rothermere, Martin Morgan and Kevin Beatty 
receive a cash allowance of 37% of salary; Stephen Daintith receives a cash allowance of 30% of salary.
The Company does not make any pension contributions on behalf of David Dutton or Paul Dacre. 
The current maximum cash allowance is 37% of salary.
Subject to continued employment.
No change to prior year. Pension allowances are reported in the single figure table 1 on page 53 with 
further details in the Pensions entitlements and cash allowances section in table 9 on page 58.
Employees in the UK are invited to join the Company defined contribution pension scheme. There are a 
number of schemes in operation, all of which offer levels of employer matching contributions. Over the 
course of the next 12–18 months, all new joiners will be auto-enrolled into the appropriate scheme. 
Employees in the US are offered 401(k) plans.

61

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Policy report table 3: Executive Directors’ benefits in kind

Purpose

Operation

Levels

Performance framework
Implementation

Other employees

To recruit, retain and reflect responsibilities of the Executive Directors and be competitive with 
peer companies.
Cash allowances and non-cash benefits such as medical and car benefits.
Allowances do not form part of pensionable earnings.
Kevin Beatty and Paul Dacre may choose either a company car (the value of which will change from 
time to time) and/or a car allowance. Lord Rothermere, Martin Morgan and Stephen Daintith receive 
a cash allowance. David Dutton will receive a cash allowance from 1 October 2014.
Taxable benefits comprise car and/or equivalent car allowances. Currently car allowances are 
£34,000 p.a. for Lord Rothermere; £18,000 p.a. for Martin Morgan and £14,000 p.a. for Stephen Daintith. 
Kevin Beatty receives a car allowance of £16,000 p.a. Paul Dacre has a company car with a taxable 
value of £15,000 p.a. and a £10,000 p.a. additional car allowance. Paul Dacre also received a fuel 
benefit of £6,500 p.a. All of the Directors receive medical benefits with a cost to the Company of 
approximately £3,000 p.a., with the exception of David Dutton’s medical benefit which was at a cost 
of £1,000 p.a. The cost of benefits changes periodically and may be determined by outside providers. 
There has been no increase in car allowances since 2008.
Non-taxable benefits comprise access to chauffeur-driven cars for each of the Executive Directors.
Subject to continued employment.
No change to policy since prior year. Kevin Beatty opted to receive a car allowance from June 2014. 
David Dutton will receive an allowance of £14,000 p.a. from October 2014.
Allowances and benefits for FY 2014 are reported in detail in the notes to the single figure table 1 on 
page 53.
Allowances and benefits for employees reflect the local labour market in which they are based.

62

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTExecutive Directors

Policy report table 4: Executive Directors’ annual bonus

Purpose

Operation

Levels

Performance framework

Implementation

Other employees

To focus Executive Directors on the delivery of financial performance and strategic objectives creating 
value for the Company and shareholders.
To reward individual contribution to the success of the Company.
Up to 100% of total bonus opportunity is based on financial performance at corporate and business unit 
level. Up to 50% of total bonus opportunity is based on performance against strategic non-financial 
objectives. The bonus weightings applied for each of the Executive Directors may vary from time to time 
and may include financial targets relating to their specific business. The bonus weightings for FY 2014 are 
detailed in table 2.1 on page 53. The weightings that apply to the bonus may vary if the Committee 
determines that it is appropriate in order to achieve the strategic aims of the business.
Performance is measured separately for each item as shown in tables 2.2 and 2.3 on page 54. 
Annual incentive payments do not form part of pensionable earnings.
Annual bonus plans are discretionary and the Committee reserves the right to make adjustments to 
payments up or down if it believes that exceptional circumstances warrant doing so. The adjustments 
that were applied to the FY 2014 bonus are described in the implementation section of this table.
For Lord Rothermere, maximum opportunity is 180% of salary; for Martin Morgan and Stephen Daintith, 
maximum opportunity is 100% of salary; for Kevin Beatty maximum opportunity is 60% of salary and for  
David Dutton maximum opportunity is 50% of salary. On-target bonus is 50% of maximum in all cases.
There is normally no payout for performance at threshold.
The performance range sets a balance between upside opportunity and downside risk and is  
normally based on targets in accordance with the annual budget.
Bonuses are subject to the achievement of profit targets for B2B, Consumer and DMGT overall. Outcome 
against strategic objectives also contributes towards the bonus for Martin Morgan, Stephen Daintith 
and Kevin Beatty.
The selection and weighting of performance measures takes into account the strategic objectives  
and business priorities for the year. The weightings that are applied to the FY 2014 bonus targets are  
as reported in table 2.1 on page 53.
Strategic objectives are agreed by the Committee and may be non-financial.
The Board considers the specific targets for each measure to be commercially sensitive and they will not 
be disclosed. Performance against targets in the year that bonus awards are made will be disclosed.
Annual bonus payments for FY 2014 are reported in detail in tables 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 on pages 53 and 54.
The Committee applied its discretion for the FY 2014 bonus and agreed that a reduction of 25% of 
the calculated bonus was appropriate in light of the delayed delivery of RMS(one). This reduction 
has been applied to all of the bonuses for Executive Directors with operational responsibility for B2B. 
For Lord Rothermere, this reduction was applied to the first 50% of his on-target bonus opportunity, 
with the remaining 40% being in lieu of him receiving an LTIP.
For FY 2015, the financial measures and weighting for each measure will be the same as FY 2014 for 
Stephen Daintith, Kevin Beatty and Martin Morgan.
Lord Rothermere and David Dutton will have 30% of their bonuses determined by the outcome of B2B 
financial targets, 30% by the outcome of Consumer financial targets and 40% by the outcome of DMGT 
overall financial targets. 
Many other employees participate in some form of cash-based annual incentive, bonus or 
commission plan.
The annual incentive plan for the Executive Directors forms the basis of the annual incentive plan for the 
head office Executives. Plans across the Group are designed and tailored for each business, with the 
purpose of incentivising the achievement of their annual targets.

63

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Policy report table 5: Executive Directors’ bonus deferral

Purpose
Operation

Levels

Performance framework
Implementation

Other employees

To provide an element of retention and align Executive Directors’ interests with those of shareholders.
The current plan was adopted by the Board in November 2012. Awards are delivered through a grant 
of nil cost options.
A proportion of some Executives Directors’ annual bonus is deferred for a period of two years.  
Annual bonus deferral requirements are reported in detail in table 3 on page 54.
Following the exercise of an award, a cash payment with a value equivalent to the sum of all of the 
dividends declared for the award between the grant date and the date of delivery of the shares will 
be made.
Under the rules of the bonus deferral plan adopted in 2012, clawback of vested and unvested awards 
is possible in the event of material misstatement of information or misconduct.
Martin Morgan, Stephen Daintith and Kevin Beatty are required to defer any above-target annual 
bonus into nil cost options for two years.
Lord Rothermere and David Dutton are not required to defer any part of their bonus.
No further performance conditions are imposed. This is reflective of market practice.
The nil cost option awards made under the plan for FY 2013 are shown in table 5 on page 55. The cash 
amounts that apply for the FY 2014 bonus are shown above table 5 on page 55. Bonus deferral 
requirements remain as stated in table 3 on page 54.
Most annual incentive plans around the Group do not include a requirement for deferral.

64

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTExecutive Directors

Policy report table 6: Executive Directors’ Long-Term Incentives

Purpose

 Operation

Levels

Performance framework

Implementation

Other employees

To focus Executive Directors on the delivery of strategic priorities creating long-term value for the 
Company and shareholders.
To encourage long-term shareholding and commitment to the Company.
To link corporate performance to management’s reward, drive long-term earnings and share  
price growth.
The current plan was approved by shareholders on 6 February 2012. Awards are delivered through  
a Conditional Share Award.
Policy Amendment: Awards generally have a five-year vesting period, but a shorter period may apply 
if the Committee determines it to be appropriate having regard to the relevant strategic imperatives. 
The extent of vesting at the end of the performance period is determined by the measurement of the 
extent to which performance targets have been met.
The Committee has discretion, within the Plan Rules, to make adjustments taking into account 
exceptional factors that distort underlying business performance. 
Following the realisation of an award, a cash payment with a value equivalent to the sum of all of the 
dividends declared for the award between the grant date and the date of delivery of the shares will 
be made.
Under the rules of the 2012 LTIP, clawback of vested and unvested awards is possible in the event of 
material misstatement of information or misconduct.
Martin Morgan, Stephen Daintith and Kevin Beatty are eligible to receive a standard award of 100% of 
salary annually. Policy Amendment: Paul Dacre is eligible to receive a standard award of 70% of salary 
from FY 2015. Lord Rothermere and David Dutton do not participate in the LTIP.
The Plan Rules allow for a maximum award to be made of up to 300% of salary in exceptional 
circumstances. As detailed during shareholder consultation when the Plan was adopted, a 100% 
payout at target performance (which is above threshold) is envisaged.
In accordance with the Plan Rules, the Committee may set different performance measures, in terms 
of type of measure and the weighting given to each measure, for awards granted on different dates, 
provided that such measures are aligned with the Company’s strategic goals and with the interests  
of its shareholders.
The performance measures are designed to reflect progress towards the achievement of key strategic 
goals which may vary from year to year.
The Committee sets targets in accordance with its strategic planning. The Board considers the specific 
targets for each measure to be commercially sensitive. Performance against targets will be disclosed 
at the time the awards vest.
The awards made under the LTIP in 2013 is reported in detail in table 7 on page 57. No changes were 
made to the awards made under the LTIP policy in FY 2014. The strategic goals for the FY 2013 and 
FY 2014 awards (to Martin Morgan; Stephen Daintith and Kevin Beatty) are:
• grow B2B business;
• continue to grow and invest in strong brands of digital consumer media – particularly MailOnline;
• grow sustainable earnings and dividends; and
• increase the Company’s exposure to growth economies and to international opportunities.
The 2014 LTIP award to Paul Dacre will (subject to approval of the policy and LTIP changes at the AGM) 
vest after three years with the performance conditions focused on the delivery of strategic objectives 
for the Mail businesses.
Awards made in 2007 which vested in 2014 were made under the 2001 LTIP and were fully realised in 
June 2013. Details of the performance measures and the outcomes against targets for both awards are 
shown in tables 4.1 and 4.2 on pages 54 and 55. Outstanding awards will continue to vest according 
to the Rules of the Plans they were awarded under. Details of outstanding awards and their status are 
shown in detail in table 7 on page 57. No adjustments were made for performance periods ending 
in 2013 or in 2014.
The award made to Stephen Daintith on recruitment vested in January 2014. Details of the outcome 
of the award are shown in table 7 on page 57.
The LTIP for the Executive Directors forms the basis of annual awards for the head office Executives.
Plans for Executives in other businesses across the Group are considered and approved by the 
Committee. Plans are designed to be appropriate to the stage of development of the business and to 
incentivise the achievement of the mid- to long-term strategic aims of the business in which they operate.

65

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Policy report chart 1: Illustrations of application of Executive Directors’ remuneration policy
The elements of remuneration have been categorised into three components: (i) Fixed; (ii) Annual variable; and (iii) Multiple reporting 
period variable, which are set out in the future policy table below:

s
0
0
0
£

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

3,000

2,500

2,000

s
0
0
0
£

1,500

1,000

500

0

3,344
29%

29%

12%

29%

2,851
35%

17%

14%

35%

1,372
28%

72%

1,976
35%

18%

12%
35%

2,326
30%

30%

10%
30%

1,978
37%

11%
15%

37%

2,197
33%

20%

14%

33%

1,031
29%

71%

926
24%
76%

Minimum

On-target
M W H Morgan

Maximum

Minimum

On-target
S W Daintith

Maximum

Minimum

On-target
K J Beatty

Maximum

2,640
56%

13%

31%

1,901
39%

18%

43%

1,162
29%

71%

Minimum

On-target
The Viscount Rothermere

Maximum

2,446
41%

2,446
41%

1,453
2%

98%

1%

58%

1%

58%

360
100%

450
20%

80%

540
33%
67%

Minimum

On-target
D M M Dutton

Maximum

Minimum

On-target
P M Dacre

Maximum

 Fixed (Salary) 

 Fixed (Benefits) 

 Annual variable (Bonus incl deferral) 

 Multiple reporting variable (LTIP)

Notes

Minimum in the graphs above is fixed remuneration only (salary, pension and benefits). On-target assumes that the standard Long-Term Incentive (LTI) award and target bonus 
have been awarded as stated in the policy table.

Maximum assumes that the standard LTI award and the maximum bonus have been awarded as stated in the policy table.

Graphs illustrate remuneration policy subject to a vote on 4 February 2015 for the period 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015. Share awards valued at share price at date of 
award. No allowance is made for potential share price changes. Future share price changes form a key part of the remuneration linkage to performance and alignment of 
long-term shareholder returns.

66

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORT 
Executive Directors

Policy report table 7: Executive Directors’ service contracts
A summary of the notice periods and any obligation under the Executive Directors’ service contracts is outlined in the table below:

Company with  
which contracted

Compensation on termination of employment  
by Company without notice or cause

The Viscount
Rothermere

Date of contract Notice period

17 Oct 1994

3 months

M W H Morgan

1 Oct 2008

1 year

Daily Mail and  
General Trust plc

Daily Mail and  
General Trust plc

S W Daintith

1 Jan 2011

1 year

Daily Mail and  
General Trust plc

K J Beatty

19 May 2002

1 year

D M M Dutton

27 Nov 2002

1 year

P M Dacre

13 July 1998

1 year

Associated 
Newspapers Limited

Daily Mail and  
General Trust plc

Associated 
Newspapers Limited

Entitled to compensation equal to basic salary, benefits, 
pension entitlement and, as appropriate, a prorated bonus 
payment for the notice period.
Entitled to compensation equal to basic salary, benefits, 
pension entitlement and, as appropriate, bonus for the 
notice period calculated as the average of the annual 
bonuses (if any) awarded in respect of the three complete 
financial years of the Company immediately preceding the 
financial year in which the employment terminates. LTIP will 
be treated in accordance with the Plan Rules. Contract is 
subject to mitigation and, in the event of the Director 
obtaining alternative employment during the notice period, 
does not provide for further payment after such event.
Entitled to compensation equal to basic salary, benefits, 
pension entitlement and, as appropriate, bonus for the 
notice period calculated as the average of the annual 
bonuses (if any) awarded in respect of the three complete 
financial years of the Company immediately preceding 
the financial year in which the employment terminates. LTIP 
will be treated in accordance with the Plan Rules. Contract 
is subject to mitigation and, in the event of the Director 
obtaining alternative employment during the notice period, 
does not provide for further payment after such event.
Entitled to compensation equal to basic salary, benefits, 
pension entitlement and, as appropriate, a prorated bonus 
payment for the notice period.

Entitled to compensation equal to basic salary, benefits, 
pension entitlement and, as appropriate, a prorated bonus 
payment for the notice period.
Entitled to compensation equal to basic salary, benefits, 
pension entitlement and, as appropriate, a prorated bonus 
payment for the notice period.

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CONTINUED

Executive Directors

Policy report table 8: Executive Directors’ policy on payment for loss of office

Policy on setting  
of notice periods
How termination 
payments  
are determined

Discretion

The Company normally sets the notice period of Executive Directors as 12 months, but may decide to vary 
this in circumstances it deems appropriate.
On termination, the Company will normally make a payment in lieu of notice (PILON) which is equal to the 
aggregate of: the basic salary at the date of termination for the applicable notice period; the pension 
allowance over the relevant period; the cost to the Company of providing all other benefits (excluding 
pension allowance and bonus) or a sum equal to the amount of benefits as specified in the Company’s 
most recent Annual Report and a bonus payment calculated in accordance with the service contract of 
the Director. The treatment of the Long-Term Incentive Plan on termination will be in accordance with the 
rules of the Plan and, where appropriate, at the discretion of the Committee.
The Company may pay the PILON either as a lump sum or in equal monthly instalments from the date on 
which the employment terminates until the end of the relevant period. If alternative employment (paid 
above a pre-agreed rate) is commenced, for each month that instalments of the PILON remain payable, 
the amounts, in aggregate (excluding the pension payment), may be reduced by half of one month’s 
basic salary in excess of the pre-agreed rate.
All leavers have to exit DMGT SharePurchase+ and either sell or transfer their shares. If identified as a  
‘Good Leaver’, under the rules of DMGT SharePurchase+, no tax or NICs are paid.
If identified as a ‘Good Leaver’, for the purposes of the bonus, the Committee may determine that the 
leaver’s contribution was significant in early or high achievement of targets, in which case, it may decide  
to make a payment which is equivalent of up to a full year bonus.
If identified as a ‘Good Leaver’ under the deferred bonus Plan Rules (including those identified at the 
discretion of the Committee), outstanding awards shall vest in full on the normal vesting date or on such 
earlier date as the Committee may determine.
If identified as a ‘Good Leaver’ under the LTIP rules, (including those identified at the discretion of the 
Committee), outstanding awards may be exercised, either on the normal vesting date or on such earlier 
date as the Committee may determine, to the extent that they have vested. If, in the judgement of the 
Committee, greater progress towards achievement of targets has been made as a result of the 
performance of the Leaver, it may, at its absolute discretion, decide to vest up to 100% of the  
outstanding award.
The Committee may also agree to make payments in respect of statutory employment claims, legal fees, 
outplacement and accrued holiday or sick leave.

Policy report table 9: Executive Directors’ recruitment policy

When appointing or recruiting Executive Directors, the Company will normally aim to set remuneration at a 
level which is consistent with the remuneration policy in place for other Executive Directors and the previous 
incumbent of the role.
The main components of remuneration will be salary, bonus, long-term incentives, pension (or cash pension 
allowance), benefits (which may include those relating to relocation such as: flights; immigration costs; 
relocation allowance; shipping and storage; temporary living accommodation; housing allowances; 
annual leave travel; international medical insurance cover; legal and tax services; school fees; school 
search; movement of pets; termination of car leases and costs of replacement goods) and compensation 
for loss of earnings from his/her previous employment that are forfeited in order to take up the role.
The approach for each component will be to try to set each in line with the remuneration policy for 
Executive Directors, except that the approach in respect of compensation for forfeit of remuneration in 
respect of a previous employer will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant 
factors such as performance achieved or likely to be achieved, the proportion of the performance period 
remaining and the form of the award.
In order to secure the best candidate for the role, the Company may need to pay more than its existing 
Executive Directors. The maximum level of variable remuneration that may be granted will be 200% of 
salary under the bonus plan and 300% under the LTIP (these limits already apply to the existing bonus and 
LTIP plans). Pre-existing contractual agreements for internal candidates may be maintained on recruitment 
to an Executive Director role.

Principles

Details

Maximum

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DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTExecutive Directors

Policy report table 10: Executive Directors’ shareholding guidelines

Purpose
Operation

Levels

Implementation

Other employees

To align the interests of Executive Directors and shareholders.
Executive Directors are encouraged to build up a substantial shareholding in the Company.
Shares which have been awarded subject to deferral or satisfaction of performance measures are not 
included in the calculation of the value of the Executive Director’s shareholding.
The Committee recommends a minimum shareholding of 1.5x (150%) salary. 
There is no time frame over which the guidelines should be met.
No change in the policy on shareholding guidelines in the year.
Directors’ interests are reported in detail in table 13 on page 71.
There are no share ownership guidelines below Executive Director level, although UK employees are 
encouraged to become shareholders in the Company by participating in the DMGT SharePurchase+,  
the HMRC approved Share Incentive Plan.

Policy report table 11: Policy on external appointments for Executive Directors

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. Martin Morgan 
was appointed to the Board of the City of London Investment Trust on 1 March 2012 and receives a fee of £25,000 p.a.

Policy report table 12: Consideration of shareholder views

The Committee receives annual updates on the views and best practices of shareholders and their representative bodies and 
notwithstanding the Company shareholder structure, takes these into account. The Committee seeks the views of shareholders on 
matters of remuneration that it thinks shareholders are interested in. A good example of this was the adoption of the 2012 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan, when major shareholders were consulted. 

Policy report table 13: Consideration of conditions elsewhere in the Company

Pay and employment  
conditions elsewhere  
in the Company

Employee consultation 
and comparison  
metrics used

The Committee considers conditions elsewhere in the Group when making decisions on remuneration 
matters affecting the Executive Directors. The Committee receives a report annually on the salary budget 
for each business. The Committee makes reference, where appropriate, to pay and employment 
conditions elsewhere in the Group, (whilst remaining aware of the variety of jurisdictions and markets in 
which it operates) when determining annual salary increases and to external evidence of remuneration 
levels in other companies.
The Committee makes reference to data provided by and advice sought from internal and external 
advisers when making decisions on remuneration matters affecting the Executive Directors.

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CONTINUED

Non-Executive Directors: annual report on remuneration

Annual report on remuneration table 12: Single figure of remuneration paid to Non-Executive Directors – Audited
The table below sets out the single total figure of remuneration for each Non-Executive Director in 2014 and 2013. There is a basic  
Non-Executive Director fee of £35,000 p.a. Additional fees are paid for membership and chairmanship of sub-committees and 
subsidiary Boards.

Travel allowances of £4,000 are paid for travel involving between five and 10 hours and £10,000 for meetings involving more than  
10 hours’ travel.

F P Balsemão
N W Berry
T S Gillespie1
J G Hemingway
Lady Keswick
A H Lane
D H Nelson
K A H Parry2
H Roizen3
D Trempont3
D J Verey4

Total

Notes

2014

Travel
 allowance
 £000

20
20
–
20
20
20
20
20
70
66
– 

276

Fees 
£000

39
84
–
78
35
60
119
18
96
148
25

702

Total
 £000

59
104
–
98
55
80
139
38
166
214
25

978

2013

Travel
 allowance
 £000

–
5
5
–
–
–
10
–
50
50
15

135

Fees 
£000

39
74
12
78
1
41
102
–
72
114
73

606

Total 
£000

39
79
17
78
1
41
112
–
122
164
88

741

1.  Tom Gillespie retired from the Board on 6 February 2013. 

2. Kevin Parry joined the Board in May 2014.

3. Heidi Roizen is a member of the MailOnline Advisory Board and Dominique Trempont is a member of the RMS Board. Fees shown above include the fees and travel allowances 

for their participation on these Boards.

4. David Verey retired from the Board in February 2014.

Non-Executive Directors: remuneration policy

Policy report table 14: Non-Executive Directors’ fees

Purpose

Operation

Levels

The Board’s policy is to pay Non-Executive Director fees which are reflective of responsibilities and 
competitive with peer companies.
Non-Executive Directors’ fees are reviewed regularly.
The Board as a whole considers and approves the fees of the Non-Executive Directors.
The fees for the Non-Executive Directors are paid at the rates as shown below:  
Board member £35,000 p.a.; Audit Committee Chairman £30,000 p.a.; Audit Committee member £14,000 
p.a.; Risk Committee member £8,000 p.a.; Investment and Finance Committee member £25,000 p.a.  
and Nominations Committee member £4,000 p.a. David Nelson and Nicholas Berry receive £25,000  
and £22,000 respectively for their work in relation to the Remuneration Committee.
In addition a travel allowance is payable of £4,000 for travel involving between five and 10 hours and 
£10,000 for travel involving more than 10 hours.
Policy amendment: From FY 2015, David Nelson will receive £40,000 p.a. for his work in relation to the 
Remuneration Committee; a fee of £20,000 p.a. will be paid to members of the Pensions Sub-Committee 
and additional fees may be paid to members of ad hoc sub-committees that meet more than three times 
during a year. 

Performance framework Continued appointment.
Implementation

No changes were made to fees during the year.
The actual fees paid to the Non-Executive Directors in FY 2014 are shown in table 12 above.
N/A

Other employees

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DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTNon-Executive Directors

Policy report table 15: Policy applied to Non-Executive Directors

Terms of appointment

Dates of appointment/  
reappointment

Appointments and 
re-election

Non-Executive Directors are appointed for specified terms and under the Company’s Articles of 
Association are subject to re-election by ordinary shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
following appointment. The Board has adopted the provision in the Code that they be subject to annual 
re-election. Each appointment can be terminated before the end of the one-year period with no notice or 
fees due.
F P Balsemão
N W Berry
J G Hemingway
Lady Keswick
A H Lane
All Directors will be standing for re-election at the forthcoming AGM.

5 Feb 2014
5 Feb 2014
5 Feb 2014
5 Feb 2014
5 Feb 2014

5 Feb 2014
22 May 2014
5 Feb 2014
5 Feb 2014

D H Nelson
K A H Parry
H Roizen
D Trempont

Annual report on remuneration: Directors’ shareholdings

Annual report on remuneration table 13: Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests – Audited
The number of shares of the Company in which current Directors or their families had a beneficial interest and details of long-term 
incentive (LTI) interests as at 30 September 2014 are set out in the table below. The value as a multiple of salary has been calculated 
using the 30 September 2014 share price of £7.68.

Beneficial

As at 30 September 2014

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan
S W Daintith
D M M Dutton
P M Dacre
K J Beatty
J G Hemingway
K A H Parry
D J Verey

Non-beneficial

The Viscount Rothermere
J G Hemingway
D H Nelson

Total Directors’ interests
Less duplications

Notes

LTI interests 
not subject to
performance
conditions1

Value (as
a multiple
of salary)2

Guideline
met

LTI interests
 subject to
performance
conditions3

Options 
subject to
performance
conditions4

Total
 outstanding
 interests5

427,680
181,396
70,046
–
–
184,503

816.0
10.0
0.9
6.2
–
2.6

Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes

–
804,474
345,705
–
–
630,141

60,000
487,680
20,000 1,005,870
415,751
40,000
80,000
844,644

–
40,000
80,000
30,000

Ordinary

A Ordinary
Non-Voting

19,890,3646 64,331,183
1,062,039
12,411
282,574
–
55,063
200,022
5,711
22,312

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

19,890,364

65,971,315

863,625

1,780,320

230,000 2,873,945

–
–
–
–

5,554,000
5,554,500
212,611
11,307,111

19,890,364
–

77,292,926
(5,752,611)

19,890,364

71,525,815

1.  The LTI interests not subject to performance conditions are the nil cost options awarded as the bonus deferral; full details can be found in table 5 on page 55. 

2. The Value as a multiple of salary includes LTI interests not subject to performance conditions.

3. The LTI interests subject to performance conditions are detailed in table 7 on page 57 and include those shares which have vested but are not realisable as well as those that  
are outstanding. The figure also includes all of the matching shares that were awarded under the 2009 and 2010 LTIP awards. Details of these awards are in tables 6.1 and 6.2  
on page 56.

4. The Options subject to performance conditions are Options granted under the 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme detailed in table 8 on page 58.

5. Total outstanding interests are the sum of the LTI interests (both subject to and not subject to performance conditions) and options subject to performance conditions.

6. The Company has been notified that under sections 793 and 824 of the Companies Act 2006, Lord Rothermere was deemed to have been interested as a shareholder in 

19,890,364 Ordinary Shares at 30 September 2014.

At 30 September 2014, Lord Rothermere was beneficially interested in 756,700 Ordinary Shares of Rothermere Continuation Limited, the Company’s ultimate holding company.

The figures in the table above include shares purchased by participants in the DMGT 2010 Share Incentive Plan. For Martin Morgan, Stephen Daintith, Kevin Beatty and David 
Dutton, purchase of shares were made between 30 September 2014 and 30 November 2014. These purchases increased the beneficial holdings of these Executive Directors by  
17 shares for Martin Morgan and David Dutton and 16 shares for Stephen Daintith and Kevin Beatty.

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CONTINUED

Annual report on remuneration: Directors’ shareholdings continued

Annual report on remuneration table 14: Directors’ interests in Euromoney – Audited
Executive Directors’ beneficial shareholdings in Euromoney were as follows:

The Viscount Rothermere
M W H Morgan

Total Directors’ interests

30 Sep 2014

24,248
7,532

31,780

Disclosable transactions by the Group under IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, are set out in Note 43 on page 166. 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.

Annual report on remuneration table 15: Voting at general meeting
The table below shows the advisory vote on the 2014 Remuneration Report at the February 2014 AGM. The Committee consults with 
major shareholder prior to any major changes.

Remuneration Report
Remuneration Policy

Votes for

19,890,364
19,890,364

%

100%
100%

Votes against

–
–

%

0%
0%

Abstentions

–
–

%

0%
0%

Annual report on remuneration: Remuneration Committee activities

Annual report on remuneration table 16: Remuneration Committee attendance

The Viscount Rothermere
N W Berry
D H Nelson

Note

Member for the year

Meetings held

Meetings attended

Yes
Yes
Yes

6
6
6

6
6
6

Lord Rothermere does not attend any part of a meeting while matters affecting his own remuneration are discussed.

Remuneration Committee role and activities
The Committee’s responsibilities include Group remuneration policy; setting the remuneration; benefits and terms and conditions of 
employment of the Company’s Executive Directors and other senior Executives. The Committee’s terms of reference are available on 
the Company’s website. 

The Committee is chaired by Lord Rothermere with Committee members Nicholas Berry; David Nelson and from 1 October 2014, 
Heidi Roizen. The UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) recommends that a Remuneration Committee should be composed 
entirely of independent Non-Executive Directors. The Board considers that, as the beneficiary of the Company’s largest shareholder, 
Lord Rothermere’s interests are fully aligned with other shareholders. The Committee is confident that its make-up ensures that it carries 
out all aspects of its role with proper and appropriate regard to long-term shareholders’ interests and that this alignment is, in fact, 
stronger as a direct consequence of its membership.

The Committee spends a large portion of its time reviewing the remuneration and incentive plans of businesses which are diverse both 
in geography and sector. There are a variety of incentive plans requiring significant consideration and oversight, which are designed 
to reflect business type and stage of development, the market it operates in and aims to incentivise the delivery of its strategic plan. 
The Committee’s objective is to combine the necessary attention to short-term financial performance, through annual bonus plans, 
with a stronger focus on the fundamentals that drive long-term growth, through long-term incentive schemes.

In November 2014, the Committee conducted a formal review of its effectiveness and concluded that it had fulfilled its remit and had 
been effective in the year.

Risk and reward
During the year, the Committee reviewed and confirmed that the plans in operation throughout the Group did not incentivise excessive 
risk and, in particular, that the remuneration incentives in the Company are compatible with its risk policies and systems.

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DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION REPORTAnnual report on remuneration

Annual report on remuneration table 17: Details on matters discussed by the Committee during the course of the year
Details are given below on matters discussed by the Committee during the course of FY 2014.

Meeting

Regular standing agenda items

Other agenda items

November 2013 Approved FY 2013 outcome of Executive bonus scheme 

February 2014

May 2014
June 2014

September 2014

Approved FY 2014 Targets for Executive bonus scheme 
Discussed likely outcome of 2007 LTIP
Approved December 2013 LTIP participants and 
performance conditions
Approved December 2012 Option grants under  
2006 ESOS
Approved Remuneration Report
Confirmed FY 2013 Executive bonuses and deferrals 
Confirmed December 2013 LTIP awards
Approved outcome of 2007 LTIP
Confirmed 2006 ESOS awards made December 2013
Shareholder feedback on Annual Report disclosures 
Update on the latest views of the ABI and NAPF

Forecast of FY 2014 Executive bonus outcome 
Initial discussion on FY 2015 bonus structure 
Approval of outcome for 2010 LTIP
A review of salary review budgets across the Group

Forecast of FY 2014 Executive bonus outcome 
Discussion on FY 2015 bonus financial targets 
Draft personal objectives reviewed
Salary review of the Executive Directors and head  
office Executives
Divisional Senior Executive salary review  
(excluding RMS)

Approved delegated authority process for  
‘Good Leavers’ of Executive Option Plan
Approved RMS salary reviews and review of FY 2013 
divisional bonuses awarded
Approved new contract for RMS CEO
Approved dmg media 2011 LTIP outcome

Approval of divisional bonuses
Evenbase project accord transaction bonuses 
Other divisional compensation issues
DMGT retirement policy
Changes to the contribution level for SIP

Approval of package for CEO, Daily Mail North America
Policy for funding Executive share schemes 
Divisional incentives discussed
Divisional Senior Executive appointments and  
packages approved
Impact of recent changes in pension legislation 
discussed
Divisional plans for approval
Divisional Senior Executive remuneration arrangements 
discussed
Approval of changes to Remuneration Committee 
delegated authorities
Note of revisions to the UK Corporate Governance Code

Annual report on remuneration table 18: Advice to the Remuneration Committee
During 2014, the Committee was advised by MM&K, a specialist remuneration adviser, who was appointed by the Committee. 
MM&K also provided the Company with advice on share schemes, provided market data of remuneration levels for other companies, 
particularly in the media field and advice on best practice. Greenhill Associates also provided advice in relation to valuation of 
subsidiaries for the purpose of long-term incentive schemes.
The Committee regularly evaluates the contribution of its advisers and reviewed the scope of arrangements for its external advisers 
in July 2013. It concluded that the advice that it received from MM&K and Greenhill was independent and reappointed MM&K as its 
adviser. Fees paid to advisers to the Committee in relation to remuneration advice are shown below.

Adviser

MM&K
Greenhill

Fees in relation to remuneration advice 
£000

38
464

This report covers the reporting period to 30 September 2014 and has been prepared in accordance with the relevant requirements of 
the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2014 (the Regulations) and of the Listing 
Rules of the Financial Services Authority. As required by the Regulations, a separate resolution to approve the policy and 
implementation reports will be proposed at the Company’s AGM.

Audited information
The tables in the Annual Report on remuneration that have been subject to audit are clearly identified.

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Other statutory information
Required information can be found in 
the Strategic Report on pages 02 to 37, 
which is incorporated into this Report by 
reference. Information on the environment, 
employees, community and social issues 
is given in the Corporate Responsibility 
Review on pages 35 to 37.

Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report contains certain 
forward-looking statements with respect 
to 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 those 
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. 

Tangible fixed assets and investments
The Company’s principal subsidiaries 
are set out on page 170. Changes to 
the Group’s tangible fixed assets and 
investments during the year are set out 
in Notes 22 to 25. There was no material 
difference in value between the book 
value and the market value of the Group’s 
land and buildings.

Directors
The names of the Directors, plus brief 
biographical details are given on pages 
38 and 39. Each Director held office 
throughout the year, David Verey retired 
from the Board at the 2014 AGM. Kevin 
Parry joined in the year.

In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all of the Directors will 
stand for re-election at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM) on 4 February 2015.

Principal activities
A description of the principal activities of 
the Group and likely future developments 
and important events occurring since the 
end of the year are given in the Strategic 
Report on pages 02 to 37.

Results and dividends
The profit after taxation of the Group 
amounted to £283 million. After excluding 
the £20 million element attributable to 
non-controlling interests, the Group profit 
for the year attributable to owners of the 
Company amounted to £263 million. The 
Board recommends a final dividend of 
14.20 pence per share. If approved at the 
2015 AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 
6 February 2015 to shareholders registered 
in the books of the Company at the close 
of business on 5 December 2014. Together 
with the interim dividend of 6.20 pence per 
share paid on 4 July 2014, this makes a total 
dividend for the year of 20.40 pence per 
share (2013 – 19.20 pence).

Directors’ interests
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 page 71.

Employee Benefit Trust
The Executive Directors of the Company, 
together with other employees of the 
Group, are potential beneficiaries of the 
DMGT Employee Benefit Trust (Trust) and, as 
such, are deemed to be interested in any 
A Shares held by the Trust. At 30 September 
2014, the Trust’s shareholding totalled 
2,196,080 A Shares.

Between 30 September 2014 and 
9 December 2014 the Trust transferred 4,903 
A Shares to satisfy the exercise of awards 
under employee share plans.

Significant shareholdings
As at 9 December 2014, the Company had 
been notified of the following significant 
interests of the issued Ordinary Shares:

Rothermere Continuation Limited 100% 

The Board regards holdings in the 
Company’s securities of greater than 15% 
to be significant. There are no significant 
holdings in the Company’s A Shares other 
than those shown in the Remuneration 
Report on page 71.

Share capital
The Company has two classes of shares. 
Its total share capital comprises 5% of 
Ordinary Shares and 95% of A Shares. 
Full details of the Company’s share capital 
are given in Note 37. 

Holders of Ordinary and A Shares are 
entitled to receive the Company’s Annual 
Report. Holders of Ordinary Shares are 
entitled to attend and speak at General 
Meetings and to appoint proxies and 
exercise voting rights.

During the year, the Company transferred 
3.8 million shares out of Treasury, 
representing 1.0% of called-up A Shares, 
in order to satisfy incentive schemes. 
The Company held 27,278,909, shares 
in Treasury and by the DMGT Employee 
Benefit Trust with a nominal value of 
£3.4 million at 30 September 2014. The 
maximum number of shares held in Treasury 
during the year was 27,278,909, which had a 
nominal value of £3.4 million. The Company 
also purchased 5.5 million shares for 
holding in Treasury having a nominal value 
of £0.7 million in order to match obligations 
under various incentive plans. The 
consideration paid for these shares was 
£49.0 million. Excluding the share buy-back 
programmes, shares purchased during 
the year represented 1.6% of the called-up 
A Share capital as at 30 September 2014.

On 9 December 2014 the Company held 
5 million Treasury Shares following the 
cancellation of 22,716,762 Treasury Shares 
on 25 November 2014.

Details of allotments of share capital which 
arose solely from the exercise of options are 
given at Note 37.

Authority to purchase shares
At the Company’s AGM on 5 February 2014, 
the Company was authorised to make 
market purchases of up to 37,384,334 A 
Shares representing approximately 10.0% 
of the total number of A Shares in issue.

During the period 4 December 2013 to 
30 September 2014, under the share 
buy-back programme, the Company 
purchased 5,126,448 shares into Treasury, 
at a total cost of £42.1 million (see Note 37).

External Auditor and disclosure of 
information to the External Auditor
So far as the Directors are aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s External Auditor is unaware. 
The Directors have taken all the steps that 
they ought to have taken as Directors in 
order to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s External Auditor is 
aware of that information.

The Company’s External Auditor, 
Deloitte LLP, will stand down at the 
AGM in February 2015. A new audit firm, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has 
indicated its willingness to serve and, 
in accordance with Section 489 
of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution 
proposing the appointment of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be 
put to the AGM on 4 February 2015.

74

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ REPORTDirectors’ indemnity
A qualifying third-party indemnity (QTPI), 
as permitted by the Company’s Articles 
of Association and Sections 232 and 234 
of the Companies Act 2006, has been 
granted by the Company to each of the 
Directors of the Company. Under the 
provisions of the QTPI the Company 
undertakes to indemnify each Director 
against liability to third parties (excluding 
criminal and regulatory penalties) and to 
pay Directors’ costs as incurred, provided 
that they are reimbursed to the Company 
if the Director is found guilty or, in an action 
brought by the Company, judgment is 
given against the Director.

Going concern
A full description of the Group’s business 
activities, financial position, cash flows, 
liquidity position, committed facilities 
and borrowing position, together with 
the factors likely to affect its future 
development and performance, is set out 
in the Strategic Report, particularly the 
Financial Review on pages 26 to 29 and 
in the notes to the accounts on page 88.

The Group has significant financial 
resources and the Directors, having 
reviewed the Group’s operating budgets, 
investment plans and financing 
arrangements, have assessed the future 
funding requirements of the Group and 
compared this to the level of committed 
facilities and cash resources. The Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operation for the 
foreseeable future. Accordingly, the 
Directors are satisfied that it is appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the Annual Report.

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report, the Directors’ Report 
on Remuneration 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 
have prepared the Group Financial 
Statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, 
and the parent Company Financial 
Statements in accordance with applicable 
law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

Under company law, the Directors must not 
approve the Financial Statements unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group 
and the Company and of the profit or loss 
of the Group for that period. In preparing 
these Financial Statements, the Directors 
are required to:

Relationship agreements
Daily Mail and General Trust plc entered 
into a Relationship Deed with Euromoney 
Institutional Investor plc on 16 July 2014 and 
Zoopla Property Group Plc on 5 June 2014 
in accordance with the Listing Rules and 
have acted in accordance with the terms 
of the Deeds since execution.

•  select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting 

estimates that are reasonable 
and prudent;

•  state whether IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union and applicable United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards have 
been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained 
in the Group and parent Company 
Financial Statements respectively; and

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

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 the 
Group and enable them to ensure that the 
Financial Statements and the Directors’ 
report on Remuneration comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group Financial Statements, Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Company 
and the Group 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 
Company’s website. Legislation in the 
United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of Financial Statements 
may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. Each of the Directors confirms 
that, to the best of his/her knowledge:

•  the Group Financial Statements, which 
have been prepared in accordance 
with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give 
a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit 
of the Group; and

•  the Strategic Report contained on pages 

02 to 37 includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Group, 
together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that 
it faces.

Charitable and political donations
The Company made charitable donations 
of £1.2 million during the period. In the 
prior year, the Company donated over 
£1.3 million. No political donations were 
made during the period.

Principal risk factors
These risks and how they are being 
managed or mitigated are shown on 
pages 30 to 33. The Directors have 
reviewed the Group’s principal risks 
including those that would threaten 
the Group’s business model, future 
performances, solvent or liquidity.

Events after the balance sheet date 
9 December 2014 
Details are provided in Note 44.

Material contracts
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 40 as regards ink and 
printing, where arrangements are in place 
until 2020 and 2024 respectively to obtain 
competitive prices and to secure supplies.

As regards the Group’s principal 
commodity, newsprint, arrangements 
are made biannually 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 light of its strategy to create 
a diversified international portfolio of 
businesses, the Group is not dependent 
on any supplier of other commodities for 
its revenue or any particular customer. 
Distribution arrangements are in place 
to ensure the delivery of newspapers to 
retail outlets.

Creditor payment policy
The Company has no trade creditors (2013 
nil). The Group is responsible for agreeing 
the terms and conditions including terms 
of payment under which business 
transactions with the Group’s suppliers are 
conducted. Whilst the Group does not 
follow any single external code or standard, 
in line with Group policy, payments to 
suppliers are made in accordance with 
agreed terms and conditions.

75

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESTATUTORY INFORMATION
CONTINUED

Transactions with Directors
No transaction, arrangement or 
agreement required to be disclosed in 
terms of the Companies Act 2006 and 
IAS 24, ‘Related Parties’ was outstanding 
at 30 September 2014, or was entered into 
during the year for any Director and/or 
connected person except as detailed in 
Note 43 (2013 none).

Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at 9.00 am on 
Wednesday 4 February 2015 at Northcliffe 
House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT. The 
resolutions to be put to the meeting are set 
out on page 77. A notice of meeting will be 
issued to the holders of Ordinary Shares 
and their nominees only. Only Ordinary 
Shareholders will be entitled to attend. 
The External Auditor, Deloitte LLP, will stand 
down following the 2014 audit.

A resolution to appoint the Group’s new 
External Auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP, will be proposed at the 2015 AGM.

By order of the Board

Claire Chapman
General Counsel & Company Secretary

Employees
Details in respect of employees are in the 
Corporate Responsibility Review on pages 
35 to 37.

Articles of Association
The appointment and replacement of 
Directors is governed by the Company’s 
Articles of Association. Any changes to the 
Articles of Association must be approved 
by the shareholders in accordance with 
the legislation in force from time to time.

The Directors have authority to issue and 
allot A Shares pursuant to article 9 of the 
Articles of Association and shareholder 
authority is requested at each AGM. The 
Directors have authority to make market 
purchases of A Shares. This authority is also 
renewed annually at the AGM.

Conflicts of interest
The Articles of Association permit the Board 
to authorise any matter which would 
otherwise involve a Director breaching his 
duty under the Companies Act 2006 to 
avoid conflicts of interest.

When authorising a conflict of interest the 
Board must do so without the conflicting 
Director counting as part of the quorum. 
In the event that the Board considers it 
appropriate, the conflicted Director may 
be permitted to participate in the debate, 
but will neither be permitted to vote nor 
count in the quorum when the decision is 
being agreed. The Directors are aware that 
it is their responsibility to inform the Board of 
any potential conflicts as soon as possible 
and procedures are in place to facilitate 
disclosure. The Board reviews its position 
on conflicts of interest annually and at 
such other times as are appropriate.

Change of control
The Company is not party to any significant 
agreements that would take effect, alter 
or terminate upon a change of control of 
the Company following a takeover bid. 
However, certain of the Group’s third-party 
funding arrangements would terminate 
upon a change of control of the Company.

The Company does not have agreements 
with any Director or employee providing 
compensation for loss of office or 
employment that occurs because of a 
takeover bid, except for provisions in the 
rules of the Company’s share schemes 
which may result in options or awards 
granted to employees to vest on  
a takeover.

76

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ REPORTANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015: 
RESOLUTIONS

The Company’s Annual General Meeting 
(AGM), will be held at 9.00 am on 
4 February 2015. Only the holders of 
Ordinary Shares are entitled to attend 
and vote. For information, below are the 
resolutions that will be put to the Ordinary 
Shareholders at the AGM. The results will 
be posted on the Company’s website 
following the meeting in the usual way.

As ordinary business
Report and Accounts
1.   To receive the Directors’ Report, the 
Accounts and the Auditor’s Report 
for the financial year ended 
30 September 2014.

Remuneration Report
2.  (a)  To receive and approve the 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 
(other than the part containing the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
referred to in Resolution 2(b) below) 
contained within the Annual Report 
for the financial year ended 
30 September 2014.

(b)  To receive and approve the 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
set out on pages 61 to 71 of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 
contained within the Annual Report 
for the financial year ended 
30 September 2014, such Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy to take effect 
from the date it is approved 
by shareholders.

Rules of the Daily Mail and General Trust 
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan
3.   That the Rules of the Daily Mail and 

General Trust 2012 Long-Term Incentive 
Plan (“2012 LTIP”) be and are hereby 
amended:

(a)  By the replacement of the definition 
of “Performance Period” in Rule 1.1 
with the following new definition:

 “the period, determined by the 
Committee and specified in the 
Award Certificate, over which the 
Performance Conditions normally 
apply and which shall be not less 
than five years unless the Committee 
determines in its absolute discretion 
that a shorter period is appropriate, 
in which case it shall not be less than 
three years”; and

(b)  By the replacement of paragraph (e) 

10.  That the Directors be generally and 

of Rule 2.4 with the following:

 “the Normal Vesting Date for the 
Award (or for each part of the 
Award), which shall be no earlier 
than the date on which the audited 
results for the last Financial Year of 
the Performance Period are first 
known)”.

Dividend
4.   To declare a final dividend on the 

Ordinary and A Ordinary Non-Voting 
Shares (A Shares).

Directors
5.   To elect Mr Parry as Director.

6.   To re-elect the Viscount Rothermere, 
Mr Morgan, Mr Daintith, Mr Beatty, 
Mr Dacre, Mr Dutton, Mr Balsemão, 
Mr Berry, Mr Hemingway, Lady Keswick, 
Mr Lane, Mr Nelson, Ms Roizen and 
Mr Trempont as Directors.

Auditor
7.   To appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers 

unconditionally authorised pursuant 
to Section 551 of the Act to:

(a)  allot A Shares in the Company, and 
to grant rights to subscribe for or to 
convert any security into A Shares in 
the Company up to an aggregate 
nominal amount of £2,324,863 for 
a period expiring (unless previously 
renewed, varied or revoked by the 
Company in a general meeting) at 
the next AGM of the Company after 
the date on which this Resolution is 
passed or on 6 May 2015 whichever 
is the earlier; and 

(b)  make an offer or agreement which 

would or might require A Shares to 
be allotted, or rights to subscribe for 
or convert any security into A Shares 
to be granted, after expiry of this 
authority and the Directors may 
allot A Shares and grant rights 
in pursuance of that offer or 
agreement as if this authority 
had not expired.

LLP as External Auditor.

11.  That the Directors be generally 

8.   To authorise the Directors to determine 
the External Auditor’s remuneration.

As special business
9.   That the Company be and is hereby 

generally and unconditionally 
authorised to make market purchases 
(within the meaning of Section 693(3)of 
the Act) on the London Stock Exchange 
of up to:

(a)  aggregate of 37,197,806 A Shares of 
12.5 pence each in its share capital 
at not more than the lower of 5% 
above the average of the middle 
market quotation taken from the 
London Stock Exchange Daily 
Official List for the five business days 
immediately preceding the date of 
purchase and £18.75 per share and 
at not less than 12.5 pence per share 
(in each case exclusive of expenses); 

(b)  and that the authority conferred by 
this Resolution shall expire on the 
date of the AGM next held after the 
passing of this Resolution (except in 
relation to the purchase of shares the 
contract for which was concluded 
before such date and which would 
or might be executed wholly or 
partly after such date);

(c)  and that upon the passing of this 
Resolution, the Resolution passed 
as Resolution 10 at the AGM on 
5 February 2014 shall be of no further 
force or effect.

empowered pursuant to Section 570 
and Section 573 of the Act to allot A 
Shares or grant rights to subscribe for 
or to convert any security into A Shares, 
for cash, pursuant to the authority 
conferred by Resolution 10 and/or 
where the allotment is treated as an 
allotment of such securities under 
Section 560(3) of the Act, as if Section 
561(1) of the Act did not apply to the 
allotment. This power:

(a)  expires (unless previously renewed, 

varied or revoked by the Company in 
a general meeting) at the next AGM 
of the Company after the date on 
which this Resolution is passed or on 
6 May 2015, whichever is the earlier, 
but the Company may make an 
offer or agreement which would or 
might require such securities to be 
allotted after expiry of this power 
and the Directors may allot such 
securities in pursuance of that offer 
or agreement as if this power had not 
expired; and

(b)  shall be limited to the allotment 
of such securities for cash up to 
an aggregate nominal amount 
of £2,324,863.

Notice
12.  That, a general meeting other than 
an AGM may be called on not less 
than 14 clear days’ notice.

77

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOVERNANCE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Independent Auditor’s Report to the 
members of Daily Mail and General 
Trust plc
Opinion on Financial Statements of 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc 
In our opinion:

•  the Financial Statements give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and 
of the parent Company’s affairs as at 
30 September 2014 and of the Group’s 
profit for the year then ended;

•  the Group Financial Statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union;

•  the parent Company Financial 
Statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice; and

•  the Financial Statements have been 
prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 
and, as regards the Group Financial 
Statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The Financial Statements comprise the 
Consolidated Income Statement, the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, the Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position, the 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the 
related Notes 1 to 45, the parent Company 
Balance Sheet and the related Notes 1 to 
17. The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in the preparation of the 
Group Financial Statements is applicable 
law and IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in the preparation of 
the parent Company Financial Statements 
is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs 
as issued by the IASB
As explained in Note 1 to the Group 
Financial Statements, in addition to 
complying with its legal obligation to apply 
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 
the Group has also applied IFRSs as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB). In our opinion the Group 
Financial Statements comply with IFRSs 
as issued by the IASB.

Going concern 
As required by the Listing Rules we have 
reviewed the Directors’ statement on 
page 75 that the Group is a going concern. 
We confirm that:

•  we have concluded that the Directors’ 

use of the going concern basis of 
accounting in the preparation of the 
Financial Statements is appropriate; and

•  we have not identified any material 

uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt on the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern.

However, because not all future events 
or conditions can be predicted, this 
statement is not a guarantee as to 
the Group’s ability to continue as a 
going concern.

Our assessment of risks of material 
misstatement
The assessed risks of material misstatement 
described below are those that had the 
greatest effect on our audit strategy, the 
allocation of resources in the audit and 
directing the efforts of the engagement 
team. The list of these risks remains 
consistent with the prior year: 

Risk

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Impairment reviews of goodwill, intangible 
assets, property plant and equipment, 
joint ventures and associates 
As set out in Notes 20 and 21, the Group 
has £765 million of goodwill and a further 
£361 million of other intangible assets on the 
balance sheet as at 30 September 2014. 
Management is required to carry out 
an annual impairment test, which is 
judgemental and based on a series 
of assumptions. 
Impairment charges of £65 million were 
recorded in the year, of which £45 million 
related to computer software within 
RMS (RMS(one)). 

Accounting for acquisitions and disposals 
The Group has made a number of 
acquisitions and disposals in the period, 
which are set out in Notes 16 and 17. 
The accounting for each of these involves 
judgement and is based on assumptions 
about the fair value of assets and liabilities 
acquired, and the consideration paid 
or received. 
Acquisitions in the period totalled 
£165 million and disposals £64 million. 

We challenged management’s assumptions for each of their impairment reviews, 
particularly focusing on the future cash flow projections, discount rates, long-term 
growth rates and the sensitivities described in Notes 20 and 21 to the Financial Statements. 
To do this we:
•  used internal valuation specialists to independently develop expectations for discount 

rates used;

•  reviewed Board-approved budgets and forecasts, as well as assessing the historical 

accuracy of management’s forecasts; and

•  compared long-term growth rates against external market data where applicable.
We particularly focused our attention on the Group’s capitalised development costs in 
RMS. In respect of the impairment model for this asset we assessed the reasonableness of 
the incremental revenues anticipated to arise from, and the rate of migration of existing 
customers to, the new platform being developed. We considered the time frame and 
future costs for completion of the development, the future operating cost base and the 
discount rate used.
We carried out testing of all significant sale and purchase agreements made in the year. 
In particular we focused on:
•  the appropriateness of management’s identification of assets acquired;
•  assessing the fair value of the intangible assets acquired, including auditing 

management’s methodologies, challenging management’s assumptions over royalty 
rates, attrition of customers, useful economic lives and future cash flow projections; 
•  verified the consideration paid for acquisitions, including any deferred or contingent 

consideration and the allocation of that to the individual assets acquired; and

•  for disposals, verified the assets and liabilities disposed of, the costs of disposal and 

consideration received.

We have also evaluated the presentation and disclosure of the transactions within the 
Group Financial Statements.

78

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014Risk

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Revenue recognition 
The Group’s policy on revenue recognition 
is set out in Note 2 to the Financial 
Statements. 
The risk is focused on accounting for new 
forms of contract or changes to existing 
contracts and this varies for each type 
of business. 
Presentation of adjusted earning measures 
The Group makes a number of adjustments 
to profit which are detailed in Note 13 to 
the Financial Statements. 
This remains a significant risk, particularly 
over the completeness and validity of 
adjusting items. The Group’s adjusted 
operating profit remains the key 
performance metrics for external 
stakeholders. 
Capitalisation of internally generated 
IT costs 
As set out in Note 21, the Group capitalised 
£72 million of IT costs in the year to 
30 September 2014. These costs need 
to satisfy the requirements of IFRS for 
capitalisation and any costs which do 
not meet these requirements should 
be expensed in the period in which 
they occurred.
Recognition and measurement of 
deferred tax assets 
As set out in Note 36 to the Financial 
Statements the deferred tax asset totals 
£180 million. This remains a key area of 
focus due to the significance of the 
balance and reliance on forecast 
taxable profits for recognition.

We reviewed significant new revenue contracts to identify any unusual terms that would 
indicate a different revenue recognition criteria should be required. 
We tested the timing of revenue recognition in relation to existing contracts and the 
treatment of discounts, as well as assessing whether each was recognised gross or net 
depending on the contractual arrangements. This testing was performed by a 
combination of substantive testing, analytical procedures and assessing the revenue 
recognition policies.

We note that the FRC has recently issued guidance on the use of adjusted measures and 
in light of that considered the appropriateness of the adjustments made to derive the 
adjusted profit measures set out in Note 13. We have assessed whether these adjustments 
were appropriately supported and presented on a consistent basis.

We carried out testing relating to the costs capitalised in respect of the internally 
generated intangible assets set out in Note 21 to assess whether they meet the criteria 
of IAS 38, Intangible Assets. 
A particular area of focus was on costs capitalised in respect of RMS(one), particularly 
challenging management on whether any costs represented inefficiencies due to the 
postponed release of the product. 

We considered the appropriateness of management’s assumptions and estimates 
in relation to the likelihood of generating suitable future taxable profits to support the 
recognition of deferred tax assets described in Note 36. Our work:
•  considered management’s supporting forecasts and estimates; and
•  involved the use of tax specialists in concluding on the Group’s ability to utilise future 

taxable profits in the manner planned.

The Audit Committee’s consideration of these risks is set out on pages 45 to 48.

Our audit procedures relating to these matters were designed in the context of our audit of the Financial Statements as a whole, and not 
to express an opinion on individual accounts or disclosures. Our opinion on the Financial Statements is not modified with respect to any 
of the risks described above, and we do not express an opinion on these individual matters.

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude 
of misstatement in the Financial Statements 
that makes it probable that the economic 
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable 
person would be changed or influenced. 
We use materiality both in planning the 
scope of our audit work and in evaluating 
the results of our work.

We determined materiality for the Group 
to be £10 million (2013 £10 million), which 
is less than 5% of adjusted profit before 
tax and non-controlling interests, and less 
than 5% of statutory profit before tax. The 
methodology for materiality assessment 
remains consistent with prior year. Pre-tax 
profit has been adjusted for items disclosed 

in Note 13, notably impairment charges, 
amortisation of intangible assets arising 
on business combinations and profits 
on disposal of businesses. We consider 
this adjusted measure to be used by 
management and investors as a key 
driver of business value and a focus  
for shareholders.

We agreed with the Audit Committee 
that we would report to them all audit 
differences in excess of £200,000 
(2013 £200,000), as well as differences 
below that threshold that, in our view, 
warranted reporting on qualitative 
grounds. We also report to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that 
we identified when assessing the overall 
presentation of the Financial Statements. 

An overview of the scope of our audit 
Our Group audit scope included audit 
work in all five divisions of the Group. 
Within these five divisions we have 
identified 24 locations (2013 24) of audit 
interest. Twelve of these were subject to full 
audit procedures (2013 12), and five were 
subject to specified audit procedures 
(2013 six) where the extent of our testing 
was based on our assessment of the risks 
of material misstatement and of the 
materiality of the Group’s business 
operations at those locations. These 17 
locations represent the principal business 
units within the Group’s five reportable 
segments and account for 83% of the 
Group’s total assets (2013 88%), 94% of the 
Group’s revenue (2013 95%) and 95% of the 

79

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
CONTINUED

Group’s adjusted profit before tax 
(2013 98%). They were also selected 
to provide an appropriate basis for 
undertaking audit work to address the risks 
of material misstatement identified above. 

At the parent entity level we also tested 
the consolidation process and carried 
out analytical procedures to confirm our 
conclusion that there were no significant 
risks of material misstatement of the 
aggregated financial information of the 
remaining components not subject to audit 
or audit of specified account balances.

The Group audit team follows a 
programme of planned site visits that is 
designed to ensure that the Senior Statutory 
Auditor or another senior member of the 
group audit team visits the majority of the 
full scope locations at least once a year. 
This year, the Group audit team visited 
seven of the 12 full scope locations. For the 
remaining components we attended key 
meetings by phone and discussed findings 
with component auditors. 

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 Strategic 

Report and the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year for which the Financial 
Statements are prepared is consistent 
with the Financial Statements.

Matters on which we are required to report 
by exception
Adequacy of explanations received and 
accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  we have not received all the information 

and explanations we require for our 
audit; or

•  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 Financial 

Statements are not in agreement with 
the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also 
required to report if in our opinion certain 
disclosures of Directors’ remuneration have 
not been made or the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited is not 
in agreement with the accounting records 
and returns. We have nothing to report 
arising from these matters.

Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are also required 
to review the part of the Corporate 
Governance Statement relating to the 
Company’s compliance with ten provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code. 
We have nothing to report arising from 
our review.

Our duty to read other information in the 
Annual Report
Under International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland), we are required to report 
to you if, in our opinion, information in the 
Annual Report is:

•  materially inconsistent with the 

information in the audited Financial 
Statements; or

•  apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, our 
knowledge of the Group acquired in 
the course of performing our audit; or

•  otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider 
whether we have identified any 
inconsistencies between our knowledge 
acquired during the audit and the 
Directors’ Statement that they consider 
the Annual Report is fair, balanced and 
understandable and whether the Annual 
Report appropriately discloses those 
matters that we communicated to the 
Audit Committee which we consider 
should have been disclosed. We confirm 
that we have not identified any such 
inconsistencies or misleading statements.

Respective responsibilities of Directors 
and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement, the Directors 
are responsible for the preparation of the 
Financial Statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an 
opinion on the Financial Statements in 
accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland). Those standards require 
us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. We 
also comply with International Standard 
on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). 

80

Our audit methodology and tools aim to 
ensure that our quality control procedures 
are effective, understood and applied. Our 
quality controls and systems include our 
dedicated professional standards review 
team and independent partner reviews.

This report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 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 Auditor’s 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.

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 and 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. In addition, we 
read all the financial and non-financial 
information in the Annual Report to identify 
material inconsistencies with the audited 
Financial Statements and to identify any 
information that is apparently materially 
incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired 
by us in the course of performing the audit. 
If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies 
we consider the implications for our report.

Simon Letts (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants and 
Statutory Auditor 
London, UK 
9 December 2014

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ending 30 September 2014

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising on business combinations and impairment of property, 
plant and equipment and investment property

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and acquired computer software, 
property, plant and equipment and investment property

Amortisation and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets arising on business combinations

3, 20,21

3, 4

3, 7

8

9

10

11

18

38

39

14

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

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax from continuing operations

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Profit from discontinued operations

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests *

Profit for the year

Earnings per share

From continuing operations

Basic

Diluted

From discontinued operations

Basic

Diluted

From continuing and discontinued operations

Basic

Diluted

Adjusted earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

*  All attributable to continuing operations

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Note

Year ending
30 September
2013
Restated
(Note 2)
£m

3

3

3

1,811.2 

1,674.2 

296.2 

280.3 

(71.9)

(40.3)

184.0 

14.3 

198.3 

138.9 

337.2 

10.1 

(80.3)

(70.2)

267.0 

(18.3)

248.7 

 34.3 

283.0 

262.9 

20.1 

283.0 

61.4p

60.2p

9.2p

9.1p

70.6p

69.3p

55.7p

54.6p

(31.3)

(35.5)

213.5 

5.3 

218.8 

27.6 

246.4 

3.1 

(71.0)

(67.9)

178.5 

(34.2)

144.3 

43.7 

188.0 

164.6 

23.4 

188.0 

32.1p

31.2p

11.5p

11.3p

43.6p

42.5p

49.9p

48.5p

81

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCECONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ending 30 September 2014

Profit for the year

Year ending
30 September
2014
£m

Note

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated
(Note 2)
£m

 283.0 

188.0 

Items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement

Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit pension schemes

Tax relating to items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement

34, 38, 39

(49.9)

9.9 

94.3 

(30.8)

Total items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement

(40.0)

63.5 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to Consolidated Income Statement

Gains on hedges of net investments in foreign operations

Cash flow hedges: 

  Losses arising during the year

  Transfer of loss on cash flow hedges from translation reserve to Consolidated Income Statement

Translation reserves recycled to Consolidated Income Statement on disposals

Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

38, 39

38, 39

38, 39

17, 38

38, 39

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to Consolidated Income Statement

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to: 

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

1.8 

(1.6)

 1.2 

(1.9)

12.4 

11.9 

2.4 

(3.4)

2.2 

(2.5)

(4.4)

(5.7)

(28.1)

57.8 

254.9 

245.8 

237.8 

17.1 

223.3 

22.5 

254.9 

245.8 

82

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ending 30 September 2014

Called-up
share 
capital
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Own 
shares
£m

Translation
 reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

(43.8)

(32.6)

169.1 

164.6 

Non-
controlling 
interests
£m

95.3 

23.4 

Total
£m

156.4 

164.6 

Total 
equity
£m

251.7 

188.0 

At 30 September 2012

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year 
(Restated Note 2)

Total comprehensive income for the year 
(Restated Note 2)

49.1 

13.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Issue of share capital

 0.1 

2.8

Expenses incurred in relation to scheme 
of arrangement

Dividends

Own shares acquired in the year

Own shares released on vesting of share options

Other transactions with non-controlling interests

Adjustment to equity following increased stake 
in controlled entity

Adjustment to equity following decreased stake 
in controlled entity

Credit to equity for share-based payments

Settlement of exercised share options of subsidiaries

Initial recording of put options granted to 
non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Corporation tax on share-based payments

Deferred tax on other items recognised in equity 
(Restated Note 2)

At 30 September 2013

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Issue of share capital

Expenses incurred in relation to scheme 
of arrangement

Dividends

Own shares acquired in the year

Financial liability for closed period purchases

Own shares released on vesting of share options

Exercise of acquisition put option commitments

Other transactions with non-controlling interests

Adjustment to equity following increased stake 
in controlled entity

Adjustment to equity following decreased stake 
in controlled entity

Credit to equity for share-based payments

Settlement of exercised share options 
of subsidiaries

Initial recording of put options granted to 
non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Non-controlling interest recognised on acquisition

Corporation tax on share-based payments

Deferred tax on other items recognised in equity

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

49.2 

16.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(94.6)

21.8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(116.6)

(37.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(105.9)

(20.0)

23.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

14.3 

14.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(4.4)

63.1 

58.7 

(0.9)

57.8

(4.4)

227.7 

223.3 

 – 

 2.9 

(1.5)

(69.6)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(1.5)

(69.6)

(94.6)

 21.8 

 – 

22.5 

2.3 

245.8 

5.2 

 – 

(9.1)

 – 

 – 

1.4 

(1.5)

(78.7)

(94.6)

21.8 

1.4 

(16.1)

(16.1)

0.6 

(15.5)

(0.7)

 12.5 

(11.0)

(3.0)

 1.4 

1.3 

223.1 

262.9 

(25.1)

237.8 

 1.5 

0.2 

(72.8)

(105.9)

(20.0)

 23.4 

 0.1 

 – 

 0.7 

 0.3 

 – 

(1.3)

 0.7 

 0.2 

113.6 

20.1 

(3.0)

17.1 

0.8 

 – 

(9.7)

(6.9)

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

0.2 

2.3 

(2.3)

(0.7)

 12.5 

(11.0)

(3.0)

 1.4 

 1.3 

310.1 

262.9 

(39.4)

223.5 

 – 

0.2 

(72.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 – 

2.3 

(2.9)

 9.6 

(2.9)

 9.6 

(5.7)

(5.7)

(19.6)

(19.6)

 – 

 1.8 

(0.1)

 – 

 1.8 

(0.1)

 2.9 

 0.7 

 – 

 – 

0.9 

 0.9 

(0.3)

 – 

12.8 

(11.0)

(4.3)

2.1 

1.5 

336.7 

283.0 

(28.1)

254.9 

 2.3 

0.2 

(82.5)

(112.8)

(20.0)

 23.4 

 – 

0.2 

 – 

 – 

 10.3 

(5.7)

(19.6)

0.9 

 2.7 

(0.4)

At 30 September 2014

49.2 

17.8 

1.1 

(219.1)

(22.7)

446.5 

272.8 

117.8 

390.6 

83

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCECONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

At 30 September 2014

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Investments in joint ventures

Investments in 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 of businesses held-for-sale

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current tax payable

Acquisition put option commitments

Borrowings

Derivative financial liabilities

Provisions

Total liabilities of businesses held-for-sale

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 assets

84

At
30 September
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September
2012
£m

Note

20

21

22

23

24

24

25

27

33

34

36

26

27

30

33

28

19

29

30

31

32

33

35

19

29

31

32

33

34

35

36

764.6 

360.7 

197.7 

 4.3 

 0.5 

138.6 

6.8 

 6.8 

 20.0 

 6.4 

731.5 

325.3 

208.6 

5.4 

134.9 

50.7 

 2.7 

11.2 

 21.2 

 – 

687.1 

281.4 

238.1 

6.8 

137.3 

11.5 

 1.5 

14.6 

 24.6 

 – 

 180.4 

 1,686.8 

170.9 

1,662.4 

204.7 

1,607.6 

 23.9 

 289.0 

9.4 

 2.9 

 28.5 

 75.5 

 429.2 

25.2 

302.8 

 9.5 

 18.9 

87.9 

 9.1 

453.4 

28.3 

328.7 

3.6 

 8.9 

104.7 

 71.7 

545.9 

 2,116.0 

 2,115.8 

 2,153.5 

(659.5)

(12.4)

(2.1)

(156.3)

(4.1)

(82.5)

(23.4)

(940.3)

(1.9)

(32.2)

(475.7)

(13.9)

(218.2)

(22.0)

(21.2)

(785.1)

(711.9)

(17.2)

(0.8)

(2.0)

(0.9)

(55.3)

(4.2)

(792.3)

(4.1)

(15.0)

(674.3)

(23.9)

(207.7)

(40.0)

(21.8)

(986.8)

(656.8)

(20.8)

(4.5)

(49.9)

(14.1)

(34.2)

(33.6)

(813.9)

(8.1)

(4.1)

(678.1)

(34.9)

(324.4)

(14.4)

(23.9)

(1,087.9)

(1,725.4)

(1,779.1)

(1,901.8)

390.6 

336.7 

251.7 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAt 30 September 2014

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

Called-up share capital

Share premium account

Share capital

Capital redemption reserve

Own shares

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

At
30 September
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September
2012
£m

Note

37

38

38

38

38

38

39

49.2 

17.8 

67.0 

1.1 

(219.1)

(22.7)

446.5 

272.8 

 117.8 

390.6 

49.2 

16.3 

65.5 

 1.1 

(116.6)

(37.0)

310.1 

223.1 

 113.6 

336.7 

49.1 

13.5 

62.6 

 1.1 

(43.8)

(32.6)

169.1 

156.4 

 95.3 

251.7 

The financial statements of Daily Mail and General Trust plc (Company number 184594) on pages 81 to 170 were approved by the 
Directors and authorised for issue on 9 December 2014. They were signed on their behalf by:

The Viscount Rothermere 
M W H Morgan 
Directors

85

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCECONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ending 30 September 2014

Operating profit before share of results of joint ventures and associates – continuing operations

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

Adjustments for: 

Share-based payments

Negative goodwill

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

Pension curtailment

Pension charge less than cash contributions

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and investment property

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and investment property

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Amortisation of intangible assets not arising on business combinations

Amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Decrease in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

(Decrease)/increase in provisions

Additional payments 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

Expenditure on other intangible 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

Proceeds from disposal of non-controlling interest

Treasury derivative activities

Investment in joint ventures and associates

Loans advanced to joint ventures and associates

Loans to joint ventures and associates repaid

Proceeds on disposal of businesses

Proceeds on disposal of joint ventures and associates

Year ending
30 September
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

184.0 

(2.2)

 10.3 

 – 

 5.3 

 – 

(0.9)

 34.8 

 0.6 

64.7 

14.3 

 38.1 

349.0 

1.1 

(3.2)

(48.2)

(6.3)

(49.9)

242.5 

(27.3)

 3.2 

218.4 

2.3 

 25.2 

 9.4 

(29.4)

(71.8)

(4.6)

(4.1)

12.5 

 – 

(146.8)

0.2 

15.0 

(20.5)

(1.6)

 0.1 

 62.3 

 177.8 

213.5 

7.0 

 13.3 

(4.4)

 1.0 

(3.8)

(0.4)

49.4 

 1.5 

8.3 

16.9 

34.2 

336.5 

3.1 

36.3 

31.0 

8.7 

(31.1)

384.5 

(38.0)

 0.7 

347.2 

2.2 

5.6 

1.8 

(27.7)

(66.7)

 – 

(2.1)

6.3 

0.7 

(64.9)

 – 

(28.7)

(4.9)

(5.7)

 – 

 96.4 

 – 

Note

3

18

4, 34

3

4, 22, 23

4, 22, 23

4, 20, 21

4, 21

4, 21

24

9

22

21

21

25

16

24

17

8, 24

Net cash generated by/(used in) investing activities

26.0 

(87.7)

86

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the year ending 30 September 2014

Financing activities

Purchase of additional interests in controlled entities

Equity dividends paid

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Issue of share capital

Issue of shares by Group companies to non-controlling interests

Receipt from non-controlling interests

Purchase of own shares

Purchase of own shares in Euromoney

Net receipt on exercise/settlement of subsidiary share options

Interest paid

Premium on redemption of bonds

Bonds redeemed

Loan notes repaid

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 loss on cash and cash equivalents

Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Year ending
30 September
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

(0.4)

(72.8)

(9.7)

 1.5 

 0.8 

 – 

(91.3)

(21.5)

17.7 

(55.5)

(24.4)

(106.7)

(1.7)

 61.3 

(15.8)

(69.6)

(9.1)

 2.9 

 2.3 

 – 

(94.6)

 – 

10.9 

(57.5)

 – 

(46.4)

(0.6)

 – 

(302.7)

(277.5)

(58.3)

 88.5 

(1.2)

29.0 

(18.0)

107.3 

(0.8)

88.5 

Note

16

12, 38

39

37, 38

39

38

38, 39

10, 15, 32

10, 15, 32

15

15

15

28

15

28

87

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCENOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1   Basis of preparation
DMGT is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is given on page 180.

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 year ending 30 September 2014 (2013 year ending 30 September 2013).

Other than Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro and Wowcher businesses, the Group prepares accounts for a year ending on 
30 September. Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro and Wowcher businesses prepare financial statements for a 52 or 53 week financial 
period ending on a Sunday near to the end of 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. The Group considers whether there have been 
any significant transactions or events between the end of the financial year of these businesses and the end of the Group’s financial 
year and makes any material adjustments as appropriate.

The significant accounting policies used in preparing this information are set out in Note 2. 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the 2013 Annual Report, with the 
exception of a restatement of results, described below and as amended, where appropriate, by new or amended IFRS described 
below.

The Group’s 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 
within the Strategic Report on pages 16 to 33. 

As highlighted in Notes 32 and 33 to the financial statements, the Company has long-term financing in the form of bonds and meets its 
day-to-day working capital requirements through bank facilities which expire in March 2019. 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 Group 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.

2   Significant accounting policies
The following new and amended IFRSs have been adopted during the year: 

•  IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements

•  IFRS 11 Joint arrangements

•  IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities

•  IFRS 13 Fair value measurement

•  IAS 27 (Revised) Separate financial statements

•  IAS 28 (Revised) Investments in associates and joint ventures and improvements to IFRS 2009–2011 cycle

•  Amendments to IFRS 7 and IAS 32

•  Amendments to IAS 36 Recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets

•  Amendments to IAS 39 Novation of derivatives and continuation of hedge accounting

•  Investment entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)

The above standards and amendments to existing standards have not had any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

IAS 19 (Revised), Employee Benefits
IAS 19 (Revised) impacted the measurement of various components in the defined benefit pension obligation and associated 
disclosures, but not the Group’s total obligation. The standard replaces the finance cost on the defined benefit obligation and the 
expected return on plan assets with a net finance charge or income, based on the defined benefit liability or asset and the discount 
rate, measured at the start of the period. This has increased the finance charge in the Consolidated Income Statement with an equal 
and offsetting movement in actuarial gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

88

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThis change in accounting treatment has been reflected in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements retrospectively and the 
impact on the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income for the year ending 
30 September 2013 and 30 September 2012 is as follows:

Impact on Consolidated Income Statement

Increase in net finance charges

Reduction in profit after tax

Reduction in adjusted profit after tax

Reduction in earnings per share from continuing operations

Basic

Diluted

Adjusted

Impact on Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Increase in actuarial valuation

Increase in tax relating to items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending 
30 September
2012
£m

(27.8)

(24.6)

(11.9)

p

(6.5)

(6.4)

(3.1)

£m

27.8 

(3.2)

(23.5)

(19.2)

(7.6)

p

(5.0)

(4.9)

(2.0)

£m

23.5 

(4.3)

The Group has not yet adopted certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards, which have been 
published but are only effective for the Group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 October 2014. The new pronouncements 
are listed below:

•  Amendments to IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (effective 1 January 2016)*

•  Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (effective 1 January 2016)*

•  IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective 1 January 2017)*

•  IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2018)*

*  Not yet endorsed for use in the EU.

Business combinations
The acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition 
is measured at the aggregate of fair values of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group 
in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition related costs are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement as incurred.

Where applicable, the consideration for the acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent arrangement, 
measured at its acquisition date fair value. Subsequent changes in such fair values are adjusted through the Consolidated Income 
Statement. All other changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability are accounted for in 
accordance with the relevant IFRS. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as equity are not recognised.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, 
the Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts are adjusted 
during the measurement period, or additional assets or liabilities are recognised, to reflect new information obtained about facts and 
circumstances that existed as of the date of the acquisition that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised as of that date.

The measurement period is the period from the date of acquisition to the date the Group obtains complete information about facts and 
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and is a maximum of one year.

Business combinations achieved in stages
Where a business combination is achieved in stages, the Group’s previously held interests in the acquired entity are remeasured to fair 
value at the date the Group attains control and the resulting gain or loss is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Amounts 
arising from interests in the acquiree prior to the acquisition date that were recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified 
to the Consolidated Income Statement where such treatment would be appropriate if the interest were disposed of.

Purchases and sales of shares in a controlled entity
Where the Group’s interest in a controlled entity increases, the non-controlling interests’ share of net assets, excluding any allocation of 
goodwill, is transferred to retained earnings. Any difference between the cost of the additional interest and the existing carrying value 
of the non-controlling interests’ share of net assets is recorded in retained earnings.

Where the Group’s interest in a controlled entity decreases, but the Group retains control, the share of net assets disposed, excluding 
any allocation of goodwill, is transferred to the non-controlling interests. Any difference between the proceeds of the disposal and the 
existing carrying value of the net assets or liabilities transferred to the non-controlling interests is recorded in retained earnings.

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DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE2   Significant accounting policies continued
Disposal of controlling interests where non-controlling interest retained
Where the Group disposes of a controlling interest but retains a non-controlling interest in the business, the Group accounts for the 
disposal of a subsidiary and the subsequent acquisition of a joint venture, associate or available-for-sale investment at fair value on 
initial recognition. On disposal of a subsidiary all amounts deferred in equity are recycled to the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Business combinations occurring prior to 4 October 2009
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 non-controlling interests in the acquiree is initially measured at the non-controlling interests’ proportion of the net fair 
value of the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. 

Purchase and sale of shares in a controlled entity occurring prior to 4 October 2009
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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 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 non-controlling interests’ 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 
non-controlling interests’ 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 non-controlling interests 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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position relating 
to the subsidiary.

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 Consolidated Income Statement from the effective 
date control is obtained or up to the date control is relinquished, 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.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. 
Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and for acquisitions 
post 3 October 2010 following adoption of IAS 27 (Revised 2008), Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements the non-controlling 
interests’ share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. 

Prior to the adoption of IAS 27 (Revised 2008) losses attributable to non-controlling interests in excess of the non-controlling interests’ 
share in equity were allocated against the interests of the Group except to the extent that the non-controlling interests have a 
binding obligation and is able to make an additional investment to cover such losses. When the subsidiary subsequently reports profits, 
the non-controlling interests do not participate until the Group has recovered all of the losses of the non-controlling interests it 
previously reported.

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.

90

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 Statement of Financial Position 
at 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.

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 into sterling using exchange rates prevailing on the period end 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 
Consolidated 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 period end date, monetary items denominated 
in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the period end 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 
Consolidated 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 4 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. 

Goodwill and intangible assets
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. Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised directly in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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 period end date.

Goodwill arising before the date of transition to IFRS, on 4 October 2004, has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject 
to being tested for impairment at that 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 Consolidated Income Statement on disposal. Goodwill written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has 
not been reinstated and is not included in determining any subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

Impairment of goodwill
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.

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 (CGUs). 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.

91

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE2   Significant accounting policies continued
When testing for impairment, the recoverable amounts for all of the Group’s CGUs are measured at the higher of value in use and fair 
value less costs to sell. Value in use is calculated 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 pre-tax discount rates used by the Group in its impairment tests range from 9.5% 
to 17.2% (2013 7.4% to 15.0%, 2012 11.3% to 30.7%), 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 not changed significantly from the previous year. The projections consist of 
Board-approved budgets for the following year, three-year plans and growth rates beyond this period. The long-term growth rates 
range between 0% and +3% (2013 0% and +3.0%, 2012 -3.0% and +3.0%) 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.

An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is charged immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement and is not  
subsequently reversed.

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 Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which it was incurred.

Licences
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. 

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 period end 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.

Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is charged 
to the Consolidated 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
Brands
Market and customer related databases
Customer relationships
Computer software licences

 5 – 30 years
 3 – 20 years
 3 – 20 years
 3 – 20 years
 2 – 5 years

Impairment of intangible assets
At each period end date, reviews are carried out of the carrying amounts of tangible and intangible assets and goodwill to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount, 
which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent, if any, of the 
impairment loss. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, value in use estimates are made 
based on the cash flows of the CGU to which the asset belongs.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than its net carrying amount, the net carrying amount of the asset 
or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

92

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any indication that an impairment loss recognised in prior 
periods, for an asset other than goodwill, may no longer exist or may have decreased. If any such indication exists, the Group estimates 
the recoverable amount of that asset. In assessing whether there is any indication that an impairment loss recognised in prior periods for 
an asset other than goodwill may no longer exist or may have decreased, the Group considers, as a minimum, the following indications:

(a) Whether the asset’s market value has increased significantly during the period;
(b)  Whether any significant changes with a favourable effect on the entity have taken place during the period, or will take place in the 
near future, in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the entity operates or in the market to which the 
asset is dedicated; and

(c) Whether market interest rates or other market rates of return on investments have decreased during the period, and those decreases 
are likely to affect the discount rate used in calculating the asset’s value in use and increase the asset’s recoverable amount materially.

Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings held for use are stated in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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 Consolidated 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
Short leasehold premises
Plant and equipment
Depreciation is not provided on freehold land

50 years
the term of the lease
3 – 25 years

Investment property
The Group transfers property from property, plant and equipment to investment property when owner occupation ends. Investment 
properties are stated in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at their cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation 
and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of these assets, using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives as follows: 

Freehold buildings and long leasehold properties
Depreciation is not provided on freehold land

50 years

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 method in the dmg media segment and the First In First Out method in the remaining segments.

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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position to the extent that future economic benefit is virtually certain 
and can be measured reliably.

Marketing costs
Marketing and promotional costs are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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 Consolidated Cash Flow 
Statement, cash and cash equivalents are as defined above, net of bank overdrafts.

93

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE2   Significant accounting policies continued
Revenue
Group revenue comprises revenue of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings. Revenue is stated at the fair value of consideration, 
net of value added tax, trade discounts and commission where applicable and is recognised using methods appropriate for the 
Group’s businesses. 

Where revenue contracts have multiple elements (such as software licences, data subscriptions and support), all aspects of the 
transaction are considered to determine whether these elements can be separately identified. Where transaction elements can be 
separately identified and revenue can be allocated between them on a fair and reliable basis, revenue for each element is accounted 
for according to the relevant policy below. Where transaction elements cannot be separately identified, revenue is recognised over the 
contract period. 

The principal revenue recognition policies, as applied by the Group’s major businesses, are as follows:

•  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 revenue is recognised on issue of publication or over the period of the online campaign.

•  Contract print revenue is recognised on completion of the print contract. 

•  Exhibitions, training and events revenues are recognised over the period of the event. 

•  Software licence revenue is recognised on delivery of the software licence or over the period of the licence if support is unable to be 

separately identified from hosting and revenue allocated on a fair and reliable basis.

•  Support revenue associated with software licences and subscriptions is recognised over the term of the support contract.

•  Long-term contract revenue is recognised under the Percentage of Completion method according to the percentage of work 

completed at the period end date. 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets arising on business combinations and impairment of property, plant and equipment and investment property
The Group discloses as operating profit, profit before exceptional operating costs, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising on business combinations, share of results from associates and joint ventures, other 
gains and losses, investment income and finance costs, but after amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer 
software. 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, finance items 
and similar items of a non-recurring nature.

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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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 Consolidated Income Statement.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Consolidated 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, Borrowing Costs, all borrowing costs are recognised in the Consolidated 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 Consolidated Income Statement using the 
effective interest method.

94

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 4 October 2004, the date of transition to IFRS. Pension 
scheme assets are measured at market value at the period end 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.

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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Actuarial gains and losses arising in the year are 
taken to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. 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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Income Statement within net finance costs. 

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 Consolidated Income Statement as they fall due.

Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of current tax 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 
Consolidated 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 UK and foreign tax rates that have been enacted 
or substantively enacted by the period end date. 

Current tax assets and liabilities are set off and stated net in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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, joint ventures and 
associates 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.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each period end 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 period end date, and is not discounted.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are set off 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 Consolidated 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.

95

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE2   Significant accounting policies continued
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 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 derecognised 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.

Investments are classified as either fair value through profit or loss 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. 

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 period 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 transaction costs.

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 period end date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

Onerous contract provisions are recognised for losses on contracts where the forecast costs of fulfilling the contract throughout the 
contract period exceed the forecast income receivable. The provision is calculated based on cash flows to the end of the contract. 
Vacant property provisions are recognised when the Group has committed to a course of action that will result in the property 
becoming vacant. 

Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payments to certain Directors and 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.

96

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSA liability equal to the portion of the goods or services received is recognised at the current fair value determined at each period end 
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 7 September 2002 but 
not fully vested at 4 October 2004, the date of transition to IFRS.

Investment in own shares
Treasury Shares
Where the Company purchases its equity share capital as Treasury Shares, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable 
incremental costs (net of income taxes), is recorded as a deduction from shareholders’ equity until such shares are cancelled, reissued 
or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable 
incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is recognised in equity, with any difference between the proceeds 
from the sale and the original cost being taken to retained earnings.

Employee benefit trust
The Company has established an employee benefit trust (EBT) for the purpose of purchasing shares in order to satisfy outstanding share 
options and potential awards under long-term incentive plans. The assets of the trust comprise shares in DMGT and cash balances. The 
trust is administered by independent trustees and its assets are held separately from those of the Group. The Group bears the major risks 
and rewards of the assets held by the EBT until the shares vest unconditionally with employees. The Group recognises the assets and 
liabilities of the trust in the consolidated financial statements and shares held by the trust are recorded at cost as a deduction from 
shareholders’ equity. Consideration received for the sale of shares held by the trust is recognised in equity, with any difference between 
the proceeds from the sale and the original cost being taken to retained earnings.

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:

Forecasting
The Group prepares medium-term forecasts based on Board-approved budgets and three-year outlooks. These are used to support 
judgements made in the preparation of the Group’s financial statements including the recognition of deferred tax assets in different 
jurisdictions, the Group’s going concern assessment and for the purposes of impairment reviews. Longer-term forecasts use long-term 
growth rates applicable to the relevant businesses.

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
Determining whether goodwill and intangible assets are impaired or whether a reversal of an impairment of intangible assets should be 
recorded requires an estimation of the value in use of the relevant CGU. The value-in-use calculation requires management to estimate 
the future cash flows expected to arise from the CGU 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 (Note 20). The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets at the 
period end date was £1,125.3 million (2013 £1,056.8 million, 2012 £968.5 million) after a net impairment charge of £64.7 million 
(2013 charge of £8.3 million, 2012 charge of £19.4 million) was recognised during the year (Notes 20 and 21).

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. Determining the fair value of 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired requires significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect 
to cash flows and unprovided liabilities and commitments, including 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.

Contingent consideration payable
Estimates are required in respect of the amount of contingent consideration payable on acquisitions, 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 period end date, the major assumption 
being the level of future profits of the acquired business. The Group has made a provision for outstanding contingent consideration 
payable amounting to £20.2 million (2013 £26.2 million, 2012 £6.6 million).

Contingent consideration payable is discounted to its fair value in accordance with applicable IFRS. For acquisitions completed 
prior to 4 October 2009, the difference between the fair value of these liabilities and the actual amounts payable is charged to the 
Consolidated Income Statement as notional finance costs with remeasurement of the liability being recorded against goodwill. 
For acquisitions completed since 4 October 2009, movements in the fair value of these liabilities are recorded in the Consolidated 
Income Statement in Financing.

97

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE2   Significant accounting policies continued
Contingent consideration receivable
Estimates are required in respect of the amount of contingent consideration receivable on disposals, which is determined according 
to formulae agreed at the time of the disposal and is normally related to the future earnings of the disposed business. The Directors 
review the amount of contingent consideration likely to be receivable at each period end date, the major assumption being the level 
of future profits of the disposed business. The Group has outstanding contingent consideration receivable amounting to £2.7 million 
(2013 £5.4 million, 2012 £1.2 million). During the year the Group received £0.3 million of previously unrecognised contingent consideration.

Contingent consideration receivable is discounted to its fair value in accordance with applicable IFRS. 

Adjusted profit
The Group presents adjusted earnings by making adjustments for costs and profits which management believes 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 costs 
associated with business combinations, one-off gains and losses on disposal of businesses, properties, finance costs 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 arising on business combinations. See Note 13 for a reconciliation of profit before tax 
to adjusted profit. 

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 performs 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 41 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 accounts for 
unresolved issues based on its best estimate of the final outcome, 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. As described above, the Group makes estimates regarding the recoverability of deferred tax assets relating to losses based 
on forecasts of future taxable profits which are, by their nature, uncertain.

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, 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 Consolidated Income Statement and the amounts of actuarial gains and losses 
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The carrying amount of the retirement benefit obligation at 
30 September 2014 was a deficit of £211.8 million (2013 £207.7 million, 2012 £324.4 million). Further details are given in Note 34.

3  Segment analysis
Following disposal of regional newspaper assets the Group’s business activities are split into five operating divisions: RMS, dmg 
information (previously known as business information), dmg events (previously known as events), Euromoney and dmg media 
(previously known as national and local media). The dmg media division includes all of the Group’s newspaper assets – both print and 
online and all comparative data relating to national and local media have been aggregated into this heading. These divisions are the 
basis on which information is reported to the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, which has been determined to be 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.

Details of the types of products and services from which each segment derives its revenues are included within the Strategic Report 
on pages 02 to 37.

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.

98

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYear ending 30 September 2014

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Corporate costs

Discontinued operations

External 
revenue
£m

Inter-segment 
revenue
£m

Note

 171.7 

 390.8 

 99.8 

 406.5 

 795.6 

 1,864.4 

 1.1 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

0.3 

 1.5 

Total 
revenue
£m

 172.8 

 390.8 

 99.8 

 406.6 

 795.9 

 1,865.9 

Segment 
result
£m

 45.1 

 68.3 

 27.3 

 117.7 

 126.1 

384.5 

 18 

(53.2)

 1,811.2 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs, 
impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising on 
business combinations and impairment of property, 
plant and equipment and investment property

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of  
internally generated and acquired computer 
software, property, plant and equipment and 
investment property

Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible 
assets arising on business combinations

 20, 21 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising 
on business combinations

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

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

 21 

 7 

 8 

 9 

 10 

 11 

 18 

Operating profit before
 exceptional operating
 costs, impairment of 
goodwill and intangible
 assets, amortisation of 
acquired intangible 
assets arising on business
 combinations and 
impairment of property,
 plant and equipment and
 investment property
£m

Less operating
profit/(loss) 
of joint 
ventures
 and 
associates 
£m

(0.3)

0.4 

 – 

0.3 

30.8 

31.2 

 45.4 

 67.9 

 27.3 

 117.4 

 95.3 

 353.3 

(42.6)

(14.5)

296.2 

(71.9)

(3.6)

(36.7)

184.0 

14.3 

198.3 

138.9 

337.2 

10.1 

(80.3)

267.0 

(18.3)

 34.3 

283.0 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets within the 
dmg media segment comprised £113.0 million from newspapers, a loss of £4.0 million from digital assets and unallocated divisional 
central costs of £13.7 million.

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets within the 
dmg media segment included £nil from operations in central Europe.

Included within corporate costs is a credit of £0.9 million which adjusts the pensions charge recorded in each operating segment from 
a cash rate to the net service cost in accordance with IAS 19 (Revised), Employee Benefits.

99

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE3  Segment analysis continued
An analysis of the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional operating costs and impairment of 
property, plant and equipment by segment is as follows:

Year ending 30 September 2014

Amortisation 
of intangible 
assets not 
arising on
business
combinations
(Note 21)
£m

Amortisation 
of intangible
assets arising 
on business
 combinations
(Note 21)
£m

Impairment of
 goodwill and 
intangible 
assets
(Notes 20, 21)
£m

Note

Exceptional
 operating costs,
 impairment of
 internally
 generated and
 acquired
 computer
 software,
 property, plant
 and equipment
 and investment
 property
£m

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Corporate costs

Relating to discontinued operations

Continuing operations

 18 

(1.7)

(6.6)

 – 

(2.0)

(4.0)

(14.3)

 – 

(14.3)

0.5 

(13.8)

 – 

(15.8)

(3.2)

(17.6)

(1.5)

(38.1)

 – 

(38.1)

 1.4 

(36.7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(18.8)

(18.8)

 – 

(18.8)

 15.2 

(3.6)

(48.6)

(0.7)

 – 

(3.8)

(19.8)

(72.9)

0.9 

(72.0)

0.1 

(71.9)

Exceptional operating costs in RMS comprise £4.0 million redundancy costs together with impairment charges of £44.6 million relating 
to the internally generated intangible asset RMS(one), see Note 21.

In the dmg information segment exceptional operating costs of £0.7 million relate to contingent consideration required to be treated 
as remuneration. 

In Euromoney exceptional operating costs comprised acquisition related costs of £0.9 million, reorganisation costs of £1.3 million and 
£1.6 million in relation to property move costs.

In the dmg media segment exceptional costs include reorganisation and restructuring charges of £20.5 million, including consultancy 
charges of £4.9 million, following a management delayering project, together with a write-back of £2.0 million relating to contingent 
consideration required to be treated as remuneration and impairment charges of £1.3 million relating to internally generated 
intangible assets.

The Group’s tax charge includes a related credit of £23.6 million in relation to these items.

An analysis of the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, investment property, research costs, investment revenue, and 
finance costs by segment is as follows:

Year ending 30 September 2014

Depreciation of
 property, plant
 and equipment,
and investment 
property
(Notes 22, 23)
£m

Note

Research
costs
£m

Investment
 revenue
(Note 9)
£m

Finance
 costs
(Note 10)
£m

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Corporate costs

Relating to discontinued operations

Continuing operations

 18 

100

(5.5)

(8.0)

(0.5)

(2.9)

(17.6)

(34.5)

(0.3)

(34.8)

 0.7 

(34.1)

(45.0)

(3.3)

(0.4)

(9.8)

(2.0)

(60.5)

 – 

(60.5)

 – 

(60.5)

 0.1 

 0.2 

0.1 

 0.2 

 – 

0.6 

 9.5 

 10.1 

 – 

10.1 

 – 

1.1 

 – 

(1.0)

(1.4)

(1.3)

(79.0)

(80.3)

 – 

(80.3)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYear ending 30 September 2013

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Corporate costs

Discontinued operations

External 
revenue
£m

Inter-segment 
revenue
£m

Note

 175.4 

 292.5 

 87.0 

 404.7 

 841.9 

 1,801.5 

1.1 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

9.0 

 10.2 

Total 
revenue
£m

 176.5 

 292.6 

 87.0 

 404.7 

 850.9 

 1,811.7 

Segment 
result
£m

 56.5 

 54.6 

 21.3 

 119.4 

 112.3 

364.1 

 18 

(127.3)

1,674.2 

Less operating
 profit/(loss)
 of joint 
ventures
 and 
associates
£m

(0.2)

(3.2)

 – 

0.4 

24.8 

21.8 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs, 
impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising on 
business combinations and impairment of property, 
plant and equipment and investment property

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of 
internally generated and acquired computer 
software, property, plant and equipment and 
investment property

Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible 
assets arising on business combinations

 20, 21 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising 
on business combinations

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

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

 21 

 7 

 8 

 9 

 10 

 11 

 18 

Operating profit before
 exceptional operating 
costs, impairment of 
goodwill and intangible 
assets, amortisation of 
acquired intangible 
assets arising on business
 combinations and
 impairment of property,
 plant and equipment 
and investment property 
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

 56.7 

 57.8 

 21.3 

 119.0 

 87.5 

342.3 

(42.6)

(19.4)

 280.3 

(31.3)

(4.4)

(31.1)

213.5 

5.3 

218.8 

27.6 

246.4 

 3.1 

(71.0)

178.5 

(34.2)

43.7 

188.0 

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets within the 
dmg media segment comprised £111.7 million from national newspapers, a loss of £12.0 million from digital together with unallocated 
divisional central costs of £19.4 million and profits of £7.2 million relating to the operations of Northcliffe Media which were sold in 
November 2012.

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs and amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets within the 
dmg media segment included £1.2 million from operations in central Europe.

Included within corporate costs is a credit of £0.4 million which adjusts the pensions charge recorded in each operating segment from 
a cash rate to the net service cost in accordance with IAS 19 (Revised), Employee Benefits.

101

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE3  Segment analysis continued
An analysis of the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional operating costs and exceptional 
depreciation of property, plant and equipment by segment is as follows:

Year ending 30 September 2013

Amortisation
 of intangible
 assets not 
arising on
 business
 combinations
(Note 21)
£m

Amortisation
 of intangible
 assets arising
 on business
 combinations
(Note 21)
£m

Impairment of
 goodwill and
 intangible
 assets
(Notes 20, 21)
£m

Note

Exceptional
 operating costs,
 impairment
 of internally
 generated and
 acquired
 computer
 software,
 property, plant
 and equipment
 and investment
 property
£m

Exceptional
 depreciation of
 property, plant
 and equipment
(Note 22)
£m

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Corporate costs

Relating to discontinued operations

Continuing operations

 18 

(1.1)

(8.3)

 – 

(0.3)

(7.2)

(16.9)

 – 

(16.9)

 – 

(16.9)

 – 

(10.4)

(3.8)

(16.8)

(3.2)

(34.2)

 – 

(34.2)

 3.1 

(31.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(8.3)

(8.3)

 – 

(8.3)

 3.9 

(4.4)

 – 

(0.8)

 – 

2.2 

(21.4)

(20.0)

(1.5)

(21.5)

5.4 

(16.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(14.2)

(14.2)

(1.0)

(15.2)

 – 

(15.2)

The Group’s exceptional operating costs in the dmg information segment of £0.8 million relate to contingent consideration required to be 
treated as remuneration. 

In Euromoney, exceptional charges comprise acquisition costs of £1.5 million and redundancy costs of £1.0 million offset by a credit of 
£0.3 million following the release of previously accrued restructuring costs and an exceptional credit for negative goodwill of £4.4 million, 
the result of a gain on the bargain purchase of Quantitative Techniques following the valuation of the acquired intangible assets. 

In the dmg media segment exceptional operating costs relate to reorganisation and restructuring charges of £19.6 million together with a 
charge amounting to £5.4 million relating to contingent consideration required to be treated as remuneration, offset by £3.6 million credit 
largely relating to pension curtailment gains following the disposal of Northcliffe Media.

The Group’s tax charge includes a related credit of £3.7 million in relation to these items.

An analysis of the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, investment property, research costs, investment revenue, and finance 
costs by segment is as follows:

Year ending 30 September 2013

Depreciation of
 property, plant
 and equipment
 and investment 
property
(Notes 22, 23)
£m

Note

Research
 costs
£m

Investment
 revenue
Restated
(Notes 2, 9)
£m

Finance 
costs
Restated 
(Notes 2, 10)
£m

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Corporate costs

Relating to discontinued operations

Continuing operations

 18 

(5.7)

(5.9)

(0.4)

(3.9)

(17.2)

(33.1)

(1.1)

(34.2)

 1.2 

(33.0)

(42.6)

(3.0)

 – 

(6.3)

(3.0)

(54.9)

–

(54.9)

–

(54.9)

 0.1 

 0.9 

0.3 

0.2 

 – 

1.5 

 1.6 

3.1 

 – 

3.1 

 – 

(1.4)

 – 

(8.3)

(0.4)

(10.1)

(60.9)

(71.0)

 – 

(71.0)

102

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe Group’s revenue comprises sales excluding value added tax, less discounts and commission where applicable and is analysed 
as follows:

Year ending
30 September 
2014
Total
£m

 703.1 

 1,162.8 

 1,865.9 

Year ending
30 September 
2014
Discontinued 
operations
(Note 18)
£m

(53.2)

 – 

(53.2)

Year ending
30 September 
2014
Inter-segment
£m

Year ending
30 September 
2014
Continuing 
operations
£m

Year ending
30 September 
2013
Total
£m

 – 

(1.5)

(1.5)

 649.9 

 1,161.3 

 1,811.2 

740.0 

1,071.7 

1,811.7 

Year ending
30 September 
2013
Discontinued
 operations
(Note 18)
£m

(48.9)

(78.4)

(127.3)

Year ending
30 September 
2013
Inter-segment
£m

Year ending
30 September 
2013
Continuing 
operations
£m

 – 

(10.2)

(10.2)

691.1 

983.1 

1,674.2 

Sale of goods

Rendering of services

The Group includes circulation and subscriptions revenue within Sale of goods, the remainder of the Group’s revenue, excluding 
investment revenue is included within rendering of services. Investment revenue is shown in Note 9.

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 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. 

UK

Rest of Europe

North America

Australia

Rest of the World

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Total
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Discontinued
 operations
(Note 18)
£m

 1,109.9 

 54.6 

 582.4 

 18.5 

 99.0 

(38.5)

(12.8)

(1.5)

(0.4)

 – 

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Continuing
operations
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Total
£m

 1,071.4 

 1,047.3 

 41.8 

 580.9 

 18.1 

 99.0 

 66.1 

 573.7 

 15.6 

 98.8 

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Discontinued 
operations
(Note 18)
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Continuing 
operations
£m

(94.0)

(29.8)

(2.8)

(0.7)

 – 

 953.3 

 36.3 

 570.9 

14.9

 98.8 

 1,864.4 

(53.2)

 1,811.2 

1,801.5 

(127.3)

1,674.2 

The analysis below is based on the geographic location of customers in these regions.

UK

Rest of Europe

North America

Australia

Rest of the World

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Total
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Discontinued
 operations
(Note 18)
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Continuing
operations
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Total
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Discontinued 
operations
(Note 18)
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Continuing 
operations
£m

 991.9 

 186.2 

 473.2 

 24.0 

 189.1 

 1,864.4 

(37.8)

(11.8)

(2.1)

(0.5)

(1.0)

(53.2)

 954.1 

 174.4 

 471.1 

 23.5 

 188.1 

 937.1 

 199.6 

 454.1 

 23.9 

 186.8 

(93.2)

(27.5)

(4.2)

(0.6)

(1.8)

 843.9 

 172.1 

 449.9 

 23.3 

 185.0 

 1,811.2 

 1,801.5 

(127.3)

 1,674.2 

103

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE3  Segment analysis continued
The closing net book value of goodwill, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and investment property is analysed by 
geographic area as follows:

UK

Rest of Europe

North America

Australia

Rest of the World

UK

Rest of Europe

North America

Australia

Rest of the World

Closing net 
book value 
of goodwill 
(Note 20)
2014
£m

Closing net
 book value
 of goodwill 
(Note 20)
2013
£m

Closing net
 book value
 of goodwill 
(Note 20)
2012
£m

Closing net 
book value 
of intangible
 assets 
(Note 21)
2014
£m

Closing net 
book value
 of intangible 
assets 
(Note 21)
2013
£m

Closing net
 book value
 of intangible
 assets 
(Note 21)
2012
£m

 263.9 

 4.3 

 469.4 

 9.0 

 18.0 

 764.6 

230.3 

13.2 

460.2 

 9.6 

18.2 

731.5 

212.2 

15.3 

439.8 

 1.5 

18.3 

687.1 

 136.6 

 9.4 

 209.4 

 1.7 

 3.6 

 360.7 

70.9 

27.0 

221.5 

2.0 

 3.9 

325.3 

57.8 

26.7 

191.2 

0.7 

5.0 

281.4 

Closing net
 book value of
 property, plant
 and equipment
 (Note 22)
2014
£m

Closing net
 book value of 
property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 22)
2013
£m

Closing net 
book value of 
property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 22)
2012
£m

Closing net 
book value of
 investment 
property
(Note 23)
2014
£m

Closing net
 book value of
 investment 
property 
(Note 23)
2013
£m

Closing net
 book value of 
investment 
property
(Note 23)
2012
£m

 161.2 

 2.6 

 31.8 

 0.4 

 1.7 

 197.7 

178.2 

1.6 

26.9 

0.3 

1.6 

208.6 

207.1 

1.1 

27.7 

0.3 

1.9 

238.1 

 4.3 

 5.4 

 6.8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 4.3 

 5.4 

 6.8 

The additions to non-current assets are analysed as follows:

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Goodwill 
(Note 20)
Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Goodwill 
(Note 20)
Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Goodwill 
(Note 20)
Year ending 
30 September 
2012
£m

Intangible 
assets 
(Note 21)
Year ending
30 September 
2014
£m

Intangible 
assets 
(Note 21)
Year ending
30 September 
2013
£m

Intangible 
assets 
(Note 21)
Year ending 
30 September
 2012
£m

 – 

 58.8 

 2.3 

 30.8 

 3.4 

 95.3 

 – 

26.6 

 – 

25.3 

 0.3 

 52.2 

 – 

16.0 

 – 

5.8 

 7.9 

 29.7 

 39.6 

 81.1 

 2.1 

 31.8 

 11.9 

 34.6 

 30.7 

 – 

 29.7 

 10.3 

 166.5 

 105.3 

 17.6 

 22.5 

 – 

 2.1 

 33.5 

 75.7 

The additions to non-current assets are analysed as follows:

Property, plant
 and equipment
 (Note 22)
Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Property, plant 
and equipment
 (Note 22)
Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Property, plant
 and equipment 
(Note 22)
Year ending 
30 September
 2012
£m

Investment 
property 
(Note 23)
Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Investment 
property 
(Note 23)
Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Investment
 property
 (Note 23)
Year ending
 30 September 
2012
£m

 8.1 

 14.5 

 1.0 

 3.1 

 5.0 

 – 

 31.7 

 4.2 

 7.3 

 0.6 

 2.7 

 12.8 

 0.1 

 27.7 

 3.5 

 6.9 

 0.6 

 1.7 

 45.2 

 1.4 

 59.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 19.0 

 19.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.2 

 2.2 

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Centrally held

104

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4  Operating profit analysis
Operating profit before the share of results of joint ventures and associates is further analysed as follows: 

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Total
£m

Note

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Discontinued 
operations 
(Note 18)
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Continuing
operations
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Total
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Discontinued 
operations 
(Note 18)
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Continuing 
operations
£m

Revenue

 1,864.4 

 53.2 

 1,811.2 

1,801.5 

127.3 

1,674.2 

Decrease in stocks of finished goods and work 
in progress

Raw materials and consumables

Inventories recognised as an expense in the year

Staff costs

Pension scheme curtailments

6

34

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

20, 21

Amortisation of intangible assets arising on 
business combinations

Amortisation of internally generated and 
acquired computer software

Promotion and marketing costs

Venue and delegate costs

Editorial and production costs

Distribution and transportation costs

Royalties and similar charges

21

21

(5.7)

(222.9)

(228.6)

(637.8)

 – 

(64.7)

(38.1)

(14.3)

(75.9)

(68.7)

(130.7)

(45.2)

(78.8)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
and investment property

22, 23

(34.8)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
and investment property

22, 23

Rental of property

Other property costs

Rental of plant and equipment

Foreign exchange translation differences

Other expenses

Operating profit/(loss)

5  Auditor’s remuneration

(0.6)

(21.3)

(27.7)

(16.4)

(1.6)

(197.4)

181.8 

 – 

(0.1)

(0.1)

(15.2)

 – 

(15.2)

(1.4)

(0.5)

(7.1)

 – 

(8.3)

 – 

 – 

(0.7)

 – 

(0.6)

(0.4)

(0.2)

 – 

(5.7)

(2.2)

(5.7)

(222.8)

(228.5)

(622.6)

 – 

(49.5)

(9.9)

(141.2)

(151.1)

(632.0)

 3.8 

(8.3)

 – 

(9.0)

(9.0)

(50.0)

 3.8 

(3.9)

(9.9)

(132.2)

(142.1)

(582.0)

 – 

(4.4)

(36.7)

(34.2)

(3.1)

(31.1)

(13.8)

(68.8)

(68.7)

(122.4)

(45.2)

(78.8)

(16.4)

(87.0)

(63.5)

(159.3)

(50.6)

(68.4)

(34.1)

(49.4)

(0.6)

(20.7)

(27.3)

(16.2)

(1.6)

(191.7)

184.0 

(1.5)

(19.9)

(36.3)

(15.2)

(1.1)

(190.6)

220.5 

 – 

(10.1)

 – 

(24.0)

(3.1)

 – 

(1.2)

 – 

(1.1)

(1.5)

(0.9)

(0.1)

(16.1)

7.0 

(16.4)

(76.9)

(63.5)

(135.3)

(47.5)

(68.4)

(48.2)

(1.5)

(18.8)

(34.8)

(14.3)

(1.0)

(174.5)

213.5 

Fees payable to the External Auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts

Fees payable to the External Auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Audit services provided to all Group companies

Other services pursuant to legislation

Services relating to taxation

Other non-audit services

Total remuneration

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

 0.3 

 2.1 

 2.4 

 0.2 

 0.5 

 0.3 

 1.0 

 3.4 

 0.4 

 2.2 

 2.6 

 0.2 

 0.3 

 0.3 

 0.8 

 3.4 

Fees payable to the External Auditor and its 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.

105

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE6  Employees
The average number of persons employed by the Group including Directors is analysed as follows:

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

DMGT Board and head office

Total staff costs comprised:

Wages and salaries

Share-based payments

Social security costs

Pension costs

7  Share of results of joint ventures and associates

Share of profits from operations of joint ventures 

Share of profits from operations of associates 

Share of profits before exceptional operating costs, amortisation, impairment of goodwill, interest and tax

Share of exceptional operating costs of joint ventures

Share of exceptional operating costs of associates

Share of amortisation of intangibles of joint ventures

Share of amortisation of intangibles of associates

Share of joint ventures’ interest (payable)/receivable

Share of associates’ interest payable

Share of joint ventures’ tax

Share of associates’ tax

Impairment of carrying value of joint ventures

Impairment of carrying value of associates

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

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 results of joint ventures and associates

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Number

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number

 1,164 

 2,764 

 371 

 2,409 

 3,134 

 105 

 9,947 

1,197

1,971

339

2,324

4,277

97

10,205

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

 550.3 

 12.2 

 55.8 

 19.5 

 637.8 

 543.6 

 13.9 

 56.3 

 18.2 

 632.0 

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

11.7 

19.5 

31.2 

(0.8)

(3.9)

(2.1)

(3.7)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(3.0)

(2.2)

(0.4)

(0.4)

14.3 

5.7 

9.4 

(0.4)

(0.4)

14.3 

13.6 

8.2 

 21.8 

 – 

(0.6)

(3.2)

(2.4)

 0.2 

(0.6)

(1.5)

(0.9)

(7.2)

(0.3)

5.3 

9.1 

3.7 

(7.2)

(0.3)

5.3 

Note

41

34

Note

(i)

(ii)

13, 24, (iii)

13, 24, (iv)

13, 24, (iii)

13, 24, (iv)

(i)  Share of operating profits from joint ventures includes £12.9 million (2013 £15.0 million) from the Group’s interest in Zoopla Property 

Group Plc in the dmg media segment.

(ii)  Share of operating profits from associates includes £15.4 million (2013 £10.8 million) from the Group’s interest in Local World in the 

dmg media segment and £4.4 million (2013 £nil) from the Group’s interest in Zoopla Property Group Plc in the dmg media segment.

106

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(iii) Represents a £0.4 million write-down in the carrying value of Mail Today in the dmg media segment. In the prior year, represents 
a £5.5 million write-down in the carrying value of The Sanborn Map Company in the dmg information segment together with 
a £1.7 million write-down in the value of Mail Today in the dmg media segment.

(iv) Represents a write-down in the carrying value of the Group’s investment in Global Grain Pte Ltd in the Euromoney segment. In the 
prior year represents a write-down in the carrying value of the Group’s investment in Posvanete AD in the dmg media segment.

8  Other gains and losses

Loss on disposal of available-for-sale investments

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Amounts released against contingent consideration receivable on disposal

Profit on disposal of businesses

Recycled cumulative translation differences

Gain on change in control

Profit on disposal of joint ventures and associates

Note

13

(i)

13, 17, (ii)

13, 17, 38, (ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

(0.4)

1.3 

 4.0 

5.1 

 0.5 

 4.6 

 123.8 

138.9 

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

23.7 

 2.5 

 – 

 – 

27.6 

(i)  Relates to the release of a prior year provision against contingent consideration receivable.

(ii)  Largely represented by the £6.8 million profit on disposal of MIS Training by Euromoney. In the prior period this is largely represented 

by the profit on sale of Central and Eastern European print and digital assets by the dmg media segment amounting to £14.5 million 
together with proceeds from previously unrecognised deferred consideration following the sale of North American home shows 
of £6.2 million in the dmg events segment. 

(iii) During the year the Group increased its interest in Xceligent Inc., held by the dmg information segment and obtained control. 

In accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations, the difference between the fair value of the investment and its carrying value 
has been treated as a gain during the period.

(iv) Following the IPO of Zoopla Property Group Plc during the year the Group disposed of 38.9% of its 52.1% holding in Zoopla Property 

Group Plc. The Group’s remaining 31.8% holding has been classified within associates.

There is a tax charge of £1.4 million (2013 £nil) in relation to these items.

9 

Investment revenue

Dividend income – Other

Dividend income – Press Association

Interest receivable from short-term deposits

(i)  Following disposal of the Press Association’s investment in MeteoGroup.

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

 0.1 

 9.3 

 0.7 

 10.1 

1.8 

 – 

1.3 

3.1 

Note

(i)

107

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE10 Finance costs

Interest, arrangement and commitment fees payable on bonds, bank loans and loan notes

Premium on bond redemption

Financing charge on defined benefit pension schemes

Change in fair value of derivative hedge of bond

Change in fair value of hedged portion of bond

Profit on derivatives, or portions thereof, not designated for hedge accounting

Finance charge on discounting of contingent consideration payable

Finance charge on discounting of contingent consideration receivable

Fair value movement of contingent consideration payable

Fair value movement of contingent consideration receivable

Fair value movement of undesignated financial instruments

Change in fair value of acquisition put options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

(50.9)

(24.4)

(7.6)

(0.8)

0.8 

1.0 

(1.4)

0.1 

1.1 

(0.4)

0.9 

1.3 

(80.3)

(57.1)

 – 

(12.9)

(6.6)

6.6 

0.6 

(1.1)

 – 

(5.0)

 – 

7.4 

(2.9)

(71.0)

Note

13, (i)

13, 34

15

15

35

13, 35

13

13

13, 33

(i)  In December 2013 the Group bought back £49.7 million notional of its 2018 bonds and £149.2 million notional of its 2021 bonds, 

incurring a premium of £24.4 million (Note 32). 

  On 22 September 2014 the Company announced its invitation to holders of its outstanding £165.0 million 2021 bonds and its 

outstanding £349.7 million 2018 bonds to tender their bonds for purchase by the Company for cash. On 30 September the Company 
announced the results and cash price payable of validly tendered 2018 and 2021 bonds. The total cash price payable by the 
Company amounted to £193.1 million, including a premium of £39.9 million, which was paid on 1 October 2014. The derecognition 
of this financial liability and provision for premium payable has not been recorded in these financial statements since the financial 
liability was not extinguished until post year end as prescribed by IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

The finance charge on the discounting of contingent consideration arises from the requirement under IFRS 3 (2008), Business 
Combinations, to record contingent consideration at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach.

11  Tax

The charge on the profit for the period consists of: 

UK tax

Corporation tax at 22.0% (2013 23.5%)

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 temporary differences

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total deferred tax

Total tax charge

Relating to discontinued operations

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Note

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

(3.1)

2.5 

(0.6)

(25.4)

0.5 

(24.9)

(25.5)

4.1 

(0.1)

4.0 

(21.5)

3.2 

(18.3)

(7.2)

(1.5)

(8.7)

(19.7)

(0.6)

(20.3)

(29.0)

 – 

(2.2)

(2.2)

(31.2)

(3.0)

(34.2)

36 

18 

A deferred tax credit of £9.9 million (2013 charge £30.8 million) was recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. A deferred tax charge of £0.4 million (2013 credit of £1.5 million) and a current tax credit of £2.7 million 
(2013 £2.1 million) was recognised directly in equity (Notes 38 and 39).

108

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe tax charge for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 22.0% (2013 23.5%) representing the weighted 
average annual corporate tax rate for the full financial year. The differences are explained below:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax – continuing operations

Profit before tax – discontinued operations

Total profit before tax

Tax on profit 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

Unrecognised tax losses utilised/(tax losses unrelieved)

Write off/disposal of subsidiaries

Effect of change in tax rate

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Other

Total tax charge on the profit for the year

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Note

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

267.0 

 36.1 

 303.1 

(66.7)

(2.4)

(4.3)

 14.8 

1.9 

(9.4)

3.4 

1.9

35.6 

(1.0)

2.9

1.8 

(21.5)

178.5 

40.7 

219.2 

(51.5)

(4.7)

(4.2)

20.3 

10.8 

(8.0)

3.0 

(8.2)

22.8 

(5.0)

(4.3)

(2.2)

(31.2)

13 

The net prior year credit of £2.9 million (2013 charge £4.3 million), arose largely from the agreement of certain prior year issues with tax 
authorities and a reassessment of the level of tax provisions required, and a reassessment of temporary differences.

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 £58.6 million (2013 £48.8 million) and the resulting rate is 20.1% (2013 18.3%). The differences 
between the tax credit and the adjusted tax charge are shown in the reconciliation below:

Total tax charge on the profit for the year

Share of tax in joint ventures and associates

Deferred tax on intangible assets and goodwill

Tax on other adjusting items

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

(21.5)

(5.2)

(5.3)

(26.6)

(31.2)

(2.4)

(5.2)

(10.0)

Note

7

Adjusted tax charge on the profit for the year

13 

(58.6)

(48.8)

In calculating the adjusted tax rate, the Group excludes the potential future deferred tax effects of intangible assets and goodwill (other 
than internally generated and acquired computer software) as it prefers to give the users of its accounts a view of the tax charge based 
on the current status of such items.

Tax on other exceptional items includes a net charge of £nil (2013 £0.8 million) relating to the derecognition of further tax losses and 
the reassessment of other temporary differences which are treated as exceptional due to their material impact on the Group’s adjusted 
tax charge.

109

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE12 Dividends paid

Amounts recognisable as distributions to equity holders in the year

Ordinary Shares – final dividend for the year ending 30 September 2013

A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – final dividend for the year ending 30 September 2013

Ordinary shares – final dividend for the year ending 30 September 2012

A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – final dividend for the year ending 30 September 2012

Ordinary Shares – interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2014

A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2014

Ordinary Shares – interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2013

A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – interim dividend for the year ending 30 September 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Pence per 
share

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Pence per 
share

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

 13.3 

 13.3 

 – 

 – 

 6.2 

 6.2 

 – 

 – 

 2.6 

 47.0 

 – 

 – 

 49.6 

 1.3 

 21.9 

 – 

 – 

 23.2 

 72.8 

 – 

 – 

 12.4 

 12.4 

 – 

 – 

 5.9 

 5.9 

 – 

 – 

 2.5 

 45.0 

 47.5 

 – 

 – 

 1.2 

20.9 

 22.1 

69.6 

The Board has declared a final dividend of 14.2p per Ordinary/A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2013 13.3p) which will absorb an 
estimated £52.1 million (2013 £49.6 million) of shareholders’ funds for which no liability has been recognised in these financial statements. 
It will be paid on 6 February 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 5 December 2014.

110

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS13 Adjusted profit

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Note

Profit before tax – continuing operations

(Loss)/profit before tax – discontinued operations

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations and recycled cumulative translation differences

Adjust for: 

Amortisation of intangible assets in Group profit from operations arising on business combinations – 
continuing operations

Amortisation of intangible assets in Group profit from operations arising on business combinations – 
discontinued operations

Amortisation of intangible assets in joint ventures and associates arising on business combinations – 
continuing operations

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets arising on business combinations – continuing operations

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets arising on business combinations – discontinued operations

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and acquired computer software, property, 
plant and equipment and investment property – continuing operations

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and acquired computer software, property, 
plant and equipment and investment property – discontinued operations

Share of exceptional operating costs of joint ventures

Share of exceptional operating costs of associates

Impairment of carrying value of joint venture – continuing operations

Impairment of carrying value of associate – continuing operations

Other gains and losses: 

Loss on disposal of available-for-sale investments

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Amounts released against contingent consideration receivable on disposal

Profit on disposal of businesses and recycled cumulative translation differences

Gain on change in control

Profit on disposal of joint ventures and associates

Investment revenue:

Dividend income – Press Association

Finance costs: 

Premium on bond redemption

Financing charge on defined benefit pension schemes

Fair value movement of undesignated financial instruments

Change in fair value of acquisition put options

Fair value movement of contingent consideration payable

Fair value movement of contingent consideration receivable

Tax: 

Share of tax in joint ventures and associates – continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operations: 

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations and recycled cumulative translation differences

Adjusted profit before tax and non-controlling interests

Total tax charge on the profit for the year

Adjust for: 

Share of tax in joint ventures and associates

Deferred tax on intangible assets and goodwill

Tax on other adjusting items

Non-controlling interests

Adjusted profit after taxation and non-controlling interests

3

18

18

3

18

7

3

18

3

18

7

7

7

7

8

8

8

8

8

8

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

7, 11

18

11

7, 11

11

11

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

178.5 

7.0 

 33.7 

267.0 

(2.2)

 39.7 

 36.7 

 31.1 

 1.4 

 5.8 

3.6 

15.2 

 3.1 

 5.6 

4.4 

3.9 

 71.9 

 31.3 

 0.1 

 0.8 

 3.9 

 0.4 

 0.4 

 0.4 

(1.3)

(4.0)

(5.6)

(4.6)

(123.8)

(9.3)

 24.4 

7.6 

(0.9)

(1.3)

(1.1)

0.4 

 5.2 

(39.7)

 291.1 

(21.5)

(5.2)

(5.3)

(26.6)

(25.1)

 207.4 

5.4 

 – 

 0.6 

 7.2 

 0.3 

 – 

(1.4)

 – 

(26.2)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

12.9 

(7.4)

2.9 

5.0 

 – 

 2.4 

(33.7)

266.6 

(31.2)

(2.4)

(5.2)

(10.0)

(29.6)

188.2 

The adjusted non-controlling interests’ share of profits for the year of £25.1 million (2013 £29.6 million) is stated after eliminating a credit 
of £5.0 million (2013 £6.2 million), being the non-controlling interests’ share of adjusting items.

111

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE13 Adjusted profit continued
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
The Group defines EBITDA as adjusted operating profit before exceptional operating costs, amortisation and impairment of goodwill 
and acquired intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment. EBITDA is broadly used by analysts, 
rating agencies, investors and the Group’s banks to assess the Group’s performance. 

The Group’s internal target of Net Debt to EBITDA cover is no greater than 2.0 times whilst the limit imposed by its bank covenants is no 
greater than 3.75 times. The bank covenant ratio uses the average exchange rate in the calculation of net debt. The resultant Net Debt 
to EBITDA ratio is 1.53 times (2013 1.56 times, 2012 1.65 times). Using a closing rate basis for the valuation of Net Debt, the ratio was 
1.54 times (2013 1.53 times, 2012 1.62 times).

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Continuing operations

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

 296.2 

 280.3 

Non-exceptional depreciation charge

Amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer software

Operating profits from joint ventures and associates

Dividend income

Discontinued operations

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

Non-exceptional depreciation charge

Amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer software

EBITDA

 34.1 

 13.8 

 31.2 

 0.1 

 14.5 

 0.7 

 0.5 

 391.1 

 33.0 

 16.9 

 21.8 

 1.8 

 19.4 

 1.2 

 – 

 374.4 

14 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share of 70.6p (2013 43.6p) and diluted earnings per share of 69.3p (2013 42.5p) are calculated, in accordance with 
IAS 33, Earnings per share, on Group profit for the financial year of £228.6 million (2013 £120.9 million) as adjusted for the effect of dilutive 
Ordinary Shares of £0.7 million (2013 £0.3 million) and earnings from discontinued operations of £34.3 million (2013 £43.7 million) 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 55.7p (2013 49.9p) 
are calculated on profit for continuing and discontinued operations before exceptional operating costs, impairment of goodwill and 
intangible assets, amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations, other gains and losses and exceptional financing 
costs after taxation and non-controlling interests associated with those profits, of £207.4 million (2013 £188.2 million), as set out in Note 13 
above, and on the basic weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Diluted earnings
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Diluted earnings
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Basic earnings
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Basic earnings
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

 228.6 

(0.7)

 34.3 

 262.2 

207.4 

(0.7)

 206.7 

 120.9 

(0.3)

43.7 

 164.3 

188.2 

(0.3)

 187.9 

 228.6 

 – 

 34.3 

 262.9 

207.4 

 – 

 207.4 

120.9 

 – 

43.7 

 164.6 

188.2 

–

 188.2 

Earnings from continuing operations

Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares

Earnings from discontinued operations

Adjusted earnings from continuing and discontinued operations

Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares

112

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSEarnings per share from continuing operations

Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares

Earnings per share from discontinued operations

Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations

Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Diluted pence
per share

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Diluted pence
per share
Restated 
(Note 2)

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Basic pence
per share

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Basic pence
per share
Restated 
(Note 2)

60.4 

(0.2)

 9.1 

69.3 

54.8 

(0.2)

54.6 

31.3 

(0.1)

11.3 

42.5 

48.6 

(0.1)

48.5 

61.4 

 – 

 9.2 

70.6 

55.7 

 – 

55.7 

32.1 

 – 

11.5 

43.6 

49.9 

 – 

49.9 

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 

Own shares held

Basic earnings per share denominator

Effect of dilutive share options

Dilutive earnings per share denominator

15 Analysis of net debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Debt due within one year

Bonds

Loan notes

Finance lease obligations

Debt due after one year

Bonds

Bank loans

Finance lease obligations

Net debt before effect of derivatives

Effect of derivatives on debt

Net debt

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number
m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Number
m

 393.8 

(21.4)

 372.4 

 5.8 

 378.2 

 393.3 

(15.8)

 377.5 

 9.3 

 386.8 

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

88.5 

 – 

(2.0)

 – 

(674.3)

 – 

 – 

(587.8)

14.8 

(573.0)

Note

28

32

32

32

32

32

32

(iii)

Cash 
flow
£m

(58.3)

 – 

1.7 

 – 

106.7 

(61.3)

 – 

(11.2)

(15.8)

(27.0)

On 
acquisition 
of
 subsidiaries
Note 16
£m

Issued on 
acquisition
 of
 subsidiaries
Note 16
£m

Fair value
 hedging 
adjustments
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

0.8 

 – 

 – 

0.8 

(0.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.8)

(0.2)

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

(1.2)

 – 

(1.2)

 – 

 – 

(1.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(1.8)

 – 

(1.8)

Foreign
 exchange
 movements
£m

Other
 non-cash
 movements
(i) and (ii)
£m

At
30 September 
2014
£m

(1.2)

 – 

 29.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.4 

 – 

0.2 

2.0 

2.2 

(153.2)

(153.2)

 – 

 – 

151.2 

 – 

 – 

(2.0)

 – 

(2.0)

(2.9)

(0.2)

(415.6)

(59.9)

(0.2)

(603.0)

0.2 

(602.8)

The net cash outflow of £58.3 million (2013 £18.0 million) includes a cash outflow of £29.8 million (2013 £21.5 million) in respect of operating 
exceptional items.

(i)  Other non-cash movements comprise the unwinding of the issue discount amounting to £1.7 million (2013 £1.6 million) and 

amortisation of issue costs of £0.3 million (2013 £0.3 million).

(ii)  In December 2013 the Company bought back £49.7 million notional of its 2018 bonds and £149.2 million notional of its 2021 bonds 

incurring a premium of £24.4 million. On 22 September 2014 the Company announced its invitation to holders of its outstanding 2021 
bonds and its outstanding 2018 bonds to tender their bonds for purchase by the Company for cash. On 30 September 2014 the 
Company announced the results and cash price payable of validly tendered 2018 and 2021 bonds. The total cash price payable by 
the Company amounted to £193.1 million, including a premium of £39.9 million, which was paid on 1 October 2014. The derecognition 
of this financial liability and provision for premium payable has not been recorded in these financial statements since the financial 
liability was not extinguished until post year end as prescribed by IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. 

113

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE15 Analysis of net debt continued
  Of this buy-back programme bonds with a nominal value of £149.3 million and a carrying value of £153.2 million were not cash 

settled until after the year end and as such the short-term obligation has been included in debt due within one year albeit that the 
payment was funded by bank facilities expiring in March 2019.

  After this transaction £218.5 million nominal of the 2018 bonds, £7.2 million nominal of the 2021 bonds and £200.0 million nominal 

of the 2027 bonds will remain outstanding.

(iii) The effect of derivatives on debt is the net currency gain or loss on derivatives entered into with the intention of economically 

converting the currency borrowings into an alternative currency.

16 Summary of the effects of acquisitions
In October 2013 dmg information acquired the entire share capital of Decision Insight Information Group (Europe) (DIIG) for 
consideration of £75.8 million, from DIIG, a portfolio company of the US private equity firm TPG Capital. DIIG is the UK and Ireland’s 
leading property searches group, primarily delivering residential and commercial property search results to legal professionals.

Provisional fair value of net assets acquired with DIIG: 

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables 

Corporation tax

Deferred tax

Provisions

Net assets acquired

Cost of acquisition:

Cash

Total consideration at fair value

Book value
£m

Provisional
 fair value
 adjustments
£m

Provisional
 fair value
£m

 61.1 

 2.3 

 1.6 

 7.6 

 3.7 

(15.0)

(0.2)

 0.9 

(0.5)

61.5 

(21.9)

 45.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(9.1)

 – 

 14.3 

 39.2 

 47.6 

 1.6 

 7.6 

 3.7 

(15.0)

(0.2)

(8.2)

(0.5)

75.8 

Cash paid in
 current year
£m

 75.8 

75.8 

DIIG contributed £47.0 million to the Group’s revenue, £6.1 million to the Group’s operating profit and £4.6 million to the Group’s profit 
after tax for the period between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2014. 

If the above acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, DIIG would have contributed £53.1 million to the 
Group’s revenue for the year £6.9 million operating profit and £5.2 million to the Group’s adjusted profit after tax for the year.

In July 2014, Euromoney acquired the trade and certain assets of the mining investment events division of US-based Summit Professional 
Networks. The principal asset acquired was the world’s largest mining event, Investing in African Mining Indaba (Mining Indaba), for a 
cash consideration of £45.6 million (US$ 78.0 million) offset by a working capital adjustment of £0.2 million (US$ 0.4 million) received in 
September 2014. The acquisition of Mining Indaba is consistent with Euromoney’s strategy to consolidate and strengthen its position in 
the global metals and mining sector.

Provisional fair value of net assets acquired with Mining Indaba:

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Net assets acquired

114

Book value
£m

Provisional
 fair value
 adjustments
£m

Provisional
 fair value
£m

 – 

 – 

 1.6 

(1.9)

(0.3)

 23.6 

 22.1 

 – 

 – 

 45.7 

 23.6 

 22.1 

 1.6 

(1.9)

45.4 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCost of acquisition:

Cash

Total consideration at fair value

Cash paid in
 current year
£m

 45.4 

45.4 

Mining Indaba contributed £nil to the Group’s revenue, a loss of £0.3 million to the Group’s operating profit and a loss of £0.3 million to 
the Group’s profit after tax for the period between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2014. 

If the above acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Mining Indaba would have contributed £10.0 million 
to the Group’s revenue for the year, a profit of £4.1 million to the Group’s operating profit and £3.2 million to the Group’s adjusted profit 
after tax for the year.

A summary of all notable acquisitions completed during the year is as follows:

% voting
 rights
 acquired

Date of
 acquisition

Segment

Business description

Consideration
£m

Name of acquisition

Decision Insight Information 
Group (Europe)

dmg information 100.00%

African Mining Indaba (Mining Indaba)

Euromoney

100.00%

Infrastructure Journal

Euromoney

100.00%

SiteCompli

dmg information

56.40%

Xceligent

dmg information

51.70%

Quartz Coatings

dmg events

100.00%

Energytics

dmg information 100.00%

October 
2013

Provider of property 
search information

July 
2014

Organiser of mining 
investment events

October 
2013

July
2014

October
2013

Information provider 
to the international 
infrastructure markets

Provider of property 
compliance data 
and software

Provider of 
commercial property 
information

January
2014

Organiser of paint and 
coatings exhibitions

November 
2013

Energy market data 
and information 
provider

Intangible
assets 
acquired
£m

 47.6 

 22.1 

Goodwill 
arising
£m

 39.2 

 23.6 

 75.8 

 45.4 

 12.5 

 6.4 

 7.1 

 7.7 

 3.0 

 6.0 

 8.8 

 3.6 

 4.8 

 1.8 

 9.2 

 2.1 

 4.4 

 1.7 

 3.2 

Provisional fair value of net assets acquired with all acquisitions:

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables 

Bank overdrafts

Loan notes

Finance lease obligations

Corporation tax

Deferred tax

Contingent consideration

Provisions

Net assets acquired

Non-controlling interest share of net assets acquired

Group share of net assets acquired

Book value
£m

 61.1 

 3.0 

 2.3 

 0.1 

12.7 

11.6 

(34.3)

(0.1)

(0.8)

(0.4)

(0.2)

0.9 

(0.8)

(0.5)

54.6 

Provisional
 fair value
 adjustments
£m

 34.2 

 87.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(9.9)

 – 

 – 

 111.4 

Note

20, (i)

21

22

15

15

36

35

35

39

Provisional
 fair value
£m

 95.3 

 90.1 

 2.3 

 0.1 

 12.7 

11.6 

(34.3)

(0.1)

(0.8)

(0.4)

(0.2)

(9.0)

(0.8)

(0.5)

166.0 

(0.9)

165.1 

115

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE16 Summary of the effects of acquisitions continued
Cost of acquisition:

Cash

Fair value of investment in associate on acquisition of control

Contingent consideration

Loan notes

Total consideration at fair value

Directly attributable costs

Total cost of acquisition

Note

(ii)

35, (iii)

15

Non-cash 
£m

 – 

 7.3 

 2.6 

 1.8 

 11.7 

 – 

 11.7 

Cash paid in
 current year
£m

 152.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 152.7 

 0.7 

 153.4 

Total
£m

 152.7 

 7.3 

 2.6 

 1.8 

 164.4 

 0.7 

 165.1 

(i)  The amount of goodwill which is deductible for the purposes of calculating the Group’s tax charge amounts to £nil.

(ii)  During the year the Group increased its interest in Xceligent Inc. held by the dmg information segment and obtained control. 

(iii) The contingent consideration is based on future business valuations and profit multiples and has been estimated on an acquisition-
by-acquisition basis using available data forecasts. The range of undiscounted outcomes for contingent consideration relating to 
acquisitions in the year is £nil to £19.7 million. Certain contingent consideration arrangements are not capped since they are based 
on future business performance (Note 35).

The 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.

If all acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenues for the year would have been 
£1,820.9 million and Group profit attributable to equity holders of the parent would have been £261.3 million. This information takes 
into account the amortisation of acquired intangible assets 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 losses attributable to equity holders of the parent since the date of acquisition for companies acquired during the year amounted 
to £2.1 million.

Goodwill arising on these 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.

Purchase of additional shares in controlled entities

Cash consideration

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

 0.4 

 15.8 

During the year, the Group acquired additional shares in controlled entities amounting to £0.4 million (2013 £15.8 million) of which £nil 
(2013 £11.3 million) related to nil (2013 1.2 million) shares in Euromoney. Additionally the Group’s interest in Euromoney increased by 
1.0% following Euromoney’s acquisition of 1.8 million of its own shares during the period. 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 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The difference between the cost of the additional shares and the carrying value of the 
non-controlling interests’ share of net assets is adjusted in retained earnings. The adjustment to retained earnings in the year was a credit 
of £2.3 million (2013 £16.1 million charge).

Reconciliation to purchase of subsidiaries as shown in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement:

Cash consideration 

Cash paid to settle contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions

Cash and cash equivalents acquired with subsidiaries

Bank overdrafts acquired with subsidiaries

Purchase of subsidiaries

116

Note

35

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

 153.4 

 5.1 

(11.6)

(0.1)

 146.8 

 65.0 

 6.9 

(7.0)

 – 

 64.9 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Cash paid in respect of contingent consideration relating to prior year acquisitions includes £2.4 million within the dmg information 
segment and £2.7 million within the Euromoney segment.

The businesses acquired during the year generated £10.6 million to the Group’s net operating cash flows and £nil was attributable to 
investing and financing activities.

17 Summary of the effects of disposals
A summary of notable disposals completed during the period is as follows: 

Segment

Date of 
disposal

Fair value of
 consideration
£m

Name of disposal

Broadbean

Oil Careers

Jobrapido

MIS Training

The impact of the disposal of businesses on net assets is as follows:

Goodwill

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash at bank and in hand

Trade and other payables 

Bank overdrafts

Deferred tax

Net assets disposed

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations including recycled cumulative 
translation differences

Profit on disposal of businesses including recycled cumulative translation differences

dmg media March 2014

dmg media March 2014

dmg media

April 2014

Euromoney

April 2014

Prior year assets
 held-for-sale
 disposed in
 current year
£m 

Adjustment 
on sale
£m

Other current
 year disposals
£m

 4.3 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 0.3 

(2.6)

 – 

 – 

 2.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.3)

1.9 

 – 

 – 

 1.6 

 6.4 

 12.4 

0.7 

9.3 

2.8 

(13.7)

(0.1)

(3.0)

14.8 

Note

 20

 21

 22

 36

18

8

Satisfied by:

Cash received

Working capital adjustment

Directly attributable costs paid

Proceeds receivable

Provision for directly attributable costs

Recycled cumulative translation differences

8, 18, 38 

Reconciliation to disposal of businesses as shown in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement:

Cash consideration net of disposal costs

Cash and cash equivalents disposed with subsidiaries

Proceeds on disposal of businesses

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

 65.1 

(2.8)

 62.3 

97.6 

(1.2)

96.4

The Group’s tax charge includes £2.9 million (2013 £0.2 million) in relation to these disposals.

In addition, the Group’s interest in Euromoney was diluted during the year by 0.9% (2013 0.2%). Under the Group’s accounting policy for 
the disposal of shares in controlled entities, no adjustment has been recorded to the fair value of assets and liabilities already held on the 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The difference between the Group’s share of net assets before and after this 
dilution is adjusted in retained earnings. The adjustment to retained earnings in the year was a charge of £2.9 million (2013 £0.7 million).

All of the businesses disposed of during the year generated £1.5 million to the Group’s net operating cash flows and £nil was attributable 
to investing and financing activities.

117

33.4 

15.9 

11.1 

8.1 

Total
£m

 10.7 

 12.4 

0.7 

 9.4 

 2.8 

(14.4)

(0.1)

(3.0)

 18.5 

 39.7 

5.6 

 63.8 

 70.7 

(0.7)

(4.9)

 2.1 

(5.3)

1.9 

 63.8 

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE18 Discontinued operations 
In March 2014 the Group disposed of its recruitment businesses Broadbean and Oilcareers within the dmg media segment, followed 
by the disposal in April 2104 of Jobrapido. The fair value of consideration received amounted to £60.4 million. The results of these digital 
recruitment businesses up to the point of disposal are included in discontinued operations for the current and prior years. On 31 October 
2014 Jobsite was sold to Stepstone UK Holding Limited for £92.0 million. The assets and liabilities of Jobsite are included under assets and 
liabilities of businesses held-for-sale and the results for the period are included in discontinued operations for the current and prior years.

In November 2012 the Group announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its interests in Northcliffe Media to Local World, 
a newly formed media group that combined the Group’s local media titles with those of Iliffe News and Media Limited. The Group 
received consideration of £52.5 million and a 38.7% share in Local World together with a working capital adjustment of £16.4 million. 
The results of Northcliffe Media segment up to the point of disposal are also included as discontinued operations in the prior year.

The Group’s Consolidated Income Statement includes the following results from these discontinued operations:

Revenue

Expenses

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangible assets not arising on business combinations

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

Exceptional operating costs

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations

(Operating loss)/profit before tax

Tax charge

(Operating loss)/profit after tax attributable to discontinued operations

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations

Recycled cumulative translation differences on disposal of discontinued operations

Tax (charge)/credit on profit on disposal of discontinued operations

Profit attributable to discontinued operations

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Note

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Restated (i)
£m

3 

3

3

3 

3, 13

3 

3

11 

13, 17

13, 17

11 

 53.2 

(37.5)

(0.7)

(0.5)

 14.5 

(0.1)

(15.2)

(1.4)

(2.2)

(0.3)

(2.5)

 38.3 

 1.4 

(2.9)

 34.3 

 127.3 

(106.7)

(1.2)

 – 

 19.4 

(5.4)

(3.9)

(3.1)

 7.0 

(1.9)

 5.1 

 33.7 

 – 

 4.9 

 43.7 

(i)  Restated to include the prior year information for the digital recruitment businesses classified as discontinued operations in the 

current year.

  Cash flows associated with discontinued operations comprise operating cash flows of £10.5 million (2013 £10.2 million), investing cash 

flows of £nil (2013 £nil) and financing cash flows of £nil (2013 £nil).

19 Total assets and liabilities of businesses held-for-sale
Following the year end the dmg information segment disposed of its interest in Lewtan, a provider of analytical tools and data for the 
structured finance market, to Moody’s Corporation and dmg media disposed of its remaining interests in its digital recruitment assets. 
The main classes of assets and liabilities comprising the operations classified as held-for-sale are set out in the following table. 
These assets and liabilities are recorded at their fair value with all losses taken to the Consolidated Income Statement.

In the prior year, the assets and liabilities held-for-sale represent those of certain businesses in the Group’s national newspaper segment. 
In the year to 30 September 2012 the assets and liabilities held-for-sale represent the Group’s local media segment.

118

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSGoodwill

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax

Property, plant and equipment

Interests in joint ventures

Interests in associates

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets associated with businesses held-for-sale

Trade and other payables 

Current tax

Deferred tax

Provisions 

Total liabilities associated with businesses held-for-sale

At 
30 September 
2014
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
£m

Note

20 

21 

36 

22 

24 

24 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30

36

35 

 43.4 

 11.5 

 0.2 

 2.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 17.9 

 0.5 

 75.5 

(16.9)

(2.8)

(3.4)

(0.3)

(23.4)

 4.6 

 – 

 – 

 1.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.0 

 0.6 

 9.1 

(4.0)

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

(4.2)

 12.2 

 3.8 

 6.4 

 17.7 

 1.1 

 0.4 

 0.6 

 26.9 

 2.6 

 71.7 

(31.4)

 – 

 – 

(2.2)

(33.6)

Net assets of the disposal group

52.1 

4.9

38.1

20 Goodwill

Cost

At 30 September 2012

Additions

Adjustment to previous year estimate of contingent consideration

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Accumulated impairment losses

At 30 September 2012

Impairment

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

At 30 September 2013

Impairment

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

At 30 September 2014

Net book value – 2012

Net book value – 2013

Net book value – 2014

Goodwill impairment losses recognised in the year amounted to £11.6 million (2013 £0.4 million).

Note

Goodwill
£m

 752.0 

 52.2 

 0.4 

(0.5)

(5.0)

(2.8)

 796.3 

 95.3 

(14.5)

(58.7)

(1.1)

817.3 

19

16

17

19

Note

Goodwill
£m

3

19

3

17

19

 64.9 

 0.4 

(0.1)

(0.4)

 64.8 

 11.6 

(8.1)

(15.6)

52.7 

687.1 

731.5 

764.6 

119

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE20 Goodwill continued
The Group’s policy on impairment of goodwill is set out in Note 2.

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 net book value, in comparison with 
the Group’s total carrying value of goodwill.

The only significant items of goodwill included in the net book value above relate to BCA, a business within Metal Bulletin in the 
Euromoney segment and Genscape in the dmg information segment. 

Genscape has a carrying value of £80.3 million (2013 £76.2 million) together with intangible assets with a carrying value of £34.2 million 
(2013 £28.5 million). The carrying value of Genscape 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 2014. The Directors believe these to be reasonably 

achievable;

(ii)  Subsequent cash flows for one additional year increased in line with growth expectations of the business;
(iii) A pre-tax discount rate of 12.5%; and
(iv) Long-term nominal growth rates of 3.0%.

Using the above methodology the recoverable amount exceeded the total carrying value by £118.8 million (2013 £75.6 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 the discount rate would need to increase by 6.59% to 19.09% (2013 by 5.36% to 17.86%) or the long-term growth 
rate would need to reduce by 11.14% to -8.14% (2013 by 6.82% to -3.82%).

BCA has a carrying value of £142.6 million (2013 £142.8 million) together with intangible assets with a carrying value of £50.9 million 
(2013 £56.5 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 2014. The Directors believe these to be reasonably achievable;
(ii)  Subsequent cash flows for one additional year increased in line with growth expectations of the business;
(iii) A pre-tax discount rate of 9.5%; and
(iv) Long-term nominal growth rates of 0%.

Using the above methodology the recoverable amount exceeded the total carrying value by £155.3 million (2013 £109.0 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 the discount rate would need to increase by 10.3% to 19.8% (2013 by 9.3% to 18.8%) or the long-term growth rate would 
need to decline by 28.9% to -28.9% (2013 by 24.8% to -24.8%).

The carrying values of the Group’s significant items of goodwill in relation to material business combinations, which the Group considers 
to be those which have a purchase consideration in excess of £100.0 million, are further analysed as follows:

Cost

At 30 September 2012 

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Accumulated impairment losses

At 30 September 2012, 30 September 2013 and 30 September 2014

Net book value – 2012

Net book value – 2013

Net book value – 2014

120

Metal 
Bulletin plc
£m

 199.1 

(0.4)

 198.7 

(0.2)

 198.5 

Metal 
Bulletin plc
£m

 2.8 

 196.3 

 195.9 

 195.7 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe impairment charge is analysed by major CGU as follows:

CGU

Segment

Goodwill
 impairment
£m

Intangible 
asset
 impairment
£m

2014 
Discount rate
%

2013 
Discount rate
%

Reason for 
impairment charge

RMS(one)

Jobrapido

Teletext

Mail plus

Metroplay

Total

RMS

dmg media

dmg media

dmg media

dmg media

 – 

 8.1 

 3.5 

 – 

 – 

 11.6 

 44.6 

10.0%

10.0%

Revisions to the timing of RMS(one)
releases and anticipated phasing 
of client adoption

 7.1 

 – 

 1.1 

 0.3 

 53.1 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

9.5%

Disposal

n/a

n/a

n/a

Disposal

Termination of projects

Termination of projects

Recoverable amounts have been determined using value in use calculations for all of the above CGUs.

21 Other intangible assets

Cost

At 30 September 2012

Analysis reclassifications

Additions

Internally generated

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions from business combinations

Additions

Internally generated

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Accumulated amortisation

At 30 September 2012

Analysis reclassifications

Charge for the year

Impairment

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Charge for the year

Impairment

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Net book value – 2012

Net book value – 2013

Net book value – 2014

Publishing rights,
 mastheads 
and titles
£m

Note

 (i) 

 16 

 (ii) 

 17 

 19 

290.2 

(39.1)

 0.2 

 – 

(0.4)

(0.3)

250.6 

 1.7 

 – 

 – 

(3.9)

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

248.3 

Customer 
related
 databases
£m

Computer
software 
(Note ii)
£m

 133.6 

 42.7 

 23.3 

 – 

(3.2)

(0.5)

195.9 

 54.2 

 – 

 – 

(30.4)

(13.7)

 – 

(0.8)

205.2 

156.7 

 1.2 

4.5 

66.7 

(16.0)

(5.9)

207.2 

9.3 

3.2 

71.8 

(7.9)

(7.7)

 – 

1.2 

277.1 

Brands
£m

88.7 

(4.9)

10.6 

 – 

(0.2)

(0.9)

93.3 

 22.8 

 1.0 

 – 

(6.0)

(7.4)

 – 

(0.3)

103.4 

Publishing rights,
 mastheads 
and titles
£m

Note

Customer 
related
 databases
£m

Computer
software 
(Note ii)
£m

Brands
£m

(i)

3 

3 

3 

17 

19 

183.9 

(25.5)

2.3 

 – 

(0.4)

(0.2)

160.1 

7.5 

 – 

(3.9)

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

163.8 

106.3 

 90.5 

 84.5 

60.2 

(7.1)

12.5 

 – 

(0.2)

(0.6)

64.8 

7.8 

 – 

(4.1)

(3.6)

(0.7)

 – 

64.2 

28.5 

28.5 

39.2 

62.6 

31.5 

15.6 

 – 

(3.1)

(0.2)

106.4 

17.7 

7.1 

(22.5)

(9.9)

0.8 

 – 

99.6 

71.0 

89.5 

105.6 

86.5 

 1.1 

20.0 

7.9 

(15.9)

(4.4)

95.2 

18.6 

45.9 

(5.4)

(4.2)

(1.2)

1.3 

150.2 

70.2 

112.0 

126.9 

Other
£m

6.9 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

0.1 

6.9 

 2.1 

 0.4 

 – 

(0.1)

(0.4)

(1.6)

 0.1 

7.4 

Other
£m

1.5 

 – 

0.7 

 – 

(0.2)

0.1 

2.1 

 0.8 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

 2.9 

5.4 

4.8 

4.5 

Total
£m

676.1 

–

 38.6 

66.7 

(20.0)

(7.5)

753.9 

 90.1 

 4.6 

 71.8 

(48.3)

(29.2)

(1.6)

0.1 

841.4 

Total
£m

394.7 

 – 

51.1 

7.9 

(19.8)

(5.3)

428.6 

 52.4 

 53.1 

(35.9)

(17.7)

(1.1)

1.3 

480.7 

281.4 

325.3 

360.7 

121

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
21 Other intangible assets continued
(i)  In the prior year the Group reanalysed the classification of other intangible assets following a review of underlying data.

(ii)   Computer software includes purchased and internally generated intangible assets, not forming part of a business combination, 

as follows:

Cost

At 30 September 2012

Additions

Disposals

Analysis reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions

Disposals

Analysis reclassifications

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Accumulated amortisation

At 30 September 2012

Analysis reclassifications

Charge for the year

Impairment

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Analysis reclassifications

Charge for the year

Impairment

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Net book value – 2012

Net book value – 2013

Net book value – 2014

Note

£m

134.7 

 66.7 

(16.0)

3.0 

(1.8)

186.6 

 75.1 

(6.7)

(1.6)

(7.7)

1.2 

 246.9 

 74.4 

2.9 

 16.9 

 7.9 

(15.9)

(0.2)

 86.0 

(1.2)

 14.3 

 45.9 

(4.1)

(4.2)

0.6 

 137.3 

60.3 

100.6 

109.6 

 19 

19 

The following table analyses intangible assets in the course of construction included in the internally generated intangibles above, 
on which no amortisation has been charged in the year.

Cost

At 30 September 2012

Additions

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions

Impairment

Projects completed

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

122

£m

 22.0 

 46.3 

(1.3)

67.0 

 13.3 

(44.6)

(13.4)

(9.5)

 12.8 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe RMS(one) intangible asset has a carrying value of £41.2 million (2013 £52.2 million) which 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 2014. The Directors believe these to be reasonably achievable;
(ii)  Cash flows over the six years post launch;
(iii) The rate at which Core clients start to use the RMS(one) platform;
(iv) A pre-tax discount rate of 14.7%; and
(v) Long-term nominal growth rates of 3.0% in the Core business.

Using the above methodology the recoverable amount was lower than the total carrying value by £44.6 million (2013 exceeded 
carrying value by £203.7 million). Accordingly, an impairment charge was recorded in the year amounting to £44.6 million.

The methodologies applied to the Group’s CGUs when testing for impairment and details of the above impairment charge, are set out 
in Note 2.

The carrying values of the Group’s larger intangible assets are further analysed as follows: 

At 
30 September 
2014
Carrying value
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
Carrying value
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
Carrying value
£m

At 
30 September 
2014
Remaining 
amortisation 
period
Years

At 
30 September 
2013
Remaining 
amortisation 
period
Years

At 
30 September 
2012
Remaining 
amortisation 
period
Years

BCA mastheads

RMS(one)

DIIG

Ned Davis Research Group 
customer relationships

Associated Mediabase software

Hobsons

Metal Bulletin mastheads

Mining Indaba

Segment

Euromoney

RMS

dmg information

Euromoney

dmg media

dmg information

Euromoney

Euromoney

Genscape intellectual property

dmg information

Delphi

BCA customer relationships

Euromoney

Euromoney

Quest customer relationships

dmg information

44.4 

41.2 

34.0 

18.9 

17.2 

17.1 

14.6 

14.3 

10.9 

7.5 

6.4 

4.3 

48.5 

52.2 

 – 

 21.1 

12.8 

13.6 

16.0 

 – 

11.9 

6.7 

8.0 

5.8 

52.9 

22.0 

 – 

 23.4 

15.1 

10.3 

20.9 

 – 

12.8 

0.6 

9.8 

7.4 

21.8 

n/a

10.0 

8.8 

2.7 

 3.0 

21.8 

20.0 

11.5 

4.0 

7.4 

 3.0 

22.8 

n/a

 – 

 9.8 

3.7 

 3.0 

22.8 

 – 

12.5 

n/a

8.4 

4.0 

RMS(one) has not yet been brought into use and accordingly no amortisation has been charged.

22 Property, plant and equipment

Freehold
 properties
£m

Long leasehold
 properties
£m

Short leasehold
 properties
£m

Plant and
 equipment
£m

Note

Cost

At 30 September 2012

Owned by subsidiaries acquired

Additions 

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Owned by subsidiaries disposed

Transfers to investment property

Reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Owned by subsidiaries acquired

Additions 

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Owned by subsidiaries disposed

Reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

19

23

16

19

17

80.3 

 – 

2.0 

(0.2)

 – 

 – 

(19.0)

 – 

 0.2 

63.3 

 – 

 – 

(1.9)

 – 

 – 

 3.9 

 – 

65.3 

33.1 

 – 

 – 

(27.5)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

5.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

5.7 

34.9 

 – 

1.9 

(0.3)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.7)

 – 

35.8 

 – 

 5.4 

(0.5)

 – 

(0.2)

 – 

0.2 

40.7 

435.3 

 0.1 

23.8 

(148.4)

(2.8)

(0.3)

 – 

 0.5 

 – 

308.2 

 2.3 

 24.0 

(33.6)

(13.9)

(1.7)

1.9 

(0.6)

23.8 

n/a

 – 

 10.8 

4.7 

3.0 

23.8 

 – 

13.5 

n/a

9.4 

5.0 

Total
£m

583.6 

 0.1 

27.7 

(176.4)

(2.8)

(0.3)

(19.0)

(0.2)

0.2 

412.9 

 2.3 

 29.4 

(36.0)

(13.9)

(1.9)

5.8

(0.3)

286.6 

398.3 

123

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE22 Property, plant and equipment continued

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 30 September 2012

Charge for the year

Accelerated charge 

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Transfers to investment property

Reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Charge for the year

Disposals

Classified as held-for-sale

Owned by subsidiaries disposed

Reclassifications

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Net book value – 2012

Net book value – 2013

Net book value – 2014

Freehold
 properties
£m

Long leasehold
 properties
£m

Short leasehold
 properties
£m

Plant and
 equipment
£m

Note

3

19

23

3

19

17

 18.5 

 2.5 

 – 

(0.2)

 – 

(14.4)

 – 

 – 

 6.4 

 3.0 

(0.5)

 – 

 3.9 

 – 

12.8 

61.8 

56.9 

 52.5 

 14.2 

 0.3 

 – 

(27.5)

 – 

 – 

14.1

 – 

 1.1 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.2 

18.9 

4.5 

 4.5 

 17.9 

 3.3 

 – 

(0.3)

 – 

 – 

(0.4)

(0.1)

 20.4 

 2.6 

(0.5)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

22.5 

17.0 

15.4 

 18.2 

 294.9 

 27.8 

 15.2 

(146.8)

(0.9)

 – 

(13.9)

0.1

 176.4 

 28.9 

(28.9)

(12.0)

(1.2)

 1.4 

(0.5)

164.1 

140.4 

131.8 

 122.5 

The following table analyses assets in the course of construction included in property, plant and equipment above:

Freehold
 properties
£m

Long leasehold
 properties
£m

Short leasehold
 properties
£m

Plant and
 equipment
£m

 15.1 

(15.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

0.1 

(0.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1.2 

(1.4)

 – 

 0.2 

 – 

23.0 

(21.8)

(1.2)

 – 

Note

22 

Assets in the course of construction

Cost and net book value

At 30 September 2012

Projects completed

Disposals

Additions 

At 30 September 2013 and 30 September 2014

23 Investment property

Cost

At 30 September 2012

Transfers from property, plant and equipment

Disposals

At 30 September 2013

Disposals

At 30 September 2014

124

Total
£m

 345.5 

 33.9 

 15.2 

(174.8)

(0.9)

(14.4)

(0.2)

 – 

 204.3 

 34.6 

(29.9)

(12.0)

(1.2)

5.3

(0.5)

200.6 

238.1 

208.6 

 197.7 

Total
£m

39.4 

(38.4)

(1.2)

0.2 

 – 

Freehold 
properties
£m

 27.2 

 19.0 

(18.8)

 27.4 

(1.8)

 25.6 

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAccumulated depreciation and impairment

At 30 September 2012

Transfers from property, plant and equipment

Disposals

Charge for the year

Impairment

At 30 September 2013

Disposals

Charge for the year

Impairment

At 30 September 2014

Net book value – 2012

Net book value – 2013

Net book value – 2014

Freehold 
properties
£m

Note

22 

3 

3 

3 

3 

 20.4 

 14.4 

(14.6)

0.3 

 1.5 

 22.0 

(1.5)

0.2 

0.6 

 21.3 

 6.8 

 5.4 

 4.3 

The fair value of the Group’s investment properties at 30 September 2014 was £4.6 million (2013 £6.3 million). This was arrived at by 
reference to market evidence for similar properties and was carried out by an officer of the Group’s property department. Property 
rental income earned by the Group from its investment properties amounted to £0.3 million (2013 £0.7 million). Direct operating 
expenses arising on the investment properties in the year amounted to £1.4 million (2013 £0.3 million). Leases on these properties have 
an expiry date of between one and five years.

24 Investments in joint ventures and associates

Joint ventures 

At 30 September 2012

Additions – cash

Disposals

Impairment

Share of retained reserves

Dividends received

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions – cash

Disposals

Share of retained reserves

Dividends received

Impairment

Transfer to investment in associates

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Note

Cost of shares
£m

Share of post-
acquisition
 retained
 reserves
£m

Total
£m

150.7 

(13.4)

137.3 

7

(i)

7 

(i)

7 

(ii)

 1.2 

0.1 

(7.2)

 – 

 – 

(2.3)

142.5 

 10.2 

(62.0)

 – 

 – 

(0.4)

(79.1)

 – 

11.2 

 – 

(0.1)

 – 

 9.1 

(5.3)

2.1 

(7.6)

 – 

 8.0 

5.7 

(18.8)

 – 

 1.0 

1.0 

(10.7)

 1.2 

 – 

(7.2)

 9.1 

(5.3)

(0.2)

134.9 

 10.2 

(54.0)

5.7 

(18.8)

(0.4)

(78.1)

1.0 

 0.5 

(i)  Dividends received in the current and prior year relate to the Group’s interest in Zoopla.

(ii)  Following the IPO of Zoopla Property Group Plc during the year the Group disposed of 38.9% of its 52.1% holding in Zoopla. The 

Group’s remaining 31.8% holding has been classified within associates.

125

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEYear ending 30 September 2014

dmg information

dmg media

At 30 September 2014

dmg information

dmg media

Year ending 30 September 2013

dmg information

dmg media

At 30 September 2013

dmg information

dmg media

Year ending 30 September 2012

dmg information

dmg media

At 30 September 2012

dmg information

dmg media

24 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 at 30 September 2014 is set out below: 

Revenue
£m

 31.7 

 59.5 

 91.2 

Operating 
profit
£m

Total 
expenses
£m

 0.6 

 20.5 

 21.1 

(31.6)

(46.4)

(78.0)

Profit for 
the year
£m

 0.1 

 13.1 

 13.2 

Non-current 
assets
£m

 7.8 

 1.4 

 9.2 

Current 
assets
£m

 12.0 

 4.2 

 16.2 

Total 
assets
£m

 19.8 

 5.6 

 25.4 

Current 
liabilities
£m

Non-current 
liabilities
£m

Total 
liabilities
£m

Net assets/
(liabilities)
£m

(6.4)

(8.2)

(14.6)

(2.2)

(2.4)

(4.6)

(8.6)

(10.6)

(19.2)

 11.2 

(5.0)

6.2 

Non-current
 assets
£m

 6.7 

76.8 

 83.5 

Current 
assets
£m

9.5 

36.3 

 45.8 

Total 
assets
£m

16.2 

113.1 

 129.3 

Current 
liabilities
£m

Non-current
 liabilities
£m

(3.8)

(14.9)

(18.7)

(1.4)

(2.0)

(3.4)

Operating 
profit/(loss)
£m

Total 
expenses
£m

Profit/(loss) 

for the year
£m

Revenue
£m

 14.5 

 70.8 

 85.3 

(0.7)

27.1

26.4

(15.4)

(46.7)

(62.1)

Total 
liabilities
£m

(5.2)

(16.9)

(22.1)

(0.9)

24.1

23.2

Net 
assets
£m

11.0 

96.2 

 107.2 

(12.7)

(54.9)

(67.6)

Total 
liabilities
£m

(2.2)

(8.2)

(10.4)

(0.2)

6.4

6.2

Net 
assets
£m

12.1 

81.7 

93.8 

Operating 
profit/(loss)
£m

Total 
expenses
£m

Profit/(loss) 
for the year
£m

Revenue
£m

 12.5 

 61.3 

 73.8 

(0.2)

11.3

11.1

Non-current
 assets
£m

 8.5 

71.3 

 79.8 

Current 
assets
£m

5.8 

18.6 

 24.4 

Total 
assets
£m

14.3 

89.9 

 104.2 

Current
 liabilities
£m

Non-current
liabilities
£m

(2.0)

(8.2)

(10.2)

(0.2)

 – 

(0.2)

At 30 September 2014 the Group’s joint ventures had capital commitments amounting to £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.0 million). There were 
no material contingent assets (2013 none, 2012 none). Net liabilities amounting to £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.0 million) within the dmg media 
segment are held-for-sale. 

126

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSInformation on principal joint ventures:

Unlisted

Mail Today Newspapers Pvt. Limited  
(incorporated and operating in India)

The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.  
(incorporated and operating in the US)

TreppPort, Inc.  
(incorporated and operating in the US)

Segment

Principal activity

Year ended

Description 
of holding

Group interest 
%

dmg media

Publisher of classified 
publications

30 September 
2014

dmg information

dmg information

Photogrammetric mapping 
and GIS data conversion

30 September
 2014

Data analysis for CRE related 
exposure

30 September
 2014

Ordinary 

Preferred 
stock

26.00%

49.00%

Ordinary 

50.00%

Associates

At 30 September 2012

Additions – cash

Additions – non-cash

Loans capitalised

Share of retained reserves

Dividends received

Impairment

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions – cash

Share of retained reserves

Dividends received

Impairment

Transfer to investment in subsidiaries

Transfer from investment in joint ventures

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Note

Cost of shares
£m

Share of post
 acquisition
 retained
 reserves
£m

31.5 

3.7 

27.5 

5.1 

 – 

 – 

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.6)

 66.8 

 10.3 

 – 

 – 

(0.4)

(7.0)

79.1

0.1

(20.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

3.8 

(0.3)

 – 

 – 

 0.4 

(16.1)

 – 

 9.4 

(6.4)

–

 4.3 

(1.0)

(0.5)

 (i) 

7 

 (i) 

7 

16 

(ii)

Total
£m

11.5 

3.7 

27.5 

5.1 

3.8 

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.2)

50.7 

 10.3 

 9.4 

(6.4)

(0.4)

(2.7)

78.1

(0.4)

148.9 

(10.3)

138.6 

(i)  Dividends received in the current and prior year relate to Capital Net Ltd and GGA Pte Ltd within the Euromoney segment.

The unrecognised share of losses of the Group’s associates principally comprises £10.5 million (2013 £11.8 million, 2012 £10.4 million) 
in relation to the Group’s investment in ITN.

Joint ventures and associates have been accounted for under the equity method using unaudited financial information to 
30 September 2014. Net assets amounting to £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.1 million) within the dmg media segment are held-for-sale. 

(ii)  Following the IPO of Zoopla during the year the Group disposed of 38.9% of its 52.1% holding in Zoopla Property Group Plc. The 

Group’s remaining 31.8% holding has been classified within associates.

Summary aggregated financial information for the Group’s associates, extracted on a 100% basis from the associates’ own financial 
information is set out below: 

Year ending 30 September 2014

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Revenue
£m

 2.5 

 28.2 

 0.8 

 2.4 

 199.9 

 233.8 

Operating 
profit/(loss)
£m

Total 
expenses
£m

Profit/(loss)
 for the year
£m

(1.1)

(0.2)

 – 

1.1 

45.1 

44.9 

(3.6)

(28.6)

(0.8)

(1.6)

(173.7)

(208.3)

(1.1)

(0.4)

 – 

0.8 

26.2 

25.5 

127

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
24 Investments in joint ventures and associates continued

At 30 September 2014

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Year ending 30 September 2013

RMS

dmg information

Euromoney 

dmg media

At 30 September 2013

RMS

dmg information

dmg events

Euromoney 

dmg media

Year ending 30 September 2012

RMS

dmg information

Euromoney 

dmg media

At 30 September 2012

RMS

dmg information

Euromoney 

dmg media

Non-current
 assets
£m

 5.9 

 9.9 

 – 

 – 

 76.7 

 92.5 

Current
 assets
£m

 6.4 

 22.9 

0.5 

 0.9 

 163.9 

 194.6 

Total
 assets
£m

 12.3 

 32.8 

0.5 

 0.9 

 240.6 

 287.1 

Non-current
 assets
£m

 3.3 

 14.8 

 – 

 – 

 98.8 

116.9 

Current
 assets
£m

 6.0 

 14.7 

 0.5 

 0.9 

 86.2 

108.3 

Total
 assets
£m

 9.3 

 29.5 

 0.5 

 0.9 

 185.0 

225.2 

Current
 liabilities
£m

Non-current 
liabilities
£m

Total 
liabilities
£m

Operating 
profit/(loss)
£m

Total 
expenses
£m

Profit/(loss)
 for the year
£m

 – 

(4.8)

 – 

 – 

(9.6)

(14.4)

(1.4)

(21.2)

(0.4)

(0.3)

(77.2)

(100.5)

(0.7)

(5.8)

 1.1 

32.2 

 26.8 

(0.6)

(24.3)

(1.6)

(272.6)

(299.1)

 – 

(3.7)

 – 

 – 

(94.1)

(97.8)

(0.1)

(23.2)

(0.4)

(0.3)

(161.5)

(185.5)

Net
 assets
£m

10.9 

11.6 

 0.1 

0.6 

163.4 

186.6 

1.2 

(6.7)

 0.8 

12.5 

 7.8 

Net
 assets
£m

 9.2 

6.3 

0.1 

0.6 

23.5 

39.7 

Operating 
(loss)/profit
£m

Total expenses
£m

(Loss)/profit
 for the year
£m

(0.8)

(3.0)

 1.1 

4.5 

1.8 

(1.9)

(4.4)

(1.5)

(174.1)

(181.9)

(0.7)

(2.9)

 0.9 

2.8 

0.1 

(1.4)

(16.4)

(0.4)

(0.3)

(67.6)

(86.1)

Revenue
£m

 1.8 

 17.6 

 2.4 

 285.1 

 306.9 

(0.1)

(19.5)

(0.4)

(0.3)

(67.4)

(87.7)

Revenue
£m

1.2 

 1.5 

 2.4 

 176.9 

 182.0 

Current
 liabilities
£m

Non-current 
liabilities
£m

Total 
liabilities
£m

Non-current
 assets
£m

 2.6 

 10.0 

 – 

 15.0 

27.6 

Current
 assets
£m

 5.6 

 0.5 

 0.8 

 47.6 

54.5 

Total
 assets
£m

 8.2 

10.5 

0.8 

62.6 

82.1 

Current
 liabilities
£m

Non-current 
liabilities
£m

Total 
liabilities
£m

(0.3)

(7.5)

(0.3)

(40.7)

(48.8)

 – 

(3.5)

 – 

(118.2)

(121.7)

(0.3)

(11.0)

(0.3)

(158.9)

(170.5)

Net (liabilities)/ 

assets
£m

 7.9 

(0.5)

 0.5 

(96.3)

(88.4)

At 30 September 2014 the Group’s associates had capital commitments amounting to £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil). There were no material 
contingent liabilities (2013 none, 2012 none).

128

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSInformation on principal associates: 

Unlisted

Zoopla Property Group Plc 
(incorporated and operating in the UK)

Local World 
(incorporated and operating in the UK)

Real Capital Analytics, Inc. 
(incorporated and operating in the US)

Independent Television News Limited 
(incorporated and operating in the UK)

Praedicat, Inc. 
(incorporated and operating in the US)

Segment

Note

Principal activity

Year ended

Description 
of holding

Group interest 
%

dmg media

(i)

Online property portal

dmg media

dmg information

dmg media

RMS

Publisher of local news

Provider of real estate 
information

Independent TV news 
provider

Provision of catastrophe 
risk analytics

30 September  
2014

30 September  
2014

30 September  
2014

31 December  
2013

30 September  
2014

Ordinary 

31.80%

Ordinary 

Preferred  
stock

Ordinary 

Preferred  
stock

38.70%

39.73%

20.00%

29.60%

(i)  In the prior year the Group had joint management control of Zoopla Property Group Plc and the Group’s investment was treated as 

a joint venture. During the year the Group disposed of 38.9% of its 52.1% holding in Zoopla Property Group Plc following Zoopla 
Property Group Plc’s IPO and the Group’s investment is now classified as an associate. The market value of the Group’s investment in 
Zoopla Property Group Plc at 30 September 2014 was £314.1 million.

The Group does not have the power to control the majority of shareholder voting rights nor the Board of Directors. With an effective 
interest of 31.8% the Group has treated this investment as an associated undertaking.

Summary financial information for Zoopla Property Group Plc, extracted on a 100% basis from Zoopla Property Group Plc’s own financial 
statements, for the year to September 2014 is set out below: 

Revenue

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit from continuing operations

Interest income

Tax charge

Post-tax profit from operations

Total comprehensive income

Non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net (liabilities)/assets

£m

80.2 

(1.7)

28.5 

0.2 

(7.6)

21.1 

 21.1 

£m

77.1 

31.0 

5.9 

114.0 

(15.2)

(0.6)

(15.8)

98.2 

129

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE24 Investments in joint ventures and associates continued
Summary financial information for Local World, extracted on a 100% basis from Local World’s own financial statements, for the year to 
31 December 2013 and management information to 30 September 2014 is set out below:

Revenue

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit from continuing operations

Interest expense

Tax charge

Post-tax profit from operations

Total comprehensive income

Non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total assets

Current financial liabilities

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

25 Non-current assets – available-for-sale investments

At 30 September 2012

Additions

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Additions

Disposals

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

£m

223.4 

(21.2)

17.0 

(0.8)

(5.3)

10.9

10.9 

£m

64.2 

25.7 

33.0 

122.9 

(14.4)

(36.0)

(50.4)

72.5 

Unlisted
£m

 1.5 

 2.1 

(0.7)

(0.2)

2.7 

 4.1 

(0.4)

0.4 

6.8 

The investments above represent 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. Since there is no active market upon which they are traded, unlisted 
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: 

Unlisted

WellAware Holdings, Inc.

Pascal Metrics, Inc.

Chemd Holdings Limited

Other

Note

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 3.1 

 0.6 

 0.5 

 2.6 

 6.8 

 – 

 – 

 0.5 

 2.2 

 2.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1.5 

 1.5 

(i)  WellAware Holdings, Inc. provides oilfield data collection, storage, visualisation and decision analysis, delivering intelligence  

to its customers.

(ii)  Pascal Metrics, Inc. is used by healthcare organisations, including hospitals, to improve patient safety and clinical reliability by 

measuring and using workforce and clinical data.

(iii) Chemd Holdings Limited is the holding company for ChemistDirect, an online pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer.

130

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSInformation on principal available-for-sale investments, taken from the latest published accounts is as follows: 

The Press Association Limited (incorporated and operating in the UK)

Spot Runner, Inc. (incorporated and operating in the US)

Chemd Holdings Limited (incorporated and operating in the UK)

Cue Ball Capital LP (incorporated and operating in the US)

WellAware Holdings, Inc. (incorporated and operating in the US)

Pascal Metrics, Inc. (incorporated and operating in the US)

Financial Network Analytics Limited (incorporated and operating in the UK)

Evening Standard Limited (incorporated and operating in the UK)

(i)

Note

Class of holding

Group interest 
%

 Ordinary

15.6%

Common stock

 Ordinary

Limited Partner

Convertible preferred stock

 Ordinary

 Ordinary

 Ordinary

5.3%

5.0%

3.0%

4.3%

2.6%

10.0%

24.9%

(i)  The Group has no Board representation and no influence over the day-to-day management of the Evening Standard Limited. 

Accordingly, the Group has treated this investment as an available-for-sale investment.

Currency analysis of available-for-sale investments:

Sterling

US dollar

Euro

Other

Interest analysis of available-for-sale investments:

Non-interest bearing

26 Inventories

Raw materials and consumables

Work in progress

Classified as held-for-sale

19

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 0.7 

 5.7 

 0.4 

 – 

6.8 

 2.2 

 0.5 

 – 

 – 

 2.7 

 0.3 

 0.9 

 0.2 

 0.1 

 1.5 

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 6.8 

 2.7 

 1.5 

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

Note

 8.4 

 15.5 

 23.9 

 – 

 23.9 

9.2 

16.0 

25.2 

 – 

25.2 

10.9 

18.0 

28.9 

(0.6)

28.3 

131

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE27 Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Trade receivables

Allowance for doubtful debts

Prepayments and accrued income

Other debtors

At
30 September 
2014
£m

Note

At 
30 September 
2013
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
Restated 
(Note 2)
£m

 209.8 

(12.8)

 197.0 

 88.1 

 21.8 

 306.9 

(17.9)

 289.0 

 1.8 

 5.0 

 6.8 

217.6 

(22.2)

 195.4 

89.8 

19.6 

304.8 

(2.0)

 302.8 

 2.4 

8.8 

11.2 

255.7 

(24.5)

 231.2 

109.9 

14.5 

355.6 

(26.9)

 328.7 

 6.0 

8.6 

14.6 

 295.8 

314.0 

343.3 

Classified as held-for-sale

19

Non-current assets

Prepayments and accrued income

Other debtors

In the prior year commercial and financial changes to terms and collections of certain trade receivables in the dmg media segment, 
resulted in a one-off reduction in year-on-year working capital of approximately £60.0 million.

Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts:

At start of year

Impairment losses recognised

Amounts written off as uncollectable

Amounts recovered during the year

Owned by subsidiaries disposed

Exchange adjustment

At end of year

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

(22.2)

(8.4)

 13.5 

 4.3 

 – 

 – 

(24.5)

(5.5)

 1.6 

4.6 

 1.5 

0.1 

(27.6)

(8.2)

 7.0 

3.7 

 0.2 

0.4 

(12.8)

(22.2)

(24.5)

In determining the allowance for doubtful debts the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the 
date credit was initially granted up to the period end date.

Ageing of impaired trade receivables: 

0 – 30 days

31 – 60 days

61 – 90 days

91 – 120 days

121+ days

Total

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 2.7 

 0.6 

 0.8 

 0.2 

 8.5 

 12.8 

 4.1 

 0.8 

 0.4 

 0.5 

 16.4 

 22.2 

 4.6 

 0.5 

 0.5 

 0.7 

 18.2 

 24.5 

Included in the Group’s trade receivables are debtors with a carrying value of £53.2 million (2013 £73.4 million, 2012 £80.0 million) which 
are past due at 30 September 2014 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.

132

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAgeing of past due but not impaired receivables: 

1 – 30 days overdue

31 – 60 days overdue

61 – 90 days overdue

91 + days overdue

Total

The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

28 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

Classified as held-for-sale

Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents by currency: 

Sterling

US dollar

Australian dollar

Canadian dollar

Euro

Other

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.

29 Trade and other payables

Current liabilities

Trade payables

Interest payable

Other taxation and social security

Other creditors

Accruals

Deferred income

Classified as held-for-sale

Non-current liabilities

Other creditors

The carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 23.8 

 14.8 

 6.0 

 8.6 

 53.2 

 36.2 

 15.6 

 11.2 

 10.4 

 73.4 

 36.9 

 19.6 

 9.8 

 13.7 

 80.0 

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 29.0 

(0.5)

 28.5 

88.5

(0.6)

87.9

107.3

(2.6)

104.7

 29.0 

88.5

107.3

Note

19

15

 5.6 

6.5 

 0.6 

 0.8 

 2.2 

12.8

28.5

 61.4 

 4.6 

 1.1 

 0.3 

 7.5 

 13.0 

87.9 

 47.5 

 23.1 

 0.6 

 0.9 

 15.2 

 17.4 

104.7 

 28.5 

 87.9 

 104.7 

At
30 September 
2014
£m

At
30 September 
2013
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

Note

 51.6 

 21.7 

 24.7 

 37.4 

 235.5 

 305.5 

(16.9)

 659.5 

 1.9 

 661.4 

 59.2 

 26.6 

 25.8 

 49.0 

 254.0 

 301.3 

(4.0)

 711.9 

4.1 

 716.0 

19

 54.4 

 28.3 

 29.9 

 45.7 

 258.9 

 271.0 

(31.4)

 656.8 

8.1 

 664.9 

133

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCENote

19

At 
30 September 
2014
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
£m

15.2

(2.8)

12.4

(9.4)

3.0

 17.2 

–

17.2

(9.5) 

 7.7 

 20.8 

–

20.8

(3.6)

 17.2 

At 
30 September 
2014
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
£m

 2.1 

 32.2 

 34.3 

 0.8 

 15.0 

 15.8 

 4.5 

 4.1 

 8.6 

Bank loans
£m

Bonds
£m

Loan notes
£m

Finance leases
£m

Total
£m

 – 

 – 

 59.9 

 – 

 59.9 

 59.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 153.2 

 2.9 

 0.2 

 156.3 

 – 

 209.3 

 206.3 

 415.6 

 568.8 

 – 

 674.3 

 674.3 

 674.3 

 47.3 

 678.1 

 678.1 

 725.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.9 

 2.0 

 – 

 – 

 2.0 

 2.6 

 – 

 – 

 2.6 

 0.1 

 0.1 

 – 

 0.2 

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 269.3 

 206.3 

 475.7 

 632.0 

 2.0 

 674.3 

 674.3 

 676.3 

 49.9 

 678.1 

 678.1 

 728.0 

30 Current tax

Corporation tax payable

Classified as held-for-sale

Corporation tax receivable 

31 Acquisition put option commitments

Current

Non-current

32 Borrowings
The Group’s borrowings are unsecured and are analysed as follows: 

At 30 September 2014

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Over five years

At 30 September 2013

Within one year

Over five years

At 30 September 2012

Within one year

Over five years

134

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
The Group’s borrowings are analysed by currency and interest rate type as follows: 

At 30 September 2014

Fixed rate interest

Floating rate interest

At 30 September 2013

Fixed rate interest

Floating rate interest

At 30 September 2012 

Fixed rate interest

Floating rate interest

Sterling
£m

US dollar
£m

 568.8 

 0.6 

 569.4 

 674.3 

 2.0 

 676.3 

 725.4 

 2.6 

 728.0 

 0.4 

 60.4 

 60.8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total
£m

 569.2 

 61.0 

 630.2 

 674.3 

 2.0 

 676.3 

 725.4 

 2.6 

 728.0 

The Group’s borrowings, analysed by currency and interest rate type, adjusting the principal borrowed and interest rate type by the 
notional amount of interest rate swaps and by the notional amount of currency derivatives, are as follows: 

At 30 September 2014

Fixed rate interest

Floating rate interest

At 30 September 2013

Fixed rate interest

Floating rate interest

At 30 September 2012

Fixed rate interest

Floating rate interest

Sterling
£m

US dollar
£m

430.5

(178.1)

252.4

 528.0 

(321.6)

 206.4 

 458.1 

(181.3)

 276.8 

167.8

208.9

376.7

 175.5 

 301.2 

 476.7 

 178.7 

 266.9 

 445.6 

Euro
£m

–

0.8

0.8 

 – 

(5.9)

(5.9)

 – 

 5.6 

 5.6 

Other
£m

–

0.3

0.3 

 – 

(0.9)

(0.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total
£m

598.3

31.9

630.2

 703.5 

(27.2)

 676.3 

 636.8 

 91.2 

 728.0 

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 covenants based on a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum interest cover ratio. EBITDA 
for these purposes is defined as the aggregate of the Group’s consolidated operating profit including 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 and the ratio is shown in Note 33. These covenants were met at the relevant 
test dates during the year.

During the period the Group renegotiated its committed bank facilities for a further five-year term. Of these facilities £145.0 million are 
denominated in sterling and £344.4 million (US$558.0 million) are denominated in US dollars although drawings are permitted in all 
major currencies. The terms of the new facilities are substantially the same as those of the existing facilities. 

135

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
32 Borrowings continued
The Group’s committed bank facilities and their maturity dates are as follows:

Expiring in more than two years but not more than three years

Expiring in more than three years but not more than four years

Expiring in more than four years but not more than five years 

Total bank facilities

At
30 September
2014 
£m

At
30 September 
2013 
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 – 

 – 

 489.4 

 489.4 

 300.3 

 – 

 – 

 300.3 

 – 

 300.7 

 – 

 300.7 

Following the year end the Company increased its committed bank facilities by £50.0 million. The terms of this new sterling denominated 
facility are substantially the same as those of existing facilities.

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 two years but not more than three years

Expiring in more than three years but not more than four years

Expiring in more than four years but not more than five years

Total undrawn committed bank facilities

At
30 September
2014 
£m

At
30 September 
2013 
£m

At
30 September 
2012
£m

 – 

 – 

 429.5 

 429.5 

 299.8 

 – 

 – 

 299.8 

 – 

 298.3 

 – 

 298.3 

The Group has issued standby letters of credit of £1.8 million (2013 £1.2 million, 2012 £2.4 million).

Bonds
The nominal, carrying and fair values of the Group’s bonds and the coupons payable are as follows: 

At 
30 September
2014
Fair value
£m

At 
30 September
2013
Fair value
£m

At 
30 September
2012
Fair value
£m

At 
30 September
2014
Carrying
value
£m

At 
30 September
2013
Carrying
value
£m

At 
30 September
2012
Carrying
value
£m

At 
30 September
2014
Nominal
value
£m

At 
30 September
2013
Nominal
value
£m

At 
30 September
2012
Nominal
value
£m

Maturity

 Coupon %

2013

2018

2021

2027

7.50

5.75

10.00

6.375

 – 

 305.6 

 139.6 

 234.9 

 680.1 

 – 

351.9 

202.3 

207.8 

 762.0 

47.4 

344.2 

195.3 

193.2 

 780.1 

 – 

 264.4 

 108.4 

 196.0 

 568.8 

 – 

 309.2 

169.2 

 195.9 

 674.3 

 47.3 

 307.4 

171.4 

 199.3 

 725.4 

 – 

 275.0 

 100.0 

 200.0 

 575.0 

 – 

 324.7 

156.4 

 200.0 

681.1 

 46.4 

 324.7 

156.4 

 200.0 

727.5 

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 £2.3 million (2013 £3.1 million, 2012 £3.5 million), the unamortised 
premia £7.1 million (2013 £7.7 million, 2012 £9.2 million).

The fair value of the Group’s bonds have been calculated on the basis of quoted market rates.

In December 2013 the Group bought back £49.7 million nominal of its 2018 bonds and £149.2 million nominal of its 2021 bonds incurring 
a premium of £24.4 million.

On 22 September 2014 the Company announced its invitation to holders of its outstanding £165.0 million 2021 bonds and its outstanding 
£349.7 million 2018 bonds to tender their bonds for purchase by the Company for cash. On 30 September the Company announced the 
results and cash price payable of validly tendered 2018 and 2021 bonds. The total cash price payable by the Company amounted to 
£193.1 million, including a premium of £39.9 million, which was paid on 1 October 2014. The derecognition of this financial liability and 
provision for premium payable has not been recorded in these financial statements since the financial liability was not extinguished 
until post year end as prescribed by IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

Further details of the Group’s borrowing arrangements are set out in the Financial Review on pages 26 to 29.

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.

136

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS33 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 Review on pages 26 to 29.

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 
BBB- 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 internal target of Net Debt to EBITDA cover is no greater than 2.0 times whilst the limit imposed by its bank covenants is no 
greater than 3.75 times. The bank covenant ratio uses the average exchange rate in the calculation of net debt. The resultant Net Debt 
to EBITDA ratio is 1.53 times (2013 1.56 times, 2012 1.65 times). Using a closing rate basis for the valuation of net debt, the ratio was 1.54 
times (2013 1.53 times, 2012 1.62 times).

Cash and liquidity risk management
The Group monitors its cash balances to ensure that sufficient resources are available to meet operational requirements as they fall due. 
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. 

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 7.73 times 
(2013 6.66 times, 2012 6.72 times).

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 interest rate 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 £73.9 million (2013 £73.9 million, 2012 £108.9 million) with the Group paying floating rates of between 0.53% and 0.91% (2013 0.51% 
and 1.86%, 2012 0.63% and 1.86%).

(ii)   Fixed to floating interest rate swaps which are not designated as hedging instruments; changes in the fair value of the swaps are 

recognised in the income statement. These interest rate swaps amount to US$67.0 million (2013 US$67.0 million, 2012 US$67.0 million) 
with the Group receiving floating US dollar interest at rates of between 0.23% and 0.25% (2013 0.25% and 0.38%, 2012 0.38% 
and 0.47%).

(iii)  Cross currency fixed to fixed interest rate swaps; these amount to £64.7 million/US$105.0 million (2013 £72.4 million/US$128.0 million, 
2012 £158.4 million/US$ 288.0 million) resulting in the Group paying fixed US dollar interest at rates of between 6.01% and 6.04% 
(2013 6.01% and 6.07%, 2012 4.40% and 6.07%).

(iv)  The Group also had a number of outstanding interest rate caps. These amounted to US$100.0 million notional (2013 US$100.0 million, 

2012 US$100.0 million) at rates of between 2.20% and 2.75% (2013 6.00%, 2012 6.00%).

137

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE33 Financial instruments and risk management continued
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 30 September 2014. 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 US 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 segment 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 38 days (2013 39 days, 2012 43 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. 

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 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 or £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.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
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:

(i)  Hedges of the change in 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 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 year together with the changes 
in the fair value of the hedged item due to the hedged risk, to the extent the hedge is effective. When the hedging instrument expires or 
is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, hedge accounting is discontinued.

138

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSGains and losses on the borrowings and related derivatives designated as fair value hedges included in the Consolidated Income 
Statement for the year ended 30 September 2014 were: 

Sterling interest rate swaps

Sterling debt

Total

At 
30 September 
2012
£m

Fair value
movement 
gain/(loss)
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

Fair value
movement 
gain/(loss)
£m

At 
30 September 
2014
£m

10.5 

(10.5)

 – 

(6.6)

6.6 

 – 

3.9 

(3.9)

 – 

(0.8)

0.8 

 – 

3.1 

(3.1)

 – 

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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated 
Income Statement in the same period in which the hedged item affects the Consolidated 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 Consolidated Income Statement for the period.

All cash flow hedges were effective throughout the year ended 30 September 2014. All amounts deferred in equity at the year end are 
expected to impact the Consolidated Income Statement in the next 18 months when the related cash flows are expected to occur.

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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Income Statement on 
disposal of the foreign operation.

All net investment hedges were effective throughout the year ended 30 September 2014.

139

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE33 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: 

At 30 September 2014

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Over five years

At 30 September 2013

Within one year

Between one and two years

Over five years

At 30 September 2012

Within one year

Between one and two years

Over five years

Derivative financial liabilities:

At 30 September 2014

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Over five years

At 30 September 2013

Within one year

Between one and two years

Over five years

At 30 September 2012

Within one year

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

 – 

 – 

 2.5 

 13.9 

 16.4 

 16.4 

 – 

 – 

 17.2 

 17.2 

 17.2 

 0.8 

 – 

 22.9 

 22.9 

 23.7 

 2.6 

 0.2 

 – 

 – 

 0.2 

 2.8 

 1.7 

 0.7 

 – 

 0.7 

 2.4 

2.7 

 0.3 

 – 

 0.3 

 3.0 

 0.3 

–

 – 

 2.3 

 2.3 

 2.6 

 17.2 

 – 

 3.3 

 3.3 

 20.5 

 5.4 

 – 

 1.4 

 1.4 

 6.8 

 – 

 – 

 1.1 

 – 

 1.1 

 1.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.9 

 0.2 

 3.6 

 16.2 

 20.0 

 22.9 

 18.9 

 0.7 

 20.5 

 21.2 

 40.1 

 8.9 

 0.3 

 24.3 

 24.6 

 33.5 

Cash flow
hedges
£m

Net investment
hedges
£m

Derivatives 
not qualifying 
for hedge
accounting
£m

Derivative
financial
liabilities
£m

(1.3)

(0.4)

 – 

–

(0.4)

(1.7)

(0.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.9)

(0.3)

 – 

 – 

(0.3)

(2.8)

 – 

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

(3.0)

 – 

 – 

(9.7)

(9.7)

(9.7)

(13.8)

(13.2)

(13.2)

(27.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(13.3)

(13.3)

(13.3)

 – 

 – 

(14.2)

(14.2)

(14.2)

 – 

(21.7)

(21.7)

(21.7)

(4.1)

(0.4)

(0.2)

(13.3)

(13.9)

(18.0)

(0.9)

 – 

(23.9)

(23.9)

(24.8)

(14.1)

(34.9)

(34.9)

(49.0)

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.

140

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
At 30 September 2014 it is estimated that an increase of 1.0% in interest rates would have reduced the Group’s finance costs by 
£0.5 million (2013 decreased by £3.9 million, 2012 increased by £1.2 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 30 September 2014 it is estimated that a decrease of 1.0% in interest rates would have increased the Group’s finance costs by 
£4.8 million (2013 increased by £5.7 million, 2012 reduced by £1.1 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 30 September 2014 it is estimated that a 10.0% strengthening of sterling against the US dollar would have increased the net gain taken 
to equity by £38.9 million (2013 £26.5 million, 2012 £49.1 million) and increased the net loss taken to income by £1.3 million (2013 £1.4 million 
reduction, 2012 £nil). A 10.0% weakening of sterling against the US dollar would have reduced the net gain taken to equity by £44.3 million 
(2013 £29.3 million, 2012 £53.6 million) and increased the net loss taken to income by £3.0 million (2013 £1.8 million, 2012 £nil). 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 30 September 2014 it is estimated that an increase of 1.0% in the rate used to discount the expected gross value of payments would 
lead to a decrease in the fair value of acquisition put option commitments of £1.2 million (2013 £0.2 million, 2012 £nil).

At 30 September 2014 it is estimated that a decrease of 1.0% in the rate used to discount the expected gross value of payments would 
lead to an increase in the fair value of acquisition put option commitments of £1.3 million (2013 £0.2 million, 2012 £nil).

The carrying amounts and gains and losses on financial instruments are as follows: 

At
30 September
2014
Carrying
amount
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
(Loss)/gain 
to income
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Gain/(loss)
 to equity
£m

At
30 September
2013
Carrying
amount
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
(Loss)/gain 
to income
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Gain/(loss) 
to equity
£m

At
30 September
2012
Carrying
amount
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
(Loss)/gain 
to income
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Gain/(loss) 
to equity
£m

Investments

Available-for-sale

Trade receivables

Other debtors

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

 6.8 

 6.8 

 186.1 

 26.6 

 28.5 

 241.2 

 16.4 

 2.3 

 3.1 

 21.8 

9.4 

9.4 

(9.4)

 – 

 0.7 

(8.7)

2.3 

 – 

1.1 

3.4 

Interest rate caps

Derivative assets not 
designated as hedging 
instruments

 1.1 

(0.5)

 1.1 

(0.5)

Trade payables

Bank overdrafts

Bonds

Bank loans

Loan notes

Amounts payable under 
finance leases

Liabilities at amortised cost

(51.2)

 – 

(568.8)

(59.9)

(2.9)

(0.4)

(683.2)

 – 

 – 

(66.0)

(8.9)

 – 

(0.1)

(75.0)

0.4 

0.4 

(0.7)

(0.5)

(1.2)

(2.4)

 – 

 – 

 5.6 

 5.6 

 – 

 – 

2.0 

 – 

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

3.4 

 2.7 

 2.7 

 193.7 

 28.1 

 87.9 

 309.7 

1.8 

1.8 

(0.7)

 – 

1.3 

0.6 

 17.2 

(3.2)

 3.3 

 19.6 

 – 

0.3 

 40.1 

(2.9)

 – 

 – 

(58.8)

 – 

(674.3)

 – 

(2.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(44.1)

(6.2)

 – 

 – 

(735.1)

(50.3)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(1.0)

 – 

(0.8)

(1.8)

 – 

 – 

1.9 

 1.9 

 – 

 – 

 3.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

3.6 

 1.5 

 1.5 

 210.6 

 22.9 

 104.7 

 338.2 

 23.7 

 1.4 

 8.4 

0.5 

0.5 

3.1 

 – 

1.5 

4.6 

4.5 

 – 

(0.1)

(0.1)

(3.1)

 – 

(1.7)

(4.8)

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

19.8 

 33.5 

4.3 

 19.8 

 – 

 – 

(53.5)

 – 

(725.4)

 – 

(2.6)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

(61.7)

(5.9)

 – 

 – 

(781.5)

(67.5)

 – 

 – 

8.4 

 0.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

8.5 

141

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE33 Financial instruments and risk management continued

At
30 September
2014
Carrying
amount
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
(Loss)/gain 
to income
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Gain/(loss)
 to equity
£m

At
30 September
2013
Carrying
amount
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
(Loss)/gain 
to income
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Gain/(loss) 
to equity
£m

At
30 September
2012
Carrying
amount
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
(Loss)/gain 
to income
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Gain/(loss) 
to equity
£m

(0.2)

(4.5)

(0.4)

0.4 

(1.1)

(3.1)

(9.7)

(0.9)

(1.2)

0.3 

(0.7)

(27.0)

 – 

(0.3)

(2.3)

(0.2)

12.8 

5.4 

(4.7)

 – 

(4.2)

(10.6)

(0.9)

(0.7)

(27.3)

(2.5)

18.2 

(34.3)

(13.3)

1.3 

(1.3)

(47.6)

(464.6)

 – 

(71.4)

(0.4)

 – 

(0.4)

2.4

(15.8)

(14.2)

(30.0)

(423.2)

(2.9)

5.0 

2.1 

(49.6)

–

 – 

 – 

2.8 

(8.6)

(21.7)

(30.3)

(465.9)

2.0 

(0.3)

1.7 

(58.9)

 0.3 

 – 

 0.3 

41.9 

Fixed to fixed cross currency 
swaps

Forward foreign currency 
contracts

Derivative liabilities in 
effective hedging 
relationships

Acquisition put option 
commitments

Interest rate swaps

Derivative liabilities not 
designated as hedging 
instruments

Total for financial instruments

Reconciliation of net gain or loss taken to equity:

Change in fair value of hedging derivatives

Translation of financial instruments of overseas operations

Note

38, 39

Transfer of gain on cash flow hedges from fair value reserves to Consolidated Income Statement

38, 39

Total loss on financial instruments to equity

Reconciliation of net gain or loss taken through income to net finance costs:

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2012
£m

0.2 

1.0 

 1.2 

2.4 

(1.0)

1.6 

2.2 

2.8 

34.4 

3.9 

3.6 

41.9 

Total loss on financial instruments to income

Add back: 

Impairment of trade receivables

Impairment of available-for-sale assets

Dividend income

Interest receivable from short-term deposits

Finance charge on discounting of contingent consideration 

Fair value movement of contingent consideration

Interest on pension scheme liabilities less expected return on pension scheme assets

Net finance costs

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September
 2013
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
£m

Note

(71.4)

(49.6)

(58.9)

27 

9 

9 

10 

10 

10 

10 

9.4 

 – 

(9.4)

(0.7)

(1.3)

0.7 

(7.6)

(80.3)

0.7 

 – 

(1.8)

(1.3)

(1.1)

(5.0)

(12.9)

(71.0)

(3.1)

 0.3 

(0.8)

(1.5)

(0.3)

0.2 

(15.0)

(79.1)

142

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Reconciliation of amounts due under finance lease agreements:

At 30 September 2014

Present value of minimum lease payments

At 30 September 2013

Present value of minimum lease payments

At 30 September 2012

Present value of minimum lease payments

Due in less than 
one year
£m

Due between
one and 
five years
£m

Due in more 
than five years
£m

(0.2)

(0.2)

 – 

Due in less than 
one year
£m

Due between
one and 
five years
£m

Due in more 
than five years
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

Due in less than 
one year
£m

Due between
one and 
five years
£m

Due in more 
than five years
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total
£m

(0.4)

Total
£m

 – 

Total
£m

 – 

The remaining undiscounted contractual liabilities and their maturities are as follows:

Trade
payables
£m

Finance
leases
£m

Interest 
rate swaps
£m

Currency
swaps
£m

Forward
contracts
£m

At 30 September 2014

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and ten years

Between ten and fifteen years

At 30 September 2013

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and ten years

Between ten and fifteen years

At 30 September 2012

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and ten years

Between ten and fifteen years

(51.2)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(51.2)

(58.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(58.8)

(53.5)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(53.5)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.1)

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

(0.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(2.4)

(2.4)

(7.2)

(12.0)

(6.6)

(28.2)

(30.6)

(2.4)

(2.4)

(7.2)

(12.0)

(8.9)

(30.5)

(32.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(68.5)

(68.5)

(68.5)

(1.5)

(1.5)

(27.9)

 – 

 – 

(29.4)

(30.9)

(2.4)

(2.4)

(7.1)

(11.8)

(47.6)

(68.9)

(71.3)

(106.0)

(4.8)

(14.3)

(23.9)

(101.7)

(144.7)

(250.7)

Bonds
£m

(175.4)

(26.0)

(286.4)

(72.0)

(234.7)

(619.1)

(794.5)

(47.1)

(47.1)

(141.2)

(587.8)

(247.4)

(1,023.5)

(236.2)

(17.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(17.4)

(253.6)

(40.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(40.1)

(1,070.6)

(59.7)

(7.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(95.2)

(47.1)

(141.2)

(622.1)

(260.2)

(7.8)

(67.5)

(1,070.6)

(1,165.8)

Bank loans 
and 
overdrafts
£m

Loan notes
£m

Total
£m

 – 

 – 

(63.6)

 – 

 – 

(63.6)

(63.6)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(2.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(469.8)

(47.4)

(385.2)

(84.0)

(241.3)

(757.9)

(2.9)

(1,227.7)

(2.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(152.8)

(51.9)

(155.5)

(611.6)

(303.9)

(1,122.9)

(2.0)

(1,275.7)

(2.6)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(317.0)

(59.7)

(155.5)

(646.0)

(430.4)

(1,291.6)

(2.6)

(1,608.6)

143

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
33 Financial instruments and risk management continued
Reconciliation of undiscounted liabilities to amounts on the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position:

Undiscounted
 value of
 financial
 liabilities
£m

Interest
£m

Unamortised
 issue costs
£m

Discount/
premium
 on issue
£m

Mark to
 market
 adjustments
£m

Effect of
 discounting
£m

At 30 September 2014

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and 10 years

Between ten and 15 years

Analysed as follows:

Trade payables

Loan notes

Bank loans

Finance leases

Bonds

Interest rate swaps

Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps

Forward foreign currency contracts

At 30 September 2013

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and 10 years

Between 10 and 15 years

Analysed as follows: 

Trade payables

Loan notes

Bonds

Interest rate swaps

Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps

Forward foreign currency contracts

At 30 September 2012

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and 10 years

Between 10 and 15 years

Analysed as follows: 

Trade payables

Loan notes

Bonds

Interest rate swaps

Fixed to fixed cross currency swaps

Forward foreign currency contracts

144

(469.8)

(47.4)

(385.2)

(84.0)

(241.3)

(757.9)

(1,227.7)

(51.2)

(2.9)

(63.6)

(0.4)

(794.5)

(30.6)

(30.9)

(253.6)

(1,227.7)

(152.8)

(51.9)

(155.5)

(611.6)

(303.9)

(1,122.9)

(1,275.7)

(58.8)

(2.0)

(1,070.6)

(32.9)

(71.3)

(40.1)

 28.5 

 28.5 

 79.0 

 76.8 

 41.3 

 225.6 

 254.1 

 – 

 – 

 3.7 

 – 

 219.4 

 30.6 

 0.4 

 – 

 254.1 

50.1 

50.1 

150.2 

121.7 

58.6 

380.6 

430.7 

 – 

 – 

389.4 

 32.9 

 8.4 

 – 

(1,275.7)

430.7 

(317.0)

(59.7)

(155.5)

(646.0)

(430.4)

(1,291.6)

(1,608.6)

(53.5)

(2.6)

(1,165.8)

(68.5)

(250.7)

(67.5)

48.8 

47.1 

141.2 

141.0 

94.3 

423.6 

472.4 

 – 

 – 

438.2 

 34.2 

 – 

 – 

(1,608.6)

472.4 

 0.8 

 0.3 

 0.7 

 0.3 

 0.2 

 1.5 

 2.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.3 

0.4 

0.4 

1.5 

0.6 

0.2 

2.7 

3.1 

 – 

 – 

3.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

3.1 

0.4 

0.4 

1.3 

1.1 

0.3 

3.1 

3.5 

 – 

 – 

3.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

3.5 

(2.2)

(3.1)

2.5 

6.2 

0.3 

0.3 

9.3 

7.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.1 

1.7 

1.9 

6.6 

(2.9)

0.4 

6.0 

7.7 

 – 

 – 

7.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.7 

1.6 

1.7 

6.1 

(0.6)

0.4 

7.6 

9.2 

 – 

 – 

9.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

9.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(3.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(3.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(3.1)

(3.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(3.9)

 – 

 – 

(3.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(3.9)

(10.5)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(10.5)

 – 

 – 

(10.5)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(10.5)

0.1 

(0.1)

 0.2 

 – 

(13.3)

(13.2)

(13.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(13.3)

0.2 

 – 

(13.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(17.1)

(17.1)

(17.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(14.2)

(2.9)

 – 

(17.1)

(0.3)

0.4 

1.5 

 2.5 

 8.7 

13.1 

12.8 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 12.6 

0.4 

(0.2)

12.8 

Undiscounted
 value of
 financial
 asset
£m

Total
£m

 233.4 

(212.3)

 18.5 

 27.3 

 – 

 – 

45.8 

 279.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

 30.1 

 249.1 

 279.2 

 40.9 

 1.8 

 5.3 

 8.8 

 38.5 

54.4 

 95.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

56.1 

39.2 

95.3 

2.3 

(271.8)

(6.6)

(212.8)

(488.9)

(701.2)

(51.2)

(2.9)

(59.9)

(0.4)

(568.8)

(13.3)

(0.2)

(4.5)

(701.2)

(63.6)

2.3 

8.1 

(483.4)

(223.3)

(696.3)

(759.9)

(58.8)

(2.0)

(674.3)

(14.2)

(9.7)

(0.9)

(759.9)

 151.8 

(125.2)

 12.1 

 12.8 

 21.4 

 92.6 

138.9 

 290.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

223.3 

67.4 

290.7 

2.0 

7.4 

(480.6)

(234.1)

(705.3)

(830.5)

(53.5)

(2.6)

(725.4)

(21.7)

(27.0)

(0.3)

(830.5)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSValuation techniques and assumptions applied for the purpose of measuring fair value
The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, 
grouped into levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable: 

Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for 
the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not 
based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

At 30 September 2014

Financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets

Fair value through profit and loss

Derivative instruments not designated in hedge accounting relationships

Provision for contingent consideration receivable

Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

Financial liabilities

Fair value through profit and loss

Acquisition put options

Derivative instruments not designated in hedge accounting relationships

Provision for contingent consideration

Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

At 30 September 2013

Financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets

Fair value through profit and loss

Provision for contingent consideration receivable

Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

Financial liabilities

Fair value through profit and loss

Acquisition put options

Derivative instruments not designated in hedge accounting relationships

Provision for contingent consideration

Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

There were no transfers between categories in the period.

Note

25 

31 

35

25

31

35

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

 – 

 1.1 

–

 21.8 

 22.9 

 – 

(13.3)

–

(4.7)

(18.0)

 6.8 

–

 2.7 

 – 

 9.5 

(34.3)

 – 

(20.2)

 – 

(54.5)

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

 – 

–

 40.1 

 40.1 

 – 

(14.2)

–

(10.6)

(24.8)

 2.7 

 5.4 

 – 

 8.1 

(15.8)

 – 

(26.2)

 – 

(42.0)

Total
£m

 6.8 

 1.1 

 2.7 

 21.8 

 32.4 

(34.3)

(13.3)

(20.2)

(4.7)

(72.5)

Total
£m

 2.7 

 5.4 

 40.1 

 48.2 

(15.8)

(14.2)

(26.2)

(10.6)

(66.8)

145

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
 
 
33 Financial instruments and risk management continued
Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurement of financial liabilities: 

At 30 September 2013

Settlements

Change in fair value of acquisition put option commitments and contingent consideration in income

Finance charge on discounting of contingent consideration

Additions

Owned by subsidiaries acquired

Release of payments made in advance in prior year

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Note

 10 

 10 

 16 

 31, 35 

£m

(42.0)

5.5 

2.4 

(1.4)

(22.5)

(0.8)

4.5 

(0.2)

(54.5)

The key input into the significant level 3 financial liabilities is the future profitability of the businesses to which the acquisition put options 
and contingent consideration relate. The range of possible outcomes for the fair value of these options is £13.7 million to £130.4 million 
(2013 £1.2 million to £92.1 million).

A one percentage point increase or decrease in the growth rate in estimating the expected profits results in the acquisition commitment 
and contingent consideration liability at 30 September 2014 increasing or decreasing by £0.4 million and £0.4 million respectively with 
the corresponding change to the value at 30 September 2014 charged or credited to the Income Statement in future periods.

34 Retirement benefit obligations
The Group operates a number of pension schemes under which contributions are paid by the employer and employees. The total net 
pension costs of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2014 were £28.9 million (2013 £31.1 million, 2012 £35.3 million).

The schemes include funded defined benefit pension arrangements, providing service-related benefits, in addition to a number of 
defined contribution pension arrangements. The defined benefit schemes in the UK, together with some defined contribution plans, 
are administered by trustees or trustee companies.

In compliance with legislation the Group commenced automatic enrolment of relevant employees into defined contribution pension 
plans from September 2013. This process will continue to be staged progressively and will be complete during 2016.

Defined benefit schemes
Background
The Company operates two main defined benefit schemes, the Harmsworth Pension Scheme (HPS) and the Senior Executive Pension 
Scheme (SEPF), both of which are now closed to new entrants. Benefits accrued up to 31 March 2011 were accrued on a final salary 
basis, but with the value of those benefits having been delinked from pensionable salary. Existing members still in employment can 
continue to accrue benefits in the scheme on a cash balance basis, with members building up a retirement account that they can 
use to buy an annuity from an insurance company at retirement.

Full actuarial valuations of the defined benefit schemes are carried out triennially by the Scheme Actuary. As a result of the valuations of 
the main schemes as at 31 March 2013 the Company makes annual contributions of 12.0% or 18.0% of members’ basic pay (depending 
on membership section) for HPS and 28.5% of pensionable pay for SEPF. Following the results of the latest triennial valuation, the 
Company agreed recovery plans involving a series of annual funding payments, and in accordance with both these and prior 
arrangements, payments of £23.1 million were made on 4 October 2013; £13.0 million on 31 January 2014 and £7.0 million on 28 February 
2014. A further payment of £28.7 million was made subsequent to the year end and in accordance with the agreed payment date of 
5 October 2014. Between October 2014 and October 2026 further annual payments have been agreed amounting to £334.6 million 
(excluding the balloon funding payment referred to below in connection with the Limited Partnership investment vehicle). The 
Company considers that these contribution rates are sufficient to eliminate the deficit over the agreed period. Both the ongoing 
contributions and Recovery Plan will be reviewed at the next triennial funding valuation of the main schemes due to be completed 
with an effective date 31 March 2016.

In February 2014 the Company agreed with the Trustees that should it continue its share buy-back programme it would make additional 
contributions to the schemes amounting to 20% of the value of shares bought back. Contributions of £5.9 million relating to this 
agreement were made in the year to 30 September 2014. 

The Company also has a defined benefit obligation relating to the DMGT AVC Plan (the Plan) which is closed to further member 
contributions. The most recent actuarial funding valuation of the Plan, carried out with an effective date of 31 March 2011, showed 
a funding deficit of £5.6 million. The Trustees and the Company have agreed that this funding shortfall will be removed through the 
expected investment returns, with no further contributions required from the Company. The 31 March 2014 valuation results are 
expected to be finalised in early 2015.

146

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSLimited Partnership investment vehicle
The Company enabled the Trustee of the HPS to acquire a beneficial interest in a Limited Partnership investment vehicle (LP). The LP 
has been designed to facilitate payment of part of the deficit funding payments described above over a period of 15 years to 2026. 
In addition, the LP is required to make a final payment to the scheme of £150.0 million or the funding deficit within the scheme on an 
ongoing actuarial valuation basis at the end of the 15-year period if this is less. For funding purposes, the interest held by the trustee 
in the LP will be treated as an asset of the scheme and reduce the actuarial deficit within the scheme. However, under IAS 19 the LP  
is not included as an asset of the scheme and therefore is not included in the disclosures below.

The figures in this Note are based on calculations using membership data as at 30 September 2014 along with asset valuations and 
cash flow information from the schemes for the year to 30 September 2014.

A reconciliation of the net pension obligation reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is shown in the following table: 

At
30 September
2014
Schemes 
in surplus
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Schemes 
in deficit
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Total
£m

At
30 September
2013
Schemes 
in surplus
£m

At
30 September
2013
Schemes 
in deficit
£m

At
30 September
2013
Total
£m

At
30 September
2012
Schemes 
in surplus
£m

At
30 September
2012
Schemes 
in deficit
£m

At
30 September
2012
Total
£m

Present value of defined 
benefit obligation

Assets at fair value

(Deficit)/surplus reported in 
the Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position

(261.8)

 268.2 

(2,120.1)

(2,381.9)

 1,901.9 

2,170.1 

 6.4 

(218.2)

(211.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(2,169.7)

 1,962.0 

(2,169.7)

 1,962.0 

(207.7)

(207.7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(2,089.0)

(2,089.0)

 1,764.6 

 1,764.6 

(324.4)

(324.4)

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 Statement of Financial Position. 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 Statement of Financial Position would be in accordance with 
the interpretations of IFRIC 14. In 2013 and 2012 all schemes were in deficit.

The deficit for the year, set out above, excludes a related deferred tax asset of £42.8 million (2013 £42.3 million, 2012 £74.6 million). 

A reconciliation of the present value of the defined benefit obligation is shown in the following table: 

Defined benefit obligation at start of year

Current service cost

Current service cost in respect of salary sacrifice

Interest cost

Past service cost

Settlement/curtailment

Member contributions

Net benefit payments

Actuarial gain/(loss) as a result of: 

 – changes in assumptions

 – membership experience

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
£m

Note

(2,169.7)

(2,089.0)

(1,921.1)

(7.4)

(3.0)

(97.7)

(0.3)

 – 

(0.1)

 92.0 

38, 39

38, 39

(209.0)

13.3 

(8.8)

(3.5)

(89.7)

 – 

 3.8 

(0.2)

91.5 

(80.8)

7.0 

(12.0)

(4.9)

(97.7)

 – 

 – 

(0.5)

85.0 

(116.7)

(21.1)

Defined benefit obligation at the end of year

(2,381.9)

(2,169.7)

(2,089.0)

A reconciliation of the fair value of assets is shown in the following table:

Fair value of assets at start of year

Interest income on scheme assets

Company contributions

Member contributions

Net benefit payments

Actuarial movement

Administration expenses

Fair value of assets at end of year

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
£m

Note

1,962.0 

1,764.6 

1,584.9 

 90.1 

 65.3 

 0.4 

(92.0)

145.8 

(1.5)

 76.8 

 43.8 

 0.2 

(91.5)

168.1 

 – 

82.6 

82.0 

0.5 

(85.0)

99.6 

 – 

2,170.1 

1,962.0 

1,764.6 

 38, 39 

147

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE34 Retirement benefit obligations continued
The fair value of the assets is categorised as follows:

At 30 September 2014

Quoted

Unquoted

% of assets held

At 30 September 2013

Quoted

Unquoted

% of assets held

At 30 September 2012

Quoted

Unquoted

% of assets held

Equities

Bonds

Property

Other assets

Total

 908.4 

 442.1 

62.23%

 729.1 

 408.7 

57.99%

 620.8 

 360.9 

55.63%

 362.3 

 183.9 

25.17%

 438.1 

 147.9 

29.87%

 469.5 

 112.1 

32.96%

 – 

 255.5 

11.77%

 – 

 201.8 

10.29%

 – 

 172.6 

9.78%

 14.8 

 3.1 

 1,285.5 

 884.6 

0.82%

100.00%

 36.3 

 0.1 

1.86%

 1,203.5 

 758.5 

100.00%

 28.4 

 0.3 

 1,118.7 

 645.9 

1.63%

100.00%

Equities include hedge funds and infrastructure funds.

The value of employer-related assets held on behalf of the schemes at 30 September 2014 was £15.3 million (0.70% of assets), 
(2013 £13.1 million, 0.67% of assets, 2012 £18.2 million, 1.03% of assets).

The main financial assumptions are shown in the following table: 

Price inflation

Salary increases

Pension increases

Discount rate

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
%

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
%

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
%

 3.10 

 3.00 

 3.00 

 4.00 

 3.20 

 3.00 

 3.00 

 4.60 

 2.40 

 2.40 

 2.40 

 4.40 

The discount rate for both scheme liabilities and the fair value of scheme assets reflects yields at the year end date on high-quality 
corporate bonds. 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 ‘CMI’ 
projections but with a long-term rate of improvement in future mortality rates of 1.25% per annum. Allowance is made for the extent to 
which employees have chosen to commute part of their pension for cash at retirement.

The average duration of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the year is approximately 17 years (2013 17 years).

The table below illustrates examples of the assumed average life expectancies from age 60 for the principal schemes:

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Future life
expectancy
from age 
60 (years)

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Future life
expectancy
from age 
60 (years)

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Future life
expectancy
from age 
60 (years)

 26.8 

 28.7 

 27.9 

 29.8 

 27.0 

 28.8 

 28.3 

 30.0 

 27.2 

 29.0 

 28.7 

 30.5 

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

148

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
The amounts charged to the Consolidated Income Statement based on the above assumptions are shown in the following table: 

Current service cost

Current service cost in respect of salary sacrifice

Past service cost

Administration expenses

Settlement/curtailment

Charge to operating profit

Finance cost

Total net charge to the Consolidated Income Statement

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Note

(7.4)

(3.0)

(0.3)

(1.5)

 – 

(12.2)

(7.6)

(19.8)

(8.8)

(3.5)

 – 

 – 

 3.8 

(8.5)

(12.9)

(21.4)

4

 10 

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 30 September 2014 from a one-year increase in life expectancy

Change in pension cost from a one-year increase

Inflation rate

Change in pension obligation at 30 September 2014 from a 0.1% per annum increase

Change in pension cost from a 0.1% per annum increase

Discount rate

Change in pension obligation at 30 September 2014 from a 0.1% per annum decrease

Change in pension cost from a 0.1% per annum decrease

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
£m

+/-

+/-

+/-

+/-

+/-

+/-

 93.4 

 4.0 

 27.6 

 1.2 

 42.0 

 1.6 

 82.4 

 3.3 

 31.3 

 1.6 

 33.4 

 1.5 

 77.2 

 3.7 

 30.4 

 1.5 

 33.8 

 1.4 

There are significant risks in connection with running defined benefit schemes; key risks are highlighted below:

Discount rate risk
The present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated using a discount rate set with reference to high-quality corporate 
bond yields. A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the present value of the defined benefit obligation, although this will 
be partially offset by an increase in the value of corporate bonds held by the schemes. 

Inflation rate risk
A significant proportion of the defined benefit obligation is linked to inflation, therefore increased inflation will result in a higher defined 
benefit obligation. The Trustees have sought to acquire certain assets with exposure to inflationary uplifts in order to negate a proportion 
of this risk.

Life expectancy risk
The present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated with reference to the best estimate of the mortality of scheme members. 
An increase in assumed life expectancy will result in an increase in the defined benefit obligation. Regular reviews of mortality experience 
are performed to ensure life expectancy assumptions remain appropriate.

149

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE34 Retirement benefit obligations continued
Investment risk
This is a measure of the uncertainty that the return on the scheme’s assets keeps pace with the discount rate. The schemes hold a 
significant proportion of equities and similar ‘growth assets’, which are expected to outperform the discount rate in the long term.

Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (SOCI) are shown in the following table: 

Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in SOCI

Cumulative actuarial loss recognised in SOCI at beginning of year

Cumulative actuarial loss recognised in SOCI at end of year

A history of experience gains and losses is shown in the following table: 

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
£m

(49.9)

2.9 

(47.0)

94.3 

(91.4)

2.9 

(38.2)

(53.2)

(91.4)

Present value of defined benefit obligation

Fair value of scheme assets

Combined deficit in schemes 

Experience adjustments on defined benefit obligation

Experience adjustments on fair value of scheme assets

At 
30 September
2014
£m

At 
30 September
2013
£m

(2,381.9)

 2,170.1 

(211.8)

(195.7)

145.8 

(2,169.7)

 1,962.0 

(207.7)

(73.8)

168.1

At
 2 October
2012
£m

(2,089.0)

 1,764.6 

(324.4)

(137.8)

99.6

At 
3 October
2011
£m

(1,921.1)

 1,584.9 

(336.2)

(15.4)

(49.1)

At 
4 October
2010
£m

(1,878.2)

 1,606.8 

(271.4)

57.5

111.9

The Group expects to contribute approximately £39.1 million to the schemes during the year to 30 September 2015 including the deficit 
funding payments described above.

UK 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 
segments. The benefits for all members of the trust-based plans are currently being transferred to individual policies held in the 
member’s own name. This transfer is expected to complete by the end of November 2014, following which the scheme will be wound 
up. Insured death benefits previously held under this trust have already been transferred to a new trust-based arrangement specifically 
for life assurance purposes.

The aggregate value of the group personal pension plans and the remaining trust-based defined contribution pension plans was 
£76.7 million (2013 £65.8 million, 2012 £50.3 million) at the year end. The pension cost attributable to these plans during the year 
amounted to £5.7 million (2013 £3.0 million, 2012 £1.9 million).

Overseas pension plans
Overseas subsidiaries of certain Group segments operate defined contribution retirement benefit plans, primarily in North America 
and Australia. The pension cost attributable to these plans during the year amounts to £3.7 million (2013 £2.9 million, 2012 £1.4 million).

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, no Executive Directors accrued further pension during the year.

150

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS35 Provisions

Current liabilities

At 30 September 2012

Additions

Charged during year

Utilised during year

Transfer from non-current liabilities

Payments in advance

Contingent consideration paid 

Notional interest on contingent 
consideration

Adjustment to goodwill/contingent 
consideration

Fair value adjustment to contingent 
consideration

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Owned by subsidiaries acquired

Additions

Charged during year

19

16

16

Financial liability for closed period purchases

 44 

Utilised during year

Release of payments made in advance in 
prior year

Transfer from non-current liabilities

Contingent consideration paid 

Notional interest on contingent 
consideration

Fair value adjustment to contingent 
consideration

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

16

10

10

19

Contract
 discount
£m

Coupon
 discount
£m

Onerous
leases
£m

Reorganisation
costs
£m

Contingent
consideration
£m

Note

Legal
£m

Other (i)
£m

Total
£m

12.2

 – 

16.4

(9.9)

1.8 

 – 

8.2 

(8.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2.0 

 – 

 – 

6.3 

 – 

(6.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

 0.1 

 18.6 

 – 

 – 

 21.6 

 – 

(13.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

–

26.2 

 1.3 

 – 

0.5 

(1.5)

 2.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.4)

2.1 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 – 

(1.3)

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

1.8 

0.1

 2.4 

 8.2 

 – 

(0.9)

(5.6)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.7 

 – 

 – 

2.7

 – 

(1.2)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 3.2 

0.7 

 4.6 

 – 

 – 

 1.6 

 4.5 

(4.5)

0.2 

(0.5)

 2.6 

 – 

 – 

9.2 

 – 

 0.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(4.5)

 15.1 

(5.1)

 0.8 

(2.1)

 – 

 0.1 

13.7 

2.8 

 – 

5.2 

(5.0)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

2.9 

 – 

 – 

 5.8 

 – 

(4.7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.2 

 – 

27.1 

(16.9)

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

18.8 

 0.5 

 – 

 9.7 

 20.0 

(18.1)

 – 

 0.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 4.0 

(0.1)

31.2 

 34.2 

 4.6 

 56.5 

(46.9)

 5.2 

 4.5 

(4.5)

 0.2 

(0.5)

 2.6 

(0.2)

(0.4)

 55.3 

 0.5 

 0.2 

 46.2 

 20.0 

(45.6)

(4.5)

 16.9 

(5.1)

 0.8 

(2.1)

(0.1)

 – 

82.5 

151

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE35 Provisions continued

Non-current liabilities

At 30 September 2012

Additions

Charged during year

Utilised during year

Transfer to current liabilities

Contingent consideration paid 

Notional interest on contingent 
consideration

Adjustment to goodwill/contingent 
consideration

Fair value adjustment to contingent 
consideration

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

Owned by subsidiaries acquired

Additions

Charged during year

Utilised during year

Transfer to current liabilities

Notional interest on contingent 
consideration

Fair value adjustment to contingent 
consideration

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Contract
 discount
£m

Coupon
 discount
£m

Onerous
leases
£m

Reorganisation
costs
£m

Contingent
consideration
£m

Note

Legal
£m

Other (i)
£m

Total
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

2.8 

 – 

13.0 

(0.6)

(2.2)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.1 

 13.1 

 – 

 – 

(0.5)

(0.1)

(1.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 11.1 

16

16

10

10

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

5.9 

 10.2 

 – 

 – 

(1.6)

(2.4)

 0.9 

 0.9 

 2.4 

 0.7 

 17.0 

 0.8 

 2.4 

 – 

 – 

(15.1)

 0.6 

 1.0 

(0.2)

 6.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

5.7 

 – 

 6.3 

(0.5)

(1.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.2)

 9.9 

 – 

 – 

0.5

(5.6)

(0.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 14.4 

 10.2 

 19.3 

(1.1)

(5.2)

(2.4)

 0.9 

 0.9 

 2.4 

 0.6 

 40.0 

 0.8 

 2.4 

 – 

(5.7)

(16.9)

 0.6 

 1.0 

(0.2)

 4.4 

 22.0 

(i)   Other current provisions principally comprise a share buy-back provision amounting to £20.0 million (Note 44) (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil), 
dilapidation provisions of £2.5 million (2013 £4.3 million, 2012 £0.7 million), provisions for national insurance of £nil (2013 £2.1 million, 
2012 £1.4 million) and loyalty programme provisions of £3.5 million (2013 £5.5 million, 2012 £nil).

Other non-current provisions principally comprise of dilapidation provisions of £2.9 million (2013 £2.1 million, 2012 £1.7 million), provision 
for national insurance of £0.1 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.1 million), a provision for amounts payable to the Newspaper Society following 
cessation of membership on the disposal of Northcliffe Newspapers Limited in 2012 of £1.0 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) and a provision 
for remuneration following business combinations of £nil (2013 £7.6 million, 2012 £nil).

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: 

Expiring in one year or less

Expiring between one and two years

Expiring between two and five years

At
 30 September 
2014
£m

At
 30 September 
2013
£m

At
 30 September 
2012
£m

 13.7 

 0.8 

 5.7 

 20.2 

 9.2 

 13.1 

 3.9 

 26.2 

 0.7 

 0.8 

 5.1 

 6.6 

The contingent consideration is based on future business valuations and profit multiples and has been estimated on an acquisition-by-
acquisition basis using available data forecasts. The range of undiscounted outcomes for contingent consideration relating to 
acquisitions in the year is £nil to £19.8 million. Certain contingent consideration arrangements are not capped since they are based 
on future business performance.

152

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS36 Deferred taxation

Disclosed within non-current liabilities

Disclosed within non-current assets

At 30 September 2012

(Credit)/charge to income

(Credit)/charge to income due to change in tax rate 

Credit to equity

Charge to equity due to change in tax rate

Owned by subsidiaries acquired

Owned by subsidiaries sold

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2013

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 

Classified as held-for-sale

Exchange adjustment

At 30 September 2014

Disclosed within non-current liabilities

Disclosed within non-current assets

At 30 September 2014

Accelerated
capital
allowances
£m

Note

Goodwill
and
intangible
assets
£m

Share-
based
payments
£m

Deferred
interest
£m

Trading
losses and 
tax credits
£m

Pension
scheme 
deficit
£m

 0.5 

(19.0)

(18.5)

(4.3)

2.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(3.1)

 – 

(23.2)

(0.6)

(22.6)

2.0 

 – 

 – 

 0.2 

 – 

(21.0)

0.5 

(21.5)

(21.0)

30.4 

47.6 

78.0 

10.7 

(1.6)

 – 

 – 

5.5 

(0.1)

(0.2)

92.3 

 28.9 

63.4 

(1.9)

(0.8)

 9.0 

(3.0)

(3.3)

(0.1)

92.2 

30.5 

61.7 

92.2 

(4.1)

(13.7)

(17.8)

(0.3)

 1.0 

(1.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(18.5)

(3.4)

(15.1)

7.4 

1.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(9.9)

(0.9)

(9.0)

(9.9)

 – 

(107.2)

(107.2)

(10.2)

 5.3 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(112.1)

(1.1)

(111.0)

(12.7)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(124.8)

(0.4)

(124.4)

(124.8)

 – 

(12.8)

(12.8)

(12.6)

0.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(1.5)

1.4 

(24.6)

(1.4)

(23.2)

(5.6)

 – 

 – 

–

 – 

0.5 

(29.7)

(2.1)

(27.6)

(29.7)

(0.6)

(80.4)

(81.0)

7.5 

(5.6)

16.3 

14.5 

 – 

(2.0)

 – 

(50.3)

(0.6)

(49.7)

7.9 

(9.9)

 – 

–

 – 

 – 

(52.3)

(1.0)

(51.3)

(52.3)

11 

38,39

16 

17 

19 

Other
£m

(2.3)

(19.2)

(21.5)

8.1 

0.6 

(0.1)

 – 

 – 

 0.2 

 – 

(12.7)

 – 

(12.7)

(1.1)

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

 0.2 

Total
£m

23.9 

(204.7)

(180.8)

(1.1)

3.3 

14.8 

14.5 

 5.5 

(6.5)

1.2 

(149.1)

 21.8 

(170.9)

(4.0)

(9.5)

9.0 

(3.0)

(3.2)

0.6 

(13.7)

(159.2)

(5.4)

(8.3)

(13.7)

21.2 

(180.4)

(159.2)

The deferred tax assets disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in respect of deferred interest, tax losses and tax 
credits are analysed as follows: 

UK

Rest of Europe

North America

Australia

At
 30 September 
2014
£m

At
 30 September 
2013
£m

At
 30 September 
2012
£m

53.4 

 2.1 

87.8 

11.2 

43.9 

1.4 

78.7 

12.7 

39.6 

 – 

75.0 

5.4 

154.5 

136.7 

120.0 

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 £6.6 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) have expiry dates between 2021 and 2034.

Included in the credit to income of £4.0 million (2013 £5.4 million, 2012 £15.1 million) is a charge of £0.2 million (2013 £1.5 million, 
2012 £9.3 million) relating to discontinued operations.

Included in Other deferred tax are deferred tax assets of £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.7 million) in respect of capital losses and deferred 
tax liabilities of £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.7 million) in respect of revaluations and rolled over gains and £0.4 million (2013 £0.4 million, 
2012 £0.4 million) in respect of financial instruments. The £nil credit to equity (2013 credit of £0.1 million, 2012 charge of £1.9 million) 
relates entirely to financial instruments.

There is an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £61.1 million (2013 £54.8 million, 2012 £79.1 million) which relates to revenue losses where 
there is insufficient certainty that these losses will be utilised in the foreseeable future. There is an additional unprovided deferred tax asset 
relating to capital losses carried forward of £88.4 million (2013 £92.4 million, 2012 £62.4 million). Of these assets £8.6 million (2013 £nil, 
2012 £nil) have expiry dates between 2022 and 2033. 

No deferred tax liability is recognised on temporary differences of £219.0 million (2013 £177.5 million, 2012 £117.2 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 30 September 2014 represent only 
the unremitted earnings of those overseas subsidiaries where remittance to the UK of those earnings may still result in a tax liability, 
principally as a result of a dividend withholding taxes levied by the overseas tax jurisdictions in which these subsidiaries operate.

153

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE37 Called-up share capital

Ordinary Shares of 12.5 pence each

A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares of 12.5 pence each

Ordinary Shares

A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares 

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid
At 30 September 
2014
£m

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid
At 30 September 
2013
£m

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid
At 30 September 
2012
£m

2.5 

46.7 

49.2 

2.5 

46.7 

49.2 

2.5 

46.6 

49.1 

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid
At 30 September 
2014
Number
of shares

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid
At 30 September 
2013
Number
of shares

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid
At 30 September 
2012
Number
of shares

19,890,364

19,886,472

19,886,472

373,966,557

373,687,330

373,073,648

393,856,921

393,573,802

392,960,120

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 3.8 million A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares, in order to satisfy incentive schemes. This represented 
1.0% of the called-up A Ordinary Non-Voting Share capital at 30 September 2014.

The Company also purchased 5.5 million A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares having a nominal value of £0.7 million to match obligations 
under incentive plans. The consideration paid for these shares was £49.2 million. 

The Company also purchased 5.1 million A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares having a nominal value of £0.6 million as part of a share 
buy-back programme. The consideration paid for these shares was £42.1 million.

Shares repurchased during the year represented 2.8% of the called-up A Ordinary Non-Voting Share capital at 30 September 2014.

At 30 September 2014 options were outstanding under the terms of the Company’s 1997 and 2006 Executive Share Option Schemes, 
together with nil cost options, over a total of 2,667,385 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2013 3,507,058 Shares, 2012 4,929,968 Shares).

38 Reserves

Share premium account

At start of year

Issue of shares

At end of year

Capital redemption reserve

At start and end of year

Own shares

At start of year

Purchase of DMGT shares

Group share of Euromoney own shares acquired

Own shares released on vesting of share options

Financial liability for closed period purchases

At end of year

154

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Note

16.3 

 1.5 

17.8 

 13.5 

 2.8 

 16.3 

 1.1 

 1.1 

37

35, 44

(116.6)

(91.3)

(14.6)

 23.4 

(20.0)

(219.1)

(43.8)

(94.6)

 – 

 21.8 

 – 

(116.6)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe Group’s investment in its own shares represent shares held in treasury or shares held by an employee benefit trust to satisfy 
incentive schemes. 

At 30 September 2014, this investment comprised 25,082,829 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2013 20,412,954 shares, 2012 10,188,174 
shares) held in treasury and 2,196,080 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2013 nil, 2012 nil) held in the employee benefit trust. The market 
value of the Treasury Shares at 30 September 2014 was £192.1 million (2013 £155.5 million, 2012 £49.1 million) and the market value of the 
shares held in the employee benefit trust at 30 September 2014 was £16.8 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

The employee benefit trust is independently managed and purchases shares in order to satisfy outstanding share options and potential 
awards under long-term incentive plans.

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Note

Translation reserve

At start of year

Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Translation reserves recycled to Consolidated Income Statement on disposals

8, 17, 18

Transfer of loss on cash flow hedges from translation reserve to Consolidated Income Statement

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Gain on hedges of net investments in foreign operations

At end of year

(37.0)

13.6 

(1.9)

 0.8 

(1.1)

2.9 

(32.6)

(2.0)

(2.5)

 1.4 

(2.3)

1.0 

(22.7)

(37.0)

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 start of year

Net profit for the year

Dividends paid

Expenses incurred in relation to scheme of arrangement

Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit pension schemes

Credit to equity for share-based payments

Settlement of exercised share options of subsidiaries

Initial recording of put options granted to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Exercise of acquisition put option commitments

Adjustment to equity following increased stake in controlled entity

Adjustment to equity following decreased 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

At end of year

At end of year – total reserves

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Note

12

34

(i)

36

36

310.1 

262.9 

(72.8)

0.2 

(49.2)

9.6 

(5.7)

(19.6)

 0.1 

2.3

(2.9)

1.8 

9.8 

(0.1)

446.5 

169.1 

164.6 

(69.6)

(1.5)

93.8 

 12.5 

(11.0)

(3.0)

 – 

(16.1)

(0.7)

 1.4 

(30.7)

1.3 

310.1 

223.6 

173.9 

(i)   £19.6 million (2013 £3.0 million, 2012 £nil) representing the fair value of written put options granted to non-controlling interests 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 Consolidated Income Statement.

155

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
39 Non-controlling interests

At start of year

Share of profit for the year

Dividends paid

Shares issued

Non-controlling interests arising from business combinations

(Loss)/gain on hedges of net investments in foreign operations

Transfer of loss on cash flow hedges to Consolidated Income Statement

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit pension schemes

Exercise of acquisition put option commitments

Credit to equity for share-based payments

Deferred tax on actuarial movement

Deferred tax on other items recognised directly in equity

Current tax on items recognised in equity

Adjustment to non-controlling interest following decreased stake in controlled entity

Adjustment to non-controlling interest following increased stake in controlled entity

Other transactions with non-controlling interests

Initial recording of put options granted to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Euromoney own shares acquired

At end of year

40 Commitments and contingent liabilities
Commitments

Property, plant and equipment

Contracted but not provided in the financial statements

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
£m

Note

16

34

36

36

 113.6 

20.1 

(9.7)

0.8 

0.9 

(1.1)

 0.4 

(0.5)

(1.2)

(0.7)

(0.1)

 0.7 

0.1 

(0.3)

0.9 

2.9 

(2.3)

 0.2 

 – 

(6.9)

 117.8 

95.3 

23.4 

(9.1)

2.3 

 1.4 

1.4 

 0.8 

(1.1)

(2.4)

0.5 

 – 

0.3 

(0.1)

0.2 

0.7 

0.7 

0.6 

 – 

(1.3)

 – 

 113.6 

At 
30 September 
2014
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
£m

 0.5 

 0.2 

 0.7 

At 30 September 2014 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

At
30 September 
2014
Properties
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
Properties
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
Properties
£m

At 
30 September 
2014
Plant and
 equipment
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
Plant and
 equipment
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
Plant and
 equipment
£m

 32.8 

 27.3 

 63.0 

 63.5 

 186.6 

 28.0 

 26.0 

 61.5 

 69.9 

185.4 

 27.9 

 24.7 

 56.9 

 66.4 

175.9 

 11.3 

 7.9 

 3.0 

 – 

 22.2 

 2.8 

 2.0 

 2.3 

 – 

7.1 

 5.9 

 5.1 

 3.4 

 – 

14.4 

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 25 December 2022.

156

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFuture payments under non-cancellable agreements made to secure venues for future events and exhibitions are separately 
disclosed below.

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

At 
30 September 
2014
£m

At 
30 September 
2013
£m

At 
30 September 
2012
£m

 10.4 

 1.7 

 – 

 12.1 

 12.0 

 4.9 

 1.2 

18.1 

 12.6 

 1.3 

 0.8 

14.7 

The Group entered into arrangements with its ink suppliers to obtain ink for the period to September 2018 at competitive prices and to 
secure supply. At the year end, the commitment to purchase ink over this period was £53.7 million (2013 £65.1 million, 2012 £76.8 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 £61.9 million (2013 £59.1 million, 2012 £68.6 million).

Contingent liabilities
The Group has issued standby letters of credit of £1.8 million (2013 £1.2 million, 2012 £2.4 million).

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 were issued in Malaysia against Euromoney 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 22 October 1996. Two of these writs have been discontinued. The total outstanding amount claimed on the two 
remaining writs is Malaysian ringgit 82.6 million (£15.5 million). No provision has been made for these claims in these financial statements 
as the Directors do not believe that Euromoney has any material liability in respect of these writs.

41 Share-based payments
The Group offers a number of share-based remuneration schemes to Directors and certain employees. The principal schemes comprise 
share options under the DMGT, Euromoney and within dmg information, RMS, Genscape and Trepp Executive Share Option Schemes 
(ESOS), the Euromoney Capital Appreciation Plan and the Company’s LTIP. Share options are 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. Details of the performance conditions relating to the DMGT schemes are explained 
in the Remuneration Report on pages 51 to 73.

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 7 November 2002 that had not vested by 1 January 2005. 

The charge to the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows: 

Segment

Scheme

DMGT Board and head office

Executive Share Option Scheme

RMS

Euromoney 

dmg information

dmg media

Social security costs

Executive Bonuses

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Option Plan

Capital Appreciation Plan

Option Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
£m

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
£m

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
£m

Note

 0.2 

 0.1 

 2.2 

 5.9 

2.4

 1.3 

 0.1 

 0.5 

6 

 12.7 

 0.4 

0.4 

1.7 

7.6 

2.1 

1.7 

 – 

 4.2 

 18.1 

 0.3 

0.5 

1.9 

6.6 

2.3 

1.6 

 – 

1.2 

 14.4 

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, expected volatility has been estimated, based upon 
relevant historical data in respect of the DMGT A Ordinary share price. 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 reprice any of its outstanding options during the year.

157

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE41 Share-based payments continued
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.

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

879,450 

6.73 

1,401,480

Forfeited during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

 – 

 – 

(534,742)

344,708 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

6.40 

7.24 

 – 

 – 

(512,030)

(10,000)

 – 

879,450

6.73

1,401,480

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of 
share options

1,737,745

(336,265)

 – 

 – 

6.44

5.94

6.08

 – 

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Weighted 
average
 exercise price
£

6.43

6.42

 – 

 – 

6.44

 – 

 – 

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.2 years (2013 0.8 years, 
2012 1.3 years).

The inputs into the Black-Scholes model for options, granted since 7 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 (%)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Volatility (%)

Fair value per option (£)

6 December 2004

7.24 

7.24 

344,708 

10.00 

6.50 

7.24 

 4.50 

 1.52 

 20.00 

1.70 

DMGT 2006 Executive Share Option Scheme
Under the DMGT 2006 Executive Share Option 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 will not normally 
vest until three years after the award and the performance conditions have been met. No options were outstanding to Directors during 
the year.

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

1,737,078 

108,469 

(40,000)

(315,792)

(30,703)

1,459,052 

857,333 

918,828 

4.71 

9.16 

4.63 

5.37 

5.99 

4.87 

4.62 

4.71 

2,301,074 

188,250 

(148,564)

(603,682)

 – 

1,737,078

918,828

1,183,647

 4.59 

 5.27 

 6.22 

 4.68 

 – 

 4.71 

 4.71 

 5.15 

2,394,074

370,000

(164,000)

(299,000)

 – 

2,301,074

1,183,647

1,100,647

 4.73 

 3.96 

 5.91 

 2.96 

 – 

 4.59 

 5.15 

 5.97 

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £0.2 million (2013 £0.2 million, 2012 £0.3 million).

158

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.6 years (2013 6.2 years, 
2012 6.5 years).

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 (£)

31 March 
2006

27 November 
2006

17 December 
2007

27 May
 2008

24 November 
2008

26 January
 2009

 6.98 

 6.98 

106,000 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 6.98 

 4.50 

 1.72 

 20.00 

 1.53 

 6.88 

 6.88 

96,476 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 6.88 

 4.30 

 1.90 

 20.00 

 1.51 

 5.05 

 5.05 

78,108 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 5.05 

 4.30 

 2.84 

 20.00 

 1.18 

 4.02 

 4.02 

35,000 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 4.02 

 4.30 

 3.66 

 20.00 

 0.92 

 2.50 

 2.50 

168,000 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 2.50 

 3.00 

 5.89 

 40.00 

 0.56 

 2.53 

 2.53 

52,887 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 2.53 

 3.00 

 5.81 

 40.00 

 0.56 

14 December
 2009

6 December
 2010

5 December
 2011

27 June
 2012

17 December
 2012

9 December
 2013

 4.04 

 4.04 

194,427 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 4.04 

 3.00 

 3.64 

 40.00 

 1.13 

 5.39 

 5.39 

126,435 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 5.39 

 2.00 

 2.97 

 30.00 

 1.22 

 3.98 

 3.98 

 3.91 

 3.91 

235,000 

100,000 

 10.00 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 3.98 

 1.50 

 4.27 

 30.00 

 0.71 

 7.00 

 3.91 

 1.00 

 4.43 

 30.00 

 0.70 

 5.27 

 5.27 

158,250 

 10.00 

 7.00 

 5.27 

 1.00 

 3.42 

 30.00 

 0.98 

 9.16 

 9.16 

108,469 

 10.00 

 5.00 

 9.16 

 1.50 

 2.00 

 25.00 

 1.69 

Nil-cost options under the DMGT Executive Bonus Scheme
Since December 2009 a portion of the bonus earned by Executive Directors under the Executive Bonus Scheme has been deferred into 
shares in the form of nil-cost options. These options are to the value of the equity portion of the bonus and are fully expensed in the year in 
which they are earned. Details of the nil-cost options awarded and outstanding are shown in the table on page 55 in the Remuneration 
Report. The total bonus is calculated in accordance with the Plan rules, as set out on page 54 of the Remuneration Report.

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Exercised during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

890,530 

78,401 

(105,306)

863,625

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1,227,394 

193,276 

(530,140)

890,530

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

951,445 

275,949 

 – 

1,227,394

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

159

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE41 Share-based payments continued
DMGT Long-Term Incentive Plan
Details of the terms and conditions relating to these schemes are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 65.

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

2,364,655 

366,980 

 – 

(136,797)

(321,267)

2,273,571 

187,673 

 – 

4.96 

8.97 

–

6.75 

5.59 

5.41 

4.04 

 – 

2,126,265 

694,489 

(422,952)

(33,147)

 – 

2,364,655 

 – 

 – 

4.84

5.27

4.71

4.63

 – 

4.96

 – 

 – 

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

1,555,853 

643,614 

 – 

 – 

(73,202)

2,126,265 

 – 

 – 

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

5.14

4.37

 – 

 – 

7.06

4.84

 – 

 – 

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the awards granted during the year is £3.3 million (2013 £3.7 million, 2012 £2.8 million).

The awards outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.5 years (2013 2.6 years, 
2012 2.2 years).

Options under the DMGT Long-Term Incentive Scheme
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows: 

19 December
 2009

19 December
 2009

19 December
 2009

19 December
 2009

19 December
 2009

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

4.04 

125,115 

62,558 

62,558 

62,558 

62,558 

2.78 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

3.64 

40.00 

4.04 

3.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

3.64 

40.00 

4.04 

4.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

3.64 

40.00 

4.04 

5.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

3.64 

40.00 

4.04 

6.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

3.64 

40.00 

4.04 

20 December
 2010

20 December
 2010

20 December
 2010

20 December
 2010

20 December
 2010

5.59 

5.59 

82,323 

2.78 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

2.86 

30.00 

5.59 

5.59 

5.59 

41,161 

3.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

2.86 

30.00 

5.59 

5.59 

5.59 

41,161 

4.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

2.86 

30.00 

5.59 

5.59 

5.59 

41,161 

5.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

3.00 

2.86 

30.00 

5.59 

5.59 

5.59 

41,161 

6.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

2.00 

2.86 

30.00 

5.59 

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 (£)

160

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 (£)

13 February
 2012

10 December
 2012

9 December
 2013

4.37 

4.37 

5.27 

5.27 

9.16 

9.16 

713,470 

588,631 

349,156 

5.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

1.00 

–

30.00 

4.37 

5.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

1.00 

–

30.00 

5.27 

5.00 

 Nil 

 Nil 

1.50 

–

25.00 

9.07 

RMS option plan
RMS options were granted at market value. The options become exercisable after a four-year vesting period and lapse 10 years 
and five years from grant date under the 2001 and 2005 option plan respectively. Previously, the stock issued under the plan was 
subject to a nine-month holding period, which was 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. 
After 30 September 2011 options under the 2001 and 2005 plan are no longer awarded.

During the year ended 30 September 2011 RMS introduced the Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). 
Under the EIP options and Restricted Stock Units (RSU) were awarded to senior management. Under the LTIP RSUs were awarded to key 
employees. The options and RSUs were granted at market value under both plans. The options vest based on the conditions of time and 
Company performance at three and five years from date of grant. The options lapse after seven years from grant date. The RSUs under 
both plans vest annually over three years.

A 2014 Equity Award Plan (the Plan) was introduced during the year ended 30 September 2014. Under the Plan options and RSUs, both 
time and performance based, are granted to employees who are deemed to be in a position to contribute to the long-term success 
of RMS.

The RSU expense is determined by the fair market value of RMS stock at the date of grant. The expense is amortised using an 
accelerated method. Under this method the RSUs are equally allocated to each of the three annual vesting components and 
the related expense is amortised over 12, 24, and 36 months respectively. 

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of 
share options

2,043,599

966,500

(284,448)

(677,103)

 – 

2,048,548

725,286

724,984

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average
 exercise price
US$

47.10

58.35

54.33

47.20

 – 

51.36

46.12

45.95

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Number of 
share options

2,890,562

86,695

(225,167)

(708,491)

 – 

2,043,599

724,984

1,134,841

Year ending 
30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
US$

46.59

51.93

46.67

45.87

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Number of
 share options

4,570,290

132,682

(420,694)

(1,383,549)

 – 

(8,167)

47.10

45.95

45.86

2,890,562

1,134,841

2,265,976

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
US$

45.67

52.27

46.59

44.17

 36.40 

46.59

45.86

44.71

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was US$58.35 (2013 US$51.93, 
2012 US$52.27).

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of US$51.36 (2013 US$47.10, 2012 US$46.59) 
and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.0 years (2013 3.0 years, 2012 3.3 years).

161

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE41 Share-based payments continued
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:

Date of grant

During 2004

During 2005

During 2009

During 2010

During 2011

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$)

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$)

9.13

9.13

907

2.67

6–9

9.13

4.00

2.00

35.00

17.91

16.61

16.61

7,251

3.67

6–9

16.61

4.00

2.00

35.00

12.53

47.81

47.81

0

3.80

6–9

47.81

2.20

2.50

29.32

9.59

45.25

45.25

316,799

3.80

6–9

45.25

1.78

2.63

36.58

10.93

46.89

46.89

817,076

4.30

6–9

46.89

2.27

3.05

33.00

10.08

During 2012

During 2013

During 2014

52.27

52.27

63,530

4.75

6–9

52.27

1.25

3.05

35.15

10.08

56.46

56.46

42,485

4.64

6–9

56.46

1.09

3.01

33.52

13.13

58.35

58.35

800,500

7.00

3–6

58.35

1.25

2.91

28.81

10.78

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of comparable companies.

Euromoney Capital Appreciation Plan 2014 (CAP 2014)
The CAP 2014 was approved by Euromoney’s shareholders on 30 January 2014 as a replacement for CAP 2010. Each CAP 2014 award 
comprises two equal instalments: an option to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of 0.25 pence each in Euromoney for nil consideration 
and a right to receive a cash payment. The value of the awards is linked directly to the growth in profits over the performance period. 
The award pool comprises a maximum of 3.5 million Euromoney shares and cash of £7.6 million, limiting the cost of the scheme to 
£41.0 million over its life. Awards will vest in three equal tranches, subject to the performance conditions, and lapse to the extent 
unexercised by 30 September 2023.

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

 – 

2,097,363

2,097,363

 – 

 – 

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

–

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of £0.0025 (2013 n/a, 2012 n/a) and a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of 9.01 years (2013 n/a, 2012 n/a).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £20.0 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

162

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 (%)

Expected dividend yield (%)

Fair value per option (£)

20 June 2014

20 June 2014

20 June 2014

11.16

0.25 

11.16

0.25 

11.16

0.25 

140,412 

832,998 

1,123,953 

9.28 

4.00 

0.25 

1.50 

8.43 

9.89 

9.28 

5.00 

0.25 

1.90 

8.43 

9.57 

9.28 

6.00 

0.25 

2.30 

8.43 

9.19 

The CAP 2014 options were valued using a fair value model that adjusted the share price at the date of grant for the net present 
value of expected future dividend streams up to the date of expected exercise. The expected term of the option used in the 
models has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and 
behavioural considerations. 

Euromoney Share Option Plan (CSOP 2014)
Euromoney’s shareholders approved the CSOP 2014 at the Euromoney AGM on 30 January 2014. The CSOP 2014 was approved by 
HM Revenue and Customs on 31 March 2014. Awards were granted under the CSOP 2014 on 20 June 2014. Each CSOP 2014 option 
enables each UK participant to purchase up to 2,688 shares and each Canadian participant to purchase up to 8,963 shares in 
Euromoney at a price of £11.15 per share, the market value at the date of grant. The options vested and became exercisable at the 
same time as the corresponding share award under the CAP 2014. The CSOP 2014 has the same performance criteria as that of the CAP 
2014. The number of CSOP 2014 awards that vest proportionally reduce the number of shares that vest under the CAP 2014. The CSOP 
2014 is effectively a delivery mechanism for part of the CAP 2014 award. The CSOP 2014 options have an exercise price of £11.15 which 
will be satisfied by a funding award mechanism which is in place and results in a net gain on these options being delivered in the 
equivalent number of shares to participants as if the same gain had been delivered using the CAP 2014 options. The amount of the 
funding award will depend on the Euromoney share price at the date of exercise.

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

 – 

517,031

517,031

 – 

 – 

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of £0.0025 (2013 n/a, 2012 n/a) and a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of 9.01 years (2013 n/a, 2012 n/a).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £4.9 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

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 (%)

Fair value per option (£)

20 June 2014

11.16

11.16

517,031 

9.28 

4.00 

11.16

1.50 

8.43 

9.89

163

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE41 Share-based payments continued
Euromoney Capital Appreciation Plan 2010 (CAP 2010)
The CAP 2010 executive share option scheme was approved by Euromoney shareholders on 21 January 2010 as a direct replacement 
for CAP 2004. Each CAP 2010 award comprises two equal elements – an option to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of 0.25 pence each 
in Euromoney at an exercise price of 0.25 pence per Ordinary Share, and a right to receive a cash payment. 

The award pool comprised 3,500,992 Euromoney Ordinary Shares with an option value of £15.0 million and cash of £15.0 million, limiting 
the total accounting cost to £30.0 million over its life.

The awards will vest in two equal tranches. The first tranche of awards became exercisable in February 2013 on satisfaction of the primary 
performance condition in 2012. The second tranche became exercisable in February 2014 in which the primary performance condition 
was again satisfied. The vesting of the second tranche is subject to an additional performance condition, applicable for the vesting of 
the second tranche of awards, requires the profits of each business in the subsequent vesting period be at least 75% of that achieved 
in the year the first tranche of awards became exerciseable. The options lapse to the extent unexercised by 30 September 2020. 

The number of options received under the share award of CAP 2010 is reduced by the number of options vesting with participants from 
the 2010 Euromoney Share Option Plan.

The CAP 2010 options were valued using a fair value model that adjusted the share price at the date of grant for the net present 
value of expected future dividend streams up to the date of expected exercise. The expected term of the option used in the models 
has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and 
behavioural considerations. 

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

1,720,314

0.0025

2,719,801

 – 

–

 440,630 

(43,267)

(1,621,626)

 – 

55,421

55,421

 – 

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

(1,432,443)

–

(7,674)

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

1,720,314

10,468

 – 

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

2,719,801

0.0025

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

2,719,801

0.0025

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £12.48 (2013 £9.39, 2012 n/a).

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of £0.0025 (2013 £0.0025, 2012 £0.0025) and a 
weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.0 years (2013 7.0 years, 2012 8.0 years).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

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 (%)

Expected dividend yield (%)

Fair value per option (£)

30 March 2010

5.01

0.25

55,421

10.00

5.00

0.25

2.75

7.00

4.20

Euromoney Share Option Plan (CSOP 2010)
In parallel with the CAP 2010, Euromoney’s shareholders approved the CSOP 2010 at Euromoney’s AGM on 21 January 2010. The CSOP 
2010 was approved by HM Revenue and Customs on 21 June 2010 and granted on 28 June 2010. The CSOP 2010 option enabled each 
participant to purchase up to 4,972 shares in Euromoney at a price of £6.03 per share, the market value at the date of grant. Any CSOP 
options that did not fully vest in the first tranche of the CAP 2010 award vest at the same time as the second tranche of an individual’s 
CAP award, but only where the CSOP 2010 is in the money. The CSOP 2010 has the same performance criteria as that of the CAP 2010. 

164

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe number of CSOP awards that vested proportionally reduced the number of shares that vested under the CAP 2010. The CSOP is 
effectively a delivery mechanism for part of the CAP 2010 award. The CSOP 2010 options have an exercise price of £6.03 which will be 
satisfied by a funding award mechanism which is in place and results in a net gain on these options being delivered in the equivalent 
number of shares to participants as if the same gain had been delivered using CAP 2010 options. The amount of the funding award will 
depend on Euromoney’s share price at the date of exercise. 

Outstanding at 1 October 2013

Granted/trued-up during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

24,048

–

(23,769)

–

279

279

 – 

6.03

–

6.03

–

6.03

6.03

 – 

781,191

(223,243)

(531,268)

(2,632)

24,048

 – 

 – 

5.72 

5.94 

5.61 

6.03 

6.03 

 – 

 – 

781,191 

5.72 

 – 

 – 

 – 

781,191

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

5.72 

 – 

 – 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £12.48 (2013 £9.74, 2012 n/a).

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of £6.03 (2013 £6.03, 2012 £5.72) and a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of 5.38 years (2013 6.38 years, 2012 7.38 years).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

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 (%)

Fair value per option (£)

28 June 2010

6.03

6.03

279

9.38

3.00

6.03

2.28

7.00

4.37

The number of CSOP 2010 awards that vest proportionally reduce the number of shares that vest under the CAP 2010, the CSOP is 
effectively a delivery mechanism for part of the CAP 2010 award. The CSOP 2010 options have an exercise price of £6.03 (1), which will 
be satisfied by a funding award mechanism which results in the same net gain (2) on these options delivered in the equivalent number 
of shares to participants as if the same award had been delivered using £0.0025 CAP options. The amount of the funding award will 
depend on Euromoney’s share price at the date of exercise. Because of the above and the other direct links between the CSOP 2010 
and the CAP 2010, including the identical performance criteria, IFRS 2 combines the two plans and treats them as one plan (vesting in 
two tranches). As such, the long-term incentive expense recognised in the year for the CSOP 2010 and CAP 2010 options (including the 
charge in relation to the cash element) was a credit of £0.3 million (2013 £1.9 million, 2012 £8.1 million).

(1)  Exercise price of Canadian CSOP is £5.01.

(2) Net gain on the CSOP options is the market price of Euromoney’s shares at the date of exercise less the exercise price (£6.031) 

multiplied by the number of options exercised. 

*  Exercise price excludes the effect of the funding award.

Cash-settled options
Euromoney has liabilities in respect of three share option schemes that are classified by IFRS 2 payments as cash settled. These consist 
of the cash element of the CAP 2010 scheme, options held by employees over new equity shares in Internet Securities Inc., a subsidiary 
of Euromoney and, from 2011, options held by employees over equity shares in Structured Retail Products Limited (previously Arete 
Consulting Limited), a subsidiary of Euromoney. The total carrying value at 30 September 2014 included in the Statement of Financial 
Position is a liability of £0.1 million (2013 £7.4 million, 2012 £14.6 million). Of these schemes, options with an intrinsic value of £0.1 million 
(2013 £nil, 2012 £3,000) had vested but are not yet exercised.

165

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE41 Share-based payments continued
The Euromoney Capital Appreciation Plan 2004 (CAP 2004)
The CAP 2004 executive share option scheme was approved by shareholders on 1 February 2005. Each of the CAP awards comprises 
an option to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of 0.25 pence each in the Company for an exercise price of 0.25 pence per Ordinary Share. 
The awards become exercisable on satisfaction of certain performance conditions and lapse to the extent unexercised on 
30 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 in 2009 and 1,527,152 
options (including a true-up adjustment of 5,654) for the third (final) tranche of options in 2009 vested in February 2010. The additional 
performance condition was applied to profits for financial years 2010 to 2012 for those individual participants where the additional 
performance conditions for the second and final tranches had not previously been met and 303,321; 244,152 and 39,907 options 
vested in February 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. No further options will vest under this scheme and all outstanding options have 
been exercised.

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 1 October 2013

Granted/trued-up during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Outstanding at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 30 September 2014

Exercisable at 1 October 2013

Year ending 
30 September 
2014
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2014
Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September 
2013
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

Year ending
 30 September 
2012
Number of
 share options

Year ending
 30 September
 2012
Weighted
 average
 exercise price
£

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

70,114

(14,693)

(55,421)

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

351,828

 – 

(245,469)

(36,245)

70,114

70,114

351,828

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £nil (2013 £9.28, 2012 £7.33).

The options outstanding at 30 September 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.0025) and a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of nil years (2013 nil years, 2012 2.0 years).

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the year is £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.2 million).

42 Ultimate holding company
The Company’s ultimate holding company and immediate parent company is Rothermere Continuation Limited, a company 
incorporated in Bermuda.

43 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 year.

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 in aggregate in the 
audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 53.

166

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSTransactions with joint ventures and associates
Details of the Group’s principal joint ventures and associates are set out in Note 24.

Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) has a 33.3% (2013 33.3%, 2012 33.3%) shareholding in Fortune Green Limited. During the year the 
Group received revenue for newsprint, computer and office services of £0.5 million (2013 £0.4 million, 2012 £0.6 million). The amount due 
from Fortune Green Limited at 30 September 2014 was £0.4 million (2013 £0.2 million, 2012 £0.2 million).

Daily Mail and General Holdings Limited (DMGH) has a 38.7% (2013 38.7%, 2012 nil%) shareholding in Local World, the media 
segment group formed in November 2012 which combined the Group’s local media titles with those of Iliffe News and Media Limited. 
During the year the Group provided printing and newspaper services of £20.2 million (2013 £17.6 million, 2012 £nil) to Local World. 
Amounts paid over to Local World in respect of sales monies collected on their behalf and revenue shares due amounted to £57.9 million 
(2013 £42.9 million, 2012 £nil). During the year Local World were charged £0.4 million (2013 £0.9 million, 2012 £nil) by the Group for rent and 
service charges in relation to leasehold and investment properties. The net amount due to Local World from the Group at 30 September 
2014 was £4.6 million (2013 £3.9 million, 2012 £nil). During the year, the Group received dividends of £6.1 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) from 
Local World.

During the year, Landmark Information Group Limited (Landmark) charged management fees of £0.3 million (2013 £0.3 million, 
2012 £0.3 million) to Point X Limited, a joint venture, and recharged costs of £0.1 million (2013 £0.1 million, 2012 £0.1 million). Point X Limited 
received royalty income from Landmark of £nil (2013 £0.1 million, 2012 £0.1 million) and the amount due from Landmark at 30 September 
2014 was £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.1 million).

Trepp LLC has a 50.0% (2013 50.0%, 2012 nil%) interest in TreppPort LLC, a joint venture. During the year, Trepp LLC and Rockport Group 
made cash contributions of £nil and £nil respectively (2013 £1.2 million and £0.2 million, 2012 £nil and £nil respectively) to TreppPort LLC. 
During the year, Trepp received £0.3 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) of revenue from TreppPort and also paid TreppPort £0.3 million  
(2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) of costs. During the year, Trepp recharged TreppPort salary costs of £0.1 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

During the year, DMG Information Inc. made an investment of £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.4 million) in Real Capital Analytics Inc., 
an associate.

During the year, DMGI Land and Property Europe Limited made an investment of £0.8 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) for a 30% interest in 
Ochresoft Technologies Limited (OTL), an associate. During the year, OTL was provided with funding of £0.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) 
by Landmark, a subsidiary undertaking. At 30 September 2014, £0.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) was owed to Landmark.

Decision Insight Information Group (UK) Limited (DIIG) has a 50.0% interest in Decision First Limited (DF), a joint venture. During the year, 
DIIG recharged costs to DF amounting to £0.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil). At 30 September 2014, £0.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) was 
owed by DF to DIIG.

During the year, On-Geo GmbH (On-Geo) made an investment of £0.01 million for a 50.0% (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) interest in HypoPort, a 
joint venture. During the year. HypoPort made purchases from On-Geo amounting to £6.5 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil). At 30 September 
2014, £1.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) was owed by HypoPort to On-Geo.

During the year, On-Geo made an investment of £0.1 million for a 50.0% (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) interest in Instant Service (IS), a joint venture. 
During the year, IS received revenues from On-Geo amounting to £6.9 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil), and was recharged costs from On-Geo 
amounting to £0.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil). At 30 September 2014, £1.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) was owed by HypoPort to On-Geo.

RMS Inc. has a 29.6% (2013 29.6%, 2012 29.6%) interest in Praedicat, an associate. During the year, RMS Inc. made no further investment 
in Praedicat (2013 £0.8 million, 2012 £1.5 million).

ANL has a nil % shareholding (2013 nil %, 2012 100.0%) in Globrix Limited (Globrix) and a 50% shareholding (2013 50.0%, 2012 50.0%) in 
Artirix Limited (Artirix). During the year, Globrix recharged the Group £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.5 million) for website development costs. The 
Group provided services totalling £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.1 million) to Artirix, with £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) remaining due at 30 September 
2014. At 30 September 2014 Globrix owed £nil to various Group companies (2013 £nil, 2012 £1.3 million), and £nil was due from Artirix 
(2013 £nil, 2012 £nil) to Globrix. 

During the period, Artirix received revenues of £nil from Globrix (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.5 million). At 30 September 2014 Artirix owed £1.7 million 
to various Group companies (2013 £1.4 million, 2012 £1.3 million).

ANL had a 50.0% interest in Teletext Holdings Limited (Teletext). The Group provided services (under the Transitional Services Agreement) 
amounting to £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.3 million) for the year, and £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.1 million) was due from Teletext at 30 September 
2014. VAT of £0.1 million (2013 £0.7 million, 2012 £0.5 million) was paid by DMG Media Limited on behalf of Teletext and £nil was due from 
Teletext at 30 September 2014 (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

Artirix provided staff and other services to Teletext totalling £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.2 million), with £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.1 million) remaining 
due from Teletext at 30 September 2014. 

Proceeds on the sale of Teletext Ltd to Teletext Holdings Ltd of £nil are due to ANL as at 30 September 2014 (2013 £6.0 million, 
2012 £6.0 million).

167

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE43 Related party transactions continued
Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) has a 31.8% (2013 50.8%, 2012 52.3% investment in Zoopla Property Group Ltd) shareholding in 
Zoopla Property Group Plc (Zoopla). During the year, listing services amounting to £nil (2013 £0.2 million, 2012 £1.0 million) were provided 
by Zoopla Property Group Plc to ANL as part of a revenue share agreement, with £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.2 million) remaining due to 
Zoopla Property Group Plc at 30 September 2014. Net services (under the Transitional Services Agreement) provided by ANL totalled 
£0.1 million (2013 £0.3 million, 2012 £0.2 million) for the year, £0.2 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £5.4 million) of other transactional payments were 
made by ANL on behalf of Zoopla Property Group Plc, with a balance of £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.9 million) being due from Zoopla Property 
Group Plc at 30 September 2014.

During the year, the Group received dividends of £18.8 million (2013 £5.3 million, 2012 £nil) from Zoopla Property Group Plc.

DMGH has a 26.0% (held by AN Mauritius Limited 2013 26.0%, 2012 26.0%) interest in Mail Today Newspapers Pte Limited (India), an 
associate. During the year, additional share capital of £0.9 million (2013 £1.1 million, 2012 £2.3 million) was invested in Mail Today 
Newspapers Pte Limited (India).

ANL has a 34.7% (2013 34.7%, 2012 30.0%) interest in Social Metrix SA (Argentina), an associate. During the year, £nil (2013 £nil, 
2012 £0.4 million) additional share capital was invested by A&N International Media Limited. 

ANL has a 50.0% (2013 50.0%, 2012 50.0%) shareholding in Northprint Manchester Limited, a joint venture. The net amount due to ANL for 
£5.8 million (2013 £5.8 million, 2012 £5.8 million) has been fully provided.

Northcliffe Media Limited (NML) has a 25.0% (2013 25.0%, 2012 25.0%) shareholding in Extra Newspapers Limited, an associate to which it 
provided £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.3 million) of funding during the year. At 30 September 2014, £0.3 million was owed to NML. This balance 
has been fully provided for.

ANL has a 50.0% (2013 nil%, 2012 nil%) interest in Daily Mail.com Australia Pty Limited (Mail Online Australia), a joint venture. During the 
year, ANL provided services amounting to £1.0 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil). At 30 September 2014, Mail Online Australia owed the Group 
£1.0 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

The Group received a dividend of £0.3 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.3 million) from Capital Net, an associate.

Other related party disclosures 
ANL has a 12.5% (2013 12.5%, 2012 12.5%) share in the Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA) from which royalty revenue of £3.0 million 
was received (2013 £3.3 million, 2012 £3.8 million) and £0.2 million receivable at the year end (2013 £0.2 million, 2012 £0.4 million). 
Commissions paid on this revenue totalled £0.5 million (2013 £0.6 million, 2012 £0.7 million). The amount due to the NLA at 30 September 
2014 was £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.1 million). Interest bearing loans of £0.4 million are due to ANL from NLA at 30 September 2014 
(2013 £0.4 million, 2012 £0.4 million).

Northcliffe Media Holdings Limited (NMH) has a 25.0% (2013 25.0%, 2012 25.0%) share in Hold the Front Page.co.uk Limited to which it 
provides payroll services. The amount due from NMH to Hold the Front Page.co.uk Limited at 30 September 2014 was £nil (2013 £0.1 million, 
2012 £nil).

DMGH has a 15.6% (2013 15.6%, 2012 15.6%) shareholding in The Press Association. During the year the Group received dividends of 
£9.3 million (2013 £1.7 million, 2012 £nil) and services amounting to £2.1 million (2013 £2.6 million, 2012 £3.8 million). The net amount due 
from the Press Association as at 30 September 2014 was £nil (2013 £0.1 million, 2012 £0.2 million).

The Group has accrued rent and service charges payable to the Harmsworth Pension Scheme amounting to £0.6 million 
(2013 £0.3 million, 2012 £nil) under an agreement to guarantee the income generated from certain property assets held by the 
Harmsworth Pension Scheme which were purchased from the Group during a prior period.

At 30 September 2014 the Group owed £1.1 million (2013 £0.9 million, 2012 £1.5 million) to the pension schemes which it operates. This 
amount comprised employees’ and employer’s contributions in respect of September 2014 payrolls which were paid to the pension 
schemes in October 2014.

The Group recharges its principal pension schemes with costs of investment management fees. The total amount recharged during the 
year was £nil (2013 £nil, 2012 £0.2 million).

Contributions made during the year to the Group’s retirement benefit plans are set out in Note 34, along with details of the Group’s 
future funding commitments.

In July 2012, the Group entered into a contingent asset partnership whereby a £150.0 million loan note, guaranteed by the Group, was 
used to commit £10.8 million funding per annum to the Harmsworth Pension Scheme. Interest payable to DMG Pension Partnership 
Limited Partnership in the year totalled £11.1 million (2013 £11.2 million, 2012 £2.8 million).

168

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS44 Post balance sheet events
Bond tender offer
On 22 September 2014 the Company announced its invitation to holders of its outstanding 2018 and 2021 bonds to tender their bonds 
for purchase by the Company for cash. On 30 September the Company announced the results of and cash price payable of validly 
tendered 2018 and 2021 bonds. The total cash price payable by the Company amounted to £193.1 million, including a premium of 
£39.9 million, which was paid on 1 October 2014. The derecognition of this financial liability and provision for premium payable has not 
been recorded in these financial statements since the financial liability was not extinguished until post year end as prescribed by IAS 39, 
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

Own shares
In November 2014 the Company announced it will cancel 22.7 million shares held in treasury.

Acquisitions
In November 2014, Euromoney announced the acquisition of a 15.5% equity share capital in New Dealogic for £37.0 million (US$59.2 
million). The investment will be funded through the sale of Euromoney’s investment in Capital DATA Limited and Capital NET Limited for 
consideration of £53.1 million (US$85.0 million), settled by £37.0 million (US$59.2 million) of Ordinary Shares in New Dealogic, £2.9 million 
(US$4.6 million) in cash and £13.3 million (US$21.2 million) of zero-coupon redeemable preference shares in New Dealogic. The deal is 
expected to complete by the end of December 2014.

The Company announced that it has commenced, through Numis Securities Ltd, an irrevocable, non-discretionary programme to 
purchase shares on its own behalf, to be held in treasury, during its close period which commences on 1 October 2014 and ends on 
26 November 2014 with the release of the Company’s Preliminary Results. The maximum value of this close period buy-back programme 
was set at £20.0 million.

Disposals
In October 2014 dmg information announced completion of its disposal of Lewtan, a provider of analytical tools and data for the 
structured finance market, to Moody’s Corporation. Lewtan’s revenues were approximately £15.1 million (US$25 million) in the year 
to 30 September 2014. Disposal proceeds of £17.8 million (US$29.6 million) were received after deducting disposal costs.

Following the clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority in September 2014 and expiration of a four-week appeals period, 
dmg media’s disposal of its remaining digital recruitment assets completed in October 2014. Proceeds of £92.1 million were received.

45  Subsidiaries exempt from audit
The following UK subsidiaries will take advantage of the newly available audit exemption set out within Section 479A of the Companies 
Act 2006 for the year ending 30 September 2014:

Company registration number

Company registration number

CTF Asset Finance Limited
DMG Asset Finance Limited
Harmsworth Royalties Limited
Kensington US Holdings Limited
Daily Mail International Limited
DMG Atlantic Limited
DMG Investment Holdings Limited
DMG Business Media Limited
DMG Charles Limited
DMG Minor Investments Limited
DMGRH Finance Limited
Kensington Finance Limited
Derry Street Investments Limited
Ralph US Holdings Limited
Young Street Holdings Limited
Teletext Holidays Limited
Associated London Distribution Limited
The Appointment Limited
A&N International Media Limited
Derby Telegraph Limited
Harmsworth Printing (Stoke) Limited
Alderton Limited
Express and Echo News and Media Limited
Central Independent News and Media Limited
South West Wales Media Limited
Lincolnshire Media Limited

Grimsby and Scunthorpe Media Group Limited

03178533
05528329
04219212
06320636
01966438
04521108
03263138
02823743
04211684
04228751
03191181
03960683
04485760
06341444
04485808
02336018
03961514
03257727
04147978
00218661
04148861
02774204
00070992
03015855
00120013
00037928

02642787

Broadbean Holdings Limited
Interbase Limited
Jobsgroup.Net Limited
Digital Response Network Services Limited
Northcliffe Media Holdings Limited
Northcliffe Media Limited
Blackmore Vale Media Limited
Courier Media Group Limited
Leicester Mercury Media Group Limited
The Western Gazette Co Limited
South West Media Group Limited
Herald Express News and Media Limited
Gloucester Media Limited
Bath News and Media
Admag Newspapers Limited
DMG Information Limited
DMG Events Limited
DMG Events International Limited
DMG Angex Limited
Euromoney Canada Limited
Euromoney Charles Limited
Euromoney Institutional Investor (Ventures) Limited
Euromoney Partnership LLP
Fantfoot Limited
Internet Securities Limited
Redquince Limited 

Steel First Limited

03415808
02894310
05523469
03778379
00272225
03403993
00392494
00101944
00226937
00022796
00210591
02642788
00163659
03215208
01599454
03708142
01150306
04118004
02302189
01974125
04082590
05885797
0C363064
05503274
02976791
05994621

04002471

169

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE45  Subsidiaries exempt from audit continued

Principal subsidiary

Central activities

Activity

Daily Mail and General Holdings Limited*

Holding company

RMS

Risk Management Solutions, Inc (98.0%)

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

dmg information

DMG Information, Inc

(Incorporated in the US)

Environmental Data Resources, Inc

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Landmark Information Group Limited

Hobsons Australia Pty Ltd

(Incorporated and operating in Australia)

Hobsons, Inc

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Genscape, Inc. (99.9%)

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Lewtan Technologies, Inc

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Trepp, LLC

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Xceligent, Inc 

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

dmg events

dmg events (UK) Limited

dmg world media Abu Dhabi Ltd

(Incorporated in Jersey, managed and operating in Abu Dhabi)

Ad:Tech Expositions LLC

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

DMG World Media Dubai (2006) Limited

(Incorporated in Jersey; managed and operating in Dubai)

Euromoney

Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (68.6%)

BCA Research, Inc (68.6%)

(Incorporated and operating in Canada)

EIMN LLC (68.6%)

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Institutional Investor, Inc (68.6%)

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Internet Securities, LLC (68.6%)

(Incorporated and operating in the US)

Metal Bulletin Limited (68.6%)

dmg media

Associated Newspapers Limited

Evenbase Recruitment Holdings Limited

Wowcher Limited

Provider of risk management information on natural and other related perils

Holding company

Provider of geographic based real estate information services

Provider of property and mapping information

Careers and education information publishing and services

Careers and education information publishing and services

Provider of real time power supply and other energy information

Provider of asset-backed securities information

Provider of commercial mortgage-backed securities and real estate information

Provider of commercial real estate research 

Trade publishing and exhibition management

Organisers of trade exhibitions and events

Organisers of trade exhibitions and events

Organisers of trade exhibitions and events

Publishing, training and events

Information Services

Conferences

Publishing

Information Services

Publishing and event management

Publication of Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro and MailOnline

Internet job search company

Internet daily deals company

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under Section 410(2) of the Companies Act 2006 by providing information  
only in relation to subsidiary undertakings whose results or financial position, in the opinion of the Directors, principally affected the  
financial statements.

(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.

170

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTSCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Revenue

Operating profit before exceptional operating costs, impairment of goodwill 
and intangible assets, amortisation of acquired intangible assets arising on 
business combinations and impairment of property, plant and equipment 
and investment property

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and 
acquired computer software, property, plant and equipment and 
investment property and amortisation and impairment of goodwill 
and acquired intangible assets arising on business combinations

Operating profit before share of results from 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

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit for the year after tax

Discontinued operations

Equity interests of minority shareholders

Profit for the year

Adjusted profit before tax and non-controlling interests

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)

Adjusted profit after taxation and non-controlling interests

Number of shares for basic

Number of shares for diluted

Profit effect of dilutive shares

From continuing operations

Basic

Diluted

From discontinued operations

Basic

Diluted

From continuing and discontinued operations

Basic

Diluted

Adjusted earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

2010 
Audited 
52 weeks 
ending 
30 September
 2010 
Restated
£m

2011
 Audited 
52 weeks
 ending 
30 September
 2011 
Restated
£m

2012
 Audited 
52 weeks
 ending 
30 September
 2012 
Restated
£m

2013
 Audited 
52 weeks
 ending 
30 September
 2013 
Restated
£m

2014
 Audited 
52 weeks
 ending 
30 September
 2014 
£m

1,669.3 

1,709.0 

1,688.0 

1,674.2 

1,811.2 

266.7 

259.2 

263.0 

280.3 

296.2 

(52.1)

214.6 

(5.2)

209.4 

0.4 

209.8 

(98.5)

111.3 

48.1 

159.4 

41.6 

(19.2)

181.8 

229.9 

371.3 

177.8 

 383.0 

 379.2 

0.0 

 36.6 

 37.0 

10.8

10.9

 47.4 

 47.9 

 46.4 

 46.9 

(91.4)

167.8

(2.7)

165.1 

13.1 

178.2 

(79.7)

98.5

10.9

109.4

(4.4)

(15.9)

89.1 

219.8 

355.1 

166.8 

 382.8 

 387.8 

(1.0)

 24.4 

 23.9 

(1.2)

(1.1)

 23.2 

 22.8 

 43.6 

 42.8 

(127.4)

135.6

(1.8)

133.8 

114.4 

248.2 

(76.8)

171.4 

26.1 

197.5 

59.8 

(22.7)

234.6 

246.9 

378.3 

181.5 

 382.8 

 393.7 

(0.6)

45.7

44.2

15.6

15.2

 61.3

 59.4

 47.4

 45.9

(66.8)

213.5 

5.3 

218.8 

27.6 

246.4 

(67.9)

178.5 

(34.2)

144.3 

43.7 

(23.4)

164.6 

266.6 

374.4 

188.2 

 377.5 

 386.8 

(0.3)

 32.1 

 31.2 

 11.5 

 11.3 

 43.6 

 42.5 

 49.9 

 48.5 

(112.2)

184.0 

14.3 

198.3 

138.9 

337.2 

(70.2)

267.0 

(18.3)

248.7 

34.3 

(20.1)

262.9 

291.1 

391.1 

207.4 

 372.4 

 378.2 

(0.7)

 61.4 

 60.2 

 9.2 

 9.1 

 70.6 

 69.3 

 55.7 

 54.6 

171

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCEFIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
CONTINUED

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

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

2010
£m

334.4 

2.1 

(319.8)

16.7 

46.9 

0.7 

2011
£m

318.6 

(33.5)

(177.7)

107.4 

64.3 

 – 

2012
£m

254.0 

(12.1)

(304.7)

(62.8)

171.7 

(1.6)

2013
£m

347.2 

(87.7)

(277.5)

(18.0)

107.3 

(0.8)

2014
£m

218.4 

26.0 

(302.7)

(58.3)

88.5 

(1.2)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

64.3 

171.7 

107.3 

88.5 

29.0 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash outflow from change in debt and finance leases

Change in net debt from cash flows

Loan notes issued and loans 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

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

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

16.7 

174.2 

190.9 

(1.0)

(3.3)

186.6 

107.4 

1.9 

109.3 

 – 

33.1 

142.4 

(1,048.6)

(862.0)

(862.0)

(719.6)

2010
Restated
£m

1,113.7 

377.8 

56.3 

174.1 

1,721.9 

(315.7)

(1,269.0)

137.2 

49.1 

12.5 

7.0 

(60.2)

 57.4 

71.4 

137.2 

2010

16.00p

£3.90

£5.33

2011
Restated
£m

1,034.8 

327.0 

33.5 

239.9 

1,635.2 

(238.7)

(1,289.0)

107.5 

49.1 

12.7 

3.3 

(87.7)

 80.3 

49.8 

107.5 

2011

17.00p

£3.47

£5.95

(62.8)

126.2 

63.4 

 – 

43.2 

106.6 

(719.6)

(613.0)

2012
Restated
£m

968.5 

244.9 

150.3 

243.9 

1,607.6 

(268.0)

(1,087.9)

251.7 

49.1 

13.5 

–

(75.3)

 95.3 

169.1 

251.7 

2012

18.00p

£3.48

£4.97

(18.0)

17.8 

(0.2)

 – 

40.2 

40.0 

(58.3)

31.3 

(27.0)

(3.0)

0.2 

(29.8)

(613.0)

(573.0)

(573.0)

(602.8)

2013
Restated
£m

1,056.8 

214.0 

188.3 

203.3 

2014
£m

1,125.3 

202.0 

145.9 

213.6 

1,662.4 

1,686.8 

(338.9)

(986.8)

336.7 

49.2 

16.3 

 – 

(152.5)

 113.6 

310.1 

336.7 

2013

19.20p

£4.51

£8.35

(511.1)

(785.1)

390.6 

49.2 

17.8 

–

(240.7)

117.8 

446.5 

390.6 

2014

20.40p

£6.99

£10.74

*  Represents the dividends declared by the Directors in respect of the above years.

172

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCOMPANY BALANCE SHEET

As at 30 September 2014

FIXED ASSETS

Investments:

Group undertakings

Other investments

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors – amounts falling due within one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Deferred tax assets

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

Own shares

Capital redemption reserve

Profit and loss account

EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS

At 
30 September
2014
£m

At
30 September
2013
£m

Note

4

5

6

6

7

11

8

9

10

12

12

13

14

2,825.9 

2,825.8 

 0.3 

 – 

2,826.2 

2,825.8 

 18.7 

 20.5 

 308.7 

 6.5 

 5.3 

26.1

 46.9 

 5.1 

(745.7)

(362.4)

(425.2)

(284.3)

 2,419.7 

2,562.0 

(489.0)

(698.2)

(20.5)

(0.5)

1,910.2 

1,863.3 

49.2 

17.8 

(204.4)

 1.1 

2,046.5 

49.2 

16.2 

(116.5)

 1.1 

1,913.3 

1,910.2 

1,863.3 

The accounts on pages 173 to 179 were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 9 December 2014. They were signed on 
their behalf by:

The Viscount Rothermere 
M W H Morgan 
Directors

173

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCENOTES TO THE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET – UK 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 
UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP). The following paragraphs describe the main accounting policies under 
UK GAAP, which have been applied consistently in both the current and prior year.

Profit for the financial year
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit and loss account for the Company has not been included 
in these accounts. The Company’s profit after tax for the year, calculated on a UK GAAP basis, was £194.3 million (2013 £1,202.7 million, 
2012 £236.3 million).

Impact of amendments to accounting standards
In the current year certain minor amendments to UK financial reporting standards were issued by the UK Accounting Standards Board. 
The adoption of these amendments has not had any impact on the Company’s accounting policies.

2  Significant accounting policies
Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than the Company’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 profit and loss account for the year.

Investments
Investments are stated at cost, less any provision for impairment, where appropriate. 

Taxation
Current tax, including UK 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. Deferred tax is not discounted.

Financial instruments disclosures
Financial assets
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.

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 non interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value. 

174

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 Company 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 set out on pages 137 to 139 of the Group’s Annual Report. The Company does not use derivative 
financial instruments for speculative purposes.

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.

Financial instruments – disclosures
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided in FRS 29, 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), Cash Flow Statements 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 41 
of the Group’s Annual Report.

Retirement benefits
The Company contributes to defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of its employees. These are 
managed on a Group basis and so the Company is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities in the defined 
benefit scheme in which it participates on a consistent and reasonable basis. The scheme is operated on an aggregate basis with no 
segregation of the assets to individual participating employers and, therefore, the same contribution rate is charged to all participating 
employers; the contribution rate charged to each employer being affected by the experience of the scheme as a whole. The scheme  
is therefore accounted for as a defined contribution scheme by the Company. This means that the pension charge reported in these 
financial statements is the same as the cash contributions due in the period. 

Details of the financial position and key valuation assumptions of these schemes can be found in Note 34 of the Group’s Annual Report.

175

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE3  Employees

Average number of persons employed by the Company including Directors:

Total staff costs comprised:

Wages and salaries

Share-based payments

Social security costs

Pension costs

2014
Number

 19 

2013
Number

 25 

2014
£m

 9.7 

 1.5 

 1.6 

 0.1 

 12.9 

2013
£m

 6.0 

 2.8 

 0.4 

 0.1 

 9.3 

The remuneration of the Directors of the Company during the year are disclosed in the Remuneration Report on page 53 of the Group’s 
Annual Report.

4 

Investments in Group undertakings (principal subsidiaries listed on page 170)

At 30 September 2013

Additions

At 30 September 2014

5  Other investments

At 30 September 2013

Additions

At 30 September 2014

6  Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed by Group undertakings

Prepayments and accrued income

Other debtors

Corporation tax

The Company’s corporation tax debtor represents amounts due from subsidiaries for Group relief.

Amounts falling due after more than one year

Derivative financial assets

7  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

176

Cost
£m

 2,825.8 

 0.1 

2,825.9 

Provision
£m

Net book value
£m

 – 

 – 

 – 

2,825.8 

0.1 

2,825.9 

Cost
£m

 – 

 0.3 

 0.3 

Provision
£m

Net book value
£m

 – 

 – 

2014
£m

 283.4 

 – 

 4.3 

 21.0 

 308.7 

2014
£m

 18.7 

 18.7 

2014
£m

 6.5 

 – 

 0.3 

 0.3 

2013
£m

 13.1 

 0.1 

 0.1 

 12.8 

 26.1 

2013
£m

 20.5 

 20.5 

2013
£m

 46.9 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET – UK GAAPCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS8  Creditors – amounts falling due within one year

5.75% Bonds 2018

10.00% Bonds 2021

Bank overdrafts

Loan notes

Interest payable

Amounts owing to Group undertakings

Accruals and deferred income

Other creditors

Note

 (i)

2014
£m

55.1

98.1

 1.7 

 – 

 21.7 

 555.2 

 12.2 

 1.7 

745.7

2013
£m

–

–

 1.4 

0.8 

26.7 

325.0 

8.5 

 – 

362.4 

(i)  Amounts owing to Group undertakings are repayable on demand and bear interest of UK bank base rate plus 0.5%.

Following the year end the Company bought back £56.5 million notional of its 2018 bonds and £92.8 million notional of its 2021 bonds 
incurring a premium of £39.9 million.

9  Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year

5.75% Bonds 2018

10.00% Bonds 2021

6.375% Bonds 2027

Bank loans

Derivative financial liabilities

The nominal values of the bonds are as follows:

5.75% Bonds 2018

10.00% Bonds 2021

6.375% Bonds 2027

2014
£m

209.3

10.3

 196.0 

 59.9 

13.5 

489.0

2014
£m

 275.0 

 100.0 

200.0 

 575.0 

2013
£m

 309.2 

 169.2 

 195.9 

 – 

23.9 

 698.2 

2013
£m

 324.7 

 156.4 

200.0 

 681.1 

In December 2013 the Company bought back £49.7 million notional of its 2018 bonds and £149.2 million notional of its 2021 bonds 
incurring a premium of £24.4 million.

The Company’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 £2.3 million (2013 £3.1 million, 2012 £3.5 million) and the unamortised 
premia amounts to £7.1 million (2013 £7.7 million, 2012 £9.2 million).

Details of the fair value of the Company’s bonds are set out in Note 32 of the Group’s Annual Report.

The bonds are subject to fair value hedging using derivatives as set out in Note 33 of the Group’s Annual Report. Consequently, their 
carrying value is also adjusted to take into account the effects of this hedging activity.

The book value of the Company’s other borrowings equates to fair value. 

The interest rate charged on the Company’s borrowings during the year ranged as follows:

Sterling

US dollar

2014
High

2.33%

1.97%

2014
Low

1.40%

1.04%

2013
High

2.35%

1.93%

2013
Low

1.77%

1.42%

177

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE 
9  Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year continued
The maturity profile of the Company’s borrowings is as follows:

Overdrafts
£m

Bank loans
£m

Bonds
£m

Loan notes
£m

2014

Within one year

Between two and five years

Over five years

2013

Within one year

Over five years

10 Provisions for liabilities

Other provisions

Movements on other provisions were as follows:

At 30 September 2013

Additions

At 30 September 2014

 1.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1.7 

 1.4 

 – 

 – 

 1.4 

 – 

153.2

59.9 

 – 

 59.9 

 59.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

209.3

206.3

415.6

568.8 

 – 

 674.3 

 674.3 

 674.3 

Note

(i)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 0.8 

 – 

 – 

 0.8 

2014
£m

 20.5 

 20.5 

 0.5 

 20.0 

20.5 

Total
£m

154.9

269.2

206.3

475.5

630.4 

 2.2 

 674.3 

 674.3 

 676.5 

2013
£m

 0.5 

 0.5 

 0.5 

 – 

0.5 

(i)  The Company announced that it has commenced, through Numis Securities Ltd, an irrevocable, non-discretionary programme 

to purchase shares on its own behalf, to be held in treasury, during its close period which commenced on 1 October 2014 and ended 
on 26 November 2014 with the release of the Company’s Preliminary Results. The maximum value of this close period buy-back 
programme was set at £20.0 million. 

11  Deferred taxation

Other timing differences

Movements on the deferred taxation asset were as follows:

At start of year

Share-based payments

Tax credit for the year

At end of year

2014
£m

5.3 

2014
£m

5.1 

0.1 

0.1 

5.3 

2013
£m

5.1 

2013
£m

3.1 

1.5 

0.5 

5.1 

In the opinion of the Directors it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to recover the deferred tax asset against suitable 
future taxable profits generated by its subsidiary undertakings.

178

NOTES TO THE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET – UK GAAPCONTINUEDDAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014FINANCIAL STATEMENTS12 Reserves
Share premium account

At start of year

Issue of shares

At end of year

Own shares

At start of year

Additions

Own shares released on vesting of share options

Financial liability for closed period purchases

At end of year

2014
£m

 16.2 

 1.6 

 17.8 

2014
£m

(116.5)

(91.3)

23.4 

(20.0)

(204.4)

2013
£m

 13.4 

 2.8 

 16.2 

2013
£m

(43.8)

(94.6)

 21.9 

–

(116.5)

The Company’s investment in its own shares are shares held in treasury or shares held by an employee benefit trust to satisfy incentive 
schemes. At 30 September 2014, this investment comprised the cost of 25,082,829 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2013 20,412,954 shares, 
2012 10,188,174 shares) held in treasury and 2,196,080 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2013 nil, 2012 nil) held in the employee benefit trust. 
The market value of the Treasury Shares at 30 September 2014 was £192.1 million (2013 £155.5 million, 2012 £49.1 million) and the market 
value of the shares held in the employee benefit trust at 30 September 2014 was £16.8 million (2013 £nil, 2012 £nil).

The employee benefit trust is independently managed and has purchased shares in order to satisfy outstanding share options and 
potential awards under the long-term incentive plan. 

The Treasury Shares are considered to be a realised loss for the purposes of calculating distributable reserves.

13 Capital redemption reserve

At start and end of year

14 Profit and loss account

At start of year

Net profit for the year

Dividends paid

Expenses incurred in relation to scheme of arrangement 

Other movements on share option schemes

At end of year

Total reserves – 2013

Total reserves – 2014

£m

1.1 

£m

1,913.3 

194.3

(72.8)

0.2 

11.5 

2,046.5 

1,814.1 

1,861.0

The Company estimates that £1,422.0 million of the Company’s profit and loss account reserve is not distributable (2013 £1,305.5 million, 
2012 £583.6 million).

15 Contingent liabilities
At 30 September 2014 the Company had guaranteed subsidiaries’ outstanding derivatives which had a mark to market liability 
valuation of £1.4 million (2013 asset £18.7 million, 2012 asset £7.2 million) and letters of credit with a principal value of £1.8 million 
(2013 £1.2 million, 2012 £2.4 million). The Company is the guarantor of a loan note amounting to £150.0 million (2013 £150.0 million, 
2012 £150.0 million) in respect of the contingent asset partnership referred to in Note 34 of the Group’s Annual Report.

16 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.

17 Post balance sheet events
Details of the Company’s post balance sheet events can be found within Note 44 of the Group’s Annual Report.

179

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014STRATEGIC REPORTOVERVIEWFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Company Secretary and Registered Office
Claire Chapman
Northcliffe House
2 Derry Street
London
W8 5TT
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7938 6000
E-mail: enquiries@dmgt.com
England Registered Number: 184594

Website
The Group has a website (www.dmgt.com) which gives information on the Company and its operating subsidiaries and provides details 
of significant Group announcements.

Financial calendar 2015

4 February
4 February
6 February
26 March
31 March
31 March
21 May
4 June
5 June
3 July
23 July
24 September
30 September
30 September
25 November
3 December
4 December

Trading update
Annual General Meeting
Payment of final dividend
Half year pre close trading update
Payment of interest on loan notes
Half year end
Half yearly financial report released
Interim ex-dividend date
Interim record date
Payment of interim dividend
Trading update
Full year pre close trading update
Year End
Payment of interest on loan notes
Preliminary announcement of annual results
Ex-dividend date
Record date

Capital gains tax
The market value of both the Ordinary and A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (A Shares) in the Company on 31 March 1982 (adjusted for 
the 1994 bonus issue of A 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 the 
following page.

Electronic communications
Equiniti operates Shareview, a free online service which enables shareholders to check their shareholdings and other related 
information and to register to receive notification by email of the release of the Annual Report. It also offers practical help on matters 
such as transferring shares or updating contact 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.

Low-cost share dealing service
Equiniti provides a simple low-cost dealing service for the Company’s A Shares, details of which are available at www.shareview.co.uk/
dealing or by calling 08456 037 037. Details of this and other low-cost dealing services can be found on the Company’s website at 
www. dmgt.com.

Share price information
The current price of the Company’s A Shares can be found on the homepage of the Company’s website at www.dmgt.com.

180

DAILY MAIL AND GENERAL TRUST PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

Eurobond paying agent
The principal paying agent for the Company’s 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 +44 (0)20 3615 2917, and whose email address is john.donegan@dmgt.com.

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 Adam Webster. The investor relations email address is investor.relations@dmgt.com.

ShareGift
In the UK, 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 ShareGift, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH.

Shareholdings at 30 September 2014 
Ordinary Shares

Balance ranges

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 and over

Totals

A Shares

Balance ranges

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 and over

Totals

Total number of holdings

Percentage of holders

Total number of shares

Percentage issued capital

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3

3

0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
100.00%

100.00%

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19,890,364

19,890,364

0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
100.00%

100.00%

Total number of holdings

Percentage of holders

Total number of shares

Percentage issued capital

984
599
234
150
104
51
116
75

42.54%
25.90%
10.12%
6.49%
4.50%
2.20%
5.02%
3.24%

2,313

100.00%

371,341
1,488,911
1,732,925
2,111,419
3,217,833
3,525,097
25,046,027
336,473,004

373,966,557

0.10%
0.40%
0.46%
0.56%
0.86%
0.94%
6.70%
89.97%

100.00%

Advisers  
Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited  
One Cabot Square 
London E14 4QJ
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7888 8888

Auditor
Deloitte LLP 
2 New Street Square 
London EC4A 3BZ
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7936 3000

Numis Securities Limited 
The London Stock Exchange Building 
10 Patermoster Square 
London EC4M 7LT 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7260 1000

Registrars 
Equiniti  
Aspect House  
Spencer Road  
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA
Telephone: +44 (0)871 384 2302

Corporate brochure and video
Take a look at our corporate brochure 
and video for more about DMGT 
and a snapshot of our core strategic 
messages and key success stories 
from around our business.  
www.dmgt.com

Design and production 

Find out more at www.dmgt.com
Visit www.dmgt.com to see what 
is happening across our business 
and the marketplaces in which 
we operate.

Contact Details
DMGT HQ
Northcliffe House 
2 Derry Street 
London W8 5TT 
UK

Tel +44 (0)20 7938 6000 
enquiries@dmgt.com 
www.dmgt.com

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