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FY2020 Annual Report · Daily Mail and General Trust plc
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc

Satisfying  
the need  
to know

Annual Report 
2020

Overview

Financial Highlights

Statutory Results†

Revenue 

£1,203m

2019: £1,337m

Operating profit

£15m

2019: £67m

Adjusted Measures

Revenue 

Operating margin*

£1,211m

2019: £1,411m

7%

2019: 10%

Profit before tax 

£52m

2019: £134m

Profit for the year 

£189m

2019: £91m

Profit before tax*

£72m

2019: £145m

Earnings per share*

26.1p

2019: 38.6p

Earnings per share 

Dividend per share

Cash operating income*

Net cash§:EBITDA

83.1p

2019: 30.7p

24.1p

2019: 23.9p

£110m

2019: £162m

1.4x

2019: 1.2x

£ million

Statutory profit before tax 

Discontinued operations

Exceptional operating costs

Intangible impairment and amortisation

Profit on sale of assets

Pension finance (credit)

Other adjustments

Adjusted profit before tax

FY 2020

FY 2019

Explanation

52

147

24

31

(177)

(4)

(1)

72

134

(33)

36

69

(67)

(7)

13

145

i

ii

iii

iv

v

vi

For explanations i to vi and more detailed tables please refer to pages 28 and 31. 

† 
* 

§ 

 Statutory revenue, operating profit and profit before tax figures are for continuing operations only (excluding Energy Information).
 Before exceptional items, other gains and losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, amortisation of intangible assets 
arising on business combinations, pension finance credits and fair value adjustments; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 107 
and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts. Adjusted figures also exclude discontinued operations (Energy Information).
 See Note 16 for details of net cash. The actual net cash and net cash:EBITDA ratio as at 30 September 2020 were £185 million and 1.3. 
However, £117 million of net cash has been made available to the pension schemes and there were £100 million of lease liabilities 
in respect of the adoption of IFRS 16, the lease accounting standard. The lease liabilities largely reflect the future operating costs 
of renting office space and are not considered a component of net debt when the Board reviews the Group’s available capital. 
Consequently, they are excluded from pro forma net cash. The 2020 pro forma net cash of £168 million and net cash:EBITDA ratio of 
1.4 are stated after adjusting net cash, to exclude both the £117 million cash and the £100 million lease liabilities, and after adjusting 
EBITDA to include lease costs. Similarly, the actual 2019 ratio was 0.4 and the ratio of 1.2 includes £282 million of gross proceeds from 
the disposal of the Energy Information business, which were received in November 2019, and excludes £117 million made available to 
the pension schemes.

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 Go online to www.dmgt.com to find out more

   
 
 
 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

DMGT is an international business 
built on entrepreneurism 
and innovation.

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses 
and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, 
events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term 
approach to investment and has market-leading positions in 
consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education 
technology and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates 
revenues of around £1.2 billion.

02
Chairman’s Statement 
Maintaining a strong 
portfolio of businesses

10
CEO Review
Delivering against  
clear strategic  
priorities

06
Our Business Model

Proprietary 
content

Innovative 
technology

16
Operating Business 
Reviews 

Data  
science

Consumer 
know-how

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

Insurance Risk 

  Property Information 
  EdTech 
  Events and Exhibitions 
  Energy Information 
  Consumer Media 
  JVs, associates and dmg ventures 
Financial Review 
Our Stakeholders 
  Section 172 statement 
Principal Risks  

02
05
06
08
10
14
16
17
17
18
19
19
20
22
23
32
38
40

Governance
Board of Directors and Company Secretary  48
50
Chairman’s Statement on Governance 
51
Corporate Governance 
68
Remuneration Report 
92
Statutory Information 
95
Annual General Meeting 2021: Resolutions 

Financial Statements 
Independent Auditor’s Report  
Financial Statements  

Shareholder Information 

97
107

219

1

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

Navigating through turbulence 
Chairman’s Statement

We have managed our 
businesses prudently to  
ensure we are well positioned 
for recovery.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

The 12 months covered by our 2020 
Annual Report have been among the 
most challenging that DMGT has faced 
since our business was founded more 
than a century ago. Our Group and the 
wider business world are grappling with 
disruption caused by a global Covid-19 
pandemic, for which the only precedent 
was the Spanish Influenza of 1918–20.

DMGT, which was first created to manage my 
family’s newspaper assets, has demonstrated 
in the intervening century the value of 
long-term patient capital. Over that period, 
we have traded and continued to grow 
through a world war, through economic 
recessions, multiple changes of government, 
the onset of the digital age, globalisation, 
market volatility and dramatically changing 
consumer and business demand. Throughout, 
we have deployed capital, managed our 
assets and developed a strategy to deliver 
sustained shareholder value.

These have been our guiding principles for 
many years and they have been a consistent 
backdrop in addressing the headwinds faced 
in the 12 months to 30 September 2020, 
the year of Covid-19. As Paul Zwillenberg, 
your CEO, outlines on pages 10 to 13, 
DMGT has responded both constructively 
and resiliently to the disruption.

At the business, employee and community 
levels, DMGT has demonstrated the breadth 
and depth of its operations. Our range of 
businesses, from B2B information to one 
of the world’s highest-reach online news 
platforms, helped us to offset weakness 
in some parts of the Group with strong 
performances elsewhere. Although we have 
not been immune to pandemic volatility, 
our results show that DMGT is well placed 
to benefit from the economic recovery that 
we expect to materialise in due course. 

Ahead of that anticipated recovery, we have 
worked hard to stabilise your Group in a 
period when the global economy has been 
shaken by Covid-19. Throughout, the health 
and wellbeing of our employees and their 
families around the world has been a priority 
and we have endeavoured to safeguard jobs. 
In parallel, we also implemented measures 
to secure the health of DMGT. This saw a 
significant investment of management time 
and capital to strengthen areas of growth 
while also seeking additional efficiency 
savings across the Group. 

DMGT benefits from a strong balance sheet, 
with a net cash position, that allows us to 
continue to invest in both our B2B and 
Consumer Media operations and to 
consider meaningful acquisitions when 
opportunities arise.

DMGT has 
responded both 
constructively 
and resiliently to 
the coronavirus 
disruption.”

2

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Group revenue

-10%

underlying growth^

^  See footnote shown on page 15.
§  See footnote shown on inside front cover.

The underlying financial strength of your 
Group enabled us to avoid the pronounced 
cutbacks that have impacted some of our 
peers. Although some headcount reduction 
was unavoidable, we strove to minimise 
job losses in our businesses. We also 
implemented a temporary salary substitution 
plan at some businesses where trading 
was particularly affected by Covid-19, 
compensating our staff with share awards.

Alongside the business and financial 
discipline that is a hallmark of DMGT, 
we played our part in supporting the UK’s 
pandemic response efforts. The newly 
established Mail Force Charity provided vital 
medical supplies to frontline workers and 
other essential staff. Mail Force sourced 
personal protective equipment internationally 
to supplement official UK medical 
procurement, organising airlifts to fill the gap 
as the pandemic threatened to overwhelm 
health and social care providers. The efforts of 
the Charity were hailed by Sir Simon Stevens, 
Chief Executive of the NHS, who said: “It’s 
been an enormous boost, coming on top 
of the Government’s efforts to get us the kit 
we in the NHS need. It’s helped our doctors, 
nurses, porters, therapists, cleaners, 
scientists and countless other staff to so 
brilliantly care for 90,000 hospital patients 
desperately ill with Covid-19, as well as 
continuing to provide essential services such 
as cancer, A&E and mental health care.”

Such proactive steps, agreed wholeheartedly 
by your Board, reflect the shared values of 
this Group. I take pride in what has been 
achieved, but I know that our businesses and 
our people face continued uncertainty in the 
months ahead. We have taken a number of 
measures to mitigate this uncertainty and we 
have managed our businesses prudently to 
ensure we are well positioned for recovery.

Business highlights
Metaphorically, the 2020 financial year was 
‘a game of two halves’. For most of the first 
half, we traded successfully and delivered 
sustained growth. In March 2020, however, 
the financial impact of Covid-19 began 
to bite. This included the cancellation 
or postponement of events, a weaker 

Pro forma net cash§ 

£168 million

MailOnline’s average daily audience 

17 million

advertising market, reduced newspaper 
circulation volumes and a significant 
slowdown in the UK property markets.

We saw relative resilience in areas such as 
our subscription businesses, Insurance Risk, 
US Property Information and EdTech, 
together representing about a third of our 
Group revenues. This could not compensate, 
however, for the sharply reduced performance 
of our consumer print businesses, where 
there were substantial declines in advertising 
revenues, and our UK Property Information 
and Events and Exhibitions businesses.

Although we traded strongly in the first five 
months of the financial year, our generally 
robust renewal rates and new subscription 
sales were not enough to prevent reduced 
revenues as some of the markets were 
effectively shut down due to Covid-19. 
Nevertheless, we continued to launch new 
products and services across our B2B 
operations, aiming to benefit from the 
digitisation of our sectors.

The online operations of our Consumer 
Media division remained relatively resilient, 
with declines in digital advertising being 
significantly less marked than in print. 
I am pleased to report that MailOnline, 
one of our flagship media platforms, 
continued to grow its revenues and profits, 
as well as extending its market presence. 

As we reported during the course of 
the financial year, our teams worked 
extraordinarily hard to adapt to pandemic 
trading conditions, which gives me 
confidence that our businesses will be 
both resilient and agile in a post-Covid-19 
environment. This resilience is not fully 
reflected by the financial results for the 
12-month period, which show revenues 
down by an underlying 10% at £1,211 million 
and adjusted earnings per share decreasing 
to 26.1 pence. The results include the benefit 
of a diversified portfolio, with businesses in 
Insurance Risk, US Property Information and 
EdTech helping to offset volatility elsewhere. 

Similarly, we have come through this 
period with a strong balance sheet, having 
disposed of assets and increased the focus 

of the portfolio over the past few years. 
These measures, combined with other 
aspects of the strategy being executed by 
Paul Zwillenberg and his team, including 
improving operational execution and 
maintaining financial flexibility, have 
positioned DMGT to be able to capitalise 
on rising demand when it returns.

For these reasons, your Board is able 
to recommend an increase in the total 
dividend for the year to 24.1 pence per share, 
reaffirming our commitment to generating 
returns for our shareholders and reflecting 
DMGT’s long-term approach to capital 
management and allocation.

Governance
DMGT is overseen by a strong and 
experienced Board that remains committed 
to the high governance standards its 
shareholders expect. The Board and its 
committees ensure that the Group is 
governed with sound planning, strong 
internal control systems, proper accounting 
and compliance with statutory and 
regulatory obligations. At the meetings 
throughout the financial year, and in regular 
interactions between the Board and 
management, we have continued to review 
DMGT’s performance in light of the Group’s 
strategic aims, objectives, business plans 
and changing economic conditions. 

The Board has continued to prioritise the 
competent and prudent management 
strategy led by Paul Zwillenberg, your CEO, 
and Tim Collier, your Group Chief Financial 
Officer. We are fortunate to have Directors 
with experience of an extensive range of 
businesses and international markets, 
which supports rigorous and high-quality 
debate of DMGT’s strategic opportunities. 

The Board reconsidered the dividend policy 
carefully during the year and resolved to 
leave it unchanged. The policy aims to 
deliver a reliable and predictable dividend 
growth trajectory, unaffected by fluctuations 
in earnings or capital gains, while also being 
sufficiently prudent to retain the flexibility 
to make significant investments in the 
long-term future growth of the business.

3

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Navigating through turbulence 
Chairman’s Statement

I would like to thank Tessa Keswick who 
stood down from the DMGT Board on 
1 October 2020.

Filippa Wallestam joined DMGT’s Board as 
an Independent Non-Executive Director in 
November 2020. Filippa brings extensive 
knowledge and experience in the fields of 
broadcasting and digital media strategy.

   Read more in the Governance report, 

pages 48 to 67

People and culture
In more than two decades as your Chairman, 
I have been proud of the investments we 
have made in the people and the culture 
that represent the beating heart of DMGT. 
Our people share a common passion for 
the entrepreneurism and innovation 
that shapes our different business units. 
The success and growth of those businesses 
depend crucially on the quality of people 
that work for them, which requires the 
provision of opportunities for continued 
learning, training and the development 
of new skills. We have also continued to 
refresh our complement of people with 
apprenticeships and graduate intakes, 
ensuring that our human capital continues 
to evolve and grow. 

Culturally, we balance an absolute 
commitment to business performance and 
competitiveness with a readiness to go the 
extra mile for the communities and markets 
that we serve. In this financial year, that 
extensive community commitment included 
the Mail Force Charity, discussed above, 
through to volunteering by many of our staff 
to help the disadvantaged. These efforts 
have been made possible, in part, due to the 
effectiveness of our Corporate Responsibility 
Champions network. I want to thank 
everyone at DMGT who has supported this 
vital work in the past year.

So, while we will maintain a business 
culture of continually seeking to improve 
commercial performance, we will also 
preserve a wider cultural commitment to 
extending DMGT’s values of teamwork and 
civic service through charitable activities 
in the UK and around the world.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

Remuneration 
DMGT aims to reward senior management 
appropriately for the performance of the 
Group, its businesses and the individuals 
concerned, in light of the international 
marketplace for executive talent. We are 
conscious that remuneration remains an 
issue of importance for DMGT’s shareholders 
and the wider community of stakeholders 
that we serve. Our remuneration policy 
mandates that no Director or manager 
shall be involved in any decisions as to 
their own remuneration. 

   Read more in Remuneration Report, 

pages 68 to 91

Outlook
The past financial year was defined by 
challenges and uncertainty. Fortunately, 
we were able to navigate this turbulence 
due to both the quality of our businesses 
and the quality of the people working 
in them. 

We also ended the year with strong pro 
forma net cash of £168 million and 
£373 million of committed undrawn bank 
facilities. Notwithstanding this financial 
strength, the continued disruption caused 
by Covid-19 has weighed on both our B2B 
and Consumer Media operations. At a 
business and at a personal level, your 
Board very much hopes the worst is 
behind us and that further waves of the 
pandemic can be avoided in the coming 
winter. I know, however, that DMGT 
has the core strength to address these 
challenges, even if precise guidance on 
our likely financial performance in FY 2021 
is difficult to provide. 

We have entered the new financial year 
with strong foundations in place and 
I remain confident that DMGT can 
withstand a sustained period of global 
economic uncertainty to emerge 
resilient and able to deliver continued 
shareholder value.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

4

Adjusted revenue by business  
FY 2020 (%)

  Insurance Risk 
  Property Information 
  EdTech 
  Events and Exhibitions 
  Consumer Media 

21
15
7
7
50

Dividend per share
The Board’s policy is to grow the 
dividend in real terms and, in the 
medium term, to aim to distribute 
around one-third of the Group’s 
adjusted earnings.

25

20

15

10

5

0

2.8p

1990

Dividend

Inflation

24.1p

5.3p

2020

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Who we are
DMGT at a Glance

DMGT’s portfolio of companies operates across B2B and consumer markets 
and has become more focused, positioning the Group for long-term growth 
and value creation.

Our sectors

B2B

Insurance Risk
RMS produces risk models and software applications, and provides analytical data services 
used by the global risk and insurance industry to quantify and manage catastrophe risk. 

   Read more, page 17

Property Information
Our Property Information companies provide technology, data and workflow solutions 
to clients involved in commercial and residential property markets as well as risk and 
valuation services to the Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities market. The disposal 
of BuildFax occurred in October 2019. 

   Read more, page 17

EdTech
Hobsons is the leading provider of student success solutions in the US through its 
Naviance, Intersect and Starfish platforms. 

   Read more, page 18

Events and Exhibitions
dmg events is an international B2B exhibitions and conference organiser, focusing on 
the energy, construction, interiors, hotel, hospitality and leisure sectors, operating 
across several geographies. 

   Read more, page 19

Consumer

Consumer Media
dmg media is a modern news media company with two of the UK’s most-read paid-for 
newspapers and one of the world’s most popular free newspapers. It includes MailOnline, 
whose readers spend a total 145 million minutes on the site and apps each day. 
In November 2019, the ‘i’, the UK national newspaper and website, was added to 
the portfolio.

   Read more, page 20

JVs, associates and dmg ventures

dmg ventures invests in disruptive consumer propositions that need to scale and which 
can leverage DMGT’s assets to do so. These include Cazoo, which aims to change the way 
people buy used cars in the UK, and Yopa, the UK hybrid estate agent. The Group also 
invests in B2B businesses, including Praedicat in the Insurance Risk sector.

   Read more, page 22

   Go online to www.dmgt.com for more information about our businesses

5

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

How we create value
Our Business Model

Satisfying the 
need to know

Which we monetise  
through five  
revenue models

DMGT’s market-leading businesses 
deliver products and solutions with 
engaging content, combining data, 
technology and consumer know-how. 
We provide businesses and consumers 
with compelling information, 
analysis, insight, events, news 
and entertainment.

Proprietary 
content

Innovative 
technology

Subscription 
Our B2B operating companies have a strong subscription 
revenue component with a track record of delivering 
growth and high renewal rates, demonstrating the 
strength of our customer relationships.

Circulation
Circulation revenues are generated from sales of 
the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and ‘i’ newspapers, 
with the Mail titles continuing to hold market-leading 
positions and gain market share in a declining market.

Advertising
Our Consumer Media business generates advertising 
revenue both in print and digital formats. Growth in 
our digital advertising revenues usually helps to offset 
structural declines in print advertising. Enhanced user 
engagement drives advertiser interest in increasingly 
sophisticated advertising formats.

Events attendance and sponsorship
Exhibitor fees, sponsorship revenues and delegate fees are 
earned from the portfolio of B2B shows run by dmg events.

Data 
science

Consumer 
know-how

Transactions
Our Property Information revenues are influenced by UK 
residential and commercial property transaction volumes. 

   Read more about our operating companies’ business models 

in Operating Business Reviews, pages 16 to 22

  Read more in Financial Review, pages 23 to 31

6

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Drawing upon

Enabling us to  
create value for 
our stakeholders

Culture and values 
DMGT has developed a performance 
management culture underpinned by core 
values that we believe are integral to the 
Group’s identity:

Entrepreneurism
As a home for entrepreneurs, working at the 
cutting edge of technology, DMGT fosters constant 
innovation, growth and talent development across 
our international businesses. 

Purpose 
Long-term perspective and businesses with a clear 
sense of purpose for their customers and society.

Excellence 
Commitment to quality, craftsmanship and 
delivering excellence. We seek the best talent, 
leadership and expertise.

People 
The expertise and passion of our employees.

For our shareholders
We have a track record of investing for the long term to 
deliver value creation across a diversified portfolio of 
entrepreneurial operating companies. Our strategy aims to 
achieve sustainable long-term earnings and dividend growth.

Total shareholder return FY 1990 – FY 2020

9% CAGR

For our employees
We nurture entrepreneurial talent and encourage our people 
to make their own mark on DMGT, a diverse international 
portfolio with over 120 years of heritage.

Employees worldwide

5,698

For our customers
Our deep understanding of customer needs enables us 
to innovate constantly and create content, products and 
solutions that provide our operating companies with  
a competitive edge and make us even more relevant  
to our customers.

Organic investment as a percentage of revenues FY 2020

Technology 
Technology enables DMGT’s businesses to 
provide compelling products and solutions.

10%

Customer 
relationships 

Customer relationships 
DMGT values the relationships we have 
fostered with our customers, consistent with 
our long-term approach.

For our communities
DMGT operating companies have helped establish, 
and developed strategic partnerships with a number 
of charitable organisations, most recently Mail Force 
Charity. These initiatives focus on making a difference 
in the communities where our people work and live.

Amount donated to charity FY 2020  
including employee volunteering hours

£1.6 million

  Read more in Our Stakeholders, pages 32 to 39

  Read more in Our Stakeholders, pages 32 to 39

7

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Adapting to continuous change
Market Overview

DMGT comprises a portfolio of businesses working across diverse markets. 
While each sector has its own individual characteristics, some common 
features exist: 

•  Content and information-driven
•  Fast-paced and evolving to adopt new technology and business models
•  Technology-enabled with high degrees of innovation
•  Enduring and resilient over the long term

Increased  
volatility

Political  
uncertainty

Cyber  
security

Context to DMGT
•  As a provider of proprietary, hard-to-

Context to DMGT
•  Political policy decisions have direct 

and often unexpected impacts on the 
geographies and sectors in which 
DMGT operates and will continue to 
shape where and how DMGT pursues 
commercial and strategic opportunities.

Market trend
•  There is still long-term geopolitical and 
trading uncertainty for UK companies’ 
operations abroad. 

•  Changing political landscapes throughout 
the world add to the climate of political 
uncertainty. 

Our approach
•  DMGT closely follows political changes 

and implications for the geographies and 
sectors in which it participates. In many 
instances, the uncertainty of changing 
political and regulatory norms presents 
commercial opportunities, as we help 
our customers anticipate implications 
for their business.

•  We continually review our operations 
against changes to global sanctions 
and diplomatic relations.

obtain information, DMGT benefits from 
growing uncertainty in the world as its 
customers rely more heavily on data 
and analysis to inform critical decisions.

Market trend
•  Global economic uncertainty, political 
tensions and supply and demand 
disruptions continue to influence our 
customers and their markets. There is 
uncertainty about the impact on economies 
globally of Covid-19, the measures to 
control it and the management of national 
debt levels. The UK economy continues 
to be unsettled by uncertainty about 
the impact of Brexit.

•  Pandemics, extreme weather events, 
fluctuations in the pricing of financial 
securities and continued exchange-rate 
swings have directly impacted the 
economic and social environments for 
both investment and business operations.

Our approach
•  Our diversified portfolio provides balance 
in an increasingly volatile world: as one 
sector may be facing headwinds, another 
may benefit.

•  DMGT is providing its customers with 
fundamental content, data, analytics 
and insights. This enables them to move 
away from decisions based on instinct 
and embrace data as a means to 
navigate volatility.

•  DMGT’s businesses are not dependent on 
trade between the UK and the remaining 
EU members, other than the sourcing 
of newsprint for the Consumer Media 
business. Notwithstanding a period of 
political and macroeconomic uncertainty, 
the future is viewed with confidence.

8

Context to DMGT
•  As a provider of business-critical data, 
analytic tools for global industries and 
news media, DMGT is exposed to cyber 
security risks across its operations.

Market trend
•  Cyber security threat is a permanent 

business risk in the digital age. 
Governments and regulatory bodies 
are increasingly alert to the threat 
posed to individuals and society by 
security breaches.

•  As customer confidence is easily eroded, 
enforcing the highest possible cyber 
security standards is critical for 
maintaining customer and market trust.

Our approach
•  DMGT continues to strengthen its 

information security controls. The Group 
Chief Information Security Officer leads a 
continuous review of the cyber security 
landscape in order to roll out enhanced 
information security standards, 
compliance roadmaps and perform 
regular cyber security audits.

•  The Executive Committee ensures 

senior-level engagement across the 
Group and appropriate investment 
in risk reduction.

•  Incident reports, responses and best 
practices are shared across the Group 
to help ensure appropriate mitigation 
of any threat.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Our businesses are constantly looking to the future to identify and manage current and future trends.  
The most significant of these are identified here, as well as DMGT’s approach to the trends. 

   Read more on the trends affecting the Group in Principal Risks, pages 40 to 47

Continuous 
innovation

Artificial 
intelligence 

A competitive 
talent pool

Context to DMGT
•  Technological change and customer 
adoption rates of new technologies 
in our key sectors are accelerating, 
changing and erasing traditional 
business models. 

Market trend
•  The speed of technology evolution is 
increasing the capital intensity of IT 
investment and product development, 
reducing business investment horizons.

Our approach
•  As an entrepreneurial Group focused 
on digital growth, DMGT stays ahead 
by continually fostering innovation and 
embracing new ideas. This is reflected 
by DMGT’s expectation of investing at 
least 5% of revenue in organic initiatives 
each year. 

•  DMGT has a family heritage which 

encourages long-term thinking and 
the application of patient capital. 
Consequently, the Group can invest 
for the future, seeding, incubating and 
nurturing innovative opportunities. 

•  Throughout DMGT’s history, innovation 
and diversification have been essential 
elements of how we do business and 
have given us a wealth of experience 
to draw on in order to adapt to 
market changes. 

•  DMGT’s investment approach enables us 
to remain close to customers through 
our portfolio of businesses. This provides 
greater insight into exactly what our 
customers value, engage with and, 
ultimately, want to buy.

Context to DMGT
•  There is an increasing prevalence of 

systems and devices that are designed to 
act intelligently. There is also continued 
growth in the amount of data being 
generated, stored and made available 
for analysis. With the benefit of artificial 
intelligence, a smart system can quickly 
process and use data to inform and 
change its future behaviour. These 
developments create opportunities 
for DMGT and its businesses.

Market trend
•  Artificial intelligence, including machine 
learning, enables businesses to perform 
analysis on immense quantities of data 
and derive insights that were previously 
impossible to see. 

Our approach
•  DMGT’s businesses help their customers 
to identify which information provides 
strategic value, access data from different 
sources and explore how algorithms 
can be used to improve processes and 
understanding. This area is evolving 
quickly and DMGT’s businesses are 
embracing the opportunity to develop 
new products to increase efficiency. 

Context to DMGT
•  Across the global workforce, top talent 
is drawn to companies that offer a 
compelling employee value proposition. 
This includes purpose beyond profit, 
competitive remuneration and continuing 
learning and development opportunities.

Market trend
•  Demand for top talent is always fierce, 

particularly in the critical areas of big data 
analytics, artificial intelligence and data 
science, where demand in many labour 
markets outstrips supply. 

Our approach
•  In competing for key employees, especially 

critical technology talent, DMGT is 
committed to enhancing its employee 
proposition. 

•  The central technology function 

coordinates Group-wide communication 
and mobility for technological talent.

•  DMGT supports training and development 

in order to enhance employees’ capabilities 
and transfer skills throughout the 
businesses. We also provide initiatives such 
as our talent development programmes 
to encourage rising talent within DMGT. 

•  Statistical analytics are integral to many 
of the products and services that we 
continue to develop across our businesses. 

•  Our Board of Directors meets emerging 
leaders at the operating companies as 
part of the schedule of Board meetings.

•  We have a central technology function 
with expertise in artificial intelligence, 
which is leveraged by the operating 
companies.

9

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Delivering against clear strategic priorities 
CEO Review

Overview
2020 will forever be defined by the 
Covid-19 pandemic and the extreme 
disruption and change that it brought to 
people and businesses across the world. 
In this context, I am immensely proud 
of the way that everyone at DMGT 
responded. Our people reacted to the 
situation with calm and compassion 
and demonstrated an impressive level 
of adaptability in unique circumstances. 

Our transition to working remotely was 
smooth and we continued to deliver our 
products to customers seamlessly across 
the portfolio, other than the necessary 
cancellation of events. Of particular note, 
in March 2020 the Mail newspapers were 
produced remotely for the first time, an 
extraordinary achievement by our team.

Throughout this period, our customer 
relationships strengthened as we worked 
closely to understand how best to meet their 
needs in a rapidly changing environment. 
We remain immensely grateful for our 
customers’ support.

DMGT’s portfolio approach, combining 
high-quality, market-leading businesses, 
is a real source of strength and is helping 
us to manage through a challenging 
macroeconomic environment. Each business 
has been affected differently, depending 
on its sector and revenue model. In general, 
during the year, our subscription B2B 
businesses proved to be largely resilient, 
while our Consumer Media, UK Property 
Information and Events and Exhibitions 
businesses were all significantly impacted.

Encouragingly, we have continued to execute 
well against our three key strategic priorities 
of increasing portfolio focus, improving 
operational execution and maintaining 
financial flexibility. Our experience through 
Covid-19 is an important proof point of the 
progress made over the past few years. 
DMGT responded with agility, benefitting 
from the more focused portfolio of 
businesses and our performance 
management culture, and the Group is 
more operationally and financially resilient.

Response to Covid-19
The wellbeing of our people has been a 
priority since the onset of Covid-19 and 
swift action was taken to ensure a seamless 
and safe transition to remote working. 

10

Key strategic priorities

Delivering on our potential

Improving operational 
execution

Increasing portfolio  
focus

Maintaining financial 
flexibility

We have also been actively involved in 
supporting our communities. We have 
always taken our role in society seriously 
and I am proud of the Group’s response, 
which I believe is testament to that. 
We, together with Salesforce, launched 
Mail Force Charity to provide the NHS 
with supplies of PPE. 

At Metro, we continued to print the 
newspaper for key workers on their daily 
commute. For those who were not able to 
travel to a newsagent, we strengthened 
our home delivery service and augmented 
‘Mail+’, providing enhanced digital versions 
of the Daily Mail’s content.

At Landmark, we assisted the NHS by 
providing free environmental reporting 
to support the design of the Nightingale 
hospitals, whilst at Hobsons, we provided 
Naviance Curriculum free of charge 
to schools across the US, to the benefit 
of more than three million students.

We also made a conscious decision, 
supported by the strength of our balance 
sheet, to prioritise the Group’s self-
sufficiency. We believed it was responsible 
not to take government support, allowing 
much-needed national resources to be 
applied elsewhere.

As a business, DMGT responded quickly and 
adapted to the uncertainty that we faced. 
We introduced a salary substitution plan, 
issuing equity for our higher earners. This 
was an innovative approach which we felt 
was fair for everyone, aligning employees’ 
and shareholders’ interests, and the 
response from employees was very positive. 

Our businesses were quick to make 
measured reductions in costs, reducing 
overheads and discretionary spend across 
the portfolio. We also reprioritised DMGT’s 
organic investment initiatives, realigning our 
priorities in light of the changing economic 
circumstances and accelerating digitisation 
in many of our sectors.

Finally, we worked closely with each of our 
businesses to put contingency plans in place. 
Any short-term decisions were balanced 
against the opportunity to create value in 
the long term.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders, 

pages 32 to 39

Business highlights
Our performance over the last year was 
significantly impacted by Covid-19. The first 
five months of trading were, in fact, very 
encouraging but the onset of the pandemic 
caused severe disruption to some of 
our businesses. 

Importantly, however, as a Group we 
continued to execute against our strategic 
priorities. We also benefitted from the 
diversity of our portfolio which now 
comprises a more focused set of businesses 
with leading market positions in attractive 
segments. We remain confident that these 
businesses are well placed to realise their 
potential over the medium to long term.

At the operating level, the Group delivered a 
mixed performance. Across the B2B portfolio, 
our subscription businesses proved resilient 
while UK Property Information and Events 
and Exhibitions were both significantly 
impacted. Although events continue to be 
affected by social distancing restrictions, 
it has been encouraging to see Landmark 
deliver an improvement in recent months. 
Consumer Media experienced a particularly 
difficult advertising market, as well as 
reduced circulation volumes during the UK 
lockdown, but it continued to outperform its 
market and has been profitable since June.

In Insurance Risk, the RMS team continues to 
execute well and product delivery remains 
on track. Risk Modeler 2.0 was made 
available on the Risk Intelligence platform in 
June, a major milestone as customers can 
now run all of RMS’s natural catastrophe 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Paul Zwillenberg
CEO

2020 will forever be defined by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 
extreme disruption and change that it brought to people and 
businesses across the world. In this context, I am immensely 
proud of the way that everyone at DMGT responded.

models on a single platform. This enables 
complex analysis across multiple perils, 
significantly faster run times and, very 
importantly, allows customers to move to the 
cloud, reducing their total cost of ownership. 

to manage the operations during the 
pandemic and it is testament to their 
ability that the business quickly returned 
to profitability and maintained the quality 
of its content throughout. 

Other releases include advanced 
applications for the Risk Intelligence 
platform as well as new and upgraded 
models, reflecting RMS’s continued 
investment in model development. The 
importance of high-quality science, analytics 
and tools becomes even more apparent 
during uncertain times and we remain 
confident that RMS is well placed to create 
significant long-term value for shareholders.

Trepp, our US Property Information business, 
has benefitted from increased demand as 
customers seek to understand the risk and 
cash flow profile associated with the debt 
instruments they hold.

In EdTech, Hobsons has continued to  
grow and deliver margin improvement, 
benefitting from portfolio focus and 
improved operational execution.

Our Events and Exhibitions business has 
been severely affected by travel and social 
distancing restrictions across the world and, 
as a result, we cancelled or postponed all 
physical shows that were scheduled from 
March to September 2020. Importantly,  
we have insurance cover in place, reflecting 
DMGT’s prudent approach, and this helped 
to partially offset the financial impact.

The impact of Covid-19 on Consumer Media 
resulted in lower circulation revenues and 
a pronounced reduction in advertising 
revenues across both print and digital 
formats. Growth in online traffic helped 
to mitigate the impact on digital, with 
MailOnline delivering revenue growth and 
increased profits for the year. The team 
at dmg media worked exceptionally hard 

We also continued to optimise our portfolio 
through the course of the financial year. 
The disposal of Genscape in November 2019 
reduced our sector exposure from six to five 
and we also sold BuildFax, the US Property 
Information business, in October 2019. 

Our position in existing sectors has been 
strengthened by bolt-on acquisitions. 
In Consumer Media, we acquired the ‘i’ 
newspaper and website in November 2019. 
Landmark, our UK Property Information 
business, acquired OneSearch Direct in 
December 2019, while 12 small shows 
were added to the Events and Exhibitions 
portfolio during the year. In October 2020, 
the Consumer Media business acquired three 
printing plants, strategically strengthening 
its position in the market. 

We increased our investment in Cazoo 
in March and October 2020. Our stake in 
the online start-up business, which is 
transforming the UK used car market, was 
valued at over £400 million in October 2020.

The performance in FY 2020 across our 
Consumer Media and B2B businesses 
demonstrates the benefits of a well-balanced 
and diversified portfolio of businesses across 
different sectors. The actions taken over 
the past few years stood us in good stead 
for the environment we faced in the year. 

Financial performance 
Group revenues decreased 10% on an 
underlying basis despite continued growth 
from Insurance Risk, US Property Information 
and EdTech, reflecting the extremely 
challenging market conditions in the 
other sectors.

Cash operating income (cash OI) decreased 
29% on an underlying basis, reflecting the 
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on 
revenues, investment in the B2B businesses 
and reduced Corporate costs. Adjusted profit 
before tax was £72 million, an underlying 
decrease of 36%, and adjusted earnings per 
share decreased 32%, including reduced 
operating profits from associates, following 
the April 2019 distribution of DMGT’s stake 
in Euromoney, and a reduction in the 
number of shares.

Statutory profit for the year increased 
£98 million to £189 million, including a gain 
on the disposal of Genscape, and statutory 
earnings per share increased 171%.

Throughout the year, DMGT continued to 
maintain a strong balance sheet with a 
substantial pro forma net cash position. 

Tim Collier, Group Chief Financial Officer, 
describes DMGT’s financial performance in 
further detail in the Financial Review (pages 
23 to 31). An update on the progression of 
DMGT’s Key Performance Indicators, used 
as a measure of our performance at a Group 
level, can be found on pages 14 and 15 of the 
Strategic Report. 

Strategy update
The Group adjusted quickly to the changing 
market conditions. Importantly, our strategy 
remains the same and we continued to 
make good progress against our priorities.  
In recent years, we have materially 
streamlined the portfolio and focused on  
the assets with most potential. We have also 
strengthened the balance sheet significantly 
over that time and, as a result, we are well 
positioned to continue to manage through 
the ongoing crisis of the pandemic and its 
economic repercussions. 

DMGT is continuing its transformation to 
become a higher-performance business 
with higher-quality revenue streams. 

11

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Delivering against clear strategic priorities 
CEO Review

Covid-19 has presented challenges but it 
has also enabled us to accelerate change 
across our businesses. Going forward, 
we will continue to focus on the three 
strategic priorities which have served 
DMGT well in its transformation to date. 

Increasing portfolio focus
Since my appointment as CEO four years 
ago, we have made good progress increasing 
the focus of our portfolio. Our emphasis in 
the current economic climate is to prioritise 
within our existing businesses.

In recent months, we have taken the 
opportunity to undertake a thorough 
review across the portfolio to ensure that 
our businesses have been performing as 
expected, have appropriate contingency 
plans in place and remain well positioned for 
a post-Covid-19 world. Having completed the 
review, I am satisfied that the businesses 
responded as we would have expected and 
that their plans are robust and fit for purpose. 

While we increased portfolio focus through 
the disposals of Genscape and BuildFax, 
we also invested selectively, acquiring to 
strengthen our capabilities in Consumer 
Media, UK Property Information and Events 
and Exhibitions. We also invested in our 

‘Businesses for the future’, notably increasing 
our holding in Cazoo. 

3. 

As a result, the Group remains diversified by 
sector, geography and revenue stream and 
I am confident that our balanced portfolio 
remains well positioned. We also remain 
focused on ensuring we have a good balance 
across our three portfolio roles: 

1. 

 Predictable performers. These are 
among our largest businesses, are 
typically more mature and predictable, 
and form the economic bedrock of the 
Group. They include the Daily Mail, 
The Mail on Sunday, Metro, the ‘i’, 
Landmark and Trepp. Whilst some of 
these businesses have been significantly 
impacted by Covid-19, they are strong 
brands and have generally outperformed 
their respective markets this year. 

2.   Growing and delivering. These are 

businesses that are well positioned in 
attractive markets with long runways 
for future growth. Over the longer term, 
they are expected to deliver the majority 
of our revenue and profit growth. 
This group includes RMS, MailOnline, 
dmg events and Hobsons. 

 Businesses for the future. This remains 
a unique strength of DMGT; our ability to 
take a long-term approach to create the 
‘Growing and delivering’ businesses of 
the future. These are essentially start-up 
businesses where technological changes 
create opportunities for us. This group 
includes Cazoo and Yopa. dmg ventures, 
our venture and early-stage investment 
division, will continue to play an 
important role in expanding our 
investments in this area. 

Improving operational execution 
The second area of strategic focus is 
improving operational execution. I am 
very pleased by how our businesses 
performed operationally in response to 
Covid-19. We have consistently taken a 
long-term approach, investing to position 
ourselves for a more digital future. Our 
actions this year, realigning priorities in some 
areas but continuing to invest, are testament 
to that. 

It is clear that one trend that will dominate 
this era is the acceleration of digitisation 
across many industries. This is playing to 
DMGT’s strengths. We will continue to invest 
in upgrading platforms and in our core 

Clear portfolio roles
We have established clear roles for each business within the portfolio and the expectations for each business reflect their role.

Predictable performers

Growing and delivering

Businesses for the future

Predictable profit and cash generation 
to meet DMGT’s obligations, fund 
investment and incubate ‘Businesses 
for the future’

Revenue growth and margin 
improvement driving value creation

Option value for the future, tomorrow’s 
‘Growing and delivering’ businesses

•  Innovate and extend core; 

seed ‘Businesses for the future’.

•  Optimise efficient operations.
•  Leverage scale.

•  Scale breakthrough products.
•  Harness operational gearing to 

drive margin.

•  Exploit niche opportunities.
•  Establish scalable processes 

and infrastructure.

•  Prioritise customer retention; 

•  Innovate and act on rapid 

grow market share.

market feedback.

12

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Delivering sustainable returns over the long term
DMGT’s businesses have market-leading positions in growing sectors that are digitising. The strategy is built 
around a long-term philosophy and is comprised of three priorities: increasing portfolio focus, improving 
operational execution and maintaining financial flexibility. Although the combination of disposals and 
challenging market conditions has impacted financial performance, we continue to expect this position 
and strategy to drive sustainable revenue, profit, cash and EPS growth over the long term.

P

erfor

m

ortfolio roles

ar p
Cle

Increasing
ortfolio focus

p

Market-leading 
positions

Growing, 
digitising  
sectors

a

n

c

e

m

a

n

a

g

e

m

e

n

t

c

u

l

t

u

r

e

operatio

I

m

p

r

n

o

a

l

v

i

e

n

x

g

e

c

u

t

i

o
n

Satisfying
the need
to know

Revenue,  
profit and  
cash growth

Sustained EPS 
and dividend 
growth

Strong balance 
sheet

Maintaini n g
financial flex i b i
Enabling balanced and flexib l e   c a p i

i

y

l

t

a tio n

c

a l  a ll o

t

strength: quality, proprietary content 
combined with data science to deliver 
market-leading products. We believe that 
using sophisticated analytics to provide 
insights about risk is a notable opportunity.

During the year, we also applied a laser focus 
on operational execution, reducing potential 
cost commitments. This included headcount 
reduction at some of our businesses, to 
enhance the future profitability of individual 
product lines and support their margins. 

We remain committed to ensuring that 
a high-performance culture pervades 
everything that we do, through a clear return 
on investment (ROI) mindset and a focus on 
cash OI.

Maintaining financial flexibility
Although the outlook is uncertain, we are 
well positioned to weather the storm, not 
least because of our strong balance sheet 
and commitment to maintaining financial 
flexibility. At the year end, we had 
£168 million pro forma net cash on the 
balance sheet.

Our capital allocation framework remains 
the same and underpins our strategy. 
Organic investment will continue to be 
the priority and was equivalent to 10% of 
revenues in FY 2020. DMGT has capacity for 
meaningful acquisitions and will remain 
highly disciplined. We will prioritise the 
allocation of capital towards opportunities 
that build on our skills in combining 
proprietary content, data science and 
sophisticated analytics, particularly those 
that deliver insights about risk.

The dividend remains the primary 
mechanism for delivering returns to 
shareholders and, despite the adverse 
impact of Covid-19, disposals and organic 
investment on short-term earnings, we have 
announced continued real dividend growth 
this year. This decision reflects the Group’s 
long-term approach to capital management 
and allocation as well as the Board’s 
confidence in DMGT’s ability to deliver 
earnings growth over time, underpinned 
by a strong balance sheet.

Outlook
Whilst the outlook remains uncertain, 
our strategy remains the same. We will 
continue to invest, in a disciplined manner, 
through the cycle where we are confident 
of the returns. 

Our businesses are all market leading and 
we have significant financial flexibility. I am 
highly confident that DMGT will come out of 
the current global crisis stronger and fitter.

Paul Zwillenberg
CEO

13

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
Strategic Report

Measuring our performance
Key Performance Indicators

The Board seeks to deliver sustained long-term growth and value creation  
for DMGT’s shareholders. 

Due to DMGT holding a changing portfolio of different companies, many Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are targeted by individual 
businesses are not appropriate at a consolidated Group level. Examples include customer numbers, revenue per customer, employee 
productivity and employee engagement. The KPIs shown below, however, are considered to be good indicators of the Group’s overall 
progress against its strategic priorities.

Key strategic priorities

Improving operational execution

Increasing portfolio focus

Maintaining financial flexibility

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

DMGT actively manages its 
portfolio and allocates capital 
to increase adjusted profit 
before tax over the long term.

Adjusted* 
earnings  
per share

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

(10)%

2020

Underlying revenue growth

2019

+2%

2018

0%

2017

+1%

2016

0%

(10)%

2019: +2%

The underlying revenue 
performance reflects the adverse 
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic 
on the trading of the Consumer 
Media, UK Property Information 
and Events and Exhibitions 
businesses.

2020

£72m

2019

2018

2017

2016

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

£145m

£182m

£226m

£260m

26.1p

38.6p

42.2p

55.6p

56.0p

Group adjusted profit  
before tax

£72m

2019: £145m

Group adjusted profit before tax 
decreased by £73 million, an 
underlying 36%, reflecting 
challenging trading conditions due 
to Covid-19 as well as the disposal 
of B2B businesses and associates.

Adjusted earnings per share

26.1p

2019: 38.6p

Adjusted earnings per share 
decreased by 32%, reflecting the 
reduction in adjusted profit before 
tax, partially offset by a reduction 
in the number of shares in issue 
that occurred in April 2019. 

14

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Description

Relevance

Performance

Narrative

Strategic priority

Group 
adjusted* 
cash 
operating 
income

This metric adds back 
depreciation and amortisation 
and deducts capital 
expenditure from Group 
adjusted operating profit. 
It reflects the cash generation 
of the Group’s businesses.

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

£110m

£162m

£155m

£199m

£254m

Group adjusted cash  
operating income

£110m

2019: £162m

Group adjusted cash operating 
income decreased by £52 million 
due to the substantial adverse 
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic 
on operating profit.

Net cash§/
(debt): 
EBITDA 
ratio

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

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

(1.4)x

(1.8)x

1.4x

1.2x

0.8x

Net cash/(debt):EBITDA

1.4x

2019: 1.2x

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, 
DMGT continues to maintain 
significant financial flexibility and 
remains in a net cash position.

Dividend  
per share

The Board’s policy is 
to maintain dividend growth 
in real terms and, in the 
medium term, to distribute 
about one-third of the 
Group’s adjusted earnings.

25

20

15

10

5

0

2.8p

1990

Dividend

Inflation

Organic 
investment¥ 
as a 
percentage 
of 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 at least 5% of 
revenues to be used for 
organic investment.

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

24.1p

Dividend per share

24.1p

2019: 23.9p

5.3p

2020

We have proposed a total full-year 
dividend of 24.1 pence, up by 1% 
from last year, continuing our 
strong track record of dividend 
growth and delivering an 8% 
cumulative annual growth rate 
over the past 30 years.

10%

Organic investment  
as a % of revenues

8%

9%

9%

9%

10%

2019: 9%

DMGT continued to reinvest 
in the businesses during the year, 
notably in the B2B portfolio.

^ 

§ 
* 

¥ 

 Underlying revenue growth is on a like-for-like basis, adjusted for constant exchange rates, the exclusion of disposals and business closures, the inclusion of the year-on-year organic 
growth from acquisitions and for the consistent timing of revenue recognition. For events, the comparisons are between events that were scheduled to be held in the year and the same 
events held the previous time, so are adversely affected by the cancellation or postponement of events. For Consumer Media, underlying revenues exclude low-margin newsprint resale 
activities. See pages 29 and 31. 
 See inside front cover.
  Before exceptional items, other gains and losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations, pension finance 
charges or credits and fair value adjustments; see Consolidated Income Statement on page 107 and the reconciliation in Note 13 to the Accounts.
 Organic investment is expenditure that is incurred with the objective of delivering long-term growth. It includes expenditure on product development, whether capitalised or expensed 
directly, and the adjusted operating losses of early-stage subsidiary businesses.

15

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Operating Business Reviews
B2B

Summary
Our B2B companies operate in four sectors: Insurance Risk, Property Information, 
EdTech and Events & Exhibitions.

Total B2B

Revenue*

Cash operating income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating income margin*

Operating margin*

2020
£m

606
79
69
13%
11%

2019
£m

738
126
117
17%
16%

*  Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 31 for details.
^  Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; see pages 29 and 31 for details.

Movement
%

(18)%
(37)%
(41)%

Underlying^

%

(7)%
(27)%
(32)%

Adjusted revenueµ (%)

  Insurance Risk 
  Property Information 
  EdTech 
  Events and Exhibitions 

42
31
14 
13

Outlook
The B2B financial performance in FY 2021 
is expected to continue to be affected by 
Covid-19, particularly that of the Events and 
Exhibitions business where events have been 
cancelled or postponed and social distancing 
precautions are expected to affect exhibitor 
and delegate attendance. 

There will continue to be significant organic 
investment, reflecting the opportunities to 
create value over time. The cash OI margin 
and operating margin will depend on the 
rate at which UK Property Information and 
Events and Exhibitions revenues recover 
during the year.

   Read more on the risks affecting  

our B2B businesses in Principal Risks, 
pages  40 to 47

Performance
Revenues from B2B totalled £606 million for 
the year, down 7% on an underlying basis, 
compared to 4% underlying growth during 
the first five months of the year. This 
reflected the severe impact of the Covid-19 
pandemic on the UK Property Information 
and Events and Exhibitions businesses. The 
EdTech, Insurance Risk and US Property 
Information businesses continued to deliver 
revenue growth and collectively grew 
revenues by an underlying 3%. 

Total B2B revenues decreased by 18% in 
absolute terms including the impact of 
disposals. The Energy Information business, 
Genscape, was disposed of in November 
2019, reducing the number of B2B sectors 
from five to four, and the On-geo and 
BuildFax Property Information businesses 
were also disposed of in 2019. 

B2B cash operating income (cash OI) 
decreased by an underlying 27% to 
£79 million, reflecting reduced revenues 
from Events and Exhibitions and UK Property 
Information, as well as planned investment 
in Insurance Risk, Property Information and 
EdTech. Similarly, B2B adjusted operating 
profits were down an underlying 32% to 
£69 million. The overall B2B cash OI margin 
and operating margin decreased to 13% 
and 11%, from 17% and 16% respectively.

Adjusted operating profitµ (%)

  Insurance Risk 
  Property Information 
  EdTech 
  Events and Exhibitions 

50
35
9 
6

µ 

 Figures exclude Energy Information which  
was disposed of in November 2019.

16

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Insurance Risk

2020
£m

248

35

34

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

244

+2% +2%

41 (14)% (14)%

40 (17)% (16)%

14% 17%
14% 17%

Revenue

Cash operating 
income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating 
income margin*

Operating margin*

* 

^ 

 Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 
31 for details.
 Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; see 
pages 29 and 31 for details.

The Insurance Risk business, RMS, is 
focused on technological and risk model 
innovation, which continues to underpin its 
market-leading position in the catastrophe 
risk modelling market. During FY 2020, 
RMS increased its investment in research 
and development across software, 
data, data analytics, models and 
applications, accelerating elements of its 
product roadmap. RMS’s Risk Intelligence 
software as a service (SaaS) platform 
was enhanced during the year and is 
expected to be an important enabler in 
the delivery of unified model analytics, 
as well as new products and services, 
particularly for the large and high-
growth Insurance Risk Analytics market 
that the business is expanding into.

Business model
RMS’s solutions help insurers, reinsurers, 
brokers, financial markets and public 
agencies evaluate and manage catastrophe 
risks throughout the world. RMS leads the 
catastrophe risk modelling industry that it 
helped to pioneer, delivering models, data, 
analytical services and software to its 
customers, mainly through multi-year 
subscriptions. RMS also offers a variety 
of managed and hosted services. 

Insurers, reinsurers, brokers and other 
financial institutions trust RMS’s solutions 
to improve their understanding and manage 
the risks of natural and human-made 
catastrophes, including hurricanes, 
earthquakes, floods, wildfires, cyber attacks 
and terrorism. 

Performance highlights 
Insurance Risk revenues grew by 2% on an 
underlying and reported basis to £248 million, 
reflecting high contract renewal rates as 
well as sales to new customers.

Investment increased as planned, to 
accelerate new product releases and 
unlock exciting long-term growth potential. 

RMS continues to expense these development 
costs as they are incurred and the cash OI 
margin and adjusted operating margin 
reflected this, both decreasing to 14% 
from 17% in the prior year. 

2020 was a milestone year for RMS. In 
September, the company launched Risk 
Modeler 2.0 on the cloud-based Risk 
Intelligence platform. The launch enables, 
for the first time, a truly unified model and 
analytics platform, a goal that has been 
important to RMS’s customers. Through Risk 
Modeler 2.0, RMS’s RiskLink models and seven 
high-definition (HD) models now run on the 
platform, alongside the new ‘IQ’ applications. 
This significantly enhances the capabilities 
of Risk Intelligence, which is offered as SaaS 
and first launched in May 2019. It opens up 
opportunities for those customers requiring 
a fully unified platform, as well as enabling 
further adoption of HD models.

RMS announced the unified model product 
roadmap to its market at a virtual version of 
its annual customer conference, Exceedance, 
in May 2020. Risk Modeler 2.0 combines 
familiar features with an enhanced, intuitive 
user interface. It delivers significantly faster 
model execution, enables real-time model 
analytics and improves the price-performance 
metric for customers, targeting lower 
total cost of ownership. Customers that 
have signed up for Risk Modeler 2.0 are 
now deploying.

Risk Intelligence also offers a suite of new 
advanced applications that are tailored for 
specific analytics in support of portfolio 
management and underwriting tasks. 
ExposureIQ 1.3 was released in September 
2020, helping customers gain a quicker 
assessment of potential losses before, during 
and after a catastrophic event, and the first 
customers have been onboarded. TreatyIQ, 
which is being made available in December 
2020 and is in ‘Preview’ currently, harnesses 
Risk Intelligence’s scale and architecture to 
enable the analysis of complex reinsurance 
portfolios. The ‘IQ’ products support RMS’s 
expansion into the high-growth Insurance 
Risk Management Analytics market, 
which is approaching US$2.0 billion in size.

RMS continues to invest in model 
development, reflecting an ongoing 
commitment to build upon its market-leading 
position. A new HD Europe Convective Storm 
model was released in the year and updated 
versions of four other existing HD models 
were made available on Risk Modeler 2.0: 
Japan Typhoon, Japan Earthquake, 
European Flood and New Zealand Earthquake. 
RMS’s continued investment in models 

remains important to customers and helped 
to expand long-term commercial relationships 
during the year, as well as win new customers.

Priorities in the year ahead 
Given the strength of the business’s 
customer proposition, the Board of DMGT 
remains confident that RMS is well placed to 
create good long-term value for shareholders. 
The focus for FY 2021 is on building on the 
strong foundation of the core business and 
supporting customers as they deploy on 
the cloud-based Risk Intelligence platform. 
RMS is expected to deliver modest revenue 
growth over the next year before a gradual 
acceleration as the new products and 
services gain further traction with customers. 
Accelerated investment to deliver the 
product roadmap will continue, albeit at 
a slightly reduced level to FY 2020. The 
FY 2021 operating margin is expected to 
reflect the benefit of the business having 
passed peak investment and subsequent 
profitability is expected to improve as 
revenue growth accelerates.

Property Information

2020
£m

187

29

24

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

222

(16)% (6)%

44 (34)% (35)%

41

(42)% (42)%

16% 20%
13% 19%

Revenue

Cash operating 
income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating 
income margin*

Operating margin*

*   Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 

31 for details.

^   Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; 

see pages 29 and 31 for details.

The Property Information portfolio is 
comprised of two businesses: Landmark 
Information Group (Landmark), which 
operates in the UK and Ireland; and 
Trepp in the US. Both companies are 
market leaders in their sectors and play an 
important role as strong cash generators 
for DMGT, although Landmark’s FY 2020 
performance was significantly affected 
by exceptionally weak conditions in the 
UK property market due to Covid-19.

Business model
Landmark derives revenues from providing 
services across the value chain, using 
technology, data and workflow to streamline 
and help reduce the risk associated with 
commercial and residential property 
transactions. The majority of Landmark’s 
revenues are generated from volume-related 
transactions. Trepp provides risk, valuation 
and data solutions for the commercial 

17

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Operating Business Reviews
B2B

mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) market 
as well as tools, analytics and models for 
commercial real estate (CRE) investors and 
lenders. The majority of Trepp’s revenues are 
from subscriptions.

Performance highlights
Property Information revenues for the year 
decreased 6% on an underlying basis, with 
continued growth from Trepp insufficient to 
offset reduced revenues at Landmark, which 
is the significantly larger business. During the 
first five months of the year, prior to the 
onset of Covid-19, revenues were stable. 
In absolute terms, Property Information 
revenues decreased 16% due to the  
disposal of On-geo, the German business,  
in June 2019 and BuildFax, the US business, 
in October 2019.

There was an underlying decrease in 
Property Information cash OI and adjusted 
operating profit, as well as a reduction in 
margins, as a result of the lower UK revenues 
and increased investment across both 
businesses.

Landmark
Property transaction volumes in the UK 
reduced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
The lockdown restrictions affected physical 
viewings of properties as well as the ability 
of estate agents, conveyancers and valuers 
to deliver their services. Landmark’s revenues 
decreased accordingly. We consider there to 
be an inherent minimum transaction volume 
in a UK residential market that is functioning 
normally, due to death, divorce and default. 
This was breached, with volumes falling 
significantly below this floor from March 
through to June 2020, reflecting the 
distorting impact of the lockdown. Market 
activity has increased in recent months, 
supported by reductions in stamp duty 
introduced in July 2020, although volumes 
are expected to remain volatile. 

Landmark made encouraging strategic and 
operational progress during the year, 
strengthening its product lines and market 
position. The business continues to invest in 
technology to make the processes involved 
in property transactions more efficient and 
transparent. Landmark amended its product 
roadmap, following the onset of Covid-19, to 
accelerate initiatives that are most likely to 
benefit from the digitisation of the sector.

In December 2019, Landmark made a small 
bolt-on acquisition, OneSearch Direct, to 
strengthen its conveyancing capabilities. 
The business provides property information 
and conveyancing solutions to solicitors 
and other customers in England and Wales. 

18

Trepp
Trepp’s revenue growth was driven by 
increased demand for its analytics and 
research, particularly in the banking and CRE 
sectors. New subscription bookings were 
particularly strong during the second half 
of the year, including for CMBS products, 
reflecting customers’ desire to understand 
the risk and cash flow profile associated with 
debt instruments at a time of heightened 
market uncertainty. Significant product 
development in new market opportunities 
continued in the year to support Trepp’s 
strong position with its customers. Trepp 
launched TreppCLO, its collateralised loan 
obligations (CLO) product, on a new 
integrated platform and continues to 
enhance the product. Trepp’s new data lake, 
application programming interface (API) and 
business intelligence tools are expected to 
form the foundation, over the coming years, 
of both its unified technology infrastructure 
and its delivery platform for customers.

Priorities in the year ahead
In FY 2021, there will be continued 
investment to enhance Landmark’s and 
Trepp’s market-leading positions and drive 
future revenue growth. Notable initiatives 
include the integration of technology 
across Landmark’s businesses, facilitating 
cross-selling opportunities, and the 
development of a centralised data lake at 
Trepp. Market conditions for Landmark are 
likely to remain volatile because of the 
Covid-19 pandemic and its economic 
repercussions, although its revenues may 
grow following a particularly weak FY 2020. 
Trepp is expected to grow sales and benefit 
from increased demand from its customers.

EdTech

Revenue

Cash operating 
income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating 
income margin*

Operating margin*

2020
£m

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

85

10

6

80

+7% +7%

8 +21% +19% 

4 +34% +31%

12% 10%
6%

7%

* 

^ 

 Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 
31 for details.
 Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; 
see pages 29 and 31 for details.

The EdTech business, Hobsons, is a 
leading provider of college and career 
readiness and student success solutions 
to the North American education market. 

The business delivered continued 
underlying revenue growth during 
the year and made good progress 
with the modernisation of the core 
product platforms.

Business model
Hobsons offers college, career and life 
readiness tools to middle and high schools; 
student match and fit solutions for college 
admissions offices; and a student success 
platform for colleges and universities to help 
guide students from enrolment through to 
degree completion. Hobsons’ revenues are 
mainly derived from subscription contracts 
with schools and colleges, with the balance 
from training and consulting services.

Performance highlights
EdTech revenues continued to grow, 
increasing 7% on an underlying and reported 
basis. Growth was achieved across each of 
Hobsons’ three product lines: Naviance, the 
K-12 college and career readiness solution; 
Intersect, the higher education match and fit 
business; and Starfish, the higher education 
student retention and success platform. 

The US higher education and K-12 markets 
have been unsettled by the potential social 
and economic ramifications of the Covid-19 
pandemic. Customer budgets have come 
under pressure, affecting renewal rates as 
well as new bookings, and this resulted in 
slower revenue growth during the second 
half of the financial year. 

The cash OI and adjusted operating profit 
margins increased, even with ongoing 
investment in technology and products. 
Hobsons has partially completed a product 
platform modernisation programme which 
is expected to reduce future operating costs 
and enable faster product development. 
The business also invested in customer-
facing features and functionality to drive 
future revenue growth and enhance its 
strong market position.

The Naviance product was improved during 
the year by the development of enhanced 
analytics in respect of student readiness. 
Over 13,000 schools subscribe to the 
Naviance platform, with the product 
available to over 10 million pupils, including 
over 40% of US high school students. 
Enhancements were also made to the 
Intersect and Starfish product suites, with 
over 1,100 US colleges and universities now 
using these higher education products, 
driving better customer relationships 
and growth opportunities.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Priorities in the year ahead
Significant investment to modernise the core 
EdTech product platforms will continue and 
this is expected to affect profitability in 
FY 2021. Revenue growth is expected but  
at a slower rate, due to weaker customer 
budgets. Over the medium term, the 
business is well positioned to deliver growth 
and improved cash generation, supported by 
a continued focus on operational execution 
and the benefits of platform modernisation. 

Events and Exhibitions

2020
£m

79

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

119

(33)% (35)%

4

4

22

22

(81)% (51)%

(83)% (52)%

5% 19%
5% 19%

Revenue

Cash operating 
income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating 
income margin*

Operating margin*

* 

^ 

 Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 
31 for details.
 Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; 
see pages 29 and 31 for details.

The Events and Exhibitions business, 
dmg events, is an organiser of B2B 
exhibitions and conferences with 
industry-leading events in the energy, 
construction, interiors, hotel, hospitality 
and leisure sectors. The business has 
been severely affected by the impact 
of Covid-19. To ensure the safety of 
customers, employees, delegates and 
visitors, no physical events were held in 
the last seven months of the financial 
year. Prior to Covid-19, dmg events 
hosted over 50 events each year, 
attracting over 300,000 visitors  
and exhibitors from more than  
100 different countries.

Business model
dmg events has strong market and brand 
positions, emerging market experience and 
an entrepreneurial culture. This creates 
opportunities for growth through geo-
cloning existing events into new locations 
and by creating spin-off sections to become 
stand-alone events. Conversely, when the 
exhibition sector or end markets are 
challenged, events can be combined to save 
costs and support attendance. The key 
branded events are Big 5, ADIPEC, Gastech, 
INDEX and The Hotel Show, which all provide 
opportunities to develop the spin-off and 
geo-clone strategy. dmg events derives its 
revenues from exhibitor, sponsorship and 
delegate fees, with the top three events 
usually generating over half of the revenues.

Performance highlights
Events and Exhibitions revenues decreased 
by 35% on an underlying basis for the year, 
compared to 8% growth in the first five 
months of the financial year prior to the 
onset of Covid-19. ADIPEC and Big 5 Dubai, 
two of the three largest events, occurred in 
November 2019 and collectively delivered 
stable underlying revenues despite 
challenging conditions in the Middle East, 
notably in the construction sector. Gastech, 
the third large event, was postponed a year 
to September 2021 and is still expected to 
be held in Singapore.

The business acted quickly to reduce its cost 
base, including payroll and discretionary 
items, but continued to incur overhead costs 
throughout the year. dmg events also 
recognised £18 million of committed costs 
relating to events that were cancelled or 
postponed, of which £7 million was 
accelerated into FY 2020 in respect of events 
scheduled for FY 2021. 

The business does, however, have insurance 
cover for communicable diseases, of up 
to US$20 million per financial year until 
September 2022, and the FY 2020 results 
include the full benefit of £16 million in 
respect of insurance. Both the cash OI 
margin and operating profit margin were 5%, 
reflecting the non-occurrence of events 
partially offset by insurance.

The acquisition of 11 small events from 
CWC Group, in April 2020, strengthened 
dmg events’ position in the energy sector, 
especially in LNG and in Africa. Ethiopia’s 
leading construction event, Addisbuild, was 
acquired in February 2020, strengthening 
the Big 5 construction portfolio.

Several virtual conferences and events have 
been run and are planned. Although not 
financially significant, they help to maintain 
the brand profiles, expand audiences and 
sustain customer relationships.

Priorities in the year ahead 
dmg events has worked closely with its 
major customers and sponsors regarding 
the timing of scheduled events to ensure 
they are well attended and safely managed 
in the new environment.

Big 5 Dubai and ADIPEC have been 
rescheduled from November 2020 to 
September 2021 and November 2021 
respectively. Consequently, the ADIPEC 
exhibition, the business’s largest event, will 
not be held in FY 2021, although the adverse 
impact on operating profit is expected to be 
largely offset by the Group’s insurance cover. 

Similarly, several of the smaller events in the 
portfolio will not be held in FY 2021. Sales 
bookings for the larger events are generally 
encouraging at this early stage. However, 
social distancing measures, exhibitors’ and 
delegates’ willingness to travel internationally 
and challenging conditions in the oil, gas and 
construction sectors are likely to result in 
reduced revenues and profitability for those 
events that are held in FY 2021. 

DMGT believes the longer-term outlook for 
Events and Exhibitions is strong, as the 
importance of face-to-face events increases 
in a digitising world, and the business will 
continue to launch new events where 
opportunities arise. 

Energy Information

2020
£m

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

7

1

2

74 (90)%

N/A

12 (88)%

8 (81)%

N/A

N/A

20% 16%
23% 11%

Revenue*

Cash operating 
income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating 
income margin*

Operating margin*

* 

^ 

 Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 
31 for details.
 Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; 
see pages 29 and 31 for details.

DMGT no longer operates an Energy 
Information division, following the 
disposal of Genscape for US$364 million 
in November 2019.

19

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Operating Business Reviews
Consumer Media

2020
£m

604

64

56

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

672

(10)% (13)%

78

67

(18)% (27)%

(17)% (27)%

11% 12%
9% 10%

Revenue

Cash operating 
income*

Operating profit*

Cash operating 
income margin*

Operating margin*

* 

^ 

 Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 
31 for details.
 Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; 
see pages 29 and 31 for details.

The Consumer Media business, 
dmg media, is focused on delivering 
high-quality, popular journalism to a 
large global audience. dmg media has 
prospered in an increasingly digital-
oriented consumer media market. 
The combined strength of the Mail, Metro 
and ‘i’ brands creates innovative and 
exciting opportunities for advertisers 
through a sophisticated and targeted 
multi-channel approach. 

Business model
dmg media’s portfolio of news media 
businesses includes two of the UK’s most 
read paid-for newspapers, the Daily Mail 
and The Mail on Sunday; Metro, its free 
newspaper, which was the UK’s highest 
circulation weekday newspaper pre Covid-19; 
the ‘i’, the UK national newspaper and 
website; and MailOnline, one of the world’s 
leading English-language newspaper websites. 

The Mail brand reaches an average of over 
30 million UK adults each month across its 
print and digital platforms. It has also 
achieved scale in other geographic markets, 
including the US and Australia. Combined, 
the Mail, Metro and ‘i’ brands reach over 65% 
of the UK’s adult population on average each 
month, or one in five of UK adults each day. 

dmg media’s revenues are generated mainly 
from circulation and advertising revenues. 
Strong profits and cash flow continue 
to be generated by the paid-for newspapers 
and MailOnline. dmg media’s future  
growth is expected to be driven by the  
digital businesses.

Performance highlights 
Covid-19 affected trading from March 2020.  
In the first five months, revenues grew 
an underlying 1% but decreased by an 
underlying 13% over the full year to 
£604 million. Full year underlying growth of 
3% from MailOnline was more than offset by 
a 7% decrease in circulation revenues and 
a 30% decline in print advertising revenues. 

Circulation volumes were impacted by the 
UK lockdown and the pandemic resulted  
in a pronounced reduction in advertising 
revenues. The impact on print advertising 
was exacerbated by reduced readership of 
Metro, whilst the effect on digital advertising 
was partly offset by increased traffic.

Total Consumer Media revenues decreased 
10% in absolute terms, benefitting from 
the inclusion of the ‘i’, which was acquired 
at the end of November 2019. 

The cash OI margin and the adjusted 
operating margin reduced to 11% and 9% 
respectively, with the benefit of the ‘i’ 
acquisition, and improved margins from 
MailOnline, more than offset by the 
challenging trading conditions. Cash OI and 
adjusted operating profit both decreased 
by an underlying 27% to £64 million and 
£56 million respectively. The focus on 
managing costs increased further following 
the onset of Covid-19 and total adjusted 
costs were down 9%, or £57 million, 
despite the addition of the ‘i’.

In October 2020, three printing plants 
were acquired, strategically strengthening 
dmg media’s position in the market.

Mail businesses 
Revenues from the combined newspaper, 
website and TV businesses (the Daily Mail, 
The Mail on Sunday, MailOnline and 
DailyMailTV) decreased by an underlying 9% 
to £508 million, of which £144 million was 
generated by MailOnline. 

Total advertising revenues across the Mail 
businesses decreased by an underlying 9% 
to £231 million, including a 26% decline in 
print advertising revenues, reflecting the 
impact of Covid-19 as well as the continued 
structural and competitive challenges facing 
the UK national newspaper advertising 
market. Digital advertising accounted 
for 65% of total advertising across the 
Mail businesses.

The newspapers’ competitive position 
remains strong, with large and growing UK 
retail market shares held by the Daily Mail 
and The Mail on Sunday, estimated to be 
26.4% and 23.7% for the year respectively. 
The Mail newspapers’ circulation revenues 
decreased by 7% to £264 million, with lower 
volumes partly offset by the benefit of 
a 10 pence cover price increase of the 
Saturday edition to £1.10 in January 2020. 

Demand for digital versions of the 
newspapers’ content increased significantly 
during the year. The ‘Mail+’ briefings service, 
which offers readers additional insight, news 
and entertainment via video, podcast and 
articles, was launched in October 2019 and 
by September 2020 attracted over 120,000 
unique visitors a week. Similarly, subscribers 
to ‘The Digital Edition’, a paid-for enhanced 
digital version of the newspaper, have more 
than doubled to over 80,000.

MailOnline continued to focus on attracting 
traffic directly to its homepages, on desktop 
and mobile, or its apps. There was good 
audience growth in the year, with total 
average daily global unique browsers, 
excluding other platforms such as Snapchat 
and Facebook video, increasing by 38% to 
17.3 million. This audience growth included 
the benefit of indirect traffic, primarily via 
social media and search platforms, driven 
by interest in the Covid-19 pandemic. Total 
minutes spent on the site, excluding time 
viewing videos, increased 14% to a daily 
average of 145 million. The direct audience 
accounted for 79% of minutes spent, 
reflecting continued high levels of 
engagement with these valuable and 
loyal consumers. 

DailyMailTV continues to raise awareness of 
MailOnline in the US, though the business’s 
own revenues decreased to £8 million in the 
year, compared to £13 million in the prior 
year, and costs were managed appropriately. 
The show is currently in its fourth season 
and attracts an average of 1.1 million viewers 
a day. 

20

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Metro 
Following the onset of Covid-19 and the 
implementation of lockdown measures, 
Metro’s circulation volumes were initially 
reduced to approximately a quarter of 
the usual pre-Covid-19 level. Readership 
has increased as more commuters have 
returned to using public transport but as 
at September 2020, volumes were still 
less than half of the pre-Covid-19 level. 
Revenues decreased by 40% to £47 million 
for the year, reflecting a particularly 
challenging print advertising market as  
well as the reduced readership. Prior to 
Covid-19, Metro was read by an average of 
2.3 million people each day and had the 
largest Monday to Friday share by volume 
of the UK newspaper advertising market, 
excluding supplements. Revenues would 
benefit from increased usage of public 
transport and a recovery in the print 
advertising market.

The ‘i’ 
The ‘i’, the UK national newspaper and 
website, was acquired for £50 million  
in late November 2019. The business has  
an established reputation for quality 
journalism, with a loyal and engaged 
readership, and DMGT is committed to 
preserving its distinctive and politically 
independent editorial style. Revenues 
decreased an underlying 10% to £27 million 
in the 10 months of ownership to 
September 2020, reflecting the impact of 
lockdown measures on circulation and the 
particularly challenging advertising market. 
Following a review of the acquisition by the 
UK Competition and Markets Authority, the 
business was integrated into dmg media’s 
existing infrastructure during the second 
half of the year, realising all the planned 
cost savings. There is also scope, as the 
advertising market recovers, for revenues 
to benefit from the combined reach of 
dmg media’s titles.

Response to Covid-19 
Swift action was taken to ensure a 
seamless and safe transition to remote 
working and product delivery was 
uninterrupted, including the newspapers. 
The titles play an important role in keeping 
readers informed and the decision was 
made to operate Metro at a loss to ensure 
the provision of free newspapers for 
key workers. 

Mail Force Charity was established in the 
year to provide equipment for the NHS and 
charities. It received considerable support 
from readers of the Mail titles.

Across the Consumer Media portfolio, the 
titles have supported advertisers, providing 
small businesses with £5 million worth of 
free space.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

Priorities in the year ahead 
dmg media will continue to harness the 
value of the Mail and ‘i’ brands for both 
readers and advertisers and invest in the 
quality of their popular journalism to drive 
and engage audiences. The cost base of the 
newspaper businesses will continue to be 
well managed with a measured approach 
that ensures the quality of the content is 
not compromised, consistent with DMGT’s 
strategy of supporting the longevity of the 
newspapers’ strong cash generation. 

The advertising market inherently lacks 
visibility and conditions are likely to remain 
both challenging and volatile until 
economic confidence returns. Circulation 
volumes of the Mail and ‘i’ are expected 
to decline from current levels. The cash OI 
margin and operating margin will reflect 
a mix of the revenue dynamics and the 
benefit of continued cost efficiencies within 
the newspapers.

   Read more on the risks affecting 

our Consumer Media businesses in 
Principal Risks, pages 40 to 47

21

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Operating Business Reviews
Joint ventures, associates
and dmg ventures

As well as a diverse portfolio of operating 
companies, DMGT holds minority stakes 
in early-stage businesses. 

Joint ventures and associates

2020
£m

2019
£m

Move-
ment
%

Under-
lying^
%

–

23 (100)%

N/A

(8)

(10)

(25)% (25)%

(8)

13

N/A (25)%

Euromoney 
Institutional 
Investor PLC

Other joint 
ventures and 
associates

Total share 
of adjusted 
operating 
(losses)/profits*

* 

^ 

 Adjusted results rather than statutory; see pages 28, 30 and 
31 for details.
 Underlying growth rates give a like-for-like comparison; 
see pages 29 and 31 for details.

Current notable associates include:

•  c.45% stake in Yopa, a UK hybrid estate 

agent;

•  c.27% stake in Praedicat, which is 

dedicated to improving the underwriting 
and management of casualty risk; and

•  c.24% stake in Excalibur, which operates 
the online discount businesses Wowcher 
and LivingSocial UK.

There were no profits in the year from 
Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC 
(Euromoney), the UK-listed company that 
DMGT founded. This followed the 
distribution in April 2019 of all of DMGT’s 
c.49% stake to DMGT’s shareholders. 

DMGT holds a portfolio of early-stage 
associates and the Group’s net share of 
adjusted operating losses from its joint 
ventures and associates was £8 million in 
the year. This compared to a £13 million net 
profit, including Euromoney, and £10 million 
net loss from other joint ventures and 
associates in FY 2019. Yopa made good 
operational progress in the year,  
disrupting the estate agency sector  
and strengthening its position within  
a particularly challenged market. 

Investments and dmg ventures
As well as joint ventures and associates, 
DMGT invests in and develops early-stage 
businesses in which the Group holds smaller 
stakes. As the percentage holdings are too 
small or DMGT’s level of influence insufficient 
for the companies to be associates, the 
Group does not recognise a share of profits 
or losses from these investments. 

dmg ventures is responsible for DMGT’s 
minority and early-stage investments, 
including some associates. It focuses on 
investing in companies with disruptive 
consumer propositions which need to scale 
and can leverage the Group’s assets to do so. 
In some cases, equity stakes are acquired by 
providing advertising in DMGT’s Consumer 
Media products, reflecting the extensive 
reach of the Mail and Metro brands.

DMGT’s most significant investment is Cazoo, 
which aims to transform the way people buy 
used cars in the UK and has the potential 
to develop into a major business. Cazoo 
successfully launched its services to 
customers in December 2019 and DMGT 
increased its stake from c.19% to c.23% 
in March 2020. DMGT participated in a 
subsequent funding round on 7 October 2020 
and its stake of c.22%, or c.20% on a fully 
diluted basis, was valued at £409 million, 
compared to a total cost of £117 million.

Other notable investments include Kortext, 
the leading supplier to UK universities of 
digital textbook and learning solutions, and 
Farewill, the UK-based provider of a legal 
and financial services platform intended 
to deal with all paperwork after death. 

The year ahead
DMGT’s joint ventures and associates are 
primarily investment-stage businesses 
and DMGT does not control them, unlike 
subsidiaries. The current expectation is that 
they will continue to generate significant 
cumulative net losses in FY 2021.

22

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Focused on driving long-term shareholder value 
Financial Review

DMGT has a strong balance sheet and 
the foundations in place to deliver 
long-term growth.

Tim Collier
Group Chief Financial Officer 

DMGT’s clear portfolio roles, strong 
balance sheet and clear and disciplined 
approach to value creation, position the 
Group well to invest in opportunities 
and to deliver sustained growth over 
the long term.

The Financial Review details DMGT’s 
performance during a year when some 
of DMGT’s businesses faced particularly 
challenging market conditions because 
of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The statutory results reflect the exclusion of 
discontinued operations, namely Genscape, 
the Energy Information business, from 
revenue, operating profit and profit before 
tax. They include gains on disposals and 
exceptional items. Profit for the year was 
£189 million, a £98 million increase on the 
prior year, including a gain on the disposal 
of Genscape. Similarly, statutory earnings 
per share increased 171%. 

Maintaining financial flexibility remains a key 
strategic priority and DMGT’s balance sheet 
was strong throughout the year, with pro 
forma net cash of £168 million and statutory 
net cash of £185 million at the year end.

The recommended final dividend of 
16.6 pence per share gives a total for the 
year of 24.1 pence, up 1% on the prior year, 
continuing DMGT’s track record of delivering 
annual real dividend per share growth. The 
recommendation reflects DMGT’s long-term 
approach to capital management and 
allocation as well as the Board’s confidence 
in the Group’s ability to deliver earnings 
growth and value creation over time, 
underpinned by a strong balance sheet.

The Board and management team use 
adjusted results and measures, rather 
than statutory results, as the primary basis 
for providing insight into the financial 
performance of the Group and the way it 
is managed. Similarly, adjusted results are 
used in setting management remuneration. 
Adjusted results exclude certain items which, 
if included, could distort the understanding 
of comparative performance of the business 
during the year. Consequently, the rest of 
this Financial Review focuses on adjusted 
measures. The explanations for the 
adjustments and the reconciliations to 
statutory results are shown on pages 28, 
30 and 31. 

When assessing revenue and profit growth, 
the Board and management focus on 
underlying growth rates as the most 
meaningful like-for-like comparison between 
the current year and the prior year. A more 
detailed explanation and the calculations 
are shown on pages 29 and 31.

Financial highlights:  
statutory results 

Revenue

£1,203m

2019: £1,337m

Operating profit

£15m

2019: £67m

Profit before tax

£52m

2019: £134m

Profit for the year

£189m

2019: £91m

Earnings per share

83.1p

2019: 30.7p

Dividend per share

24.1p

2019: 23.9p

   Go online to www.dmgt.com  
to read more about our  
Financial highlights 

23

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationRevenue performance
Group revenues in the financial year 
decreased 10% on an underlying basis. 
Adjusted revenues decreased 14% in 
absolute terms to £1,211 million as the 
benefit of acquisitions was more than offset 
by the impact of disposals. The average 
exchange rate during the year was £1:$1.28, 
the same as the prior year.

Revenues from B2B businesses decreased 
7% on an underlying basis, to £606 million. 
Growth from Insurance Risk, EdTech and 
the US Property Information business, 
Trepp, was more than offset by Events and 
Exhibitions and the European Property 
Information business, Landmark Information 
Group, as the scheduling of shows and 
UK property transaction volumes were 
particularly affected by the Covid-19 
pandemic. B2B revenues decreased by 18% 
on an absolute basis, following the disposal 
of the Energy Information business and 
certain Property Information businesses 
in 2019. 

Revenues from the Consumer Media 
business, dmg media, decreased 13% on 
an underlying basis to £604 million. The 
Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a significantly 
weaker advertising market and reduced 
circulation volumes, though MailOnline’s 
revenues continued to grow, benefitting 
from increased traffic. 

The charts on page 25 demonstrate the 
diverse profile of DMGT’s revenues.

   Read more on each operating business’s 

revenue performance, pages 16 to 21

Strategic Report

Focused on driving long-term shareholder value 
Financial Review

Performance highlights
The Group’s overall financial performance in 
the year includes a strong first five months 
of trading followed by seven months of 
weakness due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 
albeit with some improvement towards the 
end of the year. The Consumer Media, Events 
and Exhibitions and UK Property Information 
businesses were particularly affected by 
Covid-19 whilst Insurance Risk, EdTech 
and US Property Information businesses 
continued to grow revenues. The financial 
performance also reflects the impact of 
disposals and investment in the B2B 
portfolio, consistent with DMGT’s long-term 
approach to value creation. 

Group revenue decreased 10% on an 
underlying basis. Subscription revenue grew 
by an underlying 3%, with growth across the 
Insurance Risk, EdTech and US Property 
Information businesses. The Covid-19 crisis 
resulted in significant underlying decreases 
in revenues with events down 35%, print 
advertising down 30% and transaction 
revenues down 13%, reflecting lower 
transaction volumes in the UK property 
market. Circulation revenues recovered 
well following the easing of UK lockdown 
restrictions and decreased by an underlying 
7% over the year. Despite a significantly 
weaker advertising market, digital revenues 
grew an underlying 4% including the benefit 
of increased online traffic. 

Cash operating income (cash OI) and 
adjusted operating profit decreased by 29% 
and 35% respectively on an underlying basis. 
The performance reflected the impact of the 
Covid-19 pandemic on revenues, investment 
in the B2B businesses and reduced 
Corporate costs. Group adjusted operating 
margin was 7%, compared to 10% in the 
prior year. Adjusted profit before tax was 
£72 million, a 50% decrease on the prior 
year, reflecting the benefit of reduced 
finance costs being more than offset by a 
reduction in the share of operating profits 
from associates. On an underlying basis, 
adjusted profit before tax decreased 36%.

DMGT continues to maintain significant 
financial flexibility, consistent with the 
Group’s key strategic priorities, and was in 
a net cash position throughout the year. 
DMGT ended the year with pro forma net 
cash§ of £168 million. The year end pro forma 
net cash to adjusted earnings before interest, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) 
ratio, which is stated after adjusting EBITDA 
to include lease costs, was 1.4. 

Financial highlights: 
adjusted measures*

Underlying^ revenue growth
(10)%

2019: +2%

Underlying^ cash operating  
income growth

(29)%

2019: +10%

Underlying^ operating  
profit growth

(35)%

2019: +6%

Operating margin

7%

2019: 10%

Underlying^ PBT growth 
(36)%

2019: +19%

EPS growth

(32)%

2019: (8)%

Net cash§

£168m

2019: £247m

Net cash§:EBITDA

1.4x

2019: 1.2x

Footnotes in this Financial Review are defined on the 
inside front cover with the exception of that below.
^    Underlying growth rates are on a like-for-like 

basis, see pages 29 and 31. Underlying revenues, 
cash operating income and operating profits are 
adjusted for constant exchange rates, the exclusion 
of disposals and business closures, the inclusion of 
the year-on-year organic growth from acquisitions 
and for the consistent timing of revenue recognition. 
Cash operating income, operating profits and finance 
costs are also adjusted in respect of IFRS 16, so the 
calculation methodology is consistent across years. 
For events, the comparisons are between events held 
in the year and the same events held the previous 
time and underlying growth includes the adverse 
impact of event cancellations and postponements. 
Consequently, underlying growth rates include all 
costs for events that were scheduled in FY 2020 and 
were cancelled or postponed, but exclude all costs 
associated with events originally scheduled in FY 2021. 
For Consumer Media, underlying revenues exclude 
low-margin newsprint resale activities. The underlying 
change in the share of operating profits from joint 
ventures and associates excludes Euromoney 
Institutional Investor PLC.

24

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Adjusted revenue profile µ
By business (%)

By type (%)

By destination (%)

  Insurance Risk 
  Property Information 
  EdTech 
  Events and Exhibitions 
  Consumer Media 

21
15
7
7
50

  Subscriptions 
  Circulation 
   Events 
  Digital advertising 
  Print advertising 
  Transactions and other 

30
24
6
13
11
16

µ  Revenue figures exclude Energy Information which was disposed of in November 2019.

  UK 
  North America 
  Rest of the World 

57
28 
15

Cash operating income
Cash OI is a performance metric used by 
DMGT to assess the cash generation of its 
businesses. It is calculated by adding back 
depreciation and amortisation expenses, 
which are non-cash items, to adjusted 
operating profit and then deducting capital 
expenditure. The depreciation charge on 
right-of-use assets, which has resulted since 

the adoption of IFRS 16, the lease accounting 
standard, is not added back when calculating 
cash OI. In the financial year, cash OI for 
the Group as a whole was £110 million, 
a £52 million decrease compared to the 
prior year, primarily due to a £54 million 
reduction in adjusted operating profit. 
Capital expenditure was £18 million in the 
year, a £12 million reduction on the prior 

year, and the beneficial impact on cash OI 
was largely offset by a £9 million reduction 
in depreciation and amortisation. Cash OI 
decreased by 29% on an underlying basis 
as reduced Corporate costs were more 
than offset by the B2B businesses and 
Consumer Media.

Business performance

Revenues

Cash operating income* 

Operating profit* 

FY 2020

FY 2019

Growth

FY 2020

FY 2019

Growth

FY 2020

FY 2019

Growth

£m

248
187

85
79
7

606
604

£m Reported Underlying^

244
222

80
119
74

738
672

+2%
(16)%

+7%
(33)%
(90)%

(18)%
(10)%

+2%
(6)%

+7%
(35)%
N/A

(7)%
(13)%

1,211

1,411

(14)%

(10)%

£m

35
29

10
4
1

79
64
(34)

110

£m Reported Underlying^

41
44

8
22
12

126
78
(43)

162

(14)%
(34)%

+21% 
(81)%
(88)%

(37)%
(18)%
(21)%

(32)%

(14)%
(35)%

+19%
(51)%
N/A

(27)%
(27)%
(21)%

(29)%

£m

34
24

6
4
2

69
56
(35)

90

£m Reported Underlying^

40
41

4
22
8

117
67
(40)

144

(17)%
(42)%

+34%
(83)%
(81)%

(41)%
(17)%
(12)%

(38)%

(16)%
(42)%

+31%
(52)%
N/A

(32)%
(27)%
(12)%

(35)%

Insurance Risk
Property Information

EdTech
Events and Exhibitions
Energy Information

B2B
Consumer Media
Corporate costs

DMGT

Cash operating income

£ million

Adjusted Group operating profit
Add: Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Add: Amortisation of intangible fixed assets (e.g. products and software)
Less: Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Less: Expenditure on intangible fixed assets (e.g. products and software)

DMGT Cash operating income

Source

Tables on page 28
Note 3
Note 3
Cash flow
Cash flow

Amounts in the tables are stated rounded to the nearest million pounds, consequently totals may not equal the sum of the component integers.

FY 2020

FY 2019

90
23
15
(12)
(6)

110

144
25
22
(16)
(14)

162

25

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Focused on driving long-term shareholder value 
Financial Review

Operating profit performance 
Adjusted operating profit of £90 million 
decreased by 35% on an underlying basis 
and 38% on a reported basis, reflecting 
the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on 
revenues as well as investment in the B2B 
portfolio, with product development and 
technology costs largely being expensed 
rather than capitalised. 

The adjusted operating profit of the Group’s 
B2B operations decreased by an underlying 
32% to £69 million, reflecting the impact of 
Covid-19 on Events and Exhibitions and the 
UK Property Information business, as well 
as planned investment in Insurance Risk, 
Property Information and EdTech. The 
adjusted operating profit from Consumer 
Media decreased by an underlying 27% 
to £56 million as the adverse impact 
of Covid-19 on revenues, particularly 
advertising, more than offset the benefit 
of reductions in the Mail Newspapers and 
Metro cost bases. Corporate costs decreased 
by an underlying 12% to £35 million, 
including reduced remuneration costs 
as well as management of the cost base. 

Joint ventures and associates
The Group’s share of the adjusted operating 
losses* from its joint ventures and associates 
was £8 million, a £21 million change 
compared to net profits of £13 million in 
the prior year. There were no profits from 
Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC in the 
year, compared to £23 million in the prior 
year, as all of the Euromoney shares held 
by DMGT were distributed to DMGT’s 
shareholders in April 2019.

   Read more on our JVs and associates’ 

performance, page 22

Financing costs
Adjusted net finance costs were £10 million, 
a 17% reduction on the prior year, primarily 
due to the maturing of £219 million of bond 
debt in December 2018. The decrease in net 
finance costs was 36% on an underlying 
basis, after adjusting for £2 million of finance 
costs recognised following the adoption of 
IFRS 16.

The pension finance credit, which is excluded 
from adjusted results, was £4 million 
compared to £7 million in the prior year. 

Results before taxation
Adjusted profit before tax was £72 million, 
an underlying decrease of 36%, with the 
decrease in adjusted operating profit 
partly offset by reduced net finance costs. 
Including the impact of the Euromoney 
distributions, adjusted profit before tax 
was £73 million less than the prior year. 

26

Taxation
The adjusted tax charge for the year, after 
excluding the effect of exceptional items, 
was £13 million, see Note 11, compared to 
£29 million in the prior year. The adjusted 
tax rate was 18%, a slight reduction on 20% 
in the prior year and less than previously 
expected, primarily due to a reduced  
US tax charge, reflecting the benefit from  
the Foreign-Derived Intangibles Income  
(FDII) incentive.

The statutory tax credit for the year was 
£1 million and there was also a statutory 
tax charge of £11 million on discontinued 
operations, giving a total charge of 
£10 million. There were £3 million  
of net exceptional tax credits in total.

   Go online to www.dmgt.com  
to read our tax policy

Profit after tax 
Adjusted Group profit after tax and minority 
interests was £59 million, a decrease of 48%. 

Earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share were 
26.1 pence, down 32%. The weighted 
average number of shares in issue during 
the year, excluding shares held in Treasury 
and the Employee Benefit Trust, was 
227.8 million, a significant reduction  
from 296.4 million in the previous year, 
following the April 2019 Euromoney 
distributions and special dividend.

Net cash and cash flow
Pro forma net cash§ at the end of the year 
was £168 million, a decrease of £79 million 
compared to the start of the year. Pro forma 
net cash is stated after adjusting to exclude 
cash that was made available to the Group’s 
pension schemes in April 2019, but which 
currently remains as cash on DMGT’s balance 
sheet; and exclude lease liabilities that are 
included in statutory net cash following the 
adoption of IFRS 16. The lease liabilities 
largely reflect the future operating costs of 
renting office space and are not considered 
a component of net debt when the Board 
reviews the Group’s available capital. 
Consequently, they are excluded from  
pro forma net cash.

Net cash

£ million

The pro forma net cash:EBITDA ratio was 1.4 
at the year end. 

The Group’s cash OI of £110 million is stated 
after £18 million of capital expenditure, 
a significant reduction on £30 million in 
the prior year which reflects product 
development and technology costs largely 
being expensed rather than capitalised. The 
Group remains committed to investing for 
the long term and organic investment was 
equivalent to 10% of revenues in the year. 
Other operating cash net outflows totalled 
£11 million including £18 million of funding 
into the Employee Benefit Trust. Group 
operating cash flow was £99 million and 
the conversion rate of operating profits to 
operating cash flow was 110%, compared 
to 109% in the prior year.

Pro forma net expenditure on acquisitions 
and investments, including proceeds from 
disposals, was £84 million. Proceeds from 
the disposal of the Energy Information 
business, Genscape, were included in the pro 
forma net cash at the start of the year and so 
are excluded from the pro forma cash flow. 
The net expenditure included £50 million to 
acquire the ‘i’ newspaper and website and 
£37 million invested in Cazoo, the early-stage 
business accounted for as an investment. 
There were proceeds of £20 million from 
the disposal of BuildFax, the US Property 
Information business. 

Payments in the year included dividends of 
£55 million, pension funding payments of 
£16 million, taxation of £8 million and net 
interest of £6 million. The weaker US dollar 
at year end, relative to the prior year end, 
resulted in an adverse cash revaluation 
of £9 million. 

The Group’s cash, cash equivalents and 
short-term deposits, net of overdrafts, 
totalled £480 million at year end. On a 
pro forma basis, excluding £117 million 
made available for the pension schemes, 
the Group’s pro forma gross cash, cash 
equivalents and short-term deposits 
totalled £363 million. 

At year end, bond debt was £204 million, 
with £1 million maturing in April 2021 
and £203 million maturing in June 2027. 

Statutory net cash as at 30 September

Include proceeds from November 2019 disposal of Energy Information
Exclude cash made available to pension schemes
Exclude IFRS 16 lease liabilities

Pro forma net cash as at 30 September

FY 2020

FY 2019

185

–
(117)
100

168

82

282
(117)
–

247

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

There was also £8 million of net cash 
in respect of collateral and derivatives. 
The Group’s committed bank facilities were 
£373 million, which were completely unutilised. 

Fitch reaffirmed DMGT’s BBB- investment 
grade corporate credit rating in May 2020 
and Standard & Poor’s BB credit rating as at 
April 2019 remains unchanged. The Group’s 
preferred upper limit for gearing remains 
a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.0, below the 
requirements of the Group’s bank covenants.

Capital allocation framework
DMGT prioritises organic investment 
opportunities and takes a long-term 
approach, investing through the cycle as 
demonstrated during the year. The dividend 
remains DMGT’s second capital allocation 
priority and is the primary mechanism for 
returning capital to shareholders. 

The Group adopts a balanced and flexible 
approach to uses of capital across the two 
remaining categories: acquisitions and 
shareholder returns. DMGT has capacity 
for meaningful acquisitions and will remain 
highly disciplined. We will prioritise the 
allocation of capital towards opportunities 
that build on our skills in combining 
proprietary content, data science and 
sophisticated analytics, particularly 
those that deliver insights about risk.

DMGT has always taken a long-term approach 
to capital management, avoiding issuing new 
equity to shareholders. Maintaining financial 
flexibility remains a strategic priority, 
enabling the Group to be acquisitive in 
the future, as opportunities arise. 

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 pro forma 
net surplus on the schemes decreased 
from £332 million at the start of the year 
to £240 million at 30 September 2020, 
calculated in accordance with IAS 19 
(Revised). The pro forma surplus includes 
£117 million that has been made available 
to the pension schemes but which currently 
remains as cash on DMGT’s balance sheet, 
as well as the statutory net surplus of 
£123 million. During the year, there was an 
increase in the value of the defined benefit 
obligation, caused by lower discount rates, 
and a decrease in the value of the assets. 

Funding payments into the main schemes 
were £16 million in the year. The actuarial 
valuation of the pension schemes as at 
31 March 2019 showed that the schemes 
remain in deficit on an actuarial basis. 

Viability Statement
In accordance with provision 31 of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, the 
Directors have assessed the prospects of the Company. The Board has determined that 
a three year period is an appropriate term to assess DMGT’s viability because this is 
consistent with near-term visibility of certain market trends and previous viability 
assessments. This period also coincides with the maturity of the Group’s committed 
bank facilities.

The Board’s assessment of the Company’s future prospects and viability determined 
the Group’s overall risk capacity by considering banking and bond covenants, other 
financial commitments and borrowing capacity to determine the maximum loss from 
risk events that the Group could endure whilst remaining viable. The assessment has 
also been made with reference to the Group’s current position and prospects, the Group 
strategy, the Board’s risk appetite and principal risks, which the Directors review at 
least annually. The key factors affecting the Group’s future prospects and viability are:

•  DMGT manages a portfolio of operating companies with diversity across sector, 
revenue stream and geography. See page 25 for the Group’s revenue profile;

•  financial flexibility through a strong balance sheet with continued good cash flow 

generation and a net debt to EBITDA ratio comfortably below our preferred 
upper limit;

•  the Group’s ability to restructure quickly through the portfolio management 

of operating company subsidiaries; and

•  the long-term view of the Company afforded by the family shareholding.

Group forecast revenue, operating profit, EBITDA and cash flows were subject to 
robust downside stress testing over the assessment period, which involved modelling 
the impact of a combination of hypothetical and severe adverse scenarios. This was 
focused on the impact of a number of severe but plausible principal risks crystallising, 
including:

•  the impact of successive key product investment failures across the Group;

•  the impact of a significantly accelerated decline in circulation volumes and print 
advertising and lower growth in digital advertising affecting profits from the 
Consumer Media businesses;

•  the impact of a significant decline in UK housing transaction volumes affecting profits 

from the UK Property Information business;

•  the impact of a severe cyber attack resulting in the loss of high volumes of personal 
data, considering both the reputational impact, recovery costs and regulatory fines;

•  the impact of macroeconomic factors including large foreign exchange fluctuations, 

significant increases in interest rates and corporation tax increases; and

•  the impact of continued disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the Group’s 
Consumer Media, UK Property Information and Events and Exhibitions businesses.

The Group has also considered the specific uncertainties of Brexit on its future viability 
by modelling scenarios which include the impact of a reduction in the number of 
housing transactions on its UK Property Information business and increases in the 
cost and reductions in the availability of newsprint on its Consumer Media business.

Mitigations considered as part of the stress testing included a number of cost reduction 
programmes and disposals of operating company subsidiaries.

In addition to the mitigation actions described above, the Group has access to undrawn 
committed bank facilities of £373 million which expire in March 2023 and, as at 
September 2020, has pro forma net cash of £168 million. This provides the Group with 
£541 million of committed funds available to it. 

Based on the analysis described above, the Directors confirm that they have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will continue to operate and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the next three years.

27

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Focused on driving long-term shareholder value 
Financial Review

Reconciliation of statutory revenue to adjusted revenue

£ million

Statutory revenue
Discontinued operations
Adjusted revenue

FY 2020

FY 2019

Explanation

1,203
7
1,211

1,337
74
1,411

i

Reconciliation of statutory operating profit to adjusted operating profit: FY 2020

£ million

Statutory operating profit
Discontinued operations
Exceptional operating costs
Intangible impairment  
and amortisation
Exclude JVs and associates

Adjusted operating profit

Insurance
Risk

Property
Information

EdTech

Events and
Exhibitions

Energy
Information

Consumer
Media

Corporate
costs

JVs and
Associates

Group Explanation

13
–
20

–

34

15
–
1

8

24

5
–
–

1

6

(10)
–
2

13

4

–
13
(11)

–

2

43
–
7

6

56

(40)
–
5

–

(35)

(11)
–
–

4
(8)

15
13
24

31
8

90

i
ii

iii

Reconciliation of statutory operating profit to adjusted operating profit: FY 2019

£ million

Statutory operating profit
Discontinued operations
Exceptional operating costs
Intangible impairment  
and amortisation
Exclude JVs and associates

Adjusted operating profit

Insurance
Risk

Property
Information

EdTech

Events and
Exhibitions

Energy
Information

Consumer
Media

Corporate
costs

JVs and
Associates

Group Explanation

40
–
–

–

40

15
–
–

26

41

3
–
–

2

4

21
–
–

1

22

–
(26)
31

3

8

65
–
2

–

67

(50)
–
10

–

(40)

(28)
–
(7)

36
1

67
(26)
36

69
(1)

144

i
ii

iii

Reconciliation of statutory profit before tax to adjusted profit before tax

£ million

Statutory profit before tax 
Discontinued operations
Exceptional operating costs
Intangible impairment and amortisation
Profit on sale of assets
Pension finance credit
Other adjustments

Adjusted profit before tax

FY 2020

FY 2019

Explanation

52
147
24
31
(177)
(4)
(1)

72

134
(33)
36
69
(67)
(7)
13

145

i
ii
iii
iv
v
vi

Reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to cash operating income

£ million

Insurance Risk
Property Information
EdTech
Events and Exhibitions
Energy Information

B2B
Consumer Media
Corporate costs

DMGT

FY 2020

FY 2019

Adjusted 
operating 
profit

Depreciation 
and 
amortisation¹

Purchase 
of fixed 
assets¹

Cash 
operating 
income

Adjusted
 operating 
profit

Depreciation 
and 
amortisation¹

Purchase 
of fixed 
assets¹

Cash 
operating 
income

34
24
6
4
2

69
56
(35)

90

5
7
8
–
–

20
16
2

38

(4)
(2)
(4)
–
–

(10)
(7)
(1)

(18)

35
29
10
4
1

79
64
(34)

110

40
41
4
22
8

117
67
(40)

144

5
9
8
–
7

29
17
1

47

(5)
(6)
(4)
(1)
(3)

(20)
(6)
(4)

(30)

41
44
8
22
12

126
78
(43)

162

1.   Amortisation of intangible assets and expenditure on purchasing intangible assets refers to products and software, not assets acquired as part of business combinations. The depreciation charge 

on the additional right-of-use assets, which has resulted since 1 October 2019 from the adoption of IFRS 16, the lease accounting standard, is not added back when calculating cash OI.

Amounts in the tables are stated rounded to the nearest million pounds, consequently totals may not equal the sum of the component integers.

28

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Underlying performance

FY 2020

£ million

Revenue
Insurance Risk
Property Information
EdTech
Events and Exhibitions
Energy Information

B2B
Consumer Media

DMGT

Cash operating income
Insurance Risk
Property Information
EdTech
Events and Exhibitions
Energy Information

B2B
Consumer Media
Corporate costs

DMGT

Adjusted operating profit 
and profit before tax
Insurance Risk
Property Information
EdTech
Events and Exhibitions
Energy Information

B2B
Consumer Media
Corporate costs

DMGT adjusted operating profit
Income from JVs and associates
Net finance costs

DMGT adjusted profit before tax

Reported1

M&A

Other Underlying

Reported1

M&A

248
187
85
79
7

606
604

1,211

35
29
10
4
1

79
64
(34)

110

34
24
6
4
2

69
56
(35)

90
(8)
(10)

72

–
1
–
4
(7)

(2)
6

4

–
–
–
1
(1)

–

3
–

2

–
–
–
1
(2)

(1)
3
–

2
–
–

2

–
–
–
–
–

–
(20)

(20)

248
188
85
83
–

604
590

244
222
80
119
74

738
672

1,195

1,411

–
–
–
7
–

7
–
–

7

–
–
–
7
–

7
–
–

7
–
2

9

35
29
10
12
–

86
67
(34)

119

34
24
6
12
–

75
59
(35)

99
(8)
(8)

84

41
44
8
22
12

126
78
(43)

162

40
41
4
22
8

117
67
(40)

144
13
(12)

145

–
(21)
–
8
(74)

(88)
36

(52)

–
–
–
2
(12)

(10)
14
–

4

–
–
–
2
(8)

(7)
14
–

7
(23)
–

(16)

1.  Reported figures are the adjusted* results, as defined on the inside front cover.

Amounts in the tables are stated rounded to the nearest million pounds, consequently totals may not equal the sum of the component integers.

FY 2019

Exchange
 rates

Other Underlying

Underlying
growth

(1)
–
–
–
–

(1)
–

(1)

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
2
–

2
(32)

(30)

244
201
80
128
–

652
676

1,328

–
–
–
1
–

1
–
–

1

–
–
–
1
–

1
–
–

1
–
–

1

40
44
8
25
–

118
92
(43)

167

40
41
4
25
–

111
81
(40)

152
(10)
(12)

130

+2%
(6)%
+7%
(35)%
N/A

(7)%
(13)%

(10)%

(14)%
(35)%
+19%
(51)%
N/A

(27)%
(27)%
(21)%

(29)%

(16)%
(42)%
+31%
(52)%
N/A

(32)%
(27)%
(12)%

(35)%
(25)%
(36)%

(36)%

29

Strategic ReportStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Focused on driving long-term shareholder value 
Financial Review

A new funding plan has been agreed with the 
Trustees. In FY 2021, £121 million will be paid 
into escrow, including the £117 million that 
has been made available to the pension 
schemes, and direct funding payments  
into the schemes will be £14 million. From 
FY 2022 to FY 2025 inclusive, payments of 
£11 million p.a. will be made directly into the 
schemes and, in addition, payments of 
£7 million p.a. will be paid into escrow. Also, 
in certain circumstances, a contribution of 
up to 20% of any share buy-backs shall be 
contributed to the schemes. Contributions 
will be discontinued should the schemes’ 
actuary agree the schemes are no longer 
in deficit, calculated on an actuarial basis. 

A portion of the funds in escrow will be 
used to fund the schemes between FY 2021 
and FY 2027, with the amounts dependent 
on the actuarial deficit, interest rates and 
other factors. In FY 2027, some or all of the 
amount in escrow may be used to fund the 
schemes, depending on the actuarial deficit, 
and the remainder will be returned to DMGT. 
The next actuarial valuation is scheduled 
for 31 March 2022. 

Dividends
The recommended final dividend is 
16.6 pence which, if approved, would make 
the total dividend for the year 24.1 pence, 
1% growth over the prior year, excluding the 
£200 million special dividend paid in April 
2019, and continuing DMGT’s track record of 
increasing the dividend in excess of inflation.

The dividend policy is to grow the dividend 
per share in real terms and, in the medium 
term, to distribute around one-third of 
the Group’s adjusted earnings. This policy 
reflects DMGT’s long-term approach to 
capital management and allocation. It aims 
to deliver a reliable and predictable dividend 
growth trajectory, unaffected by fluctuations 
in earnings or capital gains, while also being 
sufficiently prudent to retain the flexibility 
to make significant investments in the 
long-term future growth of the business.

The Board reconsidered the dividend policy 
carefully during the year and, despite the 
weaker profit outcome and deteriorating 
global economy, resolved to leave it 
unchanged. The decision reflects the 
Board’s conviction in the appropriateness 
of the policy, its long-term approach and 
confidence in the Group’s ability to deliver 
earnings growth over time, underpinned 
by a strong balance sheet.

The recommended FY 2020 full year dividend 
is equivalent to 92% of the adjusted earnings 
per share for the year since short-term 
earnings have been adversely affected 
by the impact of Covid-19, disposals and 
organic investment. 

Exceptional items, impairments 
and amortisation
As explained in more detail below, 
certain items, including exceptional costs, 
impairments and some amortisation 
are excluded from adjusted results. The 
exceptional cash costs in the year were 
£15 million, compared to £9 million in the 
prior year. Total exceptional operating costs, 
including discontinued operations and 
associates, were £24 million (2019 £36 million).

There were £9 million of exceptional 
severance costs in the year, as headcount 
was reduced in the Consumer Media, Events 
& Exhibitions and Property Information 
businesses, to enhance the future 
profitability of individual product lines and 
support the businesses’ margins. The costs 
also included a £20 million non-cash charge 
as a result of amendments to the existing 
RMS 2015 Equity Incentive Plan to ensure 
the scheme works appropriately for the 
broader employee base in light of the 
current business plan.

The charge for amortisation of intangible 
assets arising on business combinations, 
including the share from joint ventures 
and associates, was £11 million (2019 
£20 million). Total impairment charges 
in the year were £19 million, primarily 
in respect of Events and Exhibitions, 
compared to £49 million in the prior year.

The Group recorded other net gains on 
disposal of businesses and investments, 
including discontinued operations, of 
£177 million, primarily in respect of 
the disposal of Genscape, the Energy 
Information business (2019 £67 million). 

Outlook 
The duration and severity of the Covid-19 
pandemic remains unclear, with a range 
of possible outcomes over different 
timeframes. Consequently, it is prudent not 
to provide formal quantitative guidance. 
What is certain is that we will remain alert, 
adjusting our behaviour and actions as 
circumstances change. 

The underlying financial performance in 
FY 2021, for the Group as a whole, will 
depend on the dynamics of the individual 
businesses, as described in the Operating 
Business Reviews on pages 16 to 22.

There will be continued significant organic 
investment in the B2B businesses, reflecting 
the opportunities to create value over time.

Net finance costs are expected to increase 
in FY 2021 as a result of significantly 
reduced interest income on DMGT’s gross 
cash deposits due to lower interest rates. 
The adjusted tax rate will depend on  
the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, 
including on the geographical mix of profits. 
The FY 2021 rate is currently expected to  
be in the low twenties.

The Board is confident that DMGT is 
positioned to withstand the uncertainties of 
the period ahead and to continue to adopt 
a long-term approach. The Group benefits 
from a diversified portfolio of market-leading 
businesses that operate across multiple 
sectors, geographies and business models.

Our strategy, combined with a balanced 
and flexible approach to capital allocation, 
positions us to deliver on the Group’s 
long-term revenue, profit and cash flow 
potential.

   Read more on the outlook for our 
businesses in Operating Business 
Reviews, pages 16 to 22

Adjusted results 
The Board and management team use 
adjusted results and measures, rather than 
statutory results, to give greater insight to 
the financial performance of the Group and 
the way it is managed. The tables on page 28 
show the full list of adjustments between 
statutory operating profit and adjusted 
operating profit by business, as well as 
between statutory profit before tax and 
adjusted profit before tax at Group level 
for both FY 2020 and FY 2019.

30

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Note 13 shows the full list of adjustments 
between statutory and adjusted results. 

v. 

The explanation for each type of adjustment 
is as follows:

i. 

 Discontinued operations: the adjusted 
results include the pre-disposal results 
of discontinued operations, namely 
Genscape, the Energy Information 
business, whereas statutory results only 
include continuing operations. The gain 
on the disposal of Genscape in FY 2020 
is excluded from both statutory and 
adjusted profit before tax.

ii. 

 Exceptional operating costs: businesses 
occasionally incur exceptional costs, 
including severance and consultancy 
fees, in respect of a reorganisation that 
is incremental to normal operations. 
These are excluded from adjusted results.

iii.   Intangible impairment and amortisation: 
when acquiring businesses, the premium 
paid relative to the net assets on the 
balance sheet of the acquired business 
is classified as either goodwill or as an 
intangible asset arising on a business 
combination and is recognised on DMGT’s 
balance sheet. This differs to organically 
developed businesses where assets 
such as employee talent and customer 
relationships are not recognised on 
the balance sheet. Impairment and 
amortisation of intangible assets and 
goodwill arising on acquisitions are 
excluded from adjusted results as they 
relate to historical M&A activity and 
future expectations rather than the 
trading performance of the business 
during the year. Software, including 
products, is also recognised as an 
intangible asset on the balance sheet but 
the ongoing amortisation of software is 
similar to the depreciation of tangible 
assets and is an everyday cost of doing 
business, so is included in both statutory 
and adjusted results.

iv.   Profit on sale of assets: the Group makes 

gains or losses when disposing of 
businesses, for example on the disposal 
of BuildFax, the US Property Information 
business, in FY 2020. These items are 
excluded from adjusted results as they 
reflect the value created since the 
business was formed or acquired rather 
than the operating performance of the 
business during the year. Similarly, the 
gains or losses made by joint ventures or 
associates when disposing of businesses 
are excluded from adjusted results. 

 Pension finance credit: the finance credit 
on defined benefit schemes is a formulaic 
calculation that does not necessarily 
reflect the underlying economics 
associated with the relevant pension 
assets and liabilities. It is effectively a 
notional credit and is excluded from 
adjusted results. 

vi.   Other adjustments: other items that are 
excluded from adjusted results include 
changes in the fair value of certain 
financial instruments and changes to 
future acquisition payments. They are 
considered to be unrelated to the ongoing 
cost of doing business. The share of joint 
ventures’ and associates’ tax charges is 
included in statutory profit before tax 
but, since it is a tax charge, is excluded 
from adjusted profit before tax. The share 
of joint ventures’ and associates’ interest 
charges is reclassified to financing costs 
in the adjusted results. 

Underlying growth
When assessing the performance of the 
different businesses, the Board considers 
the adjusted results. The year-on-year 
change in adjusted results may not, however, 
be a fair like-for-like comparison as there 
are a number of factors which can influence 
growth rates but which do not reflect 
underlying performance.

When calculating underlying growth, 
adjustments are made to give a like-for-like 
comparison. For example, adjustments 
are made to exclude disposals from both 
FY 2019 and FY 2020 years completely. 
When businesses are acquired, the prior 
year comparatives are adjusted to include 
the acquisition.

The timing of events within Events and 
Exhibitions can also be a distortion. 
To give a fair like-for-like comparison when 
calculating underlying growth, the FY 2019 
comparative is amended to include the 
performance from the previously held 
events for each FY 2020 show. Underlying 
growth includes the adverse impact of 
event cancellations and postponements. 
Consequently, underlying growth in FY 2020 
includes all costs for events that were 
scheduled in the year but excludes costs 
associated with events originally scheduled 
in FY 2021. 

In FY 2020, on a reported basis, DMGT’s 
revenues decreased by 14%, cash OI by 32%, 
adjusted operating profit by 38% and 
adjusted profit before tax by 50%. The 
growth rates were adversely affected by 
disposals and the distribution of Euromoney 
shares but benefitted from the acquisition 
of the ‘i’. After adjusting for these factors 
as well as others, such as foreign exchange 
rates, other acquisitions and the timing 
of events, the underlying decreases were 
10% for revenues, 29% for cash OI, 35% 
for adjusted operating profit and 36% 
for adjusted profit before tax, as shown 
in the tables on page 29. 

Tim Collier
Group Chief Financial Officer 

31

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Entrepreneurism, Purpose and Excellence 
Our Stakeholders

Introduction from our CEO
We have never been a business to stand on 
the sidelines if there is an opportunity to give 
support. We have always tried to play an 
active role in the communities in which we 
work, as any business of our size should, 
and have considerable strengths as a Group 
that can be applied on the ground.

Despite all the change we have been part of, 
DMGT has five core values that remain the 
same. Each one was brought to life in 
tangible ways during 2020: 

•  People: we supported our staff to help 

them stay as safe as possible – supplying 
new kit for people to work remotely, 
buying PPE early and implementing 
a Salary Substitution Plan in the UK.

•  Purpose: we supported our communities, 
in particular through the tremendous 
impact of Mail Force Charity, donating 
testing equipment for NHS and care staff.

•  Patience: we continued to invest in all 

our businesses through the cycle.

•  Product: we adapted products quickly to 
answer our customers’ changing needs.
•  Performance: we showed our resilience 
with strong recovery from Landmark and 
dmg media. Both returned to profitability 
quickly due to an immense effort from  
our teams.

A wonderful example of our community 
engagement is the establishment of Mail 
Force Charity in response to the Covid-19 
pandemic, where the charity has acted as a 
business playing a pivotal role in delivering 
PPE to the NHS. This year we also founded 
DMGT Cares, a Group-wide central hub to 
enable our staff to engage with their local 
communities. It ranges from raising money 
while on lockdown to being in touch with 
those forced to be on their own, as well as 
information on volunteering opportunities 
and essential local initiatives to support 
and promote the work of staff teams  
across the business. 

   Read more in CEO Review,  

pages 10 to 13

Paul Zwillenberg
CEO

32

Our culture
DMGT encourages curiosity and innovation 
amongst its people, and is built around a 
set of values that are common across our 
portfolio of operating companies. Our culture 
combines entrepreneurism, purpose, 
excellence and performance management. 
As a home for entrepreneurs, seeking to  
take advantage of market disruption, DMGT 
fosters constant innovation, growth and 
talent development. Businesses have a clear 
sense of delivering for their customers and 
society whilst also improving operational 
execution. We live out these values through 
our relationships with our stakeholders, 
employees, and suppliers. 

Our people
We believe that talented, motivated  
people are the key to our success and  
are committed to providing a working 
environment that allows people to reach 
their full potential. 

We invest in our people, developing 
high-potential leaders at early stages in their 
careers. Our leadership programmes, run 
at operating company level, are designed 
to equip talented people with stretching 
experiences to accelerate their development 
and realise their potential. Our ambition 
is to enable people to be the best they can 
be, to deliver today and build for tomorrow. 
Our people have the chance to develop at 
DMGT doing meaningful and interesting 
work that will stretch them, taking 
advantage of all the opportunities that 
our diverse group of businesses can offer.

DMGT holds a wealth of top leadership talent 
and sector expertise at Group level and 
across its operating companies. Our people 
are supported by a range of tailored local 
learning and development programmes. 
Staff have access to a wide range of training 
and development programmes and 
wellbeing support, including courses such as:

•  coaching for managers, including 

performance management; 

•  stakeholder management;
•  career development planning;
•  digital marketing essentials;
•  mindfulness and wellbeing workshops;
•  public speaking, presenting and assertion 

workshops; and

•  technical skill training (Excel, 

PowerPoint etc).

During FY 2020 these courses focused on 
support programmes for employees whilst 
working remotely.

We also offer work experience and 
professional development support to all 
our staff, including external training and 
qualifications, and the opportunity to 
apply for additional funding for these.

Keeping our people informed 
One of the challenges of a geographically 
diverse organisation, we have c. 40 locations 
internationally, is ensuring that we can 
effectively communicate with all of  
our people.

We continue to enhance employee 
collaboration by using platforms such as 
instant messaging, video conferencing, 
developing a Group-wide microsite to share 
policies and information, refining our 
internal newsletters, circulating a daily email 
news bulletin and holding regular ‘Town Hall’ 
meetings, whether virtually or in person.

Wellbeing
We have a suite of policies designed to 
promote the health and wellbeing of our 
employees, including a range of fitness and 
mindfulness programmes. This was critical 
this year with employees working remotely 
during the Covid-19 pandemic. Groupwide 
there were numerous examples of 
programmes to support employee wellbeing 
and good mental health, including ‘mental 
health’ days off work, bespoke Covid-19 
learning and wellbeing workshops, contact 
tracing and medical support, Town Hall 
meetings at all levels across the business, 
free access to home exercise programmes, 
and a number of virtual social activities.

Diversity and inclusion
Our Equal Opportunities Policy is designed 
to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and 
the Equality and Human Rights Commission 
Employment Statutory Code of Practice, and 
to promote best practice. Managers must set 
an appropriate standard of behaviour, lead 
by example and ensure that those they 
manage adhere to this policy. This policy 
applies to all aspects of the employee 
relationship. All decisions must be based 
on merit. This includes but is not limited to:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

  recruitment and selection;
  job adverts;
  training and development;
  opportunities for promotion;
  conditions of service;
  pay and benefits; and
  conduct at work.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

DMGT’s Human Resources Information 
System enables us to monitor the levels of 
diversity in our business, and also promote 
an inclusive culture. Diversity data including 
gender, ethnicity, race and disability is tracked 
across job levels and assessed against a 
number of key areas, including recruitment 
processes, attrition and promotions. 
We regularly ask employees for their feedback 
on diversity and inclusion, supported with 
regular internal communications on a range 
of activities that promote a collaborative 
and inclusive culture.

Diversity workshop
DMGT runs a number of training 
programmes on equality, diversity and 
inclusion, as well as providing tools 
and resources for hiring managers to 
assist them in ensuring an objective 
hiring process that attracts the best 
talent regardless of background.

This year we piloted diversity and 
inclusion training for managers  
and HR staff, led and facilitated by  
an external provider. This training 
included unconscious bias, 
discrimination awareness, leadership 
and business roles.

We partner with a number of external 
programmes and take part in 
volunteering activities to support 
diversity in media; one of our new 
programmes connects women from 
BAME backgrounds in the media 
industry with experienced female 
mentors.

Our Career Boards ensure job opportunities 
are open to internal candidates, with training 
and mentoring offered to support 
promotions and internal mobility.

For our UK-based businesses, we also 
provide an inclusive apprenticeship 
programme for new talent and existing 
employees, with development opportunities 
ranging up to MBA level. We believe this is 
a highly effective and sustainable way to 
support the progression of more people 
in our business. 

Gender breakdown of our employees 
The table below sets out the gender 
breakdown of our employees. Our aim is to 
promote equality and diversity in accordance 
with our Group Code of Conduct and 
Diversity Policy.

Board Directors
Operating company 
CEOs and direct reports 
to the Group CEO*†
All employees*

At 30 September 2020

Male
10  83%

Female

2 17%

4 44%

5 56%
3,353 59% 2,341 41%

*  Excluding Executive Directors.
† 

 In accordance with section 414C of the Companies Act 2006 
this is how DMGT reports senior managers.

Gender pay reporting
DMGT’s UK-based operating companies, 
Landmark Information Limited and Associated 
Newspapers Limited, are required to report 
on their Gender Pay Gap. Due to Covid-19, 
the government took the decision to suspend 
reporting deadlines for 2019/2020, however, 
both companies published data this year. 
DMGT as an employer believes in ‘Equal pay 
for equal work’, is committed to equal pay 
and conducts ongoing reviews to ensure we 
have the best possible processes in place.

Responsible business
DMGT is a responsible business that adheres 
to strong ethical standards with a clear, robust 
Code of Conduct (see below). We encourage 
responsible business practice and respond to 
the needs of our stakeholders in several ways:

•  promoting strong governance and 

leadership which encourages responsible 
business attitudes and actions across 
the Group;

•  maintaining our Code of Conduct and 

supporting Group policies;

•  ensuring DMGT employees understand 

key legal and reputational issues through 
in person training and e-learning;
•  operating effective risk management 

and internal controls; and

•  encouraging business-level participation 

in corporate responsibility (CR) and 
community support.

Whistleblowing 
Employees who have concerns regarding 
criminal activity, gross misconduct and/or 
a breach of the DMGT Code of Conduct or 
supporting policies have a duty to report 
such activity. DMGT operates a confidential 
Speak Up facility to aid any such reports. 
The Speak Up facility is actively promoted 
to employees and managed externally by 
a specialist third party. All incidents are 
tracked to ensure appropriate follow-up. 

The Audit & Risk Committee is provided with 
a summary of any incidents and the Board 
informed through the regular report from  
the Committee chairman.

Code of Conduct and Group policies 
Our Code of Conduct sets the standards 
for our corporate and individual conduct. 
The Code of Conduct includes standards for 
equal opportunities, anti-bribery, conflicts of 
interest, share dealing and fair competition, 
among other topics. The Code of Conduct 
contains clear guidance regarding equality, 
diversity and inclusion. Many of the topics  
in the Code of Conduct are supported  
by detailed policies and procedures for  
our employees.

In addition, stand-alone policies regarding 
equal opportunities, entertainment and 
gifts, information security, data privacy and 
health and safety apply to DMGT employees. 
These policies, as well as our Code of Conduct, 
safeguard the welfare of our employees and 
the integrity of our businesses. All DMGT 
policies are available for employees to access 
on a Group-wide Policy Microsite. Where 
appropriate, certain policies are housed 
on the DMGT website. 

We have a rolling review programme to 
update DMGT policies and deliver continuous 
training to reinforce compliance.

DMGT’s equal opportunities statement can 
be found on the DMGT website and applies 
to both employees and supervisory bodies.

   Go online to  
www.dmgt.com

Human rights 
DMGT believes that our exposure to the 
associated risks in the context of human 
rights frameworks is minimal. DMGT does 
not have a specific human rights policy but 
has a number of policies that cover areas 
such as health and safety, modern slavery, 
bribery and corruption. In addition, new 
suppliers are evaluated with a questionnaire 
to ensure they are ethical and lawful.

Flexible working
DMGT supports its employees to maintain a 
work-life balance. Policies and guidance to 
enable this are in place across the Group, 
including special leave policies to support 
employees with various family circumstances, 
and an Employee Assistance Programme that 
offers a family care service. This programme 
offers various services to help staff achieve 
a healthy balance between work and home.

33

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Entrepreneurism, Purpose and Excellence 
Our Stakeholders

Our partners
Payments practices reporting 
In April and May 2020, DMGT’s UK-based 
operating companies, Landmark and dmg 
media published their payment practices 
data. DMGT is committed to ensuring  
that all of its suppliers are paid within  
the agreed terms.

   Go online to www.gov.uk/check-when- 
businesses-pay-invoices

More information on how we work with our 
suppliers can be found on dmgt.com.

Supporting our partners during 
Covid-19
During Covid-19, a marketing support 
scheme was run for UK small and 
medium-sized enterprises, adapted 
from a similar scheme originated in 
dmg media Ireland, in conjunction with 
the Federation of Small Businesses.  
All dmg media titles, print and online, 
were fully behind the scheme that 
saw £5 million of advertising value 
available for businesses that applied 
and were selected to promote their 
business. Within only a few weeks the 
scheme was oversubscribed. These 
businesses will be a new source of 
revenue in the future, particularly for 
Metro’s regional editions and online.

Our customers
Our customers are at the heart of our 
success and each business across the Group 
seeks to invest in relationships with their 
market and audience. 

Supporting our customers during 
Covid-19
Our engagement with our customers 
can also be seen through our Covid-19 
response.

•  The first interactive Virtual RMS 

Exceedance was held in May 2020, 
receiving very positive feedback 
from customers. 

•  Hobsons provided its Naviance 

Curriculum free to schools across 
the US during lockdown, to the 
benefit of more than three million 
students. 

•  Metro, in consultation with 

Transport for London, continued 
printing the paper specifically for 
key workers on their daily commute. 

•  dmg media donated thousands  
of copies of the ‘i’ newspaper to 
NHS hospitals every day to provide 
NHS staff with newspapers for their 
hospital breaks, pushed home 
delivery of newspapers, and 
continued to deliver the digital 
subscription service of Mail+.
•  Landmark supported the NHS 
with environmental reports for 
the Nightingale hospitals. It also 
supported the continued 
functioning of the market via its 
remote valuation and service 
capabilities, while other providers 
were impacted by lockdown.

Supporting our employees during 
Covid-19
DMGT moved to a remote working 
model seamlessly. Extensive guidance 
and support was provided on working 
well remotely, along with toolkits, 
virtual podcasts and advice services 
for physical and mental health and 
wellbeing. As we considered the 
transition back to the office, great 
emphasis was placed on how the 
businesses could be more flexible 
and different models for working 
considered. 

DMGT’s ‘Return to the office’ plan was 
developed with guidance from both 
medical and legal experts, with 
government advice at the forefront 
of all decisions. As journalism was 
designated as an essential service, 
dmg media was the first business 
to successfully have a small number  
of employees return to the office.  
The plans to facilitate this included 
adjusting office spaces to adhere  
to social distancing guidelines, new 
seating plans, PPE and temperature 
checks for staff entering the office  
and enhanced cleaning schedules.  
The safety of our employees is key, 
which is why they were all required  
to complete a risk assessment 
questionnaire prior to returning to work. 

Salary Substitution Plan
Alongside the flexible working and 
wellbeing support provided, DMGT 
introduced a Salary Substitution Plan 
across DMGT Centre, dmg media and 
Landmark. This innovative scheme 
enabled us to avoid using government 
grants and ‘furlough’ schemes. Under 
the scheme, staff above a minimum 
salary exchanged a percentage of their 
salary for the purchase of shares equal 
in value for a period of three months. 
This scheme was well received and 
appreciated by staff.

34

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Contributions from philanthropists, 
foundations and Daily Mail readers 
reached over £11 million. Over 55,000 
readers contributed an incredible 
£2.5 million, many of whom sent moving 
letters about why they donated. 
Employees also contributed generously, 
donating £27,000 which was matched 
by DMGT.

The charity was able to provide 
approximately 40 million items of PPE 
to the NHS, partner charities Mencap, 
Sue Ryder, the Salvation Army and  
Marie Curie, many care homes 
and various charitable organisations. 

   Go online to  
www.mailforcecharity.co.uk

Mail Force Charity 
DMGT has always played an active role 
in the communities in which we work. 
We take our role in society seriously, 
and recognise our responsibilities 
and abilities. This is why, when the 
dangerous shortages of PPE for the NHS 
became apparent, we decided to act. 

We put together a team from across 
the business and set up a charity in 
record time to source additional PPE. 
We partnered with Salesforce, who 
already had experience in procuring 
and shipping PPE for US hospitals. 
In April 2020, Mail Force Charity 
was founded.

The initial donations from DMGT, 
Salesforce and DMGT’s Chairman, 
Lord Rothermere, kick-started a 
campaign which enabled Mail Force 
Charity to airlift 20 tonnes of PPE from 
China as its first contribution. The charity 
worked directly with the central NHS 
distribution team in Daventry to deliver 
the PPE to the hospitals and care homes 
where it was most needed.

35

Our communities
Through a range of local partnerships within 
the communities our operating companies 
serve, and Group-wide programmes such 
as our Corporate Responsibility (CR) 
Champions network, DMGT supports and 
encourages purpose within our community.

We believe that supporting our operating 
companies’ local communities is particularly 
important as it allows our employees to choose 
a cause close to their heart. This is actioned 
by the CR Champions network which has 
volunteers from across the operating 
companies. More information about our 
involvement with our communities, including 
Group-wide community initiatives can be 
found on our website. Group charitable 
donations during the year were £1.6 million 
(2019 £1.2 million).

Examples of our Group-wide community 
initiatives can be found on our website. 

   Go online to  
www.dmgt.com

Supporting our communities 
during Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic had a global 
effect on thousands of businesses, 
societies and individuals. During  
this time of devastating impact on 
people’s lives, DMGT pooled efforts to 
help those helping others on the front 
line of community action for the 
vulnerable, whether caring for the 
elderly, providing mental health 
support, combating economic 
hardship, or keeping people safe. 
Our operating companies stepped 
up to support the communities 
around them, and we are proud of  
the selfless contributions that so  
many of our people have made. 

DMGT Cares: Our business-wide 
community response to Covid-19
The website ‘DMGT Cares’ was 
launched to provide a hub of 
practical ways that volunteers within 
our businesses could help the 
communities in which DMGT works. 
It included information about 
volunteering opportunities, 
fundraising, our charity partners, 
match funding employee donations 
and news updates on how colleagues 
were helping others. 

   Go online to  
www.dmgt.com

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Entrepreneurism, Purpose and Excellence 
Our Stakeholders

Waste and recycling initiatives
We seek to recycle waste materials 
wherever possible. Printed and non-
printed paper waste is 2,437 tonnes 
(2,853 in 2019). Core waste is 313 tonnes 
(373 in 2019), and cardboard waste is  
396 tonnes (578 in 2019). All of this is sent 
for recycling. 20 tonnes each of scrap 
metal and timber is also segregated for 
recycling (20 in 2019).

Any toxic chemicals used in the printing 
process are minimal. Initiatives are in 
place with our suppliers to reduce 
reliance on biocides in ink, such as UV 
filtration of water for ink make-up. Our 
printing press site is constantly working 
with ink suppliers to reduce use of 
biocides. Our waste process water plant is 
continuously being upgraded to increase 
efficiency. 90% of water used in the 
printing process is currently recovered 
(85% in 2019). A de-ionised water plant  
is used to improve waste water recovery 
rates. Domestic waste water is also  
sent to a treatment plant, and has no 
connection to main drains. All our waste 
streams are fully traceable. 

Water usage
dmg media can demonstrate its water 
usage reduction over previous years;  
a trend that is likely to continue. 
dmg media’s water usage is currently  
20 cubic metres per 24 hour period;  
5,900 cubic metres (7,300 in 2019). Waste 
water from the platemaking process is 
recycled for re-use. We produce 25 cubic 
metres of waste water per day (30 in 2019). 
Approximately 90% of this water is 
re-cycled and re-used (85% in 2019). 

Rainwater is also collected, and when 
available can be used to replenish the 
platemaking supply after filtration.  
We have a 100 cubic metre rainwater 
storage capacity.

Energy efficiency
Our Thurrock printing site recycles its 
waste process water with 90% efficiency 
(85% in 2019), harvests rainwater for  
use in the process and has free cooling 
algorithms designed into its Building 
Management System to minimise cooling 
energy costs. Domestic water heating  
and office cooling is via energy efficient 
heat recovery systems (air source heat 
pumps) which re-use excess heat in the 
press room. Gas use for space heating  
is minimised by warm air recycling 
algorithms utilising excess heat generated 
from the printing press.

   Read more in our Energy and Carbon 

Disclosures, page 37

With the acquisition of JPI’s printing assets  
in October 2020, we recognise our absolute 
Scope 1 Carbon Footprint may increase in 
FY 2021. As the assets are integrated, work 
will be undertaken to ensure the impact  
is minimised, in line with our existing  
printing operations. 

Environmental Social Governance 
(ESG)
We continue to recognise and address 
the environmental and social impact of  
our portfolio of companies and how this  
is linked to our approach to governance.  
We believe our governance policies are 
effective and support ESG values. We have 
already made significant progress in 
reducing the environmental impact of  
our printing operations and we continue  
to take action to minimise our impact  
across our other business activities.

   Go online to www.dmgt.com 
where ESG content is regularly updated

Environmental impact
At DMGT, we evaluate and manage our 
environmental impact by measuring and 
reporting on our greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions. As a minimum, our operating 
companies comply with current regulations 
of the country that they operate in and are 
prepared for future legislation. However, we 
expect our operating companies to further 
mitigate against the negative impacts from 
their activities wherever possible.

DMGT’s most significant environmental 
impact comes from the printing plants in  
our Consumer Media businesses. 

At Harmsworth Printing, 100% of our waste 
paper, cardboard and packaging is recycled. 
Our printed production waste from the 
presses has been reduced to only 4% 
on average. This is due to our use of 
flexographic printing, which enables lower 
production waste and less energy use.

We have been systematically reducing 
our specialist waste streams, through 
improvements in the recycling process. 
Our waste from this stream has been 
reduced by 5% in FY 2020. At Harmsworth 
Printing, we have a 100-tonne rainwater 
harvesting tank which meets approximately 
80% of our water demand, reducing our 
reliance on mains water.

We endeavour to ensure that the paper we 
buy is sourced from PEFC and FSC certified 
forests. We ensure our paper matches the 
industry standard ratio for Combined Waste 
Paper and Certified Virgin Fibre Content, 
ensuring that raw material use is as low as 
possible, whilst producing high-quality 
newspapers.

36

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Energy and Carbon Disclosures

Methodology
DMGT is committed to comprehensive 
and transparent reporting of our 
environmental performance. Our 
baseline year for carbon emissions is 
FY 2015 and we use an operational 
control consolidation approach.

The data supporting our carbon 
footprint is collated and independently 
reviewed by environmental consultancy 
ICF. The results of the footprint have 
not been audited by a third-party 
assurance company. 

The footprint is developed in accordance 
with the GHG Protocol Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standards, 
and the methodology is also in line 
with HMG Environmental Reporting 
Guidelines. Emission factors used are 
predominately sourced from BEIS 
conversion factors 2020. Other data 

sources are used for the emission factors 
for the electricity consumed in non-UK 
operations. This report is in alignment with 
the requirements of the Streamlined Energy 
& Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulation for 
UK businesses.

Footprint Results
Our FY 2020 carbon footprint totalled 
17,000 tCO2e (2019 21,900). Emissions  
from UK operations corresponded to  
74% of it and amounted to 12,500 tCO2e 
(2019 15,300).

The table below shows our carbon 
footprint for FY 2020, by scope, as well  
as our energy use. For the purposes of 
comparability, the FY 2018 and FY 2019 
figures have been restated to be consistent 
with the businesses in the portfolio  
during FY 2020. 

For the purpose of this report, the Scope 1, 2 
and 3 emission sources included in our 
footprint were: 

•  Scope 1 (direct emissions): combustion 
of natural gas for heating purposes,  
use of diesel and gasoline in our fleet.
•  Scope 2 (indirect emissions): production 

of electricity imported from the grid  
and consumed by DMGT globally. 
•  Scope 3 (other indirect emissions): 
outsourced delivery of newspapers, 
as well as taxis, rail and air travel for 
business purposes.

Gross GHG emissions
(in tCO2e)

Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
Scopes 1 + 2 + 3

Energy Consumption
(in kWh)

Scope 1
Scope 2
Scopes 1 + 2

GHG emissions intensity
(tCO2e/£m)

Scope 1 + 2
Scope 1 + 2 +3

FY 2020

FY 2019

FY 2018

Global, incl. UK

1,000
8,300
7,700
17,000

FY 2020

Global, incl. UK

5,400
28,800
34,200

UK only

900
5,000
6,600
12,500

UK only

4,400
21,400
25,800

Global, incl. UK
1,400
10,500
10,000
21,900

FY 2019

Global, incl. UK
7,300
33,200
40,500

FY 2020

FY 2019

Global, incl. UK

UK only

7.7
14

4.9
10.3

Global, incl. UK
8.4
15.5

UK only
1,200
6,300
7,800
15,300

UK only
6,400
24,600
31,000

UK only
5.4
10.8

Global, incl. UK
1,300
11,700
11,500
24,500

FY 2018

Global, incl. UK
6,800
33,300
40,100

FY 2018

Global, incl. UK
9.1
17.2

UK only
1,200
7,000
8,600
16,800

UK only
6,000
24,800
30,800

UK only
5.7
11.8

Comparison of historical emissions
We strive to reduce our impact on the 
environment wherever possible and 
DMGT has succeeded in this by reducing 
our gross GHG emissions by 22% and  
our GHG emissions intensity by 10%  
in comparison to FY 2019. 

These reductions can largely be 
attributed to our energy management 
practices and to the impact of Covid-19 
on our operations in FY 2020. The 
reduced use of office spaces in the past 
months or the termination of tenancy 
contracts has affected Scopes 1 and 2, 
and disruption of travel has reduced 
Scope 3 emissions.

Energy management practices
At DMGT, we have actively reduced our 
energy consumption across our offices and 
printing facilities through implementing 
operational efficiency enhancements and 
building modifications as recommended 
by ICF. Some of the initiatives undertaken, 
which have helped us reduce our impact on 
the environment and our carbon footprint 
during FY 2020, include:

•  Solar panels installed by Landmark in 
previous years continue to contribute 
to the generation of renewable energy, 
replacing electricity that would otherwise 
be purchased from the grid.

•  We have relocated parts of the RMS 

datacentre and related IT equipment 
to a colocation centre last year, 
reducing the demand of electricity 
for cooling and for the equipment.
•  We have been gradually upgrading 
the lighting systems by replacing 
conventional light bulbs with LEDs 
and installing sensors and building 
management systems in our head 
office and printing sites.

   Go online to  
www.dmgt.com

37

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Entrepreneurism, Purpose and Excellence 
Our Stakeholders

Section 172 Statement
The Board of Directors are mindful of their duty to promote the success of the Company. They believe they have acted in the way they 
consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders.

How the Board engages with our stakeholders
The Board is committed to generating continued sustainable value for shareholders, considering the interests of DMGT’s employees, 
and maintaining positive relationships with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Here are some examples:

Stakeholder group
Employees

Customers

Partners

Shareholders

How the Board engages
Directly via Company events, Board and Committee meetings.  
Through regular reports on initiatives and employee feedback.

Updates included in Board presentations and reports.

Updates included in Board presentations and reports.

Direct through one-to-one meetings, when relevant, at Company  
events such as the Investor Briefings and regular reports to the Board.

Communities, the environment

Updates included in Board presentations and reports.

The table below shows where more information can be found on the matters referred to in section 172 CA 2006.

(a) Long-term results – the likely consequences 
of any decision in the long term

(b) Our workforce – the interests of the  
Group’s employees

Strategic Report:

•  Business Model (pages 6 to 7)
•  Chairman’s Statement (pages 2 to 4)
•  CEO Review (pages 10 to 13)
•  Key Performance Indicators (pages 14 to 15)
•  Viability Statement (page 27)

Corporate Governance:

•  Audit & Risk Committee Report (pages 60 to 66)

Strategic Report:

•  Business Model (pages 6 to 7)
•  Chairman’s Statement (pages 2 to 4)
•  CEO Review (pages 10 to 13)
•  Our Stakeholders and Response to Covid-19 (pages 32 to 39)

Corporate Governance Report:

•  Chairman’s Statement on Governance (pages 2 to 4)
•  Board of Directors and Company Secretary (pages 48 to 49)
•  Directors’ Remuneration Report (pages 68 to 91)

(c) Our business relationships – the importance  
of developing the Group’s business relationship 
with suppliers, customers and others

Strategic Report:

•  Business Model (pages 6 to 7)
•  Our Stakeholders and Response to Covid-19 (pages 32 to 39)

(d) The community and our environment –  
the impact of the Group’s operations on  
the community and the environment

(e) Our reputation/our desire to maintain  
our reputation for high standards of  
business conduct

(f) Fairness between our shareholders –  
our aim to act fairly as between members  
of the Company 

Strategic Report:

•  Our Stakeholders and Response to Covid-19 (pages 32 to 39)

Strategic Report:

•  Our Stakeholders and Response to Covid-19 (pages 32 to 39)
•  Non-Financial Information Statement (page 39)

Strategic Report:

•  Chairman’s Statement – dividend policy (pages 2 to 4)
•  Our Stakeholders and Response to Covid-19 (pages 32 to 39)

Corporate Governance Report:

•  Board activities and stakeholder engagement – Shareholders (page 55)
•  Directors’ Remuneration Report (pages 68 to 91)
•  Board of Directors and Company Secretary (pages 48 to 49)

38

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Non-Financial Information Statement
We aim to comply with the non-financial reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the CA 2006. The table 
below, and the information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on key non-financial matters.

Policies and standards which govern our approach Risk management and additional information
•  Carbon footprint
•  Environment Policy

•  Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

Reporting requirement
Environmental matters

Our people

Human rights

•  Code of Conduct
•  Equal Opportunities Policy
•  Health and Safety Policy
•  Whistleblowing Policy

•  Modern Slavery Statement
•  Privacy Policy
•  Information Security Policy

Social matters

•  Code of Conduct

Anti-bribery and anti-corruption •  Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

•  Code of Conduct
•  Tax Policy

Policy embedding, due diligence  
and outcomes

Description of principal risks 
and impact of business activity

Description of the business model

•  Directors’ Report, pages 48 to 91
•  Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

•  Audit & Risk Committee Report, pages 60 to 66
•  Directors’ Report, pages 48 to 91

•  Our Stakeholders, pages 32 to 39

•  Directors’ Report, pages 48 to 91
•  Financial Review, pages 23 to 31

•  Principal Risks, pages 40 to 47
•  Financial Review, pages 23 to 31
•  Directors’ Report, pages 48 to 91
•  Our Stakeholders, pages 32 to 39
•  Audit & Risk Committee Report, pages 60 to 66

•  Principal Risks, pages 40 to 47

•  DMGT at a Glance, page 5
•  Our Business Model, pages 6 and 7

39

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationThe Board formally evaluated the system 
of risk management and internal control in 
conjunction with the Audit & Risk Committee 
during the year. This evaluation focused 
on material controls relating to principal 
risks and entity-level controls, as well as 
additional controls and processes required 
to support the Company’s Viability 
Statement (see page 27). The evaluation 
also considered any control weaknesses 
identified by Internal or External Audit, or as 
a result of incidents of fraud. Controls over 
the recording of amounts in the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements relating 
to investments have also been assessed 
and considered as appropriate. 

Monitoring and oversight 
The Group operates a ‘three lines of defence’ 
model. The benefits of this approach are 
shown in the table on page 41. The Board 
delegates day-to-day responsibility for 
internal controls to operational management 
with oversight by the Executive Committee 
and the Audit & Risk Committee.

During the year it was noted that there 
were no detected breakdowns in material 
controls that protect against the Group’s 
principal risks.

Strategic Report

Actively monitoring and managing our risks
Principal Risks

Board oversight of risk 
management and internal controls
The Board delegates day-to-day oversight  
of management’s operations of internal 
controls and risk management to the Audit 
& Risk Committee. The Board considers 
that the Audit & Risk Committee possesses 
the requisite skills and experience to meet  
its obligations and provide the relevant 
assurance to the Board. Operating and 
investment decisions are delegated to the 
Investment & Finance Committee. Further 
details of the activities of these Committees 
are on pages 59 to 67.

The Board has overall responsibility for 
establishing, monitoring and maintaining 
an effective system of risk management 
and 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. 

It is the responsibility of the Group’s 
operating companies to ensure that they 
have established an appropriate level of risk 
and internal control systems, but which 
are overseen by the Executive Committee. 
Certain functions are undertaken centrally, 
including: Group Accounting; Investor 
Relations; Strategy; Risk; Internal Audit; 
Corporate Tax; Treasury; and Insurance.

The Board has established an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the principal risks faced by the 
Group. This process has been updated during 
the year and up to the date of approval of the 
financial statements. Monitoring is an ongoing 
process and principal risks are reviewed at 
operating company Board meetings, the 
Executive Committee and at half year and 
year end by the Audit & Risk Committee. 

Risk management function
Care has been taken to avoid the threat of 
self-review across our ‘three lines of defence’ 
model (see page 41). The Risk function, led 
by the Company Secretary, provides an 
increased focus on priority risk areas. It is 
responsible for maintaining the Group risk 
management process, facilitating change 
for selected risks, evolving our approach to 
operational compliance, and working with 
other Group functions. The Risk function 
engages specialist external expertise 
to maintain best practice approaches. 
To ensure an open discussion of emerging 
risks, the Chairman of the Audit & Risk 
Committee met separately with the 
Company Secretary during the year, 
independent of operational management.

Internal Audit
The Internal Audit function undertakes 
an agreed programme of independent 
assurance reviews. The function sources 
external expertise as required. Internal Audit 
seeks to comply with relevant professional 
standards, notably those issued by the 
Institute of Internal Auditors. 

The Internal Audit Charter (the Charter) sets 
out the purpose and objectives of Internal 
Audit. The Charter takes a systematic and 
disciplined approach to both the evaluation 
of and improvements in control and 
governance processes. It strengthens the 
function’s independence and objectivity by 
means of the function’s reporting lines and 
access to all records, personnel, property 
and operations of the Group. To ensure his 
independence from management, the Group 
Assurance Director reports directly to the 
Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee. 
The Charter confirms the high-level 
responsibilities of operational management 
(first line of defence) and ensures that the 
Internal Audit function undertakes its third 
line of defence duties, avoiding any first or 
second line duties. The Charter is reviewed 
annually and updated as required to 
take account of changing practices and 
standards. The most recently approved 
Charter was updated to reflect the change  
in auditing approach and processes as a 
consequence of remote working due to 
Covid-19 containment measures. The Audit  
& Risk Committee is satisfied that the 
provisions of the Charter have been  
achieved in the year. 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Three lines of defence table

First line of defence

Second line of defence

Third line of defence

Internal Audit provides independent and 
objective assurance on the robustness of 
the risk management framework and the 
effectiveness of internal controls.

Benefits
•  Independent assurance on the system 

of risk management and internal controls.

•  Assessment of the appropriateness 

and effectiveness of internal controls.
•  Internal Audit provides assurance to 

the Audit & Risk Committee.

Each operating company is responsible for 
the identification and assessment of risks, 
understanding the Group’s risk strategy  
and operating appropriate controls.

Benefits
•  Ownership and responsibility remains  
close to the operating companies and  
their performance.

•  Promotes a strong culture of adhering  
to limits and managing risk exposures  
in accordance with each business’s risk 
appetite and the regulatory environment.

•  Promotes a healthy risk culture and 

long-term approach to risk management.

Key features of the risk management 
and internal controls system
The main features of the system of risk 
management and internal controls in 
relation to the financial reporting process  
are described below:

1. Confirmation of key internal controls 
and the fraud and bribery assessment
Each operating company confirms the 
operation of key internal controls to 
Internal Audit annually. The purpose of the 
assessment is to confirm the operation of 
a framework of internal controls, including 
anti-fraud controls, which are expected to be 
in place in each business unit. These internal 
controls are intended to provide standards 
against which the control environments of 
DMGT’s business units can be monitored.  
An annual fraud and bribery risk assessment 
is completed simultaneously, detailing risks 
and mitigating controls. In each case, the 
Internal Audit team reviews and follows up 
on these submissions, as appropriate.

The Executive Committee and Company 
Secretary, supported as appropriate by other 
functional areas, particularly information 
technology, legal, tax and finance, reviews 
the completeness and accuracy of risk 
assessments, reporting and adequacy 
of mitigation plans.

Benefits
•  Understand aggregated risk positions.
•  Objective oversight and challenge to the 
business areas and internal control and  
risk management framework used in the  
first line.

•  Provide ongoing training and support  
on Group-wide risks to the operating 
companies.

2. Review of relevant and timely  
financial information 
Each of the operating companies and DMGT 
executive management regularly review 
relevant and timely financial information. 
This is produced from a financial information 
system operated across the Group. It is 
supported by a framework of forecasts as 
well as annual budgets that are approved  
by the Executive Committee and confirmed 
by the Investment & Finance Committee.

3. Senior Accounting Officer sign-off
The Group Chief Financial Officer is the 
Senior Accounting Officer 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.

41

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Actively monitoring and managing our risks
Principal Risks 

The Directors confirm that they have completed a robust assessment of the 
Group’s principal risks and a thorough review of risk management processes.

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 one or more of the 
principal businesses.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘Business continuity event’ has been added as a new principal operational risk. Such events would include 
pandemics, epidemics and natural or man-made disasters. Previously, the exposure to such an event has been reflected within other principal 
risks, including ‘Reliance on key third parties’ and ‘Economic and geopolitical uncertainty’. Despite the Group’s resilience during the Covid-19 
pandemic and the benefit of mitigating factors, such as insurance cover, it is considered appropriate to identify a specific principal risk due to 
the significant potential operational and financial impact.

   Further details of the Group’s risk management process, the governance structure surrounding risk and the Audit & Risk Committee can be 

found in the Governance Report on pages 50 to 67.

Strategic risks

Description and impact

Market disruption
Market disruption creates opportunities as well as risks. Disruption 
enables us to move into new markets and geographies and 
encourages us to innovate to grow the business. 

Failure to anticipate and respond to market disruption may affect 
demand for our products and services and our ability to drive  
long-term growth. 

Examples

Market disrupters include changes to customer behaviours and demands, 
new technologies, the emergence of competitors or structural changes  
to markets. Examples from the operating companies include: 

•  Consumer Media: decline in print advertising revenue. 
•  Consumer Media: changes in algorithms and strategies of tech giants 
materially impacting traffic and digital advertising revenue across 
properties, demanding constant oversight and agility.

•  Insurance Risk: structural decline in client markets and consolidation 
in insurance industry. Changing expectations of insurers’ utilisation 
of technology.

•  EdTech: declining foreign student enrolment pressuring higher 

education budgets.

•  Events and Exhibitions, UK Property Information and Consumer Media: 

governments’ restrictions on the movement of people.

Success of new product launches and internal investments 
A lack of innovation or failure to successfully evolve our products 
and services may compromise their appeal.

The Group is continually investing in our products and services, 
developing new offerings and enriching existing products and services. 
Examples include:

Some may fail to achieve customer acceptance and yield expected 
benefits. This could result in lower than expected revenue and/or 
impairment losses.

Uncertainty also results from geographic expansion into new and 
emerging markets.

Portfolio management
Increasing portfolio focus is key to the Group’s strategy. This could be 
compromised by portfolio changes not delivering expected benefits, 
failure to deliver acquisition or operating targets, and/or delay or 
delinquency in divesting from non-core businesses at the right time.

•  Insurance Risk: launch of a unified platform across all of RMS’s model 
and analytics products, to take advantage of the growing benefits of 
new technology.

•  Consumer Media: increased monetisation of online user base and newly 

created products.

•  Events and Exhibitions: innovation within and expansion of events 

and launches across new locations, including the launch of virtual events, 
which has increased following the onset of Covid-19.

•  Growth opportunities and potential synergies lost through failure 
to identify or succeed with acquisition and investment targets. 

•  Lost acquisitions may allow competitors to gain footholds in  

key markets.

•  Underperforming acquisitions and investments may lead to reduced 
return on capital and/or impairment losses, as well as diversion of 
management time and bandwidth. 

•  Optimal value may not be achieved from divestments.

42

Mitigation

single market disruption.

in FY 2020.

•  The Group’s presence in different market segments reduces the overall Group impact of any 

•  Organic investment initiatives across the Group to innovate our products and services and to 

remain competitive in the markets we serve. Organic investment was 10% of total revenues  

•  The Executive Committee, supported by the operating companies’ management teams,  

monitor markets, the competitive landscape and technological developments; regular dialogue 

and in-person meetings ensure proactive, coordinated responses.

•  Analysis of the performance management dashboard and detailed financial management 

information for each operating company to highlight and react to early indicators of market 

disruption.

•  DMGT executive membership of operating company boards.

Trend

The significance of this risk has increased 

given the adverse impact of the Covid-19 

pandemic on the outlook for the global and 

UK economies.

•  The culture of the Group encourages an entrepreneurial approach to identifying growth 

opportunities and new products.

•  Central capital allocation ensures focused investment in quality business cases. 

•  A new innovation or business line is ring-fenced where required, to ensure it receives autonomous 

execution, dedicated talent, budget and undiluted management focus.

•  Direct engagement from DMGT functional leads and DMGT Board Directors contribute relevant 

expertise and guidance. 

•  Central Portfolio Solutions function partners with each operating company to support 

achievement of key milestones, KPIs and financial plans. 

•  Significant investments are approved by the Investment & Finance Committee and/or the Board.

•  The Executive Committee continues to evaluate the Group’s portfolio in order to optimise 

resource allocation according to portfolio roles, business opportunities and risk-adjusted 

execution.

warranted, the Board.

•  Investments and divestments are approved by the Investment & Finance Committee and, where 

•  Extensive due diligence conducted pre-acquisition and comprehensive integration plans 

implemented post-acquisition by dedicated integration managers.

•  Proactive, detailed divestment roadmaps, including sell-side narrative, seller due diligence and 

talent incentives/retention.

•  The Executive Committee and the Investment & Finance Committee supported by the Portfolio 

Solutions function monitor post-acquisition performance.

•  DMGT executive membership of operating company boards and the boards of associates and 

investments (e.g. Yopa, Cazoo).

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic risks

Description and impact

Market disruption

Market disruption creates opportunities as well as risks. Disruption 

enables us to move into new markets and geographies and 

encourages us to innovate to grow the business. 

Failure to anticipate and respond to market disruption may affect 

demand for our products and services and our ability to drive  

long-term growth. 

Market disrupters include changes to customer behaviours and demands, 

new technologies, the emergence of competitors or structural changes  

to markets. Examples from the operating companies include: 

•  Consumer Media: decline in print advertising revenue. 

•  Consumer Media: changes in algorithms and strategies of tech giants 

materially impacting traffic and digital advertising revenue across 

properties, demanding constant oversight and agility.

•  Insurance Risk: structural decline in client markets and consolidation 

in insurance industry. Changing expectations of insurers’ utilisation 

•  EdTech: declining foreign student enrolment pressuring higher 

of technology.

education budgets.

•  Events and Exhibitions, UK Property Information and Consumer Media: 

governments’ restrictions on the movement of people.

new technology.

created products.

•  Consumer Media: increased monetisation of online user base and newly 

•  Events and Exhibitions: innovation within and expansion of events 

and launches across new locations, including the launch of virtual events, 

which has increased following the onset of Covid-19.

•  Growth opportunities and potential synergies lost through failure 

to identify or succeed with acquisition and investment targets. 

•  Lost acquisitions may allow competitors to gain footholds in  

key markets.

•  Underperforming acquisitions and investments may lead to reduced 

return on capital and/or impairment losses, as well as diversion of 

management time and bandwidth. 

•  Optimal value may not be achieved from divestments.

A lack of innovation or failure to successfully evolve our products 

and services may compromise their appeal.

Examples include:

Some may fail to achieve customer acceptance and yield expected 

benefits. This could result in lower than expected revenue and/or 

•  Insurance Risk: launch of a unified platform across all of RMS’s model 

and analytics products, to take advantage of the growing benefits of 

impairment losses.

emerging markets.

Uncertainty also results from geographic expansion into new and 

Portfolio management

Increasing portfolio focus is key to the Group’s strategy. This could be 

compromised by portfolio changes not delivering expected benefits, 

failure to deliver acquisition or operating targets, and/or delay or 

delinquency in divesting from non-core businesses at the right time.

Examples

Mitigation

Trend

Risk increased

Risk did not change

Risk decreased

•  The Group’s presence in different market segments reduces the overall Group impact of any 

single market disruption.

•  Organic investment initiatives across the Group to innovate our products and services and to 
remain competitive in the markets we serve. Organic investment was 10% of total revenues  
in FY 2020.

•  The Executive Committee, supported by the operating companies’ management teams,  

monitor markets, the competitive landscape and technological developments; regular dialogue 
and in-person meetings ensure proactive, coordinated responses.

•  Analysis of the performance management dashboard and detailed financial management 

information for each operating company to highlight and react to early indicators of market 
disruption.

•  DMGT executive membership of operating company boards.

The significance of this risk has increased 
given the adverse impact of the Covid-19 
pandemic on the outlook for the global and 
UK economies.

Success of new product launches and internal investments 

The Group is continually investing in our products and services, 

•  The culture of the Group encourages an entrepreneurial approach to identifying growth 

developing new offerings and enriching existing products and services. 

opportunities and new products.

•  Central capital allocation ensures focused investment in quality business cases. 
•  A new innovation or business line is ring-fenced where required, to ensure it receives autonomous 

execution, dedicated talent, budget and undiluted management focus.

•  Direct engagement from DMGT functional leads and DMGT Board Directors contribute relevant 

expertise and guidance. 

•  Central Portfolio Solutions function partners with each operating company to support 

achievement of key milestones, KPIs and financial plans. 

•  Significant investments are approved by the Investment & Finance Committee and/or the Board.

•  The Executive Committee continues to evaluate the Group’s portfolio in order to optimise 
resource allocation according to portfolio roles, business opportunities and risk-adjusted 
execution.

•  Investments and divestments are approved by the Investment & Finance Committee and, where 

warranted, the Board.

•  Extensive due diligence conducted pre-acquisition and comprehensive integration plans 

implemented post-acquisition by dedicated integration managers.

•  Proactive, detailed divestment roadmaps, including sell-side narrative, seller due diligence and 

talent incentives/retention.

•  The Executive Committee and the Investment & Finance Committee supported by the Portfolio 

Solutions function monitor post-acquisition performance.

•  DMGT executive membership of operating company boards and the boards of associates and 

investments (e.g. Yopa, Cazoo).

43

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Actively monitoring and managing our risks
Principal Risks

Strategic risks (continued)

Description and impact

Economic and geopolitical uncertainty 
Group performance could be adversely impacted by factors beyond 
our control such as the economic conditions in key markets and 
sectors and political uncertainty.

Talent 
Our ability to identify, attract, retain and develop the right 
people for senior and business-critical roles could impact the 
Group’s performance. 

Operational risks
Description and impact

Business continuity event
A pandemic, epidemic or disaster, whether natural or man-made, 
could cause significant disruption. This could affect DMGT’s 
operating companies, customers, suppliers and/or end markets. 

Examples

•  The economic impact of Covid-19 containment measures directly 
affecting Consumer Media, UK Property Information and Events 
and Exhibitions.

•  Continued uncertainty surrounding the conditions of Brexit  
and trade agreement negotiations directly impacts the UK 
macroeconomic climate (Consumer Media) and UK property 
transaction volumes (Property Information).

•  Fluctuations in the global energy and commodity markets could be 
exacerbated by Covid-19 and impact revenue for associated trade 
shows once fully resumed (Events and Exhibitions). 

•  Political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, 
could negatively impact the exhibitors and attendees of events 
and exhibitions once fully resumed.

•  Sustained global low interest rate environment will continue  
to impact margins for global investors, including in insurance 
(Insurance Risk) and property (Property Information).

•  Entrepreneurship and leadership skills are a priority for the Group 

and key to the continued success of many of our operating companies. 

•  Technology and software development skills remain crucial to many 
of our businesses where there is significant investment in software 
platforms and technology infrastructure to support next-generation 
product development.

•  The strategy to build out our data analytics capabilities places focus 
on developing and attracting specialists in emerging technologies. 
These skills are in high demand, which makes attracting and 
retaining people with these skills more competitive. 

•  Enterprise sales and operational execution expertise with market 
and product knowledge continue to be a strategic imperative. 

Mitigation

of any single trend. 

potential impact.

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

•  Quarterly Emerging Risk papers provided to the Audit & Risk Committee ensure both DMGT and 

operating company management consider and remain vigilant regarding emerging risks and their 

Trend

The significance of this risk has increased 

given the adverse impact of the Covid-19 

pandemic on the outlook for the global and 

UK economies.

•  Local HR specialists focused on recruitment, critical skills planning, identifying and developing 

internal talent combined with central oversight of reward.

•  Central Technology function with specialised expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, 

data architecture and management, platform development and scaling. 

•  Central Technology function oversight of technology hire.

•  Central Portfolio Solutions function partners with operating companies’ management, advising on 

critical skills to improve operational and commercial performance, including pricing and packaging 

strategies, go-to-market and sales execution and business case development and planning.

•  Executive management is involved in the recruitment of all operating company leadership roles 

•  Payment of competitive rewards for key senior roles, developed using industry benchmarks  

and their ongoing development.

and external specialist input. 

The increased prevalence of remote working, 

following the onset of Covid-19, may have  

a detrimental impact on the learning and 

development of employees.

However, an economic downturn resulting in 

increased unemployment is likely to reduce 

employee turnover.

The risk profile is unchanged as these two 

factors are considered to largely offset 

each other.

Examples

Mitigation

•  Major disruption may prevent the delivery of products and services  
to customers, for example print newspapers (Consumer Media).

•  Measures to prevent the spread of a pandemic could result in it not being 

possible to hold physical events (Events and Exhibitions) or distribute print 
newspapers (Consumer Media). They could also disrupt the functioning  
of the UK property market (Property Information). 

•  Travel restrictions or disruption could adversely affect the attendance  

of exhibitors and delegates at events (Events and Exhibitions).

•  The closure of offices could disrupt operating companies’ ability to deliver 
products and services, support customers and develop new products.

•  All operating companies have business continuity plans in place and these have been updated to 

reflect lessons learned from experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. The successful uninterrupted 

delivery of products and services throughout FY 2020 demonstrated the effectiveness of the 

The risk was added to DMGT’s principal risks 

•  Technology capabilities have been enhanced to increase operating companies’ resilience if  

•  The Group has insurance cover in place to help mitigate the financial impact of a business 

business continuity plans.

a business continuity event occurs.

continuity event. 

Trend

during the year.

Information security breach or cyber attack 
An information security breach, including a failure to prevent or 
detect a malicious cyber attack, could cause reputational damage 
and financial loss. The investigation and management of an 
incident would result in remediation costs and the diversion 
of management time.

A breach of data protection legislation could result in financial 
penalties for the affected business and potentially the Group. 

The risk is relevant to all businesses in the Group due to the nature of 
products and services across the portfolio. Examples which could impact 
the Group include:

•  Loss or unauthorised access to personal information and sensitive 

client data.

•  Unavailability or disruption of online products and services. 
•  Integrity of online products, services and data compromised.
•  Disruption to critical systems that support business operations.
•  Theft of intellectual property.

•  The Technology Council provides oversight of information security initiatives Group-wide.

•  Additional measures were implemented during the year to protect against the increased risk 

of attack associated with a significant increase in remote working.

•  The Group Chief Information Security Officer is responsible for reviewing and recommending 

actionable roadmaps to improve information security procedures and protections at each 

operating company. 

•  Group Information Security Policy and detailed information security standards with regular 

reviews reported to the Technology Council. Periodic reviews of the standards themselves  

are performed to ensure they keep pace with best practice.

•  Information security is reviewed as part of every internal audit of an operating company.

•  Dedicated budget for information security investments and access to third-party cyber 

•  Cyber insurance policies in place.

security specialists. 

The risk is considered to have increased as 

a result of increases in remote working.

44

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic risks (continued)

Description and impact

Economic and geopolitical uncertainty 

Group performance could be adversely impacted by factors beyond 

our control such as the economic conditions in key markets and 

and Exhibitions.

sectors and political uncertainty.

•  The economic impact of Covid-19 containment measures directly 

affecting Consumer Media, UK Property Information and Events 

Examples

Mitigation

Trend

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

of any single trend. 

•  Quarterly Emerging Risk papers provided to the Audit & Risk Committee ensure both DMGT and 

operating company management consider and remain vigilant regarding emerging risks and their 
potential impact.

The significance of this risk has increased 
given the adverse impact of the Covid-19 
pandemic on the outlook for the global and 
UK economies.

•  Local HR specialists focused on recruitment, critical skills planning, identifying and developing 

internal talent combined with central oversight of reward.

•  Central Technology function with specialised expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, 

data architecture and management, platform development and scaling. 

•  Central Technology function oversight of technology hire.
•  Central Portfolio Solutions function partners with operating companies’ management, advising on 
critical skills to improve operational and commercial performance, including pricing and packaging 
strategies, go-to-market and sales execution and business case development and planning.
•  Executive management is involved in the recruitment of all operating company leadership roles 

and their ongoing development.

•  Payment of competitive rewards for key senior roles, developed using industry benchmarks  

and external specialist input. 

The increased prevalence of remote working, 
following the onset of Covid-19, may have  
a detrimental impact on the learning and 
development of employees.

However, an economic downturn resulting in 
increased unemployment is likely to reduce 
employee turnover.

The risk profile is unchanged as these two 
factors are considered to largely offset 
each other.

Examples

Mitigation

Trend

•  All operating companies have business continuity plans in place and these have been updated to 
reflect lessons learned from experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. The successful uninterrupted 
delivery of products and services throughout FY 2020 demonstrated the effectiveness of the 
business continuity plans.

•  Technology capabilities have been enhanced to increase operating companies’ resilience if  

a business continuity event occurs.

•  The Group has insurance cover in place to help mitigate the financial impact of a business 

continuity event. 

The risk was added to DMGT’s principal risks 
during the year.

•  The Technology Council provides oversight of information security initiatives Group-wide.
•  Additional measures were implemented during the year to protect against the increased risk 

of attack associated with a significant increase in remote working.

•  The Group Chief Information Security Officer is responsible for reviewing and recommending 
actionable roadmaps to improve information security procedures and protections at each 
operating company. 

•  Group Information Security Policy and detailed information security standards with regular 
reviews reported to the Technology Council. Periodic reviews of the standards themselves  
are performed to ensure they keep pace with best practice.

•  Information security is reviewed as part of every internal audit of an operating company.
•  Cyber insurance policies in place.
•  Dedicated budget for information security investments and access to third-party cyber 

security specialists. 

The risk is considered to have increased as 
a result of increases in remote working.

45

Talent 

Our ability to identify, attract, retain and develop the right 

people for senior and business-critical roles could impact the 

Group’s performance. 

Operational risks

Description and impact

Business continuity event

A pandemic, epidemic or disaster, whether natural or man-made, 

could cause significant disruption. This could affect DMGT’s 

operating companies, customers, suppliers and/or end markets. 

•  Continued uncertainty surrounding the conditions of Brexit  

and trade agreement negotiations directly impacts the UK 

macroeconomic climate (Consumer Media) and UK property 

transaction volumes (Property Information).

•  Fluctuations in the global energy and commodity markets could be 

exacerbated by Covid-19 and impact revenue for associated trade 

shows once fully resumed (Events and Exhibitions). 

•  Political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, 

could negatively impact the exhibitors and attendees of events 

and exhibitions once fully resumed.

•  Sustained global low interest rate environment will continue  

to impact margins for global investors, including in insurance 

(Insurance Risk) and property (Property Information).

•  Entrepreneurship and leadership skills are a priority for the Group 

and key to the continued success of many of our operating companies. 

•  Technology and software development skills remain crucial to many 

of our businesses where there is significant investment in software 

platforms and technology infrastructure to support next-generation 

product development.

•  The strategy to build out our data analytics capabilities places focus 

on developing and attracting specialists in emerging technologies. 

These skills are in high demand, which makes attracting and 

retaining people with these skills more competitive. 

•  Enterprise sales and operational execution expertise with market 

and product knowledge continue to be a strategic imperative. 

•  Major disruption may prevent the delivery of products and services  

to customers, for example print newspapers (Consumer Media).

•  Measures to prevent the spread of a pandemic could result in it not being 

possible to hold physical events (Events and Exhibitions) or distribute print 

newspapers (Consumer Media). They could also disrupt the functioning  

of the UK property market (Property Information). 

•  Travel restrictions or disruption could adversely affect the attendance  

of exhibitors and delegates at events (Events and Exhibitions).

•  The closure of offices could disrupt operating companies’ ability to deliver 

products and services, support customers and develop new products.

Information security breach or cyber attack 

An information security breach, including a failure to prevent or 

detect a malicious cyber attack, could cause reputational damage 

and financial loss. The investigation and management of an 

incident would result in remediation costs and the diversion 

of management time.

A breach of data protection legislation could result in financial 

penalties for the affected business and potentially the Group. 

The risk is relevant to all businesses in the Group due to the nature of 

products and services across the portfolio. Examples which could impact 

the Group include:

client data.

•  Loss or unauthorised access to personal information and sensitive 

•  Unavailability or disruption of online products and services. 

•  Integrity of online products, services and data compromised.

•  Disruption to critical systems that support business operations.

•  Theft of intellectual property.

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationStrategic Report

Actively monitoring and managing our risks
Principal Risks

Operational risks (continued)
Description and impact

Reliance on key third parties
Certain third parties are critical to the operations of our businesses. 
A failure of one of our critical third parties may cause disruption  
to business operations, impact our ability to deliver products  
and services and result in financial loss. 

The reputation of our businesses may be damaged by poor 
performance or a regulatory breach by critical third parties, 
particularly outsourced service providers.

Examples

Key third parties include:

•  Data centre and cloud service providers.
•  Search engine traffic partners.
•  Technology and online advertising partners.
•  IT development support.
•  Data providers for core product.
•  Newsprint, flexographic plate and ink suppliers.
•  Newspaper distributors and wholesalers. 
•  Event venues.

Compliance with laws and regulations
The Group operates across multiple jurisdictions and sectors. 
Increasing regulation increases the risk that the Group is not 
compliant with all applicable laws and regulations across all of the 
jurisdictions in which it operates, which could result in financial 
penalties and reputational damage. 

Increasing regulation also results in increasing costs of compliance.

Particular areas of focus for DMGT businesses are: 

•  Data protection, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation 

(GDPR) and the proposed ePrivacy Regulation.

•  Competition and anti-trust legislation.
•  EU Market Abuse Regulation.
•  Libel legislation.
•  Tax compliance.
•  Trade sanctions.
•  Entering regulated markets or sectors.

Mitigation

Trend

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

of the failure of an individual third party. 

•  Operational and financial due diligence is undertaken for key suppliers on an ongoing basis. 

•  Close management of key supplier relationships including contracts, service levels and outputs. 

•  Robust business continuity arrangements for the disruption to key third parties.

•  Event cancellation and business interruption insurance policies.

•  The acquisition of three printing plants in October 2020 reduced the Consumer Media business’s 

reliance on third parties for producing newspapers.

•  Changes in laws and regulations are monitored and potential impacts discussed with the relevant 

persons, Board, or Committee, or escalated as appropriate. 

•  Developments in the legal and regulatory landscape are reviewed by the Audit & Risk Committee. 

•  Implementation and monitoring of Group-wide policies to address new legislation and regulation 

where applicable. 

•  Group-wide working groups for key compliance areas, such as the GDPR.

•  Monitoring and management of tax risks is performed by the DMGT Tax Sub-Committee. 

Pension scheme deficit 
Defined benefit pension schemes, although now closed to new 
entrants, remain ultimately funded by DMGT, with Pension Fund 
Trustees (Trustees) controlling the investment allocation. 

There is a risk that the funding of the deficit could be greater 
than expected.

Future pension costs and funding requirements could be increased by:

•  The agreed funding plan gives certainty over the financial commitment. 

•  Adverse changes in investment performance.
•  Valuation assumptions and methodology.
•  Inflation and interest rate risks.

•  Monitoring and management of pension risks is performed by the DMGT Pensions Sub-Committee. 

•  Company-appointed Trustees.

46

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Operational risks (continued)

Description and impact

Reliance on key third parties

Certain third parties are critical to the operations of our businesses. 

A failure of one of our critical third parties may cause disruption  

to business operations, impact our ability to deliver products  

and services and result in financial loss. 

The reputation of our businesses may be damaged by poor 

performance or a regulatory breach by critical third parties, 

particularly outsourced service providers.

Examples

Key third parties include:

•  Data centre and cloud service providers.

•  Search engine traffic partners.

•  Technology and online advertising partners.

•  IT development support.

•  Data providers for core product.

•  Newsprint, flexographic plate and ink suppliers.

•  Newspaper distributors and wholesalers. 

•  Event venues.

Mitigation

Trend

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

of the failure of an individual third party. 

•  Operational and financial due diligence is undertaken for key suppliers on an ongoing basis. 
•  Close management of key supplier relationships including contracts, service levels and outputs. 
•  Robust business continuity arrangements for the disruption to key third parties.
•  Event cancellation and business interruption insurance policies.
•  The acquisition of three printing plants in October 2020 reduced the Consumer Media business’s 

reliance on third parties for producing newspapers.

Compliance with laws and regulations

Particular areas of focus for DMGT businesses are: 

•  Data protection, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation 

The Group operates across multiple jurisdictions and sectors. 

Increasing regulation increases the risk that the Group is not 

compliant with all applicable laws and regulations across all of the 

jurisdictions in which it operates, which could result in financial 

penalties and reputational damage. 

Increasing regulation also results in increasing costs of compliance.

•  Changes in laws and regulations are monitored and potential impacts discussed with the relevant 

persons, Board, or Committee, or escalated as appropriate. 

•  Developments in the legal and regulatory landscape are reviewed by the Audit & Risk Committee. 
•  Implementation and monitoring of Group-wide policies to address new legislation and regulation 

where applicable. 

•  Group-wide working groups for key compliance areas, such as the GDPR.
•  Monitoring and management of tax risks is performed by the DMGT Tax Sub-Committee. 

Pension scheme deficit 

Future pension costs and funding requirements could be increased by:

•  The agreed funding plan gives certainty over the financial commitment. 
•  Monitoring and management of pension risks is performed by the DMGT Pensions Sub-Committee. 
•  Company-appointed Trustees.

Defined benefit pension schemes, although now closed to new 

entrants, remain ultimately funded by DMGT, with Pension Fund 

Trustees (Trustees) controlling the investment allocation. 

There is a risk that the funding of the deficit could be greater 

than expected.

(GDPR) and the proposed ePrivacy Regulation.

•  Competition and anti-trust legislation.

•  EU Market Abuse Regulation.

•  Libel legislation.

•  Tax compliance.

•  Trade sanctions.

•  Entering regulated markets or sectors.

•  Adverse changes in investment performance.

•  Valuation assumptions and methodology.

•  Inflation and interest rate risks.

The Strategic Report was approved by  
the Board on 20 November 2020 and  
signed on its behalf by the Group Chief 
Financial Officer.

By order of the Board

Tim Collier 
Group Chief Financial Officer

47

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationGovernance

Governance
Board of Directors  
and Company Secretary

1.

4.

7.

2.

5.

8.

3.

6.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Key to Board and Committees

  Audit & Risk Committee

   Remuneration & Nominations Committee

  Investment & Finance Committee

48

Lady Keswick served on the Board until  
1 October 2020.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

1. The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman   

Appointed to the Board: 1995 
Appointed 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.
Other appointments: Cazoo (Director).

2. P A Zwillenberg
CEO   

Appointed to the Board and CEO: 2016

Skills and experience: 
Paul Zwillenberg has over 30 years’ experience across 
the media and technology sectors. He set up the 
digital division of dmg media (formerly Associated 
Newspapers digital) in 1996. Prior to joining DMGT, 
Paul was the Global Leader of the Media Sector, 
Western Europe and LatAm Leader of the TMT 
practice and Senior Partner and Managing Director 
at The Boston Consulting Group. Before that he 
founded a pre-internet interactive media company 
and launched a European technology services firm.
Other appointments: None.

3. T G Collier
Group Chief Financial Officer   

Appointed to the Board and Group Chief Financial 
Officer: 2017

Skills and experience: 
Prior to joining DMGT, Tim Collier was Chief Financial 
Officer of Thomson Reuters Financial and Risk 
Business where he was responsible for driving 
financial and risk performance, optimising resources 
and enhancing growth through organic and strategic 
investments. Tim’s experience has spanned media 
and business information industries and functions 
including banking, corporate finance, treasury, 
insurance, internal audit, accounting and M&A.
Other appointments: None.

4. K J Beatty
Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 2004

Skills and experience: 
Kevin Beatty brings many years of media industry 
experience and is Chief Executive of dmg media. 
Before joining the Group he was Managing Director 
of the Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail. Kevin 
has been Managing Director of The Mail on Sunday, 
the Evening Standard and London Metro, COO of 
Associated New Media and Managing Director of 
Northcliffe Newspapers.
Other appointments: Excalibur (Director); News 
Media Association (Director); Regulatory Funding 
Company (Chairman).

5. 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.

Other appointments: Trustee of the Pension Fund 
of the Royal Agricultural Society of England; 
Mail Force Charity CIO (Chairman).

6. F L Morin
Non-Executive Director 
(Canadian) 

Appointed to the Board: 2017

Skills and experience: 
François Morin brings a broad range of experience 
and skills to the Board arising from his role as Partner 
at the Canadian law firm Borden Ladner Gervais. 
He is a qualified lawyer admitted to the Québec Bar. 
In particular, he brings an international perspective 
relevant to the Group’s global operations and 
experience of regulatory matters across a range of 
areas. François also has a strong record of community 
involvement including as director on a number 
of charitable boards.

Other appointments: None.

7. D H Nelson
Non-Executive Director   

Appointed to the Board: 2009

Skills and experience: 
David Nelson provides the Board and its Committees 
with relevant financial expertise, gained through a 
career in accounting. He is a Partner at Dixon Wilson, 
Chartered Accountants. 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.

Other appointments: Mind Gym plc (Non-Executive 
Director); Dulwich Preparatory Schools Trust, 
a registered charity (Chairman).

8. K A H Parry OBE
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 serves on a number of company boards and 
has previously been a Non-Executive Director 
of Schroders plc, Knight Frank LLP and the 
Homes and Communities Agency. He has extensive 
experience chairing companies as well as audit, 
risk and nominations committees. He is chairman of 
Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited and 
senior independent director at Nationwide Building 
Society. He has previously served on the boards of 
three FTSE 100 companies: Schroders plc, Standard 
Life Aberdeen plc and Intermediate Capital Group plc 
where he was chairman.

Other appointments: The Royal London Mutual 
Insurance Society Limited (Chairman); Nationwide 
Building Society (Senior Independent Director, 
Audit Committee Chairman).

9. JP Rangaswami
Independent Non-Executive Director   

Appointed to the Board: 2017

Skills and experience: 
JP Rangaswami brings extensive knowledge and 
experience in the fields of data and computer 
science. He was the Chief Data Officer and Group 
Head of Innovation at Deutsche Bank until 
September 2018. He is a director and trustee of 
the Web Science Trust and adjunct professor in 
Electronics and Computer Science at the University 
of Southampton.

Other appointments: Allfunds Bank S.A. 
(Independent Non-Executive Director), 
Admiral Group plc (Non-Executive Director), 
Hammersmith Academy Trust, Web Science Trust, 
Cumberland Lodge and National Bank of Greece S.A. 
(Non-Executive Director) (from 22 October 2020).

10. J H 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. She is a 
Partner at Threshold Ventures, a venture capital 
firm in California.

Other appointments: Threshold Ventures, 
Invitation Homes, Planet, Memphis Meats and 
Polarr.

11. D Trempont
Non-Executive Director (American)   

Appointed to the Board: 2011

Skills and experience: 
Dominique Trempont brings experience as a Chief 
Executive Officer, Chairman and Independent Board 
Director in large multinational high-tech companies 
and start-ups. He has extensive knowledge of 
software and digital data/content businesses, 
artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber 
security, online B2C and B2B markets. He is 
currently on the board of companies focusing on 
disruptive innovation and emerging markets. 

Other appointments: Airspan, ON24, (Real Networks 
until 31 October 2019).

12. F Wallestam
Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 2020

Skills and experience: 
Filippa Wallestam brings extensive knowledge and 
experience in the fields of broadcasting and digital 
media strategy. She is currently EVP & Chief Content 
Officer at Nordic Entertainment Group, the Nordic 
region’s leading streaming company. Her previous 
roles at the company include, EVP & CEO of Nordic 
Entertainment Group Sweden and Head of Strategy 
for Free-TV and Radio. Formerly, she worked at 
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in the media practice, 
working with flagship clients including DMGT.

Other appointments: Nordic Entertainment Group.

F L Sallas
Company Secretary

Appointed as Company Secretary: 2017

Skills and experience: 
Fran Sallas is Secretary to the Board, Audit & Risk 
Committee, Remuneration & Nominations 
Committee, the Investment & Finance Committee 
and a member and Secretary of the Disclosure 
Committee. Fran has almost 20 years of company 
secretarial experience and is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. 
The Risk function is also led by Fran.

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Governance

Governance
Chairman’s Statement on Governance

I am pleased to present the Corporate 
Governance Report for FY 2020. Strong 
governance is essential to the way DMGT 
operates; it is promoted by the Board 
and cascades 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. DMGT’s approach to 
governance is distinctive; our corporate 
procedures are strengthened by the 
significant benefits we derive from the 
family shareholding, and the long-term 
view that this engenders.

Our approach to governance
Our governance framework sets out clear 
parameters for decision-making. This is 
achieved through delegated authorities 
which ensure decisions are made by the 
appropriate body and that there is clear 
accountability to the DMGT Board.

During FY 2020, the Board and its 
Committees spent time reviewing key 
policies and processes, recognising the 2018 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) 
which applies to DMGT for the 2020 financial 
year onwards. We voluntarily apply the new 
provisions where appropriate and explain 
when we are not in compliance and the 
reasons for this in this report.

Areas of focus
The Board continues to work closely with 
the executive team, offering support and 
robust challenge in a spirit of openness 
and transparency. Areas of particular focus 
for the Board include our approach to our 
portfolio of businesses and their continued 
growth, as well as divestments, rigorous 
financial management, balanced capital 
allocation and managing a strong balance 
sheet. Additionally, the Board has  
focused on our people agenda and 
leadership capabilities. 

Board composition
I would like to thank Tessa Keswick, who 
stood down on 1 October 2020, for the sound 
advice and guidance she provided whilst 
serving on the DMGT Board.

Filippa Wallestam joined DMGT’s Board as 
an Independent Non-Executive Director in 
November 2020. Filippa brings extensive 
knowledge and experience in the fields of 
broadcasting and digital media strategy.

Culture in action: Covid-19
We are proud of our Company culture  
and our employees who embody it.  
This has been evident in FY 2020 through the 
way our employees have responded to the 
Covid-19 pandemic. There was a seamless 
and safe transition to remote working, 
and product delivery was uninterrupted, 
with our newspaper companies printing  
the papers remotely for the first time  
in our history. In addition, there were 
numerous examples of ways in which DMGT 
and its businesses supported stakeholders, 
whether through the launch of our Salary 
Substitution Plan, assisting the work of the 
Mail Force Charity, providing free survey 
reports for the Nightingale hospitals, 
providing £5 million of advertising value 
for businesses, or giving students access 
to our education products free of charge.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

FRC 2018 Code 
Compliance
The Code places a further emphasis on 
the Board’s engagement with the world 
beyond the Company – customers, 
shareholders and employees. This 
supports the requirements of Section 
172 of the Companies Act 2006, which 
states that the Board should act in 
ways that are most likely to promote 
the success of the Company for the 
benefit of its members as a whole.  
The Board is committed to generating 
continued sustainable value for 
shareholders, considering the  
interests of DMGT’s employees, and 
maintaining positive relationships  
with our customers, suppliers and 
other stakeholders.

   Read more about how we engage 
and interact with stakeholders on 
pages 32 to 39

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

In this section
Chairman’s Statement  
on Governance 
Corporate Governance 
Executive Committee Report 
Investment & Finance  
Committee Report 
Audit & Risk Committee Report  
Remuneration & Nominations 
Committee Report 
Remuneration Report 
Statutory Information 
Annual General Meeting 2021: 
Resolutions 

50
51
59

59
60

67
68
92

95

Strong governance 
is a key factor 
in our ability to 
achieve growth 
in a profitable, 
responsible and 
sustainable manner.”

50

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Governance
Corporate Governance

UK Corporate Governance Code
The below table sets out how various sections of the Annual Report map to the pillars of the Code:

Strategic Report 
Board activities and stakeholder engagement
Our stakeholders
Audit & Risk Committee Report
Conflicts of interest
Board composition
Committee structure
Leadership
Group policies
Board composition and diversity
Board evaluation
Effectiveness
Remuneration & Nominations Committee Report
Succession planning
Audit & Risk Committee Report
Strategic Report
Fair, balanced and understandable
Accounting judgements
Viability Statement
Remuneration & Nominations Committee Report

The Code is available at www.frc.co.uk. 
Information required under DTR 7.2.6 is 
provided on page 92 and forms part of this 
report. Key features of the risk management 
and internal control systems can be found 
on pages 40 to 47.

Board leadership and 
Company purpose

Division of responsibilities

Composition, succession and evaluation

Audit, risk and internal control

Remuneration

The Code forms an important part of how  
we operate. It allows a ‘comply or explain’ 
approach to achieving best governance 
practice. We have chosen to explain our 
governance practices if these do not fully 
meet the provisions of the Code. This allows 
us to recognise our requirements under the 
Code and the benefits of our shareholding 
structure. Where we have opted to take  
a different approach to the Code this has 
been set out in the table on page 53 and  
in the relevant sections of this Corporate 
Governance Report. We believe that the 
approach we have taken is in the best 
interests of the structure of the Company 
and all of its stakeholders, and that we are 
effective and attentive in our approach to 
governance. Implementing the Code has led 
to a greater focus on how we can connect 
and invest in the communities around us. 
This is particularly apparent in our response 
to Covid-19. 

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

2 to 47
55 and 56
32 to 39
60 to 66
94
56 and 57
52
53
32 to 39
56
57
55
69
57
60 to 66
2 to 47
57
64 and 65
27
69

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Governance
Corporate Governance

Committee structure 
The Board and Committee structure is set out below.

DMGT

DMGT Board
Collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Company.

Audit & Risk Committee
The Audit & Risk Committee has responsibility for: 

•  the Company’s financial reporting; 
•  narrative reporting; 
•  the Internal and External Audit processes; and 
•  the signing off of external disclosures.

The Committee also oversees: 

•  the Group’s system of risk management and internal controls; 
•  the Group’s risk register, risk appetite and tolerance, 

included as part of the Viability Statement; and 

•  developments in relevant legislation and regulation. 

Time is allocated at each meeting for both Audit and Risk 
matters, to ensure that both duties are adequately addressed.

Remuneration & Nominations Committee
The Remuneration & Nominations Committee ensures that 
remuneration arrangements support the strategic aims of 
the business and enables the recruitment, motivation and 
retention of senior executives in a manner that is aligned 
to shareholder interests, while also complying with the 
requirements of regulation. It also reviews the structure 
and composition of the Board and its Committees, in 
particular the skills, knowledge and experience of Directors.

Time is allocated at each meeting for both Remuneration  
and Nominations matters, to ensure that both duties are 
adequately addressed.

Investment & Finance Committee
The Investment & Finance Committee evaluates investment 
opportunities and financing proposals and monitors returns on 
investments made.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee meets regularly to discuss 
all aspects of the Group’s performance and strategy, 
particularly performance management, capital allocation, 
risk management and senior talent considerations.

Family shareholding
DMGT has a holding company called 
Rothermere Continuation Limited (RCL). 
RCL is incorporated in Jersey, in the 
Channel Islands. The main asset of RCL  
is its controlling shareholding in DMGT,  
being its 100% holding of DMGT’s issued 
Ordinary Shares and the largest single 
holding of DMGT A Ordinary Non-Voting 
Shares (A Shares). RCL is controlled by a 
discretionary trust (the Trust) which is held 
for the benefit of Viscount Rothermere and 
his immediate family (the family). The Trust 
represents the ultimate controlling party 
of the Company and has controlled the 
Company for many years. Both the Trust 
and its subsidiary company, RCL, are 
administered in Jersey. The directors  
of RCL, of which there are six, include two 
Directors of DMGT during the reporting 
period: Lord Rothermere and François Morin.

As holding company and ultimate controlling 
party, RCL and the Trust maintain that the 
Company should continue to be managed in 
accordance with high standards of corporate 
governance for the benefit of all 
shareholders.

RCL has again indicated to the Company 
that its intentions for the Company’s 
governance are long term in nature and that 
it will 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;

•  continue to maintain a securities dealing 

code for certain of its employees; 

•  continue to voluntarily observe the UK 
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 would 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.

52

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We have applied the principles and complied with the provisions of the Code, except as explained below.

Code provision

Subject

Explanation

9 and 19

Independence and tenure of 
the Chairman

11

Independence of at least half of 
the Non-Executive Directors

12

17

21

24

Senior Independent Director

Composition of the  
Remuneration & Nominations 
Committee

Annual evaluation of the Board

Composition of the Audit & 
Risk Committee

Our Chairman is Lord Rothermere. He has held this position since 1998.

As the holder of all the Ordinary Shares and the largest holder of A Shares of the Company through 
the Trust, the Board considers that Lord Rothermere’s interests are fully aligned with those of other 
shareholders. The Board believes that his business experience, extensive knowledge of the Group, 
long-term perspective and commitment to the business are important contributors to the 
continued success of DMGT.

For more details of the family shareholding and the Trust, see page 52.

Kevin Parry, JP Rangaswami and Heidi Roizen are independent within the meaning of Provision 10 
of the Code. The Board believes that its current composition is effective and appropriate, 
notwithstanding that less than half of the Board are deemed independent Non-Executive Directors 
within Provision 11 of the Code. Taking into account the heritage of the Group, and the interests of 
our operating companies represented on the Board, the Board considers that a good balance is 
achieved from the Board’s Non-Executive Directors in terms of skills and independence. The Board 
is well balanced with Directors representing a range of relevant backgrounds and countries in 
which DMGT operates. These backgrounds include media, data science, insurance, venture capital, 
software and digital content. Companies our Directors represent or have represented include 
3Com, Apple, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Nationwide, Royal London, Salesforce, Schroders and 
Standard Life Aberdeen amongst others.

The Board receives a report from the Chairman of the Remuneration & Nominations Committee at 
every meeting. The report details Committee discussions regarding the performance of executives 
and management against performance metrics. Non-Executive Directors are then given the 
opportunity to scrutinise the performance of the Executive Directors. 

Filippa Wallestam was appointed a Non-Executive Director with effect from 19 November 2020. 
She is considered independent in accordance with the Code.

Lord Rothermere has a significant interest in DMGT’s shares and the Board feels that there  
is no need for an individual Senior Independent Director to represent shareholders. Instead,  
the Board feels it is appropriate that the responsibilities that the Code defines for the Senior 
Independent Director are shared between the Non-Executive Directors, aligning their skills and 
experience with specific requirements as necessary. For more information see page 54.

The Chairman of the Committee is Lord Rothermere, the majority of its members are not 
considered to be independent under the Code. As the holder of all the Ordinary Shares and the 
largest holder of A Shares of the Company through the Trust, the Board considers that Lord 
Rothermere’s interests are fully aligned with those of other shareholders. The Committee is 
confident its membership ensures that it carries out all aspects of its role with proper and 
appropriate regard to long-term shareholder interests.

The Board does not complete an externally facilitated evaluation once every three years. Instead, 
the Board carries out a review of its own performance and those of its Committees annually. The 
review is conducted through an internal process facilitated by the Company Secretary. The Board 
believes that self-assessment through an internal evaluation process is appropriate. For more 
information see page 57.

All members of the Audit & Risk Committee are Non-Executive Directors and two are Independent 
Non-Executive Directors. Andrew Lane and David Nelson are advisers to RCL and not Independent 
Directors. The Board considers that their membership adds value to the deliberations of the 
Audit & Risk Committee, and the Committee Chairman confirmed there was no conflict of interest 
during the year.

Leadership: the Board
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; reviewing the effectiveness  
of the Group’s systems of internal controls; 
governance; risk management; and training 
and development.

Our purpose: the Board’s role
DMGT has three key strategic priorities: 
improving operational execution; increasing 
portfolio focus; and maintaining financial 
flexibility. DMGT’s businesses hold market-
leading positions and are in growing, 
digitising sectors. Our strategy aims to 
deliver sustainable returns over the long term.

The family-owned nature of the Company 
gives DMGT a unique long-term perspective, 
and the relationship between RCL and the 

Board ensures that DMGT is managed  
in accordance with high standards of 
corporate governance for the benefit of all 
shareholders. The Board sets the Company’s 
purpose and strategy with this valuable 
perspective in mind.

   Read more on page 58 for examples of 
how the Board contributes to delivery  
of the Group’s strategy

53

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationGovernance

Governance
Corporate Governance

DMGT Board: membership

Member

Chairman
The Viscount Rothermere

CEO
P A Zwillenberg

Group Chief Financial Officer
T G Collier

Executive Directors
K J Beatty

Non-Executive Directors
Lady Keswick (until 1 October 2020)
A H Lane
F L Morin
D H Nelson
K A H Parry
JP Rangaswami 
J H Roizen
D Trempont

Member for the  
full period

Meetings  
held

Meetings  
attended

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

6

6

6

6

6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6

6

6

6

6

6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6

Additional meetings were held during FY 2020 to consider items relating to Covid-19.

Division of Chairman and CEO 
responsibilities
In accordance with Provision 9 of the Code, 
the roles of Chairman and CEO are exercised 
by separate individuals and have clearly 
defined responsibilities. The division was  
set out in writing on appointment of the  
CEO and was reviewed by the Board. The 
Chairman is responsible for leading the 
Board and overseeing operations and 
strategy. The CEO is responsible for the 
execution of the strategy and the day-to-day 
management of the Group, and is supported 
by the Executive Committee.

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

Senior Independent Director 
Lord Rothermere has a significant interest  
in DMGT’s shares and the Board considers 
that there is no need for an individual  
Senior Independent Director to represent 
shareholders. Accordingly, the Board has  
not appointed a Senior Independent Director  
as specified in Provision 12 of the Code. 

Instead, the Board considers it is appropriate  
that the responsibilities that the Code 
defines for the Senior Independent Director 
are shared between the Non-Executive 
Directors, aligning their skills and experience 
with specific requirements. Examples  
of this include:

•  the Euromoney Distributions in April 2019, 
for which Kevin Parry was appointed as 
Chairman of the Independent Committee 
set up to oversee the process; and

•  a committee of Non-Executive Directors 
who act as a sounding board for the 
Chairman and for the Board as a whole in 
relation to DMGT’s investment in RMS. It 
consists of Kevin Parry and JP Rangaswami 
who provide relevant financial advice, and 
Heidi Roizen and Dominique Trempont 
who provide Silicon Valley insight and 
technology expertise. 

Chairman evaluation 
The annual evaluation of the Chairman  
is carried out by the Remuneration & 
Nominations Committee (without the 
Chairman being present). Lord Rothermere’s 
performance is evaluated and his 
remuneration is determined by the 
non-executive members of the Committee: 
JP Rangaswami and Heidi Roizen (who  
are independent), David Nelson and 
Dominique Trempont.

Alongside our commitment to 
entrepreneurism, DMGT’s businesses and 
our people operate with a clear sense of 
purpose, beyond profit. DMGT is able to 
invest for long-term sustainable growth and 
quality and in businesses that share our 
ethos/goal of satisfying the need to know, 
whether that’s providing insights that make 
it possible to ‘insure the uninsurable’, driving 
towards ever-greater transparency across 
property markets, enriching connections 
between businesses and communities  
with industry-leading exhibitions or  
holding authority to account through 
high-quality journalism.

Our purpose and culture is communicated  
to all operating companies through our Code 
of Conduct and policies, our Corporate 
Responsibility (CR) Champions Network, 
regular meetings between the Board and 
senior leadership of our subsidiaries,  
and our engagement with our stakeholders. 
Read more on how the Board engages  
with our stakeholders on pages 32 to 39.

Persons discharging managerial 
responsibilities (PDMRs)
As part of the Company’s continuing 
obligation to ensure compliance with the 
Listing Rules and related regulations, we 
have identified that the Board, Executive 
Committee and regular attendees at the 
Investment & Finance Committee are PDMRs. 
This is because they have regular access to 
inside information and the power to make 
managerial decisions affecting the future 
development and business prospects of  
the Company.

How the Board operates
There is a schedule of matters reserved to 
the Board. This details key matters in respect 
of the Company’s management that the 
Board does not delegate. This can be seen  
at www.dmgt.com. 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 this reporting period. Day-to-day 
management of the Company is the 
responsibility of the Executive Committee 
and of the executive management of the 
operating companies.

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

   Go online to  
www.dmgt.com

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Effectiveness
The Board reviews its effectiveness within 
the context of Provision 21 of the Code. In 
addition to its review of independence and 
the Board evaluation process, discussed 
separately, the Board discharges its Code 
duties as follows:

•  Appointments: the Remuneration & 

Nominations Committee is responsible  
for referring potential appointments  
to the Board for approval and is assisted 
by the CEO. Further details are in the 
Remuneration & Nominations Committee 
Report on page 67.

•  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 following 
consideration by the Remuneration & 
Nominations Committee and a 
shareholder vote at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM).

•  Multiple commitments: the Remuneration 
& Nominations Committee recognises  
that Board members may be directors of 
other companies and that this additional 
experience is likely to enhance discussions 
at the Board. Details of any additional 
directorships are on page 49. Executive 
Directors are generally permitted to hold 
non-executive directorships as long as 
they do 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 Company Secretary, 
the Executive Directors and a range of 
senior managers across the Group. During 
the year, as part of a rolling training 
programme, the Board receives updates 
on key areas of finance and governance  
as well as detailed presentations by 
operating companies.

•  Re-election: in line with Provision 18 of the 
Code, all Directors are eligible to stand for 
re-election annually and will do so at the 
2021 AGM.

Board activities and  
stakeholder engagement
Shareholders
There is a unity of interests between  
the family and other shareholders.  
Any concerns raised by shareholders in 
relation to the Company and its affairs  
are communicated to the Board through 
regular briefings. Institutional feedback  
is circulated to Directors following results  
and trading updates.

Shareholders have access to the Company 
Secretary and Company’s Registrars to 
discuss queries or raise issues they may face. 
The Company’s website, www.dmgt.com, 
provides the latest news, historical financial 
information, details about forthcoming 
events for shareholders and analysts,  
and other information relevant to 
shareholders regarding the Group.

Senior executives hold regular Investor 
Relations (IR) meetings with institutional 
investors, including IR roadshows following 
the half-year and full-year results, as well  
as attending investor conferences to meet 
potential investors. In accordance with 
Provision 3 of the Code, the Chairman  
was due to meet with major shareholders  
in order to understand their views on 
governance and performance against 
strategy; due to Covid-19 this meeting  
was postponed.

Some of the key topics raised by 
shareholders during the financial year were:

•  Covid-19: Investors were keen to 

understand how the Covid-19 pandemic 
and associated restrictions have affected  
and are likely to affect the Group’s 
different businesses, including whether 
any effects are expected to be long lasting. 
They were also curious about whether 
there is likely to be a sustained impact  
on working practices.

•  RMS: Investors wanted to gain assurance 

that the business remains on track  
with its product launches and that the 
expectations for the business have  
not changed.

•  MailOnline: Investors were interested in 
the digital advertising dynamics during 
the UK lockdown, with increased  
audience and traffic in April and May  
but reduced revenues.

•  Acquisitions: Investors wanted to gauge 
the appetite for bolt-on acquisitions  
and were curious whether sellers’  
price expectations have reduced  
as a result of Covid-19.

•  Future dividends: Investors wanted  
to confirm that they had correctly 
interpreted DMGT’s half-year results 
release to mean that the Board still 
intends to deliver real dividend growth  
but not if Covid-19 has such a pronounced 
impact on the economic outlook and 
trading that it would be detrimental to  
the Group’s best interests to do so. 
•  Cazoo: Investors were interested in 
understanding Cazoo’s potential, 
particularly in light of the market value  
of Carvana, the US business.

In addition:

• 

•  an Investor Briefing was due to be held  
in June 2020 and was to focus on our 
Property Information businesses in 
particular. The event was postponed  
due to Covid-19 and is expected to be  
held virtually in early 2021;
in late 2019, DMGT engaged an external 
adviser to review interactions with 
investors. This included feedback on the 
April 2019 Distributions, interaction with 
management, DMGT’s IR team, shareholder 
messaging and corporate governance.  
The findings were satisfactory and no 
significant concerns were raised; and 

•  the IR team ensures that relevant 

materials are available online in an easily 
accessible format to better inform existing 
and potential investors, and engages  
with analysts on a regular basis.

Employee engagement
Under Provision 5 of the Code, the Board  
has considered methods of employee 
engagement and which is most effective  
for the Group. Due to DMGT’s disparate 
nature (there are c. 40 office locations 
internationally), the Board considers 
alternative methods of employee 
engagement to be more appropriate. 
Examples of engagement with employees 
have included, or next scheduled to take  
place, are as follows:

•  Emerging Leaders events where Directors 
meet employees at DMGT Centre and the 
operating companies who have been 
identified as future leaders.

•  Director visits to operating companies  
as part of Board and Committee trips  
and that are in addition to this cadence.
•  Director attendance at DMGT events such 
as RMS Exceedance, where they meet  
with employees and customers.

•  Directors are invited to attend CR events 

such as the Community Champions 
Awards ceremonies. 

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Governance
Corporate Governance

•  Engagement surveys are carried out at 
operating company level, the results of 
which are summarised and shared with 
the Board through a regular report. 

•  During the year, virtual Town Hall events 

were held throughout the Group. 
Kevin Parry joined a DMGT Centre Town 
Hall and employees were able to ask  
him questions and hear his views about  
a number of topics including a Non-
Executive Director’s view of DMGT’s 
response to Covid-19. Other Directors will 
be invited to attend future planned events.

Some of the physical items listed above were 
scheduled to take place during 2020 and 
have had to be postponed due to Covid-19. 
They will be rearranged as soon as it is 
possible and safe to do so.

We use a range of indicators to assess and 
monitor cultural health and employee 
engagement across the Group. The Board 
also took steps to actively continue this 
during Covid-19. Some examples include:

•  Monitoring the Salary Substitution Plan 
participation where c.99% of employees 
eligible to participate took part. Some 
employees participated at a higher 
contribution level. Others opted to 
participate even though they fell below 
the minimum salary threshold.

•  Considering Employee Engagement 

Survey coverage.

•  Reviewing Gender Pay Gap reporting.
•  Monitoring DMGT SharePurchase+ 

participation where c.10% of employees 
eligible to participate do so, typical for 
schemes such as this. 

•  Noting that employees donated £27,000 

to Mail Force Charity, which was matched 
by DMGT.

•  Updates regarding DMGT businesses 
running employee engagement  
wellbeing initiatives. 

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

Interaction with Executive 
Management
The Board and Executive Management  
team interact regularly. The executive 
management team attend Board and 
Committee meetings, joined by operating 
company leadership teams and subject 
matter experts, presenting and answering 
questions on specific matters. Regular Board 
papers from the CEO, Group Chief Financial 
Officer, Head of Investor Relations and the 
Company Secretary also provide insight  
and reflections on the day-to-day activities 
within the Group, and include updates  
from around the Group.

Whistleblowing procedures
Principle 6 of the Code specifies that the 
workforce should be able to raise any 
matters of concern to the Board. 

   For more information see page 33

Suppliers
Information relating to DMGT’s suppliers  
and business partners is included in reports 
shared with the Board by Executive 
Management and presentations given by 
operating company leadership. This helps 
the Board understand the processes in place 
and that suppliers are treated appropriately. 
An example of this is the annual payment 
practices report. 83% of payments to 
suppliers of our UK businesses were made on 
time in accordance with our payment terms. 

Customers
Information relating to DMGT’s customers is 
included in reports shared with the Board  
by Executive Management and presentations 
given by operating company leadership. 
Directors also attend customer events such 
as RMS Exceedance, where they have the 
opportunity to interact with clients and  
hear their views.

Our communities
The regular CEO Report to the Board 
contains updates on community and charity 
partnerships. Directors are invited to attend 
the DMGT Community Champions Awards 
ceremony where they not only interact with  
employees, but also representatives from 
the charities and community initiatives  
the Group supports.

The environment
The Board oversees Group policies, via the 
Audit & Risk Committee, including those 
regarding the environment and DMGT’s 
carbon footprint. The Committee also 
reviews disclosures relating to the carbon 
footprint as part of its role to consider  
the content of the Annual Report.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

Board composition and diversity
The Board has continued to review its 
composition during FY 2020 to ensure that  
it has the right combination of members to 
contribute effectively to the development  
of strategy and how DMGT operates. DMGT 
considers diversity in its broadest sense 
when reviewing how the Board operates  
and its composition.

The split of the Group’s profits between our 
US and other businesses, the global nature 
of our operations, our strategy 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, including 
international and specific-sector experience, 
will continue to be a factor in our Board 
succession planning. The appointment of 
Filippa Wallestam reflected the Board’s view 
that her broadcasting and digital media 
strategy expertise would be a useful 
complement to the skills and experience of 
existing Board members. The Board is aware 
of and takes into account the diversity of its 
senior management. Read more about the 
diversity of our management on page 32.  
This is considered as part of the senior 
management appointment process. Further 
details on our approach to composition and 
succession planning for Board members are 
included in the Remuneration & Nominations 
Committee Report on page 67.

The Directors represent a range of relevant 
backgrounds and countries in which DMGT 
operates. These backgrounds include media, 
data science, insurance, venture capital, 
software and digital content. Companies  
our Directors represent or have represented 
include Apple, Nationwide, Royal London, 
Salesforce, Schroders and Standard Life 
Aberdeen amongst others.

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•  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 & Risk 
Committee and the Board are satisfied that 
the Annual Report, when taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable, and 
that it provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
position, performance, business model 
and strategy.

The Board receives a report from the 
Chairman of the Remuneration & 
Nominations Committee at every meeting. 
The report details Committee discussions 
regarding the performance of executives and 
management against performance metrics. 
Non-Executive Directors are then given the 
opportunity to scrutinise the performance  
of the Executive Directors.

The Group reviews the make-up of the 
Executive team in all its businesses on a 
regular basis to ensure that it has the right 
balance of entrepreneurial talent and 
experience to lead the Company now and in 
the future. DMGT aims to attract and retain 
the best possible talent right across our 
businesses, and has a detailed bottom-up 
annual talent review process. This is 
reviewed by the Board annually and also  
by Non-Executives at a private session.  
One outcome of this year’s review was that 
additional hires were made to supplement 
succession plans.

Fair, balanced and understandable
One of the key governance requirements  
of a group’s annual report is for it 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 & Risk Committee’s and the Board’s 
confirmations of satisfaction with the 
process and the statements being made  
is underpinned by:

•  comprehensive guidance being provided 
to the operating companies 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 content of the submissions made;
•  comprehensive sign-off process by owners 

of all statements made; and

Board evaluation
The Board carries out a review of its own performance and those of its Committees annually. The review is conducted through an 
internal process facilitated by the Company Secretary. The conclusion of the 2020 review was that the Board and its Committees 
function well.

The Board believes that self-assessment through an internal evaluation process facilitated by the Company Secretary is appropriate. 
The evaluation process focuses on Board structure and processes, oversight and review, and Board dynamics. The process is 
considered to be appropriate because it continues to deliver constructive results such as recalibrating focus, agreeing priorities, raising 
issues and improving Board dynamics.

DMGT has not incurred the cost of an external review as, further to the reasons above, the Board finds the internal review to be 
sufficiently rigorous as well as productive. The Board keeps this under review, and seeks an external evaluation if the internal process  
is considered to be insufficient and an independent review is felt to be required.

The annual performance review ensures that the Board is committed to optimising its performance and effectiveness. Below is  
a summary of the progress that has been made against the areas identified for further development in our FY 2019 evaluation.

Focus

Portfolio focus

Priorities

Board engagement with stakeholders

Cyber risk
Succession planning across the Group

Action taken

Continued discussions regarding the size and shape of the portfolio.

Focused on priorities for the next three, five and 10 years, in particular in the context of the Covid-19 
recession.
Despite Covid-19, focused on methods for employee engagement and how employees interact with 
Board members.
Continuing to prioritise cyber risk at Board level and ensuring that appropriate resource is in place.

Continuing to ensure comprehensive succession plans are in place at Board and senior 
management level.

Areas of focus for the Board during FY 2020 can be found on page 58.

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Governance
Corporate Governance

The Board’s focus in FY 2020
Board members have visited, and received presentations and functional area updates from, DMGT’s operating companies on a rolling 
basis. During the year, as part of the Directors’ ongoing development and follow-up from the FY 2019 Board evaluation process, these 
updates were a combination of presentations to the whole Board and smaller groups as deemed appropriate, as detailed below.

Covid-19

Risk management

Governance

In the context of Covid-19:

•  Updates on employee safety and 

wellbeing.

•  Updates on trading from the  

operating companies.

•  Review of the DMGT Salary  

Substitution Plan.

•  Updates on business continuity 
arrangements and transition to  
remote working.

•  Stakeholder engagement initiatives, 

including Mail Metro Media advertising 
initiatives, Landmark interaction with 
the Nightingale hospitals, Mail Force 
Charity, DMGT Cares.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

pages 32 to 39

Portfolio management and strategy

• 

 A strategic review of the portfolio  
and acquisitions pipeline.

•  Non-Executive Directors FranÇois Morin, 

David Nelson, Kevin Parry,  
JP Rangaswami, Heidi Roizen and 
Dominique Trempont virtually  
attended RMS Exceedance in May 2020.

•  Presentations by the operating 

companies.

•  The Group’s property strategy.
•  A visit to Trepp by Non-Executive 
Directors was planned but was 
postponed due to Covid-19.

   Read more in CEO Review,  

pages 10 to 13

•  With the support of the Audit & Risk 
Committee, review of the Group’s 
principal risks, emerging risks, other  
key risk areas and performance  
against risk appetite.

•  Approval of the Group’s Viability 

Statement and risk appetite for FY 2021.

   Read more in Principal Risks,  

pages 40 to 47

People

•  Discussions regarding senior 

appointments and succession planning.

•  Updates on talent management  

and diversity.

•  Presentation to Non-Executive Directors 
on succession and senior executives.
•  Non-Executive Directors were due to  
be given the opportunity to meet with 
emerging leaders across the Group;  
this was postponed due to Covid-19.
•  People updates, including measures 
taken to ensure employee wellbeing 
during Covid-19.

•  Regular updates throughout the year 

including on Market Abuse Regulation, 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, 
payments practices reporting, Gender 
Pay Gap reporting, modern slavery  
and human trafficking, General Data 
Protection Regulation as well as  
reports from the Committee Chairmen.

•  Approval and changes to updated  
Terms of Reference and matters 
reserved to the Board.

•  Review of the quality of the  

External Audit.

•  Review of ‘DMGT Essentials’, the  

Group internal governance guide for 
operating companies.

•  Investor 360 review of the Group and 
feedback from major shareholders.

Technology

•  Review of technology debt, 

mission-critical outsourcing, cyber 
security and business continuity.

•  Data security in the context of increased 

remote working.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders,  

•  Review of Investment in platform 

pages 32 to 39

Finance and capital

•  Assessment and monitoring on a regular 

basis, performance against agreed 
financial targets, budget and returns  
on investment.

•  Approval of authority limits and process 

for investments.

•  Assessment and monitoring of approach 

to pensions and tax policy.

•  Assessment and monitoring of the 

response to Covid-19. 

   Read more in Financial Review, 

pages 23 to 31

modernisation at operating companies.

   Read more in Market Overview  

pages 8 and 9

Culture

•  Updates about employee, community, 

partner and customer initiatives.
•  Non-Executive Director Kevin Parry 

virtually attended a Town Hall meeting 
to hear from employees.

•  Non-Executive Directors invited to 

attend annual Community Champions 
Awards ceremony.

   Read more in Our Stakeholders 

pages 32 to 39

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Board Committees

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is 
responsible for the day-to-day 
operation of the Group in line 
with the overall strategic aims 
set by the Board.

Membership

Member

Member for  
the full period

The Viscount Rothermere 
(Chairman)
P A Zwillenberg
T G Collier
K J Beatty
R Chandhok

Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

The Executive Committee meets regularly.

It has a broad remit covering strategy and  
its execution, and operational performance 
oversight.

Key activities
•  Business reviews with all operating 
companies at least twice yearly.
•  Performance management review 

and analysis.

•  Talent acquisition and 

management.

•  Review of key investment and 
divestment opportunities and 
capital allocation decisions.
•  Review of operating company 

and Group risk registers.

•  Budget approval and tracking 

against budget.

•  Review of key policies.
•  Response to Covid-19: regular 
meetings to discuss business 
continuity, employee safety, 
remote working, return to work 
and to hear from operating 
companies regarding trading 
impact.

•  Supported in this respect by the 
Publisher of dmg media, Chief 
Human Resources Officer – 
dmg media and the Company 
Secretary.

Governance
The Executive Committee is designed to 
represent key businesses and functions. It 
ensures that there is appropriate support for, 
and challenge to, the operating companies.

Investment & Finance 
Committee
The Investment & Finance 
Committee evaluates the benefits 
and risks of investment 
opportunities and financing 
proposals up to a value threshold. 
The Investment & Finance 
Committee provides regular 
updates to the Board including 
monitoring returns on 
investments made and progress 
against agreed targets.

Membership
There were seven meetings held in the year. 

Member

The Viscount Rothermere 
(Chairman)
P A Zwillenberg
T G Collier
A H Lane
D H Nelson
K A H Parry*

* 

Independent. 

Member for 
the full period

Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

The Investment & Finance Committee 
reviewed its membership and approved that 
Lord Rothermere continue as its Chairman.

Governance
•  The Investment & Finance Committee 

reviewed its Terms of Reference and those 
of the Pensions and Tax Sub-Committees 
and these were updated to reflect changes 
during the year.

•  The Investment & Finance Committee 

confirmed that it and its Sub-Committees 
had complied with their Terms of 
Reference and had been effective 
throughout the year.

Key activities
•  Reviewing all acquisitions, 

disposals and capital expenditure 
within its remit, including 
presentations made by operating 
companies to request support  
in line with strategic objectives.
•  Reviewing performance against 

budget and plan including 
reviewing debt position, 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 
and the latest triennial valuations.
•  Reviewing the Company’s dividend 

policy in light of the current 
reduced size of the Group, M&A and 
disposals and challenging market 
conditions during FY 2020 and in 
the near term.

•  Reviewing and approving the 

Company’s tax strategy.
•  Reviewing the Committee’s 

effectiveness.

•  Reviewing reforecasts and plans  

in response to Covid-19.

59

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationKey responsibilities
The integrity of the Group’s financial results 
and internal control systems are important 
to the Directors and the shareholders.

Consequently, the Audit & Risk Committee 
encourages and seeks to safeguard high 
standards of integrity and conduct in financial 
reporting and internal control. The Committee 
tests and challenges the results and controls 
in conjunction with management and the 
Internal and External Auditors.

The Committee has fulfilled its responsibilities 
during the year and confirms the Group  
is in compliance with the Statutory Audit 
Services for Large Companies Market 
Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive 
Tender Processes and Audit Committee 
Responsibilities) Order 2014. The Committee 
is permitted to obtain its own external 
advice at the Company’s expense. No such 
advice was sought during the year.

Governance
The Audit & Risk Committee met six times 
during the year. 

All members of the Audit & Risk Committee 
are Non-Executive Directors and two are 
Independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Kevin Parry and JP Rangaswami are both 
Independent under Provision 10 of the Code.

Andrew Lane and David Nelson are advisers 
to RCL and not Independent Directors. This is 
a deviation from Code Provision 24. The Board 
considers that their membership adds value 
to the deliberations of the Audit & Risk 
Committee, and the Committee Chairman 
confirmed there was no conflict of interest 
during the year.

Governance

Governance
Corporate Governance

The Group has maintained its attention on 
operational effectiveness during the year. 
The Committee focuses on ensuring our  
risk management procedures and internal 
and external audits address changing 
requirements. For example, we are planning 
for the introduction of reporting on the 
controls over financial reporting and 
progressing the quantification of risks  
by the use of financial models.

The following pages set out the Audit & Risk 
Committee’s Report for the financial year. 
The report is structured in four parts:

•  How the Audit & Risk Committee operates: 

membership, key responsibilities, 
governance, effectiveness and operating 
practices;

•  Review of the year: key activities and the 

significant financial reporting and auditing 
issues and other financial matters;

•  Oversight: risk and controls, and internal 

audit; and

•  External Auditor: auditor independence; 

and audit quality and materiality.

Kevin Parry
Audit & Risk Committee Chairman

Audit & Risk Committee

Dear Shareholders
I am pleased to present the Audit & Risk 
Committee Report.

We operate as a combined Audit &  
Risk Committee.

In the context of our changing Group, we 
have focused our audit work on judgemental 
areas of accounting and auditing, and our 
risk work on high-impact possible events.

There is a comprehensive process to review 
significant business risks to the Group, 
including financial risk, operational risk and 
compliance risk that could affect or impact 
the achievement of the Group’s strategy and 
business objectives.

The Audit & Risk Committee reviewed 
financial information connected with 
acquisitions and disposals to ensure 
appropriate accounting.

During the year much of the focus of the 
second half was on the impact of Covid-19 
on DMGT and the Company’s response. In 
addition, we maintained our focus on threats 
to our cyber security and closely monitored 
the potential impact of Brexit on DMGT. 

The Committee considered the risks 
associated with Brexit and concluded that 
our preparations were such that there  
would be no material impact on the  
Group’s businesses.

Membership

Member

K A H Parry (Chairman)*
A H Lane
D H Nelson
JP Rangaswami* 
(from 5 February 2020)
D Trempont
(until 5 February 2020)

* 

Independent.

Member for  
full period

Meetings 
held

Meetings 
attended

Yes
Yes 
Yes
No

No

6
6
6
6

6

6
6
6
3

3

JP Rangaswami attended the meeting held on 4 February 2020 as an observer.

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The Committee as a whole has competence 
relevant to the sectors in which DMGT 
operates, providing an effective level of 
challenge to management. Kevin Parry is  
a former senior audit partner, a former  
chief financial officer and has extensive 
experience as an audit committee chairman. 
David Nelson is a partner of an accounting 
practice. Consequently Kevin Parry and 
David Nelson are designated under Provision 
24 of the Code as the financial experts with 
competence in accounting and auditing.

The Committee, being combined, fulfils the 
recommendation that the Risk Committee 
includes at least one member of the Audit 
Committee. David Nelson and JP Rangaswami 
also serve on the Remuneration & 
Nominations Committee. Members have 
appropriate knowledge, skills and  
expertise to fully understand risk appetite 
and strategy.

The Committee provides advice to the 
Remuneration & Nominations Committee  
on malus and clawback provisions.

The Audit & Risk Committee’s Terms  
of Reference are on our website at  
www.dmgt.com.

Effectiveness
The Audit & Risk Committee reviews its 
Terms of Reference and effectiveness 
annually. The review, including a 
questionnaire completed by Committee 
members, confirmed that the Committee  
is effective at meeting its objectives, under 
Provision 21 of the Code and the needs  
of the Group.

Operating practices
During the year the Audit & Risk Committee 
meetings were scheduled to take place prior 
to Board meetings to maximise the efficiency 
of interactions. Reports are made to each 
Board meeting on the activities of the 
Committee, focusing on matters of particular 
relevance to the Board in the conduct  
of its work.

The Committee has been supported in its 
activities during the year by the Group Chief 
Financial Officer, Company Secretary, Group 
Assurance Director, Group Chief Technology 
Officer, Group Financial Controller and the 
Director of Group Finance, as well as the 
External Auditor. These individuals generally 
sponsor Committee papers, which are 
typically distributed one week prior to 
meetings. The Committee works with all 
contributors to discuss judgemental issues 
at an early and relevant opportunity.

The Group Chief Financial Officer, Company 
Secretary, Group Assurance Director, Group 
Chief Technology Officer, Group Financial 
Controller, Director of Group Finance and the 
External Auditor are invited to each meeting 
but are recused when appropriate. The CEO 
is invited to the half-year and full-year 
meetings. The Chief Technology Officer, 
Legal Director and UK and US Data Privacy 
Counsels are also invited to attend when 
appropriate. This approach results in 
informed decisions based on quality papers 
and discussion which provides for a 
thorough understanding of facts and 
circumstances.

The Committee met regularly and separately 
with the External Auditor, Group Assurance 
Director (who is responsible for Internal 
Audit and Risk Assurance), the Group Chief 
Financial Officer and Company Secretary, 
without other executive management  
being present.

Review of the year
Key activities
Key activities undertaken by the  
Audit & Risk Committee during the  
year included:

Audit 
•  Agreeing the scope of Internal and 

External Audit work.

•  Challenging management’s 
accounting judgements.

•  Reviewing and discussing Internal 
Audit reports to maintain their 
contribution to improving the  
control environment.

•  Reviewing the basis of alternative 

performance measures.

•  Reviewing the effectiveness of  

the External Audit.

•  Reviewing accounting for disposals 

during the year.

Risk 
•  Reviewing the 2018 Corporate 
Governance Code and DMGT’s 
proposed compliance and disclosure.

•  Reviewing the Group’s risk 

management processes and the 
Group risk register.

•  Robust challenge to the assumptions 

supporting the Group’s Viability 
Statement (see page 27).

•  A rolling programme of focused risk 

topics, including information security 
and cyber resilience.

•  Review of compliance with data 

protection requirements and data 
privacy more widely.

•  Information security in the context  

of Covid-19 and associated  
best practices.

•  Reviewing payment practices.
•  Compliance with legislation relating 
to anti-bribery and corruption, trade 
sanctions, health and safety, and 
modern slavery.

•  Business continuity and incident 

management.

•  Reviewing the Group’s whistleblowing 
arrangements with findings reported 
to the Board.

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Governance
Corporate Governance

Financial reporting and auditing matters
The Audit & Risk Committee considered and discussed the significant matters relating to financial reporting and auditing, as set out in the 
table below.

The matter and its significance

Focus of work 

Comments and conclusion

Financial reporting
The content of the Annual and Half-year 
Reports and trading updates should  
be appropriate, complying with laws  
and regulation.

We specifically reviewed:

•  all accounting policies for continued 
appropriateness, consistency of  
application and the impact of new 
accounting standards;

•  all sections of the Annual Report having 
particular regard for the Audit & Risk 
Committee’s responsibilities for the 
financial statements;

•  reports from Financial Management, Legal, 
Risk and Internal Audit which confirmed 
compliance with regulations; and

•  the financial risks and papers to support 
the going concern basis of accounting.

62

A materiality threshold of £5 million has been 
set for exceptional items unless there was 
continuation of an activity previously disclosed 
as exceptional.

During the year the Group adopted one new 
accounting standard, IFRS 16, Leases.

The leasing standard has eliminated the 
distinction between operating and finance 
leases for lessees and requires lessees to 
recognise right of use assets and corresponding 
liabilities for all leases. The new standard has 
replaced the operating lease expense with a 
depreciation charge included within operating 
costs on the underlying right of use asset and 
an interest expense included within finance 
costs on the lease liability. On 1 October 2019, 
on the adoption of IFRS 16 the Group has 
recognised right of use assets of £78 million 
and lease liabilities of £92 million which had 
previously been classified as operating leases 
under the principles of IAS 17, Leases.  
This includes right of use assets of £8 million 
and lease liabilities of £9 million relating to 
businesses held for sale. In addition the  
Group has recognised £11 million of sublease 
receivables.

The lease liabilities were measured at the 
present value of the remaining lease 
payments, discounted using an incremental 
borrowing rate as at 1 October 2019. The 
weighted average incremental borrowing rate 
applied to these liabilities as at 1 October 2019 
was 3.1%. The corresponding right of use 
assets were measured at the amount equal  
to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount  
of any prepaid or accrued lease payments  
as at 30 September 2019.

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 on a modified 
retrospective basis such that the Group has 
applied the simplified transition approach and 
has not restated comparative information.

As permitted by IFRS 16 the Group has applied 
the following practical expedients:

The Group has not brought onto the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
short-term leases (those with 12 months or 
less to run as at 1 October 2019 including 
reasonably certain options to extend)  
or low-value assets. These items therefore 
continue to be expensed directly in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

The Group has relied on its onerous lease 
assessments under IAS 37 to impair right  
of use assets in place of performing an 
impairment assessment on adoption  
of IFRS 16.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

The matter and its significance

Focus of work 

Comments and conclusion

Financial reporting 
continued

The Group has measured right of use assets 
at an amount equal to the lease liability  
on adoption of IFRS 16 as adjusted by 
existing lease accruals, prepayments and 
dilapidations and onerous lease provisions.

The Group has separated non-lease 
components from lease components as part 
of the transition adjustment.

In the current period, the Group’s 
investment in Cazoo Ltd (Cazoo), previously 
an associate, has been reclassified as a 
financial asset. The Group cannot veto any 
Cazoo Board decisions – which are based on 
a simple Board majority due to the current 
composition of the other seats on the 
Board – and has no other means that give  
it the ability to participate in the financial 
and operating policy decisions of Cazoo.  
The Group provides no essential technical 
information to develop the Cazoo business 
and there is no interchange of managerial 
personnel between DMGT and Cazoo. 
Therefore, the Directors have concluded 
that the Group does not possess the ability 
to exert significant influence over Cazoo  
and accordingly the Group has not equity 
accounted for its interest. 

In line with FRC guidance the Group has 
charged all stranded, sunk and excess  
costs incurred solely as a reduction in or 
elimination of related revenue streams due 
to the Covid-19 crisis, against operating 
profits. The Group has also included agreed 
insurance claims relating to these costs 
within operating profits.

Based on our enquiries with management 
and the External Auditor we have concluded 
that all our accounting policies have been 
properly applied.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic 
on the Group’s revenues we have ensured 
that it remains appropriate to prepare the 
financial statements of the Group on a  
going concern basis. In determining the 
appropriateness of the going concern basis 
of preparation, we have considered and 
challenged the latest projections of financial 
performance for the Group for a period 
extending to at least 12 months from the 
date of signing these financial statements.

63

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Governance
Corporate Governance

The matter and its significance

Focus of work 

Comments and conclusion

The Annual Report includes a number of 
non-GAAP measures. See Notes 13, 15 
and 16.

Accounting judgements
Goodwill and intangible assets represent 
22.1% (2019 32%) and 8.1% (2019 9%) 
respectively of net assets. The Group has 
capitalised software development costs, 
other intangible assets and goodwill 
associated with acquisitions. 

In addition the Company holds shares in 
Group undertakings with a carrying value 
of £3,168 million. These carrying values 
need to be justified by reference to future 
economic benefits to the Group (see 
Notes 21 and 22).

We considered Covid-19 to be a trigger 
event for considering impairments.

64

In addition to the disclosure of operating 
profit, before and after specified 
adjustments, other non-GAAP measures, 
known as alternative performance measures 
(APMs), are disclosed in the Annual Report, 
e.g. underlying revenue growth, cash 
operating income and net cash to EBITDA 
ratio. We commissioned Internal Audit to 
review our APMs to ensure, whenever 
possible, that they were either sourced from 
third parties or otherwise robustly compiled.

We ensured that equal prominence was 
given to statutory measures and that 
explanations and reconciliations 
accompanied all alternative measures 
including pro forma figures quoted 
throughout the accounts

   Read more on page 57 regarding Fair, 

balanced and understandable

We continued to adjust operating profit for the 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets, as 
they relate to historical M&A activity rather 
than current trading. Additional adjustments 
have been made to exclude the impact of 
exceptional costs, impairments and other  
fair value adjustments.

These adjustments assist understanding  
the outcome for the reporting period.  
We confirmed the prominence of GAAP 
numbers and reviewed the reconciliation  
of APMs to GAAP.

We determined that the published information 
was of a high quality and helps shareholders 
understand progress. Sources of data  
are disclosed.

Capitalised computer software costs 
amounted to £4 million in the year compared 
to £14 million in 2019.

We were satisfied that costs that had been 
capitalised were appropriately held on the 
balance sheet.

We have ensured that capitalised costs  
were separately identifiable and met  
the requirements of the relevant  
accounting standards.

As part of our review of the carrying values  
of our intangible assets, we have considered 
whether there has been any event which 
triggered an impairment and have reviewed 
reports prepared by executive management  
to determine whether an impairment event 
has taken place.

We reviewed the carrying value of 
investments in the Company. We took 
account of: 

•  the Company’s capital structure; 
•  the voting control premium and an 

economic control premium on top of  
the quoted price of DMGT A shares;
•  recent volatility in market prices; and
illiquidity arising from thin trading.
• 

We reached the conclusion that the 
aggregate carrying value of the investments 
was justified notwithstanding the fact that 
the market capitalisation is substantially  
less than the aggregate carrying value. In 
addition, to justify the carrying values of 
shares in Group undertakings, goodwill 
and intangible assets, we have reviewed 
value in use calculations, based on the 
Board-approved five-year forecasts, focusing 
on long-term growth rates and discount 
rates. We have received input from both 
operational and financial management.

Our reviews included sensitivities to changes in 
assumptions which allowed us to understand 
the materiality of conclusions in the context  
of our financial reporting.

We focused our review on the UK Property 
Information business, the EdTech segment and 
CWC in the Events and Exhibitions segment.

We concluded that for the UK Property 
Information business, EdTech segment and 
CWC segment no impairment was necessary 
and that the UK Property Information business 
demonstrated headroom of £162 million,  
the EdTech segment headroom of £48 million 
and CWC headroom of £7 million.

We noted that dmg events had been unable 
to hold any physical exhibitions since the 
Covid-19 pandemic containment measures 
began in March 2020 through to September 
2020 and that events scheduled for FY 2021 
had been cancelled. As a result of this, both 
forecast revenues and profits have been 
lowered and therefore an impairment charge 
of £9 million has been taken in the year. We 
note that owing to the continuing uncertainty 
around physical events, we will continue to 
monitor the situation closely for further 
indications of impairment.

In relation to the Company’s shares in Group 
undertakings a charge of £336 million has been 
made in the period against the Company’s 
interests in Consumer Media and Events and 
Exhibitions businesses offset by a release  
of £258 million in relation to the Company’s 
interests in business to businesses facing assets. 

In addition, we are satisfied that judgemental 
matters have been explained and appropriate 
disclosures made.

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

The matter and its significance

Focus of work 

Comments and conclusion

The Group carries deferred tax assets in 
respect of brought forward losses and 
deferred interest that represent 4% 
(2019 8%) of net assets (see Note 37).

At the year end the Group held deferred tax 
assets of £44 million (2019 £58 million) in 
respect of brought forward losses and 
deferred interest.

The Group actively manages its portfolio 
of investments and consequently is active 
in making acquisitions and disposals. 
Transactions that contain unusual terms 
and/or innovative structures would 
require the accounting treatment to  
be carefully considered.

During the year, £120 million was incurred 
on acquisitions and £311 million was 
realised on disposals (see Notes 8, 17 
and 18).

We carefully consider judgemental accounting 
and the carrying value of intangible assets 
and goodwill.

We reviewed the valuation of the fair value  
of the Company’s equity investments.

Internal Audit reviews all significant 
acquisitions within 12 months of the  
relevant acquisition.

We continue to negotiate a settlement of the 
claim brought by the US Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) (Note 19).

Accounting estimates
The Group records provisions for lawsuits 
and claims when it is probable that a 
liability will be incurred and the amount of 
the loss can be reasonably estimated. The 
amounts accrued for legal contingencies 
often result from complex judgements 
about future events and uncertainties that 
rely heavily on estimates and assumptions.

During the year the Group wrote off a deferred 
tax asset in respect of £134 million of deferred 
interest and £74 million of tax losses in the UK 
that are now no longer expected to be offset 
against future profits, but recognised a 
previously unrecognised deferred tax asset  
in respect of £162 million of deferred interest 
in the US that is now expected to be offset 
against future profits; this resulted in a net 
deferred tax charge of £6 million. The Group 
also wrote off a deferred tax asset of £9 million 
in respect of US state tax credits that are no 
longer expected to be offset against future  
tax liabilities.

The Investment & Finance Committee oversees 
all acquisition and disposal activity. There are 
three common Audit & Risk Committee 
members. We were satisfied with the 
judgements made in the year.

We performed a robust review of the treatment 
of acquisitions and disposals during the year 
and were satisfied with the treatments  
and calculations.

We considered the appropriateness of the 
accounting treatment of Cazoo, the disposals 
of Genscape, Inframation and Buildfax, and  
the acquisitions of the ‘i’, OneSearch Direct 
and Addisbuild. 

We are satisfied that an outflow remains 
probable and the Group made a provision in 
FY 2019 in line with the potential maximum 
amount payable. Further to ongoing 
negotiations with the EPA, we reduced this 
provision during FY 2020.

The basis for the calculation of the provision 
using a two-year average price for Renewable 
Identification Numbers was reviewed at the 
time the provision was made and considered 
reasonable taking account of the liquidity 
and volatility in the market price of 
Renewable Identification Numbers.

Other financial matters
In addition to the significant matters 
addressed above, the Audit & Risk Committee 
maintains a rolling agenda of items for its 
review, including: capital strategy; financial 
and treasury management; feedback from 
analysts and investors; reconciliations of 
reported financial results with management 
accounts; tax management; and litigation. 
Nothing of significance arose in respect of 
those reviews during the year. There was 
no interaction with the FRC Corporate 
Reporting team during the year and no 
disagreement over accounting or reporting 
outcomes with management or the External 
Auditor during the reporting period. 

Oversight
The Audit & Risk Committee has oversight 
responsibility for risks and controls and 
direct responsibility for the operation of the 
Internal Audit function; this is described in 
detail in the Risk section.

   Read more about our approach to 
Internal Audit, pages 40 and 41

External Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is DMGT’s 
External Auditor. The lead audit partner is 
Phil Stokes, who succeeded Neil Grimes at 
the start of FY 2020. 

PwC’s first audit of DMGT was in respect of the 
year ended 30 September 2015, following a 
competitive tender process. The Audit & Risk 
Committee has responsibility for making 
recommendations to the Board on the 
reappointment of the External Auditor,  
for determining its fee and for ensuring its 
independence of the Group and management. 
The External Auditor stands for reappointment 
at the AGM. There are no concerns over the 
quality of the service or opinion. Therefore, 
the Audit & Risk Committee recommended 
to the Board that it recommends to the 
shareholders that PwC be re-elected with 
a view to serving a second five-year term 
in office.

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Governance
Corporate Governance

Auditor independence
The Audit & Risk Committee considered  
the safeguards in place to protect the  
External Auditor’s independence. In 
particular, the Committee has ensured  
that the Company’s policy on the External 
Auditor’s independence is consistent with 
the Ethical Standard set out by the FRC in 
the UK. PwC reviewed its own independence 
in line with this criterion and its own ethical 
guideline standards. PwC confirmed to the 
Committee that following this review it was 
satisfied that it had acted in accordance  
with relevant regulatory and professional 
requirements and that its objectivity  
is not compromised.

To ensure no conflicts of independence 
arising from auditors being responsible for 
non-audit work, the Audit & Risk Committee 
reviewed and approved the policy on 
non-audit services. The review included 
consideration of the process to manage the 
engagement of PwC, regulatory changes  
and good practice. 

As a result of reduction in Group size, together 
with the impact of Covid-19, the materiality 
thresholds have been revised downwards. 
This decrease results in additional audit 
effort which is reflected in an increase in 
audit fees. Additional audit work resulting 
from regulatory changes has also been 
reflected. Added with this are non-recurring 
fees for acquisitions such as the ‘i’ and 
additional work undertaken related to 
Covid-19 on impairments and Going concern. 

Management has worked with PwC to 
identify ways in which we can eliminate any 
inefficiencies or help reduce audit effort in 
order to help lower audit fees where possible. 

The audit fee payable to PwC amounts to 
£2.3 million (2019 £2.7 million). The Audit & 
Risk Committee is satisfied that the fee is 
commensurate with the quality of audit 
provided by PwC. In addition to the  
Group’s policy, PwC has confirmed that any 
non-audit work commissioned by the Group 
is reviewed for compliance with its internal 
policy on the provision of non-audit services.

The cap on non-audit service fees is set at 
70% of the average audit fees for the 
preceding three years. The total non-audit 
fees paid to PwC amounted to £0.4 million 
(2019 £0.8 million) which translates to a 
non-audit fee to audit fee percentage of 17% 
(2019 29%). The Committee is satisfied that 
PwC was selected based on individuals’ 
particular expertise, knowledge and 
experience and that the work did not impair 

66

PwC’s independence as External Auditor  
(see Note 5). All non-audit work undertaken 
by PwC was approved by the Committee.

The Committee, having taken account of 
PwC’s confirmations, is satisfied that PwC  
is independent of DMGT and its subsidiaries 
and has no connection with any member  
of the Committee. 

Audit quality and materiality
The Audit & Risk Committee places great 
importance on ensuring that there are high 
standards of quality and effectiveness in the 
external audit process.

In addition, the Committee reviewed PwC’s 
scope and approved the external audit plan 
to ensure that it is consistent with the scope 
of the External Audit engagement.

The Committee discussed significant and 
elevated risk areas that are most likely to 
give rise to a material financial reporting 
error or those that are perceived to be of  
a higher risk and requiring audit emphasis 
(including those set out in PwC’s report on 
pages 97 to 106). The Committee considered 
the audit scope and materiality threshold. 
This included the Group-wide risks and local 
statutory reporting, enhanced by desktop 
reviews for smaller, low-risk entities. 83% 
(2019 83%) of the revenue and 75% (2019 
78%) of adjusted profit was fully audited;  
the balance of revenue and profit was 
covered by desktop reviews.

We have discussed the accuracy of financial 
reporting (known as materiality) with PwC, 
both as regards to accounting errors that will 
be brought to the Audit & Risk Committee’s 
attention, and as regards to amounts that 
would need to be adjusted so that the 
financial statements give a true and fair view. 
Errors can arise for many reasons, ranging 
from deliberate errors (fraud), to good 
estimates that were made at a point in time 
that, with the benefit of more time, could 
have been more accurately measured.

Overall audit materiality has been set at 
£4.3 million (2019 £7.25 million). This equates 
to approximately 5% (2019 5%) of adjusted 
profit before tax, as reported in the income 
statement. This is within the range that audit 
opinions are conventionally thought to be 
reliable. To manage the risk that aggregate 
uncorrected errors become material,  
we agreed that audit testing would be 
performed to a lower materiality threshold 
of £3.2 million (2019 £5.4 million). PwC has 
drawn the Committee’s attention to all 
identified uncorrected misstatements 
greater than £215,000 (£0.2 million). 

The aggregate net difference between the 
reported adjusted profit before tax and the 
Auditor’s judgement of net adjusted profit 
before tax was £1.0 million, which was 
significantly less than audit materiality. The 
gross differences were attributable to various 
individual components of the income statement.

No audit difference was material to any line 
item in either the income statement or the 
balance sheet. Accordingly, the Committee did 
not require any adjustment to be made to the 
financial statements as a result of the audit 
differences reported by the External Auditor.

PwC has outlined to the Audit & Risk Committee 
the professional development programme 
applicable to the partners and employees 
engaged on our audit, has reviewed key 
judgements taken during the course of the 
audit, and confirmed the audit complies with 
its internal independent review procedures. 
We have reviewed the professional skills, 
knowledge and scepticism of key members of 
the audit team including the Group team and 
partners responsible for the divisional audits.

We have reviewed PwC’s latest available 
transparency report. The FY 2019 audit of  
DMGT was not subject to re-review by the FRC 
but was subject to PwC’s internal review.

During the year, the Audit & Risk Committee 
reviewed the quality of the FY 2019 audit,  
taking account of PwC’s internal assessment, 
management’s assessment and the Committee’s 
assessment. The Committee was satisfied with 
the robustness of the opinion and with the 
audit service. In particular, the Audit & Risk 
Committee was pleased with an overall 
improvement in service scores. Based on the 
information currently available, which draws  
on the enquiries outlined above and informal 
soundings of management, the Audit & Risk 
Committee anticipates it will conclude there 
has been a robust, high-quality audit for the 
year ended 30 September 2020, both in respect 
of PwC’s opinion and service.

The Committee has consequently 
recommended that PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP be reappointed as Auditor at the 2021 AGM.

The Audit & Risk Committee Report was 
approved by the Board on 20 November 2020 
and signed on its behalf by the Audit & Risk 
Committee Chairman.

On behalf of the Audit & Risk Committee

Kevin Parry
Audit & Risk Committee Chairman

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Remuneration & Nominations Committee
The Remuneration & Nominations Committee meetings are held together. 
Remuneration items are taken separately to the Nominations items. 

The Remuneration element of the Committee is described within the Remuneration Report 
on pages 68 to 91.

The Nominations element of the Committee is described below. It keeps under regular review 
the structure and composition of the Board and its Committees, particularly the skills, 
knowledge and experience of the Directors to ensure that these remain aligned with the 
Group’s developing requirements and strategic agenda.

Membership
The Chairman of the Committee is Lord Rothermere, and the majority of its members are 
not considered to be independent under the Code. Heidi Roizen and JP Rangaswami are 
both independent Non-Executives on the Committee. Dominique Trempont ceased to be 
considered independent under Provision 10 of the Code in February 2020 as he has served 
on the Board for nine years. David Nelson and Dominique Trempont are Non-Executives who, 
like Heidi Roizen and JP Rangaswami, are not involved in management. 

Although Lord Rothermere as Chairman does not meet Provision 32 of the Code, as the holder 
of all the Ordinary Shares and the largest holder of A Shares of the Company through the 
Trust, the Board considers that Lord Rothermere’s interests are fully aligned with those of 
other shareholders. Furthermore, the Board believes that although not independent under 
the Code, David Nelson and Dominique Trempont are independent of the Executive Directors, 
have invaluable experience of the Company, its businesses and its employees, and clearly 
represent the interests of shareholders. The Committee is confident that its membership 
ensures that it carries out all aspects of its role with proper and appropriate regard to 
long-term shareholder interests.

The Remuneration & Nominations Committee has been supported in its activities during the 
year by the CEO, the Group Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Reward and Benefits. 
Membership and meetings are shown below.

Member

Member for  
full period

Meetings 
held

Meetings 
attended

The Viscount Rothermere (Chairman)
D H Nelson
JP Rangaswami*
(from 5 February 2020)
J H Roizen* 
D Trempont

Yes
Yes
No

Yes
Yes

* 

Independent.

Governance
•  The combined Remuneration & 

Nominations Committee reviewed its 
Terms of Reference during the year.
•  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 who has served  
a term in excess of six years.
•  The Committee reviewed the 

independence of Non-Executive Directors 
and agreed to recommend that Kevin 
Parry, JP Rangaswami and Heidi Roizen 
continued to be considered independent 
in accordance with Code Provision 10. 
Filippa Wallestam is considered 
independent under the Code.

6
6
6

6
6

6
6
4

6
6

•  Andrew Lane, David Nelson and 

François Morin were not considered 
independent due to their connection 
to Rothermere Continuation Limited. 
Dominique Trempont ceased to be 
considered independent during the year 
as he has served on the Board for more 
than nine years.

•  The process for appointing Directors 
depends on which role is being filled. 
External recruiters and other methods have 
been used to identify potential candidates.

•  In line with Code Provision 12, the 

Non-Executive Directors met with the 
Chairman without the Executive  
Directors present. 

Key activities of the Nominations 
element of the Remuneration & 
Nominations Committee
•  Reviewing arrangements for the Salary 
Substitution Share Plan in response  
to Covid-19.

•  Reviewing the Letter of Engagement 
with each Non-Executive Director 
to ensure the provisions remain in 
line with best practice, following 
shareholder approval at the AGM.

•  Re-engaging the service of 

Non-Executive Directors for a further 
period of a minimum of one year.

•  Reviewing time commitments required 

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

•  In line with Provision 18 of the Code, 
recommending that all Directors 
stand for re-election at the AGM.
•  Discussing Board and Committee 

composition and longevity of service, 
and Board independence.

•  Considering a diverse pipeline of 
candidates for Non-Executive 
appointments and recommending  
the appointment of Filippa Wallestam 
to the Board.

•  Reviewing the Committee’s 

effectiveness and governance 
activities against best practice.
•  Reviewing the Board Evaluation 
process as described on page 57.

•  Reviewing Gender Pay disclosure and 
gender balance of senior executives 
as described on page 33.

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

•  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 diverse balance 
of skills and experience reflected;

•  continuing to review succession 

planning for the Executive Directors; and

•  reviewing the Committee’s 

effectiveness.

This Governance Report was approved 
by the Board on 20 November 2020 and 
signed on its behalf by the Chairman.

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

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Governance
Remuneration Report

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

Chairman’s statement  
on remuneration 
Remuneration at a glance 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy  
Annual Report on Remuneration 
Implementation of Remuneration 
Policy in FY 2021 

68
71
72
81

91

Chairman’s statement  
on remuneration
As Chairman of the Remuneration & 
Nominations Committee (Committee), 
I am pleased to present the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report (DRR) for FY 2020. 

I should firstly emphasise that the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy changes outlined below 
have been determined by the Non-Executive 
Directors of the Committee, without my 
personal involvement in these decisions.

Long-term Incentives Review and Policy 
change
A new Directors’ Remuneration Policy was 
approved at the February 2020 AGM, further 
to a review by the Committee during FY 2019 
and the requirement to submit a new policy 
three years after the last shareholder 
approved policy in February 2017.

Since then, discussions on long-term 
incentive arrangements for Executive 
Directors have continued throughout the 
course of FY 2020. The Committee has 
specifically reflected on how best to set 
appropriate and measurable financial and 
strategic performance objectives for DMGT 
over the long-term, especially in the context 
of the Group’s actively managed portfolio 
which may change materially over the period 
covered by a long-term incentive plan.

The Committee recognises that DMGT 
has a particularly long-term approach 
to shareholder value creation and has 
therefore designed a bespoke long-term 
incentive plan for Executive Directors 
(ED LTIP) to best align their interests with 
those of shareholders. The planned awards 
for the current Executive Directors will span 
12 years – three awards pursuant to which 
shares will accrue and be delivered at 
the end of a different ten year period. 

The Executive Directors will therefore  
be strongly incentivised to deliver value 
creation through share price appreciation 
and dividend payments over that period.

The structure of the ED LTIP, with an annual 
tranche of share awards, will be phased  
in over three consecutive financial years, 
as the 2017 LTIP matures.

The ED LTIP will be introduced from FY 2020 
onwards, subject to formal shareholder 
approval at the February 2021 AGM. 
Accordingly, no awards have been made 
under either part of the 2020 LTIP 
(Performance LTIP and Conditional  
Share Award), as described in last year’s 
Annual Report. 

The key design features of the ED LTIP are 
as follows:

•  The Committee intends to grant three 

Awards to the Executive Directors under 
the ED LTIP covering the following periods: 
1 October 2019 to 30 September 2029, 
1 October 2020 to 30 September 2030,  
and 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2031. 
Once these three Awards have been made, 
no further Awards are intended to be 
made to the current Executive Directors 
until after 30 September 2029.

•  The combined Award will be calculated on 
the basis of an annual amount multiplied 
by ten years. This value will then be split in 
three and there will be a different accrual 
schedule for each of the three Awards.

•  For the purposes of calculating the 

combined Award to the current Executive 
Directors, the annual amount has been  
set at 40% of the previous Maximum LTIP 
award for the Executive Chairman, CEO 
and Group Chief Financial Officer and  
38% of the previous Maximum LTIP award 
for the Chief Executive of dmg media, 
resulting in a combined award value of 
2,000% of base salary for the Executive 
Chairman, CEO and Group Chief Financial 
Officer and 1,600% of base salary for the 
Chief Executive of dmg media.

The proposed changes to our 
incentive arrangements recognise 
that DMGT has a particularly 
long-term approach, focusing on 
delivering value to shareholders 
over the long term.”

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Key Strategic Priorities

Improving operational execution

Increasing portfolio focus

Maintaining financial flexibility

•  The number of shares subject to each 

•  Awards are entitled to dividend 

Award will be calculated by reference to 
the Volume Weighted Average of DMGT’s 
share price (VWAP) in the twelve months 
period up to and including the third day 
after the announcement of the financial 
results for the financial year prior to the 
beginning of the accrual schedule. For the 
first Award (for the period 1 October 2019 
to 30 September 2029), the share price  
for the purpose of the calculation will  
be £6.82 based on the above VWAP 
methodology for the twelve months up  
to and including 9 December 2019.

•  The Awards will be granted on the terms 

that the shares will be delivered at the end 
of a ten year period (aligning with the 
Company’s financial year). The Awards will 
accrue at a rate of one-eighth on the last 
day of each financial year from year three 
through to year ten.

•  Executive Directors who leave DMGT 

during the ten-year period will be treated 
according to leaver provisions in the ED 
LTIP rules, with pro-rating typically 
applied after the third anniversary of the 
award. Executive Directors who are good 
leavers will have pro-rating applied from 
the start of the ten-year period. Awards for 
Executive Directors who are dismissed for 
cause will lapse in full.

•  Awards will vest subject to satisfactory 
financial performance over the ten-year 
period or earlier if the Executive Director 
leaves during the ten-year period or there 
is a Company event. Further details of the 
performance condition(s) will be disclosed 
when the first Awards are made under the 
ED LTIP after the February 2021 AGM.

•  Awards will normally be delivered in 

shares following the announcement of the 
results for the final financial year of the 
accrual schedule, usually in December. 
The Committee has the discretion to 
alternatively settle Awards in cash. 

equivalents that will be paid after the 
shares are delivered. For those Executive 
Directors that remain employed for the 
entire accrual period, they will receive an 
amount (in cash or shares) equivalent in 
value to the sum of all dividends declared 
during the accrual period as if the 
dividends had been reinvested in DMGT 
shares at the time the dividends would 
have been paid. 

The above changes to Policy (which apply 
to long-term incentives only) and the new 
ED LTIP will be submitted for formal 
shareholder approval at the February 
2021 AGM. 

Salary Substitution Plan
Due to the significant impact of Covid-19 
on DMGT and its operating companies 
portfolio, in particular the Consumer 
businesses, the Salary Substitution Plan 
(SSP) was introduced this year, as a one-off 
Award for Executive Directors and eligible 
employees, above a set base salary 
threshold, at DMGT Centre, dmg media  
in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland  
and Landmark in the UK and Ireland.

Participants in the SSP were asked to 
exchange a percentage of base salary  
and corresponding employer pension 
contributions, over a three-month period 
during FY 2020, in return for an award of 
equivalent value in DMGT shares which will 
vest on 29 January 2021. The number of 
shares subject to an Award was calculated 
based on a share price of £6.69 and the 
Company has provided an underpin, so that 
if the share price on the vesting date is below 
that share price, participants will not incur 
any loss.

The SSP was well received by employees, 
many of whom welcomed the opportunity 
of becoming shareholders in DMGT. Some 
employees with a base salary below the 
threshold opted to participate in the SSP, 
whilst other employees opted to increase 

their participation percentage up to a 
maximum of 30% base salary. 

All of the Non-Executive Directors have 
participated in the SSP on a cash basis only. 

SSP awards for the EDs are shown in table 1 
on page 82 and table 4.1 on page 84. 

Pay review for FY 2021
The Committee regularly reviews all aspects 
of the competitive position of remuneration 
for the Executive Directors by undertaking 
periodic market benchmarking. This year, 
the Committee decided not to award base 
salary increases to Executive Directors from 
the start of FY 2021, in line with a general  
pay freeze for the majority of DMGT 
employees, due to the impact of Covid-19  
on our businesses. 

Executive Directors’ bonus payments 
for FY 2020
In FY 2020, as disclosed in last year’s DRR, 
we used two metrics in the annual bonus; 
revenue and cash operating income, 
weighted evenly. Cash operating income, 
which is operating profit plus depreciation 
and amortisation less capital expenditure,  
is a metric that captures both profit and the 
underlying cash generation of the Group. 
The same two metrics will continue to be 
used in the annual bonus plan for FY 2021.

The FY 2020 plan included an adjustment, to 
ensure that participants did not benefit from, 
and were not penalised by, short-term 
currency fluctuations beyond Management’s 
control. This will also continue in FY 2021.

The purpose of the annual bonus plan is to 
focus the participants on delivering short-term 
financial expectations. Covid-19 impacted 
on all of DMGT’s businesses and as a result 
revenue and cash OI targets were not 
achieved. In reviewing performance for  
the year, the Committee reviewed DMGT’s 
reaction to Covid-19 and concluded  
that Management reacted quickly and 
appropriately to the pandemic, balancing 
the short-term impact on profitability with 
the longer-term success of the businesses. 

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Governance
Remuneration Report

2015 LTIP
The vesting of the LTIP award made in 
December 2015 was measured against the 
following priorities:

Given this performance, the Committee has 
determined that the 2015 LTIP award should 
vest in full in December 2020. For more 
information see table 4.2 on page 85.

•  grow the B2B businesses;

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

•  grow sustainable earnings and dividends; 

and

• 

increase DMGT’s exposure to growth 
economies and to international 
opportunities.

We have continued to make progress against 
these priorities: 

•  Over the last five years B2B revenues, 
excluding Euromoney, achieved an 
average annual increase of 1% on an 
underlying basis. Prior to FY 2020 the 
increase was 3%, with growth in FY 2020 
being negatively impacted by the  
Covid-19 pandemic.

•  MailOnline revenues have grown from 

£73 million in FY 2015 to £144 million in 
FY 2020. 

•  Dividends per share continued to grow  

in real terms and international revenues, 
despite declining from 49% to 43% over 
the period as a result of business disposals, 
continued to represent a significant focus 
of DMGT’s diversified portfolio.

Operating company incentive plans 
Incentive plans across our operating 
companies are designed to reward 
sustainable revenue and profitable growth 
and act as a retention tool to motivate  
and incentivise senior employees.

We focus on ensuring that performance 
measures and targets are consistent with 
business objectives and circumstances,  
the Group’s long-term strategy and the 
creation of shareholder value.

For each operating company, we also 
consider its sector, geography and portfolio 
role within the Group.

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
As noted above, the new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and ED LTIP will be 
submitted for approval by shareholders at 
the February 2021 AGM. The Policy will apply 
for three years from FY 2021 to FY 2023. 

The Viscount Rothermere
Chairman

Throughout the period, DMGT services and 
offerings were uninterrupted, including the 
provision of essential news channels. As a 
result the Committee determined that it 
would apply a discretionary annual bonus 
payment for two of DMGT’s businesses,  
25% of Maximum for media and 16.6%  
of Maximum for events, to recognise the 
respective management teams’ significant 
contributions and efforts during the year.

The effect of this discretion was then 
recognised and approved by the Committee 
in the calculation of the annual bonus for the 
Executive Directors which resulted in them 
receiving a discretionary annual bonus of 
36% of Maximum against a calculated result 
of 23% of Maximum. 

The bonus paid to Kevin Beatty, Chief 
Executive of dmg media, at 28% of 
Maximum, reflects the effect of Committee 
discretion applied to the media and DMGT 
bonus calculations.

Details of the Executive Directors’ bonuses 
for FY 2020 are shown in tables 2.1 and 2.2 
on page 83.

Long-term incentive awards vesting 
in FY 2020
2017 LTIP
The second LTIP award under the Executive 
Incentive Plan (EIP) over the period FY 2018 
to FY 2020 is based on the Executive 
Directors receiving a percentage of the 
growth in profit above a defined threshold 
(eligible profit) over the three-year 
performance period converted into shares.

The calculated result reflects exceptional 
performance during the LTIP period, driven 
by the value creation resulting from the sale 
of our stake in ZPG Plc and the April 2019 
Distributions (disposal of Euromoney),  
and therefore the maximum award vests  
for each of the Executive Directors. 

Further details are shown in table 4.3 on 
page 86. 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

FY 2020 Remuneration outcomes for the Executive Directors
The table below summarises the remuneration for the Executive Directors in FY 2020:

Salary 2020
Bonus
As a % of salary

Taxable benefits
Salary Substitution Plan
Pension benefits
LTIP awards vesting in year including dividend equivalents
Other awards realised in year including dividend equivalents

Total remuneration FY 2020

Total remuneration FY 2019

The Viscount
Rothermere
£000

P A
Zwillenberg
£000

822
634
72%

56
72
304
5,091
–

6,981

3,714

737
568
72%

48
61
221
5,091
–

6,727

3,719

T G 
Collier
£000

492
378
72%

43
39
123
3,055
1,278

5,407

2,841

K J
Beatty
£000

723
132
17%

23
75
267
3,906
4

5,130

2,916

Total
£000

2,774
1,712

170
248
916
17,144
1,282

24,245

13,191

Key elements of remuneration for the Executive Directors in FY 2021
The key elements of remuneration applicable for the Executive Directors in FY 2021 are shown below:

The Viscount 
Rothermere

Salary
£875,200  

P A Zwillenberg

£784,400 

T G Collier

£522,750 

K J Beatty

£777,750 

Annual bonus 
deferral
None applies.

Annual bonus 
opportunity
100% of salary 
on target.

200% of salary 
maximum.

100% of salary 
on target.

200% of salary 
maximum.

Any amount 
above target 
deferred into nil 
cost options for 
two years.

100% of salary 
on target.

200% of salary 
maximum.

Any amount 
above target 
deferred into nil 
cost options for 
two years.

30% of salary on 
target.

60% of salary 
maximum.

Any amount 
above target 
deferred into nil 
cost options for 
two years.

ED LTIP
Annual amount of 200% of 
salary translating to a total 
ED LTIP award of 2,000% 
base salary, split evenly into 
three conditional share 
awards, with full vesting 
over a 12-year period.
Annual amount of 200% of 
salary translating to a total 
ED LTIP award of 2,000% 
base salary, split evenly into 
three conditional share 
awards, with full vesting 
over a 12-year period.
Annual amount of 200% of 
salary translating to a total 
ED LTIP award of 2,000% 
base salary, split evenly into 
three conditional share 
awards, with full vesting 
over a 12-year period.
Annual amount of 160% of 
salary translating to a total 
ED LTIP award of 1,600% 
base salary, split evenly into 
three conditional share 
awards, with full vesting 
over a 12-year period.

Pension
Allowance of 
37% of salary

Benefits
Car allowance 
and driver.

Family medical 
insurance, 
Life assurance.

Allowance of 
30% of salary

Car allowance 
and driver.

Allowance of 
25% of salary

Family medical 
insurance, 
Life Assurance, 
Tax reporting.

Car allowance.

Family medical 
insurance, 
Life Assurance, 
Tax reporting.

Allowance of 
37% of salary

Car allowance 
and driver. 

Family medical 
insurance, 
Life assurance.

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Governance
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Directors’ Remuneration Policy
This part of the report sets out the Company’s proposed policy for the remuneration of Directors (Policy) for FY 2021 to FY 2023 which will  
be put forward for formal approval by shareholders at the AGM on 3 February 2021. The current and proposed Policy can be found on the 
Company website.

At the AGM in February 2020 the current Policy was formally approved by shareholders, the Policy received 19,890,364 (100%) votes for,  
with no votes against and no abstentions. 

The Committee has reviewed key aspects of the Policy. The proposed changes to LTIP arrangements are set out in the Chairman’s statement 
on remuneration and described in the Policy set out on pages 72 to 80. This Policy is intended to apply for a three-year period after the 
3 February 2021 AGM. 

Policy overview
The Committee aims to structure remuneration packages which attract, motivate and retain Executive Directors, drive the right behaviours 
and pay at competitive market rates. The Committee considers that a successful Policy needs to be sufficiently flexible to take account of 
commercial demands, changing market practice and shareholder expectations. Our approach is to align base salary with reference to market 
levels of pay and to ensure that a significant part of Executive Director pay is variable and linked to the success of DMGT. 

The Committee regularly reviews remuneration structures to ensure they are aligned to business strategy. The Policy incorporates a degree 
of flexibility to allow the Committee to manage remuneration over its three-year life.

Policy applied to Executive Directors

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Not performance related.

Not performance related.

Annual base salary increases, 
where made, are normally 
in line with average UK and 
US-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’.

The base salary for each 
Executive Director is set at a 
level the Committee considers 
appropriate taking account 
of the individual’s skills, 
experience and performance, 
and the external environment.

Base salaries for FY 2021 are 
set out on page 91.

For Executive Directors who 
previously participated in 
the defined benefit scheme, 
the pension allowance was 
agreed at 37% of base salary. 
30% of base salary or less 
for other Executive Directors 
and new recruits.

Purpose and link to strategy Operation
Base salary
To recruit, retain 
and reflect 
responsibilities of the 
Executive Directors 
and be competitive 
with peer companies.

The base salary for each Executive Director is 
reviewed annually for the following year taking into 
account contractual agreements, general economic 
and market conditions and the level of salary 
increases made across the Group as a whole.

Given the location of the Company’s principal 
operations, a particular focus is put on US and UK 
market conditions.

Benchmarking based on media, B2B, technology 
and other relevant companies is performed 
periodically and the Committee’s intention is 
to apply judgement in evaluating such market data.

Pension
To recruit, retain  
and reflect 
responsibilities of the 
Executive Directors 
and be competitive 
with peer companies.

Executive Directors may participate in a defined 
contribution pension scheme or may receive a cash 
allowance in lieu of employer pension contributions. 
Any contributions paid to the Company pension 
scheme will be offset from the cash allowance.

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Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Benefits
To recruit, retain  
and reflect 
responsibilities of the 
Executive Directors 
and be competitive 
with peer companies.

Benefits typically include cash allowances  
such as car allowance and non-cash benefits  
such as medical insurance and life assurance.  
Where appropriate, the Committee may also 
offer allowances for relocation or other benefits 
where it concludes that it is in the interest  
of the Company to do so, having regard 
to the particular circumstances of the Executive 
Director and to market practice. 

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Benefits may vary by role and 
individual circumstances.

Benefits are not 
performance related.

The cost of benefits changes 
periodically and may be 
determined by outside 
providers.

Annual bonus
To focus Executive 
Directors on the 
delivery of financial 
performance and 
strategic objectives 
which create value 
for the Company 
and shareholders.

Allowances do not form part of 
pensionable earnings.

Executive Directors are also eligible to participate in 
the DMGT SharePurchase+ plan, an all-employee 
HMRC approved share incentive plan, on the same 
basis as other employees.

The annual bonus is based on in-year performance 
against financial objectives. The performance 
targets and measures are determined annually by 
the Committee and may change from year to year:

•  up to 100% of total bonus opportunity is based on 
financial performance at corporate and business 
unit level; and

•  a proportion of total bonus opportunity however, 
may be based on performance against strategic 
non-financial objectives if the Committee  
so chooses.

The bonus weightings applied for each of the 
Executive Directors may vary from time to time and 
may include financial measures and targets relating 
to the Group as well as their specific business.  
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 table 2.2 on page 83.

Annual bonus 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.

Annual bonuses are subject to malus prior to 
payment, and to clawback for two years after 
payment, in circumstances including a material 
misstatement in results, an error in calculating or 
assessing satisfaction of any performance condition, 
the participant causing material reputational 
damage to any member of the Group or serious 
misconduct by the participant causing loss to any 
member of the Group.

Bonuses are subject to the 
achievement of financial 
measures set by the 
Committee. These measures 
may be varied from year  
to year. The measures for 
determining the annual 
bonus in FY 2020 were 
revenue and cash operating 
income and this will continue 
to be the case for FY 2021. 

The performance required 
for a Maximum payout is set 
at a stretch performance 
level that is above the level 
of the Company’s forecasts. 
If performance is in line with 
forecast, then typically the 
Target level of the annual 
bonus will be paid.

The weightings that were 
applied to the FY 2020 bonus 
targets are as reported in 
table 2.2 on page 83.

Target and Maximum annual 
bonus opportunity are 
as follows:

•  for the Executive Chairman, 

CEO and Group Chief 
Financial Officer, 
100%/200% of salary; and
•  for the Chief Executive of 
dmg media, 30%/60% 
of salary.

The Maximum for new recruits 
will not exceed 200% of salary.

The achievement of stretch 
targets results in Maximum 
payout. Target bonus is set 
at 50% of Maximum. There 
is normally no payout for 
performance at or below 
Threshold. Payout between 
Threshold, Target and 
Maximum is calculated on  
a straight-line basis.

The performance range sets 
a balance between upside 
opportunity and downside 
risk and is normally based 
on targets in accordance  
with the annual budget.

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Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

All Executive Directors 
(with the exception of Lord 
Rothermere) are required to 
defer any above-Target annual 
bonus into nil cost options for 
two years.

No further performance 
conditions are imposed 
except for continued 
employment during  
the two-year period. 

Awards will vest subject  
to satisfactory Company 
financial performance over 
the ten-year period or earlier 
if the Executive Director 
leaves during the ten-year 
period or there is a Company 
event. Further details of the 
performance condition(s) 
will be disclosed when the 
first Awards are made under 
the ED LTIP after the 
February 2021 AGM.

The annual amount has  
been set at two-fifths of the 
previous Maximum LTIP award 
for the Executive Chairman, 
CEO and Group Chief Financial 
Officer, and 38% of the 
previous Maximum LTIP award 
for the Chief Executive of 
dmg media, resulting in a 
combined award value of 
2,000% of base salary for the 
Executive Chairman, CEO and 
Group Chief Financial Officer 
and 1,600% of base salary 
for the CEO – dmg media. 
The Maximum value will be 
calculated using the FY 2021 
base salary for existing 
Executive Directors and 
converted into shares as set 
out left. Dividend equivalents 
will also be payable on awards 
under the ED LTIP and these 
are in addition to the 
Maximums set out above.

Bonus deferral
To provide an 
element of retention 
and align Executive 
Directors’ interests 
with those 
of shareholders.

Long-term 
incentives 
To focus Executive 
Directors on the 
delivery of financial 
and strategic 
priorities creating 
sustainable 
long-term value for 
the Company and 
shareholders, 
thereby aligning 
Executive Directors’ 
interests with the 
interests of 
the Company and 
shareholders.

Amounts above Target of some Executive Directors’ 
annual bonus is deferred for a period of two years 
into nil-cost options. 

Following the exercise of an option, 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.

Clawback of vested and unvested awards 
is possible in the event of material misstatement  
of information or misconduct.

The new Executive Director Long-term Incentive 
Plan (ED LTIP) will be introduced, subject to formal 
shareholder approval at the 3 February 2021 AGM.

The Committee intends to grant three Awards to the 
Executive Directors under the ED LTIP covering the 
following periods: 1 October 2019 to 30 September 
2029, 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2030, and 
1 October 2021 to 30 September 2031. Once these 
three Awards have been made, no further Awards 
are intended to be made to the existing Executive 
Directors until after 30 September 2029, but awards 
could be made to new Executive Directors.

Awards will be made in the form of conditional share 
awards, but the ED LTIP also allows for the grant of 
nil-cost options. The number of shares subject to 
each Award will be calculated by dividing the value 
of the Award by the Volume Weighted Average of 
DMGT’s share price (VWAP) in the twelve months 
period up to and including the third day after the 
announcement of the financial results for the 
financial year prior to the beginning of the accrual 
schedule are announced. 

The three planned Awards to the Executive Directors 
will be granted on the terms that shares will 
normally only be delivered at the end of a ten-year 
period (aligning with the Company’s financial year), 
subject to leaver provisions and Company event 
provisions. The three planned Awards to existing 
Executive Directors will accrue over an accrual 
period of ten years. The accrual period for the three 
planned Awards to existing Executive Directors will 
work in such a way that the Awards will accrue 
annually at a rate of one-eighth in each year from 
the end of year three through to the end of year ten. 
For Awards to new Executive Directors, the 
Committee will set the accrual schedule.

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Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Long-term 
incentives 
continued 

Shareholding 
requirement
To align the 
interests of 
Executive 
Directors and 
shareholders. 

Awards will normally be delivered in shares 
following the announcement of the results for the 
final financial year of the accrual schedule, usually 
in December. The Committee has the discretion to 
alternatively settle Awards in cash.

Awards are entitled to dividend equivalents that  
are paid when the shares are delivered. For those 
Executive Directors that remain employed for the 
entire accrual period, they receive an amount 
equivalent in value to the sum of all dividends 
declared during the accrual period as if the 
dividends had been reinvested in Company shares 
at the time when the dividends were paid. Dividend 
equivalents can be paid in cash or shares at the 
Committee’s discretion.

The Committee has discretion, within the rules of 
the ED LTIP, to make adjustments to avoid any 
unjustified, unfair or undeserved benefit.

Awards are subject to malus prior to the delivery  
of shares, and to clawback for three years after 
entitlement, in circumstances including a material 
misstatement in results, an error in calculating/
assessing satisfaction of any condition, an act or 
omission of the participant causing material 
reputational damage to any member of the Group, 
serious misconduct by the participant, corporate 
failure or significant loss in respect of the business 
unit that employs the participant.

Awards are subject to the rules of the ED LTIP (as 
may be amended from time to time in accordance 
with the rules) and any other terms and conditions 
applicable to the Awards as the Committee  
may determine.

Executive Directors are encouraged to build  
up a substantial shareholding in the Company.

Shares which have been awarded subject to 
satisfaction of performance measures are not 
included in the calculation of the value of the 
Executive Director’s shareholding.

Hedging by Executive Directors of any shares  
held in the Company is prohibited.

Not performance related.

The Committee recommends 
a minimum shareholding of 
500% of base salary for the 
Chairman and the CEO, 
and 150% for all other 
Executive Directors.

There is no time frame over 
which the guidelines should 
be met.

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Differences in Executive Directors remuneration policy and remuneration policy for all employees

Base Salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual bonus

Base salary increases elsewhere in the Group are set at a business level, taking into account economic factors, 
business sector, location and circumstances, competitive market rates, roles, skills, experience and individual 
performance. 

Employees in the UK are auto-enrolled into a Company defined contribution pension scheme. There are a number 
of defined contribution schemes in operation across the rest of the Group, all of which offer levels of employer 
matching contributions to employee contributions. Employees in the US participate in 401(k) defined contribution 
retirement plans.

Cash and non-cash benefits for employees reflect the local labour market in which they are based.

The majority of employees participate in some form of cash-based annual bonus or commission plan. The annual 
bonus plan for the Executive Directors forms the basis of the annual bonus plan for other DMGT Centre executives. 
Plans across the Group are designed and tailored for each business, with the purpose of incentivising the 
achievement of their annual targets. Most annual bonus plans around the Group do not include a requirement  
for bonus deferral.

Long-term 
incentives

The Committee this year has agreed a new LTIP for senior DMGT Centre executives (excluding Executive Directors) 
based on the achievement of annual financial and personal performance objectives with resulting conditional 
share awards then restricted for a period of three years. 

LTIPs 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 operating company and to incentivise  
the achievement of the mid- to long-term strategic aims of the business.

There is no shareholding requirement for employees below Executive Director level.

Shareholding 
requirement

Policy applied to Non-Executive Directors

Purpose and link to strategy

Non-Executive 
Directors fees and 
benefits
To pay Non-Executive 
Director fees and 
allowances which  
are reflective of 
responsibilities and to 
be competitive with 
peer companies.

Operation
Non-Executive Directors fees and allowances 
are payable in cash and reviewed regularly. 

An annual base fee is paid to the Non-Executive 
Directors with additional fees paid for other 
responsibilities such as chairing a Board 
Committee, membership of various 
sub-committees or leading a project.

The Executive Directors consider and approve 
the fees of the Non-Executive Directors.

Performance metrics
Not performance related.

Opportunity
A travel allowance of £4,000  
is payable for travel involving 
between five and 10 hours 
and £10,000 for travel 
involving more than 10 hours.

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Pay scenario charts

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 chart below:

£000s

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

£000s

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

5,631
47%

4,756
37%

37%

31%

8%
18%

7%
16%

3,881
45%

23%

10%
23%

1,255
30%
70%

4,989
47%

4,204
37%

37%

31%

7%
19%

6%
16%

3,420
46%

23%

8%
23%

1,067
26%
74%

Minimum

On-target Maximum

50% Share 
Increase*

Minimum

On-target Maximum

50% Share 
Increase

The Viscount Rothermere

P A Zwillenberg

2,565
49%

9%
12%
30%

2,799
44%

17%
11%
28%

1,088
28%
72%

3,421
55%

14%
9%
23%

2,265
46%

23%
8%
23%

2,787
38%

38%

6%
19%

696
25%
75%

3,310
47%

32%

5%
16%

Minimum

On-target Maximum

50% Share 
Increase*

Minimum

On-target Maximum

50% Share 
Increase

K J Beatty

T G Collier

Fixed (Salary)

Fixed (Benefits)

Annual variable (Bonus incl. deferral)

Multiple reporting variable (LTIP)

*May not add up due to roundings.

Notes
Potential reward opportunities illustrated above are based on this Policy, applied to the latest-known base salaries and incentive opportunities.

Minimum in the graphs above is fixed remuneration only (salary, pension and benefits). 

On-target assumes that the target bonus and the standard long-term incentive award have been awarded as stated in the Policy table.

Maximum assumes that the maximum bonus and the standard long-term incentive award have been awarded as stated in the Policy table.

50% share increase assumes that the maximum bonus and the standard long-term incentive award have been awarded as stated in the Policy table and that the share price has increased by 50%.

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Governance
Remuneration Report

Executive Directors’ service contracts
The Executive Directors are employed under service contracts, the principal terms of which are summarised below.

Executive Director

Position

Effective date 
of contract

Employer

Notice period 
(by either party) 

Compensation on termination by employer 
without notice or cause

The Viscount 
Rothermere

Executive Chairman 17 October 1994

Daily Mail and General 
Holdings Limited

3 months

P A Zwillenberg CEO

1 June 2016

Daily Mail and General 
Holdings Limited

12 months

T G Collier

Group Chief 
Financial Officer

2 May 2017

Daily Mail and General 
Trust plc

12 months

K J Beatty

Chief Executive 
of dmg media

19 May 2002

Associated Newspapers 
Limited

12 months

Base salary, benefits, pension 
entitlement and, as appropriate, 
a prorated bonus payment for the 
notice period.

Base salary, pension allowance, 
car allowance and cash equivalent 
value of other benefits for the notice 
period. Compensation is subject to 
mitigation if the Director obtains an 
alternative remunerated position.

Base salary, pension allowance,  
car allowance and cash equivalent 
value of other benefits for the notice 
period. Compensation is subject to 
mitigation if the Director obtains an 
alternative remunerated position.

Base salary, benefits, pension 
entitlement and, as appropriate, 
a prorated bonus payment for the 
notice period.

External appointments
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. Lord Rothermere was appointed  
a Director of Cazoo Ltd in December 2018. None of the other Executive Directors currently have external appointments.

Legacy arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this Policy, authority is given to the Company to honour any commitments entered into with current 
or former Directors prior to the approval and implementation of this Policy (such as payment of pensions or the vesting/exercise of past share 
awards), provided that such commitments complied with any Policy in effect at the time they were given. 

Approach to recruitment remuneration
When appointing or recruiting a new Executive Director from outside the Company, the Committee will aim to set remuneration at a level 
which is consistent with the Policy in place for other Executive Directors and in particular the Executive Director who previously filled the 
relevant role, although it is recognised that, in order to secure the best candidate for a role, the Company may need to pay a new Executive 
Director more than it pays its existing Executive Directors. Pre-existing contractual agreements for internal candidates may be maintained  
on promotion to an Executive Director role.

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The Committee may make use of any of the below components in the (recruitment) remuneration package.

Component

Approach

Base salary

Base salary will be determined by reference to the individual’s role and responsibilities, 
location of employment, and the salary paid to the previous incumbent.

The appointed Executive Director will be eligible to participate in the Group’s defined 
contribution pension plan and/or receive a cash pension allowance.

New appointments will be eligible to receive benefits in line with the Policy for current 
Executive Directors and potentially benefits relating to relocation such as (but not limited 
to) cost of living, housing and tax equalisation support.

The appointed Executive Director will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual 
bonus plan in accordance with the Policy for current Executive Directors and may be 
required to defer some or all of any bonus granted in accordance with the Policy.

Maximum annual grant level

Not applicable.

30% of base salary.

Not applicable.

200% of base salary.

The appointed Executive Director will be eligible to participate in the LTIP in accordance 
with the Policy for current Executive Directors.

2,000% of base salary at the 
time the award is made.

If in joining DMGT a new Executive Director would forfeit any existing award under variable 
remuneration arrangements with a previous employer, the Committee will consider on a 
case-by-case basis what replacement awards (if any) are reasonably necessary to facilitate 
that individual’s recruitment, 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 due to be forfeited.

Not applicable.

Pension

Benefits

Annual bonus

Long-term 
incentives

Replacement 
awards

Exit payment policy
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 base 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) or a sum equal to the amount of benefits as specified in the Company’s most recent Annual 
Report; and may include an annual bonus payment calculated in accordance with the service contract of the Executive Director. The treatment 
of awards under the Company’s long-term incentive plans on termination will be in accordance with the rules of the plan and, where 
appropriate, at the discretion of the Committee. Under the rules of the long-term incentive plans, participants will be considered ‘good 
leavers’ if their participation ceases due to death, retirement, long-term sickness, disability and any other reason, at the discretion of the 
Committee (such discretion being applied fairly and reasonably).

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 base salary 
in excess of the pre-agreed rate.

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In the event that a participant’s employment is terminated, treatment of outstanding awards under the Group’s incentive plans will be 
determined based on the relevant plan rules, which are summarised below:

Incentive plan

Treatment of awards

DMGT SharePurchase+

Under HMRC regulations, 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 National Insurance contributions 
are paid.

Annual bonus

Deferred bonus plan

Long-term  
incentive plans 

If identified as a ‘good leaver’ for the purposes of the bonus, the Committee may determine that the leaver’s 
contribution was significant against performance targets for the year, in which case, it may decide to make 
a payment which is equivalent of up to a full year’s 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 rules (including those identified at the discretion of the Committee), 
outstanding awards will vest pro-rata between the start of the accrual schedule and the leaving date. Dividend 
equivalents will be made based on the initial number of shares subject to the Award (not the pro-rated amount), 
but only based on dividends paid between start of the accrual schedule and leaving.

The Committee may make payments it considers reasonable in settlement of potential legal claims, e.g. unfair dismissal or where agreed 
under a settlement agreement. This may include an entitlement to compensation in respect of their statutory rights under employment 
protection legislation and such reasonable reimbursement of fees for legal and/or tax advice in connection with such agreements and/or costs 
of outplacement services.

Where an Executive Director is a ‘good leaver’, the Committee reserves the discretion to approve any or all of the following additional benefits:

•  continuation of private medical insurance or life assurance for a period of time following termination;
•  use of business premises for a period after termination;
•  retention of IT equipment by the Executive Director; and/or
•  use of a company car and/or driver for a period after termination.

Consideration of pay and employment conditions elsewhere across the Group
The Committee considers pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group when making decisions on remuneration matters  
affecting the Executive Directors. The Committee receives a report annually on the salary increase 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 
geographies and sectors in which it operates) when determining annual base salary increases and to external benchmarks 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. It does not specifically consult with employees over the effectiveness and 
appropriateness of the Remuneration Policy and framework. 

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 
where appropriate. 

This report covers the reporting period to 30 September 2020 and has been prepared in accordance with the relevant requirements of 
the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended) and of the Listing Rules of the 
Financial Conduct Authority. 

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Annual Report on Remuneration 
The report has been audited in accordance with 2008 Regulations.

Remuneration & Nominations Committee role and activities
The Committee’s responsibilities with respect to remuneration include:

•  Group remuneration policy; and
•  setting the remuneration and terms and conditions of employment of the Company’s Executive Directors and other senior executives in line 
with the Committee’s Terms of Reference. The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available on the Company’s website. The Committee is 
chaired by Lord Rothermere with Committee members David Nelson, JP Rangaswami, Heidi Roizen and Dominique Trempont.

The Code recommends that a remuneration committee should be composed entirely of independent non-executive directors. The Board, 
however, considers that, as the beneficiary of the Company’s largest shareholder, Lord Rothermere’s interests are fully aligned with those 
of 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 shareholders’ long-term interests and that this alignment is, in fact, stronger as a direct consequence of its membership. 
The Non-Executive Directors meet regularly and independently outside of the formal meetings. To avoid conflicts of interest, the Group 
remuneration policy mandates that no Director or manager shall be involved in any decisions as to their own remuneration.

The Committee spends a large portion of its time reviewing the remuneration and incentive plans of the different 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 the business type and stage of development, the market and locations it operates in and aims to incentivise the delivery 
of the business’ 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 plans.

Committee performance and effectiveness
In September 2020, the Committee conducted a formal review of its effectiveness and concluded that it had fulfilled its remit and had been 
effective during the year.

Remuneration & Nominations Committee agenda items (selected)

Date

Agenda items

October 2019

December 2019 

February 2020

May 2020 

July 2020

September 2020

•  Approval of long-term incentive and share awards vesting at the end of FY 2019.
•  Funding of EBT for outstanding share awards. 

•  Final approval of FY 2019 annual bonus payments.
•  RMS year end approvals.
•  Operating company long-term incentive plans for FY 2020.

•  New long-term incentive plan for RMS.

•  Performance measures for DMGT long-term incentive plan.
•  Projected FY 2020 annual bonus and long-term incentive plan outcomes  

as at half-year.

•  Gender pay update.

•  New DMGT long-term incentive plan arrangements.
•  RMS 409a valuation.
•  Review of Board composition.

•  2020 salary and NED fees review.
•  Approval of new ED and DMGT Centre long-term incentive plans.
•  New LTIP for dmg ventures.
•  Review of Committee effectiveness and Terms of Reference.

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Risk and reward
During the year, the Committee reviewed and confirmed that the plans in operation throughout the Group did not incentivise taking excessive 
risk and, in particular, that the annual bonus and long-term incentive plans in the Company are aligned with DMGT’s risk policies and systems.

Advice to the Remuneration & Nominations Committee
The Committee referred, where relevant, to independent benchmarking on executive remuneration provided through Group Reward by Willis 
Towers Watson. In addition the Committee received advice and commentary, where appropriate, from members of the senior management 
team during the year. 

Table 1: Single figure of remuneration paid to Executive Directors for FY 2020 (Audited)

The table below sets out the single total figure of remuneration and breakdown for each Executive Director in FY 2020 and FY 2019. Details of 
the calculation of the annual bonus figure for FY 2020 can be found in the section variable pay awards vesting in FY 2020, on page 83. Details of 
the calculation of LTIP Awards that are vesting this year can be found in tables 4.2 and 4.3 on pages 85 and 86 respectively. Details of nil-cost 
options that were realised during the year can be found in table 3 on page 84.

The Viscount 
Rothermere

P A Zwillenberg

T G Collier

K J Beatty

Total

Financial
year

2020
2019

2020
2019

2020
2019

2020
2019

2020
2019

Salary  
and 
fees
£000
8221
858
7371
769
4921
513
7231
763

2,774
2,903

Taxable
benefits2 
£000
562 
56
482 
38
432 
31
232 
24
1692 
149

Pension 
benefits
£000
3041
317
2211
225
1231
128
2671
282
9151
952

Other
 payments
£000
721
–
611
–
391
–
751
–
2471
–

Total
fixed
£000

1,254
1,231

1,067
1,032

697
672

1,088
1,069

4,106
4,004

Annual
 bonus3
£000

Total annual 
remuneration
£000

634
1,229

568
857

378
571

132
420

1,712
3,077

1,888
2,460

1,635
1,889

1,075
1,243

1,220
1,489

5,818
7,081

LTIP and 
dividend 
equivalents
£000
5,0914
9045
5,0916
9047
3,0558
4739
3,90610
1,41511
17,143
3,696

Other
Awards and
 payments
£000

Total
variable
£000

Total 
remuneration
£000

–
35012
–
98313
1,27814 
1,60215
416
96917
1,282
3,904

5,725
2,483

5,659
2,744

4,711
2,646

4,042
2,804

20,137
10,677

6,979
3,714

6,726
3,719

5,408
2,842

5,130
2,916

24,243
13,191

Notes
1. 

 Amounts shown reflect the exchange of a percentage of base salary and pension benefits as a result of the Executive Directors’ participation in the Salary Substitution Plan for an award of  
equivalent value which were £72,248 for Lord Rothermere; £61,349 for Paul Zwillenberg; £39,019 for Tim Collier and £75,071 for Kevin Beatty which were converted into shares restricted until 
29 January 2021 at a price per share of £6.69 to 10,800 for Lord Rothermere; 9,171 for Paul Zwillenberg; 5,833 for Tim Collier and 11,222 for Kevin Beatty. The deferred amounts are reflected  
in the other payments column.
 Taxable benefits for 2020 comprise car allowances which are £34,000 p.a. for Lord Rothermere; £18,000 p.a. for Paul Zwillenberg; £16,000 p.a. for Tim Collier; and £16,000 p.a. for Kevin Beatty.  
Lord Rothermere, Paul Zwillenberg and Kevin Beatty also received benefits in respect of home-to-work travel. Amounts, including tax paid by the Company, are £16,774; £8,327; and £2,321 
respectively. Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg, received UK medical benefits with a cost to the Company of £5,375 p.a., £4,480 for Tim Collier and £4,300 p.a. for Kevin Beatty. Paul 
Zwillenberg and Tim Collier received US medical benefits with a cost to the Company of £11,917 p.a. and £11,876 p.a. respectively (converted at a rate of £1:$1.28). Paul Zwillenberg and 
Tim Collier received £4,145 and £10,752 respectively in relation to tax compliance requirements paid for by the Company.
 Details of the calculation of the bonus are shown in tables 2.1 and 2.2 on page 83.
  The figure shown is the vesting value of the 2017 award for Lord Rothermere under the EIP which will be realised in December 2020, details of which can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.
  The figure shown has been adjusted from the estimated payment stated in the 2019 report to reflect the actual amount realised by Lord Rothermere in respect of the 2016 award in December 
2019. Details can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.

2. 

3. 
4. 
5. 

6.  The figure shown is the vesting value of the 2017 award for Paul Zwillenberg under the EIP which will be realised in December 2020, details of which can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.
7. 

  The figure shown has been adjusted from the estimated payment stated in the 2019 report to reflect the actual amount realised by Paul Zwillenberg in respect of the 2016 award in December 
2019. Details can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.
  The figure shown is the vesting value of the 2017 award for Tim Collier under the EIP which will be realised in December 2020, details of which can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.
  The figure shown has been adjusted from the estimated payment stated in the 2019 report to reflect the actual amount realised by Tim Collier in respect of the 2016 award in December 2019. 
Details can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.

8. 
9. 

10.   The figure shown is the vesting value of the 2017 award for Kevin Beatty under the EIP which will be realised in December 2020, details of which can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.
11.   The figure shown has been adjusted from the estimated payment stated in the 2019 report to reflect the actual amount realised by Kevin Beatty in respect of the 2016 award and the 2015 award 

in December 2019. Details can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.

12.   The figure shown is the value of the cash dividend equivalent received in respect of Lord Rothermere’s 2011 and 2012 nil cost option awards which were exercised in December 2019, details of 

which can be found in table 4.3 on page 86.

13.   The figure shown is the value of Paul Zwillenberg’s recruitment award of 114,809 (after adjustment to reflect the April 2019 Distributions) which vested and was realised in June 2019 at a share 

price of £7.42 and a cash dividend equivalent payment of £74,507 plus a discretionary payment of £57,313 relating to the April 2019 Distributions as disclosed in the 2019 report.

14.    The figure shown is the value of the second tranche of Tim Collier’s recruitment award of 143,217 shares (after adjustment to reflect the April 2019 Distributions) which vested and was realised 

in December 2019 at a share price of £8.41 and a cash dividend equivalent payment of £72,851.

15.    The figure shown is the value of the first tranche of Tim Collier’s recruitment award of 188,284 shares which vested and was realised in December 2018 at a share price of £5.69 and a cash 

dividend equivalent payment of £54,619, plus a discretionary payment of £476,472 relating to the April 2019 Distributions as disclosed in the 2019 report.

16.    The figure shown is the value of the cash dividend equivalent received in respect of Kevin Beatty’s 2017 nil cost option award which was exercised in February 2020, details of which can be found 

in table 3 on page 84. 

17.        The figure shown is the value of the cash dividend equivalent received in respect of Kevin Beatty’s 2015 nil cost option award which was exercised in September 2019, plus a discretionary 

payment of £957,219 relating to the April 2019 Distributions as disclosed in the 2019 report.

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Variable pay awards vesting in FY 2020
Table 2.1: Annual bonus weightings, opportunity and outcomes (Audited)
The details of the weightings and opportunity relating to the annual bonus paid to Executive Directors for the year ended 30 September 2020 
and included in the single figure in table 1 on page 82 are shown below. The performance measures for FY 2020 are a combination of revenue 
and cash operating income, both equally weighted. The resulting bonus amounts are shown in the table below:

Weightings

Opportunity as a % of salary

The Viscount Rothermere

P A Zwillenberg

T G Collier
K J Beatty2

Cash 
operating 
income

50%

50%

50%
 50%

Revenue

50%

50%

50%
50%

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Actual 
outcome 
as a %
of salary1

Actual 
outcome 
as a %
of maximum1

Actual 
outcome 
£000

0%

0%

0%
0%

100%

100%

100%
30%

200%

200%

200%
60%

72%

72%

72%
17%

36%

36%

36%
28%

634

568

378
132

Notes
1.  Bonuses have been calculated with reference to Executive Directors salaries before Salary Substitution Plan deductions which were; £875,200 for Lord Rothermere; £784,400 for  

Paul Zwillenberg; £522,750 for Tim Collier and £777,750 for Kevin Beatty. 

2.  See Table 2.2 below.

Table 2.2: DMGT annual bonus targets (Audited) 
The financial measures are split into two categories and weighted evenly (shown in table 2.1). Kevin Beatty’s bonus is weighted 70% against 
targets specific to dmg media and 30% against DMGT targets.

The Board considers the performance targets for the measures to be commercially sensitive, as it would disclose information of value 
to competitors, and they will not be disclosed. The final targets were adjusted to reflect the final US$/£ average exchange rate over the year.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the media and events businesses, Threshold revenue and cash OI targets were not achieved. 
The Committee however determined a discretionary annual bonus payment of 25% of Maximum for media and 16.6% of Maximum for events 
to recognise Management’s significant contributions and efforts during the year. 

The effect of this discretion was then recognised and approved by the Committee in the calculation of DMGT’s revenues and cash OI 
performance for the year, with the Executive Directors receiving a discretionary annual bonus of 36% of Maximum against a calculated result 
of 23% of Maximum. 

The bonus paid to Kevin Beatty, Chief Executive of dmg media, at 28% of Maximum, reflects the effect of Committee discretion applied to the 
media and DMGT bonus calculations.

The following tables illustrate performance against DMGT and dmg media bonus targets and the corresponding outcome after the use of 
discretion described above:

DMGT bonus targets (All)

Revenue
Cash operating income

dmg media bonus targets (Kevin Beatty only)

Revenue
Cash operating income

Below
0%

Threshold
0%

Target
100%

Maximum
200%

Outcome as 
a % of target

Outcome as 
a % of maximum

57%
88%

29%
44%

Below
0%

Threshold
0%

Target
100%

Maximum
200%

Outcome as 
a % of target

Outcome as 
a % of maximum

50%
50%

25%
25%

Deferred annual bonus (Audited)
No deferrals apply in respect of FY 2020 bonuses since payments are below Target.

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Awards made under share schemes
The Company funds the purchase of shares by an Employee Benefits Trust in order to ensure that its obligations under its share schemes are 
adequately funded and this also ensures that there is no impact on share dilution. Share awards made to Lord Rothermere are settled using 
Treasury Shares. 

Table 3: 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. 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 except for the employee’s continued employment. 
The December 2019 award was based on the average price of the first three days of trading after the announcement of the financial results for 
FY 2019 of £8.40. 

Outstanding awards that were made before the April 2019 Distributions will be adjusted at vesting by 4.7825%.

Award date

Award type

Relating to

Exercisable from

Expiry date
Status of awards
Award price
Exercise price

Outstanding awards
P A Zwillenberg
T G Collier
K J Beatty

Total outstanding

Exercised awards
K J Beatty

Total exercised during the year

  Shaded columns show options that have vested.

Jan 2018

Nil cost 
options

2017 
Bonus
Jan 2020

Jan 2025
Exercised
£5.63
£8.10

–
–
–

–

15,092123

15,092

Dec 2018

Nil cost 
options

2018 
Bonus
Dec 2020

Dec 2019

Nil cost 
options

2019 
Bonus
Dec 2021

Dec 2025
Outstanding
£6.29
N/A

Dec 2026
Outstanding
£8.40
N/A

52,685
35,124
12,729

100,538

–

–

37,8974
25,2574
22,7454

85,899

–

–

Total
90,582
60,381
35,474

186,437

Total
15,092

15,092

Notes
1. Reflects the adjustment for the April 2019 Distributions made at exercise to the number of options originally awarded of 14,404.  
2. Kevin Beatty received a dividend equivalent payment of £4,408 in relation to the exercise of his 2017 bonus award at a price of £8.10 with a value at exercise of £122,301. 
3. The value change attributable at exercise to share price appreciation since the award was made was an increase of £37,277 (including the April 2019 Distributions adjustment).
4. The value of the awards made in December 2019 was £318,331 for Paul Zwillenberg, £212,152 for Tim Collier and £191,053 for Kevin Beatty.

Table 4.1 : Awards made under the Salary Substitution Plan (Audited)
The table below sets out the details of all outstanding awards of restricted shares made under the Salary Substitution Plan. No performance 
conditions are imposed except for the employee’s continued employment. The May 2020 award was based on the average price of the three 
days 6 April to 8 April 2020, £6.69. 

Outstanding awards

The Viscount Rothermere
P A Zwillenberg
T G Collier
K J Beatty

Total outstanding

84

May 2020

Value at Grant

10,800
9,171
5,833
11,222

37,026

£72,248
£61,349
£39,019
£75,071

£247,687

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Table 4.2: Awards made under the 2012 Long-Term Executive Incentive Plan (LTIP) (Audited)
Outstanding share based awards subject to performance conditions under the LTIP are summarised in the table below. The Board considers 
the performance targets for the measures to be commercially sensitive, as it would disclose information of value to competitors, and they will 
not be disclosed. 

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 is made. Outstanding awards that were made before the April 2019 Distributions 
will be adjusted at vesting by 4.7825%.

The 2015 LTIP award made to Kevin Beatty vested in full during the year based on an evaluation by the Committee of the performance against 
the performance measures, further details can be found on page 70. No further awards are being made under the LTIP. 

Award name

Award date

Performance period ends

Standard award as a % of salary

Award price

Price at vesting

Performance measures 

Status of award
Maximum percentage of face value that could vest

Vesting level as a percentage of maximum

Outstanding awards

K J Beatty
Value (including cash dividend equivalent)

Realised during year 
K J Beatty
Value (including cash dividend equivalent)

  Shaded columns show options that have vested.

2014 LTIP
award

Dec 2014

Sep 2019

100%

£8.29

£7.95

2015 LTIP
award

Dec 2015

Sep 2020

100%

£7.06

£6.62

•  Grow B2B business.
•  Continue to invest in strong brands of digital consumer media, 

particularly MailOnline.

•  Grow sustainable earnings and dividends.
• 

Increase the Company’s exposure to growth economies and to 
international opportunities.

Vested
100%

100%

–
–

92,142
£872,60934

Vested
100%

100%

110,4211
£851,43912

–
N/A

Total

110,421
£851,439

Total
92,142
£872,609

Notes
1. 

  The value of the 2015 LTIP award for Kevin Beatty (adjusted for the April 2019 Distributions) was £730,987 calculated using the average share price for the fourth quarter of FY 2020 which was 
£6.62. A cash dividend equivalent payment of £120,452 will be paid at realisation with a total value of £851,439. 

2.  The value change attributable to share price appreciation on vesting since the award was made was a reduction of £48,585 (including the April 2019 Distributions adjustment).
3. 

 The value of the 2014 LTIP award for Kevin Beatty on realisation at a share price of £8.41 in December 2019 was £775,087. A cash dividend equivalent payment of £97,522 was also paid with a total 
value of £872,609. 
 The value change attributable to share price appreciation on realisation since the award was made was an increase of £11,229 (including the April 2019 Distributions adjustment).

4. 

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Table 4.3: Awards made under the 2017 Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) (Audited) 
Outstanding share based awards subject to performance conditions under the EIP are summarised in the table below. The Board considers 
the performance targets for the measures to be commercially sensitive as it would disclose information of value to competitors, and they will 
not be disclosed.

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 beginning of the performance period and the date of delivery of the shares is made. Outstanding awards that were made before 
the April 2019 Distributions will be adjusted at vesting by 4.7825%.

Award date
Performance period 
ends
Performance period 
starts
Award price
Status of award
Vesting level as a 
percentage of 
maximum
Percentage receivable 
if maximum 
performance achieved

Basis on which award 
is made

Maximum payable

2016 EIP
Jun 2017
Sep 2019

Oct 2016

£7.88/£7.171
Vested
20%

2017 EIP
Jun 2018
Sep 2020

Oct 2017

£5.63
Vested
100%

2018 EIP
Jun 2019
Sep 2021

Oct 2018

£6.29
Outstanding
N/A

If the performance level is on 
target or above, Lord Rothermere 
and Paul Zwillenberg would receive 
2.5% and Tim Collier and Kevin 
Beatty 1.25% of eligible profits. 
No amounts are payable if there 
are no eligible profits.

If the performance level is on 
target or above, Lord Rothermere 
and Paul Zwillenberg would 
receive 1.25% and Tim Collier and 
Kevin Beatty 0.75% of eligible 
profits. No amounts are payable if 
there are no eligible profits.
Percentage share of growth in eligible profit over the performance period, converted at the end of the performance 
period to shares based on the average share price for the first three days following the release of the financial results 
of the preceding financial year in which the awards were made. 
There is a cap on the maximum amounts payable which is five times target at the time the award was made with the 
number of shares being calculated by reference to the award price above.

If the performance level is on 
target or above, Lord Rothermere 
and Paul Zwillenberg would receive 
2.6% and Tim Collier and Kevin 
Beatty 1.5% of eligible profits. 
No amounts are payable if there 
are no eligible profits.

Performance measures

Outcomes are linked to stretching profit targets over a minimum threshold, subject to fair adjustment for any change 
in capital usage.

2016 EIP

2017 EIP

2018 EIP

Value at realisation 
including cash 
dividend
equivalents34
£904,190
£904,190
£472,522
£542,516

Vesting shares2
99,728
99,728
52,9701
59,837

Value at vesting 
including cash 
dividend
equivalents56
£5,091,341
£5,091,341
£3,054,820
£3,054,820

Vesting shares
698,130
698,130
418,880
418,880

Maximum shares
 that could vest7
613,831
611,287
366,653
363,672

Shares vesting
at target7
122,766
122,257
73,330
72,734

The Viscount Rothermere
P A Zwillenberg
T G Collier
K J Beatty

Notes
1.  The 2016 award made to Tim Collier was based on the closing share price on his employment start date in May 2017 of £7.17. His award outcome was pro-rated to reflect his start date.
2. 

 The Committee determined to exercise discretion to allow the 2016 EIP awards to vest at 100% of target, recognising the significant value that management has created for shareholders as a 
result of the ZPG Plc sale and the April 2019 Distributions (disposal of Euromoney) during the performance period. The value created by these transactions was not reflected by the formulaic 
outcome from the performance conditions.
 The value of the 2016 LTIP award at realisation in December 2019 (adjusted for the April 2019 Distributions), was £838,899 for Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg, £445,577 for Tim Collier and 
£503,341 for Kevin Beatty. A cash dividend equivalent payment was paid at realisation of £65,291 for Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg, £26,945 for Tim Collier and £39,175 for Kevin Beatty. 
 The value change attributable at realisation to share price appreciation since the award was made was an increase of £53,042 for Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg, £65,782 for Tim Collier  
and £31,825 for Kevin Beatty (including the April 2019 Distributions adjustment).
 The value of the 2017 LTIP at vesting (adjusted for the April 2019 Distributions) calculated using the average share price for the fourth quarter of FY 2020 which was £6.62 was £4,621,621 for  
Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg and £2,772,986 for Tim Collier and Kevin Beatty. A cash dividend equivalent payment will be paid at realisation of £469,720 for Lord Rothermere and  
Paul Zwillenberg, and £281,834 for Tim Collier and Kevin Beatty. 
 The value change attributable at vesting to share price appreciation since the award was made was an increase of £691,149 for Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg and £414,691 for Tim Collier  
and Kevin Beatty (including the April 2019 Distributions adjustment).

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7.  Figures shown do not include the adjustment for April 2019 Distributions that will take place when the award vests. 

86

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Payments to past Directors (Audited)
Martin Morgan vested share awards 
The Committee was satisfied that the performance conditions had been met for the 2015 award made to Martin Morgan in December 2015 
under the DMGT 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The award of 149,307 shares (after adjustment for the April 2019 Distributions) will vest at 
100% and be realised in December 2020.

Martin Morgan received a total amount of £1,180,239 in December 2019 in relation to the realisation of the 2014 award made under the DMGT 
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The award of 124,626 shares (after adjustment for the April 2019 Distributions) was realised at a share price of 
£8.41 with a value of £1,048,337 and a dividend equivalent payment of £131,902.

Paul Dacre vested share awards 
The Committee was satisfied that the performance conditions had been met in full for the 2017 award made to Paul Dacre in January 2018 
under the DMGT 2017 Executive Incentive Plan. The award of 188,646 shares (after adjustment for the April 2019 Distributions) will vest and  
be realised in December 2020.

Paul Dacre received a total amount of £1,221,991 in December 2019 in relation to the realisation of the 2016 award made under the DMGT 2017 
Long-Term Incentive Plan. The award of 134,780 shares was realised at a share price of £8.41 with a value of £1,133,751 and a dividend 
equivalent payment of £88,239.

Payments for loss of office (Audited)
There were no payments for loss of office to any Directors during the year.

Table 5: Executive Directors’ accrued entitlements under DMGT Senior Executives’ Pension Fund (Audited) 
The defined benefit scheme is closed for future accrual. It is the Company’s policy that annual bonuses and benefits in kind are not pensionable.

No Executive Directors are now accruing further pension in the DMGT Senior Executives’ Pension Fund. The normal retirement age under the 
Fund for the Executive Directors is 60.  

Defined benefit: accrued annual
 benefit as at 30 September 2020
based on normal retirement age
 £000

Defined 
benefit: normal 
retirement age

Defined benefit: 
additional value 
of benefits if early 
retirement taken

Weighting of 
pension benefit
 value as shown
in single figure table

The Viscount Rothermere

83

3 December 2027

–

Cash allowance: 100%

Notes
The key elements of remuneration table on page 71 shows the cash allowances paid to each Executive Director as a percentage of salary in lieu of pension.

Table 6: 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 (NED) in FY 2020 and FY 2019. 

There were no changes to NED fees during FY 2020. 

Travel allowances of £4,000 are paid for each Board meeting that requires a single (one way) flight of between five and 10 hours and £10,000 for each 
Board meeting that requires a single (one way) flight of more than 10 hours. Additional fees are paid for membership and chairmanship of sub-committees 
and subsidiary boards.

Lady Keswick
A H Lane
F L Morin
D H Nelson
K A H Parry
JP Rangaswami
J H Roizen
D Trempont
Total

Fees
£000
49
85
49
142
1002
852
212
212
934

2020

Other1
£000
1
4
1
7
5
4
11
11
44

Travel
 allowance
£000
–
–
8
4
14
14
–
20
60

Total
£000

50
89
58
153
119
103
223
243
1,038

2019

Travel
 allowance
£000
4
4
16
4
4
4
10
44
94

Fees3
£000
50
114
50
174
205
60
224
223
1,100

Total
£000
54
122
66
178
209
64
234
267
1,194

Notes
1. 

 The amounts shown are the amount of fees that each of the NEDs deferred in cash until 29 January 2021 through the Salary Substitution Plan which were £875 for Lady Keswick and François Morin; 
£3,563 for Andrew Lane; £6,700 for David Nelson; £4,500 for Kevin Parry; £3,375 for JP Rangaswami and $14,531 for Heidi Roizen and Dominique Trempont.
 Kevin Parry and JP Rangaswami were paid £15,000 for their work on the RMS Special Committee in FY 2020.
 Fees of £25,000 to Andrew Lane; David Nelson and JP Rangaswami and £100,000 to Kevin Parry were paid in FY 2019 for their work in relation to the April 2019 Distributions.

2. 
3. 

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Governance
Remuneration Report

Table 7: Chief Executive remuneration outcomes FY 2010 to FY 2020

Financial year ending

CEO
Total remuneration  
(single figure)
Annual variable pay1  
(% maximum)
LTIP achieved (% maximum)

Share price at vesting

FY 2010
£000

FY 2011
£000

FY 2012
£000

FY 2013
£000

FY 2014
£000

FY 2015
£000

FY 20162
£000

FY 2017
£000

FY 2018
£000

FY 2019
£000

FY 2020
£000

Martin Morgan

Paul Zwillenberg

2,961

1,722

2,809

2,949

2,021

1,944

3,342

1,450

1,867

3,736

98%

40%

63%

88%

54%

58%

63%

42.5%

81%

80%

25% 25%/100%

£4.14 £5.72/£3.68

52.5%

£4.82

37.5%

£7.62

40%

£8.31

–

–

100%

£6.95

–

–

–

–

20%

£7.95

6,726

36%

100%

£6.62

Notes
1.  Maximum bonus opportunity was 100% of salary from FY 2010 to FY 2017 when it increased to 140% and then to 200% in FY 2020.
2. 

 The single figure shown for FY 2016 combines the period of Martin Morgan’s service to 31 May 2016 and his successor Paul Zwillenberg from 1 June 2016. 

Chart 2: Comparison of overall performance of DMGT vs comparators

The chart compares the 
Company’s TSR with 
the Media Sector Total 
Return Index and both 
the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 
and FTSE 350 Indices 
over the past 10 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.

Source: Thomson Reuters 
Datastream

DMGT

Media UK

FTSE 100 (all rebased to 100)

FTSE 250 (all rebased to 100)

FTSE 350 (all rebased to 100)

£

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013

FY 2014

FY 2015

FY 2016

FY 2017

FY 2018

FY 2019

FY 2020

Table 8: Relative importance of spend on pay in the financial year
The table below sets out the relative importance of spend on pay in FY 2019 and FY 2020 across the Group compared with cash operating 
income and dividends paid to shareholders. Cash OI is considered by the Board to be a good indicator of the underlying cash generation of the 
businesses and it is included as a core element of the incentive plans for all senior management teams.

Financial year ending

Cash Operating Income (£m)

Dividends paid in the year (£m)2
Total Employment pay (£m)1
Total employees1

Notes
1.  Figures taken from Note 6 in the Consolidated Financial Statement.
2. 

 Dividends paid in FY 2019 include £862m associated with the April 2019 Distributions. 

FY 2019

FY 2020

162

936

533

6,101

110

55

542

6,069

Percentage
Change

(32%)

(94%)

1.7%

(0.5%)

88

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Table 9: CEO pay ratios
New legislation requires listed companies with more than 250 employees to publish the ratio of their CEO’s pay to that of the 25th percentile, 
median and 75th percentile total remuneration of full time equivalent employees. The regulations provide for three calculation approaches to 
determine the pay ratio (Options A, B and C). The data in the table below has been calculated using Option A which is considered to be the 
most accurate methodology and uses the same calculation basis as required for the CEO’s total remuneration as shown in the single figure 
table 1 on page 82.

•  All UK employees of the Company who received base salary during the year ended 30 September 2020 and who were still employed on that 

date were included.

•  The calculations were carried out using their total pay and benefits received in respect of the year ended 30 September 2020, although it 
should be noted that as bonuses for the financial year are not paid until December 2020, bonuses used for the calculation were paid in 
December 2019 in relation to the previous financial year (FY 2019).

•  For employees who were employed on a part-time basis, or who were not employed for the full year, their remuneration has been 

annualised to reflect the full-time equivalent.

•  No other estimates or adjustment have been used in the calculations and no other remuneration items have been omitted.
•  Employees at recent acquisitions One Search Direct and The ‘i’ were excluded from the calculation due to insufficient data being available.

Total Remuneration

Financial year

FY 2020

Base Salary

Financial year

FY 2020

Method

Option A

Method

Option A

Total Compensation

All UK Employees

75th percentile

Median

25th percentile

75th percentile

Median

25th percentile

89:1

134:1

199:1

£75,400

£50,243

£33,800

Total Compensation

All UK Employees

75th percentile

Median

25th percentile

75th percentile

Median

25th percentile

12:1

17:1

25:1

£65,000

£45,000

£31,200

Table 10: Director v employee pay increases

Year-on-year change in pay for Directors compared to the global average employee

Executive Directors

Non-Executive Directors

Average
employee1

The 
Viscount
Rothermere

P A  
Zwillenberg

T G  
Collier

K J  
Beatty

Lady  
Keswick

A H  
Lane

F L  
Morin

D H
Nelson 

K A H 
Parry

JP 
Rangaswami

J H  
Roisen

D 
Trempont

2%
2%
(21%)
76%

2%
2%
(48%)
168%

2%
2%
9%
8%
(34%)
(34%)
139% 229%

2%
2%
(69%)
142%

0% (14%)

0% (22%)
0%
N/A
N/A

0% (50%)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

(49%)
0% 250%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

48%
250%
N/A
N/A

0%
0%
N/A
N/A

0%
(55%)
N/A
N/A

2020
Salary and Fees2
Benefits3
Bonus4
Incentives5

 DMGT Centre employees are used for comparison purposes in this table. 

Notes
1. 
2.  Salaries were increased by an average 2% for DMGT Centre staff in October 2019 in line with most of the other operating companies and the Executive Directors.
3. 

 There were no changes to benefits for most DMGT Centre staff in FY 2020, the increase reflects the fact that pension contributions are linked to salary, the higher increases for Paul Zwillenberg 
and Tim Collier are related to them joining the US healthcare scheme and UK healthcare schemes respectively to ensure that they have adequate healthcare coverage in light of their extensive 
business travel schedules. Benefits for the NEDs is travel fees which are entirely dependent upon overseas board meetings during the year.
 Bonus outcomes for DMGT Centre employees reduced in FY 2020 in line with the outcomes for the Executive Directors. 
 Incentives include bonus and long-term incentive outcomes for DMGT Centre participant employees as well as for Executive Directors. 

4. 
5. 

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Governance
Remuneration Report

Table 11: Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests (Audited)
The number of shares of the Company in which the Executive Directors and NEDs or their families had a beneficial or non-beneficial interest 
during FY 2020 and details of Long-Term Incentive (LTI) interests as at 30 September 2020 are set out in the table below. The shareholding 
guideline for Executive Directors is 500% of salary for Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg and 150% of salary for Tim Collier and Kevin Beatty. 
The value as a percentage of salary has been calculated using the 30 September 2020 share price of £6.50.

LTI interests
not subject to
performance
conditions1
Vested

Awards
not subject to
performance
conditions1
Unvested

Value (as 
a percentage 
of salary)2

Guideline 
met

–
–
–
–
–

–

10,800
99,753
66,214
46,696
–

223,463

58,800%
188%
346%
302%
N/A

Yes
No
Yes
Yes
N/A

LTI interests 
subject to
 performance
 conditions3

 1,311,961
 1,309,417
 785,533
892,973
N/A

Total 
outstanding 
interests4

 1,322,761
1,409,170
851,747
939,669
N/A

4,299,884

4,523,347

Beneficial

As at 30 September 2020

The Viscount Rothermere
P A Zwillenberg
T G Collier
K J Beatty
K A H Parry

Non-beneficial

The Viscount Rothermere
D H Nelson

Ordinary
19,890,3645
–
–
–
–

A Ordinary
 Non-Voting

59,270,240
127,029
211,829
315,095
12,565

19,890,364

59,936,758

–
–

4,687,424
204,221

4,891,645

Total Directors’ interests
Less duplications

19,890,364
–

64,828,403
(204,221)

19,890,364

64,624,182

Notes
1. 

 The Awards not subject to performance conditions (vested and unvested) are the nil cost options awarded as the bonus deferral; full details can be found in table 3 on page 84 and restricted 
shares resulting from participation in the Salary Substitution Plan in table 4.1 on page 84. 
 The value as a multiple of salary includes LTI interests not subject to performance conditions.
 The LTI interests subject to performance conditions are detailed in tables 4.2 and 4.3 on pages 85 and 86 and include those shares which have vested but are not yet realised as well as those that 
are outstanding. 
 Total outstanding interests are the sum of the LTI interests subject to performance conditions and unvested LTI interests not subject to performance conditions.
 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 2020. 

2. 
3. 

4. 
5. 

None of the other Directors held any shares in the Company, either beneficial or non-beneficial.

At 30 September 2020, Lord Rothermere was beneficially interested in 110,597,377 Ordinary Shares of Rothermere Continuation Limited, the Company’s ultimate holding company. 

For Paul Zwillenberg and Kevin Beatty, purchases of shares were made between 30 September 2020 and 30 November 2020 through the SharePurchase+ plan. These purchases increased the 
beneficial holdings of these Executive Directors by 43 shares for Paul Zwillenberg and 42 shares for Kevin Beatty. There were no other changes in Directors share interests between these dates.

Voting at general meeting
At the February 2020 AGM, the advisory vote on the Remuneration Report and the Remuneration Policy received 19,890,364 (100%) votes for, 
with no votes against and no abstentions. The Committee consults with major shareholders prior to any other major changes to remuneration 
policy and practice.

Non-Executive Directors’ appointment
The Non-Executive Directors are appointed for specified terms under the Company’s Articles of Association and are subject to annual 
re-election at the AGM. Each appointment can be terminated before the end of the one-year period with no notice or fees due. Directors’ 
service contracts/letters of appointment are available for inspection at DMGT’s registered office. The dates of each NED’s original appointment 
and latest reappointment are set out below:

Non-Executive Director
Lady Keswick1
A H Lane
F L Morin
D H Nelson
K A H Parry
JP Rangaswami
J H Roizen
D Trempont

Appointment commencement date

Latest reappointment date

23 September 2013
6 February 2013
8 February 2017
1 July 2009
22 May 2014
7 February 2018
26 September 2012
9 February 2011

6 February 2020
6 February 2020
6 February 2020
6 February 2020
6 February 2020
6 February 2020
6 February 2020
6 February 2020

Notes
1.  Lady Keswick retired on 1 October 2020.
2.  F Wallestam was appointed as a NED on 19 November 2020.

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Implementation of Policy in FY 2021

Executive Directors’ 
base salary

Executive Directors’ 
pension

Executive Directors’ 
benefits in kind

Executive Directors’  
annual bonus

Executive Directors’ 
Bonus deferral

Executive Directors’  
long-term incentive 

Executive Directors’  
service contracts

External appointments

The Executive Directors did not receive an increase in salary in October 2020, in line with the majority of 
employees in businesses across the Group. Annual salaries from 1 October 2020 remain £875,200 for 
Lord Rothermere, £784,400 for Paul Zwillenberg, £522,750 for Tim Collier and £777,750 for Kevin Beatty.

No change to prior year. Pension allowances are reported in the key elements of remuneration on page 71.

No change to nature of benefits since prior year. 

Awards in FY 2021 will be measured against two financial metrics: Group level revenue and cash operating income. 

In addition to Group level performance, Kevin Beatty will be measured on the performance of dmg media against 
the same financial metrics (weighting 30% Group, 70% divisional).

The Board considers the specific targets and relative weightings for each measure to be commercially sensitive 
and they will not be disclosed. 

Amounts above Target bonus for Paul Zwillenberg, Tim Collier and Kevin Beatty will be deferred into nil-cost 
options for two years. No deferral will apply for Lord Rothermere.

Two (of the three) Awards under the new ED LTIP will be made covering the periods: 1 October 2019 to 
30 September 2029 and 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2030, subject to approval of the ED LTIP at the 
February 2021 AGM. 

A review of Executive Directors’ service contracts is planned for FY 2021.

The Company allows EDs to take a very limited number of outside directorships. Individuals retain the payments 
from such services since these appointments are not expected to impinge on their principal employment. 

Executive Directors’ 
shareholding guidelines

The guideline is 500% of base salary for Lord Rothermere and Paul Zwillenberg and 150% of base salary for all 
other Executive Directors. Directors’ interests are reported in detail in table 11 on page 90.

Recruitment award

Exit payments

None.

None.

Implementation of Policy for Non-Executive Directors FY 2021

Non-Executive Directors’ fees No change to prior year.

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Governance
Statutory Information

Directors’ Report
Other statutory information
Required information can be found in the 
Strategic Report on pages 2 to 47, which is 
incorporated into this report by reference. 
Information on employees, community and 
social issues is given in the Our Stakeholders 
section on pages 32 to 39.

In accordance with the Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Listing Rules (LR 9.8.4C), the 
information to be included in the Annual 
Report, where applicable, under LR 9.8.4, is 
set out in the Governance section, with the 
exception of details of transactions with 
controlling shareholders (if any) which are 
set out in Note 44.

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 subsidiaries are set out in 
Note 47. Changes to the Group’s tangible 
fixed assets and investments during the year 
are set out in Notes 23 to 26. 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 page 49. 
All Directors held office throughout the year. 
In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all existing Directors  
will stand for election or re-election at  
the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 
3 February 2021.

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 2 to 47.

Results and dividends
The profit for the year of the Group and the 
profit for the year attributable to owners of 
the Company amounted to £189 million. 
The Board recommends a final dividend of 
16.6 pence per share. If approved at the AGM 
on 3 February 2021, the final dividend will be 
paid on 5 February 2021 to shareholders who 
are on the register at the close of business on 
4 December 2020. Together with the interim 
dividend of 7.5 pence per share paid on 
26 June 2020, this makes a total dividend 
for the year of 24.1 pence per share 
(2019 23.9 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 68.

Employee Benefit Trust
The Executive Directors of the Company, 
together with other employees of the Group, 
are potential beneficiaries of the Employee 
Benefit Trust (EBT) and, as such, are deemed 
to be interested in any A Shares held by 
the EBT. At 30 September 2020, the EBT’s 
shareholding totalled 3,705,104 A Shares. 
The EBT has waived its right to dividends 
on the shares held.

Between 30 September 2020 and 
20 November 2020 the EBT transferred nil 
A Shares to satisfy the exercise of awards 
under employee share plans.

Significant shareholdings
Rothermere Continuation Limited (RCL) is a 
holding company incorporated in Jersey, in 
the Channel Islands. The main asset of RCL is 
its 100% holding of DMGT’s issued Ordinary 
Shares. It also holds DMGT A Ordinary 
Shares. RCL is controlled by a discretionary 
trust (the Trust) which is held for the benefit 
of Lord Rothermere and his immediate 
family. The Trust represents the ultimate 
controlling party of the Company. Both RCL 
and the Trust are administered in Jersey. 
RCL, its directors and the Trust are related 
parties of the Company as explained in 
Note 44.

On 5 December 2019, pursuant to a 
consolidation of the Group’s holding structure, 
RCL acquired a Bermudan company known 
as Rothermere Continuation (Old Co) Limited 
(previously named Rothermere Continuation 
Limited), (RCOCL), and certain assets held 
by RCOCL, including 100% of the issued 
Ordinary Shares of the Company. RCL now 
holds 100% of the issued Ordinary Shares 
of the Company, however the underlying 
control of DMGT remains unchanged and 
continues to lie with the Trust. 

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 securities other 
than those shown in the Remuneration 
Report on page 68.

Share capital
The Company has two classes of shares. 
Its total share capital, including Treasury 
Shares, is comprised of 8% Ordinary Shares 
and 92% A Shares. Full details of the 
Company’s share capital are given in Note 38.

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 
1.3 million shares out of Treasury and the 
EBT, representing 0.6% of called-up A Shares, 
in order to satisfy incentive schemes. The 
Company held 8,160,697 shares in Treasury 
and the DMGT EBT with a nominal value of 
£1.0 million at 30 September 2020. The 
maximum number of shares held in Treasury 
and by the DMGT EBT during the year was 
8,297,451 which had a nominal value of 
£1.0 million. The Company also purchased 
0.2 million shares for holding in Treasury 
having a nominal value of £28,815, and 
2.6 million shares for holding in the EBT 
having a nominal value of £0.3 million, 
in order to match obligations under various 
incentive plans. The consideration paid for 
these shares was £19.7 million. Shares 
purchased during the year represented 
1.3% of the called-up A Share capital as  
at 30 September 2020.

On 20 November 2020 the Company held 
4,455,593 Treasury Shares.

Details of allotments of share capital which 
arose solely from the exercise of options are 
given at Note 39.

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April 2019 Distributions
In April 2019 there was a reduction of 
127.3 million A shares. These were cancelled 
as part of the April 2019 Distributions. 

   See further information on  
www.dmgt.com

Authority to purchase shares
At the Company’s AGM on 5 February 2020, 
the Company was authorised to make 
market purchases of 21,491,333 A Shares 
representing approximately 10% of the total 
number of A Shares in issue at the time. 
During the period from 4 December 2019 to 
30 September 2020, the Company purchased 
0.2 million shares into Treasury, at a total 
cost of £1.8 million (see Note 39).

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, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC),  
has indicated its willingness to serve and,  
in accordance with Section 489 of the 
Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing 
the reappointment of PwC will be put to the 
AGM on 3 February 2021.

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’ defence 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, 
judgement is given against the Director.

•  state whether IFRS 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’ Remuneration Report 
comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, 
as regards the Group Financial Statements, 
Article 4 of the International Accounting 
Standards 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 
IFRS 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 2 

to 47 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.

Political donations
No political donations were made during 
the year.

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 23 to 31 and in the Notes to the 
Accounts on page 107.

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. Accordingly, 
the Directors are satisfied that it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the Annual Report.

Viability Statement
A Viability Statement in respect of the 
Company can be found on page 27.

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report, the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and the Financial 
Statements in accordance with applicable 
law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Financial Statements for each 
financial year. Under that law, the Directors 
have prepared the Group Financial 
Statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as 
adopted by the European Union (EU), 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:

•  select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;
•  make judgements and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable and 
prudent;

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationAnnual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at 1.00 pm on 
Wednesday 3 February 2021 at Northcliffe 
House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT. 
The resolutions to be put to the meeting 
are set out on pages 95 and 96. 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.

A resolution to reappoint the Group’s 
External Auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP, will be proposed at the 2021 AGM. 

By order of the Board

F Sallas 
Company Secretary

Governance

Governance
Statutory Information

Principal risks
The principal risks and how they are being 
managed or mitigated are shown on pages 
40 to 47. The Directors have reviewed the 
Group’s principal risks including those that 
would threaten the Group’s business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity.

Conflicts of interest
The Articles of Association permit the Board 
to authorise a conflict of interest in respect 
of any matter which would otherwise involve 
a Director breaching their duty, under the 
Companies Act 2006, to avoid conflicts 
of interest.

Events after the balance sheet date
Details are provided in Note 45.

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 41 as regards to ink and 
printing, where arrangements are in place 
until FY 2022 and FY 2024 respectively in 
order to obtain competitive prices and 
to secure supplies. Six-month contracts 
with different start dates are agreed with 
a range of newsprint suppliers, to ensure 
the security of supply at the best available 
prices, having regard to the need for 
the necessary quality. Distribution 
arrangements are in place to ensure the 
delivery of newspapers to retail outlets.

Since the Group is a diversified international 
portfolio of businesses, DMGT is not 
dependent on any supplier of other 
commodities for its revenue or any 
particular customer.

Employees
Details in respect of employees are in the 
Our Stakeholders section on pages 32 to 39.

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 at the 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.

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. 
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 vesting on a takeover.

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 
2020, nor was entered into during the year 
for any Director and/or connected person 
except as detailed in Note 44 (2019 none).

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Governance
Annual General Meeting 2021: Resolutions

The Company’s Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) will be held at 1.00 pm on Wednesday 
3 February 2021. 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.

Report and Accounts 
1. 

 To receive the Directors’ Report, the 
Accounts, the Strategic Report and the 
Auditor’s Report for the financial year 
ended 30 September 2020. 

Remuneration Report
2.  To receive and approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report (other than 
the part containing the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy) as set out on 
pages 72 to 80 of the Annual Report and 
Accounts for the financial year ended 
30 September 2020, in accordance with 
section 439 of the Companies Act 2006 
(the Act). 

Remuneration Policy 
3.  To receive and approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy (contained in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report) as set 
out on pages 68 to 91 of the Annual 
Report and Accounts for the financial 
year ended 30 September 2020 in 
accordance with section 439A of the Act.

Share Plans
4.  To approve the adoption of the proposed 
Daily Mail and General Trust Executive 
Director LTIP (ED LTIP) and authorise the 
Directors of the Company to establish 
further employee share plans based on 
the ED LTIP, but modified to take account 
of local tax, exchange control or securities 
laws in any overseas jurisdiction provided 
that the shares made available under 
such further employee share plans are 
treated as counting towards the limits  
on participation in the ED LTIP.

 5.  To approve amendments to the Trust 
Deed and Rules of the Daily Mail and 
General Trust 2010 Share Incentive Plan.

Dividend
6.  To declare the final dividend recommended 

by the Directors of 16.6 pence per 
Ordinary Share or A Ordinary Non-Voting 
Share (A Share) for the year ended 
30 September 2020 to all holders of 
Ordinary Shares and/or A Shares on the 
register at the close of business on 
4 December 2020.

Directors
7.  To re-elect Viscount Rothermere as 

a Director.

8.  To re-elect Mr Beatty as a Director.

9.  To re-elect Mr Collier as a Director.

10. To re-elect Mr Lane as a Director. 

11. To re-elect Mr Morin as a Director.

12. To re-elect Mr Nelson as a Director. 

13. To re-elect Mr Parry as a Director. 

14.  To re-elect Mr Rangaswami as a Director.

15. To re-elect Ms Roizen as a Director. 

16. To re-elect Mr Trempont as a Director.

17.  To elect Ms Wallestam as a Director.

18. To re-elect Mr Zwillenberg as a Director.

Auditor
19. To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP as the Company’s External Auditors 
until the end of the next general meeting 
at which accounts are laid before 
the Company. 

20. To authorise the Directors to determine 

the Company’s External Auditor’s 
remuneration.

21. That the Company be and is hereby 

generally and unconditionally authorised 
for the purposes of section 701 of the Act 
to make market purchases (within the 
meaning of section 693(4) of the Act) of 
A Shares on the London Stock Exchange 
provided that:

a.   the maximum aggregate number of 
A Shares which may be purchased 
is 21,491,333; 

b.   the minimum price (excluding expenses) 
which may be paid for each A Share of 
12.5 pence each in its share capital is 
not less than 12.5 pence per share;

c. 

 the maximum price (excluding 
expenses) which may be paid for each 
A Share of 12.5 pence each in its share 
capital does not exceed the higher of:

i. 

ii. 

 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

 the higher of the price of the last 
independent trade and the highest 
current independent bid as 
stipulated by Regulatory Technical 
Standards adopted by the 
European Commission under 
Article 5(6) of the Market Abuse 
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014; and 

d.   the authority conferred by this 

Resolution shall expire on the date of 
the Annual General Meeting next held 
after the passing of this Resolution or 
on 3 May 2022 whichever is the earlier 
(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).

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Governance

Governance
Annual General Meeting 2021: Resolutions

Notice
25.  That, a general meeting other than an 
Annual General Meeting may be called 
on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

By order of the Board

F Sallas
Company Secretary

Daily Mail and General Trust plc 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street,  
London W8 5TT

20 November 2020

Registered in England and Wales  
No. 184594

b.   shall be limited to the allotment of 
such A Shares, the grant of rights 
to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into A Shares or the sale of 
A Shares held by the Company as 
treasury shares for cash, up to an 
aggregate nominal amount 
of £1,343,208.

24.  If Resolution 22 is passed, that 
the Directors be generally and 
unconditionally empowered, in addition 
to any authority granted under 
Resolution 23, pursuant to section 570 
and section 573 of the Act to allot equity 
securities for cash pursuant to the 
authority conferred by Resolution 22, 
and/or to sell A Shares held by the 
Company as treasury shares for cash, as 
if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply 
to the allotment or sale. 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 
3 May 2022, 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; 

b.   shall be limited to the allotment of 
equity securities and/or the sale of 
A Shares held by the Company as 
treasury shares for cash, up to an 
aggregate nominal amount of 
£1,343,208; and 

c. 

 shall be used only for the purposes 
of financing (or refinancing, if the 
authority is to be used within six 
months after the original transaction) 
a transaction which the Board 
determines to be an acquisition or 
other capital investment of a kind 
contemplated by the Statement of 
Principles on Disapplying Pre-Emption 
Rights most recently published by the 
Pre-Emption Group prior to the date 
of this notice.

22. That the Directors be generally and 

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 £1,343,208 for 
a period expiring (unless previously 
renewed, varied or revoked by the 
Company in a general meeting) at the 
next Annual General Meeting of the 
Company after the date on which this 
Resolution is passed or on 3 May 2022, 
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 
to 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.

 This authority revokes and replaces 
all unexercised authorities previously 
granted to the Directors to allot A Shares 
but without prejudice to any allotment of 
A Shares or grant of rights already made, 
offered or agreed to be made pursuant 
to such authority.

23.  If Resolution 22 is passed, that the 
Directors be generally 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, or sell A Shares 
held by the Company as treasury shares 
for cash, pursuant to the authority 
conferred by Resolution 23, 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 
3 May 2022, 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

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Governance

Annual General Meeting 2021: Resolutions

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members  
of Daily Mail and General Trust plc

Report on the audit of the  
financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:

•  Daily Mail and General Trust plc’s Group 
financial statements and Company 
financial statements (the ‘financial 
statements’) give a true and fair view 
of the state of the Group’s and of the 
Company’s affairs as at 30 September 
2020 and of the Group’s profit and  
cash flows 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 Company financial statements have 
been properly prepared in accordance 
with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising  
FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’, 
and applicable law); 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.

We have audited the financial statements, 
included within the Annual Report, which 
comprise: the Consolidated and Company 
Statements of Financial Position as at 
30 September 2020, the Consolidated 
Income Statement and Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Consolidated and Company Statements of 
Changes in Equity, and the Consolidated 
Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
ended; and the Notes to the financial 
statements, which include a description 
of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting 
to the Audit & Risk Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (UK) 
(‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further 
described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for 
the audit of the financial statements section 
of our report. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the Group in 
accordance with the ethical requirements 
that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, which includes the 
FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to 
listed public interest entities, and we have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we 
declare that non-audit services prohibited by 
the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided 
to the Group or the Company.

Other than those disclosed in Note 5 to the 
financial statements, we have provided no 
non-audit services to the Group or the 
Company in the period from 1 October 2019 
to 30 September 2020.

Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality
•  Overall Group materiality: £4.3 million 

(2019: £7.25 million), based on 
approximately 5% of a rolling three-year 
average of underlying adjusted profit 
before tax and non-controlling interests 
using FY20, FY19 and FY18 actuals. 

•  Overall Company materiality: £33 million 

(2019: £32 million), based on 
approximately 1% of total assets.

Audit scope
•  Of the Group’s five operating divisions, we 
obtained full scope audits for Consumer 
Media and Insurance Risk. For Events and 
Exhibitions, Property Information and 
EdTech, we scoped our audit at a business 
level, and identified six businesses over 
which we performed either a full scope 
audit or specified audit procedures  
on certain balances or transactions. 
•  Taken together, the components where 
we performed audit work accounted 
for 83% of Group revenue and 75% of 
absolute adjusted profit before taxation 
and non-controlling interests.

Key audit matters 
•  Impairment of intangible assets and 

goodwill (Group)

•  Accounting for deferred taxation and 

uncertain tax positions (Group)

•  Accounting for acquisitions and disposals 

(Group)

•  Presentation of adjusted profit (Group)
•  Impact of Covid-19 (Group and Company)
•  Carrying value of shares in Group 

undertakings (Company)

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined 
materiality and assessed the risks of material 
misstatement in the financial statements. In 
particular, we looked at where the directors 
made subjective judgements, for example in 
respect of significant accounting estimates 
that involved making assumptions and 
considering future events that are 
inherently uncertain.

Capability of the audit in detecting 
irregularities, including fraud
Based on our understanding of the Group 
and industry, we identified that the principal 
risks of non-compliance with laws and 
regulations related to data protection, 
competition and anti-trust legislation, EU 
Market Abuse Regulation, libel legislation, 
and tax compliance, and we considered the 
extent to which non-compliance might have 
a material effect on the financial statements. 
We also considered those laws and 
regulations that have a direct impact on the 
preparation of the financial statements, 
including but not limited to, the Companies 
Act 2006. We evaluated management’s 
incentives and opportunities for fraudulent 
manipulation of the financial statements 
(including the risk of override of controls), 
and determined that the principal risks 
were related to posting inappropriate 
journal entries to increase revenue, and 
management bias in accounting estimates. 
The Group engagement team shared this risk 
assessment with the component auditors so 
that they could include appropriate audit 
procedures in response to such risks in their 
work. Audit procedures performed by the 
Group engagement team and/or component 
auditors included:

•  review of the financial statement 

disclosures to underlying supporting 
documentation; 

•  enquiry with senior management and 

internal counsel; 

•  review of material component auditors’ 

work; 

•  review of internal audit reports in so far as 
they related to the financial statements; 
•  review of the Directors’ Litigation report 
and bribery, fraud, whistleblowing and 
internal controls review report; and

•  testing journal entries, in particular those 
with unusual financial statement line item 
combinations.

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Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members  
of Daily Mail and General Trust plc

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations 
is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

Key audit matter
Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill (Group)
Refer to the Audit & Risk Committee report on pages 60 to 66 
and to Notes 21 and 22 in the Group financial statements.

The Group had £255.4 million of goodwill and a further 
£94.9 million of intangible assets on the balance sheet at 
30 September 2020. There has been an impairment charge 
recorded of £11.8 million against goodwill and £3.8 million 
against other intangible assets for businesses which remain 
in the statement of financial position at 30 September 2020.

For the Groups of CGUs to which goodwill relates (which require 
an annual impairment test), the determination of the recoverable 
amount, being the higher of value in use (VIU) and fair value less 
costs of disposal (FVLCD), requires judgement and estimation by 
management. This is because the determination of a recoverable 
amount includes management’s consideration of key internal 
inputs and external market conditions such as future cash flows, 
long-term growth rates, and the determination of the most 
appropriate discount rate. There is a risk that if these cash flows 
do not meet the Directors’ expectations, some of these assets 
may be impaired. Therefore, we considered it to be a key 
audit matter.

Our work focussed principally on the carrying value of the Group  
of CGUs most at risk of impairment, being Events & Exhibitions, 
Consumer Media and EU Property. 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

As part of our audit of the Directors’ impairment assessments (for both 
goodwill and intangible assets) we evaluated future cash flow forecasts 
and the process by which they were drawn up. This included comparing 
them to the latest Board approved five-year plan, and testing the 
mathematical accuracy of the assessments.

For the impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets 
allocated to the material individual lowest level CGUs within the Events & 
Exhibitions and Consumer Media segments and the EU Property Group of 
CGUs, we tested all key assumptions, including:

•  revenue and profit assumptions included within the future forecasts, 
by considering independent third party support available and the 
recovery time from the impact of Covid-19;

•  the long-term growth rates in the forecasts by comparing them to 

historical results, market data, and economic and industry forecasts 
using our valuation expertise;

•  the discount rate by comparing the cost of capital for the Group with 
comparable organisations, and assessing the specific risk premium 
applied to the business using our valuation expertise; and

•  the Directors’ potential bias by performing our own sensitivity analysis 
on key assumptions, particularly those driving underlying cash flows.

We assessed the appropriateness of the related disclosures in Note 21, 
including the sensitivities provided and considered them to be reasonable.

For those assets where the Directors determined that no impairment was 
required and that no additional sensitivity disclosures were necessary, 
we found that these judgements were supported by reasonable 
assumptions that would require significant downside changes before 
any material impairment was necessary.

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Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Accounting for deferred taxation and uncertain tax 
positions (Group)
Refer to the Audit Committee report on pages 60 to 66 and 
to Notes 11 and 37 in the Group financial statements.

The Group’s recognition of deferred tax assets in respect of tax 
losses and deferred interest expense in the Group is an area 
of focus due to the quantum of the tax attributes and the 
requirement to make estimates of future taxable profits in 
determining the valuation of deferred tax assets.

The recognition and measurement of these items in the financial 
statements involves estimation, and we focussed on the 
Directors’ forecasts of future profits against which to utilise 
accumulated losses and deferred interest expenses, and the 
technical interpretation of taxation law in respect to transactions 
giving rise to deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions.

Accounting for acquisitions and disposals (Group)
Refer to the Audit & Risk Committee report on pages 60 to 66 and 
to Notes 8, 17, 18, 19, and 20 in the Group financial statements. 

The Group has made a number of acquisitions and disposals 
during the year. The following acquisitions and disposals where 
the judgements are more significant were identified:

•  acquisition of the entire shareholding of the ‘i’ newspaper 

within the Consumer Media segment;

•  acquisition of the entire shareholding of OneSearch Direct 
Holdings Limited within the Property Information segment;
•  acquisition of CWC Energy Holdings Limited within the Events 

& Exhibitions segment;

•  disposal of the Group’s Energy Information segment; and
•  disposal of Buildfax, Inc. within the Property Information 

segment.

We involved our tax specialists in our testing of the appropriateness of 
the estimates taken in relation to deferred taxation and in respect of 
uncertain tax positions recognised in the Group financial statements. 

In assessing the likelihood of the Group being able to generate sufficient 
future taxable profits against which to offset accumulated losses and 
deferred interest expenses, we considered:

•  key inputs to the calculation including revenue and profit assumptions, 
in line with our work over the carrying value of goodwill and intangible 
assets; 

•  the impact of changes to intra-Group financing between the UK and 

the US during the year; and

•  the Directors’ ability to accurately forecast future profits.

In understanding and evaluating the Directors’ technical interpretation 
of tax law in respect of specific transactions that gave rise to deferred tax 
assets and uncertain tax positions we considered:

•  third party tax advice received by the Group;
•  the status of recent and current tax authority audits and enquiries;
•  the outturn of previous claims;
• 

judgemental positions taken in tax returns and current year estimates; 
and

•  developments in the tax environment, including the continuing impact 

of US tax reform. 

We consider the valuation of the deferred tax assets and amounts 
recorded for uncertain tax positions to be supportable based on our 
evaluation of the technical interpretations outlined above.

We assessed the appropriateness of the related disclosures in the notes 
to the Group financial statements and considered them to be reasonable.

Accounting for acquisitions
For all acquisitions, we obtained and reviewed the sale and purchase 
agreements and any supporting due diligence reports to gain an 
understanding of the key terms of the agreement to validate that it 
is appropriately recorded as a business combination under IFRS 3 in 
the correct period. With regards to the accounting for acquisitions 
undertaken during the year, we:

•  obtained and recalculated the Directors’ calculation of the goodwill 
upon acquisition as a function of the consideration paid and the net 
assets or liabilities acquired;

•  validated the consideration paid to underlying support including cash 

paid and sale agreements;

•  validated transaction costs to underlying support;
•  performed certain procedures on the opening balance sheet of the 

acquired businesses; and

•  engaged our valuation experts to assess the valuation methodology 

in determining the fair value of assets acquired.

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How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Specifically, with regards to testing the valuation of the intangible assets 
acquired in relation to the ‘i’, we:

•  considered whether the identified intangible assets were appropriate 

by reference to the sale and purchase agreement, due diligence 
reports and other supporting documentation;

•  deployed our valuations experts and engaged with management and 
with management’s third party expert to assess the methodology 
employed for calculating the fair values of the assets and liabilities and 
the appropriateness of the key assumptions used, including discount 
rates; and

•  checked that the material fair value adjustments to the acquired net 
assets were consistent with the accounting standard requirements.

Based on the evidence obtained, we did not identify any indication that 
the fair value adjustments identified by management were inappropriate 
or that material fair value adjustments were omitted from management’s 
assessment. 

We read the disclosures in the Group’s financial statements to satisfy 
ourselves that they are in line with the requirements of the relevant 
accounting standards.

Accounting for disposals
With regards to the calculation of the profit on disposals of the Energy 
Information segment and Buildfax, Inc. we: 

•  obtained and recalculated the Directors’ calculation of the profit on 

disposal; 

•  verified the fair value of consideration received to underlying support 

including cash transactions and sale agreements; 
•  validated disposal costs to underlying support; and
•  recalculated foreign exchange differences that were appropriately 

recycled on disposal.

In addition to the above, specifically in relation to the Energy Information 
segment, we:

•  validated that the disposal meets the disclosure criteria of 

discontinued operations under IFRS 5 as a separate major line of 
business; and

•  reviewed and tested the Directors’ calculation of capital gain arising for 

tax purposes.

We assessed the appropriateness of the related disclosures in the notes 
to the Group financial statements and considered them to be reasonable.

Based on the procedures performed, we concluded that the accounting 
for acquisitions and disposals was accurate.

Key audit matter

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Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Presentation of adjusted profit (Group)
Refer to the Audit & Risk Committee report on pages 60 to 66 
and to Notes 2, 13, 19 and 41 in the Group financial statements. 

The Group presents adjusted profit before taxation and 
non-controlling interests to enable users of the financial 
statements to gain a better understanding of the underlying 
results. In arriving at adjusted profit a number of items 
are considered to have a distortive effect on current year 
earnings by management and as a result are excluded 
from underlying earnings. 

The classification of items as an adjustment to profit is an area 
of judgement and the appropriateness and consistency of the 
presentation of adjusted measures of performance continues 
to attract scrutiny from the financial reporting regulators. 

During the current year, the Group undertook a review of each 
business product offerings and costs to identify savings to 
improve profitability. The reviews resulted in severance, 
associated consultancy costs and other exit costs in Consumer 
Media, Property and Events & Exhibitions, totalling £8.7 million 
and the Group has treated these costs as an adjustment to  
profit before taxation and non-controlling interests.

In addition, as referenced in Note 3 in the Group financial 
statements, the Group modified the existing 2015 RMS Equity 
Incentive Plan within its Insurance Risk segment to remove 
existing performance conditions such that vesting occurs solely 
on the satisfaction of the service period. This resulted in a 
charge totalling £20.4 million in relation to the cumulative 
service rendered by participants from original grant date to 
modification date. The associated charge has been recorded 
as an adjustment to profit before taxation and non-controlling 
interests on the basis of materiality and non-recurring nature 
of the resulting charge.

Our testing was directed at the significant amounts classified as 
adjustments to profit before taxation and non-controlling interests 
identified during the year. We have understood the rationale for 
classifying items as adjustments to profit before taxation and non-
controlling interests and considered whether this was reasonable and 
consistent, in that it includes items that both increase and decrease the 
adjusted profit measure, the adjustments were consistent year on year, 
and were in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. 

We have also audited the reconciliation of adjusted profit to statutory 
profit in Note 13, and agreed all material adjustments to underlying 
accounting records and our audit work performed over other balances. 

We consider the Group’s disclosures setting out the reasons for its use 
of alternative performance measures and the reconciliations of these 
measures to the statutory amounts to be in line with regulatory guidance 
in this area.

With regards to £8.7 million costs recorded in relation to the review  
of the Group’s product offerings, we:

•  tested all severance costs to payment evidence and verified 
correspondence to employees prior to 30 September 2020;

•  validated that professional costs recorded were clearly linked to the 

review; and

•  determined that the categorisation of costs is appropriate and 
consistent with the Group’s stated policy and past practice for 
recognition of such items.

Specifically, with regards to the modification of the 2015 RMS Equity 
Incentive Plan and the resulting charge, we:

•  obtained and reviewed the relevant Remuneration & Nomination 

Committee papers and updated scheme rules detailing the 
amendments;

•  assessed the key inputs to the Black Scholes option pricing model 
compared with comparable organisations using our valuations 
expertise; 

•  tested a sample of the modified awards to award letters issued to 

participants, and recalculated the associated modification charge; and

•  concluded that the modification charge recorded is appropriate 
and that the Group financial statements appropriately disclosed 
the modification.

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Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impact of Covid-19 (Group and Company)
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the 
recent trading performance of the Group, particularly within 
the Consumer Media, EU Property and Events & Exhibitions 
businesses. The extent of the negative impact of the pandemic 
on future trading performance is difficult to predict. Therefore, 
there is inherent uncertainty in determining the impact of the 
pandemic on certain aspects of the financial statements.

We validated that the cash flow forecast models used across the goodwill 
impairment, going concern and viability assessments were consistent. 

Our procedures in respect of the goodwill and intangible asset impairment 
assessments are covered in the related key audit matter above. 

Our procedures in respect of the Company’s investments in subsidiary 
undertakings are covered in the related key audit matter above. 

The key impacts of Covid-19 on the Group and Parent Company 
financial statements are:

With respect to management’s going concern assessment, we:

•  evaluated management’s base case and downside scenarios, 

•  The budgets and models supporting the goodwill and 

challenging the key assumptions;

intangible asset impairment assessments have been updated 
to reflect management’s best estimate of the impacts of 
Covid-19. The assumptions applied in this analysis have been 
determined internally, however they incorporate views of 
external commentators and other third-party data sources, 
where relevant. Consideration of the impact on the carrying 
value of goodwill and intangible assets is described in the 
related key audit matter above.

•  Similarly, management’s reassessment of the carrying value 
of the Company’s shares in Group undertakings resulted in a 
reduction to the valuations at the year end, as described in 
the related key audit matter below. 

•  These models and related assumptions also underpin 

management’s going concern and viability assessments. 
Management have modelled severe but plausible downside 
scenarios to its base case trading forecast. Having considered 
these models, together with a robust assessment of planned 
and possible mitigating actions, management have concluded 
that the Group remains a going concern, and that there is 
no materiality uncertainty in respect of this conclusion. 

•  Due to Covid-19, the Events & Exhibitions business cancelled 
events held for the second half of the year and wrote off 
£18.2 million of costs capitalised in respect of cancelled 
events. The business also successfully claimed $20 million 
insurance cover for lost revenues associated with 
communicable diseases. At the date of this report, an 
amount of $8.3 million has been received. The insurers 
have provided confirmation that the audit of the remaining 
balance of $11.7 million has been completed. This balance has 
been accrued on 30 September by management on the basis 
that it was virtually certain to receive the remaining amounts 
at that date.

•  considered the Group’s available financing and maturity profile to 

assess liquidity through the assessment period; 

•  tested the mathematical integrity of the forecasts and the models 

and reconciled these to Board approved budgets; 

•  performed our own independent sensitivity analysis to assess further 

appropriate downside scenarios; and

•  we assessed the reasonableness of management’s planned or 

potential mitigating actions.

Our conclusions in respect of going concern are set out separately within 
this report.

We increased the frequency and extent of our oversight over component 
audit teams, using video conferencing and remote working paper 
reviews, to satisfy ourselves as to the appropriateness of audit work 
performed at significant and material components.

In relation to the Events & Exhibitions write-off of costs in relation 
to cancelled events and $20 million insurance claim, we have agreed 
upon the accounting treatment in accordance with IAS 37 ‘Provisions, 
contingent liabilities and contingent assets’, validating the claims to 
supporting insurance documentation and vouching received payments 
bank statements. Based on the evidence obtained, we validated that 
the claims are virtually certain at 30 September 2020 and are therefore 
appropriately recognised. In addition, our component audit teams in 
the UK and UAE validated the amounts recognised.

We considered the appropriateness of management disclosures in the 
financial statements in respect of the impact of the current environment 
and the increased uncertainty on certain accounting estimates and 
consider these to be appropriate.

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Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Carrying value of shares in Group undertakings (Company)
Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the Company financial statements.

Shares in Group undertakings of £3,237.6 million are accounted 
for at cost less any provision for impairment in the Company 
balance sheet at 30 September 2020.

Shares in Group undertakings are tested for impairment 
if impairment indicators exist. If such indicators exist, the 
recoverable amounts of the shares in Group undertakings are 
estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment 
loss, if any. The key assumptions included in those estimates 
include cash flow projections, nominal long-term (decline)/
growth rates and discount rates of the CGUs. 

Management identified an impairment indicator as the carrying 
value of investments in subsidiaries exceeds the market 
capitalisation of the Group. During the year, impairments of net 
£78.4 million were recognised to the Company’s investments.

For each discounted cash flow prepared for the relevant undertakings, 
we tested all key assumptions, including:

•  cash flow projections by considering the historical accuracy of 

forecasts against actual performance;

•  the nominal long-term (decline)/growth rates by comparing them to 

historical results and industry forecasts; and

•  the discount rates applied in the models by comparing the cost of 

capital for the Group with comparable organisations and assessing 
the specific risk premium applied to each business using our 
valuation expertise. 

Where applicable, we have performed an independent sensitivity analysis 
to understand the impact of reasonable changes in management’s 
assumptions on the available headroom. We also considered the implied 
multiples of the individual CGUs and the business as a whole in 
comparison to available external market data. As a result of our work, 
we considered the impairment charge to be appropriate and that the 
remaining carrying values of the shares in undertakings held by the 
Company are supportable in the context of the Company financial 
statements taken as a whole.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure 
that we performed enough work to be 
able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account 
the structure of the Group and the Company, 
the accounting processes and controls, 
and the industry in which they operate.

The Group consists of a head office and 
five operating divisions: Insurance Risk; 
Consumer Media; Property Information; 
EdTech; and Events & Exhibitions. As each 
of these prepares a sub-consolidation, we 
considered each of these to be separate 
divisions. We scoped our audit of Consumer 
Media and Insurance Risk at the divisional 
level. For Property Information, EdTech, 
and Events & Exhibitions, we scoped our 
audit at the business level, with divisional 
consolidation adjustments audited at the 
Group level.

We identified Consumer Media as requiring 
an audit of their complete financial 
information due to its significance to 
the Group. In order to obtain sufficient 
and appropriate audit evidence over  
the Group as a whole we also instructed  
our Information Risk component team  
to complete an audit of the division’s 
complete financial information. 

Within Property Information; EdTech; and 
Events and Exhibitions, we identified six 
businesses, for which we instructed our 
component team to complete an audit of 
their complete financial information, either 
due to their relative size or risk. These 
businesses are located in the United States, 
the United Kingdom and the United 
Arab Emirates.

Taken together, the components where we 
performed audit work accounted for 83% of 
Group revenue and 75% of absolute adjusted 
profit before taxation and non-controlling 
interests.

At the Group level, we also carried out 
analytical and other procedures on the 
reporting components not covered by the 
procedures described above.

Where the work was performed by 
component auditors, we determined the 
level of involvement we needed to have in 
the audit work at those locations to be able 
to conclude whether sufficient appropriate 
audit evidence had been obtained as a basis 
for our opinion on the Group financial 
statements as a whole. We issued formal, 
written instructions to component auditors 
setting out the work to be performed by 
each of them and maintained regular 
communication throughout the audit cycle. 

These interactions included attending 
component clearance meetings and holding 
regular conference calls, as well as reviewing 
and assessing matters reported. The Group 
engagement team also reviewed selected 
audit working papers for material components.

This, together with audit procedures 
performed at the Group level (including 
procedures over impairment of goodwill and 
intangibles, material head office entities, tax, 
pensions and consolidation adjustments), 
gave us the evidence we needed for our 
opinion on the Group financial statements 
as a whole.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by 
our application of materiality. We set certain 
quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, 
together with qualitative considerations, 
helped us to determine the scope of our 
audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures on the individual 
financial statement line items and disclosures 
and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and in aggregate on the 
financial statements as a whole. 

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Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall materiality

How we determined it

Rationale for benchmark 
applied

Group financial statements
£4.3 million (2019: £7.25 million).

5% of rolling three-year average of underlying 
adjusted profit before tax using FY20, FY19 and 
FY18 actuals.

The Group is profit-oriented. Adjusted profit before 
taxation is the adjusted performance measure that 
is reported to investors and shareholders and is 
the measure which the Directors consider best 
represents the underlying performance of the 
Group. Considering the impact of Covid-19 on the 
Group’s performance during FY20 which indicates 
a decline in profitability in the short term, our 
methodology allows us to consider alternative 
materiality benchmarks, such as the historical 
average performance of the Group across a 
three-year period. We have applied a 5% rule of 
thumb, which is the rule of thumb suggested by 
ISAs (UK) for the audit of profit-oriented entities.

Company financial statements
£33 million (2019: £32 million).

1% of total assets.

The Company is not profit-oriented. Total assets is 
used as the benchmark as the Company’s principal 
activity is to hold investments, creditors’, and 
debtors’ balances. We have applied a 1% rule of 
thumb suggested by ISAs (UK) as the Company is 
a public interest entity.

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of 
materiality allocated across components was between £0.6 million and £3.6 million. Certain components were audited to a local statutory 
audit materiality that was also less than our overall Group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit & Risk Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £0.2 million 
(Group audit) (2019: £0.5 million) and £1.6 million (Company audit) (2019: £1.6 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, 
in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

Reporting obligation
We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in respect of the directors’ statement in the financial 
statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial 
statements and the directors’ identification of any material uncertainties 
to the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern 
over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the 
financial statements.

Outcome
We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s 
and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

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Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. 
The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, 
accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to 
be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to 
conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on 
the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 
We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 
have been included. 

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 (CA06) and ISAs (UK) 
require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 30 September 2020 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report. (CA06)

The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity  
of the Group
As a result of the directors’ reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), we are required to report  
to you if we have anything material to add or draw attention to regarding: 

•  The directors’ confirmation on pages 40 to 47 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks 

facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.
•  The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.
•  The directors’ explanation on page 27 of the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they 
have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing to report in respect of this responsibility. 

Other Code Provisions
As a result of the directors’ reporting on how they have applied the Code, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  The statement given by the directors, on page 93, that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and 

understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company obtained in the course of performing 
our audit.

•  The section of the Annual Report on page 60 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 

communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have nothing to report in respect of this responsibility. 

Directors’ Remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006. (CA06)

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Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members  
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Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the 
financial statements
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities set out on page 93, the 
directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements in accordance 
with the applicable framework and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
The directors are also responsible for such 
internal control as they determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements,  
the directors are responsible for assessing 
the Group’s and the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis 
of accounting unless the directors either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the 
Company or to cease operations, or have 
no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit  
of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial 
statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect 
a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error 
and are considered material if, individually 
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably 
be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of 
these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities 
for the audit of the financial statements  
is located on the FRC’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  
This description forms part of our  
auditors’ report.

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been 
prepared for and only for the Company’s 
members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, 
in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to 
any other person to whom this report is 
shown or into whose hands it may come 
save where expressly agreed by our prior 
consent in writing.

Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
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 Company, or returns 
adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; 
or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ 

remuneration specified by law are not 
made; or

•  the Company financial statements and 
the part of the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report to be audited are not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from 
this responsibility. 

Appointment
Following the recommendation of the audit 
committee, we were appointed by the 
members on 4 February 2015 to audit the 
financial statements for the year ended 
30 September 2015 and subsequent 
financial periods. The period of total 
uninterrupted engagement is 6 years, 
covering the years ended 30 September 2015 
to 30 September 2020.

Other voluntary reporting
Going concern
The directors have requested that we review 
the statement on page 93 in relation to going 
concern as if the Company were a premium 
listed Company. We have nothing to report 
having performed our review.

The directors’ assessment of the 
prospects of the Group and of the 
principal risks that would threaten 
the solvency or liquidity of the Group
The directors have requested that we 
perform a review of the directors’ 
statements on pages 92 to 94 and 27 that 
they have carried out a robust assessment 
of the principal risks facing the Group and  
in relation to the longer-term viability of  
the Group, as if the Company were a 
premium listed Company. Our review was 
substantially less in scope than an audit  
and only consisted of making inquiries and 
considering the directors’ process supporting 
their statements; checking that the 
statements are in alignment with the 
relevant provisions of the Code; and 
considering whether the statements are 
consistent with the knowledge and 
understanding of the Group and Company 
and their environment obtained in the 
course of the audit. We have nothing to 
report having performed this review.

Other Code provisions
The directors have prepared a corporate 
governance statement and requested that 
we review it as though the Company were a 
premium listed Company. We have nothing 
to report in respect of the requirement for 
the auditors of premium listed companies to 
report when the directors’ statement relating 
to the Company’s compliance with the Code 
does not properly disclose a departure from 
a relevant provision of the Code specified, 
under the Listing Rules, for review by 
the auditors.

Philip Stokes (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of  
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and  
Statutory Auditors 
London

20 November 2020

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Financial Statements 
Consolidated Income Statement 

For the year ended 30 September 2020 

CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Revenue 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 

Note 

3 

1,203.4 

1,337.0 

Adjusted operating profit 
Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and acquired computer software 
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets arising on business combinations and 
impairment of goodwill 

3, (i) 
3 

3, 21, 22 

4 
7 

8 

9 
10 
10 

11 

19 

39 
40 

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 investment revenue, net finance costs and tax 
Investment revenue 
Finance expense 
Finance income 

Net finance costs 

Profit before tax 
Tax 

Profit after tax from continuing operations 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations 

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 

Attributable to: 
Owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests* 

Profit for the year 

Earnings/(loss) per share 
From continuing operations 
Basic 
Diluted 
From discontinued operations 
Basic 
Diluted 
From continuing and discontinued operations 
Basic 
Diluted 
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations 
Basic 
Diluted 

* 

All attributable to continuing operations. 

88.3 
(36.6) 

(25.4) 

26.3 
(11.4) 
14.9 
42.6 
57.5 
8.3 
(17.8) 
4.4 
(13.4) 

52.4 
0.7 
53.1 

135.9 
189.0 

189.3 
(0.3) 
189.0 

23.4p 
22.9p 

59.7p 
58.3p 

83.1p 
81.2p 

26.1p 
25.5p 

135.8 
(11.9) 

(29.3) 

94.6 
(28.1) 
66.5 
73.7 
140.2 
11.5 
(24.5) 
7.1 
(17.4) 

134.3 
(20.4) 
113.9 

(22.6) 
91.3 

90.9 
0.4 
91.3 

38.3p 
37.8p 

(7.6)p 
(7.5)p 

30.7p 
30.3p 

38.6p 
38.1p 

(i)  Adjusted operating profit is defined as total operating profit from continuing operations before share of results of joint ventures and associates, 
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.  

107
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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 30 September 2020 

Profit for the year 

Items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement 
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes 
Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations of non-controlling interests 
Tax relating to items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement 
Fair value movement of financial assets through Other Comprehensive Income 

Total items that will not be reclassified to Consolidated Income Statement 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to Consolidated Income Statement 
Gain/(loss) on hedges of net investments in foreign operations 
Costs of hedging 
Share of joint ventures’ and associates’ items of other comprehensive expense 
Translation reserves recycled to Consolidated Income Statement on disposals 
Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to Consolidated Income Statement 

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Note 

39 
40 
39 
26, 39 

39 
39 
7, 39 
8, 18, 19, 39 
39 

Attributable to: 
Owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year from continuing operations attributable to: 
Owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
189.0 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 
91.3 

(112.1) 
– 
17.5 
295.0 

200.4 

0.8 
0.5 
– 
10.6 
2.1 

14.0 

214.4 

403.4 

403.7 
(0.3) 
403.4 

250.3 
153.1 
403.4 

250.6 
(0.3) 
250.3 

(45.3) 
(0.1) 
7.7 
(4.5) 

(42.2) 

(13.5) 
(0.1) 
(0.7) 
(3.6) 
16.2 

(1.7) 

(43.9) 

47.4 

47.1 
0.3 
47.4 

67.4 
(20.0) 
47.4 

67.1 
0.3 
67.4 

108
108 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 30 September 2020 

At 30 September 2018 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 15 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 2018 

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive expense 
for the year 

Total comprehensive 
income/(expense) for the year 

Cancellation of A Ordinary 
Non-Voting Shares 
Dividends 
Euromoney dividend in specie 
Euromoney impairment 
Euromoney cash distribution 
Own shares acquired in the year 
Own shares released on exercise 
of share options 
Changes in non-controlling interests 
following disposal and closure of 
businesses 
Credit to equity for share-based 
payments 
Settlement of exercised share options 
of subsidiaries 
Deferred tax on other items 
recognised in equity 

At 30 September 2019 

Note 

39 
39 

39, 40 

39, 40 

12, 39, 40 
12, 39 
39 
12, 39 
39 

39 

40 

39 

39 

37, 39 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

2, 39 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Other comprehensive income for 
the year 

Total comprehensive 
income/(expense) for the year 

Dividends 
Own shares acquired in the year 
Own shares released on exercise 
of share options 
Credit to equity for share-based 
payments 
Settlement of exercised share options 
of subsidiaries 
Non-controlling interest arising 
on acquisition 
Deferred tax on other items 
recognised in equity 

39, 40 

39 

12, 39 
39 

39 

39 

39 

40 

37, 39 

Called-up 
share 
capital  
£m 
45.3 
– 
– 
45.3 

Share 
premium 
account 
 £m 
17.8 
– 
– 
17.8 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
 £m 
5.0 
– 
– 
5.0 

Own 
 shares 
 £m 
(57.2) 
– 
– 
(57.2) 

Translation 
reserve 
 £m 
53.5 
– 
– 
53.5 

Equity 
attributable 
to owners  
of the 
Company  
£m 
1,661.9 
(2.4) 
(2.9) 
1,656.6 

Retained 
earnings  
£m 
1,597.5 
(2.4) 
(2.9) 
1,592.2 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
 £m 
13.5 
– 
– 
13.5 

Total 
 equity  
£m 
1,675.4 
(2.4) 
(2.9) 
1,670.1 

– 

– 

– 

(16.0) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2.5) 

10.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
(19.7) 

9.5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

90.9 

90.9 

0.4 

91.3 

(1.0) 

(42.8) 

(43.8) 

(0.1) 

(43.9) 

(1.0) 

48.1 

47.1 

0.3 

47.4 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
(74.1) 
(661.8) 
(11.8) 
(200.0) 
– 

– 
(74.1) 
(661.8) 
(11.8) 
(200.0) 
(2.5) 

– 
(1.0) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
(75.1) 
(661.8) 
(11.8) 
(200.0) 
(2.5) 

– 

– 

10.6 

– 

10.6 

– 

(12.8) 

(12.8) 

21.1 

21.1 

(11.5) 

(11.5) 

0.6 

0.6 

1.1 

703.9 

189.3 

1.1 

775.4 

189.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.3) 

21.1 

(11.5) 

0.6 

774.3 

1.1 

775.4 

189.0 

14.0 

200.4 

214.4 

– 

214.4 

14.0 

389.7 

403.7 

(0.3) 

403.4 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(54.9) 
– 

(54.9) 
(19.7) 

– 

9.5 

42.2 

42.2 

(10.4) 

(10.4) 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(54.9) 
(19.7) 

9.5 

42.2 

(10.4) 

– 

– 

1.3 

1.3 

(0.6) 

(0.6) 

– 

(0.6) 

21.0 

(49.1) 

52.5 

702.8 

774.3 

29.3 

– 

29.3 

17.8 

– 

17.8 

– 

– 

– 

21.0 

(49.1) 

52.5 

At 30 September 2020 

29.3 

17.8 

21.0 

(59.3) 

66.5 

1,069.9 

1,145.2 

1.0 

1,146.2 

109
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

At 30 September 2020 

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right of use assets 
Investments in joint ventures 
Investments in associates 
Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Trade and other receivables 
Other financial assets 
Derivative financial assets 
Retirement benefit assets 
Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Current tax receivable 
Other financial assets 
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 
Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 
Derivative financial liabilities 
Provisions 
Total liabilities of businesses held for sale 

Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 
Derivative financial liabilities 
Retirement benefit deficit 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

110
110 

At  
30 September  
2020  
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019  
£m 

Note 

21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
25 
26 
28 
29 
34 
35 
37 

27 
28 
32 
29 
34 
30 
20 

31 
32 
33 
33 
34 
36 
20 

31 
33 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 

255.4 
94.9 
63.0 
89.8 
8.6 
48.4 
410.7 
10.5 
14.2 
3.2 
136.7 
70.3 
1,205.7 

12.4 
247.3 
0.4 
21.7 
0.6 
500.3 
4.1 
786.8 
1,992.5 

(406.7) 
(5.3) 
(21.2) 
(22.7) 
– 
(46.6) 
(19.7) 
(522.2) 

(1.5) 
(202.7) 
(77.1) 
(23.1) 
(13.5) 
(5.9) 
(0.3) 
(324.1) 
(846.3) 

251.2 
69.9 
74.4 
– 
8.1 
90.9 
33.8 
26.6 
12.0 
3.6 
225.7 
54.9 
851.1 

26.8 
288.7 
0.8 
15.4 
– 
299.1 
153.5 
784.3 
1,635.4 

(478.0) 
(3.5) 
(11.8) 
– 
(18.7) 
(44.7) 
(72.6) 
(629.3) 

(2.3) 
(202.8) 
– 
(5.7) 
(10.7) 
(7.8) 
(2.5) 
(231.8) 
(861.1) 

1,146.2 

774.3 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

At 30 September 2020 

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 

Note 

38 
39 

39 
39 
39 
39 

40 

At  
30 September  
2020 
 £m 

At  
30 September  
2019 
 £m 

29.3 
17.8 
47.1 
21.0 
(59.3) 
66.5 
1,069.9 
1,145.2 
1.0 
1,146.2 

29.3 
17.8 
47.1 
21.0 
(49.1) 
52.5 
702.8 
774.3 
– 
774.3 

The financial statements of DMGT plc (Company number 184594) on pages 107 to 206 were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 
20 November 2020. They were signed on their behalf by  

The Viscount Rothermere 
P A Zwillenberg 

Directors 

111
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

For the year ended 30 September 2020 

Cash generated by operations 
Taxation paid 
Taxation received 

Net cash generated from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Interest received 
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Expenditure on internally generated intangible fixed assets 
Expenditure on other intangible assets 
Purchase of financial assets held at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Proceeds on disposal of property and plant and equipment 
Purchase of businesses and subsidiary undertakings 
Settlements and collateral payments on treasury derivatives 
Investment in joint ventures and associates 
Loans to joint ventures and associates repaid 
Proceeds/(costs) on disposal of businesses and subsidiary undertakings 
Proceeds on disposal of joint ventures and associates 
Sale of other financial assets 

Net cash generated from investing activities 

Financing activities 
Equity dividends paid 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 
Purchase of own shares 
Net payment on settlement of subsidiary share options 
Interest paid 
Bonds repaid 
Bonds redeemed 
Premium on redemption of bonds 
Loan notes repaid 
Amounts received on sublease receivable 
Repayments of lease liabilities 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Exchange (loss)/ gain on cash and cash equivalents 

Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

112
112 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
£m 
150.3  
(12.5) 
4.7  
142.5  

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 
165.0  
(20.0) 
9.8  
154.8  

8.7  
0.7  
(12.2) 
(4.2) 
(1.5) 
(48.0) 
– 
(69.8) 
(8.7) 
(2.5) 
0.1  
301.1  
9.5  
– 

7.4  
12.3  
(15.9) 
(13.9) 
– 
(6.1) 
9.3  
(27.6) 
(12.3) 
(39.4) 
0.2  
(11.6) 
81.4  
237.3  

173.2  

221.1  

(54.9) 
– 
(19.7) 
(0.8) 
(14.9) 
– 
– 
– 
(1.6) 
3.8  
(26.0) 

(274.1) 
(1.0) 
(2.5) 
(0.8) 
(28.7) 
(218.5) 
(6.7) 
(0.9) 
(0.1) 
– 
– 

(114.1) 

(533.3) 

201.6  
289.2  
(10.9) 
479.9  

(157.4) 
435.9  
10.7  
289.2  

Note 
15 

25 
23 
22 
22 
26 

17 

25 

18 
8, 25 

12, 39 
40 
39 

33 
33 
10, 33 
16 

16 

16 
30 
16 
16, 30 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

1 Basis of preparation 
DMGT plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, 
London, W8 5TT.  

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and related IFRS 
Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations 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 ended 30 September 2020.  

Other than the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro and the ‘i’ businesses, the Group prepares accounts for a year ending on 30 September.  
The Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro and the ‘i’ businesses prepare financial statements for a 52 or 53 week period or for the period since 
acquisition if shorter, 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. 

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 derivative 
financial instruments, hedged items, equity investments, contingent consideration, put options and the pension scheme surplus/(deficit) all of 
which are measured at fair value. 

The Group presents the results from discontinued operations separately from those of continuing operations. An operation is classed as 
discontinued if it has been, or is in the process of being disposed and represents either a separate major line of business or a geographical area of 
operations, or is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or exit a major geographical area of operations. 

Prior period amounts have been re-presented to conform to the current period’s presentation, as prescribed by IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for 
Sale and Discontinued Operations. 

All amounts presented have been rounded to the nearest £0.1 million. 

Going concern 
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the 
Financial Review, and the Strategic Report.  

As highlighted in Note 33 and 34 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 surplus cash balances and committed bank facilities which expire in March 2023. 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. 

In light of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic the Directors have performed a detailed going concern review. This included the preparation of  
a five-year forecast which was re-modelled to incorporate a pessimistic scenario and a severe but plausible scenario for the period through to  
31 December 2021. In addition, the Directors considered the availability of the Group’s committed but undrawn bank facilities of £373.2 million 
which expire in March 2023. 

The Directors’ severe but plausible scenario model for the period to 31 December 2021 included the effect of mitigating actions within the Group’s 
control, the impact of not holding shows in the Events and Exhibitions segment, the UK residential housing market to operate at volumes at the floor 
of a functioning market in the Property Information segment and revenues in the Consumer Media segment to demonstrate no growth year on year. 

In this severe but plausible scenario the Group does not forecast a draw down on its bank facilities nor does it forecast a breach of its 
banking covenants. 

After due consideration the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of this report. 

Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements. 

113
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

2 Significant accounting policies 
The following new and amended IFRSs have been adopted during the period: 

•  IFRS 16, Leases (effective 1 October 2019)  
•  Amendment to IFRS 2, Share-based Payments (effective 1 October 2019) 
•  IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (effective 1 October 2019) 
•  IAS 19, Employee Benefits (effective 1 October 2019) 
•  IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 October 2019) 

Other than IFRS 16, the adoption of standards, amendments and interpretations during the period did not have a material impact on the Group’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.  

IFRS 16, effective for the 2020 fiscal year, has eliminated the distinction between operating and finance leases for lessees and requires 
lessees to recognise right of use assets and corresponding liabilities for all leases. The new standard replaces operating lease charges with 
depreciation charges included within operating costs on the underlying right of use asset and interest charges included within finance costs 
on the lease liabilities. 

On 1 October 2019, on the adoption of IFRS 16 the Group has recognised right of use assets of £78.2 million and lease liabilities of £92.0 million which 
had previously been classified as operating leases under the principles of IAS 17 Leases. This includes right of use assets of £8.3 million and lease 
liabilities of £8.5 million relating to businesses held for sale. In addition, the Group recognised £11.0 million of sublease receivable.  

The lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate as at 
1 October 2019. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to these liabilities as at 1 October 2019 was 3.1%. The corresponding 
right of use assets were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments as 
at 30 September 2019. 

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 on a modified retrospective basis such that the Group has applied the simplified transition approach and has not 
restated comparative information. 

As permitted by IFRS 16 the Group has applied the following practical expedients: 

•  The Group has not brought onto the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position short-term leases (those with 12 months or less to run as at  

1 October 2019 including reasonably certain options to extend) or low-value assets. These items therefore continue to be expensed directly in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. 

•  The Group has relied on its onerous lease assessments under IAS 37 to impair right of use assets in place of performing an impairment assessment 

on adoption of IFRS 16.  

•  The Group has measured right of use assets at an amount equal to the lease liability on adoption of IFRS 16 as adjusted by existing lease accruals, 

prepayments and dilapidations and onerous lease provisions. 

•  The Group has separated non-lease components from lease components as part of the transition adjustment. 

The impact on the Group’s Statement of Financial Position as at 1 October 2019 is summarised as follows: 

Right of use assets 
Sublease receivable 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Prepayments 
Accruals 
Deferred revenue 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Lease liabilities 
Retained earnings 

Increase 
Increase 
Decrease 
Decrease 
Decrease 
Decrease 
Decrease 
Decrease 
Increase 
Increase 

£m 
 78.2 
 11.0 
 (0.3) 
 (2.3) 
 4.5 
 0.7 
 0.2 
 1.1 
 (92.0) 
 (1.1) 

In the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement there has been no impact in the total change in cash and cash equivalents. Under IFRS 16 the repayment 
of the lease liabilities and interest on IFRS 16 leases are included in financing activities whereas under IAS 17 lease rental payments were in 
operating activities. 

114
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

The measurement of lease liabilities is set out as follows: 

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 30 September 2019 
Discounted using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate 
Add 

Deferred rent 
Lease incentive on transition 
Accruals on transition 
Assets not entered as lease commitments at 30 September 2019 

Less 

Short term leases recognised on a straight-line basis as expense 
Low value leases recognised on a straight-line basis as expense 
Adjustments as a result of true ups to future cash payments 
Prepayments on transition 

Lease liability recognised as at 1 October 2019 

£m 
 103.5 
 (7.4) 

 0.7 
 1.7 
 0.2 
 1.9 

 (3.3) 
 (0.8) 
 (2.0) 
 (2.5) 

 92.0 

Following the implementation of IFRS 16, Group EBITDA for the 12-month period to 30 September 2020 has increased by £22.2 million. This was the 
result of the IAS 17 operating lease expense of £26.0 million being replaced with depreciation and interest charges combined with sublease income 
of £3.8 million no longer being recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

The Group has early adopted the following amendments to existing standards:  

•  Amendment to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7, Interest rate benchmark reform (effective 1 January 2020) 

With effect from 1 October 2019, the Group has early adopted the amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7, relating to interest rate benchmark 
(IBOR) reform. The amendments provide temporary relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedging relationships directly 
affected by IBOR reform. 

The Group has the following interest rate swaps designated in fair value hedging relationships which are potentially impacted by IBOR reform: 

•  £20.0 million fixed to floating interest rate swap, maturing April 2021 which references 12-month GBP LIBOR. 
•  £53.1 million fixed to floating interest rate swap, maturing June 2027 which references 3-month GBP LIBOR. 

As a result of adopting the amendments, the uncertainty around IBOR reform should not result in the above hedging relationships ceasing to meet 
the requirements for hedge accounting. For the swap maturing in April 2021, the reliefs will cease to apply when the swap matures and for the swap 
maturing in June 2027, the reliefs will cease to apply when the uncertainty arising from IBOR reform no longer exists. 

There is no impact on the consolidated financial statements from the early adoption of these amendments. 

The Group is currently assessing the wider implications of IBOR reform. 

Business combinations 
The acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses is 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 the consideration for an acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent arrangement, this is measured at its discounted 
fair value on the date of acquisition. Subsequent changes in fair values are adjusted through the Consolidated Income Statement in Financing. 
Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as equity is not recognised. 

Put options granted to non-controlling interests are recorded at present value as a reduction in equity on initial recognition, since the arrangement 
represents a transaction with equity holders. Changes in present value after initial recognition are recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement 
in Financing. 

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 at the 
date of the acquisition that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised as at 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 at the acquisition date and is a maximum of one year. 

115
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

2 Significant accounting policies continued 
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. 

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 financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income at fair 
value on initial recognition. On disposal of a subsidiary all amounts deferred in equity are recycled to the Consolidated Income Statement.  

Contingent consideration receivable 
Where the consideration for a disposal includes consideration resulting from a contingent arrangement, the contingent consideration receivable  
is discounted to its fair value, with any subsequent movement in fair value being recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement in Financing. 

Discontinued operations 
The Group presents the results from discontinued operations separately from those of continuing operations. An operation is classed as 
discontinued if it has been, or is in the process of being disposed and represents either a separate major line of business or a geographical area of 
operations, or is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or exit a major geographical area of operations. 

Assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale 
An asset or disposal group is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount is intended to be recovered principally through sale rather than 
continuing use, is available for immediate sale and it is highly probable that the sale will be completed within 12 months of classification as held  
for sale. Assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment  
is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement and is first allocated to the goodwill associated with the disposal group and then to the 
remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis. No further depreciation or amortisation is charged on non-current assets classified as held  
for sale from the date of classification. 

Accounting for subsidiaries 
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. Control is achieved where the Group has power over an investee; exposure, or rights, to variable 
returns from its involvement with the investee; and the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the returns.  

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period 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, either at fair value 
or at the non-controlling interest’s share of the net assets of the subsidiary, on a case-by-case basis. The total comprehensive income of a subsidiary 
is apportioned between the Group and the non-controlling interest, even if it results in a deficit balance for the non-controlling interest. 

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Interests in joint ventures and associates 
A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby the Group and other parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint 
control, that is, when the strategic financial and operating policy decisions relating to the activities require the unanimous consent of the parties 
sharing control.  

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. 
Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint control 
over those policies. 

The post-tax results of joint ventures and associates are incorporated in the Group’s results using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity 
method, investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the Consolidated 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. On disposal of a subsidiary, associate 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.  

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2 Significant accounting policies continued 
Impairment of goodwill 
The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill might be impaired.  

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 CGU 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, prorated on the basis of the carrying 
amount of each asset in the unit, but subject to not reducing any asset below its recoverable amount.  

When testing for impairment, the recoverable amounts for all of the Group’s CGUs are measured at the higher of value in use or 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 Board-approved 
budgets and forecasts 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 10.50% to 15.28% (2019 10.50% to 15.28%) the choice of rates 
depending on the risks specific to that CGU. The Directors’ estimate of DMGT’s post tax weighted average cost of capital is 6.7% (2019 8.5%). The 
cash flow projections consist of Board-approved budgets for the following year, together with forecasts for up to four additional years and nominal 
long-term growth rates beyond these periods. The nominal long-term (decline)/growth rates used range from (3.0%) to 5.0% (2019 2.0% to 3.0%) 
and varies with management’s view of the CGU’s market position, maturity of the relevant market and does not exceed the long-term average 
growth rate for the industry in which the CGU 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, such development expenditure is charged 
to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which it is 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 intangible assets.  

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 programs are recognised as an expense as incurred. 

Other intangible assets 
Other intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is charged to 
Operating Profit in 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, mastheads and titles 
Brands  
Market- and customer-related databases and customer relationships 
Computer software 

 5 – 30 years 
 3 – 20 years 
 3 – 20 years 
 2 – 5 years 

Amortisation of intangible assets not arising on business combinations are included within Adjusted Operating Profit in the Consolidated 
Income Statement.  

The Group has no intangible assets with indefinite lives. 

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Impairment of intangible assets 
At each period end date, reviews are carried out of the carrying amounts of 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, 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. 

At the end of each reporting period the Group assesses 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: 

•  whether the asset’s market value has increased significantly during the period; 
•  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 
•  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. Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated 
impairment losses. 

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 properties 
Short leasehold properties 
Plant and equipment 
Depreciation is not provided on freehold land 

50 years 
the term of the lease 
3 – 25 years 

Right of use assets 
Right of use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful economic life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. 

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 Consumer Media segment for newsprint and the First In First Out method for all other inventories. 

Exhibition, training and event costs 
Directly attributable costs relating to future exhibition, training and events are deferred within work in progress and measured at the lower of cost 
and net realisable value. These costs are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement when the exhibition, training or event takes place.   

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. These are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement on publication.   

Marketing costs 
All marketing and promotional costs are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred. Direct event costs 
are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement within Direct Event Costs. 

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 and which are subject to insignificant changes in value. For the purpose  
of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents are as defined above, net of bank overdrafts. 

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2 Significant accounting policies continued 
Revenue 
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 Consumer Media segment enters into agreements with advertising agencies and certain clients, which are subject to a minimum spend and 
typically include a commitment to deliver rebates to the agency or client based on the level of agency spend over the contract period. 

The principal revenue performance obligations are: 

•  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 the publication or report;  
•  advertising revenue is recognised on issue of the 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 revenue is recognised on delivery of the software or the technology or over a period of time where the transaction is a licence (the 
licence term). If support is unable to be separately identified from hosting and revenue is unable to be allocated on a fair and reliable basis, 
support revenue is recognised over the licence term. Commissions paid to acquire software and services contracts are capitalised in prepayments 
and recognised over the term of the contract; 

•  support revenue associated with software licences and subscriptions is recognised over the term of the support contract. 

Adjusted measures 
The Group presents adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax adjusting for costs and profits which management believe to be 
significant by virtue of their size, nature or incidence or which have a distortive effect on current year earnings.  

In the Director’s judgement such items would include, but are not limited to, costs associated with business combinations, gains and losses on the 
disposal of businesses and subsidiary undertakings, finance costs relating to premium on bond buy backs, fair value movements, exceptional 
operating costs, impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets arising on 
business combinations. 

The board and management team believe these adjusted results, used in conjunction with statutory IFRS results, give a greater insight into the 
financial performance of the Group and the way it is managed. Similarly, adjusted results are used in setting management remuneration.  

See Note 13 for a reconciliation of profit before tax to adjusted profit before and after tax.  

The Group also presents a measure of net cash in Note 16. In the judgement of the Directors this measure should include the currency gain or loss  
on derivatives entered into with the intention of economically converting the currency borrowings into an alternative currency. 

Other gains and losses 
Other gains and losses comprise profit or loss on sale of financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income, profit or loss on sale  
of property, plant and equipment, profit or loss on sale of businesses and subsidiary undertakings and profit or loss on sale of joint ventures  
and associates. 

EBITDA 
The Group discloses EBITDA, being adjusted operating profit before depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right of use assets and 
amortisation of assets not arising on business combinations. EBITDA is broadly used by analysts, rating agencies, investors and the Group’s banks  
as part of their assessment of the Group’s performance. A reconciliation of EBITDA from operating profit is shown in Note 15. 

Leases 
The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. A lease conveys the right to direct the use and obtain 
substantially all of the economic benefits of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.  

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The Group as a lessee 
Where the Group acts as a lessee it recognises a right of use asset and corresponding liability at the date at which a leased asset is made available for 
use by the Group, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets. For these 
leases, the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

The lease liability is measured at the present value of the future lease payments, discounted at the rate implicit in the lease, or if that cannot be 
readily determined, at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate specific to the term, country, currency and start date of the lease.  

The Group’s lease payments include: fixed payments; variable lease payments dependent on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or 
rate at commencement; and payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option or not 
exercise a break option less any lease incentives receivable. 

The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. It is remeasured, with a corresponding 
adjustment to the right of use asset, when there is a change in future lease payments resulting from a rent review, change in an index or rate such  
as inflation, or change in the Group’s assessment of whether it is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase, extension or break option. 

The right of use asset is initially measured at cost based on the value of the associated lease liability, adjusted for any payments made before 
inception, initial indirect costs and any dilapidation or restoration costs.  

The right of use asset is subsequently depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset. 
The right of use asset is tested for impairment if there are any indicators of impairment.  

Leases of low value assets and short-term leases of 12 months or less are expensed to the Consolidated Income Statement, as are non-lease 
service components. 

The Group as a lessor 
Leases for which the Group is a lessor are classified as finance or operating leases. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all 
the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee and classified as an operating lease if it does not.  

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for the head lease and the sublease as two separate contracts. The sublease is classified as  
a finance or operating lease by reference to the right of use asset arising from the head lease. Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are 
recognised as receivables at the amount of the Group’s net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as 
to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the Group’s net investment in the lease. Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a 
straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 

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. 

Retirement benefits 
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 net finance income/(expense) is also charged to the Consolidated Income 
Statement within net finance costs. 

The Group’s contributions to defined contribution pension plans are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement as they fall due. 

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2 Significant accounting policies continued 
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 is reduced or increased as appropriate 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, or it becomes probable that sufficient 
taxable profits will be available.  

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 recognised directly in equity. 

Actual tax liabilities or refunds may differ from those anticipated due to changes in tax legislation, differing interpretations of tax legislation and 
uncertainties surrounding the application of tax legislation. In situations where uncertainties exist, provision is made for contingent tax liabilities 
and assets when it is more likely than not that there will be a cash impact. These provisions are made for each uncertainty individually on the basis 
of management judgement following consideration of the available relevant information. The measurement basis adopted represents the best 
predictor of the resolution of the uncertainty which is usually based on the most likely cash outflow. The Company reviews the adequacy of these 
provisions at the end of each reporting period and adjusts them based on changing facts and circumstances. 

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. 

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Financial assets 
Trade receivables 
Trade receivables do not carry interest and are recognised initially at the value of the invoice sent to the customer i.e. amortised cost and 
subsequently reduced by allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. 

Other receivables include loans which are held at the capital sum outstanding plus unpaid interest. 

Estimates are used in determining the level of receivables that will not, in the opinion of the Directors, be collected. The Group applies the 
simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires the use of the lifetime expected loss provision for all receivables, including contract assets. 
These estimates are based on historic credit losses, macro-economic and specific country-risk considerations with higher default rates applied to 
older balances.  

In addition, if specific circumstances exist which would indicate that the receivable is irrecoverable a specific provision is made. A provision is made 
against trade receivables and contract assets until such time as the Group believes there to be no reasonable expectation of recovery, after which 
the trade receivable or contract asset balance is written off. 

Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
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. 

As permitted by IFRS 9, the Group classifies its equity investments at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income. All fair value movements are 
recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and gains and losses are not recycled to the Consolidated Income Statement on disposal.  

Dividend income from Financial assets held at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income is recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Unlisted equity investments are valued using a variety of approaches including comparable company valuation multiples and discounted cash flow 
techniques. In extremely limited circumstances, where insufficient recent information is available to measure fair value or when there is a wide 
range of possible fair value measurements, cost is used since this represents the best estimate of fair value in the range of possible valuations. 

The fair value of listed equity investments is determined based on quoted market prices.  

Financial liabilities and equity instruments 
Trade payables 
Trade payables are non-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. 

Derecognition 
The Group derecognises a financial asset, or a portion of a financial asset, from the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position where the 
contractual rights to cash flows from the asset have expired, or have been transferred, usually by sale, and with them either substantially all the  
risks and rewards of the asset or significant risks and rewards, along with the unconditional ability to sell or pledge the asset.  

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the liability has been settled, has expired or has been extinguished. 

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 
Derivative financial instruments are used to manage exposure to market risks. The principal derivative instruments used by the Group are foreign 
currency swaps, interest rate swaps, foreign exchange forward contracts and options. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial 
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. 

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in the Consolidated 
Income Statement. 

Where the derivative instruments do qualify for hedge accounting, the following treatments are applied: 

Fair value hedges 
Changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are recognised in the Consolidated 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. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

2 Significant accounting policies continued 
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting continued 
Cash flow hedges 
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. 

Net investment hedges 
Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are recognised 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. 

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.  

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. 

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 EBT comprise shares in DMGT plc and cash balances. The EBT 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 EBT in the 
consolidated financial statements and shares held by the EBT are recorded at cost as a deduction from shareholders’ equity. Consideration received 
for the sale of shares held by the EBT is recognised in equity, with any difference between the proceeds from the sale and the original cost being 
taken to retained earnings. 

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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: 

Adjusted measures 
Management believes that the adjusted profit and adjusted earnings per share measures provide additional useful information to users of the 
Report and Accounts on the performance of the business. Accordingly, the Group presents adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax 
by adjusting for costs and profits which management judge to be significant by virtue of their size, nature or incidence or which have a distortive 
effect on current year earnings. 

In management’s judgement such items would include, but are not limited to, costs associated with business combinations, gains and losses on  
the disposal of businesses and subsidiary undertakings, finance costs relating to premium on bond buy backs, fair value movements, exceptional 
operating costs, impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets arising on 
business combinations. 

Exceptional operating costs include items of a significant and a non-recurring nature. In addition, the Group presents an adjusted profit after tax 
measure by making adjustments for certain tax charges and credits which management judge to be significant by virtue of their size, nature or 
incidence or which have a distortive effect. The Group uses these adjusted measures to evaluate performance and as a method to provide 
shareholders with clear and consistent reporting.  

See Note 13 for a reconciliation of profit before tax to adjusted profit before and after tax. 

The Group also presents a measure of net cash. In the judgement of management this measure should include the currency gain or loss on 
derivatives entered into with the intention of economically converting the currency borrowings into an alternative currency. See Note 16 for 
further detail. 

Retirement benefits 
When a surplus on a defined benefit pension scheme arises, management are required to consider the rights of the Trustees in preventing the Group 
from obtaining a refund of that surplus in the future. Where the Trustees are able to exercise this right, the Group would be required to restrict the 
amount of surplus recognised. 

After considering the principles set out in IFRIC 14, the Directors have judged it appropriate to recognise a surplus of £136.7 million (2019 £225.7 million) 
and report a net surplus on its pension schemes amounting to £123.2 million (2019 £215.0 million). 

Acquisition of the ‘i’ 
The Group’s acquisition of the ‘i’ on 29 November 2019 was subject to review by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). 

On 24 March 2020 the CMA reported to the Secretary of State that DMGT’s acquisition of the ‘i’ would not result in a substantial lessening of 
competition in any market which was accepted by the Secretary of State. 

In addition, Ofcom reported that it did not expect DMGT’s acquisition of the ‘i’ to reduce the plurality of views provided across newspaper groups 
in the UK. The Secretary of State accepted Ofcom’s assessment also. 

As part of its assessment of the acquisition the Group determined that it had control of the ‘i’ which was consolidated from the date of acquisition  
on 29 November 2019. See Note 17.  

Investment in Cazoo Ltd 
On 20 March 2020 and on 26 June 2020 the Group made additional investments in Cazoo Ltd (Cazoo) taking the Group’s equity stake to 23.5% 
(21.4% on a fully diluted basis). The Group’s Board representation remains at 25.0% with Board decisions being based on a simple majority. 

In accordance with IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, equity holdings of 20% or more of voting power (directly or through 
subsidiaries) indicates significant influence and result in equity accounting – unless it can be clearly demonstrated that significant influence does 
not exist. 

The Group cannot participate in or veto any Cazoo Board decisions – which are based on a simple Board majority, due to the current composition  
of the other seats on the Board and has no other means that give it the ability to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of Cazoo. 
The Group provides no essential technical information to develop the Cazoo business and there is no interchange of managerial personnel between 
DMGT and Cazoo. Therefore, the Directors have concluded that the Group does not possess the ability to exert significant influence over Cazoo and 
accordingly the Group has not equity accounted for its interest. 

Cazoo has been recognised as an equity investment and measured at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). The carrying value  
of Cazoo at the period end was £375.0 million and a gain of £293.5 million was recognised in OCI during the period. 

Mail Force Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) 
The Group established the Mail Force CIO during the current year. The Group has assessed its relationship with the charity in accordance with  
IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements and concluded that it does not have the power to affect returns to the Group from the Charity’s 
activities, and does not control Mail Force. Accordingly Mail Force’s accounts have not been consolidated within the Group’s financial statements. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

2 Significant accounting policies continued 
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty continued 
The following represent key sources of estimation uncertainty that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the 
financial statements: 

Forecasting 
The Group prepares medium-term forecasts based on Board-approved budgets and four-year outlooks. These are used to support estimates 
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 and viability assessments and for the purposes of impairment reviews. Longer-term forecasts use long-term growth rates applicable 
to the relevant businesses. See Note 21 for a sensitivity assessment of these long-term growth rates on the carrying values of certain of the Group’s 
goodwill and intangible assets. 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
Determining whether goodwill and intangible or other assets are impaired or whether a reversal of an impairment should be recorded requires a 
comparison of the balance sheet carrying value with the recoverable amount of the asset or CGU. The recoverable amount is the higher of the value 
in use and fair value less costs to sell. 

The value in use calculation requires management to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the asset or CGU and calculate the net 
present value of these cash flows using a suitable discount rate. A key area of estimation is deciding the long-term growth rate and the operating 
cash flows of the applicable businesses and the discount rate applied to those cash flows. The key assumptions used and associated sensitivity 
analysis in relation to the Group’s EdTech segment, UK Property Information business in the Property Information segment and CWC in the Events 
and Exhibitions segment is shown in Note 21. The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets within these segments at the period end 
amounted to £251.8 million.  

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 with respect to tax, to be used. The Group recognises intangible assets acquired as part of a business 
combination at fair value at the date of acquisition. The determination of these fair values is based upon management’s estimate 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. 

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 more challenging. The resolution of issues is not always within the control of the Group and actual tax liabilities or refunds  
may differ from those anticipated due to changes in tax legislation, differing interpretations of tax legislation and uncertainties surrounding the 
application of tax legislation. 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. In situations where uncertainties exist, provision is made for contingent tax liabilities and assets when it is more likely than not that there 
will be a cash impact. These provisions are made for each uncertainty individually based on management’s estimates following consideration of the 
available relevant information. The measurement basis adopted represents the best predictor of the resolution of the uncertainty which is usually 
based on the most likely cash outflow. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of each reporting period and adjusts them 
based on changing facts and circumstances. 

In addition, 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. See Note 37 for further information concerning recognised and unrecognised deferred tax assets. 

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Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty continued 
Retirement benefits 
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 and mortality rates. 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 fair value of the Group’s pension scheme assets includes quoted and unquoted investments. The value of unquoted investments are estimated 
as their values are not directly observable. Accordingly the assumptions used in valuing unquoted investments are affected by current market 
conditions and trends which could result in changes in their fair value after the measurement date. A 1.0% movement in the value of unquoted 
pension scheme assets is estimated to change the value of the Group’s pension scheme assets by £23.0 million (2019 £23.4 million). 

The carrying amount of the retirement benefit obligation at 30 September 2020 was a surplus of £123.2 million (2019 £215.0 million). The assumptions 
used and the associated sensitivity analysis can be found in Note 35. 

Legal claim provision 
DMGT and certain of its subsidiaries are involved in various lawsuits and claims which arise in the course of business. The Group records a provision 
for these matters when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  

The amounts accrued for legal contingencies often result from complex judgements about future events and uncertainties that rely heavily on 
estimates and assumptions.  

As disclosed in Note 19, Genscape has been involved in a dispute with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 2016. In 2017 Genscape 
voluntarily paid a 2.0% liability cap associated with invalid Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) at a cost of US$1.3 million, based on the then-
prevailing market rates, subject to a reservation of rights. However, during 2019 the EPA ordered Genscape to replace 69.2 million additional RINs  
it had verified.  

DMGT continues to cooperate with the EPA and settlement discussions are ongoing but considering the uncertainties involved, the length of time 
involved and taking note of the order from the EPA, the Group, without admitting any wrongdoing, made a provision for the total cost of replacing 
RINs at 30 September 2019.  

At each period end IAS 37 requires DMGT to review this provision and make appropriate adjustments to reflect the current status of the claim. 
Accordingly, the Group has reduced its total provision. The Group’s closing provision includes the cost of replacement RINs, estimated purchase 
costs, associated legal fees and currency fluctuations. The final settlement amount may be different than the provision made, however, it is not 
possible for the Group to predict with any certainty the potential impact of this litigation or to quantify the ultimate cost of a verdict or resolution. 
Accordingly, the provision could change substantially over time as the dispute progresses and new facts emerge. 

RINs trade in a volatile range averaging approximately 48 cents over the previous 24-month period compared to the period end price of 62 cents. 
The Group estimates that using the period end price rather than the 24-month average would increase the provision by approximately  
US$5.9 million (£4.6 million). 

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

3 Segment analysis 
The Group’s business activities are split into five continuing operating divisions: Insurance Risk, Property Information, EdTech, Events and 
Exhibitions and Consumer Media. 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 of acquired intangible assets arising on business combinations, impairment charges, other gains and losses, net finance costs and 
taxation. During the period, the Energy Information segment was disposed and is classified within discontinued operations. 

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. 

Segment  
operating 
profit/(loss) 
£m 
 33.0 
 25.0 
 5.9 
 3.8 
 1.6 
 55.8 
 125.1 

 (40.5) 
 (1.6) 

Less operating 
(loss)/profit  
of joint  
ventures and 
associates 
£m 
 (0.7) 
 1.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 0.3 

 (5.6) 
– 

Total and 
 external  
revenue 
£m 
 248.3 
 186.6 
 84.9 
 79.2 
 7.1 
 604.4 
 1,210.5 

– 
 (7.1) 
 1,203.4 

Adjusted  
operating 
profit/(loss) 
£m 
 33.7 
 24.0 
 5.9 
 3.8 
 1.6 
 55.8 
 124.8 

 (34.9) 
 (1.6) 

 88.3 

 (36.6) 

 (14.1) 

 (11.3) 

 26.3 

 (11.4) 
 14.9 

 42.6 
 57.5 

 8.3 
 (17.8) 
 4.4 
 52.4 

 0.7 
 135.9 
 189.0 

Year ended 30 September 2020 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 
Discontinued operations 

Adjusted operating profit 

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated 
and acquired computer software 
Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets arising 
on business combinations 
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 investment revenue, net finance costs and tax 

Investment revenue 
Finance expense 
Finance income 

Profit before tax 

Tax 
Profit from discontinued operations 

Profit for the year 

Note 

 19 

21, 22 

 22 

 7 

 8 

 9 
 10 
 10 

 11 
 19 

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An analysis of the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional operating costs by segment is as follows: 

Note 

Year ended 30 September 2020 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Relating to discontinued operations 

 19 

Continuing operations 

Amortisation of 
intangible assets 
not arising on 
business 
combinations 
(Note 22) 
£m 
 (0.1) 
 (4.9) 
 (7.3) 
 (0.1) 
– 
 (1.6) 
 (14.0) 

Amortisation of 
intangible assets 
arising on 
 business 
combinations 
(Note 22) 
£m 
– 
 (6.1) 
 (0.7) 
 (1.3) 
– 
 (3.2) 
 (11.3) 

 (1.4) 
 (15.4) 

– 
 (15.4) 

– 
 (11.3) 

– 
 (11.3) 

Impairment of 
goodwill and 
intangible assets 
arising on 
 business 
combinations 
(Note 21, 22) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
 (11.2) 
– 
 (2.9) 
 (14.1) 

– 
 (14.1) 

– 
 (14.1) 

Impairment of 
internally 
generated  
and acquired 
computer  
software 
(Note 22) 
£m 
– 
 (1.5) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (1.5) 

– 
 (1.5) 

– 
 (1.5) 

Exceptional 
operating 
(costs)/income 
£m 
 (20.4) 
 (1.0) 
– 
 (1.5) 
 11.4 
 (7.2) 
 (18.7) 

 (5.0) 
 (23.7) 

 (11.4) 
 (35.1) 

The Group’s exceptional operating (costs)/income which have been disclosed separately due to their size, nature and incidence are analysed in the 
table below. The Directors believe this presentation provides users of these accounts with clear and consistent reporting: 

Note 

Year ended 30 September 2020 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Relating to discontinued operations 

 19 

Continuing operations 

Severance  
and other 
 closure costs 
(i) 
£m 
– 
 (1.0) 
 (1.5) 
– 
 (6.1) 
 (8.6) 

– 
 (8.6) 

– 
 (8.6) 

Option 
modification 
charge 
(iii) 
£m 
 (20.4) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (20.4) 

– 
 (20.4) 

– 
 (20.4) 

LTIP 
(ii) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (1.1) 
 (1.1) 

 (5.0) 
 (6.1) 

– 
 (6.1) 

Legal fees  
and claims 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
 11.4 
– 
 11.4 

– 
 11.4 

 (11.4) 
– 

Total 
£m 
 (20.4) 
 (1.0) 
 (1.5) 
 11.4 
 (7.2) 
 (18.7) 

 (5.0) 
 (23.7) 

 (11.4) 
 (35.1) 

(i)  Headcount was reduced in the Property Information, Events and Exhibitions and Consumer Media segments to enhance the future profitability 

of individual product lines and support the margins of these businesses. 

(ii)  During the year ended 30 September 2018, the Group sold its investment in ZPG Plc (ZPG) resulting in a profit on sale of £508.4 million and 
during the year ended 30 September 2019 the Group disposed of its investment in Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (Euromoney).  
As a direct consequence of these disposals the value of the DMGT Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) are estimated to have increased by  
£22.5 million. As the LTIPs include a service period condition, IFRS 2, Share-based Payment requires the LTIP charge to be spread over the 
service period until the award vests. The LTIP charge recognised in the period, which relates to the disposals of ZPG and Euromoney amounts 
to £6.1 million. Since the profit on sale of ZPG and the capital benefit of the Euromoney disposal are excluded from our adjusted profit measure 
we have treated the incremental increase in the LTIP charge as an adjusting item and will continue to do so until these awards vest. 

(iii)  Options granted under the 2015 RMS Equity Incentive Plan (2015 Plan) originally required satisfying two conditions in order to vest – a service 
period and the occurrence of an initial public offering (IPO) of RMS or an event in which the Group ceased to hold at least 50.0% of the voting 
rights of RMS. Since the possibility of an IPO or change in control was considered improbable, in accordance with IFRS 2, Share-based 
Payment, the Group had not booked a charge to the Consolidated Income Statement for this 2015 Plan. 

On 20 July 2020, the Group modified the 2015 Plan such that vesting now occurs only on the satisfaction of a service period, which causes 
vesting to be considered probable. Following this modification and in accordance with IFRS 2, the Group is required to recognise a charge  
of £20.4 million (US$26.2 million) for the cumulative service rendered by participants from grant to modification. Due to the materiality and 
non-recurring nature of this charge, the Group has classified the modification charge as an adjusting item. 

The charge in the Consolidated Income Statement for the period post modification to the period end amounts to £2.0 million (US$2.6 million) 
which has been charged against the Group’s adjusted operating profit. 

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

3 Segment analysis continued 
The Group’s tax charge includes a credit of £4.7 million in relation to these exceptional operating costs of which a charge of £2.4 million relates to 
discontinued operations. 

An analysis of the depreciation of right of use assets and property, plant and equipment, research costs, investment revenue, other gains and losses 
and finance income and expense by segment is as follows: 

Year ended 30 September 2020 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Relating to discontinued 
operations 

Continuing operations 

Depreciation of 
right of use 
assets 
(Note 24) 
£m 
 (6.0) 
 (2.0) 
 (1.3) 
 (0.6) 
– 
 (11.0) 
 (20.9) 

Depreciation of 
property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 23) 
£m 
 (5.3) 
 (1.9) 
 (0.3) 
 (0.2) 
– 
 (14.2) 
 (21.9) 

– 
 (20.9) 

– 
 (20.9) 

 (0.6) 
 (22.5) 

– 
 (22.5) 

Note 

 19 

Research  
costs 
£m 
 (41.7) 
– 
– 
– 
 (0.5) 
– 
 (42.2) 

– 
 (42.2) 

 0.5 
 (41.7) 

Investment 
revenue 
(Note 9) 
£m 
 0.4 
– 
 0.9 
– 
– 
– 
 1.3 

 7.0 
 8.3 

– 
 8.3 

Other gains 
 and losses 
(Note 8) 
£m 
– 
 33.7 
 0.5 
 (0.2) 
 133.8 
 5.6 
 173.4 

 3.0 
 176.4 

 (133.8) 
 42.6 

Finance 
 income 
(Note 10) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 3.2 
 3.2 

 1.2 
 4.4 

– 
 4.4 

Finance  
expense 
(Note 10) 
£m 
 (0.7) 
 (0.5) 
 (0.2) 
 (0.1) 
– 
 (1.1) 
 (2.6) 

 (15.2) 
 (17.8) 

– 
 (17.8) 

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Year ended 30 September 2019 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 
Discontinued operations 

Adjusted operating profit 

Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated 
and acquired computer software 
Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets arising 
on business combinations 
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 investment revenue, net finance costs and tax 

Investment revenue 
Finance expense 
Finance income 

Profit before tax 

Tax 
Loss from discontinued operations 

Profit for the year 

Note 

 19 

21, 22 

 22 

 7 

 8 

 9 
 10 
 10 

 11 
 19 

Segment  
operating 
profit/(loss) 
 £m 
 39.7 
 41.9 
 4.4 
 22.3 
 8.4 
 67.9 
 184.6 

 (27.8) 
 (8.4) 

Less operating 
profit/(loss) 
 of joint ventures 
and associates 
 £m 
 (0.7) 
 0.5 
– 
– 
– 
 0.8 
 0.6 

 12.0 
– 

Total and 
 external 
 revenue  
£m 
 244.3 
 222.1 
 79.7 
 118.7 
 73.6 
 672.2 
 1,410.6 

– 
 (73.6) 
 1,337.0 

Adjusted 
 operating 
profit/(loss) 
 £m 
 40.4 
 41.4 
 4.4 
 22.3 
 8.4 
 67.1 
 184.0 

 (39.8) 
 (8.4) 

 135.8 

 (11.9) 

 (19.1) 

 (10.2) 

 94.6 

 (28.1) 

 66.5 

 73.7 

 140.2 

 11.5 
 (24.5) 
 7.1 

 134.3 

 (20.4) 
 (22.6) 

 91.3 

An analysis of the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional operating costs by segment is as follows: 

Year ended 30 September 2019 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Relating to discontinued operations 
Continuing operations 

Amortisation of 
intangible assets 
not arising on 
business 
combinations 
(Note 22) 
£m 
 (0.1) 
 (6.3) 
 (7.7) 
– 
 (4.1) 
 (3.0) 
 (21.2) 

Amortisation of 
intangible assets 
arising on business 
combinations 
(Note 22) 
£m 
– 
 (7.1) 
 (1.6) 
 (1.4) 
 (3.2) 
 (0.1) 
 (13.4) 

Impairment of 
goodwill and 
intangible assets 
arising on business 
combinations 
(Notes 21) 
£m 
– 
 (19.1) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (19.1) 

 (0.8) 
 (22.0) 

 4.1 
 (17.9) 

– 
 (13.4) 

 3.2 
 (10.2) 

– 
 (19.1) 

– 
 (19.1) 

Note 

 19 

Exceptional 
operating 
(costs)/income 
£m 
– 
– 
 0.1 
– 
 (31.3) 
 (2.0) 
 (33.2) 

 (10.0) 
 (43.2) 

 31.3 
 (11.9) 

131
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

3 Segment analysis continued 
The Group’s exceptional operating (costs)/income are analysed as follows: 

Note 

Year ended 30 September 2019 
EdTech 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Relating to discontinued operations 
Continuing operations 

 19 

Pension past 
service cost 
(Note 35) 
(ii) 
£m 
– 
– 
 (1.9) 
 (1.9) 

 (1.2) 
 (3.1) 

– 
 (3.1) 

LTIP 
(i) 
£m 
– 
– 
 (1.5) 
 (1.5) 

 (8.1) 
 (9.6) 

– 
 (9.6) 

Property 
£m 
 0.1 
– 
 2.4 
 2.5 

– 
 2.5 

– 
 2.5 

Legal fees and 
claims 
£m 
– 
 (31.3) 
– 
 (31.3) 

– 
 (31.3) 

 31.3 
– 

Other 
£m 
– 
– 
 (1.0) 
 (1.0) 

 (0.7) 
 (1.7) 

– 
 (1.7) 

Total 
£m 
 0.1 
 (31.3) 
 (2.0) 
 (33.2) 

 (10.0) 
 (43.2) 

 31.3 
 (11.9) 

(i)  During the year ended 30 September 2018, the Group sold its investment in ZPG resulting in a profit on sale of £508.4 million and during the 
year ended 30 September 2019, the Group disposed of its investment in Euromoney. As a direct consequence of these disposals the value of  
the DMGT Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) are estimated to have increased by £21.9 million. As the LTIPs include a service period condition, 
IFRS 2, Share-based Payment requires the LTIP charge to be spread over the service period until the awards vest. The LTIP charge recognised  
in the period, which relates to the disposals of ZPG and Euromoney, amounts to £9.6 million. Since the profit on the sale of ZPG and the capital 
benefit of the Euromoney disposal are excluded from our adjusted profit measure we have treated the incremental increase in the LTIP charge 
as an adjusting item and will continue to do so until the awards vest. 

(ii)  The pension past service cost represents a non-cash charge. This follows a High Court ruling in the Lloyds Banking Group case to equalise 
benefits for the effect of unequal Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMP) between men and women for UK pension schemes which had 
contracted out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme. 

The Group’s tax charge includes a credit of £9.1 million in relation to these exceptional operating costs of which £6.6 million relates to 
discontinued operations. 

An analysis of the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, research costs, investment revenue, other gains and losses and finance income 
and expense by segment is as follows: 

Note 

Year ended 30 September 2019 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Relating to discontinued operations 
Continuing operations 

 19 

Depreciation of 
property, plant  
and equipment 
(Note 23) 
£m 
 (5.3) 
 (2.3) 
 (0.3) 
 (0.3) 
 (2.6) 
 (14.0) 
 (24.8) 

 (0.5) 
 (25.3) 

 2.6 
 (22.7) 

Research  
costs 
£m 
 (39.7) 
 (0.1) 
– 
– 
 (5.2) 
 (0.5) 
 (45.5) 

– 
 (45.5) 

 5.2 
 (40.3) 

Investment 
revenue 
(Note 9) 
£m 
 0.4 
– 
 1.4 
– 
– 
– 
 1.8 

 9.7 
 11.5 

– 
 11.5 

Other gains  
and losses 
(Note 8) 
£m 
– 
 (3.1) 
 (0.4) 
 (0.5) 
 (6.4) 
 (0.5) 
 (10.9) 

 78.2 
 67.3 

 6.4 
 73.7 

Finance 
 income 
(Note 10) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 7.1 
 7.1 

– 
 7.1 

– 
 7.1 

Finance  
expense 
(Note 10) 
£m 
– 
 (0.1) 
 (0.1) 
– 
 (0.1) 
 (0.3) 
 (0.6) 

 (24.0) 
 (24.6) 

 0.1 
 (24.5) 

132
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

The Group’s revenue comprises sales excluding value added tax, less discounts and commission where applicable and is analysed as follows: 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Total 
£m 
 131.7 
 151.8 
 284.5 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Total 
 Point in time 
£m 
 131.7 
 8.8 
 280.5 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2020 
Total  
Over time 
£m 
– 
 143.0 
 4.0 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Total 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations 
 Point in time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Over time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations 
 Total 
£m 
 131.7 
 151.8 
 284.5 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations  
Point in time 
£m 
 131.7 
 8.8 
 280.5 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations  
Over time 
£m 
– 
 143.0 
 4.0 

 373.1 

 0.6 

 372.5 

 6.5 

 0.2 

 6.3 

 366.6 

 0.4 

 366.2 

 78.7 

 78.7 

– 

 190.7 
 1,210.5 

 185.7 
 686.0 

 5.0 
 524.5 

– 

 0.6 
 7.1 

– 

 0.6 
 0.8 

– 

 78.7 

 78.7 

– 

– 
 6.3 

 190.1 
 1,203.4 

 185.1 
 685.2 

 5.0 
 518.2 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Total 
£m 
 184.5 
 145.1 
 284.1 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Total  
Point in time 
£m 
 184.5 
 0.8 
 284.1 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Total 
 Over time 
£m 
– 
 144.3 
– 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Total 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Point in time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Over time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Total 
£m 
 184.5 
 145.1 
 284.1 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Point in time 
£m 
 184.5 
 0.8 
 284.1 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Over time 
£m 
– 
 144.3 
– 

 428.8 

 7.7 

 421.1 

 72.6 

 6.5 

 66.1 

 356.2 

 1.2 

 355.0 

 118.0 

 118.0 

– 

 250.1 
 1,410.6 

 225.8 
 820.9 

 24.3 
 589.7 

– 

 1.0 
 73.6 

– 

 1.0 
 7.5 

– 

 118.0 

 118.0 

– 

– 
 66.1 

 249.1 
 1,337.0 

 224.8 
 813.4 

 24.3 
 523.6 

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

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

133
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

3 Segment analysis continued 
By geographic area 
The majority of the Group’s operations are located in the United Kingdom and North America. The analysis of Group revenue below is based on the 
location of Group companies in these regions.  

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Total 
£m 
 718.8 
 402.1 
 89.6 
 1,210.5 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Total  
Point in time 
£m 
 569.9 
 36.7 
 79.4 
 686.0 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Total  
Over time 
£m 
 148.9 
 365.4 
 10.2 
 524.5 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Total 
£m 
 814.5 
 467.6 
 128.5 
 1,410.6 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Total 
 Point in time 
£m 
 674.2 
 38.3 
 108.4 
 820.9 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Total  
Over time 
£m 
 140.3 
 429.3 
 20.1 
 589.7 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations 
 Total 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 6.6 
 0.5 
 7.1 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Total 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 68.0 
 5.6 
 73.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Point in time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 0.8 
– 
 0.8 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Point in time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 7.2 
 0.3 
 7.5 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Over time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 5.8 
 0.5 
 6.3 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations 
 Over time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 60.8 
 5.3 
 66.1 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations 
 Total 
£m 
 718.8 
 395.5 
 89.1 
 1,203.4 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations  
Point in time 
£m 
 569.9 
 35.9 
 79.4 
 685.2 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Total 
£m 
 814.5 
 399.6 
 122.9 
 1,337.0 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations 
 Point in time 
£m 
 674.2 
 31.1 
 108.1 
 813.4 

UK 
North America 
Rest of the World 

UK 
North America 
Rest of the World 

The analysis of Group revenue below is based on the geographic location of customers in these regions. 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Total 
£m 
 685.7 
 338.5 
 186.3 
 1,210.5 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Total 
 Point in time 
£m 
 560.3 
 34.7 
 91.0 
 686.0 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Total  
Over time 
£m 
 125.4 
 303.8 
 95.3 
 524.5 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Total 
£m 
 748.0 
 421.6 
 241.0 
 1,410.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Total 
 Point in time 
£m 
 640.1 
 48.1 
 132.7 
 820.9 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Total  
Over time 
£m 
 107.9 
 373.5 
 108.3 
 589.7 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Total 
(Note 19) 
£m 
 0.4 
 5.6 
 1.1 
 7.1 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Total 
(Note 19) 
£m 
 4.3 
 58.1 
 11.2 
 73.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Point in time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 0.8 
– 
 0.8 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Point in time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
– 
 7.3 
 0.2 
 7.5 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Discontinued 
operations  
Over time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
 0.4 
 4.8 
 1.1 
 6.3 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations  
Over time 
(Note 19) 
£m 
 4.3 
 50.8 
 11.0 
 66.1 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations 
 Total 
£m 
 685.3 
 332.9 
 185.2 
 1,203.4 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations 
 Point in time 
£m 
 560.3 
 33.9 
 91.0 
 685.2 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Total 
£m 
 743.7 
 363.5 
 229.8 
 1,337.0 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Point in time 
£m 
 640.1 
 40.8 
 132.5 
 813.4 

UK 
North America 
Rest of the World 

UK 
North America 
Rest of the World 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations  
Over time 
£m 
 148.9 
 359.6 
 9.7 
 518.2 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Over time 
£m 
 140.3 
 368.5 
 14.8 
 523.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Continuing 
operations  
Over time 
£m 
 125.0 
 299.0 
 94.2 
 518.2 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Continuing 
operations  
Over time 
£m 
 103.6 
 322.7 
 97.3 
 523.6 

134
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

The closing net book value of goodwill, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and right of use assets is analysed by geographic area 
as follows: 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
Closing net  
book value of 
property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 23) 
£m 
 52.9 
 9.1 
 1.0 
 63.0 

At 
 30 September  
2019 
Closing net 
 book value of 
property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 23) 
£m 
 59.7 
 13.3 
 1.4 
 74.4 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
Closing net 
 book value of 
right of use 
assets 
(Note 24) 
£m 
 32.8 
 51.6 
 5.4 
 89.8 

At  
30 September  
2019 
Closing net  
book value of 
right of use 
assets 
(Note 24) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 

At  
30 September  
2020 
Closing net 
 book value  
of goodwill 
(Note 21) 
£m 
 127.1 
 126.5 
 1.8 
 255.4 

At  
30 September  
2019 
Closing net 
 book value  
of goodwill 
(Note 21) 
£m 
 101.6 
 132.9 
 16.7 
 251.2 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
Closing net  
book value 
 of intangible 
assets 
(Note 22) 
£m 
 75.2 
 17.3 
 2.4 
 94.9 

At  
30 September 
 2019 
Closing net 
 book value  
of intangible 
assets 
(Note 22) 
£m 
 39.3 
 25.9 
 4.7 
 69.9 

UK 
North America 
Rest of the World 

The additions to non-current assets are analysed as follows: 

Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 

Corporate costs 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 23) 
£m 
 3.8 
 0.6 
 0.3 
– 
 0.3 
 6.7 
 11.7 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Property, plant 
and equipment 
(Note 23) 
£m 
 5.1 
 1.9 
 0.4 
 0.5 
 1.7 
 6.1 
 15.7 

 0.7 
 12.4 

 0.2 
 15.9 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
Right of use 
assets 
(Note 24) 
£m 
 37.8 
 1.0 
– 
 1.6 
– 
 1.8 
 42.2 

– 
 42.2 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Right of use 
assets 
(Note 24) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Goodwill 
(Note 21) 
£m 
– 
 4.7 
– 
 7.9 
– 
 9.2 
 21.8 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Goodwill 
(Note 21) 
£m 
– 
 17.5 
– 
 1.2 
– 
 3.3 
 22.0 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2020 
Intangible 
assets 
(Note 22) 
£m 
 0.3 
 4.9 
 3.4 
 9.8 
– 
 38.5 
 56.9 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
Intangible 
assets 
(Note 22) 
£m 
– 
 6.0 
 3.8 
 2.3 
 1.8 
– 
 13.9 

– 
– 

– 
 21.8 

– 
 22.0 

– 
 56.9 

 4.0 
 17.9 

135
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

4 Operating profit/(loss) analysis 
Operating profit/(loss) before the share of results of joint ventures and associates is further analysed as follows:  

Revenue 

Decrease in stocks of finished goods and work  
in progress 
Raw materials, consumables and direct staff costs  

Inventories recognised as an expense in the year 

Staff costs 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on 
business combinations 
Amortisation of internally generated and acquired 
computer software not arising on business 
combinations 
Promotion and marketing costs 
Venue and delegate costs 
Editorial and production costs 
Distribution and transportation costs 
Royalties and similar charges 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  
Depreciation of right of use assets 
Rental of property 
Other property costs 
Rental of plant, equipment and venue space 
Foreign exchange translation differences 
Net credit losses on financial assets 
Low-value asset lease expense 
Other (expenses)/income 

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

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
 Total 
£m 
 1,210.5 

Note 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
Discontinued 
operations 
(Note 19) 
£m 
 7.1 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020 
 Continuing 
operations 
£m 
 1,203.4 

Year ended 
 30 September 
2019 
 Total 
£m 
 1,410.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
Discontinued 
operations 
(Note 19) 
£m 
 73.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
2019 
 Continuing 
operations 
£m 
 1,337.0 

 (4.6) 
 (176.6) 
 (181.2) 

 (518.7) 
 (15.6) 

– 
– 
– 

 (3.4) 
– 

 (4.6) 
 (176.6) 
 (181.2) 

 (515.3) 
 (15.6) 

 (4.9) 
 (221.8) 
 (226.7) 

 (527.2) 
 (19.1) 

– 
– 
– 

 (34.7) 
– 

 (4.9) 
 (221.8) 
 (226.7) 

 (492.5) 
 (19.1) 

21, 22 

3, 22 

 (11.3) 

– 

 (11.3) 

 (13.4) 

 (3.2) 

 (10.2) 

 22 

 23 
 24 

 (15.4) 
 (32.5) 
 (24.2) 
 (95.5) 
 (34.5) 
 (33.7) 
 (22.5) 
 (20.9) 
– 
 (21.4) 
 (11.8) 
 (0.3) 
 (5.5) 
 (3.0) 
 (123.2) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (0.5) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 0.1 
 (0.1) 
 (0.1) 
 9.9 

 (15.4) 
 (32.5) 
 (24.2) 
 (95.5) 
 (34.5) 
 (33.2) 
 (22.5) 
 (20.9) 
– 
 (21.4) 
 (11.8) 
 (0.4) 
 (5.4) 
 (2.9) 
 (133.1) 

 (22.0) 
 (30.4) 
 (38.8) 
 (105.7) 
 (40.5) 
 (33.4) 
 (25.3) 
– 
 (25.6) 
 (22.3) 
 (18.1) 
 (0.2) 
 (0.8) 
– 
 (192.6) 

 (4.1) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (4.7) 
 (2.6) 
– 
 (1.7) 
– 
– 
 0.1 
 (0.5) 
– 
 (48.3) 

 (17.9) 
 (30.4) 
 (38.8) 
 (105.7) 
 (40.5) 
 (28.7) 
 (22.7) 
– 
 (23.9) 
 (22.3) 
 (18.1) 
 (0.3) 
 (0.3) 
– 
 (144.3) 

 39.3 

 13.0 

 26.3 

 68.5 

 (26.1) 

 94.6 

136
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

5 Auditor’s remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts 
Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor and its associates pursuant to legislation 

for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries 
for the audit of the Company’s associates 
Audit services provided to all Group companies 

Audit-related assurance services 
Assurance services  
Total non-audit services 

Total remuneration 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 0.7 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
 £m 
 0.5 

 1.6 
–  
 2.3 

 0.2 
 0.2 
 0.4 

 2.7 

 1.4 
 0.8 
 2.7 

 0.2 
 0.6 
 0.8 

 3.5 

In the prior year, included within non-audit services in the table above are audit-related assurance services of £0.1 million and assurance services  
of £0.1 million provided to Euromoney prior to its disposal.  

6 Employees 
The average monthly number of persons employed by the Group including Directors is analysed as follows: 

Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 
Energy Information 
Consumer Media 
Corporate costs 

Note 

(i) 

(ii) 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020  
Number 
 1,507 
 1,025 
 386 
 353 
 322 
 2,413 
 63 
6,069 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
Number 
 1,483 
 1,124 
 386 
 393 
 350 
 2,292 
 73 
 6,101 

(i)  The prior year includes the average monthly number of persons employed by On-geo in the Property Information segment for the period 

ended 12 June 2019 when the business ceased to be a subsidiary undertaking. 

(ii)  Represents the average monthly number of persons employed in the Energy Information segment for the period ended 5 November 2019 when 

the segment was disposed. 

The total average number of persons employed by the Group in the year, for the purposes of calculating an average cost per employee, is 5,773 
(2019 6,049). 

Total staff costs comprised: 

Wages and salaries 
Share-based payments 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 

Note 

 42 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 447.0 
 42.2 
 40.7 
 12.5 
 542.4 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 455.1 
 21.1 
 42.0 
 14.4 
 532.6 

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Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

7 Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Share of adjusted operating profits from operations of joint ventures  
Share of adjusted operating (losses)/profits from operations of associates 

Share of adjusted operating (losses)/profits from joint ventures and associates 
Share of associates’ other gains and losses 
Share of exceptional operating income of associates 
Share of amortisation of intangibles arising on business combinations of associates 
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 Euromoney 
Share of Euromoney prior year tax exposures 
Share of Euromoney tax on prior year tax exposures 
Adjustment to impairment of carrying value of Euromoney following Euromoney prior year 
tax exposures 
Impairment of carrying value of other associates 

Share of associates’ items of other comprehensive income 
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 associates’ items of other comprehensive income 
Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Note 

(i) 

 13 
 13 
 13 

11, 13 
11, 13 
13, 25 
13, 25, (ii) 
13, 25, (iii) 
11, 13, 25, (iii) 

13, 25, (iii) 
13, 25, (iv) 

 25 
 25 
 25 
 25 

 25 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2020 
£m 
 1.2 
 (9.0) 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019 
 £m 
 1.7 
 10.9 

 (7.8) 
 0.4 
– 
– 
 (0.7) 
 (0.1) 
 0.6 
 (0.1) 
– 
– 
– 

– 
 (3.7) 
 (11.4) 

– 
 (11.4) 

 1.1 
 (8.7) 
 (0.1) 
 (3.7) 
 (11.4) 

– 
 (11.4) 

 12.6 
– 
 7.0 
 (6.5) 
 (0.1) 
 (0.2) 
 (7.1) 
– 
 (27.7) 
 (5.3) 
 1.1 

 4.2 
 (6.1) 
 (28.1) 

 (0.7) 
 (28.8) 

 1.5 
– 
– 
 (29.6) 
 (28.1) 

 (0.7) 
 (28.8) 

(i)  Share of adjusted operating profits from associates includes £nil (2019 £23.0 million) from the Group’s interest in Euromoney held centrally for 

the period to 2 April 2019. 

(ii)  At 31 March 2019 the Group’s investment in Euromoney was transferred to Assets Held for Sale at the lower of carrying value and fair value less 
costs to sell. This resulted in an impairment charge of £27.7 million for the period to 31 March 2019 which was taken to the Consolidated 
Income Statement in accordance with IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.  

(iii)  During the prior period Euromoney engaged external advisors to undertake an audit of their compliance with the off-payroll working rules.  

As a result of this review Euromoney identified an underpayment of payroll taxes to HMRC for the six years to 30 September 2019 amounting  
to £8.2 million including interest and penalties. 

During the prior period Euromoney also discovered a VAT exposure in the UK relating to the understatement of VAT on supplies made between 
entities within the Euromoney Group in respect of the four years ended 30 September 2018. Euromoney assessed their exposure as at 
30 September 2019 to be £11.3 million including interest. 

The total impact on Euromoney as at 30 September 2019 amounted to an understatement of taxes, penalties and interest of £17.0 million net 
of deferred and corporation taxes. Euromoney considered this to be material and corrected these understatements in their prior period 
accounts in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. 

The DMGT Group disposed of its 49.9% interest in Euromoney on 2 April 2019 and the post-tax impact of these adjustments on DMGT at that 
date amounted to a charge of £4.2 million. This was corrected in the period ended 30 September 2019 since the Directors do not consider this 
to be material for DMGT. The charge against profits was treated as an adjusting item due to its significance and non-recurring nature. 

This adjustment reduced the impairment charge booked in the period to 31 March 2019 in relation to the Group’s investment in Euromoney 
from £27.7 million to £23.5 million. 

(iv)  Represents a £0.1 million write-down in the carrying value of Global Events Partners Ltd in the Events and Exhibitions segment and a 

£3.6 million write-down in the carrying value of Also Energy Holdings, Inc. held centrally. In the prior period, represents a £1.3 million write-
down in the carrying value of Skymet Weather Services Pvt, Inc., a £0.9 million write-down in the carrying value of Liases Foras Real Estate 
Rating & Research Pvt. Ltd, a £3.0 million write-down in the carrying value of Funcent DMG Information Technology Hong Kong Company Ltd, 
a £0.9 million write-down in the carrying value of Propstack Services Private Ltd all held centrally.  

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8 Other gains and losses 

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Profit/(loss) on disposal and closure of businesses 
Recycled cumulative translation differences 
Loss on dilution of stake in associate 
Profit/(loss) on change in control 
Profit on disposal of joint ventures and associates 

Note 
 13 
13, 18, (i) 
 13, 18, 39, (ii) 
13, 25, (iii) 
13, (iv) 
13, (v) 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
– 
 38.9 
 0.7 
– 
 1.6 
 1.4 
 42.6 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019 
 £m 
 1.1 
 (1.8) 
 (3.6) 
 (0.7) 
 (0.8) 
 79.5 
 73.7 

There is a tax charge of £1.6 million in relation to these other gains and losses (2019 £15.0 million). 

(i) 

In the current period this principally relates to a profit of £24.8 million relating to the disposal of Inframation AG and a profit of £15.7 million 
relating to Buildfax, Inc. both in the Property Information segment. 

In the prior period this principally relates to a loss of £2.3 million relating to the disposal of On-geo in the Property Information segment. 

(ii)  Represents cumulative translation differences required to be recycled through the Consolidated Income Statement on disposals. 

(iii) 

(iv) 

In the prior period this represents a loss on dilution of the Group’s stakes in Skymet Weather Services Pvt, Inc. and Laundrapp Ltd (formerly 
known as Zipjet Ltd). In accordance with IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, this dilution has been treated as a deemed 
disposal. The carrying value of these investments has decreased resulting in a loss on dilution of £0.7 million. 

In the current period this relates to a reduction in the Group’s interest in Cazoo Ltd (Cazoo), previously an associate held centrally. The 
remaining shareholding in Cazoo has been treated as a financial asset at fair value through other comprehensive income. In accordance with 
IFRS 3, Business Combinations, the difference of £1.6 million between the fair value of the investment retained and the carrying value is treated 
as a gain on change in control. 

In the prior period the Group reduced its interest in TreppPort, LLC (TreppPort) in the Property Information segment. The remaining 
shareholding in TreppPort has been treated as a joint venture. In accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations, the difference of £0.7 million 
between the fair value of the investment retained and the carrying value is treated as a gain on change in control. 

Additionally, in the prior period the Group purchased the remaining 50.0% of Daily Mail On-Air LLC (DailyMailTV), a joint venture in the 
Consumer Media segment during the period ended 30 September 2018, increasing its existing shareholding from 50.0% to 100% and became  
a wholly owned subsidiary. The difference of £1.5 million between the fair value of the joint venture and the net assets acquired is treated as a 
loss on change in control. 

(v) 

In the current period this principally represents a profit of £1.2 million on the sale of Also Energy Holdings, Inc. held centrally and a £0.1 million 
refund of expenses incurred in a prior period in relation to the disposal of SiteCompli in the Property Information segment. 

In the prior period this principally represents a profit of £59.7 million on the sale of Real Capital Analytics, Inc. held centrally and profit of  
£27.2 million on disposal of SiteCompli in the Property Information segment, offset by costs of £7.9 million incurred in relation to the Group’s 
distribution of Euromoney to shareholders. 

9 Investment revenue 

Interest receivable from short-term deposits 
Interest receivable on loan notes 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 5.0 
 3.3 
 8.3 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 7.6 
 3.9 
 11.5 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

10 Net finance costs 

Interest, arrangement and commitment fees payable on bonds, bank loans and loan notes 
Premium on bond redemption 
Finance charge on lease liabilities 
Loss on derivatives, or portions thereof, not designated for hedge accounting 
Change in fair value of derivative hedge of bond 
Change in fair value of hedged portion of bond 
Change in fair value of undesignated financial instruments 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration payable 
Finance expense 

Finance income on defined benefit pension schemes 
Finance income on sublease receivable 
Finance income 

Net finance costs 

Note 

(i) 

16, 34 
16, 34 
 13 
13, 36, (ii) 

13, 35 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 (15.0) 
– 
 (2.5) 
 (0.3) 
 0.5 
 (0.5) 
– 
– 
 (17.8) 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 (19.0) 
 (0.9) 
– 
 (3.5) 
 2.8 
 (2.8) 
 (0.9) 
 (0.2) 
 (24.5) 

 4.2 
 0.2 
 4.4 

 7.1 
– 
 7.1 

 (13.4) 

 (17.4) 

(i)  During the prior period, the Company bought back £6.4 million nominal of its outstanding 2021 bonds incurring a premium of £0.9 million. 

(ii)  The fair value movement of contingent consideration arises from the requirement of IFRS 3, Business Combinations, to measure such 

consideration at fair value with changes in fair value taken to the Consolidated Income Statement. 

11 Tax 

The credit/(charge) on the profit for the period consists of:  

UK tax 
Corporation tax at 19.0% (2019 19.0%) 
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 
Relating to continuing operations 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019 
 £m 

Note 

 0.3 
– 
 0.3 

 (14.4) 
 4.0 
 (10.4) 

 (10.1) 

 (2.1) 
 2.0 
 (0.1) 

 (10.2) 

 10.9 
 0.7 

– 
 0.3 
 0.3 

 (17.7) 
 7.1 
 (10.6) 

 (10.3) 

 0.3 
 (0.4) 
 (0.1) 

 (10.4) 

 (10.0) 
 (20.4) 

 37 

 19 

The current and deferred tax implications of Brexit on the Group have been considered by management and are not expected to have any 
material impact. 

In April 2019 the EU Commission released its final decision on the State Aid investigation into the Group Financing Exemption (GFE) included within 
the UK’s controlled foreign company (CFC) rules. The Commission ruled that the GFE constituted State Aid to the extent that non-trade finance 
profits of a CFC arose as a result of Significant People Functions (SPFs) in the UK. Up until 2018 the Group financed its US operations through a 
Luxembourg resident finance company which had received clearance from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that it benefitted from the GFE. If the 
State Aid investigation ultimately leads to a reversal of the benefits that the Group has accrued through the GFE, the tax cost to the Group would  
be in the range from £nil to £7.4 million. The Group’s best estimate of its most likely exposure through having SPFs in the UK based on HMRC’s 
guidance is £1.6 million. The Directors consider that an appeal against the Commission’s decision would be more than likely to be successful,  
and accordingly have made no provision in these financial statements. 

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A deferred tax credit of £17.5 million (2019 £7.7 million) relating to the actuarial movement on defined benefit pension schemes was recognised 
directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. A deferred tax charge of £0.6 million (2019 credit of £0.6 million) and a current tax 
charge of £nil (2019 £nil) were recognised directly in equity.  

Legislation was enacted in September 2016 to reduce the UK corporation tax rate to 17.0% from 1 April 2020. Accordingly, for the year ended  
30 September 2019, the UK deferred tax balances are measured at 17.0% as this was the tax rate that would have applied on reversal unless the 
timing difference was expected to reverse before April 2020, in which case the appropriate tax rate was used. Further legislation was enacted during 
the year ended 30 September 2020 to cancel the reduction in UK corporation tax and the 19.0% rate of corporation tax is applicable for future 
periods. Therefore, for the year ended 30 September 2020 the UK deferred tax balances have been restated to 19.0% as this is the rate that will  
apply on the reversal of the temporary differences. 

The tax charge for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.0% (2019 lower than 19.0%) 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/(Loss) before tax – discontinued operations 
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations 
Recycled cumulative translation differences on disposal of 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 
Derecognition of previously recognised deferred tax assets 
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets 
Effect of overseas tax rates 
Effect of associates tax 
Unrecognised tax losses utilised/current year tax losses not recognised 
Write off/disposal of subsidiaries and associates 
Effect of change in tax rate 
Adjustment in respect of prior years 
Other 
Total tax charge on the profit for the year – continuing and discontinued operations 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 52.4 
 13.0 
 145.1 
 (11.3) 
 199.2 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 
 134.3 
 (32.6) 
– 
– 
 101.7 

 (37.8) 

 (19.3) 

 (2.7) 
 (1.7) 
 5.9 
 (47.4) 
 31.2 
 (1.6) 
 (1.4) 
 1.2 
 31.1 
 8.6 
 6.0 
 (1.6) 
 (10.2) 

 (4.0) 
 (1.1) 
 2.5 
– 
 11.5 
 (1.8) 
 0.3 
 2.3 
 (7.5) 
 (0.9) 
 7.0 
 0.6 
 (10.4) 

Note 

 19 
 19 
 19 

(i) 
(ii) 
(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

 13 

(i)  Additional items deductible for tax purposes amounting to £5.9 million (2019 £2.5 million) relate primarily to the current year benefit of the 

US Foreign-Derived Intangibles Income (FDII) regime (£2.5 million) and Research and Development (R&D) tax credits (£3.2 million) (prior year 
related primarily to R&D tax credits). 

(ii)  Derecognition of previously recognised deferred tax assets of £47.4 million (2019 £nil) relates to UK tax losses and deferred interest and US 

state R&D tax credits no longer expected to be offset against future profits. 

(iii)  Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets of £31.2 million (2019 £11.5 million) relates to US deferred interest now expected 
to be offset against future profits (prior year deferred tax assets related to tax losses agreed with HMRC following the settlement of a prior 
year enquiry). 

(iv)  Write off/disposal of subsidiaries and associates relates to the actual tax charge on disposals being lower than the book profit on sale at the 

statutory tax rate by £31.1 million (2019 £7.5 million higher than book profit). 

(v)  The adjustment in respect of prior years credit of £6.0 million (2019 £7.0 million) arose from the prior year benefit of the FDII regime  

(£3.2 million), from a reassessment of the prior year benefit of R&D tax credits (£0.9 million) and from the reassessment of other prior year  
items following the filing of tax returns (£1.9 million). 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

11 Tax continued 
Adjusted tax on profits before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets and non-recurring items (adjusted tax charge) amounted to a 
charge of £12.7 million (2019 £29.4 million) and the resulting effective rate is 17.6% (2019 20.3%). The differences between the tax charge 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 amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 
Reassessment of temporary differences 
Tax on other gains and losses 
Tax on exceptional operating costs 
Impact of UK Corporation Tax rate change 
Prior year impact of US Foreign-Derived Intangible Income regime 
Tax on other adjusting items 
Share of tax on associates’ other adjusting items 
Adjusted tax charge on the profit for the year 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 (10.2) 
 0.5 
 (1.0) 
 11.1 
 1.6 
 (4.7) 
 (8.6) 
 (3.2) 
 1.8 
– 
 (12.7) 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 (10.4) 
 (6.2) 
 (3.8) 
 (13.5) 
 15.0 
 (9.1) 
– 
– 
 (2.7) 
 1.3 
 (29.4) 

Note 

 7 

 13 

In calculating the adjusted tax rate, the Group excludes the potential future impact of the deferred tax effects of intangible assets (other than 
internally generated and acquired computer software), as the Group prefers to give users of its accounts a view of the tax charge based on the 
current status of such items. Deferred tax would only crystallise on a sale of the relevant businesses, which is not anticipated at the current time,  
and such a sale, being an exceptional item, would result in an exceptional tax impact. 

Reassessment of temporary differences of £11.1 million relates to the recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets in respect of US 
deferred interest (£37.0 million) and the derecognition of previously recognised deferred tax assets in respect of UK tax losses and deferred interest 
(£39.5 million) and US state R&D tax credits (£8.6 million). The prior year reassessment of £13.5 million relates to the recognition of UK tax losses 
agreed with HMRC. 

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12 Dividends paid 

Amounts recognisable as distributions to equity holders in 
the year 
Ordinary Shares – final dividend for the year ended 
30 September 2019 
A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – final dividend for the year ended 
30 September 2019 
Ordinary Shares – final dividend for the year ended 
30 September 2018 
A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – final dividend for the year 
ended 30 September 2018 

Ordinary Shares – interim dividend for the year ended 
30 September 2020 
A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – interim dividend for the year 
ended 30 September 2020 
Ordinary Shares – interim dividend for the year ended 
30 September 2019 
A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares – interim dividend for the year 
ended 30 September 2019 
Euromoney cash distribution – B shares 
Euromoney cash distribution – C shares 
Euromoney dividend in specie 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
Pence per  
share 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
Pence per 
 share 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019 
£m 

Note 

 16.6 

 16.6 

– 

– 
– 

 7.5 

 7.5 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

 3.3 

 34.6 

– 

– 
 37.9 

 1.5 

 15.5 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 17.0 

 54.9 

– 

– 

 16.2 

 16.2 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 3.2 

 54.2 
 57.4 

– 

– 

 7.3 

 1.5 

 7.3 
 146.8 
 647.0 
 691.3 
– 

– 

 15.2 
 183.0 
 17.0 
 661.8 
 878.5 

 935.9 

(i) 
(i) 
(i) 

(i)  During the prior period the Group disposed of its remaining stake in Euromoney by way of a dividend in specie together with a cash distribution 

to shareholders. The dividend in specie was distributed on 2 April 2019 and the cash distribution on 15 April 2019. Using the Euromoney share 
price as at 31 March 2019 the dividend in specie amounted to £673.6 million. Since both distributions were approved by the Board and the 
shareholders before 31 March 2019, the Group recognised a liability for both the cash distribution and dividend in specie as at 31 March 2019 
amounting to £873.6 million. 

Before these distributions were made c46.4% of the A shares held by Fully Participating Shareholders were converted into a new class of  
B Shares and c4.0% of the A Shares held by Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders converted into a new class of C Shares.  

The dividend in specie was paid to Fully Participating Shareholders and amounted to £661.8 million. This was based on the Euromoney share 
price of £12.38 at 8am on 2 April 2019. 

The cash distribution of £183.0 million was paid to Fully Participating Shareholders in respect of the B Shares and a restricted special dividend 
of £17.0 million in cash was paid to the Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders in respect of C Shares. Once these distributions were made the  
B Shares and the C Shares were converted into Deferred B Shares and Deferred C Shares respectively before being transferred to the Company 
for no valuable consideration and cancelled shortly thereafter. 

The Board has declared a final dividend of 16.6 pence per Ordinary/A Ordinary Non-Voting Share (2019 16.6 pence) which will absorb an estimated 
£37.6 million (2019 £37.8 million) of shareholders’ equity for which no liability has been recognised in these financial statements. It will be paid on 
5 February 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 4 December 2020. 

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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

13 Adjusted profit 

Profit before tax – continuing operations 
Profit/(loss) before tax – discontinued operations 
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations including recycled cumulative translation differences 

Adjust for:  

Amortisation of intangible assets in Group profit, including joint ventures and associates, arising 
on business combinations 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets arising on business combinations 
Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated and acquired 
computer software 
Share of exceptional operating costs and prior year tax exposures of joint ventures 
and associates 
Share of joint ventures’ and associates’ other gains and losses 
Impairment of carrying value of joint ventures and associates 

Other gains and losses:  

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of businesses, joint ventures, associates, change of control and recycled 
cumulative translation differences 
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations including recycled cumulative 
translation differences 

Finance costs:  

Finance income on defined benefit pension schemes 
Fair value movements including share of joint ventures and associates 

Tax:  

Share of tax in joint ventures and associates 

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 amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 
Reassessment of temporary differences 
Tax on other gains and losses 
Tax on exceptional operating costs 
Impact of UK Corporation Tax rate change 
Prior year impact of US Foreign-Derived Intangible Income regime 
Tax on other adjusting items 
Share of tax on associates’ other adjusting items 
Non-controlling interests 

Adjusted profit after taxation and non-controlling interests 

Note 
 3 
 19 
 19 

3, 7, 19 
3, 19 

3, 19 

 7 
 7 
 7 

 8 

8, 19 

 19 

 10 
7, 10, (i) 

7, 11 

 11 

7, 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
(ii) 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 52.4 
 13.0 
 133.8 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
 £m 
 134.3 
 (32.6) 
– 

 11.3 
 14.1 

 25.2 

– 
 (0.4) 
 3.8 

– 

 19.9 
 19.1 

 43.2 

 (1.7) 
– 
 29.6 

 (1.1) 

 (42.6) 

 (66.2) 

 (133.8) 

 (4.2) 
– 

 (0.5) 
 72.1 
 (10.2) 

 0.5 
 (1.0) 
 11.1 
 1.6 
 (4.7) 
 (8.6) 
 (3.2) 
 1.8 
– 
– 
 59.4 

– 

 (7.1) 
 1.1 

 6.2 
 144.7 
 (10.4) 

 (6.2) 
 (3.8) 
 (13.5) 
 15.0 
 (9.1) 
– 
– 
 (2.7) 
 1.3 
 (0.8) 
 114.5 

(i) 

Fair value movements include movements on undesignated financial instruments, contingent consideration payable and receivable and 
change in value of acquisition put options. 

(ii)  The adjusted non-controlling interests’ share of profits for the year of £nil (2019 £0.8 million) is stated after eliminating a credit of £nil  

(2019 £0.4 million), being the non-controlling interests’ share of adjusting items. 

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14 Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share of 83.1 pence (2019 30.7 pence) and diluted earnings per share of 81.2 pence (2019 30.3 pence) are calculated, in 
accordance with IAS 33, Earnings Per Share, on Group profit for the financial year of £189.3 million (2019 £90.9 million) as adjusted for the effect  
of dilutive Ordinary Shares of £nil (2019 £nil) and profits from discontinued operations of £135.9 million (2019 losses of £22.6 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 26.1 pence (2019 38.6 pence) 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 £59.4 million (2019 £114.5 million), as set out in Note 13 and on the basic weighted  
average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year. 

Basic and diluted earnings per share: 

Earnings from continuing operations 
Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares 
Earnings/(losses) from discontinued operations 

Adjusted earnings from continuing and discontinued operations 
Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares 

Earnings per share from continuing operations 
Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares 
Earnings/(losses) per share from discontinued operations 

Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020  
Diluted earnings 
£m 
 53.4 
– 
 135.9 
 189.3 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
Diluted earnings 
£m 
 113.5 
– 
 (22.6) 
 90.9 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
Basic earnings 
£m 
 53.4 
– 
 135.9 
 189.3 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
Basic earnings  
£m 
 113.5 
– 
 (22.6) 
 90.9 

 59.4 
– 
 59.4 

 114.5 
– 
 114.5 

 59.4 
– 
 59.4 

 114.5 
– 
 114.5 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020  
Diluted pence  
per share 
 22.9 
– 
 58.3 
 81.2 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019  
Diluted pence  
per share 
 37.8 
– 
 (7.5) 
 30.3 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
Basic pence  
per share 
 23.4 
– 
 59.7 
 83.1 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
Basic pence  
per share 
 38.3 
– 
 (7.6) 
 30.7 

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations 
Effect of dilutive Ordinary Shares 

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations 

 25.5 
– 
 25.5 

 38.1 
– 
 38.1 

 26.1 
– 
 26.1 

 38.6 
– 
 38.6 

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 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
Number 
 m 
 234.8 
 (7.0) 
 227.8 
 5.2 
 233.0 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019  
Number  
m 
 303.5 
 (7.1) 
 296.4 
 3.8 
 300.2 

145
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

15 EBITDA and cash generated by operations 

Continuing operations 
Adjusted operating profit 
Non-exceptional depreciation charge 
Non-exceptional depreciation charge on right of use assets 
Amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer software not arising on business 
combinations 
Operating (losses)/profits from joint ventures and associates 
Share of charge of depreciation and amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer 
software not arising on business combinations of joint ventures and associates 

Discontinued operations 
Adjusted operating profit 
Non-exceptional depreciation charge 
Amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer software not arising on business 
combinations 

EBITDA 

Adjustments for:  

Share-based payments 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Share of losses/(profits) from joint ventures and associates 
Exceptional operating costs 
Non-cash pension past service cost 
Share of charge of depreciation and amortisation of internally generated and acquired computer 
software not arising on business combinations of joint ventures and associates 

Decrease in inventories 
Decrease/(increase) 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 

Note 

 3 
3, 23 
3, 24 

3, 22 
 7 

 19 
19, 23 

3, 19, 22 

 39 

 7 
 3 
3, 35 

 35 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
£m 

 88.3 
 22.5 
 20.9 

 15.4 
 (7.8) 

 1.6 

 1.6 
– 

– 
 142.5 

 42.2 
– 
 7.8 
 (23.7) 
– 

 (1.6) 
 14.5 
 30.6 
 (31.5) 
 (14.4) 
 (16.1) 
 150.3 

 135.8 
 22.7 
– 

 17.9 
 12.6 

 1.5 

 8.4 
 2.6 

 4.1 
 205.6 

 21.1 
 0.6 
 (12.6) 
 (43.2) 
 3.1 

 (1.5) 
 5.9 
 (40.9) 
 0.9 
 38.8 
 (12.8) 
 165.0 

146
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16 Analysis of net cash 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
Bank overdrafts 

Net cash and cash 
equivalents 

Debt due within 
one year 
Bonds 
Loan notes 
Lease liabilities 

Debt due after 
one year 
Bonds 
Lease liabilities 

Net cash before 
effect of 
derivatives 

Effect of derivatives 
on debt 
Collateral deposits 

Net cash at closing 
exchange rate 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Fair value 
hedging 
adjustments 
£m 

Issued on 
acquisition of 
subsidiaries 
(Note 17) 
£m 

On disposal of 
subsidiaries 
(Note 18) 
£m 

Foreign 
exchange 
movements 
£m 

Other  
non-cash 
movements 
 (i) 
£m 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
 (0.2) 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
 1.6 
 8.5 

– 
– 

 (11.0) 
 0.1 

 (10.9) 

– 
– 
 0.1 

– 
 2.1 

– 
– 

– 

 500.3 
 (20.4) 

 479.9 

 (0.8) 
– 
 (25.9) 

 (0.8) 
– 
 (22.7) 

 0.6 
 (18.4) 

 (202.7) 
 (77.1) 

Note 

 30 
30, 33 

At 
 30 September  
2019 
£m 

On transition 
to IFRS 16 
(Note 2) 
£m 

 301.1 
 (11.9) 

 289.2 

– 
– 

– 

Cash flow 
£m 

 210.2 
 (8.6) 

 201.6 

33, (i) 
 33 
33, (i) 

– 
 (1.6) 
– 

– 
– 
 (31.2) 

– 
– 
 26.0 

33, (i) 
33, (i) 

 (202.8) 
– 

– 
 (60.8) 

– 
– 

 (0.5) 
– 

 84.8 

 (92.0) 

 227.6 

 (0.5) 

 (0.2) 

 10.1 

 (8.7) 

 (44.5) 

 176.6 

(ii) 
 29 

 (18.3) 
 15.4 

– 
– 

– 
 6.3 

 0.5 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

 4.3 
– 

 0.1 
– 

 (13.4) 
 21.7 

 81.9 

 (92.0) 

 233.9 

– 

 (0.2) 

 10.1 

 (4.4) 

 (44.4) 

 184.9 

Net cash at average 
exchange rate 

 76.2 

 186.5 

The net cash inflow of £201.6 million (2019 outflow of £157.4 million) includes a cash outflow of £2.9 million (2019 inflow of £0.1 million) in respect  
of operating exceptional items. 

(i)  Other non-cash movements comprise the unwinding of bond issue discount amounting to £0.1 million (2019 £0.7 million), amortisation of 

bond issue costs of £0.1 million (2019 £0.1 million), £2.5 million (2019 £nil) finance charges relating to IFRS 16 lease liabilities and £41.8 million 
(2019 £nil) in relation to new lease commitments. 

(ii)  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 of borrowings into an alternative currency.  

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

17 Summary of the effects of acquisitions 
On 29 November 2019, the Consumer Media segment acquired the ‘i’, the UK national newspaper and website from JPI Media Ltd, for total 
consideration of £49.6 million.  

The ‘i’ contributed £26.5 million to the Group’s revenue, £9.4 million to the Group’s operating profit and £6.3 million to the Group’s profit after tax for 
the period between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2020. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial period, the ‘i’ would have contributed £33.2 million to the Group’s revenue, 
£12.3 million to the Group’s operating profit and £9.1 million to the Group’s profit after tax. 

On 18 December 2019, the Property Information segment acquired the entire ordinary share capital of OneSearch Direct Holdings Ltd (OneSearch) for 
total consideration of £7.3 million. OneSearch are a specialist data producer of local authority and drainage and water searches for conveyancers. 

OneSearch contributed £4.3 million to the Group’s revenue, reduced the Group’s operating profit by £0.4 million and reduced the Group’s profit after 
tax by £0.3 million for the period between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2020. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial period, OneSearch would have contributed £5.8 million to the Group’s 
revenue, reduced the Group’s operating profit by £0.3 million and reduced the Group’s profit after tax by £0.2 million. 

On 18 February 2020, the Events and Exhibitions segment acquired the Addisbuild show for total consideration of £0.5 million. Addisbuild is a long-
standing construction event dedicated to the Ethiopian market. 

Addisbuild contributed £nil to the Group’s revenue, £nil to the Group’s operating profit and £nil to the Group’s profit after tax for the period between 
the date of acquisition and 30 September 2020. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial period, Addisbuild would have contributed £0.3 million to the Group’s revenue, 
£0.1 million to the Group’s operating profit and £0.1 million to the Group’s profit after tax. 

On 9 April 2020, the Events and Exhibitions segment acquired CWC Energy Holdings Ltd (CWC) for total consideration of £14.3 million. CWC organises 
events worldwide with four well established events in Nigeria, Mozambique and Tanzania and a presence in China. 

CWC contributed £nil to the Group’s revenue, reduced the Group’s operating profit by £1.8 million and reduced the Group’s profit after tax by  
£1.5 million for the period between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2020. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial period, CWC would have contributed £4.1 million to the Group’s revenue, 
reduced the Group’s operating profit by £0.6 million and reduced the Group’s profit after tax by £0.7 million. 

On 30 June 2020, the Consumer Media segment acquired One Fab Day for total consideration of £0.4 million. One Fab Day was subsequently 
renamed Coral Mint Ltd (Coral Mint). Coral Mint is an Irish website targeted at women for wedding preparation and planning. 

Coral Mint contributed £0.1 million to the Group’s revenue, £nil to the Group’s operating profit and £nil to the Group’s profit after tax for the period 
between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2020. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial period, Coral Mint would have contributed £0.3 million to the Group’s revenue, 
£nil to the Group’s operating profit and £nil to the Group’s profit after tax. 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Provisional fair value of net assets acquired with all acquisitions: 

Goodwill 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right of use assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Bank overdrafts 
Lease liabilities 
Corporation tax 
Provisions 
Deferred tax 

Net assets acquired 

Non-controlling interest share of net 
assets acquired 

Group share of net assets acquired 

Cost of acquisitions: 

Cash paid in current year 
Contingent consideration 
Cash consideration payable 

Total consideration at fair value 

Note 
21, (i) 
 22 
 23 
 24 

 16 

 36 
 37 

 40 

Note 

36, (ii) 

The ‘i’ 
£m 
 8.9 
 38.1 
 0.1 
– 
– 
 3.1 
– 
 (1.3) 
– 
– 
– 
 (1.5) 
 2.2 
 49.6 

– 

 49.6 

The ‘i’ 
£m 
 49.6 
– 
– 

 49.6 

Coral Mint 
£m 
 0.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 0.4 

OneSearch 
£m 
 4.7 
 3.6 
 0.1 
 0.1 
– 
 1.1 
 0.7 
 (0.7) 
 (0.6) 
 (0.2) 
– 
 (0.1) 
 (1.4) 
 7.3 

– 

 0.4 

– 

 7.3 

Coral Mint 
£m 
 0.3 
 0.1 
– 

OneSearch 
£m 
 7.3 
– 
– 

 0.4 

 7.3 

CWC 
£m 
 8.0 
 8.2 
– 
– 
 1.0 
 9.3 
 1.2 
 (10.1) 
– 
– 
 (0.5) 
– 
 (1.5) 
 15.6 

 (1.3) 

 14.3 

CWC 
£m 
 12.7 
 0.6 
 1.0 

 14.3 

Addisbuild 
£m 
– 
 0.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 0.5 

– 

 0.5 

Addisbuild 
£m 
– 
 0.4 
 0.1 

 0.5 

Total 
£m 
 22.0 
 50.4 
 0.2 
 0.1 
 1.0 
 13.5 
 1.9 
 (12.1) 
 (0.6) 
 (0.2) 
 (0.5) 
 (1.6) 
 (0.7) 
 73.4 

 (1.3) 

 72.1 

Total 
£m 
 69.9 
 1.1 
 1.1 

 72.1 

(i)  The amount of goodwill which is deductible for the purposes of calculating the Group’s tax charge is £nil.  

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. 

(ii)  The estimated range of undiscounted outcomes for contingent consideration relating to acquisitions in the year is £0.4 million to £4.6 million. 

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. 

All of the companies acquired during the period contributed £30.9 million to the Group’s revenue and £4.5 million to the Group’s profit after tax for 
the period between the date of acquisition and 30 September 2020. 

Acquisition-related costs, amounting to £2.9 million, have been charged against profits for the period in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

If all acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the period, Group revenues for the period would have been £1,216.1 million and Group 
profit attributable to equity holders of the parent would have been a profit of £193.0 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 period. 

Purchase of additional shares in controlled entities: 

Cash consideration 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 0.8 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
– 

Note 
 22 

During the year, the Group acquired additional shares in controlled entities amounting to £0.8 million (2019 £nil). 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

17 Summary of the effects of acquisitions continued 
Reconciliation to purchase of businesses and subsidiary undertakings as shown in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement: 

Cash consideration 
Cash paid to settle contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions 
Cash paid to settle acquisition put options 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired with subsidiaries 
Bank overdrafts acquired with subsidiaries 

Purchase of businesses and subsidiary undertakings 

Note 

36, (i) 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 70.7 
 0.4 
– 
 (1.9) 
 0.6 
 69.8 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019 
£m 
 24.7 
 4.7 
 0.6 
 (2.4) 
– 
 27.6 

(i)  Cash paid to settle contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions includes £0.3 million (2019 £0.2 million) within the Property Information 

segment, £nil (2019 £0.4 million) within the EdTech segment, £nil (2019 £4.1 million) within the Energy Information segment and £0.1 million 
(2019 £nil) within the Events and Exhibitions segment. 

18 Summary of the effects of disposals 
On 5 November 2019 the Group sold its Energy Information segment for proceeds of £263.7 million. The sale also included Inframation AG in the 
Property Information segment. On 11 October 2019 the Property Information segment disposed of Buildfax, Inc. for proceeds of £20.4 million.  
These businesses were recognised as held for sale in the prior year. 

The impact of the disposal of businesses and subsidiary undertakings completed during the period on net assets is as follows: 

Goodwill 
Intangible assets  
Property, plant and equipment 
Right of use assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Loan notes 
Lease liabilities 
Bank overdrafts 
Current tax receivable 
Provisions 
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) 

Net assets disposed 
Profit/(loss) on sale of businesses including recycled cumulative 
exchange differences 

Satisfied by:  
Cash received 
Directly attributable costs paid 
Deferred consideration 
Working capital adjustment cash paid 
Recycled cumulative translation differences 

Note 
20, 21 
20, 22 
 20 
 20 
 20 
 20 
 20 
16, 20 
16, 20 
 20 
 20 
 20 
 20 

8, 19 

 39 

Prior year assets 
held for sale 
disposed in 
 current year 
£m 
 83.3 
 32.0 
 7.1 
 8.3 
 22.6 
 2.0 
 (36.5) 
 (1.6) 
 (8.5) 
 (0.1) 
 0.6 
 (34.2) 
 5.9 
 80.9 

– 

 80.9 

Adjustment 
 on sale of assets 
held for sale in 
 current year 
£m 
 2.8 
 (0.8) 
– 
– 
 6.8 
 (1.7) 
 (11.6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 34.2 
 (7.6) 
 22.1 

 175.1 

 197.2 

 317.0 
 (26.6) 
– 
 (1.8) 
 (10.5) 

 278.1 

Other  
disposals 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (0.6) 
– 
 (6.6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 0.9 
– 
 (6.3) 

 (1.7) 

 (8.0) 

– 
 (2.9) 
 (5.0) 
– 
 (0.1) 

 (8.0) 

Total 
£m 
 86.1 
 31.2 
 7.1 
 8.3 
 28.8 
 0.3 
 (54.7) 
 (1.6) 
 (8.5) 
 (0.1) 
 0.6 
 0.9 
 (1.7) 
 96.7 

 173.4 

 270.1 

 317.0 
 (29.5) 
 (5.0) 
 (1.8) 
 (10.6) 

 270.1 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Reconciliation to disposal of businesses and subsidiary undertakings as shown in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement: 

Cash consideration net of disposal costs 
Cash consideration net of disposal costs – discontinued operations 
Working capital adjustment cash paid – discontinued operations 
Cash consideration received in the current year relating to businesses sold in the prior year 
Cash and cash equivalents disposed with subsidiaries 

Proceeds/(costs) on disposal of businesses and subsidiary undertakings 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 (2.9) 
 290.4 
 (1.8) 
 15.6 
 (0.2) 
 301.1 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019  
£m 
 2.8 
 (5.2) 
 (0.9) 
– 
 (8.3) 
 (11.6) 

All of the businesses disposed of during the period absorbed £12.6 million of the Group’s net operating cash flows, contributed £235.0 million in 
respect of investing activities and paid £1.6 million in respect of financing activities. 

The Group’s net tax charge includes a tax charge of £1.6 million in relation to these disposals which includes a tax charge of £7.7 million relating to 
discontinued operations. 

19 Discontinued operations 
On 26 August 2019, the Group announced that it had agreed the sale of its Energy Information segment to Verisk Analytics, Inc. (Verisk). The sale 
completed on 5 November 2019 following the completion of customary closing conditions. The results of the Energy Information segment for the 
period are included in discontinued operations for the current and prior period. 

The Group’s Consolidated Income Statement includes the following results from discontinued operations: 

Revenue 
Expenses 
Depreciation 
Amortisation of intangible assets not arising on business combinations 

Adjusted operating profit 
Exceptional operating income/(costs) 
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on business combinations 

Operating profit/(loss) 
Other gains and losses 

Profit/(loss) before net finance costs and tax 
Interest, arrangement and commitment fees payable on bonds, bank loans and loan notes 
Finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax (charge)/credit 

Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to discontinued operations 
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations 
Recycled cumulative translation differences on disposal of discontinued operations 
Tax charge on profit on disposal of discontinued operations 

Profit/(loss) attributable to discontinued operations 

Note 
 3 

 3 
 3 
 3 
3, 13, (i) 
3, 13 
 4 
 13 

 3 

 11 

13, 18 
13, 18 
 11 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 7.1 
 (5.5) 
– 
– 
 1.6 
 11.4 
– 
 13.0 
– 
 13.0 
– 
– 
 13.0 
 (3.2) 
 9.8 
 145.1 
 (11.3) 
 (7.7) 
 135.9 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 73.6 
 (58.5) 
 (2.6) 
 (4.1) 
 8.4 
 (31.3) 
 (3.2) 
 (26.1) 
 (6.4) 
 (32.5) 
 (0.1) 
 (0.1) 
 (32.6) 
 10.0 
 (22.6) 
– 
– 
– 
 (22.6) 

(i)  The Group’s Energy Information business (Genscape) provided a third-party auditor service verifying Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) 
for renewable fuel production activities in the US, as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard Quality Assurance Program (Program), a regulatory 
program administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

Following discovery and self-reporting to the EPA by Genscape of potential fraudulent RINs generated by two companies unconnected with 
DMGT but verified by Genscape between 2013 and 2014 under the Program, the EPA issued a notice of intent to revoke the ability of Genscape 
to verify RINs as a third-party auditor on 4 January 2017. Following the EPA investigation of the two companies in April 2016, the two 
companies pleaded guilty of fraud in connection with the broader scheme to generate RINs. 

EPA regulations for the audit program set a liability cap on replacement of invalid RINs of 2.0% of the RINs. In April 2017 Genscape voluntarily 
paid the 2.0% liability cap associated with the invalid RINs at a cost of US$1.3 million, based on the then-prevailing market rates, subject to a 
reservation of rights. The EPA regulations allow for situations where the cap does not apply – including fraud, auditor error and negligence. 

The EPA had not formally alleged any fraud or intentional wrongdoing by Genscape, but in its May 2019 final determination letter, the EPA did 
find grounds for auditor error and negligence by Genscape and ordered Genscape to replace 69.2 million additional RINs it had verified. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

19 Discontinued operations continued 

In July 2019, Genscape filed a petition for review with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and a motion to stay the EPA’s order to replace the  
69.2 million RINs which was accepted for the duration of Genscape’s petition for review. 

Notwithstanding the sale of Genscape to Verisk, DMGT is responsible for any costs, claims or awards and all settlement negotiations with the EPA. 

Since RINs trade in a volatile range, averaging approximately 48 cents over the previous 24-month period, replacing the maximum 69.2 million 
RINs claimed by the EPA would equate to a potential maximum claim of approximately US$33.4 million. Using the period end price of 62 cents 
replacing the maximum 69.2 million RINs claimed by the EPA would equate to a potential maximum claim of US$42.9 million.  

DMGT continues to cooperate with the EPA and settlement discussions are ongoing but considering the uncertainties involved, the length of 
time involved and taking note of the order from the EPA, the Group, without admitting any wrongdoing, made a provision for the total cost of 
replacing RINs at 30 September 2019.  

At each period end IAS 37 requires DMGT to review this provision and make appropriate adjustments to reflect the current status of the claim. 
Accordingly, the Group has reduced its total provision. The Group’s closing provision includes the cost of replacement RINs, estimated 
purchase costs, associated legal fees and currency fluctuations. The final settlement amount may be different than the provision made, 
however, it is not possible for the Group to predict with any certainty the potential impact of this litigation or to quantify the ultimate cost  
of a verdict or resolution. Accordingly, the provision could change substantially over time as the dispute progresses and new facts emerge.  
Any change to this provision will continue to be disclosed as an exceptional operating item within discontinued operations. 

A deferred tax asset of US$5.3 million (£4.1 million) (2019 US$8.4 million (£6.8 million)) arises on this provision. 

Cash flows associated with discontinued operations comprise operating cash inflows of £2.5 million (2019 £11.9 million), investing cash inflows  
of £235.0 million (2019 £13.3 million) and financing cash outflows of £1.6 million (2019 £0.2 million).  

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
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20 Total assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale 
The main classes of assets and liabilities comprising the operations classified as held for sale are set out in the table below. 

At 30 September 2020 the assets and liabilities held for sale relate to the Group’s Energy Information segment.  

At 30 September 2019 the assets and liabilities held for sale relate to the Group’s Energy Information segment, together with BuildFax, Inc. and 
Inframation AG which are included in the Property Information segment. The proceeds of disposal less costs to sell exceed the net carrying amount 
of the relevant assets and liabilities and, accordingly, no impairment loss was recognised on the classification of these operations as held for sale. 

Goodwill 
Intangible assets  
Deferred tax 
Property, plant and equipment 
Trade and other receivables: 

Trade receivables 
Expected credit losses 
Prepayments 
Contract acquisition costs 
Contract assets 
Other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Current tax receivable 

Total assets associated with businesses held for sale 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Right of use assets 

Restated at 1 October 2019 Total assets associated with businesses held for sale 

Trade and other payables    
Bank overdrafts 
Loan notes 
Provisions  

Total liabilities associated with businesses held for sale 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Trade and other payables 
Lease liabilities 

Restated at 1 October 2019 Total liabilities associated with businesses held for sale 

Note 
 21 
 22 

 23 

 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 30 
 32 

 2 

 31 
 33 
 33 

 2 
 2 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
– 
– 
 4.1 
– 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 83.3 
 32.0 
 5.9 
 7.1 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 4.1 

– 
– 
– 
 (19.7) 
 (19.7) 

 10.0 
 (0.4) 
 3.3 
 3.1 
 0.3 
 6.3 
 2.0 
 0.6 
 153.5 

 8.3 
 161.8 

 (36.7) 
 (0.1) 
 (1.6) 
 (34.2) 
 (72.6) 

 0.2 
 (8.5) 
 (80.9) 

Net (liabilities)/assets of the disposal group 

 (15.6) 

 80.9 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

21 Goodwill 

Cost 
At 30 September 2018 
Additions 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Additions 
Adjustment to previous year estimate of contingent consideration 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Accumulated impairment losses 
At 30 September 2018 
Impairment 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Impairment 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Net book value – 2018 

Net book value – 2019 

Net book value – 2020 

Note 

 3 

 20 

3, 17 
 36 
 18 

Goodwill  
£m 

 422.4 
 22.0 
 (27.7) 
 (145.2) 
 8.1 
 279.6 
 22.0 
 (0.2) 
 (3.2) 
 (3.7) 

 294.5 

Note 

Goodwill  
£m 

 3 

 20 

 3 

 89.2 
 19.1 
 (19.1) 
 (61.9) 
 1.1 
 28.4 
 11.8 
 (1.1) 

 39.1 

 333.2 

 251.2 

 255.4 

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill might be impaired. Intangible assets, all of 
which have finite lives, are tested separately from goodwill only where impairment indicators exist. Recoverable amounts have been determined 
using value in use calculations in accordance with IAS 36, Impairment of Assets. 

Goodwill impairment losses recognised in the period amounted to £11.8 million, of which £8.9 million related to the Events and Exhibitions 
segment. This impairment charge was the result of reduced forecasts following the Covid-19 pandemic which has resulted in a reduction in value  
in use. There is a tax credit of £nil associated with this impairment charge. 

In the prior year ended 30 September 2019, the Group recorded a goodwill impairment charge of £19.1 million relating to On-geo in the Property 
Information segment. There was a tax credit of £nil associated with this impairment charge. 

The Group’s policy on impairment of goodwill is set out in Note 2. 

Further disclosures, in accordance with paragraph 134 of IAS 36, are provided where a reasonably possible change in key assumptions may result in 
an impairment. 

Using this criteria, the Group has provided a sensitivity analysis of the key assumptions used in the UK Property Information business in the Property 
Information segment, the EdTech segment and CWC in the Events and Exhibitions segment. 

The UK Property Information business holds goodwill with a carrying value of £119.3 million (2019 £124.1 million) together with intangible assets 
with a carrying value of £28.1 million (2019 £32.6 million). The carrying value of the UK Property Information business 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) 

cash flows for the business for the following year derived from budgets for 2021. The Directors believe these to be reasonably achievable; 

(ii)  subsequent cash flows for four additional years increased in line with growth expectations of the business; 

(iii)  cash flows beyond the five-year period extrapolated using a long-term nominal growth rate of 2.0%; and 

(iv)  a pre-tax discount rate of 12.35%. 

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Using the above methodology, the recoverable amount exceeded the total carrying value by £162.3 million (2019 £148.5 million). For this business 
the Directors performed a sensitivity analysis on the total carrying value of the CGU. For the recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying value  
the discount rate would need to be increased by 9.83% to 22.17% (2019 by 10.17% to 22.22%), the long-term growth rate would need to decline by 
14.47% to -12.47% (2019 by 10.95% to -9.45%), or the CGU would need to miss budget by 57.1% (2019 50.8%). 

The Group’s EdTech segment holds goodwill with a carrying value of £72.0 million (2019 £75.0 million) together with intangible assets with a carrying 
value of £16.3 million (2019 £21.9 million). The carrying value of EdTech 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) 

cash flows for the business for the following year derived from budgets for 2021. The Directors believe these to be reasonably achievable; 

(ii)  subsequent cash flows for four additional years increased in line with growth expectations of the business; 

(iii)  cash flows beyond the five-year period extrapolated using a long-term nominal growth rate of 2.0%; and 

(iv) 

 a pre-tax discount rate of 15.28%. 

Using the above methodology, the recoverable amount exceeded the total carrying value by £47.7 million (2019 £35.0 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 be increased by 5.56% to 20.83% (2019 by 5.30% to 20.58%), the long-term growth rate would need to decline by 6.15% 
to -4.15% (2019 by 4.36% to -2.36%), or the CGU would need to miss budget by 39.9% (2019 44.9%). 

CWC in the Events and Exhibitions segment holds goodwill with a carrying value of £7.9 million (2019 £nil) together with intangible assets with a 
carrying value of £8.2 million (2019 £nil). The carrying value of CWC 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) 

cash flows for the business for the following year derived from budgets for 2021. The Directors believe these to be reasonably achievable; 

(ii)  subsequent cash flows for four additional years increased in line with growth expectations of the business; 

(iii)  cash flows beyond the five-year period extrapolated using a long-term nominal growth rate of 2.0%; and 

(iv)  a pre-tax discount rate of 13.13%. 

Using the above methodology, the recoverable amount exceeded the total carrying value by £7.0 million (2019 £nil). 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 be increased by 4.30% to 17.43% (2019 £nil), the long-term growth rate would need to decline by 5.28% to -3.28% (2019 by £nil), 
or the CGU would need to miss budget by £0.4 million (2019 £nil). 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

22 Other intangible assets 

Cost 
At 30 September 2018 
Analysis reclassifications 
Additions from business 
combinations 
Internally generated 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Additions from business 
combinations 
Other additions 
Internally generated 
Disposals 
Transfer from property,  
plant and equipment 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Accumulated amortisation 
At 30 September 2018 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Charge for the year 
Impairment 
Disposals 
Transfer from property,  
plant and equipment 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Net book value – 2018 

Net book value – 2019 

Net book value – 2020 

Note 

 3 
 3 

 20 

3, 17 
 3 
 3 
 18 

 23 

Note 

 3 

 20 

 3 
 3 
 18 

 23 

Publishing  
rights, 
 mastheads 
 and titles 
£m 

 93.7 
 (8.8) 

– 
– 
– 
 (14.7) 
 0.9 

 71.1 

 38.1 
– 
– 
 (1.0) 

– 
– 

 108.2 

Publishing  
rights,  
mastheads 
 and titles 
£m 

 80.0 
 0.8 
– 
 (10.6) 
 0.7 

 70.9 
– 
– 
 (0.7) 

– 
 (0.1) 

 70.1 

 13.7 

 0.2 

 38.1 

Market- and 
customer-related 
databases and 
customer 
relationships 
£m 

Computer 
software 
(i) 
£m 

 104.0 
– 

 3.6 
– 
 (13.9) 
 (10.8) 
 0.9 

 83.8 

 3.1 
 0.8 
– 
 (0.5) 

– 
 (0.9) 

 86.3 

 344.1 
– 

 0.4 
 13.9 
 (12.2) 
 (49.6) 
 16.3 

 312.9 

 3.3 
 1.5 
 4.2 
 (0.3) 

 0.7 
 (12.2) 

 310.1 

Market- and 
customer-related 
databases and 
customer 
relationships 
£m 

Computer 
software 
(i) 
£m 

 61.5 
 7.5 
 (5.1) 
 (8.4) 
 0.7 

 56.2 
 6.3 
 0.7 
 (0.3) 

– 
 (0.4) 

 62.5 

 42.5 

 27.6 

 23.8 

 273.7 
 24.4 
 (6.2) 
 (33.0) 
 14.2 

 273.1 
 16.8 
 1.5 
 (0.3) 

 0.2 
 (11.4) 

 279.9 

 70.4 

 39.8 

 30.2 

Brands 
£m 

 49.9 
 8.8 

– 
– 
 (0.6) 
 (25.3) 
 2.5 

 35.3 

 5.9 
– 
– 
 (3.2) 

– 
 (1.0) 

 37.0 

Brands 
£m 

 46.7 
 2.0 
 (0.4) 
 (17.1) 
 1.9 

 33.1 
 3.6 
 1.6 
 (3.2) 

– 
 (0.9) 

 34.2 

 3.2 

 2.2 

 2.8 

Other  
£m 

 6.6 
– 

– 
– 
– 
 (6.8) 
 0.4 

 0.2 

– 
– 
– 
 (0.1) 

– 
– 

 0.1 

Other  
£m 

 5.2 
 0.7 
– 
 (6.1) 
 0.3 

 0.1 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

 0.1 

 1.4 

 0.1 

– 

Total 
£m 

 598.3 
– 

 4.0 
 13.9 
 (26.7) 
 (107.2) 
 21.0 

 503.3 

 50.4 
 2.3 
 4.2 
 (5.1) 

 0.7 
 (14.1) 

 541.7 

Total 
£m 

 467.1 
 35.4 
 (11.7) 
 (75.2) 
 17.8 

 433.4 
 26.7 
 3.8 
 (4.5) 

 0.2 
 (12.8) 

 446.8 

 131.2 

 69.9 

 94.9 

Impairment losses recognised in the period amount to £3.8 million. There is a tax credit of £0.6 million associated with this impairment charge. 

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(i)  Computer software includes purchased and internally generated intangible assets, not arising on business combinations, as follows: 

Note 

£m 

Cost 
At 30 September 2018 
Additions 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Accumulated amortisation 
At 30 September 2018 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Charge for the year 
Impairment 
Disposals 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Net book value – 2018 

Net book value – 2019 

Net book value – 2020 

 20 

 23 

 3 

 20 

 3 

 23 

 309.3 
 14.3 
 (7.8) 
 (36.0) 
 15.3 

 295.1 
 5.7 
 (0.2) 
 0.7 
 (12.0) 

 289.3 

 248.1 
 22.0 
 (4.0) 
 (23.5) 
 13.4 

 256.0 
 15.4 
 1.5 
 (0.1) 
 0.2 
 (10.8) 

 262.2 

 61.2 

 39.1 

 27.1 

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 since they have not been brought into use. 

Cost 

At 30 September 2018 
Additions 
Projects completed 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Additions 
Projects completed 

At 30 September 2020 

£m 

 14.8 
 5.1 
 (13.8) 
 0.1 

 6.2 
 2.2 
 (6.2) 

 2.2 

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. 

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Notes to the accounts 

22 Other intangible assets continued 
The carrying values of the Group’s ten largest intangible assets are further analysed as follows: 

The ‘i’ Masthead 
DIIG Customer relationships 
CWC Brand name 
Landmark Valuation Hub 
Estate Technical Solutions Limited 
Customer relationships 
Starfish Customer relationships 
OneSearch Direct Database 
Family Connection mobile technology platform 
SuperMatch Insights analytics platform 
CWC Customer relationships 

At  
30 September  
2020  
Carrying  
value 
£m 
 34.9 
 11.5 
 5.6 
 2.7 

At  
30 September 
 2019  
Carrying 
 value 
£m 
– 
 15.3 
– 
 4.5 

At 
 30 September  
2020  
Remaining 
amortisation  
period 
Years 
 9.2 
 4.0 
 5.0 
 3.2 

At  
30 September 
 2019 
 Remaining 
amortisation  
period 
Years 
– 
 5.0 
– 
 4.2 

 2.6 
 2.3 
 2.1 
 2.0 
 1.8 
 1.8 

 3.1 
 2.9 
– 
 2.9 
– 
– 

 4.4 
 5.0 
 2.6 
 2.6 
 2.9 
 5.0 

 5.4 
 6.0 
– 
 3.6 
– 
– 

Segment 
Consumer Media 
Property Information 
Events and Exhibitions 
Property Information 

Property Information 
EdTech 
Property Information 
EdTech 
EdTech 
Events and Exhibitions 

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23 Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 
At 30 September 2018 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired 
Additions  
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Owned by subsidiaries disposed 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired 
Additions  
Disposals 
Transfers to intangible fixed assets 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
At 30 September 2018 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Classified as held for sale 
Owned by subsidiaries disposed 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Transfers to intangible fixed assets 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Net book value – 2018 

Net book value – 2019 

Net book value – 2020 

Note 

 3 
 3 

 20 

3, 17 
 3 

 22 

Freehold 
 properties 
£m 

Short leasehold 
properties 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

 40.4 
– 
 0.2 
 (8.2) 
– 
– 
– 

 32.4 
– 
 0.7 
 (0.2) 
– 
– 

 32.9 

 20.7 
– 
 0.7 
 (0.3) 
– 
– 
 1.0 

 22.1 
– 
 1.7 
 (0.2) 
– 
 (0.8) 

 22.8 

 307.1 
 0.1 
 15.0 
 (17.8) 
 (23.4) 
 (5.1) 
 3.7 

 279.6 
 0.2 
 9.8 
 (4.1) 
 (0.7) 
 (2.5) 

 282.3 

Note 

Freehold  
properties 
£m 

Short leasehold 
properties 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

 3 

 20 

 3 

 22 

 16.8 
 1.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 

 18.1 
 1.3 
 (0.2) 
– 
– 

 19.2 

 23.6 

 14.3 

 13.7 

 14.3 
 2.7 
 (0.3) 
– 
– 
 0.8 

 17.5 
 2.6 
 (0.2) 
– 
 (0.8) 

 19.1 

 6.4 

 4.6 

 3.7 

 237.4 
 21.3 
 (17.2) 
 (16.3) 
 (4.2) 
 3.1 

 224.1 
 18.6 
 (3.9) 
 (0.2) 
 (1.9) 

 236.7 

 69.7 

 55.5 

 45.6 

Total 
£m 

 368.2 
 0.1 
 15.9 
 (26.3) 
 (23.4) 
 (5.1) 
 4.7 

 334.1 
 0.2 
 12.2 
 (4.5) 
 (0.7) 
 (3.3) 

 338.0 

Total 
£m 

 268.5 
 25.3 
 (17.5) 
 (16.3) 
 (4.2) 
 3.9 

 259.7 
 22.5 
 (4.3) 
 (0.2) 
 (2.7) 

 275.0 

 99.7 

 74.4 

 63.0 

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Notes to the accounts 

24 Right of use assets 

Cost 
At 30 September 2019 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

Restated at 1 October 2019 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired 
Additions  
Disposals 
Adjustment to sublease receivable 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Accumulated depreciation  
At 30 September 2019 
Charge for the year 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Net book value restated at 1 October 2019 

Net book value at 30 September 2020 

Note 

 2 

17 

Note 

 3 

Leasehold 
properties 
£m 

Plant and  
equipment 
£m 

– 
 68.1 

 68.1 
 0.1 
 41.4 
 (0.1) 
 0.6 
 (2.0) 

 108.1 

– 
 1.8 

 1.8 
– 
 0.7 
– 
– 
– 

 2.5 

Leasehold  
properties 
£m 

Plant and  
equipment 
£m 

– 
 20.1 
 (0.1) 

 20.0 

 68.1 

 88.1 

– 
 0.8 
– 

 0.8 

 1.8 

 1.7 

Total 
£m 

– 
 69.9 

 69.9 
 0.1 
 42.1 
 (0.1) 
 0.6 
 (2.0) 

 110.6 

Total 
£m 

– 
 20.9 
 (0.1) 

 20.8 

 69.9 

 89.8 

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Note 

(i) 

7 
(ii) 

7 
(iii) 
7 

Share of post-
acquisition 
retained  
reserves 
£m 

Cost of 
 shares 
£m 

 6.9 
 6.8 
– 
– 
– 
 0.1 
 (5.2) 
 0.4 

 9.0 
 (0.6) 
– 
– 
 (0.1) 
 (0.5) 

 7.8 

 (5.9) 
– 
 (0.5) 
 1.5 
 (0.3) 
– 
 4.5 
 (0.2) 

 (0.9) 
 0.6 
 1.1 
 (0.2) 
– 
 0.2 

 0.8 

Total 
£m 

 1.0 
 6.8 
 (0.5) 
 1.5 
 (0.3) 
 0.1 
 (0.7) 
 0.2 

 8.1 
– 
 1.1 
 (0.2) 
 (0.1) 
 (0.3) 

 8.6 

25 Investments in joint ventures and associates 

Joint ventures  
At 30 September 2018 
Additions – non cash 
Owned by subsidiaries disposed 
Share of retained reserves 
Dividends received 
Reclassification from other debtors 
Transfer to investment in subsidiaries 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Disposals 
Share of retained reserves 
Dividends received 
Impairment 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

(i)  Non-cash additions during the prior period relate to a fair-value adjustment on the transfer of TreppPort from an investment in subsidiary to  

a joint venture. 

(ii)  During the prior period, the Group received dividends from PointX and TreppPort in the Property Information segment. 

(iii)  During the period, the Group received dividends from TreppPort in the Property Information segment. 

Summary aggregated financial information for the Group’s joint ventures, extracted on a 100% basis from the joint ventures’ own financial 
information, is set out below: 

Year ended 30 September 2020 
Property Information 

At 30 September 2020 
Property Information 

Year ended 30 September 2019 
Property Information 

At 30 September 2019 
Property Information 

Revenue 
£m 
 14.5 

Current 
 assets 
£m 
 10.9 

Revenue 
£m 
8.3 

Current 
 assets 
£m 
4.6 

Operating 
 profit 
£m 
 2.5 

Total  
assets 
£m 
 10.9 

Operating  
profit 
£m 
1.0 

Total 
 assets 
£m 
4.6 

Total 
 expenses 
£m 
 (12.1) 

Current 
 liabilities 
£m 
 (3.5) 

Total 
 expenses 
£m 
(8.0) 

Current  
liabilities 
£m 
(1.9) 

Profit for 
 the year 
£m 
 2.4 

Total 
 liabilities 
£m 
 (3.5) 

Profit for 
 the year 
£m 
0.3 

Total 
 liabilities 
£m 
(1.9) 

Total 
comprehensive 
income 
£m 
 2.4 

Net assets 
£m 
 7.4 

Total 
comprehensive 
income 
£m 
0.3 

Net 
 assets 
£m 
2.7 

At 30 September 2020 the Group’s joint ventures had capital commitments amounting to £nil (2019 £nil). There were no material contingent 
liabilities (2019 none). 

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Notes to the accounts 

25 Investments in joint ventures and associates continued 
Information on principal joint ventures: 

Segment 

Principal activity 

Year ended 

Description  
of holding 

Group 
 interest  
% 

Unlisted 
Knowlura, Inc.  
(incorporated and operating in the US) 
PointX Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 

EdTech 
Property 
Information 

Decision First Ltd  
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 

Property 
Information 

TreppPort LLC  
(incorporated and operating in the US) 

Property 
Information 

Provider of online educational 
services 
Provider of a ‘Points of Interest’ 
database covering Great Britain 
Developer of technology links to allow 
communication between mortgage 
lenders and service providers 
Provider of an end-to-end lending, 
surveillance and risk management  
web-based platform 

30 September 
2020 

Common 

31 March 2020 

Ordinary B 

50.0 

50.0 

31 December 
2019 

30 September 
2020 

Ordinary 

50.0 

Ordinary 

50.0 

Associates 
At 30 September 2018 
Additions – cash 
Additions – non cash 
Share of retained reserves 
Dividends received 
Impairment of Euromoney 
Adjustment to impairment of carrying value of Euromoney following correction of 
Euromoney prior year tax exposures 
Impairment of other associates 
Impairment of Euromoney following dividend in specie 
Deemed disposal of investment in associates 
Transfer to financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Disposal of other associates 
Disposal of Euromoney 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Additions – cash 
Additions – non cash 
Share of retained reserves 
Dividends received 
Impairment 
Transfer to financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Transfer from financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Note 

(i) 
(ii) 
7 
(vi) 
7 

7 
7 
39 
8 
26 
(iii) 

(iv) 
(v) 
7 
(vi) 
7 
26 
26 
(vii) 

Cost of  
shares 
£m 

 723.5 
 39.4 
 7.8 
– 
– 
 (27.7) 

 4.2 
 (6.1) 
 (11.8) 
 (0.7) 
 (2.9) 
 (20.8) 
 (573.6) 
 2.2 

 133.5 
 2.5 
 1.0 
– 
– 
 (3.7) 
 (27.5) 
 0.8 
 (11.1) 
 (1.4) 

 94.1 

Share of post-
acquisition 
retained 
 reserves 
£m 

 46.0 
– 
– 
 (0.7) 
 (12.0) 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 1.7 
 11.3 
 (88.2) 
 (0.7) 

 (42.6) 
– 
– 
 (8.7) 
 (0.5) 
– 
 1.0 
– 
 4.6 
 0.5 

 (45.7) 

Total 
£m 

 769.5 
 39.4 
 7.8 
 (0.7) 
 (12.0) 
 (27.7) 

 4.2 
 (6.1) 
 (11.8) 
 (0.7) 
 (1.2) 
 (9.5) 
 (661.8) 
 1.5 

 90.9 
 2.5 
 1.0 
 (8.7) 
 (0.5) 
 (3.7) 
 (26.5) 
 0.8 
 (6.5) 
 (0.9) 

 48.4 

The cumulative unrecognised share of losses of the Group’s associates principally comprises £20.9 million (2019 £17.8 million) in relation to the 
Group’s investment in Independent Television News Ltd.  

Joint ventures and associates have been accounted for under the equity method using unaudited financial information to 30 September 2020.  

(i)  During the prior year cash additions relate to additions in Mercatus, Inc. in the Property Information segment, Praedicat, Inc. in the Insurance 

Risk segment, and AlsoEnergy Holdings, Inc., Yopa Ltd, Cazoo Ltd, Bricklane Technologies Ltd and Entale Media Ltd all held centrally. 

(ii)  During the prior year non-cash additions relate to additions in Zipjet Ltd, Yopa Ltd, Cazoo Ltd and Bricklane Technologies Ltd all held centrally 

settled with media credits. 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

(iii)  During the prior period the Group disposed of its investment in Truffle Pig LLC, Real Capital Analytics, Inc. and Wellington Weekly Ltd 

held centrally. 

(iv)  Cash additions during the period relate to additions in Mercatus, Inc. in the Property Information segment and to LineVision, Inc. and Quick 

Move Ltd both held centrally. 

(v)  Non-cash additions during the period relate to additions in Quick Move Ltd held centrally and settled with media credits. 

(vi)  During the period, the Group received dividends from Whereoware LLC in the Events and Exhibitions segment. During the prior period the 

Group received dividends from Euromoney held centrally. 

(vii)  During the period the Group disposed of its investment in Also Energy Holdings, Inc. held centrally.  

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 ended 30 September 2020 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
Centrally held 

At 30 September 2020 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
Centrally held 

Year ended 30 September 2019 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
Events and Exhibitions 
Centrally held 

At 30 September 2019 
Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
Events and Exhibitions 
Centrally held 

Revenue 
£m 
6.1 
2.8 
140.4 
 149.3 

Current 
 assets 
£m 
3.3 
3.2 
57.1 
 63.6 

Revenue 
£m 
 6.5 
 3.4 
 1.3 
 159.1 
 170.3 

Current 
 assets 
£m 
 7.9 
 2.1 
 0.4 
 156.9 
 167.3 

Operating 
 loss 
£m 
(2.5) 
(1.7) 
(10.7) 
 (14.9) 

Total 
 assets 
£m 
6.0 
3.3 
66.8 
 76.1 

Operating  
loss 
£m 
 (1.9) 
 (2.2) 
– 
 (25.6) 
 (29.7) 

Total 
 assets 
£m 
 10.9 
 2.2 
 0.4 
 227.5 
 241.0 

Total 
 expenses 
£m 
(8.6) 
(4.6) 
(159.6) 
 (172.8) 

Current  
liabilities 
£m 
(1.1) 
(2.1) 
(44.1) 
 (47.3) 

Total 
 expenses 
£m 
 (8.4) 
 (4.4) 
 (1.3) 
 (198.4) 
 (212.5) 

Current  
liabilities 
£m 
 (2.6) 
 (1.8) 
– 
 (116.5) 
 (120.9) 

Loss for 
 the year 
£m 
(2.5) 
(1.8) 
(19.2) 
 (23.5) 

Other 
comprehensive 
income 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total 
comprehensive 
expense 
£m 
(2.5) 
(1.8) 
(19.2) 
 (23.5) 

Non-current  
liabilities 
£m 
– 
(1.8) 
(115.9) 
 (117.7) 

Total 
 liabilities 
£m 
(1.1) 
(3.9) 
(160.0) 
 (165.0) 

Net 
 (liabilities)/ 
assets 
£m 
4.9 
(0.6) 
(93.2) 
 (88.9) 

Loss for 
 the year 
£m 
 (1.9) 
 (1.0) 
– 
 (39.3) 
 (42.2) 

Other 
comprehensive 
income 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total 
comprehensive 
expense 
£m 
 (1.9) 
 (1.0) 
– 
 (39.3) 
 (42.2) 

Non-current  
liabilities 
£m 
 (0.1) 
 (0.5) 
– 
 (154.9) 
 (155.5) 

Total 
 liabilities 
£m 
 (2.7) 
 (2.3) 
– 
 (271.4) 
 (276.4) 

Net 
 (liabilities)/ 
assets 
£m 
 8.2 
 (0.1) 
 0.4 
 (43.9) 
 (35.4) 

Non-current  
assets 
£m 
2.7 
0.1 
9.7 
 12.5 

Non-current 
 assets 
£m 
 3.0 
 0.1 
– 
 70.6 
 73.7 

At 30 September 2020 the Group’s associates had capital commitments amounting to £nil (2019 £nil). There were no material contingent liabilities 
(2019 none). 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

25 Investments in joint ventures and associates continued 
Information on principal associates:  

Segment 

Principal activity 

Year ended 

Description of 
holding 

Group  
interest % 

Unlisted 

LineVision, Inc. 
(incorporated and operating in the US) 
Excalibur Holdco Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Entale Media Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Independent Television News Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Praedicat, Inc 
(incorporated and operating in the US) 
Propstack Services Private Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in India) 

Centrally held 

Centrally held 

Centrally held 

Centrally held 

Insurance Risk 

Centrally held 

Quick Move Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 

Centrally held 

Provider of transmission  
line monitoring and asset 
management for utilities 
Operator of online  
discount businesses 
Podcast platform 
 provider 
Independent TV 
 news provider 
Provision of catastrophe 
risk analytics 
Provider of commercial  
real estate information 
Serviced marketplace for  
the purchase and resale  
of second-hand luxury goods  
Information technology services 
provider of solutions to automate 
supply chain operations 
Online property  
investment platform 
Data and technology platform  
for private market investors 

31 December 
2019 
30 September 
2020 

31 March 2020 
31 December 
2019 
30 September 

Series A 

B Ordinary  

Preference 

Ordinary  

2020  Preferred stock 
Preference, 
Equity 

31 March 2020 

30 September 
2020 

Ordinary, 
Preference 

31 December 
2019 
31 December 
2019 
31 December 
2019 
31 December 
2019 

Preference 

Preference 

Ordinary 

Preference 

40.9 

23.9 

36.8 

20.0 

26.6 

22.7 

22.4 

8.2 

16.5 

10.6 

45.3 

Centrally held 

Centrally held 
Property 
Information 

Centrally held 

Online property portal 

WellAware Holdings, Inc 
(incorporated and operating in the US) 
Bricklane Technologies Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Mercatus, Inc.  
(incorporated and operating in the US) 
Yopa Property Ltd 
(incorporated and operating in the UK) 

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26 Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 

At 30 September 2018 Available for sale investments 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 2018 
Additions – cash 
Additions – non cash 
Transfer from investment in associates 
Fair value movement in the period 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Additions – cash 
Additions – non cash 
Disposals 
Transfer from investment in associates 
Transfer to investment in associates 
Fair value movement in the period 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 

Note 

25, (i) 
39 

25, (ii) 
25, (ii) 
39 

Unlisted  
£m 
20.4 
9.4 
29.8 
6.1 
0.8 
1.2 
(4.5) 
0.4 

33.8 
48.0 
9.0 
(0.3) 
26.5 
(0.8) 
295.0 
(0.5) 

410.7 

The financial assets above are non-interest bearing 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.  

(i) 

(ii) 

In the prior period, the Group’s investments in Skymet and Laundrapp Ltd (formerly Zipjet Ltd), previously associates, were diluted and 
therefore these have been classified as financial assets above. 

In the current period, the Group’s investment in Cazoo Ltd (Cazoo), previously an associate, has been reclassified as a financial asset. The 
Group cannot veto any Cazoo Board decisions – which are based on a simple Board majority, due to the current composition of the other seats 
on the Board and has no other means that give it the ability to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of Cazoo. The Group 
provides no essential technical information to develop the Cazoo business and there is no interchange of managerial personnel between DMGT 
and Cazoo. Therefore, the Directors have concluded that the Group does not possess the ability to exert significant influence over Cazoo and 
accordingly the Group has not equity accounted for its interest. 

The carrying value of Cazoo as at 30 September 2020 was £375.0 million and a gain of £293.5 million was recognized in Other Comprehensive 
Income during the period. 

During the period the Group increased its investment in Quick Move Ltd which is now held as an associate. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

26 Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income continued 
Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income are analysed as follows: 

Unlisted 
Cazoo Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
PA Media Group Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
BDG Media, Inc. (incorporated and operating in the US) 

Kortext Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Farewill Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Cue Ball Capital LP (incorporated and operating in the US) 
Taboola.com Ltd (incorporated and operating in Israel) 
Hambro Perks Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Financial Network Analytics Ltd (incorporated and operating in 
the UK) 
GPNutrition Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Air Mail LLC (incorporated and operating in the US) 
CompStak, Inc. (incorporated and operating in the US) 

Quick Move Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Evening Standard Ltd (incorporated and operating in the UK) 
Other 

Note 

Class of  
Holding 

Preference 
(i) 
(ii) 
Ordinary 
(iii)  Common Stock 
Preference and 
(iv) 
Ordinary 
Preference 
(v) 
(vi)  Limited Partner 
Preference 
(vii) 
Ordinary 
(viii) 

(ix) 
(x) 
(xi) 
(xii) 

(xiii) 
(xiv) 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Preference 
Ordinary 
Preference and 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Group 
 interest  
% 

At 
 30 September  
2020  
£m 

At 
 30 September  
2019  
£m 

23.5 
17.3 
3.1 

10.5 
5.4 
2.5 
0.4 
2.9 

10.0 
16.1 
5.0 
2.0 

22.4 
10.0 

375.0 
7.4 
6.4 

5.6 
3.7 
3.1 
2.7 
2.2 

1.0 
1.0 
1.0 
0.5 

– 
– 
1.1 
410.7 

– 
6.9 
7.9 

3.8 
1.2 
3.0 
2.3 
2.3 

1.0 
– 
1.2 
0.6 

0.5 
0.4 
2.7 
33.8 

(i)  Cazoo Ltd provides an online used car sales platform. 

(ii)  PA Media Group Ltd is a provider of news, sport and entertainment information. 

(iii)  BDG Media, Inc. operating as Bustle provides an online information platform covering fashion, politics, technology, diversity, celebrities,  

health and beauty.  

(iv)  Kortext Ltd provides a digital learning platform and supplies digital textbooks.  

(v)  Farewill Ltd provides online-based will-writing services. 

(vi)  Cue Ball Capital LP is a venture capital and private equity firm specialising in start-ups, early-stage, mid-venture, growth equity scale-ups and 

buy-out investments. 

(vii)  Taboola.com Ltd is a content marketing platform provider. 

(viii)  Hambro Perks Ltd is a venture capital firm. 

(ix)  Financial Network Analytics Ltd provides a platform which allows financial regulators and financial market infrastructures to map and monitor 

complex financial networks and to simulate operational and financial risks.  

(x)  GPNutrition Ltd provides direct to consumer nutritional supplements.  

(xi)  Air Mail, LLC owns and operates an online media service that provides weekly digital newsletter covering politics, business, the environment, 

the arts, literature, film and television, food, design, travel, architecture, society, fashion and crime. 

(xii)  CompStak, Inc. provides commercial real estate information to brokers, appraisers, researchers, landlords, lenders and investors. 

(xiii)  Quick Move Ltd provides a serviced marketplace for the purchase and resale of second-hand luxury goods.  

(xiv)  Evening Standard Ltd publishes a weekday newspaper, distributed for free throughout Greater London. 

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27 Inventories 

Raw materials and consumables 
Work in progress 

28 Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 
Trade receivables 
Impairment allowance 

Prepayments 
Contract acquisition costs 
Contract assets 
Sublease receivable 
Other receivables 

Classified as held for sale 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Prepayments 
Sublease receivable 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Non-current assets 
Trade receivables 
Prepayments 
Contract acquisition costs 
Contract assets 
Sublease receivable 
Interest receivable 
Other receivables 
Impairment allowance 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Sublease receivable 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

The maturity analysis of the Group’s sublease receivables is as follows: 

Within one year 
Between one and two years 

Total undiscounted cashflows 
Effect of discounting 

Net investment in the lease 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 6.1 
 6.3 
 12.4 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 
 6.1 
 20.7 
 26.8 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 

Note 

20 

2 
2 

2 

 165.1 
 (4.7) 
 160.4 

 52.8 
 5.1 
 5.1 
 3.7 
 20.2 
 247.3 

– 
 247.3 

 1.5 
 0.7 
 4.3 
– 
 3.1 
– 
 0.9 
– 
 10.5 

 231.5 
 (3.7) 
 227.8 

 54.9 
 8.5 
 5.0 
– 
 15.1 
 311.3 

 (22.6) 
 288.7 

 (2.3) 
 4.2 
 290.6 

 2.4 
 0.7 
 3.7 
 0.1 
– 
 2.9 
 17.1 
 (0.3) 
 26.6 

 257.8 

 315.3 

 6.8 
 33.4 

 324.0 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 3.8 
 3.1 
 6.9 
 (0.1) 
 6.8 

At  
30 September 
 2019  
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

28 Trade and other receivables continued 
Movement in the impairment allowance is as follows: 

At start of year – calculated under IAS 39 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 2018 
Impairment losses recognised 
Amounts written off as uncollectable 
Amounts recovered during the year 
Owned by subsidiaries disposed 
Exchange adjustment 

Classified as held for sale 

At end of year 

Note 

20 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 (3.6) 
– 
 (3.6) 
 (5.7) 
 3.9 
 0.2 
 0.5 
– 
 (4.7) 

– 
 (4.7) 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 
 (5.1) 
 (0.3) 
 (5.4) 
 (1.7) 
 2.3 
 0.9 
– 
 (0.1) 
 (4.0) 

 0.4 
 (3.6) 

IFRS 9 introduced an expected credit loss (ECL) model which requires an impairment provision to be made on initial recognition of the receivable 
which previously under IAS 39 was required only when a loss event occurred. Accordingly, the Group recognises an ECL by reference to historical 
recovery rates and forward-looking indicators.  

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring impairment allowances using a lifetime expected credit loss allowance for trade 
receivables, contract assets and other short-term receivables. To measure expected credit losses on a collective basis, trade receivables and 
contract assets are grouped based on similar credit risk and ageing.  

The expected loss rates are based on the Group’s historical credit losses experience as adjusted for current and forward-looking information and 
macroeconomic factors in the countries where the debtor is located.   

For trade receivables the expected credit loss allowance is calculated using a provision matrix, with higher default rates applied to older balances.   

The provision rates are based on days past due for groupings of customers with similar loss patterns. 

Trade receivables and contract assets with a contractual amount of £0.3 million written off during the period are still subject to enforcement activity.   

The Group applies IFRS 9 in measuring impairment allowances using a 12-month expected credit loss allowance for long-term other receivables.  
To estimate a range of expected credit losses, the probability of default tables based on the debtor’s proxy credit rating was estimated and applied 
to the carrying amount outstanding at 30 September 2020.  

The lifetime expected loss provision for trade receivables, contract assets, sublease receivable and other receivables is as follows: 

Current 
0.1% 
 141.1 
 0.2 

Current 
0.4% 
 145.9 
 0.6 

More than 30 
 days past due 
0.4% 
 23.8 
 0.1 

More than 30  
days past due 
0.2% 
 45.1 
 0.1 

More than 60 
 days past due 
0.8% 
 12.5 
 0.1 

More than 60  
days past due 
1.4% 
 14.1 
 0.2 

More than 90 
 days past due 
19.4% 
 22.2 
 4.3 

More than 90  
days past due 
5.2% 
 52.4 
 2.7 

Total 
2.4% 
 199.6 
 4.7 

Total 
1.4% 
 257.5 
 3.6 

At 30 September 2020 
Expected loss rate 
Gross carrying amount (£m) 
Loss allowance provision (£m) 

At 30 September 2019 
Expected loss rate 
Gross carrying amount (£m) 
Loss allowance provision (£m) 

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Ageing of impaired trade receivables, contract assets, sublease receivables and other receivables:  

0 – 30 days 
31 – 60 days 
61 – 90 days 
91 – 120 days 
121+ days 

Total 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 0.2 
 0.1 
 0.1 
 0.2 
 4.1 
 4.7 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 0.2 
 0.2 
 0.2 
 0.2 
 2.8 
 3.6 

Included in the Group’s trade receivables are amounts owed with a carrying value of £14.3 million (2019 £53.8 million) which are past due at  
30 September 2020 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. 

Ageing of past due but not impaired trade receivables and contract assets is as follows:  

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.  

29 Other financial assets 

Current assets 
Collateral 

Non-current assets 
Loans to joint ventures and associates 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 6.9 
 1.3 
 0.2 
 5.9 
 14.3 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 24.7 
 6.1 
 4.3 
 18.7 
 53.8 

Note 

16, (i) 

(ii) 

At 
 30 September 
 2020 
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 

 21.7 
 21.7 

 14.2 
 14.2 

 15.4 
 15.4 

 12.0 
 12.0 

(i)  The Group deposits collateral with its bank counterparties with whom it has entered into a credit support annex to an ISDA (International 

Swaps and Derivatives Association) Master Agreement. This represents cash that cannot be readily used in operations. The collateral deposited 
at both the current and prior year end principally relates to fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps. At 30 September 2020 these swaps had a 
carrying value of £23.1 million liability (2019 £24.4 million liability). Further details relating to these swaps are disclosed in Note 34. 

(ii)  Loans to joint ventures and associates stated net of expected credit loss provision are as follows: 

Total gross loans to joint ventures and associates 
Loss allowance provision 

Loan receivable net of expected credit loss provision 

Movement in the impairment allowance is as follows: 

At start and end of year 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 26.2 
 (12.0) 
 14.2 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 24.0 
 (12.0) 
 12.0 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 12.0 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 12.0 

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

30 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Classified as held for sale 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Unsecured bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement 

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents by currency:  
Sterling 
US dollar 
Australian dollar 
Canadian dollar 
Euro 
Other 

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents by interest rate type:  
Floating rate interest 
Fixed rate interest 

Note 
(i) 
20 

(i) 
33 
16 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 500.3 
– 
 500.3 

At 
 30 September 
 2019 
£m 
 301.1 
 (2.0) 
 299.1 

 500.3 
 (20.4) 
 479.9 

 157.3 
 327.6 
 0.1 
 0.8 
 1.0 
 13.5 
 500.3 

 146.8 
 353.5 
 500.3 

 301.1 
 (11.9) 
 289.2 

 50.3 
 236.0 
 0.1 
 0.5 
 0.9 
 11.3 
 299.1 

 90.8 
 208.3 
 299.1 

(i)  Cash and cash equivalents include an initial amount of £113.6 million (2019 £117.0 million) which the Company intends to make available for 

the benefit of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes following the distribution of its shareholding in Euromoney. See Note 35. 

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents equates to their fair values. 

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31 Trade and other payables 

Current liabilities 
Trade payables 
Interest payable 
Other taxation and social security 
Other creditors 
Accruals 
Deferred revenue 

Classified as held for sale 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Accruals 
Deferred revenue 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Non-current liabilities 
Other creditors 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

The carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value. 

32 Current tax 

Corporation tax payable 

Corporation tax receivable 
Classified as held for sale 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 

Note 

 30.5 
 3.6 
 8.4 
 26.1 
 140.7 
 197.4 
 406.7 
– 
 406.7 

 1.5 
 408.2 

 36.7 
 3.6 
 11.7 
 12.9 
 191.3 
 258.5 
 514.7 
 (36.7) 
 478.0 

 (4.5) 
 (0.7) 
 472.8 

 2.3 

 475.1 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 5.3 

At 
 30 September  
2019 
£m 
 3.5 

 (0.4) 
– 
 (0.4) 

 4.9 

 (1.4) 
 0.6 
 (0.8) 

 2.7 

20 

2 
2 

Note 

20 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

33 Borrowings 
The Group’s borrowings are unsecured and are analysed as follows: 

Note 

Overdrafts 
£m 

At 30 September 2020 
Within one year 

Between one and two years 
Between two and five years 
Over five years 

At 30 September 2019 
Within one year 
Classified as held for sale 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Between one and two years 
Over five years 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

 20.4 

– 
– 
– 
– 

 20.4 

 11.9 
 (0.1) 
 11.8 

– 
 11.8 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

 11.8 

20 

2 

2 

The Group’s borrowings are analysed by currency and interest rate type as follows: 

At 30 September 2020 
Fixed rate interest 
Floating rate interest 

At 30 September 2019 
Fixed rate interest 
Floating rate interest 

Sterling 
£m 

 240.6 
 14.6 
 255.2 

 202.8 
 10.5 
 213.3 

US  
dollar 
£m 

 53.8 
 4.3 
 58.1 

– 
 1.2 
 1.2 

Bonds 
£m 

 0.8 

– 
– 
 202.7 
 202.7 

 203.5 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

 0.8 
 202.0 
 202.8 

– 
 202.8 

 202.8 

Australian  
dollar 
£m 

 3.5 
– 
 3.5 

– 
– 
– 

Loan  
notes 
£m 

Lease 
 liabilities 
£m 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

 1.6 
 (1.6) 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

Euro 
£m 

 1.0 
 0.8 
 1.8 

– 
– 
– 

 22.7 

 22.4 
 25.3 
 29.4 
 77.1 

 99.8 

– 
– 
– 

 29.7 
 29.7 

– 
– 
– 

 53.8 
 53.8 

 83.5 

Other 
£m 

 4.4 
 0.7 
 5.1 

– 
 0.1 
 0.1 

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, interest rate caps and currency derivatives, are as follows: 

At 30 September 2020 
Fixed rate interest 
Floating rate interest 

At 30 September 2019 
Fixed rate interest 
Floating rate interest 

172
172 

Sterling 
£m 

 183.4 
 (17.3) 
 166.1 

 141.2 
 (21.4) 
 119.8 

US 
 dollar 
£m 

 216.5 
 (69.3) 
 147.2 

 170.7 
 (76.0) 
 94.7 

Australian  
dollar 
£m 

 3.5 
– 
 3.5 

– 
– 
– 

Euro 
£m 

 1.0 
 0.8 
 1.8 

– 
– 
– 

Other 
£m 

 4.4 
 0.7 
 5.1 

– 
 0.1 
 0.1 

Total 
£m 

 43.9 

 22.4 
 25.3 
 232.1 
 279.8 

 323.7 

 13.5 
 (1.7) 
 11.8 

 29.7 
 41.5 

 0.8 
 202.0 
 202.8 

 53.8 
 256.6 

 298.1 

Total 
£m 

 303.3 
 20.4 
 323.7 

 202.8 
 11.8 
 214.6 

Total 
£m 

 408.8 
 (85.1) 
 323.7 

 311.9 
 (97.3) 
 214.6 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
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Committed borrowing facilities 
The Group’s total committed bank facilities amount to £373.2 million (2019 £381.4 million). Of these facilities £205.0 million (2019 £205.0 million) are 
denominated in sterling and £168.2 million (US$217.0 million) (2019 £176.4 million (US$217.0 million)) are denominated in US dollars. Drawings are 
permitted in all major currencies. 

The Group’s bank loans bear interest charged at LIBOR plus a margin. The margin varies by bank and is based on the Group’s ratio of net debt to 
EBITDA or the Group’s credit rating. 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 is shown in Note 15. For the purposes of calculating the Group’s bank 
covenants, EBITDA is calculated on a pre-IFRS 16 basis and amounts to £120.3 million by deducting operating lease charges and adding sublease 
rental income. 

The Group’s committed bank facilities and undrawn committed facilities available to the Group in respect of which all conditions precedent had 
been met are analysed by maturity 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 
Total bank facilities 

At  
30 September  
2020  
Committed 
£m 
 373.2 
– 
 373.2 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
Committed 
£m 
– 
 381.4 
 381.4 

At  
30 September 
 2020  
Undrawn 
£m 
 373.2 
– 
 373.2 

At  
30 September 
 2019  
Undrawn 
£m 
– 
 381.4 
 381.4 

The Group has issued standby letters of credit amounting to £2.3 million (2019 £2.9 million).  

Bonds 
The nominal, carrying and fair values of the Group’s bonds and the coupons payable are as follows:  

Maturity 
9 April 2021 
21 June 2027 

Annual coupon % 
 10.00 
 6.375 

At  
30 September  
2020 
 Fair value 
£m 
 0.8 
 231.8 
 232.6 

At 
 30 September  
2019 
 Fair value 
£m 
 0.8 
 237.1 
 237.9 

At  
30 September 
 2020 
 Carrying value 
£m 
 0.8 
 202.7 
 203.5 

At  
30 September  
2019  
Carrying value 
£m 
 0.8 
 202.0 
 202.8 

At 
 30 September 
 2020  
Nominal value 
£m 
 0.8 
 200.0 
 200.8 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
Nominal value 
£m 
 0.8 
 200.0 
 200.8 

The Group’s bonds have been adjusted from their nominal values to take account of direct issue costs, discounts and movements in hedged risks. 
The issue costs and discount are being amortised over the expected lives of the bonds using the effective interest method. The unamortised issue 
costs amount to £0.4 million (2019 £0.5 million) and the unamortised discount amounts to £0.6 million (2019 £0.7 million).  

The fair value of the Group’s bonds has been calculated on the basis of quoted market rates using level 2 fair value inputs.  

The Company’s 2018 bonds matured during the prior year and were repaid in full. In addition, the Company bought back £6.4 million nominal of its 
outstanding 2021 bonds in the prior year incurring a premium of £0.9 million. 

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

33 Borrowings continued 
Lease liabilities 
The Group leases various office space, equipment and vehicles which are negotiated on an individual basis with differing terms and conditions. 

The Group’s key lease arrangements relate to office space in the key cities in which it operates. The Group negotiates lease contracts according 
to the Group’s needs with a view to balancing stability, security of tenure and lease terms against the risk of entering excessively long or 
onerous arrangements.  

Of the Group’s leased properties, the most significant leases relate to the DMGT head office premises Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London, 
W8 5TT which expires in December 2022, and the RMS head office premises at 7575 Gateway Blvd, Newark, California which expires in 
December 2030. 

The lease payments for Northcliffe House made during the year amount to £10.0 million and these are adjusted each year in line with the Consumer 
Price Index of the preceding year. 

The lease payments for 7575 Gateway Blvd made during the year amount to £2.9 million (US$3.7 million) which increase on an escalating payment 
schedule of approximately 4.0% p.a. 

An analysis of the Group’s finance lease liabilities is as follows: 

Northcliffe House 
7575 Gateway Blvd 
Other office space 
Motor vehicles 
Other equipment 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 19.8 
 31.7 
 46.6 
 1.6 
 0.1 
 99.8 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

There are no leases with residual value guarantees or leases not yet commenced to which the Group is committed. 

Loan notes 
All loan notes were classified as held for sale at 30 September 2019 (Note 20) and disposed with businesses sold in the current year (Note 18). 

174
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34 Financial instruments and risk management 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial instruments together with the gains and losses thereon are as follows: 

Financial assets 
Fair value through profit and loss 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 
Interest rate swaps 

Derivative instruments not in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 
Interest rate swaps 
Interest rate caps 

Note 

(i) 

(i) 

Provision for contingent consideration receivable 

(ii) 

Fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 

At 
 30 September  
2020  
Carrying  
value 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
(Loss)/gain  
to income 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September 
2020  
Gain/(loss) to 
equity 
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019 
 Carrying  
value 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
(Loss)/gain 
 to income 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
Gain/(loss)  
to equity 
£m 

3.7 

1.5 

– 
0.1 
0.1 

– 
(0.3) 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

3.2 

– 
0.4 
0.3 

4.3 

(1.2) 
(3.5) 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

Financial assets 

Amortised cost 

Trade receivables and contract assets 
Other receivables 
Sublease receivable 
Collateral 
Loans to joint ventures and associates 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Sublease receivable 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Financial liabilities 
Fair value through profit and loss 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 
  Fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps 
Provision for contingent consideration payable 
Acquisition put option commitments 

Amortised cost 

Trade payables 
Lease liabilities 
Bank overdrafts 
Bonds 
Bank loans 
Loan notes 

Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 
Lease liabilities 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

Total for financial instruments 

Restated at 1 October 2019 

(iii) 

410.7 

– 

294.5 

33.8 

– 

(4.0) 

167.0 
21.0 
6.8 
21.7 
14.2 
500.3 
1,145.6 

1.6 
– 
0.2 
– 
3.3 
5.0 
11.3 

(5.1) 
(2.6) 
– 
– 
– 
(11.0) 
275.8 

(23.1) 
(2.5) 
– 

(30.5) 
(99.8) 
(20.4) 
(203.5) 
– 
– 
(379.8) 

(1.4) 
– 
– 

– 
(2.5) 
– 
(13.5) 
(1.6) 
– 
(19.0) 

1.3 
– 
– 

0.4 
2.2 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
4.0 

(iv) 

(v) 
(vi) 

2 

(i) 

(ii) 

(vii) 

2 

225.4 
25.3 
– 
15.4 
12.0 
299.1 
614.9 

11.0 
625.9 

(24.4) 
(2.1) 
– 

(35.9) 
– 
(11.8) 
(202.8) 
– 
– 
(277.0) 

(83.5) 
(360.5) 

(1.5) 
– 
– 
– 
3.9 
7.6 
9.6 

– 
9.6 

(1.7) 
(0.2) 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(19.8) 
(2.3) 
(0.1) 
(24.1) 

– 
(24.1) 

6.6 
3.0 
– 
– 
– 
10.8 
16.4 

– 
16.4 

(13.6) 
(0.2) 
(0.1) 

(0.5) 
– 
(0.1) 
– 
– 
– 
(14.5) 

– 
(14.5) 

765.8 

(7.7) 

279.8 

265.4 

(14.5) 

1.9 

175
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

34 Financial instruments and risk management continued 
(i)  Derivative instruments are measured at FVTPL. Their fair values are determined using market rates of interest and exchange and established 
estimation techniques such as discounted cashflow and option valuation models. The Group has derivatives designated in the following 
hedging relationships: 

•  hedges of the change in fair value of recognised assets and liabilities (fair value hedges) 
•  hedges of net investment in foreign operations (net investment hedges) 

To the extent that net investment hedges are effective, changes in fair value of the derivative are taken to the translation reserve through other 
comprehensive income. 

(ii)  Contingent consideration is valued based on the future profitability of the business to which the contingent consideration relates, discounted 

at market rates of interest. 

(iii)  Unlisted equity investments are valued using a variety of techniques including comparable company valuation multiples and discounted 

cashflows. In extremely limited circumstances, where insufficient recent information is available to measure fair value or when there is a wide 
range of possible fair value measurements, cost is used since this represents the best estimate of fair value in the range of possible valuations. 

(iv)  At 30 September 2019 other receivables included a 9.0% fixed rate unsecured loan note with a carrying value of £16.3 million. This loan note 

was repaid in full during the year. 

(v)  The Group deposits collateral with counterparties with whom it has entered into a credit support annex to an ISDA (International Swaps and 
Derivatives Association) Master Agreement. These collateral deposits, which represents cash that cannot be readily used in the Group’s 
operations, are disclosed within Other financial assets (Note 29). 

(vi)  Loans to joint ventures and associates (included within other financial assets) include a 10.0% fixed rate unsecured loan note, repayable on  

31 December 2025 with a carrying value of £14.2 million (2019 £12.0 million). 

(vii)  The Group’s bonds are measured at amortised cost as adjusted for fair value hedging. 

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.  

Capital risk management 
The Group manages its capital, defined as equity shareholders’ funds and net cash or borrowings, to ensure that entities in the Group are able to 
continue as going concerns for the foreseeable future. Further detail is provided in the Going Concern section of the Basis of Preparation (Note 1). 

Debt management 
The Group borrows on an unsecured basis and arranges its debt to ensure an appropriate maturity profile. The Group’s principal sources of funding 
are the long-term sterling bond market and committed bank facilities. The Group is mindful of its credit rating, currently BB+ with Standard & Poor’s 
and BBB- with Fitch 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 and cash balances are sufficient to cover the likely medium-
term funding requirements of the Group.  

Associates, joint ventures and other equity investments in general arrange and maintain their own financing and funding requirements. In all cases 
such financing is on a non-recourse basis to the Company.  

Whilst the Group’s internal target of a 12-month rolling net debt to EBITDA ratio is no greater than 2.0 times at any point, the limit imposed by its 
bank covenants is no greater than 3.5 times together with a minimum interest cover ratio of 3.0 times, measured in March and September. These 
covenants were met at the relevant testing dates during the year. The bank covenant ratio uses the average exchange rate in the calculation of net 
debt. For bank covenant purposes, net debt is calculated on a pre-IFRS 16 basis by excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities to allow comparability between 
testing periods. At 30 September 2020, the Group had net cash (at average exchange rates as adjusted for IFRS 16) amounting to £286.7 million  
(2019 £76.2 million). 

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. 
A detailed maturity analysis of both derivative and non-derivative financial liabilities are analysed in the table on page 180 of this note. 

Market risk management 
The Group’s primary market risks are interest rate fluctuations and exchange rate movements.  

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Interest rate risk management 
The limit imposed by the Group’s bank covenants is at least 3.0 times EBITDA to net interest. The actual ratio for the year was 18.0 times  
(2019 24.2 times). 

Group debt is largely comprised of floating rate sterling (GBP) and US dollar (USD) bank borrowings and fixed GBP bond debt. 

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 70.0% to 80.0% of interest rate exposures fixed with the balance floating.  

This is achieved by issuing fixed rate GBP 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.  

To meet policy, the Group:  

•   swaps a portion of its fixed GBP bond debt into GBP floating debt using interest rate swaps;  
•   swaps a portion of its fixed GBP bond debt into USD fixed debt by using fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps;  
•  buys caps to fix its debt; and  
•  enters forward contracts, selling USD and buying GBP to swap its GBP floating rate debt into USD floating rate debt. 

The derivatives in place to meet Group policy are as follows: 

(i) 

Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, designated as fair value hedges of a portion of the Group’s bonds; changes in the fair value of the  
swaps are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement and at the same time the carrying value of the hedged bonds are adjusted for 
movements in the hedged risk to the extent effective and those adjustments are also recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. The 
notional value of these interest rate swaps amounts to £73.1 million (2019 £73.1 million) with the Group paying floating rates of between 0.06% 
and 0.96% (2019 0.77% and 0.96%). The average hedged interest rate for the period was 0.59% (2019 0.86%). 

(ii)  Fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps designated as hedges of the Group’s net investments in foreign operations. The notional value of these 

cross-currency swaps amounts to £72.0 million/US$115.0 million (2019 £72.0 million/US$115.0 million) with the Group paying fixed US dollar 
interest at rates of between 6.01% and 6.99% (2019 5.56% and 6.99%). The average hedged GBP/USD exchange rate for the period was 1.60 
(2019 1.60). 

(iii) 

(iv) 

Interest rate caps amounting to US$95.0 million and £105.0 million notional (2019 US$95.0 million and £105.0 million) at rates of between 
2.09% and 3.50% (2019 2.09% and 3.50%). 

In the prior year floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps which were not designated as hedging instruments; changes in the fair value of the swaps 
was recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. These swaps were closed out during the prior year. The notional value of these swaps 
amounted to US$67.0 million with the Group receiving floating US dollar interest at a rate of 2.35% during the prior year. 

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 by a policy of denominating borrowings in currencies where significant translation 
exposures exist, most notably US dollars. 

The Group also designates currency swaps, forward contracts and US dollar bank borrowings 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  
41 days (2019 48 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 impairment allowance which is reviewed regularly in conjunction with an analysis of historical 
payment profiles, past default experience together with relevant forward looking information. Further information on impairment allowances 
relating to trade receivables, contract assets, sublease receivable and other receivables can be found in Note 28. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk from trade and other receivables at the reporting date is the amount of each class disclosed in the table on 
page 175.  

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

34 Financial instruments and risk management continued 
Institutional counterparty risk 
The Group seeks to limit interest rate and foreign exchange risks, described above, by the use of derivative financial instruments. As a result, credit 
risk arises from the potential non-performance of 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 cash 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 the higher of £20.0 million or 25.0% of surplus cash balances deposited (or at risk) with any S&P ‘AA’ rated or 
UK ring-fenced banking counterparty and no more than the higher of £10.0 million or 10.0% of surplus cash balances deposited with any S&P ‘A’ 
rated counterparty. Additionally, no more than £50.0 million in aggregate should be deposited with any one banking group. The Group has no 
significant concentration of risk with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.  

Expected credit losses on cash and cash equivalents (which includes cash deposits with an original maturity of less than three months) were 
reviewed at the reporting date and determined to be immaterial. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk from derivative assets and cash and cash equivalents at the reporting date is the amount of each class 
disclosed in the table on page 175. 

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 
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 investments 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. The swaps are designated as a hedge  
of the change in fair value of the Group’s fixed rate debt. 

The notional amount of the interest rate swaps is used to hedge an equivalent notional amount of fixed rate debt. Accordingly, the hedge ratio is 
deemed to be 100%. 

Since the critical terms of the swaps match those of the fixed rate debt the Group expects a highly effective hedging relationship. The fair value of  
the designated fixed rate debt is expected to move in the opposite direction to the fair value of the interest rate swaps as a result of changes in 
external market interest rates. 

The nominal and carrying amounts of hedged fixed rate debt are as follows: 

Nominal amount 
Carrying amount 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
73.1 
76.3 

At 
 30 September 
 2019 
£m 
73.1 
75.8 

The carrying amount of debt in the table above is included within Borrowings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 

The change in value of the hedged fixed rate debt is used as the basis for recognising hedge ineffectiveness for the period. The following table shows 
the fair value adjustment to sterling debt (which is included in the carrying amount above) and the fair value of related derivatives designated in fair 
value hedging relationships included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, together with the fair value gains and losses thereon 
included in the Consolidated Income Statement for the current and prior periods: 

Fair value at 
 30 September  
2018 
£m 
0.5 
(0.5) 
– 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
 fair value  
gain/(loss) 
£m 
2.7 
(2.7) 
– 

Fair value at  
30 September  
2019 
£m 
3.2 
(3.2) 
– 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
 fair value  
gain/(loss) 
£m 
0.5 
(0.5) 
– 

Fair value at 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
3.7 
(3.7) 
– 

Sterling interest rate swaps 
Sterling debt 

Total 

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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.  

There were no cash flow hedging relationships during the current or prior year. 

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.  

The carrying amount of the Group’s net investments in foreign operations exceeds the amount of the hedging instruments, such that the amount of 
net investments designated in the hedge relationship is equal to the amount of the hedging instruments. Accordingly, the hedge ratio is deemed to 
be 100%. 

Since the critical terms of the hedging instruments match those of the net investments in foreign operations the Group expects a highly effective 
hedging relationship. The carrying value of the designated net investments in foreign operations is expected to move in the opposite direction to the 
mark-to-market value of the hedging instruments as a result of changes in market exchange rates. 

Hedge effectiveness 
Since the Group expects the hedge relationships described above to be highly effective, a qualitative assessment of effectiveness is performed on 
inception, at each reporting date, and upon any material change in circumstances affecting the hedge effectiveness requirements. 

The key sources of ineffectiveness for the designated relationships described above are: 

(i)  A reduction to the amount of the Group’s hedged fixed rate debt to an amount that is less than the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. 

(ii)  An insufficient amount of net investments in foreign operations (i.e. less than the amount of the hedging instruments). 

(iii)  A material change in the Group’s credit risk or that of its swap counterparties. 

If changes in circumstances cause the critical terms of the hedging instrument to no longer match those of the hedged item, ineffectiveness is 
monitored using the hypothetical derivative method. 

All designated hedge relationships were effective throughout the year ended 30 September 2020. There was no ineffectiveness recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement for the current or prior year. 

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 2020 
Within one year 
Between one and two years 
Over five years 

At 30 September 2019 
Between one and two years 
Between two and five years 
Over five years 

Fair value 
 hedges 
£m 

Derivatives not 
qualifying 
 for hedge 
accounting 
£m 

Derivative 
 financial 
 assets 
£m 

0.6 
3.1 
– 
3.1 

3.7 

1.3 
– 
1.9 
3.2 

– 
– 
0.1 
0.1 

0.1 

– 
0.1 
0.3 
0.4 

0.6 
3.1 
0.1 
3.2 

3.8 

1.3 
0.1 
2.2 
3.6 

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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

34 Financial instruments and risk management continued 
Derivative financial liabilities: 

At 30 September 2020 
Between two and five years 
Over five years 

At 30 September 2019 
Within one year 
Over five years 

Net 
 investment hedges 
£m 

Derivative 
 financial 
 liabilities 
 £m 

(17.7) 
(5.4) 

(23.1) 

(18.7) 
(5.7) 

(24.4) 

(17.7) 
(5.4) 

(23.1) 

(18.7) 
(5.7) 

(24.4) 

Maturity profile of financial liabilities 
The remaining undiscounted contractual liabilities and their maturities together with a reconciliation to amounts included in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position are as follows: 

At 30 September 2020 
Trade payables 
Bank overdrafts 
Bonds 
Lease liabilities 
Contingent consideration 
Fixed-to-fixed cross-
currency swaps 

At 30 September 2019 
Trade payables 
Bank overdrafts 
Bonds 
Contingent consideration 
Fixed-to-fixed cross-
currency swaps 

Within  
one year 
£m 

Between  
one and 
 two years 
£m 

Between 
 two and 
 five years 
£m 

Between 
 five and 
 ten years 
£m 

Total 
undiscounted 
liability 
£m 

(30.5) 
(20.8) 
(13.6) 
(25.4) 
(1.9) 

(5.7) 
(97.9) 

(35.9) 
(12.0) 
(12.8) 
(0.6) 

(77.1) 
(138.4) 

– 
– 
(12.8) 
(24.5) 
(0.8) 

(5.7) 
(43.8) 

– 
– 
(13.5) 
(1.5) 

(1.4) 
(16.4) 

– 
– 
(38.3) 
(29.5) 
– 

– 
– 
(222.0) 
(31.1) 
– 

(85.0) 
(152.8) 

(21.8) 
(274.9) 

– 
– 
(38.3) 
– 

(4.2) 
(42.5) 

– 
– 
(234.7) 
– 

(24.2) 
(258.9) 

(30.5) 
(20.8) 
(286.7) 
(110.5) 
(2.7) 

(118.2) 
(569.4) 

(35.9) 
(12.0) 
(299.3) 
(2.1) 

(106.9) 
(456.2) 

Interest 
£m 

– 
0.4 
85.9 
10.7 
– 

6.2 
103.2 

– 
0.2 
98.5 
– 

3.6 
102.3 

Undiscounted 
value of  
financial 
 asset 
£m 

Discounting, 
mark to 
market and 
other 
adjustments 
£m 

Included in 
Consolidated 
Statement of 
Financial 
Position 
£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

94.9 
94.9 

– 
– 
– 
– 

81.8 
81.8 

– 
– 
(2.7) 
– 
0.2 

(6.0) 
(8.5) 

– 
– 
(2.0) 
– 

(2.9) 
(4.9) 

(30.5) 
(20.4) 
(203.5) 
(99.8) 
(2.5) 

(23.1) 
(379.8) 

(35.9) 
(11.8) 
(202.8) 
(2.1) 

(24.4) 
(277.0) 

Included in the maturity table above are currency swaps with a notional value of US$90.0 million (2019 US$90.0 million) with mutual break clauses 
at fair value every five years. At 30 September 2019 these break clauses were exercisable within less than one year from the balance sheet date, 
therefore the cash flows associated with these fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps were included under within one year. 

Sensitivity analysis 
In managing the Group’s interest rate and currency risks, the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations. However, changes in 
foreign exchange rates and interest rates may have an impact on the Group’s statutory results.  

At 30 September 2020 it is estimated that an increase of 1.0% in interest rates would have increased the Group’s finance costs by £0.3 million (2019 
£1.2 million decrease). There would have been no effect on amounts recognised directly in equity. A decrease of 1.0% in interest rates would have 
decreased the Group’s finance costs by £0.4 million (2019 £0.4 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. 

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At 30 September 2020 it is estimated that a 10.0% strengthening of sterling against the US dollar would have increased the net gain taken to equity 
by £11.5 million (2019 £11.9 million) with no change to the net loss taken to income (2019 decreased the net loss by £1.6 million). A 10.0% weakening 
of sterling against the US dollar would have decreased the net gain taken to equity by £8.5 million (2019 £14.5 million) with no change to the net loss 
taken to income (2019 increased the net loss by £2.0 million). This sensitivity has been calculated by applying the foreign exchange change to the 
Group’s financial instruments which are affected by changes in foreign exchange rates.  

Fair value hierarchy 
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 2020 
Financial assets 
Financial assets at fair value through Other 
Comprehensive Income 
Fair value through profit and loss 

Derivative instruments not in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 
Provision for contingent consideration receivable 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 

Note 

26 

Financial liabilities 
Fair value through profit and loss 

Provision for contingent consideration payable 

36 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 

At 30 September 2019 
Financial assets 
Financial assets at fair value through Other 
Comprehensive Income 
Fair value through profit and loss 

Derivative instruments not in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 
Provision for contingent consideration receivable 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 

Note 

26 

Financial liabilities 
Fair value through profit and loss 

Provision for contingent consideration payable 

36 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge 
accounting relationships 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Total 
£m 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

Level 1 
£m 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

409.5 

1.2 

410.7 

0.1 
– 

3.7 
413.3 

– 

(23.1) 
(23.1) 

Level 2 
£m 

25.7 

0.4 
– 

3.2 
29.3 

– 

(24.4) 
(24.4) 

– 
0.1 

– 
1.3 

(2.5) 

– 
(2.5) 

Level 3 
£m 

8.1 

– 
0.3 

– 
8.4 

(2.1) 

– 
(2.1) 

0.1 
0.1 

3.7 
414.6 

(2.5) 

(23.1) 
(25.6) 

Total 
£m 

33.8 

0.4 
0.3 

3.2 
37.7 

(2.1) 

(24.4) 
(26.5) 

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

34 Financial instruments and risk management continued 
Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets is as follows: 

At 30 September 2018 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 
Transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 on transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 2018 
Transfer from investment in associates to financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Fair value movement in financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Transfer to Level 2 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Note 

(i) 

(i) 

(i)  Equity investments classified within level 3 in prior periods have been transferred to level 2, as the observable market data used in the 

valuation became available during the relevant reporting period.   

Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurement of financial liabilities is as follows: 

At 30 September 2018 
Cash paid to settle contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 
Additions to contingent consideration 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Cash paid to settle contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions 
Additions to contingent consideration 
Adjustment to goodwill 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Note 

36 
10, 36 
36 
36 

36 
36 
21, 36 
36 

£m 
20.5 
9.4 
(21.9) 
8.0 
0.3 
(0.1) 
0.2 

8.4 
(6.9) 
(0.2) 

1.3 

£m 
(4.8) 
4.7 
(0.2) 
(1.6) 
(0.2) 

(2.1) 
0.4 
(1.1) 
0.2 
0.1 

(2.5) 

The key inputs into the significant level 3 financial liabilities are the future profitability of the businesses to which the contingent consideration 
relates and the discount rate. The estimated range of possible outcomes for the fair value of these liabilities is £0.4 million to £6.2 million (2019 £nil 
to £2.9 million).  

In the prior year, the increase in fair value of contingent consideration of £0.2 million was charged to the Consolidated Income Statement within net 
finance costs (Note 10).  

A one percentage point increase or decrease in the growth rate used in estimating the expected profits, results in no change to the contingent 
consideration liability at 30 September 2020 (2019 no change).  

The rates used to discount contingent consideration range from 0.0% to 1.2% (2019 0.0% to 1.0%). A one percentage point increase or decrease  
in the discount rate used to discount the expected gross value of payments, results in no change to the contingent consideration liability at  
30 September 2020 (2019 no change). 

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35 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 2020 were £7.6 million (2019 £7.3 million). 

The schemes include a number of defined contribution pension arrangements, in addition to funded defined benefit pension arrangements which 
are closed to future accrual. The defined benefit schemes in the UK, together with some defined contribution plans, are administered by Trustees or 
Trustee Companies. 

Defined benefit schemes 
Background 
The Company operates two main defined benefit schemes (the Schemes), the Harmsworth Pension Scheme (HPS) and the Senior Executive Pension 
Scheme (SEPF), both of which are closed to new entrants and to further accrual. 

Full actuarial valuations of the Schemes are carried out triennially by the scheme actuary. Following the results of the latest triennial valuations as  
at 31 March 2019, the Company has agreed a recovery plan for HPS involving a funding payment of £14.4 million on 5 October 2020 and a series of 
annual funding payments of £11.0 million on 5 October 2021 to 5 October 2024. 

Following the disposal of Euromoney in 2019 the Company intends to make available £113.6 million from the Group’s cash resources to the 
Schemes. This will be held in a cash Escrow arrangement for the benefit of the Schemes, to be released to the Schemes or DMGT depending on the 
future level of the Schemes’ funding. None of the Escrow will be released before 2024, up to £50.0 million may be released to the Schemes in 2024 
depending on funding level, and in 2026 any remaining funds on Escrow will either be released to DMGT or the Schemes depending on funding level. 

As part of the funding agreement from the 31 March 2019 triennial valuation, the Company has agreed to make five annual payments of £7.0 million 
into the Escrow arrangement, from October 2020 to October 2024. 

In addition, the Company has agreed with the Trustees of the Schemes (Trustees) that, should it make any permanent reductions in the Company’s 
capital, including share buy-backs, it will make additional contributions to the Schemes amounting to 20.0% of the capital reduction. Contributions 
of £nil (2019 £nil) relating to this agreement were made in the year to 30 September 2020. 

The Company considers that these contributions are sufficient to eliminate any deficit over the agreed period. This recovery plan will be reviewed  
at the next triennial funding valuation of the Schemes which is due to be completed with an effective date of 31 March 2022. 

Limited Partnership investment vehicle 
HPS owns a beneficial interest in a Limited Partnership investment vehicle (LP). The LP was designed to facilitate annual payments of £10.8 million 
as deficit funding payments over the period to 2026. In addition, the LP was required to make a final payment to the scheme of £149.9 million, or the 
funding deficit within the scheme on an ongoing actuarial valuation basis, at the end of the period to 2026 if this was less. This recovery plan, agreed 
following the 2016 actuarial valuation, assumed £60.0 million of the £149.9 million final payment would be required.  

As part of the 31 March 2019 actuarial discussions it has been agreed that the LP will be dissolved and replaced with a long-term insolvency guarantee, 
capped at £150.0 million with a termination date of 2035 (or the date on which the scheme reaches full funding on a self-sufficiency basis). 

For funding purposes, the interest of HPS in the LP was treated as an asset of the scheme and reduced the actuarial deficit within the scheme. 
However, under IAS 19, Employee Benefits, the LP is not included as an asset of the scheme and therefore is not included in the disclosures below. 

Strategic Plan 
The Trustees have developed a comprehensive approach to managing the Schemes’ investment strategy to ensure it is always aligned with the 
Strategic Plan. The Schemes’ financial performance has been sufficiently better than envisaged so the Trustees have reduced risk largely by 
decreasing the equity allocation and increasing its interest rate and inflation rate hedging which is reflected in the analysis of the Schemes’ assets.  
In addition, the Strategic Plan has been amended to target an asset allocation that may enable the Schemes to be self-sufficient by 2026. 

The figures in this note are based on calculations using membership data as at 30 September 2020 along with asset valuations and cash flow 
information from the Schemes for the year to 30 September 2020. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

35 Retirement benefit obligations continued 
Defined benefit schemes continued 
A reconciliation of the net pension obligation reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is shown in the following table: 

Present value of defined benefit obligation 
Assets at fair value 
Surplus/(deficit) reported in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position 

At 
 30 September  
2020  
Schemes  
in surplus 
£m 
 (2,950.3) 
 3,087.0 

At  
30 September 
 2020  
Schemes 
 in deficit 
£m 
 (55.5) 
 42.0 

At 
 30 September  
2020  
Total 
£m 
 (3,005.8) 
 3,129.0 

At 
 30 September  
2019 
 Schemes 
 in surplus 
£m 
 (2,918.7) 
 3,144.4 

At 
 30 September  
2019  
Schemes 
 in deficit 
£m 
 (57.1) 
 46.4 

At  
30 September  
2019  
Total 
£m 
 (2,975.8) 
 3,190.8 

 136.7 

 (13.5) 

 123.2 

 225.7 

 (10.7) 

 215.0 

The IAS 19 accounting surplus/(deficit) data above differs to the triennial actuarial surplus/(deficit) calculation used in the assessment of future 
funding obligations. There are a number of reasons for this – the actuarial valuation is as at the schemes’ year end date of 31 March and is calculated 
triennially based on more prudent assumptions including those covering discount rates and mortality. IAS 19 requires the Company to use best 
estimate assumptions. 

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. 

In relation to HPS and the SEPF, having taken account of the rules of the schemes, the Company has an unconditional right to a refund of any surplus 
under IFRIC 14 and considers that the recognition of surpluses in these schemes on its Statement of Financial Position is in accordance with the 
interpretations of IFRIC 14. In relation to the AVC, having taken account of the rules of the scheme, the Company does not have an unconditional right to 
a refund under IFRIC 14. However, at 30 September 2020 the AVC Plan showed a deficit and no contributions are payable into the AVC Plan. Therefore no 
asset ceiling needs to be applied to restrict surplus on the balance sheet and no additional minimum funding liability is needed under IFRIC 14. 

IFRIC 14 is in the process of being revised which may lead to a reassessment of the Company’s recognition of any pension surplus on its Statement  
of Financial Position.  

The surplus/(deficit) for the year, set out above, excludes a related deferred tax liability of £23.4 million (2019 £39.9 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 
Interest cost 
Past service cost 
Net benefit payments 
Actuarial loss as a result of:  
– changes in financial assumptions 
– changes in demographic assumptions 
– membership experience 
Defined benefit obligation at end of year 

A reconciliation of the fair value of assets is shown in the following table: 

Fair value of assets at start of year 
Interest income on scheme assets 
Company contributions 
Net benefit payments 
Return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income on scheme assets 
Fair value of assets at end of year 

184
184 

Note 

 10 
 3 

 39 
 39 
 39 

Note 

 10 
 15 

 39 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2020 
£m 
 (2,975.8) 
 (52.5) 
– 
 114.4 

 (66.3) 
 (15.1) 
 (10.5) 
 (3,005.8) 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 3,190.8 
 56.7 
 16.1 
 (114.4) 
 (20.2) 
 3,129.0 

Year ended 
 30 September 
 2019 
£m 
 (2,594.9) 
 (71.0) 
 (3.1) 
 112.6 

 (411.6) 
 (7.1) 
 (0.7) 
 (2,975.8) 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 
 2,838.4 
 78.1 
 12.8 
 (112.6) 
 374.1 
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The fair value of assets is categorised as follows: 

Equities 
– Investment funds 
– Private equity 
Liability Driven Investments 
Bonds and loans 
Property 
Infrastructure 
Cash/Other 
Total Assets 

Note 
(i) 

(ii) 
(iii) 
(iv) 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
% 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
% 

 357.0 
 188.3 
 727.5 
 1,092.7 
 425.6 
 215.2 
 122.7 
 3,129.0 

 11 
 6 
 23 
 35 
 14 
 7 
 4 
 100 

 360.4 
 209.1 
 831.8 
 1,008.8 
 488.4 
 220.3 
 72.0 
 3,190.8 

 11 
 7 
 26 
 32 
 15 
 7 
 2 
 100 

(i)  Equities include hedge funds and infrastructure funds. Quoted securities in active markets are valued at the latest available bid price at the 

reporting date. 

Private equity and infrastructure funds are valued by investment managers using appropriate valuation techniques. These are derived from 
market based multiples and discount rates of comparable quoted businesses or market transactions which have been determined by the 
Trustees’ investment advisors to represent fair value.  

(ii)  Liability Driven Investment funds (LDI) are a collateralised portfolio of gilt repo and swap contracts designed to hedge approximately 65% (by 
value of assets) of the schemes’ inflation and interest rate sensitivity. These are independently valued using quoted prices and for OTC 
instruments by the investment manager using recognised discounting techniques. 

(iii)  Bonds and loans include corporate bonds, distressed credit and loans. Corporate bonds are held in unitised pooled investment vehicles and 
are valued at the latest available bid price provided by the pooled investment manager. Distressed credit and loans are valued by the 
investment managers using relevant valuation techniques.  

(iv)  The schemes’ property portfolio represent a mixture of industrial, retail, office and leisure. These assets are independently valued at open 

market value at 31 March each year with subsequent changes in value based on changes in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) 
property index. 

The value of employer-related assets held on behalf of the schemes at 30 September 2020 was £nil (0.0% of assets), (2019 £nil, 0.0% of assets). 

The main financial assumptions are shown in the following table: 

Price inflation 
Pension increases 
Discount rate 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
% 
 2.95 
 2.85 
 1.55 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
% 
 3.10 
 3.00 
 1.80 

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 
and are based on a cash flow-based yield curve, calculating a single equivalent discount rate reflecting the average duration of the schemes’ 
liabilities, rounded to the nearest 0.05% p.a. This methodology incorporates bonds given an AA rating from at least two of the main four rating 
agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch and DBRS). 

RPI inflation is derived in a similar way to the discount rate but with reference to the Bank of England spot curve at the duration of the schemes’ 
weighted averaged duration with an appropriate allowance for inflation risk premium (0.20% p.a.), rounded to the nearest 0.05% p.a. 

Mortality assumptions take account of scheme experience, and also allow for further improvements in life expectancy based on the Continuous 
Mortality Investigation (CMI) projections but with a long-term rate of improvement in future mortality rates of 1.25% p.a. 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 (2019 18 years).  

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Financial Statements 
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Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

35 Retirement benefit obligations continued 
Defined benefit schemes continued 
The table below illustrates examples of the assumed average life expectancies from age 60 for the principal schemes: 

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 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
 Future life 
expectancy  
from age 60  
(years) 
 26.9 
 28.5 
 27.2 
 29.2 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
 Future life 
expectancy  
from age 60 
 (years) 
 26.7 
 28.3 
 27.1 
 29.0 

The amounts charged to the Consolidated Income Statement relating to the Group’s defined benefit schemes, based on the above assumptions are 
shown in the following table: 

Past service cost 
Charge to operating profit 

Finance income 

Total credit to the Consolidated Income Statement 

Note 
 3 

 10 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
– 
– 

 4.2 

 4.2 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
£m 
 (3.1) 
 (3.1) 

 7.1 

 4.0 

The fair value of some of our pension assets are made up of quoted and unquoted investments. The latter require more judgement as their values 
are not directly observable. The assumptions used in valuing unquoted investments are affected by current market conditions and trends which 
could result in changes in fair value after the measurement date. 

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 
Increase in pension obligation at 30 September 2020 from a one-year increase in life expectancy 
Change in projected pension cost for the year to 30 September 2021 from a one-year increase 

Inflation rate 
Increase in pension obligation at 30 September 2020 from a 0.1% p.a. increase (excluding hedging) 
Change in projected pension cost for the year to 30 September 2021 from a 0.1% p.a. increase 

Discount rate 
Decrease in pension obligation at 30 September 2020 from a 0.1% p.a. increase (excluding hedging) 
Change in projected pension cost for the year to 30 September 2021 from a 0.1% p.a. increase 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 

 121.6 
 1.8 

 115.0 
 2.0 

 52.6 
 0.7 

 55.7 
 0.9 

 24.0 
 0.4 

 51.5 
 1.0 

+/- 

+/- 

+/- 

There are significant risks in connection with running defined benefit schemes, and the key risks are highlighted below:  

Inflation rate risk  
A significant proportion of the defined benefit obligation is linked to inflation, therefore increased inflation will result in a higher pension obligation. 
The Trustees have sought to acquire certain assets with exposure to inflationary uplifts in order to negate a proportion of this risk. Monetary assets 
such as bonds and loans hedge approximately 65% of the schemes’ risk (by value of assets). 

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. 

Investment risk  
This is a measure of the uncertainty that the return on the schemes’ assets meet the return necessary to fund pension obligations. The schemes hold 
a significant proportion of equities, but during the period have been reallocating some of these investments into credit and property investments 
which exhibit lower volatility of return and the LDI investments. 

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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 bonds 
and the LDI investment funds which reduce the gilt rate risk by hedging approximately 65% of the schemes’ risk (by value of assets). 

Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (SOCI) are shown in the following table: 

Actuarial loss recognised in SOCI 
Cumulative actuarial gain recognised in SOCI at beginning of year 
Cumulative actuarial gain recognised in SOCI at end of year 

A history of experience gains and losses is shown in the following table: 

Note 
 39 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 (112.1) 
 286.0 
 173.9 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019 
£m 
 (45.3) 
 331.3 
 286.0 

Present value of defined benefit obligation 
Fair value of scheme assets 
Combined surplus/(deficit) in schemes  

Experience adjustments on defined benefit obligation 
Experience adjustments on fair value of scheme assets 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 (3,005.8) 
 3,129.0 
 123.2 

 (91.9) 
 (20.2) 

At  
30 September  
2019 
£m 
 (2,975.8) 
 3,190.8 
 215.0 

 (419.4) 
 374.1 

At 
 30 September 
 2018 
£m 
 (2,594.9) 
 2,838.4 
 243.5 

 82.6 
 101.0 

At 
 30 September  
2017 
£m 
 (2,690.7) 
 2,753.1 
 62.4 

 191.8 
 107.3 

At  
30 September  
2016 
£m 
 (2,998.9) 
 2,752.9 
 (246.0) 

 (574.9) 
 460.2 

The Group expects to contribute approximately £14.4 million to the schemes during the year to 30 September 2021 relating to 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 have been transferred to individual policies held in the member’s own name and the scheme is now 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 was £164.7 million (2019 £159.2 million) at the year end. The pension cost attributable to 
these plans during the year amounted to £16.3 million (2019 £14.9 million).  

Overseas pension plans  
Overseas subsidiaries of certain Group segments operate defined contribution retirement benefit plans, primarily in North America. The pension 
cost attributable to these plans during the year amounts to £2.3 million (2019 £2.5 million). 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

36 Provisions 

Current liabilities 
At 30 September 2018 
Additions 
Charged during year 
Utilised during year 
Reclassification between 
categories 
Transfer from non-current 
liabilities 
Contingent consideration paid 
Fair value adjustment to 
contingent consideration 
Classified as held-for-sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Adjustment for transition 
to IFRS 16 

Restated at 1 October 2019 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired 
Additions 
Charged during year 
Utilised during year 
Transfer from non-current 
liabilities 
Contingent consideration paid  
Adjustment to goodwill 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Contract 
discounts 
 and rebates 
£m 

Note 

Coupon 
discount 
£m 

Onerous 
contracts 
£m 

Reorganisation 
costs 
£m 

Contingent 
consideration  
(ii) 
£m 

Claims  
and legal 
£m 

 22.1 
– 
 24.1 
 (17.1) 

 0.2 
– 
– 
 (0.1) 

 2.1 
– 
 (0.3) 
 (0.3) 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

 29.1 

– 

 29.1 
 1.5 
– 
 10.1 
 (10.7) 

– 
– 
– 
– 

 17 

 10 

 2 

 17 
 17 

 17 
 21 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

 0.1 

– 

 0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

 30.0 

 0.1 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

 1.5 

 (0.3) 

 1.2 
– 
– 
 (1.2) 
 0.9 

 0.4 
– 
– 
– 

 1.3 

 0.3 
– 
– 
– 

 (0.3) 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

 1.2 
 0.3 
– 
– 

– 

 3.5 
 (4.7) 

 0.2 
– 
 0.1 

 0.6 

– 

 0.6 
– 
 0.5 
– 
– 

 1.5 
 (0.4) 
 (0.2) 
 (0.1) 

 1.9 

 4.3 
– 
 36.6 
 (5.1) 

– 

– 
– 

– 
 (32.5) 
– 

 3.3 

– 

 3.3 
– 
– 
 4.2 
 (4.0) 

– 
– 
– 
– 

 3.5 

Other 
 (i) 
£m 

 8.6 
– 
 1.5 
 (0.1) 

 0.3 

– 
– 

– 
 (1.7) 
 1.5 

 10.1 

– 

 10.1 
– 
– 
 0.2 
 (0.2) 

– 
– 
– 
 (0.3) 

 9.8 

Total 
£m 

 38.8 
 0.3 
 61.9 
 (22.7) 

– 

 3.5 
 (4.7) 

 0.2 
 (34.2) 
 1.6 

 44.7 

 (0.3) 

 44.4 
 1.5 
 0.5 
 13.3 
 (14.0) 

 1.9 
 (0.4) 
 (0.2) 
 (0.4) 

 46.6 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Onerous 
contracts 
£m 

Contingent 
consideration  
(ii) 
£m 

Note 

 4.2 
– 
 (0.6) 
– 
– 
 0.1 

 3.7 
 (0.8) 

 2.9 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (0.4) 
 (0.1) 

 2.4 

 3.6 
 1.3 
– 
– 
 (3.5) 
 0.1 

 1.5 
– 

 1.5 
– 
 0.6 
– 
– 
 (1.5) 
– 

 0.6 

 2 

 17 
 17 

Other 
 (i) 
£m 

 2.2 
– 
 0.4 
 (0.1) 
– 
 0.1 

 2.6 
– 

 2.6 
 0.1 
– 
 0.4 
 (0.1) 
– 
 (0.1) 

 2.9 

Total 
£m 

 10.0 
 1.3 
 (0.2) 
 (0.1) 
 (3.5) 
 0.3 

 7.8 
 (0.8) 

 7.0 
 0.1 
 0.6 
 0.4 
 (0.1) 
 (1.9) 
 (0.2) 

 5.9 

Non-current liabilities 
At 30 September 2018 
Additions 
Charged during year 
Utilised during year 
Transfer to current liabilities 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

Restated at 1 October 2019 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired 
Additions 
Charged during year 
Utilised during year 
Transfer to current liabilities 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

(i)  Other current provisions principally comprise tax provisions of £nil (2019 £1.7 million), end of service provisions of £4.3 million  

(2019 £4.8 million), dilapidation provisions of £2.1 million (2019 £2.0 million) and provisions for national insurance contributions of £1.7 million 
(2019 £1.7 million).  

Other non-current provisions principally comprise dilapidation provisions of £1.4 million (2019 £1.1 million), end of service provisions of 
£0.9 million (2019 £0.9 million) and a provision for amounts payable to the Newspaper Society following the cessation of membership on 
disposal of Northcliffe Newspapers Ltd in 2012 of £0.4 million (2019 £0.6 million). 

(ii)  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 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 1.9 
 0.6 
 2.5 

At  
30 September  
2019 
 £m 
 0.6 
 1.5 
 2.1 

The contingent consideration is based on future business valuations and profit multiples and has been estimated using available data forecasts. The 
estimated range of undiscounted outcomes for contingent consideration relating to acquisitions in the year is £0.4 million to £4.6 million (2019 £nil 
to £1.6 million). Certain contingent consideration arrangements are not capped since they are based on future business performance. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

37 Deferred taxation 

At 30 September 2018 
Disclosed within non-current liabilities 
Disclosed within non-current assets 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 15 
Restated at 1 October 2018 
(Charge)/credit to income  
Charge to equity 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired  
Owned by subsidiaries disposed 
Classified as held for sale 
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2019 
Disclosed within non-current liabilities 
Disclosed within non-current assets 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

Restated at 1 October 2019 
(Charge)/credit to income  
Credit/(charge) to income due 
to change in tax rate 
Charge to equity 
Charge to equity due to change  
in tax rate 
Owned by subsidiaries acquired  
Exchange adjustment 

At 30 September 2020 

Disclosed within non-current 
liabilities 
Disclosed within non-current assets 
At 30 September 2020 

Note 

11, (i) 
39, 41 

 20 

11, (i) 

11, (i) 
 40 

 40 
 17 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£m 
 35.9 
– 
 35.9 
– 
 35.9 
 (3.2) 
– 
– 
– 
 (1.2) 
 0.3 

Goodwill and 
intangible 
assets 
£m 
 (34.8) 
 (6.2) 
 (28.6) 
– 
 (34.8) 
 7.4 
– 
 (0.3) 
 4.2 
 7.5 
 (1.6) 

Share-based 
payments 
£m 
 3.8 
– 
 3.8 
– 
 3.8 
 1.9 
 0.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Deferred 
interest 
£m 
 30.0 
– 
 30.0 
– 
 30.0 
 (5.6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Trading  
losses and 
 tax credits 
£m 
 27.0 
– 
 27.0 
– 
 27.0 
 4.8 
– 
– 
– 
 (2.6) 
 2.3 

 31.8 
– 
 31.8 
– 

 31.8 
 (2.5) 

 3.3 
– 

– 
– 
 (0.2) 

 32.4 

– 
 32.4 
 32.4 

 (17.6) 
 (2.5) 
 (15.1) 
– 

 (17.6) 
 3.2 

 (0.5) 
– 

– 
 (1.1) 
 0.8 

 6.3 
– 
 6.3 
– 

 6.3 
 5.5 

 0.7 
 (0.6) 

– 
– 
– 

 (15.2) 

 11.9 

 (0.3) 
 (14.9) 
 (15.2) 

– 
 11.9 
 11.9 

 24.4 
– 
 24.4 
– 

 24.4 
 6.7 

 2.9 
– 

– 
– 
 (0.3) 

 33.7 

– 
 33.7 
 33.7 

 31.5 
– 
 31.5 
– 

 31.5 
 (23.3) 

 2.5 
– 

– 
– 
 (1.0) 

 9.7 

– 
 9.7 
 9.7 

Pension 
scheme 
 deficit 
£m 
 (37.5) 
– 
 (37.5) 
– 
 (37.5) 
 (4.0) 
 7.7 
– 
– 
– 
– 

 (33.8) 
– 
 (33.8) 
– 

 (33.8) 
 (4.3) 

 (0.4) 
 21.4 

 (3.9) 
– 
– 

 (21.0) 

– 
 (21.0) 
 (21.0) 

Other 
£m 
 18.9 
– 
 18.9 
 1.1 
 20.0 
 (1.4) 
– 
– 
– 
 (9.6) 
 0.8 

 9.8 
– 
 9.8 
 (0.3) 

 9.5 
 9.2 

 0.1 
– 

– 
 0.4 
 (0.7) 

 18.5 

– 
 18.5 
 18.5 

Total 
£m 
 43.3 
 (6.2) 
 49.5 
 1.1 
 44.4 
 (0.1) 
 8.3 
 (0.3) 
 4.2 
 (5.9) 
 1.8 

 52.4 
 (2.5) 
 54.9 
 (0.3) 

 52.1 
 (5.5) 

 8.6 
 20.8 

 (3.9) 
 (0.7) 
 (1.4) 

 70.0 

 (0.3) 
 70.3 
 70.0 

(i) 

Includes a £nil charge attributable to discontinued operations (2019 £7.6 million). 

The net deferred tax asset disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in respect of deferred interest, tax losses and tax credits is 
analysed as follows:  

UK 
North America 
Rest of the World 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 8.6 
 33.7 
 1.1 
 43.4 

At 
 30 September 
 2019  
£m 
 45.8 
 9.0 
 1.1 
 55.9 

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.  

There is an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £78.4 million (2019 £56.0 million) which relates to revenue losses and £67.8 million (2019 £88.3 million) 
which relates to deferred interest 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 £124.0 million (2019 £115.0 million).  

No deferred tax liability is recognised on temporary differences of £245.8 million (2019 £278.5 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 2020 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 dividend withholding taxes levied 
by the overseas tax jurisdictions in which these subsidiaries operate. 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Allotted, issued  
and fully paid  
At 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 2.5 
 26.8 
 29.3 

Allotted, issued  
and fully paid  
At 30 September  
2019 
 £m 
 2.5 
 26.8 
 29.3 

Allotted, issued  
and fully paid  
At 30 September  
2020 
Number of shares 
19,890,364  
214,913,327  
234,803,691 

Allotted, issued  
and fully paid  
At 30 September  
2019 
Number of shares 
19,890,364  
214,913,327  
234,803,691 

Note 

(i) 

Note 

(i) 

38 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  

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. 

(i) 

In the prior year, on 3 March 2019, the Group announced its intention to distribute all of the Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (Euromoney) 
shares owned by the Group to certain holders of DMGT’s A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (A Shares), by way of a dividend in specie (the 
Euromoney Distributions), as well as a £200.0 million cash distribution (the Cash Distribution).  

The terms were such that Fully Participating Shareholders would participate in the Euromoney Distributions and Cash Distribution whilst 
Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders would only participate in the Cash Distribution and on a limited basis. 

The proposal was approved at a Class Meeting of the Fully Participating Shareholders on 26 March 2019. The Euromoney Distributions occurred  
at 8am on 2 April 2019 and the Cash Distribution on 15 April 2019. 

Before these distributions were made c.46.4% of the A Shares held by Fully Participating Shareholders were converted into a new class of  
B Shares and c.4.0% of the A Shares held by Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders converted into a new class of C Shares.  

The Euromoney Distributions and a special dividend of £183.0 million in aggregate in cash was then paid to the Fully Participating 
Shareholders in respect of the B Shares and a restricted special dividend of £17.0 million in aggregate in cash was paid to the Rothermere 
Affiliated Shareholders in respect of the C Shares.  

Once these distributions were made the B Shares and the C Shares were converted into Deferred B Shares and Deferred C Shares respectively 
before being transferred to the Company for no valuable consideration and cancelled shortly thereafter. Consequently, these distributions 
resulted in a reduction in the share capital of DMGT plc. The voting Ordinary Shares did not participate in the distributions.  

For each A Share held at 6.00pm on 29 March 2019, the conversion record time, the Fully Participating Shareholders received c.0.19933 of a 
Euromoney Share and c.68.13p in cash, and there was a reduction in their holding of c.0.46409 of an A Share. For each A Share held by the 
Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders, they received c.25.53p in cash and there was a reduction in their holding of c.0.03946 of an A Share. 

The Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders’ proportionate interest in the total number of A Shares in issue increased from 20.0% of the issued  
A Shares before the distributions to 30.0% after and their combined shareholding of A Shares and Ordinary Shares increased from 24.0% of  
the issued A Shares and Ordinary Shares before the distributions to 36.0% after.  

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

39 Reserves 

Share premium account 
At start and end of year 

Capital redemption reserve 
At start of year 
On cancellation of A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares 

At end of year 

Own shares 
At start of year 
Purchase of DMGT shares 
Own shares released on vesting of share options 

At end of year 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
£m 

Note 

 17.8 

 17.8 

 21.0 
– 
 21.0 

 (49.1) 
 (19.7) 
 9.5 
 (59.3) 

 5.0 
 16.0 
 21.0 

 (57.2) 
 (2.5) 
 10.6 
 (49.1) 

(i) 
(ii) 

The Group’s investment in its own shares represents shares held in treasury or shares held by an employee benefit trust (EBT) to satisfy 
incentive schemes. 

At 30 September 2020, this investment comprised 4,455,593 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2019 4,566,121 shares) held in treasury and 3,705,104 A 
Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2019 2,157,613 shares) held in the EBT. The market value of the Treasury Shares at 30 September 2020 was £29.0 
million (2019 £38.9 million) and the market value of the shares held in the EBT at 30 September 2020 was £24.1 million (2019 £18.4 million). 

The EBT is independently managed and purchases shares in order to satisfy outstanding share options and potential awards under long-term 
incentive plans. 

(i)  The Company purchased 0.2 million (2019 0.4 million) A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares having a nominal value of £nil (2019 £0.1 million) into 

treasury to match obligations under incentive plans. The consideration paid for these shares was £1.8 million (2019 £2.5 million). In addition, 
the EBT purchased 2.5 million (2019 nil) A Ordinary Non-Voting shares having a nominal value of £0.3 million (2019 £nil). The consideration paid 
for these shares was £17.9 million (2019 £nil). 

(ii)  During the period, the Company utilised 1.3 million (2019 1.5 million) A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares in order to satisfy incentive schemes. This 
represented 0.6% (2019 0.7%) of the called-up A Ordinary Non-Voting Share capital at 30 September 2020. The carrying value of these shares 
was £9.5 million (2019 £10.6 million). 

At 30 September 2020 options were outstanding under the terms of the Company’s Executive Share Option Schemes, Long-Term Incentive Plans 
and nil-cost options, over a total of 4,001,779 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2019 2,728,139 shares). 

Translation reserve 
At start of year 
Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 
Translation reserves recycled to Consolidated Income Statement on disposals 
Gain/(loss) on hedges of net investments in foreign operations 
Costs of hedging 

At end of year 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 

Note 

8, 18, 19 

 52.5 
 2.1 
 10.6 
 0.8 
 0.5 
 66.5 

 53.5 
 16.2 
 (3.6) 
 (13.5) 
 (0.1) 
 52.5 

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.  

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
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Included in the translation reserve is a cumulative loss of £8.7 million (2019 £16.3 million) in relation to continuing hedge relationships and a 
cumulative loss of £37.0 million (2019 £47.0 million) in relation to hedging relationships for which hedge accounting is no longer applied. 

Retained earnings 
At start of year 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 15 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 16 

Restated at start of year 
Profit for the period 
Dividends paid 
Euromoney dividend in specie 
Adjustment to Euromoney dividend in specie 
Impairment of Euromoney following dividend in specie 
Euromoney cash distribution 
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes 
Credit to equity for share-based payments 
Settlement of exercised share options of subsidiaries 
Fair value movement of financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Deferred tax on actuarial movement 
Deferred tax on other items recognised directly in equity 
Share of joint ventures’ and associates’ items of other comprehensive expense 

At end of year 

At end of year – total reserves 

Note 

 2 

 12 
12, (i) 
12, (i) 
12, (ii) 
12, (i) 
 35 
6, 15, 42 

 26 
 37 
 37 
 7 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019  
£m 

 702.8 
– 
– 
 1.1 
 703.9 
 189.3 
 (54.9) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (112.1) 
 42.2 
 (10.4) 
 295.0 
 17.5 
 (0.6) 
– 
 1,069.9 

 1,597.5 
 (2.4) 
 (2.9) 
– 
 1,592.2 
 90.9 
 (74.1) 
 (673.6) 
 11.8 
 (11.8) 
 (200.0) 
 (45.3) 
 21.1 
 (11.5) 
 (4.5) 
 7.7 
 0.6 
 (0.7) 
 702.8 

 1,115.9 

 745.0 

(i)  At 31 March 2019, in relation to the disposal of Euromoney, the Group made provision for a cash dividend payable on 15 April 2019 of  

£200.0 million in accordance with IAS 32 Financial Instruments, and a dividend in specie of £673.6 million, based on the fair value of Euromoney 
at 31 March 2019, in accordance with IFRIC 17 Distributions of non-cash assets to owners. 

The dividend in specie paid on 2 April 2019 amounted to £661.8 million and was calculated using a Euromoney share price of £12.36 at 8am  
on that date. This reduced the dividend provided at 31 March 2019 by £11.8 million, from £673.6 million to £661.8 million. 

(ii)  At 31 March 2019 the Group’s investment in Euromoney was transferred to Assets Held for Sale at the lower of carrying value and fair value less 
costs to sell. This resulted in an impairment charge of £23.5 million for the period to 31 March 2019 which was taken to the Consolidated 
Income Statement in accordance with IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.  

Following the Group’s half year end, the Euromoney share price fell from £12.58 on 31 March 2019 to £12.36 at 8am on 2 April 2019, the time 
and date of the distribution which reduced the dividend in specie provided at 31 March 2019 by £11.8 million. In addition, the fall in the 
Euromoney share price resulted in a further impairment charge of £11.8 million in the second half which, under the principles of IFRIC 17 was 
charged to retained earnings. 

40 Non-controlling interests 

At start of year 
Share of (loss)/profit for the period 
Dividends paid 
Non-controlling interest arising on acquisition 
Foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 
Recycled to Consolidated Income Statement on disposals 

At end of year 

Note 

 17 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
– 
 (0.3) 
– 
 1.3 
– 
– 
 1.0 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
 £m 
 13.5 
 0.4 
 (1.0) 
– 
 (0.1) 
 (12.8) 
– 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

41 Commitments and contingent liabilities 
Commitments 
At 30 September 2020, the Group had outstanding capital expenditure commitments as follows: 

Property, plant and equipment 
Contracted but not provided in the financial statements 

At  
30 September  
2020 
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019  
£m 

– 

– 

At 30 September 2020, the Group had outstanding commitments under non-cancellable agreements made to secure venues for future events and 
exhibitions which fall due as follows: 

Within one year 
Between one and two years 

At 
 30 September  
2020 
£m 
 10.2 
 1.5 
 11.7 

At  
30 September  
2019  
£m 
 16.8 
– 
 16.8 

The Group has entered into arrangements with ink suppliers to obtain ink for the period to December 2022 at competitive prices and to 
secure supply. At 30 September 2020, the commitment to purchase ink over this period was £7.6 million (2019 £21.7 million for the period to 
December 2020). 

The Group has entered into agreements with various printers for periods up to December 2024 at competitive prices and to secure supply.  
At 30 September 2020, the commitment to purchase printing capacity over this period was £19.5 million (2019 £40.0 million for the period to 
December 2022). 

Contingent liabilities 
The Group has issued standby letters of credit amounting to £2.3 million (2019 £2.9 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 and provides for any settlement costs when such an outcome is judged probable. 

The Group’s Energy Information business (Genscape) provided a third-party auditor service verifying Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) for 
renewable fuel production activities in the US, as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard Quality Assurance Program (Program), a regulatory program 
administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Following discovery and self-reporting to the EPA by Genscape of potential fraudulent RINs generated by two companies unconnected with DMGT 
but verified by Genscape between 2013 and 2014 under the Program, the EPA issued a notice of intent to revoke the ability of Genscape to verify 
RINs as a third-party auditor on 4 January 2017. Following the EPA investigation of the two companies in April 2016, the two companies pleaded 
guilty of fraud in connection with the broader scheme to generate RINs. 

EPA regulations for the audit program set a liability cap on replacement of invalid RINs of 2.0% of the RINs. In April 2017 Genscape voluntarily paid 
the 2.0% liability cap associated with the invalid RINs at a cost of US$1.3 million, based on the then-prevailing market rates, subject to a reservation 
of rights. The EPA regulations allow for situations where the cap does not apply – including fraud, auditor error and negligence. 

The EPA had not formally alleged any fraud or intentional wrongdoing by Genscape, but in its May 2019 final determination letter, EPA did find 
grounds for auditor error and negligence by Genscape and ordered Genscape to replace 69.2 million additional RINs it had verified. 

In July 2019, Genscape filed a petition for review with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and a motion to stay the EPA’s order to replace the 
69.2 million RINs which was accepted for the duration of Genscape’s petition for review. 

Notwithstanding the sale of Genscape to Verisk, DMGT is responsible for any costs, claims or awards and all settlement negotiations with the EPA. 

Since RINs trade in a volatile range, averaging approximately 48 cents over the previous 24-month period, replacing the maximum 69.2 million RINs 
claimed by the EPA would equate to a potential maximum claim of approximately US$33.4 million. Using the period end price of 62 cents replacing 
the maximum 69.2 million RINs claimed by the EPA would equate to a potential maximum claim of US$42.9 million. 

DMGT continues to cooperate with the EPA and settlement discussions are ongoing but considering the uncertainties involved, the length of time 
involved and taking note of the order from the EPA, the Group, without admitting any wrongdoing, made a provision for the total cost of replacing 
RINs at 30 September 2019. 

At each period end IAS 37 requires DMGT to review this provision and make appropriate adjustments to reflect the current status of the claim. 
Accordingly, the Group has reduced its total provision. The Group’s closing provision includes the cost of replacement RINs, estimated purchase 
costs, associated legal fees and currency fluctuations. The final settlement amount may be different than the provision made, however, it is not 
possible for the Group to predict with any certainty the potential impact of this litigation or to quantify the ultimate cost of a verdict or resolution. 
Accordingly, the provision could change substantially over time as the dispute progresses and new facts emerge. 

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42 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, Insurance Risk, Property Information and Consumer Media segments. Share options are exercisable after the vesting 
period, 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. 

The charge to the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows:  

Segment 
DMGT Board and Corporate Costs 

Insurance Risk 
Property Information 
Consumer Media 

Social security costs 

Scheme 
Executive Share Option Scheme 
Equity-Settled Executive Bonuses 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 
Option Plan 
Option Plan 
Option Plan 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 
Option Plan 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
 0.1 
 0.7 
 8.6 
 0.2 
 24.0 
 1.5 
 4.9 
 2.2 
 1.7 
 43.9 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019  
£m 
– 
– 
 13.9 
– 
 1.6 
 0.7 
 4.9 
– 
 2.1 
 23.2 

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 historic data 
in respect of the DMGT A Ordinary Non-Voting 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 period. 

Further details of the Group’s significant schemes are set out below:  

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 100.0% 
of salary in any year in normal circumstances and 200.0% 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  
Granted during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Expired during the period 
Modified during the period 
Outstanding at 30 September  

Exercisable at 30 September 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020 
 Number of 
 share options 
 661,105 
– 
 (77,718) 
 (51,811) 
– 
 531,576 

 168,903 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
Weighted  
average  
exercise price 
 £ 
 5.87 
– 
 7.59 
 5.89 
– 
 5.62 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
 Number of 
 share options 
 413,314 
 300,000 
 (46,074) 
 (30,000) 
 23,865 
 661,105 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
 Weighted  
average  
exercise price  
£ 
 6.21 
 5.91 
 5.16 
 7.06 
 4.08 
 5.87 

 5.23 

 168,903 

 5.23 

Note 

(i) 

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the options granted during the period is £nil (2019 £0.6 million). The options outstanding at 
30 September 2020 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.4 years (2019 6.9 years). 

(i)  As part of the Euromoney disposal, the DMGT Remuneration Committee’s approved principle was that participants in DMGT share awards 

should neither be advantaged nor disadvantaged as compared to participating shareholders. In order to meet this principle all unvested share 
awards prior to the Euromoney distribution on 2 April 2019, were uplifted by 4.8%. In the table above this has been described as a modification. 

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42 Share-based payments continued 
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:  

Date of grant 
Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 
Option price (£) 
Number of share options outstanding 
Term of option (years) 
Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 
Exercise price (£) 
Risk-free rate (%) 
Expected dividend yield (%) 
Volatility (%) 
Fair value per option (£) 

Date of grant 
Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 
Option price (£) 
Number of share options outstanding 
Term of option (years) 
Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 
Exercise price (£) 
Risk-free rate (%) 
Expected dividend yield (%) 
Volatility (%) 
Fair value per option (£) 

5 December 2011 
 3.81 
 3.81 
 4,144 
 10 
 7 
 3.81 
 1.50 
 4.27 
 30.00 
 0.71 

14 December 2015 
 6.81 
 6.81 
 15,542 
 10 
 7 
 6.81 
 1.19 
 3.26 
 25.10 
 0.93 

27 June 2012 
 3.74 
 3.74 
 103,624 
 10 
 7 
 3.74 
 1.00 
 4.43 
 30.00 
 0.70 

17 December 2012 
 5.07 
 5.07 
 4,144 
 10 
 7 
 5.07 
 1.00 
 3.42 
 30.00 
 0.97 

9 December 2013 
 8.81 
 8.81 
 25,906 
 10 
 5 
 8.81 
 1.50 
 2.00 
 25.00 
 1.69 

10 December 2014 
 7.98 
 7.98 
 15,543 
 10 
 5 
 7.98 
 1.08 
 2.77 
 25.70 
 1.31 

8 February 2018 
 6.18 
 6.18 
 82,897 
 10 
 7 
 6.18 
 0.82 
 3.24 
 27.88 
 0.94 

25 January 2019 
 5.69 
 5.69 
 279,776 
 10 
 7 
 5.69 
 0.81 
 3.59 
 27.95 
 0.84 

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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 period in which they are 
earned. Further details are shown in the Remuneration Report. 

Outstanding at 1 October 
Granted during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Modified during the period 
Outstanding at 30 September 

Exercisable at 30 September  

Note 

(i) 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
Number of  
share options 

 120,436 
 85,899 
 (15,092) 
– 
 191,243 

– 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
Weighted  
average 
 exercise price 
 £ 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019 
 Number of  
share options 

 267,307 
 100,538 
 (259,714) 
 12,305 
 120,436 

– 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
 Weighted  
average  
exercise price 
 £ 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the awards granted during the period is £0.7 million (2019 £nil). The awards outstanding at  
30 September 2020 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.6 years (2019 6.1 years).  

DMGT Long-Term Incentive Plan 
Details of the terms and conditions relating to this scheme are set out in the Remuneration Report. 

Outstanding at 1 October  
Granted during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Expired during the period 
Modified during the period 
Outstanding at 30 September  

Exercisable at 30 September 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020  
Number of  
share options 
 1,946,598 
 1,319,412 
 (649,744) 
 (12,953) 
– 
 2,603,313 

Note 

(i) 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2020  
Weighted  
average  
exercise price 
 £ 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019  
Number of  
share options 
 2,395,124 
 518,856 
 (796,460) 
 (264,996) 
 94,074 
 1,946,598 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019  
Weighted  
average  
exercise price 
 £ 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

The aggregate of the estimated fair values of the awards granted during the period is £3.3 million (2019 £13.6 million). 

The awards outstanding at 30 September 2020 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.5 years (2019 1.2 years). 

(i)  As part of the Euromoney disposal, the DMGT Remuneration Committee’s approved principle was that participants in DMGT share awards 

should neither be advantaged nor disadvantaged as compared to participating shareholders. In order to meet this principle all unvested share 
awards prior to the Euromoney distribution on 2 April 2019, were uplifted by 4.8%. In the tables above this has been described as a modification. 

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42 Share-based payments continued 
Options under the DMGT Long-Term Incentive Scheme 
The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows: 

Date of grant 
Market value of shares at date of grant (£) 
Option price (£) 
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 (£) 

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 (£) 

14 December 2015 
 6.81 
Nil 
 362,772 
 5 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 6.81 

14 December 2017 
 5.43 
Nil 
 60,359 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 5.43 

16 January 2018 
 5.85 
Nil 
 56,489 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 5.85 

18 January 2018 
 5.43 
Nil 
 188,646 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 5.43 

14 June 2018 
 5.43 
Nil 
 23,263 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 5.43 

13 August 2018 
 7.24 
Nil 
 38,394 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 7.24 

14 December 2018 
 6.29 
Nil 
 333,171 
 2 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 6.29 

14 December 2018 
 6.29 
Nil 
 210,497 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 6.29 

18 January 2018 
 5.43 
Nil 
 23,263 
 2 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 5.43 

1 October 2019 
 8.40 
Nil 
 931,029 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 8.40 

13 December 2019 
 8.40 
Nil 
 363,525 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 8.40 

7 February 2020 
 8.40 
Nil 
 11,905 
 3 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
 8.40 

DMGT Long-Term Executive Incentive Plan Awards 2017 and 2018 
These plans entitled certain executives to a percentage share of eligible profit growth over a three-year performance period. 

The awards are settled in A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares based on the average share price for the first three days following release of the annual 
financial results or the date of employment. 

DMGT Long-Term Executive Incentive Plan Awards 2019 and 2020 
These awards entitle participants (who are not Executive Directors) to a set a number of shares further to a three-year restricted period. Awards are 
based on financial and individual performance for the previous financial year. 

The awards are settled in A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares based on the average share price for the first three days following release of the annual 
financial results or the date of employment. 

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DMGT Long-Term Executive Director Incentive Plan Awards 2019 and 2020 
The Group expects to implement a new Executive Director (ED) plan, subject to shareholder approval, at the February 2021 AGM.  

Three awards are expected to be granted to EDs, the first granted on 1 October 2019 and vesting on 30 September 2029, the second granted on  
1 October 2020 and vesting on 30 September 2030 and the third granted on 1 October 2021 and vesting on 30 September 2031.  

Once these three awards have been made, no further awards are intended to be made to the existing EDs until after 30 September 2029. 

The awards are expected to be granted in A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares based on the average daily high & low share prices for a period of 30 trading 
days finishing on the third day following release of the annual financial results. 

Insurance Risk (RMS) Option Plans 
RMS maintains the 2014 Equity Award Plan (2014 Plan) and the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (2015 Plan).   

The 2014 Plan was introduced during the year ended 30 September 2014. The 2014 Plan allows grants of options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), 
both time and performance based, to employees, officers, directors and consultants of RMS. 

The 2015 Plan was introduced during the year ended 30 September 2016. The 2015 Plan allows grants of options to employees, officers, directors 
and consultants of RMS. Options granted under this plan had two vesting conditions – a service period and the occurrence of an initial public 
offering of RMS or an event in which the Group ceases to hold at least 50.0% of the voting rights of RMS.  

On 20 July 2020, the Group modified the 2015 Plan such that vesting now occurs only on the satisfaction of the service period. In addition, the 
modified plan allows for the granting of RSUs. 

RMS options under the 2014 and 2015 Plans were granted at market value and are settled in equity upon exercise. 

RMS share options 

Outstanding at 1 October 
Granted during the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Outstanding at 30 September 

Exercisable at 30 September 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020  
Number of  
share options 
 10,487,464 
 3,870,108 
 (2,373,009) 
 (126,328) 
 11,858,235 

 9,718,471 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2020  
Weighted  
average  
exercise price  
US$ 
 9.46 
 12.33 
 9.60 
 10.00 
 10.35 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
Number of  
share options 
 9,158,573 
 3,309,136 
 (1,980,245) 
– 
 10,487,464 

Year ended  
30 September 
 2019  
Weighted  
average  
exercise price  
US$ 
 9.35 
 9.63 
 9.47 
– 
 9.46 

 9.53 

 417,448 

 10.18 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the period was US$14.08 (2019 US$nil). 

The options outstanding at 30 September 2020 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7.4 years (2019 7.5 years). 

The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows: 

Date of grant 
Market value of shares at date of grant (US$) 
Option price (US$) 
Number of share options outstanding 
Term of option (years) 
Assumed period of exercise after vesting (years) 
Exercise price (US$) 
Risk-free rate (%) 
Expected dividend yield (%) 
Volatility (%) 
Fair value per option (US$) 

During 2014 
 14.59 
14.59 
 8,000 
 7 
3-6 
 14.59 
 1.25 
 2.91 
 28.81 
 2.70 

During 2015 
 10.00 
 10.00 
 220,368 
 7 
4-5 
 10.00 
 1.25 
 3.63 
 25.63 
 1.44 

During 2016 
 9.04 
 9.04 
 2,833,950 
 10 
 6.25 
 9.04 
 1.64 
Nil 
 30.85 
 3.04 

During 2017 
 9.52 
 9.52 
 1,473,954 
 10 
  6.25 
 9.52 
 2.17 
Nil 
 30.62 
 3.30 

During 2018 
 9.62 
 9.62 
 1,782,611 
 10 
6.25 
 9.62 
 2.45 
Nil 
 29.55 
 3.31 

During 2019 
 9.63 
 9.63 
 2,048,388 
 10 
6.25 
 9.63 
 2.80 
Nil 
 28.88 
 3.34 

During 2020 
12.33 
 12.33 
 3,490,964 
 10 
  6.25 
12.33 
1.00 
Nil 
 30.17 
 3.89 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of comparable companies. 

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42 Share-based payments continued 
RMS RSU awards 

Outstanding at 1 October  
Granted during the period 
Vested during the period 
Outstanding at 30 September  

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
Number  
of RSUs 
– 
 377,593 
– 
 377,593 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
Weighted  
average  
exercise price  
US$ 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2019 
Number  
of RSU 
 10,914 
– 
 (10,914) 
– 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
Weighted  
average  
exercise price  
US$ 
– 
– 
– 
– 

43 Ultimate holding company 
The Company’s immediate parent company is Rothermere Continuation Limited (RCL), a company incorporated in Jersey, in the Channel Islands, 
and previously named Rothermere Investments Limited.  

On 5 December 2019, pursuant to a consolidation of the Group’s holding structure, RCL acquired a Bermudan company known as Rothermere 
Continuation (Old Co) Limited (previously named Rothermere Continuation Limited), (RCOCL), and certain assets held by RCOCL, including 100% 
of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company. RCL now holds 100% of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company. 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc is the only company in the Group to prepare consolidated financial statements. 

44 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. 

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.  

Ultimate controlling party 
Rothermere Continuation Limited (RCL) is a holding company incorporated in Jersey, in the Channel Islands. The main asset of RCL is its controlling 
shareholding in DMGT, being its 100% holding of DMGT’s issued Ordinary Shares and the largest single holding of DMGT A Ordinary Shares. RCL is 
controlled by a discretionary trust (the Trust) which is held for the benefit of Viscount Rothermere and his immediate family. The Trust represents 
the ultimate controlling party of the Company. Both RCL and the Trust are administered in Jersey. RCL and its directors, and the Trust are related 
parties of the Company.  

On 5 December 2019, pursuant to a consolidation of the Group’s holding structure, RCL acquired a Bermudan company known as Rothermere 
Continuation (Old Co) Limited (previously named Rothermere Continuation Limited), (RCOCL), and certain assets held by RCOCL, including 100% of 
the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company. RCL now holds 100% of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company, however the underlying control of 
DMGT remains unchanged and continues to lie with the Trust.  

Transactions with Directors 
During the period, Forsters LLP in which Mr A Lane, a Non-Executive Director of the Company, is a partner, provided legal services to the Company 
amounting to £26,687 (2019 £nil). 

Transactions with joint ventures and associates 
Details of the Group’s principal joint ventures and associates are set out in Note 25. 

Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) has a 50.0% (2019 50.0%) shareholding in Northprint Manchester Ltd, a joint venture. The net amount due to ANL 
of £5.8 million (2019 £5.8 million) has been fully provided. 

DMGV Ltd (DMGV) has a 23.9% (2019 23.9%) shareholding in Excalibur Holdco Ltd (Excalibur), an associate. During the period, services provided  
to Excalibur amounted to £0.5 million (2019 £0.5 million). At 30 September 2020, amounts due from Excalibur amounted to £0.1 million 
 (2019 £0.1 million), together with loan notes of £17.3 million (2019 £17.3 million). The loan notes carry an annual coupon of 10.0% and £8.9 million 
(2019 £6.5 million) was outstanding in relation to this coupon at 30 September 2020. An expected lifetime impairment allowance of £12.0 million 
(2019 £12.0 million) has been made against the loan note and unpaid coupon balance. 

DMGV has a 16.5% (2019 16.5%) shareholding in Bricklane Technologies Ltd (Bricklane), an associate. During the period, DMGV provided funding 
amounting to £nil cash and £nil of media credits (2019 £1.2 million cash and £0.8 million of media credits). During the period, the Consumer Media 
segment provided services to Bricklane amounting to £0.1 million (2019 £0.4 million).  

DMGV has a 45.3% (2019 45.3%) shareholding in Yopa Property Ltd (Yopa), an associate. During the period, the Consumer Media segment provided 
services to Yopa amounting to £0.5 million (2019 £0.6 million). At 30 September 2020, £nil (2019 £0.1 million) was owed by Yopa. Also, during the 
period, the Property Information segment paid referral fees of £0.9 million (2019 £0.1 million) and made sales of £0.1 million (2019 £nil) to Yopa. 

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DMGV has a 36.8% (2019 36.8%) shareholding in Entale Media Ltd, an associate. DMGV provided cash funding amounting to £nil (2019 £2.0 million) 
during the period. 

DMGV has a 22.4% (2019 6.0%) shareholding Quick Move Ltd, which became an associate during the period. DMGV provided funding amounting to 
£2.0 million cash and £1.0 million of media credits (2019 £nil) during the period. 

During the period, DMG Events (Conferences) Ltd recharged personnel costs of £0.2 million to DMG Nigeria Events Ltd, an associate, in the period 
from 9 April 2020 to 30 September 2020. At 30 September 2020, £0.2 million, (at acquisition £0.2 million) was owed by DMG Nigeria Events Ltd. 

DMGI Land & Property Europe Ltd (DMGILP), of which Landmark Information Group Ltd (Landmark) is a subsidiary undertaking, has a 50.0% 
(2019 50.0%) shareholding in PointX Ltd (PointX), a joint venture. During the period, Landmark charged management fees of £0.3 million  
(2019 £0.3 million) and recharged costs of £0.1 million (2019 £0.1 million) to PointX. PointX received royalty income from Landmark of £nil  
(2019 £0.1 million). DMGILP received dividends of £nil (2019 £0.2 million) from PointX. At 30 September 2020, £0.1 million (2019 £nil) was owed 
to Landmark by PointX. 

Decision Insight Information Group (UK) Ltd (DIIG UK) has a 50.0% (2019 50.0%) shareholding in Decision First Ltd (DF), a joint venture. During the 
period, DIIG UK recharged costs to DF amounting to £0.2 million (2019 £0.2 million) and charged management fees amounting to £0.1 million 
(2019 £0.1 million). 

RMSI Ltd (RMSI) invoiced sales amounting to £1.9 million (2019 £1.7 million) to Landmark, a company which shares a common director with RMSI. 
Costs were recharged by Landmark to RMSI amounting to £0.8 million (2019 £0.7 million). At 30 September 2020, £0.1 million (2019 £0.4 million) was 
owed to RMSI by Landmark. 

Hobsons, Inc. (Hobsons) has a 50.0% (2019 50.0%) shareholding in Knowlura, Inc. (Knowlura), a joint venture. At 30 September 2020, £0.1 million 
(2019 £0.2 million) was owed by Knowlura. 

Risk Management Solutions, Inc. (RMS, Inc.) has a 26.6% (2019 26.6%) shareholding in Praedicat, Inc. (Praedicat), an associate. During the period, 
RMS, Inc. provided funding of £nil (2019 £0.5 million) to Praedicat.  

The Group has a 50.0% (2019 50.0%) shareholding in TreppPort, LLC (TreppPort), a joint venture. During the period, Trepp, LLC received dividends  
of £0.2 million (2019 £0.2 million) from TreppPort. 

Other related party disclosures 
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, the Group was charged for rent and service charges in relation to the current period amounting to 
£0.2 million (2019 £0.2 million). At 30 September 2020, £nil (2019 £0.1 million) was owed to the Harmsworth Pension Scheme by the Group. 

At 30 September 2020, the Group owed £1.0 million (2019 £0.9 million) to the pension schemes which it operates. This amount comprised 
employees’ and employer’s contributions in respect of September 2020 payrolls. 

The Group recharges its principal pension schemes with costs of investment management fees. The total amount recharged during the period was 
£0.3 million (2019 £0.3 million). 

Contributions made during the period to the Group’s retirement benefit plans are set out in Note 35, 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 p.a. to the Harmsworth Pension Scheme. Interest payable to DMG Pension Partnership LP in the period totalled  
£11.0 million (2019 £11.0 million). 

ANL, which shares common control by Rothermere Continuation Limited, with DMGT Healthcare Trustees, paid contributions to the scheme 
totalling £0.9 million (2019 £0.8 million). At 30 September 2020, a total of £1.2 million (2019 £1.3 million) was owed to the scheme by ANL. 

45 Post balance sheet events 
Acquisitions 
On 1 October 2020, Cazoo Ltd (Cazoo) raised an additional £240.0 million of funding with new and existing investors. The Group invested £34.0 
million cash consideration, as part of this funding round, diluting the Group’s equity stake from 23.5% to 21.8%, or 20.0% on a fully diluted basis. 
Following this additional investment DMGT will continue to treat Cazoo as a financial asset at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income. 

On 18 October 2020, dmg media acquired JPI Media’s print operations at Dinnington, Portsmouth and Carn in Northern Ireland for £9.5 million cash 
consideration. The acquisition enables dmg media to better manage the printing of its national newspapers across the UK.  

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Notes to the accounts 

46 Subsidiaries exempt from audit 
The following UK subsidiaries will take advantage of the audit exemption set out within Section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ending 
30 September 2020: 

Subsidiary name 
Daily Mail International Ltd 
DMG Asset Finance Ltd 
DMG Atlantic Ltd 
DMG Business Media Ltd 
DMG Events International Ltd 
DMG Information Ltd 
DMG Investment Holdings Ltd 

Company registration number 
01966438 
05528329 
04521108 
02823743 
04118004 
03708142 
03263138 

  Subsidiary name 
  DMGRH Finance Ltd 
  DMGZ Ltd 
  Harmsworth Royalties Ltd 
  Northcliffe Media Ltd 
  Ralph US Holdings 
  Young Street Holdings Ltd 

Company registration 
number 
03191181 
00272225 
04219212 
03403993 
06341444 
04485808 

The Directors of Daily Mail and General Trust plc have confirmed that the Company will provide a guarantee under Section 479C in relation to the 
subsidiaries listed above. 

No dormant subsidiaries have taken the exemption from preparing individual accounts by virtue of Section 394A of Companies Act 2006. 

No dormant subsidiaries have taken the exemption from filing with the registrar individual accounts by virtue of Section 448A of Companies 
Act 2006. 

The following UK subsidiaries will take advantage of the audit exemption set out within Section 480 of the Companies Act 2006, exemption from 
audit for dormant companies for the year ended 30 September 2020: 

Subsidiary name 
A&N International Media Ltd 
Central Independent News and Media Ltd 
Daily Mail Ltd 
DMG Angex Ltd 
Mail Finance Services Ltd 
MailLife Financial Services Ltd 
Northcliffe Trustees Ltd 
OneSearch Direct Group Ltd 

Company registration number 
04147978 
03015855 
01160542 
02302189 
04282263 
01063950 
03394992 
SC202596 

  Subsidiary name 
  OneSearch Direct Property Information Ltd 
  OneSearch Direct Property Ltd 
  Pico Information Ltd 
  Richards Gray Ltd 
  Surveys Online Ltd 
  The Mail on Sunday Ltd 
  Watervale Ltd 

Company registration number 
SC212922 
SC155319 
11149692 
03209331 
SC191569 
01160545 
05231066 

202
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Classes of  
shares held 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

% shareholding 
 (% held directly  
by parent) 
100% 
100% 

47 Full list of Group undertakings 

Subsidiary name 
A&N International Media Ltd 
A&N Media Finance Services Ltd 

AN Mauritius Ltd 

Argyll Environmental Ltd 

Associated Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd 
Associated Newspapers Ltd 

Associated Newspapers North America, Inc. 
Central Independent News and Media Ltd 
Coral Mint Ltd 

Courier Media Group Ltd (in liquidation) 
Daily Mail and General Holdings Ltd* 
Daily Mail and General Investments Ltd 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc 
Daily Mail International Ltd 
Daily Mail Ltd 

Daily Mail On-Air, LLC 
Dailymail.com Australia Pty Ltd 
Decision Insight Hub Ltd 
Decision Insight Information Group (UK) Ltd 
Decision Insight Packco Ltd (in liquidation) 
DMG Angex Ltd 
DMG Asset Finance Ltd 
DMG Atlantic Ltd 
DMG Business Media Ltd 
DMG Carbon Group Ltd 
DMG Carbon Holdings Ltd 
DMG Conference & Exhibition Services 
(Shanghai) Ltd 
DMG Consolidated Holdings Pty Ltd 
DMG Events (Canada), Inc. 
DMG Events (Conferences) Ltd 
DMG Events (Doha), LLC 
DMG Events (MEA) Ltd 

DMG Events (PNG) Ltd 
DMG Events (UK) Ltd 

DMG Events (USA), Inc. 

DMG Events Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 

DMG Events Egypt Ltd 

DMG Events Energy Japan KK (in liquidation) 

DMG Events India Private Ltd 
DMG Events International Ltd 

DMG Events, LLC 

DMG Exhibition Management Services (PTY) Ltd 

DMG Information Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 
DMG Information Hong Kong Company Ltd 
DMG Information Ltd 
DMG Investment Holdings Ltd 
DMG Loanco Ltd 
DMG Media Ltd 

Registered office 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
10th Floor, Standard Chartered Tower, 19 Cybercity, Ebène, 
Republic Of Mauritius, Mauritius 

5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Third Floor, Embassy House, Herbert Park Lane, Ballsbridge, 
Dublin 4 662817 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Herbert House, Herbert Park Lane, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland 
C/O Begbies Traynor (London) Llp, 31st Floor, 40 Bank Street, 
London E14 5NR  
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 

Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
CSC Lawyers Incorporating Service, 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, 
Suite 150N, Sacramento, CA 95833, United States 
Level 12, 207 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Centenary House, Peninsula Park, Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 7XE  
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Room 428, Level 4, No 55 Xiya Road  
(Plot 5 Of Zone F), Shanghai, China 
Level 2, 452 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 
#1510 – 140 10 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0R1, Canada 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Level 14/15 Commercial Bank Plaza, West Bay, Doha, Qatar 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Level 3, Pacific Mmi Building, Port Moresby, National Capital 
District, Papua New Guinea 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
8 Marina Boulevard #05-02, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 
Singapore 018981 
Office 1, Mezzanine Floor, Hall 2, Egypt International Exhibition 
Centre, Elmoushir Tantawy Axis, New Cairo, Egypt 
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Terrace, 6151, Roppongi, Minatoku, 
Tokyo, Japan 
Level 4, Dynasty A Wing, Andheri Kurla Road,  
Mumbai- 400 059, Maharashtra, India 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Office 408, Salama Tower, Al Madinah, Al Munawarah Road,  
As Salamah District, PO Box 3650, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 
76 Eleventh Street, Parkmore, Johannesburg, 2196,  
South Africa 
8 Marina Boulevard #05-02, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 
Singapore 018981 
27/F 248 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 

Country of 
incorporation 
 or registration 
UK 
UK 

Mauritius 

UK 

Ireland 
UK 

USA 
UK 
Ireland 

Ordinary 
Ordinary, Ordinary A, 
Ordinary B 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Common, Series A 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

UK 
UK 
UK 

UK 
UK 
UK 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary and Ordinary  
Non-Voting 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

USA 
Australia 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

China 
Australia 
Canada 
UK 
Qatar 
UK 
Papua New 
Guinea 
UK 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 

USA 

Common 

Singapore 

Egypt 

Japan 

India 
UK 

Saudi Arabia 

South Africa 

Singapore 
Hong Kong 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 

N/A 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

203
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

47 Full list of Group undertakings continued 

Subsidiary name 
DMG Nigeria Events Ltd 
DMG Oceans Ltd 

DMG US Investments, Inc. 
DMG World Media Abu Dhabi Ltd (i) 
DMG World Media Dubai (2006) Ltd (i) 
DMGB Ltd* 
dmgi Land & Property Europe Ltd 
DMGK Ltd 
DMGRH Finance Ltd 

DMGT US Employee Services, Inc. 

DMGT US, Inc. 
DMGV Ltd 
DMGZ Ltd 
EDR Landmark Management Services Ltd 

Registered office 
Plot E, Ikosi Road, Oregun Industrial Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria 
Scottish Daily Mail, 20 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6DB 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
15 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1RB, Channel Islands 
15 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1RB, Channel Islands 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 

Estate Technical Solutions Ltd 

Guildford Zoot, Inc. 
Harmsworth Printing (Didcot) Ltd  
(in liquidation) 

Harmsworth Printing Ltd (in liquidation) 

Harmsworth Quays Printing Ltd (in liquidation) 
Harmsworth Royalties Ltd 

Hobsons, Inc. 
JPIMedia Publications Ltd 
Justice for Sgt Blackman Ltd (in liquidation) 
Landmark Analytics Ltd 
Landmark FAS Ltd 

Landmark Information Group Ltd 
Landmark International Holdings Ltd 

Landmark Optimus Ltd 
Lawlink (UK) Ltd 
Lincolnshire Media Ltd 
Mail Finance Services Ltd 
Mail Force Charity CIO* 

Mail Media, Inc. 
MailLife Financial Services Ltd 
Millar & Bryce Ltd 

Naviance, Inc. 
Northcliffe Media Ltd 
Northcliffe Trustees Ltd 

5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY  
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
C/O Begbies Traynor (London) Llp, 31st Floor,  
40 Bank Street, London E14 5NR  
C/O Begbies Traynor (London) Llp, 31st Floor,  
40 Bank Street, London E14 5NR  
C/O Begbies Traynor (London) Llp, 31st Floor,  
40 Bank Street, London E14 5NR  
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 

5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
5-7 Abbey Court Eagle Way, Sowton Industrial Estate, Exeter, 
Devon EX2 7HY  
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Savants, 83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
10th Floor 133 Finnieston Street, Glasgow, G3 8HB Scotland 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 

Ochresoft Technologies Ltd 
OneSearch Direct Group Ltd 
OneSearch Direct Holdings Ltd 
OneSearch Direct Ltd 
OneSearch Direct Property Information Ltd 
OneSearch Direct Property Ltd 
Pico Information Ltd 
Quest End Computer Services Ltd 
Ralph US Holdings 
RCoaster.ie Ltd  
Richards Gray Ltd 

5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
6th Floor, Skypark Sp1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow G3 8EP 
6th Floor, Skypark Sp1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow G3 8EP 
6th Floor, Skypark Sp1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow G3 8EP 
6th Floor, Skypark Sp1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow G3 8EP 
6th Floor, Skypark Sp1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow G3 8EP 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Herbert House, Herbert Park Lane, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 

204
204 

Country of 
incorporation 
 or registration 
Nigeria 
UK 

Classes of  
shares held 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

% shareholding 
 (% held directly  
by parent) 
49.0% 
100% 

USA 
Jersey 
Jersey 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

USA 

USA 
UK 
UK 
UK 

UK 

USA 

UK 

UK 

UK 
UK 

USA 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

UK 
UK 

UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

USA 
UK 
UK 

Common 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Common 

Common, Series A 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary A, Ordinary B, 
Ordinary C, Ordinary D, 
Ordinary E 

Common 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Common 
Ordinary 
Limited by Guarantee 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary, Ordinary A, 
Redeemable Preference 
Ordinary 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
– 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

Common 
USA 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK  Ordinary A, Ordinary B 
Deferred, Ordinary, 
Ordinary A, Preference 
UK 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK  Ordinary A, Ordinary B 
Ordinary 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK 
Ordinary 
UK 
Ordinary 
Ireland 
Ordinary 
UK 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Subsidiary name 

Risk Management Solutions (Bermuda) Ltd 

Risk Management Solutions Holdings, Inc. 
Risk Management Solutions Ltd 

Risk Management Solutions Ltd (China) 
Risk Management Solutions, Inc. 

RMS Japan KK 

RMS Risk Management Solutions India Pte Ltd 

RMS UK Holdings, Inc 
RMS Worldwide, Inc. 
Rochford Brady Legal Services Ltd 
SearchFlow Ltd 

Springthorpe Drake, Inc. 

Starfish Retention Solutions, Inc. 

Surveys Online Ltd 
The Mail on Sunday Ltd 

Trepp Holdings, Inc. 
Trepp UK Ltd 

Trepp, LLC 
Watervale Ltd 
Young Street Holdings Ltd 

Registered office 
Milner House, 18 Parliament Street, Hamilton,  
HM 12 Bermuda 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
12th Floor, Office 1205F, Beijing Excel Centre,  
No.6 Wudinghou Street, Xicheng District Beijing, 100033,  
PR China 
7575 Gateway Blvd, Newark, CA 94560, United States 
Akasaka Kikyo Building 4th Floor, 11-15 Akasaka  
3-Chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 107-0052 Japan 
406-407, Pooja Complex 22, Veer Savarkar Block, Shakarpur, 
Delhi 110092 India 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
7575 Gateway Blvd, Newark, CA 94560, United States 
39/40 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 

6th Floor, Skypark Sp1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow G3 8EP 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 

Country of 
incorporation 
 or registration 

Classes of  
shares held 

% shareholding 
 (% held directly  
by parent) 

Bermuda 

Ordinary 

99.3% 

USA 
UK 

China 
USA 

Japan 

Common 
Ordinary 

100.0% 
99.3% 

Common 
Common 

99.3% 
99.3% 

Ordinary 

99.3% 

India 

Ordinary Voting 

100.0% 

USA 
USA 
Ireland 
UK 

USA 

USA 

UK 
UK 

USA 
UK 

USA 
UK 
UK 

Common 
Common 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

100.0% 
99.3% 
100.0% 
100.0% 

Ordinary 

100.0% 

Common 
Ordinary, Ordinary A, 
Ordinary B 
Ordinary 

Common 
Ordinary 

Membership Interests 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

100.0% 

100.0% 
100.0% 

100.0% 
100.0% 

100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 

All subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group. 

* 

Direct investment held by the parent Company Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT). All other subsidiaries are held indirectly through 
subsidiaries of DMGT. 

(i)  Principal place of business in the UAE. 

Joint Venture name 
Decision First Ltd 

Knowlura, Inc. 
Northprint Manchester Ltd 
PointX Ltd 

TreppPort, LLC 

Address of principal place of business 
Cardinal House, 9 Manor Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 9AH  
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
PO Box 68164, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1P 2 AP 
5-7 Abbey Court, Eagle Way, Sowton, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HY 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 

Classes of  
shares held 
Ordinary 

Common 
Ordinary 
Ordinary B 

Financial  
year end 
31 December  

30 September 
31 March 
31 March 

% capital 
included in 
consolidation 
50.0% 

50.0% 
50.0% 
50.0% 

Ordinary 

30 September 

50.0% 

The Group has joint control over all of the joint ventures listed above, because key operating decisions require the unanimous consent of the Group 
and the other investor(s). 

Associate name 
Bricklane Technologies Ltd 

Entale Media Ltd 
ES London Ltd 

Excalibur Holdco Ltd 
Funcent DMG Information Technology  
Hong Kong Company Ltd 
Global Event Partners Ltd 
Independent Television News Ltd 

iProf Learning Solutions India Pte Ltd 

Address of principal place of business 
20 Baltic Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1Y 0UL   
C/O Founders Factory Limited, Northcliffe House, Young Street, 
London W8 5EH  
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
Wowcher Limited, Dalston Works, 69 Dalston Lane,  
London E8 2NG  

27/F 248 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong 
Suite 1, 3rd Floor, 11-12 St. James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LB  
200 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8XZ 
91 Springboard E-43 /1, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-2 Delhi 
South Delhi DL 110020 IN 

Country of 
incorporation  
or registration 
UK 

UK 
UK 

UK 

Hong Kong 
UK 
UK 

Classes of  
shares held 
Preference 

%  
shareholding 
16.5% 

Preference 
Ordinary 

36.8% 
33.5% 

B Ordinary 

23.9% 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

22.6% 
15.0% 
20.0% 

India 

Ordinary 

10.8% 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the accounts 

47 Full list of Group undertakings continued 

Associate name 
Liases Foras Real Estate Rating & Research Pvt. 
Ltd 
LineVision, Inc. 

Mercatus, Inc. 

OYO RMS Corporation 

Praedicat, Inc. 

Propstack Services Private Ltd 
Quick Move Ltd 
RLTO Ltd 
Skymet Weather Services Private Ltd 

WellAware Holdings, Inc. 

Whereoware, LLC 
Yopa Property Ltd 

Address of principal place of business 
S6, 2nd floor, Pinnacle Business Park, Andheri, Mumbai, 
Maharashtra 400093, India 
501 Boylston St, Suite 4102, Boston, MA 02116 USA 
1735 Technology Dr, Suite 250, San Jose, California 95110, 
United States 
Akasaka Kikyo Building 4th Floor, 11-15 Akasaka  
3-Chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 107-0052 Japan 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
1st & 2nd Floor, Nyay Sagar Bdlg, Kalanagar, Bandra (East), 
Mumbai – 400 051 
86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE 
Office 7 35-37 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JN  
109, Kushal Bazar, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019 
2330 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 110, San Antonio,  
TX 78248, United States 
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
Suite 4, Building 4, Hatters Lane, Watford WD18 8YF  

Country of 
incorporation  
or registration 

Classes of  
shares held 

%  
shareholding 

India 
USA 

USA 

Japan 

USA 

India 
UK 
UK 
India 

USA 

USA 
UK 

Preference, Equity 
Series A1 

30.5% 
40.9% 

Ordinary 

10.6% 

Ordinary 

19.6% 

Preference 

26.6% 

Preference, Equity 
Ordinary, Preference 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

22.7% 
22.4% 
20.0% 
15.9% 

Preference 

8.2% 

Membership Interests 
Preference 

19.5% 
45.3% 

Classes of  
shares held 

%  
shareholding 

Preference 
Ordinary 
Preference 

5.0% 
3.1% 
23.5% 

Common 

2.0% 

Country of 
incorporation  
or registration 

USA 
USA 
UK 

USA 

USA 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 

Partnership Units 
Ordinary 
Preference 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

UK 
UK 
UK 
Germany 
UK 

Ordinary, Preference 
Ordinary, Preference 
Ordinary 
Common 
Ordinary B 

USA 
Netherlands 
UK 

Membership interests 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 

USA 
USA 
UK 
Israel  

USA 

Ordinary 
Membership Interests 
Ordinary B 
Preference 

Ordinary 

Argentina 

Membership interests 

2.5% 
5.0% 
5.4% 
10.0% 
16.1% 
2.9% 
2.5% 

10.5% 
1.7% 
8.6% 
0.1% 
4.6% 

12.8% 
15.0% 
17.3% 

4.4% 
10.0% 
2.5% 
0.4% 

3.6% 

4.0% 

Investment name 

Air Mail, LLC 
BDG Media, Inc. 
Cazoo Ltd 

Compstak, Inc. 

Cue Ball Capital LP 
Evening Standard Ltd 
Farewill Ltd 
Financial Network Analytics Ltd 
GPNutrition Ltd 
Hambro Perks Ltd 
IPSX Group Ltd 

Kortext Ltd 
Laundrapp Ltd 
LDR Realisations 2019 Ltd (in liquidation) 
Lindentor 226. V V GmbH 
Live Better With Ltd 

Media Investors 17, LLC 
Nazca IT Solutions BV 
PA Media Group Ltd 

Pascal Metrics, Inc. 
Pembroke Holdings, LLC 
Plandek Ltd 
Taboola.com Ltd 

Upstream Group, Inc. 

Workana, LLC 

Address of principal place of business 
Registered Agent Solutions, 9.E Loockerman Street, Suite 311, 
Dover, Kent, Delaware 19901, United States 
559 Driggs Avenue, Suite 2, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States 
41 Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD  
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, 
Wilmington, DE 19801, United States 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT 
1st Floor, 27 Downham Road, London N1 5AA  
Albert House, 256-260 Old Street, London EC1V 9DD  
24 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1JP  
111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0SR  
15 Stratton Street, London W1J 8LQ  
26-32 Oxford Road, Suite B, 6th Floor, Avalon House, 
Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8EZ  
2nd Floor 110 Cannon Street, LondonEC4N 6EU 
66 Prescot Street, London E1 8NN  
Charlottenstraße 4, Berlin, 10969, Germany 
70 White Lion Street, Islington, London N1 9PP  
The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, 
Wilmington, DE 19801, United States 
Standerdmolen 20, 3995 AA Houten, Netherlands 
The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, Paddington, London W2 1AF  
Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, 
Wilmington, DE 19808, United States 
46 Southfield Ave Ste 400, Stamford CT 06902, United States 
Unit 10, 1 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4PX  
7 Totseret Haaretz St., Tel-Aviv Israel 
The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, 
Wilmington, DE 19801, United States 
13th Avenue, Suite 202 Brooklyn, New York,  
11228, United States 

206
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Financial Statements 
Unaudited Five Year Financial Summary 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Revenue 
Adjusted operating profit 
Exceptional operating costs, impairment of internally generated 
and acquired computer software, property, plant and 
equipment and investment property, amortisation and 
impairment of acquired intangible assets arising on business 
combinations and impairment of goodwill 

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

Total operating profit/(loss) 
Other gains and losses 

Profit/(loss) before investment revenue, net finance costs 
and tax 
Investment revenue 
Net finance costs 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year after tax 
Discontinued operations 
Equity interests of minority shareholders 

Profit for the year 

Year ended  
30 September  
2016 
£m 
1,514.2 
177.0 

Year ended 
 30 September  
2017 
£m 
1,564.3 
179.0 

Year ended  
30 September  
2018 
£m 
1,340.9 
144.6 

Year ended  
30 September  
2019 
£m 
1,337.0 
135.8 

Year ended  
30 September  
2020 
£m 
1,203.4 
88.3 

(91.4) 

(324.4) 

(94.8) 

85.6 
4.9 
90.5 
130.8 

221.3 
2.2 
(21.8) 
201.7 
(19.9) 
181.8 
32.4 
(10.0) 
204.2 

(145.4) 
16.9 
(128.5) 
14.0 

(114.5) 
2.5 
(0.3) 
(112.3) 
(64.7) 
(177.0) 
519.3 
3.0 
345.3 

49.8 
118.4 
168.2 
565.5 

733.7 
4.8 
(32.0) 
706.5 
(7.6) 
698.9 
(10.7) 
1.2 
689.4 

(41.2) 

94.6 
(28.1) 
66.5 
73.7 

140.2 
11.5 
(17.4) 
134.3 
(20.4) 
113.9 
(22.6) 
(0.4) 
90.9 

Adjusted profit before tax and non-controlling interests 

259.6 

226.1 

182.3 

144.7 

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA) 

Adjusted profit after taxation and non-controlling interests 

Earnings/(loss) per share 
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 

363.7 

197.8 

353.4 
360.6 
(0.9) 

48.6p 
47.4p 

9.2p 
9.0p 

57.8p 
56.4p 

56.0p 
54.7p 

350.4 

196.3 

353.1 
358.6 
(0.1) 

(49.3)p 
(48.5)p 

147.1p 
144.8p 

97.8p 
96.3p 

55.6p 
54.7p 

287.7 

149.3 

354.1 
358.4 
– 

197.7p 
196.0p 

(3.0)p 
(3.6)p 

194.7p 
192.4p 

42.2p 
41.7p 

205.6 

114.5 

296.4 
300.2 
– 

38.3p 
37.8p 

(7.6)p 
(7.5)p 

30.7p 
30.3p 

38.6p 
38.1p 

(62.0) 

26.3 
(11.4) 
14.9 
42.6 

57.5 
8.3 
(13.4) 
52.4 
0.7 
53.1 
135.9 
0.3 
189.3 

72.1 

142.5 

59.4 

227.8 
233.0 
– 

23.4p 
22.9p 

59.7p 
58.3p 

83.1p 
81.2p 

26.1p 
25.5p 

207
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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Unaudited Five Year Financial Summary 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash inflow/(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 

Decrease/(increase) in net debt in the year 

Net cash/(debt) at start of year 
Net cash/(debt) at end of year 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Goodwill and intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right of use assets 
Other investments including joint ventures and associates 
Other non-current assets 

Non-current assets 
Net current assets/(liabilities) 
Non-current liabilities 
Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity 
Called-up share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves 
Minority interests 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Shareholder information 

Dividend per share * 
Price of A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares:  
Lowest 
Highest 

2016 
£m 
232.1 
(35.8) 
(214.6) 
(18.3) 

31.5 
4.3 

17.5 

(18.3) 
101.5 
83.2 
(0.2) 
(60.2) 
22.8 

(701.5) 
(678.7) 

2016 
£m 
1,480.8 
176.1 
– 
165.9 
285.5 
2,108.3 
(443.3) 
(1,135.7) 
529.3 

45.3 
17.8 
(71.8) 
178.2 
359.8 
529.3 

2016 
22.00p 

£5.71 
£7.90 

2017 
£m 
219.5 
138.6 
(368.4) 
(10.3) 

17.5 
0.2 

7.4 

(10.3) 
217.0 
206.7 
– 
7.7 
214.4 

(678.7) 
(464.3) 

2017 
£m 
576.1 
103.3 
– 
766.0 
189.9 
1,635.3 
(174.5) 
(541.6) 
919.2 

45.3 
17.8 
15.6 
11.0 
829.5 
919.2 

2017 
22.70p 

£6.06 
£8.36 

2018 
£m 
115.0 
481.3 
(169.4) 
426.9 

7.4 
1.6 

435.9 

426.9 
268.4 
695.3 
– 
1.7 
697.0 

(464.3) 
232.7 

2018 
£m 
464.4 
99.7 
– 
790.9 
353.3 
1,708.3 
217.7 
(250.6) 
1,675.4 

45.3 
17.8 
1.3 
13.5 
1,597.5 
1,675.4 

2018 
23.30p 

£5.00 
£7.81 

2019 
£m 
154.8 
221.1 
(533.3) 
(157.4) 

435.9 
10.7 

289.2 

(157.4) 
2.5 
(154.9) 
– 
4.1 
(150.8) 

232.7 
81.9 

2019 
£m 
321.1 
74.4 
– 
132.8 
322.8 
851.1 
155.0 
(231.8) 
774.3 

29.3 
17.8 
24.4 
– 
702.8 
774.3 

2019 
23.90p 

£5.42 
£8.54 

2020 
£m 
142.5 
173.2 
(114.1) 
201.6 

289.2 
(10.9) 

479.9 

201.6 
32.3 
233.9 
– 
54.0 
287.9 

81.9 
369.8 

2020 
£m 
350.3 
63.0 
89.8 
467.7 
234.9 
1,205.7 
264.6 
(324.1) 
1,146.2 

29.3 
17.8 
28.2 
1.0 
1,069.9 
1,146.2 

2020 
24.10p 

£5.38 
£8.97 

* 

Represents the dividends declared by the Directors in respect of the above years excluding the Euromoney cash distributions and Euromoney 
dividend in specie 

208
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Company Statement of Financial Position 

At 30 September 2020 

ASSETS 
Fixed assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Shares in Group undertakings 
Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash at bank and in hand 
Deferred tax 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES 
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

CAPITAL AND RESERVES 
Called-up share capital 
Share premium account 
Share capital 
Reserve for own shares 
Capital redemption reserve 
Profit and loss account 

Equity shareholders’ funds 

At  
30 September  
2020  
£m 

At  
30 September  
2019  
£m 

Note 

5 
8 
9 
10 

10 
11 
14 

12 
12 

13 
13 

15 

15 
16 
17 

0.3  
3,168.4  
1.0  
3.2  
3,172.9  

40.2  
155.8  
6.7  
202.7  
3,375.6  

(470.8) 
(1.4) 
(472.2) 

(202.7) 
(23.1) 
(225.8) 
(698.0) 

0.6  
3,237.6  
1.0  
3.6  
3,242.8  

40.3  
40.1  
5.6  
86.0  
3,328.8  

(264.5) 
(0.8) 
(265.3) 

(202.8) 
(24.4) 
(227.2) 
(492.5) 

2,677.6  

2,836.3  

29.3  
17.8  
47.1  
(59.3) 
21.2  
2,668.6  

29.3  
17.8  
47.1  
(49.1) 
21.2  
2,817.1  

2,677.6  

2,836.3  

The financial statements on pages 209 to 218 were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 20 November 2020. They were signed on 
their behalf by: 

The Viscount Rothermere 
P Zwillenberg 

Directors 

209
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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 30 September 2020 

At 30 September 2018 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 2018 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Cancellation of A Ordinary Non-Voting shares 
Dividends paid 
Euromoney dividend in specie 
Euromoney cash distribution 
Credit to equity for share-based payments 
Deferred tax on share-based payments 
Own shares acquired in the year 
Settlement of exercised share options 
Own shares released on vesting of share options 

At 30 September 2019 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive expense for the year 

Dividends paid 
Credit to equity for share based payments 
Deferred tax on share based payments 
Own shares acquired in the year 
Settlement of exercised share options 
Own shares released on vesting of share options 

Note 

(i) 

(i) 
(i) 

Called-up  
share capital 
£m 
45.3  
– 

45.3  

Share 
 premium 
account 
£m 
17.8  
– 

17.8  

– 

– 

(16.0) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

29.3  

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

17.8  

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 
5.2  
– 

5.2  

– 

– 

16.0  
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

21.2  

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Reserve 
 for own 
 shares 
£m 
(57.2) 
– 

(57.2) 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2.5) 
– 
10.6  

Profit  
and loss 
 account 
£m 
3,314.6  
0.7  

3,315.3  

429.0  

429.0  

– 
(74.1) 
(661.8) 
(200.0) 
10.2  
0.6  
– 
(0.7) 
(1.4) 

Total 
£m 
3,325.7  
0.7  

3,326.4  

429.0  

429.0  

– 
(74.1) 
(661.8) 
(200.0) 
10.2  
0.6  
(2.5) 
(0.7) 
9.2  

(49.1) 

2,817.1  

2,836.3  

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
(19.7) 
– 
9.5  

(106.1) 

(106.1) 

(106.1) 

(106.1) 

(54.9) 
11.7  
(0.6) 
– 
(0.2) 
1.6  

(54.9) 
11.7  
(0.6) 
(19.7) 
(0.2) 
11.1  

At 30 September 2020 

29.3  

17.8  

21.2  

(59.3) 

2,668.6  

2,677.6  

(i)  On 3 March 2019, the Group announced its intention to distribute all of the Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (Euromoney) shares owned by 

the Group to certain holders of DMGT’s A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (A Shares), by way of a dividend in specie (the Euromoney Distribution), 
as well as a £200.0 million cash distribution (the Cash Distribution). The terms were such that Fully Participating Shareholders would 
participate in the Euromoney Distribution and Cash Distribution whilst Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders would only participate in the  
Cash Distribution and on a limited basis. 

The proposal was approved at a Class Meeting of the Fully Participating Shareholders on 26 March 2019. The Euromoney Distribution occurred 
at 8am on 2 April 2019 and the Cash Distribution on 15 April 2019. 

Before these distributions were made c.46.4% of the A Shares held by Fully Participating Shareholders were converted into a new class of  
B Shares and c.4.0% of the A Shares held by Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders converted into a new class of C Shares. The Euromoney 
Distribution and a special dividend of £183.0 million in aggregate in cash was then paid to the Fully Participating Shareholders in respect of the 
B Shares and a restricted special dividend of £17.0 million in aggregate in cash was paid to the Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders in respect of 
the C Shares. Once these distributions were made the B Shares and the C Shares were converted into Deferred B Shares and Deferred C Shares 
respectively before being transferred to the Company for no valuable consideration and cancelled shortly thereafter. Consequently, these 
distributions resulted in a reduction in the share capital of DMGT plc. The voting Ordinary Shares did not participate in the distributions. 

For each A Share held at 6.00pm on 29 March 2019, the conversion record time, the Fully Participating Shareholders received c.0.19933 of a 
Euromoney Share and c.68.13p in cash, and there was a reduction in their holding of c.0.46409 of an A Share. For each A Share held by the 
Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders, they received c.25.53p in cash and there was a reduction in their holding of c.0.03946 of an A Share. 

The Rothermere Affiliated Shareholders’ proportionate interest in the total number of A Shares in issue increased from 20.0% of the issued  
A Shares before the distributions to 30.0% after and their combined shareholding of A Shares and Ordinary Shares increased from 24.0% of  
the issued A Shares and Ordinary Shares before the distributions to 36.0% after. 

Following the disposal of Euromoney in 2019 the Company intends to make available £113.6 million from the Group’s cash resources to the 
defined benefit schemes (the Schemes). This will be held in a cash Escrow arrangement for the benefit of the Schemes, to be released to the 
Schemes or DMGT depending on the future level of the Schemes’ funding. None of the Escrow will be released before 2024, up to £50.0 million 
may be released to the Schemes in 2024 depending on funding level, and in 2026 any remaining funds on Escrow will either be released to 
DMGT or the Schemes depending on funding level. See Note 35 of the Group’s Annual Report.

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Company Statement  
of Financial Performance 

1 Basis of preparation 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is 
Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT. 

The financial statements of DMGT have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101, ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ 
(FRS 101). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. See Note 2 for further detail. 

All amounts presented have been rounded to the nearest £0.1 million. 

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 loss after tax for the year was £106.1 million (2019 profit of £429.0 million). This includes dividends receivable from 
subsidiary undertakings amounting to £nil (2019 £537.8 million). 

Impact of amendments to accounting standards 
The Company has applied the exemption available under FRS 101 in relation to paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8, Accounting policies, changes in 
accounting estimates and errors (requirement for the disclosure of information when an entity has not applied a new IFRS that has been issued 
and is not yet effective). 

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 reporting date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting 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 in subsidiary undertakings 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are held at cost less any provision for impairment. 

Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
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. 

As permitted by IFRS 9, the Group classifies its equity investments at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income. All fair value movements are 
recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and gains and losses are not recycled to the Income Statement on disposal.  

Dividend income from Financial assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income is recorded in the Income Statement. 

Unlisted equity investments are valued using a variety of approaches including comparable company valuation multiples and discounted cashflow 
techniques. In extremely limited circumstances, where insufficient recent information is available to measure fair value or when there is a wide 
range of possible fair value measurements, cost is used since this represents the best estimate of fair value in the range of possible valuations. 

The fair value of listed equity investments is determined based on quoted market prices.  

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 reporting date. Deferred tax is provided in full on timing differences that result in an 
obligation at the reporting 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. 

211
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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the Company Statement  
of Financial Performance 

2 Significant accounting policies continued 
Financial instruments disclosures 
Financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable 
amounts. The majority of other receivables relate to amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings. Further information concerning interest charged on 
these receivables is set out in Note 10. 

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 and other payables 
Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value. 

Capital market and bank borrowings 
Interest bearing loans and overdrafts are initially measured at fair value (which is equal to net proceeds at inception), and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. A portion of the Company’s bonds are subject to fair value hedge accounting 
and this portion of the carrying value is adjusted for the movement in the hedged risk to the extent hedge effectiveness is achieved. Any difference 
between the proceeds, net of transaction costs and the settlement or redemption of borrowings is recognised over the term of the borrowing. 

Equity instruments 
Equity instruments issued by the 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 statement of financial position 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 in Note 34 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 IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures and included disclosures relating to 
financial instruments in Note 34 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

Cash flow statement 
The Company has utilised the exemptions provided under IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows 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 IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures and included disclosures relating to related parties in 
Note 44 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

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 42 of the Group’s 
Annual Report. 

Retirement benefits 
The defined benefit pension schemes’ surpluses/deficits have been allocated to Group companies on a buy-out basis – that is of an estimate of the 
liabilities and assets of the defined benefit schemes as at 30 September 2020. Accordingly the Company has not recorded an asset or liability in 
relation to the Group’s defined benefit scheme. 

Further information can be found in Note 35 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

212
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
The following represents the key source of estimation uncertainty that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the 
financial statements: 

Impairment reviews are performed when there is an indicator that the carrying value of the shares in Group undertakings could exceed their 
recoverable values based on their value in use or 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 Board-approved budgets and forecasts which reflect management’s current experience 
and future expectations of the markets in which the Group undertaking operates.  

Risk adjusted pre-tax discount rates used by the Company in its impairment tests range from 10.5% to 15.3%, the choice of rates depending on the 
risks specific to that cash generating unit (CGU). The cash flow projections consist of a Board-approved budget for the following year, outlooks for 
the proceeding four years with nominal long-term growth rates beyond these periods. The nominal long-term (decline)/growth rates range from 
(3.0%) to 5.0% and vary with management’s view of the CGU’s market position, maturity of the relevant market and do not exceed the long-term 
average growth rate for the industry in which the CGU operates.  

The carrying value of the investment in Group undertakings is £3,168.4 million (2019 £3,237.6 million). 

Using the criteria above the Company has provided a sensitivity analysis of the key assumptions used to support the carrying value of its 
investments in Group undertakings. 

If the growth rate assumptions above were reduced by 1.0% this would increase the impairment by £188.8 million. If the growth rate assumptions 
above were increased by 1.0% this would reduce the impairment by £264.3 million resulting in headroom. 

If the discount rate assumptions above were reduced by 1.0% this would reduce the impairment by £235.0 million resulting in headroom. If the 
discount rate assumptions above were increased by 1.0% this would increase the impairment by £184.8 million. 

3 Auditor’s remuneration 
Statutory audit fees relating to the Company amounted to £0.7 million (2019 £0.5 million). 

4 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 

2020 
Number 
11 

2019 
Number 
19 

2020 
£m 

3.3  
10.9  
2.4  
0.1  
16.7 

2019 
£m 

9.5 
9.0 
1.7 
0.1 
20.3 

The remuneration of the Directors of the Company during the period are disclosed in the Remuneration Report of the Group’s Annual Report. 

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Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the Company Statement  
of Financial Performance 

5 Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 
At 30 September 2018 and 2019 
Additions 

At 30 September 2020 

Accumulated depreciation 
At 30 September 2018 
Charge for the year 

At 30 September 2019 
Charge for the year 

At 30 September 2020 

Net book value – 2018 
Net book value – 2019 

Net book value – 2020 

Fixtures,  
fittings and 
 artwork  
£m 

0.9 
 – 

0.9 

 – 
(0.3) 
(0.3) 
(0.3) 

(0.6) 

0.9 
0.6 

0.3 

6 Tax 
There was a current tax credit for the year of £7.5 million (2019 £8.1 million). 

7 Dividends 
During the period, the Company paid a final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2019 of 16.6 pence per share and an interim dividend for the 
year ended 30 September 2020 of 7.5 pence to Ordinary and A Ordinary shareholders amounting to £54.9 million (2019 £74.1 million). 

The Board has declared a final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2020 of 16.6 pence per Ordinary/A Ordinary Non-Voting Share (2019  
16.6 pence) which will absorb an estimated £37.6 million (2019 £37.8 million) of shareholders’ equity for which no liability has been recognised in 
these financial statements. It will be paid on 5 February 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 4 December 2020. 

8 Shares in Group undertakings (listed on pages 203 to 205) 

Cost 
£m 
3,353.6 
219.1 
 – 
3,572.7 
9.2 
 – 

3,581.9 

Cost 
£m 

9.2 
– 
9.2 

Provision 
£m 
(320.0) 
 – 
(15.1) 
(335.1) 
 – 
(78.4) 

(413.5) 

Provision 
£m 

(336.2) 
257.8 
(78.4) 

Net book 
 value 
 £m 
3,033.6 
219.1 
(15.1) 
3,237.6 
9.2 
(78.4) 

3,168.4 

Total 
£m 

(327.0) 
257.8 
(69.2) 

At 30 September 2018 
Additions 
Impairment charge 

At 30 September 2019 
Additions 
Impairment charge 

At 30 September 2020 

Analysis of movements in the period: 
Daily Mail and General Holdings Ltd 
DMGB Ltd 

214
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

9 Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 

At 30 September 2018 Available for sale investments 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 2018 
Disposals 

At 30 September 2019 Financial assets at Fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 
Movement 

At 30 September 2020 Financial assets at Fair value through Other Comprehensive Income 

10 Trade and other receivables 

Amounts falling due after more than one year 
Derivative financial assets 

Amounts falling due within one year 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 
Other financial assets 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Other receivables 
Corporation tax 
Derivative financial assets 

£m 
6.5 
0.7 
7.2 
(6.2) 
1.0 
– 

1.0 

2019 
£m 

3.6 
3.6 

2019 
£m 

16.6 
15.4 
0.2 
0.2 
7.9 
– 
40.3 

Note 

(i) 

Note 

(ii) 

(i) 

2020 
£m 

3.2  
3.2  

2020 
£m 

9.7  
21.7  
0.6  
0.1  
7.5  
0.6 
40.2  

(i)  Details of the Company’s derivative financial assets are set out in Note 34 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

(ii)  The Company deposits collateral with its bank counterparties with whom it has entered into a credit support annex to an ISDA (International 

Swaps and Derivatives Association) Master Agreement. This represents cash that cannot be readily used in operations. 

11 Cash at bank and in hand 

Cash at bank and in hand 

12 Trade and other payables falling due within one year 

10.00 % Bonds 2021 
Bank overdrafts 
Interest payable 
Amounts owing to Group undertakings 
Accruals and deferred income 
Other payables 

2020 
£m 
155.8  

2020 
£m 
0.8  
0.6  
3.6  
461.6  
5.4  
0.2  
472.2  

Note 

(i) 

(i)  Amounts owing to Group undertakings are repayable on demand and bear interest of UK bank base rate plus 0.5%. 

2019  
£m 
40.1 

2019 
£m 
 – 
0.8 
3.6 
251.8 
8.9 
0.2 
265.3 

215
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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the Company Statement  
of Financial Performance 

13 Trade and other payables falling due after more than one year 

10.00 % Bonds 2021 
6.375 % Bonds 2027 
Derivative financial liabilities 

The nominal values of the bonds are as follows: 

10.00 % Bonds 2021 
6.375 % Bonds 2027 

Note 

(i) 

2020 
£m 
– 
202.7  
23.1  
225.8  

2020 
£m 
0.8  
200.0  
200.8  

2019  
£m 
0.8 
202.0 
24.4 
227.2 

2019 
£m 
0.8 
200.0 
200.8 

(i)  Details of the Company’s derivative financial liabilities are set out in Note 34 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

The Company’s bonds have been adjusted from their nominal values to take account of direct issue costs, discounts and movements in hedged 
risks. The issue costs and discounts are being amortised over the expected lives of the bonds using the effective interest method. The unamortised 
issue costs amount to £0.4 million (2019 £0.5 million) and the unamortised discount amounts to £0.6 million (2019 £0.7 million). 

Details of the fair value of the Company’s bonds are set out in Note 33 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

The bonds are subject to fair value hedging using derivatives as set out in Note 34 of the Group’s Annual Report. Consequently, their carrying value  
is also adjusted to take into account the effects of this hedging activity. 

During the prior period the Company bought back £6.4 million nominal of its outstanding 2021 bonds incurring a premium of £0.9 million. 

The book value of the Company’s other borrowings equates to fair value.  

The maturity profile of the Company’s borrowings is as follows: 

Overdrafts 
£m 

Bonds 
£m 

Owed to group 
undertakings 
£m 

Total 
£m 

2020 
Within one year 

Over five years 

2019 
Within one year 

Between one and two years 
Over five years 

14 Deferred tax 
Movements on the deferred tax asset were as follows: 

At start of year 
Share-based payments 
Tax charge for the year 

At end of year 

0.6  

 – 
 – 

0.6  

0.8 

 – 
 – 
 – 

0.8 

0.8  

461.6  

463.0  

202.7  
202.7  

203.5  

– 
– 

461.6  

202.7  
202.7  

665.7  

 – 

251.8 

252.6 

0.8 
202.0 
202.8 

202.8 

 – 
 – 
 – 

251.8 

2020 
£m 
5.6  
(0.6) 
1.7  
6.7  

0.8 
202.0 
202.8 

455.4 

2019 
 £m 
3.8 
0.6 
1.2 
5.6 

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. 

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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020 
Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

2020 
£m 
17.8 

2020 
£m 
(49.1) 
(19.7) 
9.5  
(59.3) 

2019 
 £m 
17.8 

2019 
 £m 
(57.2) 
(2.5) 
10.6  
(49.1) 

15 Capital and Reserves 
Share premium account: 

At start and end of year 

Own shares: 

At start of year 
Additions 
Own shares released on vesting of share options 

At end of year 

The Company’s investment in its own shares represents shares held in treasury or shares held by an employee benefit trust to satisfy incentive 
schemes. At 30 September 2020, this investment comprised the cost of 4,455,593 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2019 4,566,121 shares) held in 
treasury and 3,705,104 A Ordinary Non-Voting Shares (2019 2,157,613 shares) held in the employee benefit trust. The market value of the Treasury 
Shares at 30 September 2020 was £29.0 million (2019 £38.9 million) and the market value of the shares held in the employee benefit trust at  
30 September 2020 was £24.1 million (2019 £18.4 million). 

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. 

16 Capital redemption reserve 

At start and end of year 

17 Profit and loss account 

At start of year 
Adjustment for transition to IFRS 9 

Restated at 1 October 
Net profit for the year 
Dividends paid 
Euromoney dividend in specie 
Euromoney cash distribution 
Other movements on share option schemes 

At end of year 

Total reserves 

£m 
21.2  

2019 
£m 
3,314.6  
0.7  
3,315.3  
429.0  
(74.1) 
(661.8) 
(200.0) 
8.7  
2,817.1  

2020 
£m 
2,817.1  
– 
2,817.1  
(106.1) 
(54.9) 
– 
– 
12.5  
2,668.6  

2,648.3  

2,807.0  

The Directors estimate that £1,532.9 million of the Company’s profit and loss account reserve is not distributable (2019 £1,532.9 million). 

18 Contingent liabilities and guarantees 
At 30 September 2020 the Company had guaranteed subsidiaries’ outstanding derivatives which had a mark to market liability valuation of £nil 
(2019 £nil) and letters of credit with a principal value of £2.3 million (2019 £2.9 million). The Company is the guarantor of a loan note amounting to 
£150.0 million (2019 £150.0 million) in respect of the contingent asset partnership referred to in Note 44 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

217
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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 
Financial Statements

Financial Statements 
Notes to the Company Statement  
of Financial Performance 

19 Ultimate holding company 
The Company’s immediate parent company is Rothermere Continuation Limited (RCL), a company incorporated in Jersey, in the Channel Islands, 
and previously named Rothermere Investments Limited.   

On 5 December 2019, pursuant to a consolidation of the Group’s holding structure, RCL acquired a Bermudan company known as Rothermere 
Continuation (Old Co) Limited (previously named Rothermere Continuation Limited), (RCOCL), and certain assets held by RCOCL, including 100% 
of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company. RCL now holds 100% of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company. 

Ultimate controlling party 
Rothermere Continuation Limited (RCL) is a holding company incorporated in Jersey, in the Channel Islands. The main asset of RCL is its controlling 
shareholding in DMGT, being its 100% holding of DMGT’s issued Ordinary Shares and the largest single holding of DMGT A Ordinary Shares. RCL is 
controlled by a discretionary trust (the Trust) which is held for the benefit of Viscount Rothermere and his immediate family. The Trust represents 
the ultimate controlling party of the Company. Both RCL and the Trust are administered in Jersey. RCL and its directors, and the Trust are related 
parties of the Company.  

On 5 December 2019, pursuant to a consolidation of the Group’s holding structure, RCL acquired a Bermudan company known as Rothermere 
Continuation (Old Co) Limited (previously named Rothermere Continuation Limited), (RCOCL), and certain assets held by RCOCL, including 100%  
of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company. RCL now holds 100% of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company, however the underlying control 
of DMGT remains unchanged and continues to lie with the Trust.  

20 Post balance sheet events 
Details of the Company’s post balance sheet events can be found within Note 45 of the Group’s Annual Report. 

218
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Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationDaily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020

Shareholder Information

Company Secretary and Registered Office
Fran Sallas
Northcliffe House
2 Derry Street
London
W8 5TT
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3615 0000
Email: enquiries@dmgt.com
England Registered Number: 184594

Website
The Group’s website (www.dmgt.com) gives information on the Company and its operating companies and includes details of significant 
Group announcements.

Financial calendar 2021

21 January
3 February
5 February
31 March
9 April 
27 May
10 June
11 June
21 June 
2 July
22 July
30 September
18 November
25 November
26 November

Trading update
Annual General Meeting
Payment of final dividend
Half year end
Payment of interest on bonds 
Half yearly financial report released
Interim ex-dividend date
Interim record date
Payment of interest on bonds 
Payment of interim dividend
Trading update
Year end
Announcement of annual results
Ex-dividend date
Record date

Capital gains tax
The market value of the 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.

Distribution of Euromoney shares
The distribution to DMGT’s shareholders of shares in Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (Euromoney) on 2 April 2019 was treated as income 
for UK tax purposes, in the same way as DMGT’s usual dividend payments. For the purposes of UK individual shareholders calculating dividend 
income and the base cost of Euromoney shares for capital gains tax purposes, the value per Euromoney share was £13.00. The ‘Retail Investor 
Tax FAQs’ document in the ‘Shareholders’ section of www.dmgt.com contains further information about the tax implications for UK individual 
shareholders, including the base cost for capital gains tax purposes of their remaining shares in DMGT.

Registrars
All enquiries regarding shareholdings, dividends, lost share certificates, or changes of address should be directed to Equiniti, the Company’s 
Registrars, at the address set out on the following page.

Electronic communications
EQ 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 Annual 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.

219

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationShareholder Information

Shareholder Information

Low-cost share dealing service
EQ 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 +44 (0)3456 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 home page of the Company’s website at www.dmgt.com.

Eurobond paying agent
The paying agent for the Company’s 10% Bonds due 2021 and the 6.375% Bonds due 2027 is Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Winchester 
House, 1 Great Winchester Street, London EC2N 2DB. Enquiries should be directed to John Donegan, Group Financial Controller, whose email 
address is john.donegan@dmgt.com.

CREST
Shareholders have the choice of either 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, whose email address is adam.webster@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, ShareGift can be contacted by visiting its website at www.sharegift.org 
or by writing to ShareGift, 4th Floor Rear, 67/68 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6NY.

Shareholdings at 30 September 2020

Ordinary Shares

Balance ranges

1–500,000
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
2

2

0.00
100.00

100.00

0
19,890,364

19,890,364

0.00
100.00

100.00

Total number of holdings

Percentage of holders

Total number of shares

Percentage issued capital

859
370
106
49
52

25
36
29

56.29
24.25
6.95
3.21
3.41

1.64
2.36
1.90

1,526

100.00

228,543
882,898
739,581
701,553
1,584,856

1,735,614
8,071,082
200,969,200

214,913,327

0.11
0.41
0.34
0.33
0.74

0.81
3.76
93.51

100.00

Advisers
Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited
One Cabot Square
London E14 4QJ
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7888 8888

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1 Embankment Place
London WC2N 6RH
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7583 5000

J.P. Morgan Securities plc
25 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14 5JP
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7777 2000

220

Registrars
EQ Limited  
Aspect House  
Spencer Road  
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA  
Telephone: +44 (0)371 384 2302

Daily Mail and General Trust plc Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsShareholder InformationS
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Visit www.dmgt.com to see what is 
happening across our business and 
the marketplaces in which we operate.

Contact Details
DMGT Head Office 
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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