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Fairfax Media Limited
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Fairfax Media Limited
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fairfax media

conversations
that matter

annual report 2014

60% 

of Australians 
consume fairfax 
content

80% 

of new Zealanders 
consume fairfax 
content

AcroSS prinT, web, Mobile And TAbleT plATforMS

fairfax new Zealand  
reaches

2.9m  

people daily

Aged 15+

fairfax Australia 
reaches

10.6m  

people a month

Aged 14+

new Zealand’s number 1

6.3m 
print

 7.1m 
web

2m 
Mobile/ 
Tablet

newS & Mobile webSiTe

fAirfAx plATforM uSerS

13

WalKleY aWards

froM 27 noMinATionS in 2013

Melbourne’S no. 1 rAdio STATion

out of

18 
41

advertising 
& marKeting 
aWards

out of

14 
33

neWspaper 
of the Year 
aWards

in 2014

in 2014

pAid digiTAl SubScripTionS for THe Sydney Morning HerAld And THe Age*

140,000+
111,000

exiSTing SMH/THe Age prinT SubScriberS Signed up for digiTAl AcceSS*

*AS AT 11 AuguST 2014

#1

$7.5m

raised by fairfax 
events for hundreds 
of charities across 
Australia

The Australian financial 
review is the most widely 
read business news 
brand among Australia’s 
‘business elite’

Winner

north richmond 
aWarded panpa 
print site of 
the Year 2014

doMAin AgenT SubScriberS8550+ up 

12%

5.4m

3.4m

1.4m

806k

The Sydney  
Morning Herald

The  
Age

The Australian 
financial review

The canberra 
Times

ToTAl MASTHeAd reAderSHip per MonTH

1.2 million

AuSTrAliAnS AcceSS THe SMH on A Mobile or TAbleT per MonTH

The Sydney Morning Herald is number 1 in total masthead 
readership. SMH has the largest total masthead readership 
in Australia across print, web, mobile and tablet

fairfax media
is at the heart of 
conversations that matter.
our independent journalism 
and QualitY content Keeps 
people informed and connected 
– and We have been doing 
it for more than 180 Years. 
We are a trusted voice, informing, 
engaging and entertaining audiences and 
communities in Australia and New Zealand 
via our newspapers, websites, radio stations, 
events and dynamic digital venues.

Every day thousands of our reporters 
connect millions of people with our news 
and media business. They perform their jobs 
with independence, insight and integrity.

All of this is possible because our audience, 
our customers, are at the centre of everything 
we do. And our advertisers know it.

Every day Fairfax becomes a stronger 
company. We are a more agile, more 
focused, more digital-centric media business.

Fairfax is ready for today and more prepared 
than ever for tomorrow as we grow and 
extend our media core into a broadly based 
services business – spanning marketing, 
property, data, entertainment and beyond 
– to sustain the important work we do.

independent. alWaYs.

// 1 

//pursue

conversations that matter.

// eddie obeid confronted bY media after icac 
inQuirY appearance in februarY 2013.

2 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

// Kate McClymont

Investigative Journalist,  
The Sydney Morning Herald

i often thanK mY 
lucKY stars that 
i became a journalist 
With the sYdneY 
morning herald. 

It is both a joy and a privilege to have a job where 
you know your endeavours can actually make 
a difference to society. A train driver recently 
jumped out of his cabin, slapped me on the 
back and told me: “We are all behind what you 
do!” The fact that our readers support us in 
our efforts is both heartening and energising. 
We are the public’s eyes and ears. We are their 
conscience. What we do, we do for them.

Investigative journalism is flourishing because 
Fairfax Media is unflinching in its desire to 
support and promote the kind of work that 
we do. If The Sydney Morning Herald’s motto 
is “Independent. Always.”, mine is “Fearless. 
Always.” And if I am afraid, I don’t let on because, 
if journalists don’t shine a light on serious 
corruption, who will?

// 3 

PHOTO: ROB HOMER

independent. alWaYs.

// Sinead Boucher

Group Executive Editor,
Fairfax Media New Zealand

everY daY our journalists 
use their immense talents 
to touch the lives of 
more than tWo million 
neW Zealanders. 

They welcome us into their lives, allowing us 
to tell their stories and champion their causes 
in our newspapers, websites and magazines. 
Our 600 journalists are in every community 
in New Zealand. They make up the biggest 
news force in the country and are united as 
a virtual team – One Newsroom – producing 
the highest-quality journalism for our audiences 
in a range of compelling and innovative ways. 

They cover the issues and achievements that 
matter, from what’s going on in small towns 
to holding the nation’s most powerful people 
to account. 

They work across our digital and print platforms. 
They offer our audiences a strong voice 
through the community digital platform Stuff 
Nation where they contribute their own stories 
and opinions for publication on New Zealand’s 
biggest news site stuff.co.nz. By putting our 
audiences and customers at the heart of 
everything we do, we can build a sustainable 
digital-centric business for the future while 
keeping our communities strong and vital.

4 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

independent. alWaYs.

//create

conversations that matter.

neW Zealand’s lorde relishes her time 
in the spotlight as a pop music sensation.

PHOTO: CYBELE MALINOWSKI

// 5 

//voice

conversations that matter.

//orphan and sex abuse victim graham rundle Wrote  
a booK titled ‘44’. he also told his storY to journalist 
joanne mccarthY for a profile in julY 2014.

PHOTO: JONATHAN CARROLL

6 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

// Chad Watson

Editor, 
Newcastle Herald

We are proudlY parochial 
– the voice of the hunter 
– and With that comes 
great responsibilitY. 

The Newcastle Herald’s mantra is local 
stories about local people and local events. 
We celebrate, commiserate, agitate, investigate, 
advocate and, most importantly, we participate. 
And we are doing it across more platforms 
and reaching more people than ever. Regional 
newspapers are different from metropolitan 
mastheads, but their positive message can 
be even more powerful. 

It’s no longer enough to set the agenda; 
we sometimes need to shift the agenda. 
We must stand up for our communities, battle 
for greater recognition, argue for a fairer share 
of government funding, and we must fight for 
justice. As the Voice of the Hunter, we are a loud 
hailer for those who can’t speak out themselves. 
Which is what we did with our “Shine the Light” 
campaign into sex abuse within the Catholic 
Church. Gold Walkley-winning reporter Joanne 
McCarthy campaigned fearlessly and selflessly 
for the current Royal Commission. 

That sort of tenacity, combined with 
innovative approaches to serving our region 
and delivering our journalism, has earned the 
Newcastle Herald back-to-back newspaper 
and website of the year awards from the Pacific 
Area Newspaper Publishers’ Association.

// 7 

independent. alWaYs.

chairman’s 
report

Total Group revenue declined 3% to $1,972.7 million 
from the prior year. After taking into account 
significant items, the Company reported a net profit 
after tax of $224.4 million. The reported net profit 
result includes profit on significant items after tax 
of $66.7 million. 

Significant items comprised a gain from the sales 
of Stayz Group and other controlled entities totalling 
$100.4 million, which was offset by restructuring and 
redundancy costs of $16.9 million and impairments 
of property, plant and equipment of $16.8 million, 
mainly relating to print site closures.

The almost $1 billion reduction in net debt over the 
past two years has played a big part in restructuring 
the Company’s balance sheet. It puts us in a very 
strong position given the changing circumstances 
of our industry and allowed us to finish the year 
with net cash of $68 million.

leading the change
In the face of dramatic industry change, happening 
internationally and now being experienced in 
Australia and New Zealand, it has been necessary 
for us to restructure our business to provide 
for greater levels of productivity and efficiency. 

The changes have been absolutely vital in the face 
of reducing revenues. Critical to these changes has 
been the preservation of the quality and scope of our 
journalism, which is of course the defining necessity 
to ensure the ongoing success of our publications with 
our audiences. In fact, of the redundancies that resulted 
from the re-engineering of our business, only a small 
proportion was from the ranks of our journalists. 

In the 2013 Annual Report, I set out a number of 
the elements that would contribute to our ongoing 
objective of simplifying our business and reducing costs. 
In 2014, we made substantial progress in delivering the 
benefits of Fairfax of the Future, announced in February 
2012 as a three-to-four year program. 

It is delivering the outcomes we intended, with core 
operating costs for the year down 6.3% on a continuing 
business basis. Publishing costs were down 13.8%. 
We are on track to achieve our target of $311 million 
in annualised savings by 2015. The program delivered 

the success of fairfax media’s 
strategies for adapting to 
ongoing change in the media 
industrY is reflected in the 
companY’s financial performance 
this Year. the companY’s operating 
earnings stabilised as We reshaped 
the business for future groWth. 
For the 2014 financial year, Fairfax delivered 
operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
and amortisation (EBITDA) of $306.4 million for 
continuing businesses, which was about 2% higher 
than the $300.9 million recorded in the prior year. 
For continuing businesses we grew earnings per 
share from 3.7 cents to 6.6 cents and doubled the 
full-year dividend. 

Among media stocks around the world, this was 
a unique performance. Shareholders would also 
be aware of the differing performance of other 
companies in this sector in Australia.

The growth in full-year profit was achieved in an 
international and local environment of continuing 
print revenue declines, reflecting a continued structural 
shift away from print advertising. This was almost 
completely offset by revenue growth in Domain, 
digital revenue growth and new revenue streams.

8 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

as We looK to the future, 
We Will be disciplined, 
pragmatic and innovative 
as We execute our strategY.

roger corbett 
chairman

an incremental EBITDA contribution of $120 million 
in 2014. Cost savings are ongoing.

Significant developments and milestones that 
contributed to our progress included:

// Closure of Chullora and Tullamarine print sites. 

These sites were operating under capacity. We now 
print at our smaller, upgraded plants at North 
Richmond and Ballarat. It was terrific that the North 
Richmond print site was recognised as Print Centre 
of the Year at the 2014 PANPA Newspaper of the 
Year awards. 

// Contracting with APN News & Media in New 
Zealand for APN to provide printing services 
at its Ellerslie facility in Auckland for several 
of our New Zealand newspapers, allowing us to 
avoid around NZ$20 million in capital investment.

// Becoming a leaner, more agile organisation with 
the achievement of cost efficiencies through 
initiatives including partnering with TeleTech for 
contact centre services, outsourcing of advertising 
production, sub-letting of real-estate at our 
main Sydney and Melbourne offices, and use 
of centralised sub-editing services.

// Growing digital subscriptions for smh.com.au 

and theage.com.au strongly in the first year since 
they were introduced. Digital subscriptions for the 
SMH, The Age and The Australian Financial Review 
contributed total revenue of $24 million in 2014.

A number of significant transactions were completed 
in our Digital Ventures division, including the 
strategic divestment of Stayz in December 2013 for 
approximately $220 million, the sale of InvestSMART 
in August 2013 for $7 million, and the merger of RSVP 
and Oasis Active announced in June 2014. 

The merger brings together two of Australia’s largest 
online dating services. Fairfax holds a 58% interest 
in the merged RSVP/Oasis entity. 

These transactions followed our previous initiative 
to sell Trade Me – a business we acquired for 
NZ$750 million in 2006, grew, and sold in 2012 when 
its market capitalisation was NZ$1.6 billion. 

Stayz was sold on an extremely pleasing multiple 
of 16.8x FY13 EBITDA. We had acquired this business in 

// 9 

// chairman’s report cont’d

$224.4m

statutory  
net profit

$154.8m

underlying  
net profit

AfTer TAx

AfTer TAx for conTinuing buSineSSeS

2005 and expanded it significantly with only modest 
additional capital investment. We believe that, as digital 
markets evolve, Stayz’s growth prospects are more 
secure in the hands of a global player with global reach, 
resources and expertise in the holiday rental space.

groWing our business
Our Digital Ventures portfolio now comprises seven 
high-potential digital businesses and investments. 
Investments during the year included a minority 
interest in Sydney-based digital health services 
company Healthshare, and a joint venture with 
leading international job search engine Adzuna 
to provide a new platform for recruiters and job 
seekers in Australia.

The Domain Group is going from strength to strength, 
continuing its national expansion strategy with the 
acquisition of property data business Property Data 
Solutions for approximately $30 million in December 
2013 and the acquisition of Canberra’s leading 
real-estate listings business Allhomes, which was 
announced in July 2014.

During the year we completed our review of our 
Australian Community Media business. This business 
consists of more than 150 rural and regional 
newspapers and websites. We will transform this 
business into a more powerful network that will 
deliver an even better news and advertising service 
to Australian rural communities. Our Chief Executive 
elaborates further on this in his report.

We are building on our core media assets and 
leveraging our strengths. Our business model 
now extends to a range of services businesses 
– marketing services, property services, data services 
and entertainment. This provides the core for future 
investment focus and the development of new 
revenue streams, all driven by our fundamental 
capabilities as a leading multi-media business with 
large-scale audiences.

In late August 2014, Fairfax entered into a 50:50 

joint-venture with Nine Entertainment Co. to launch 
an Australian subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) 
service in the 2015 financial year. 

This service will offer a broad range of local and 
international programs to subscribers on their 
various devices for a fixed monthly subscription 
fee with no minimum term. SVOD is expected 
to grow significantly in Australia in the next decade 
with media consumers looking to supplement 
their free-to-air viewing with on-demand, 
internet-delivered content. This is an exciting 
investment by Fairfax as we continue to find new 
ways to connect with and deliver content to our 
large-scale audiences.

Our strategy and strong balance sheet put us 
in a position to invest in existing and new business 
areas where our content gives us competitive 
strength. Education, travel, health and lifestyle are 
segments of the economy that have been identified 
as major growth opportunities for the future.

During the year we made pleasing progress with 
several new revenue growth areas, including Events, 
Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Digital and 
Marketing Services (now integrated with Australian 
Community Media), Content Marketing and Data. 

Our Marketing Services division was created during 
the year and includes Content Marketing and Events 
businesses to take a 360-degree view of clients’ 
needs – not only advertising, but a full suite of 
services beyond traditional marketing. The Events 
business is building a good portfolio and expanding 
into new geographic markets via key platforms 
including food and sport. 

Content Marketing continues to attract significant 
interest from major corporations and has a strong 
pipeline of activity. We continue to develop our 
data strategy. It represents a significant opportunity 
to provide additional value and services to our 
advertisers and subscribers. 

10 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

4¢

total  
dividends

$68m

net cash

fully frAnked

AT 29 June 2014

our future
Your Board is mindful of the possibility of media 
ownership law reform as the media landscape 
continues to evolve. Fairfax would welcome reform 
in this area. We believe the current regulatory 
framework is outdated and no longer meets the 
needs of the industry and the community. 

The rules are decades old and addressed 
a pre-internet industry. They are now largely 
unsuited to the world today. The methods of 
delivering real-time news have changed dramatically. 
Clearly consumers can now choose whatever 
methods of delivery suit their circumstances and 
lifestyles. Media companies like Fairfax need to 
have the flexibility to operate across all available 
media platforms. 

There is a multitude of possible scenarios should the 
legislation change. The strength of our balance sheet, 
reduced cost structures and mastheads means that 
Fairfax is in a strong position to take advantage of any 
market rationalisation that might arise to the benefit 
of our audiences and consumers – and to maximise 
value for our shareholders – should the Government 
embrace what is a compelling case for change. 

A further important note is that 2014 is the first year 
of operation of the remuneration arrangements that 
received strong support from shareholders at the 
2013 Annual General Meeting. These arrangements 
were developed to support the achievement of the 
Company’s strategic transformation by concentrating 
most incentives on the longer term and setting 
annual targets that represent milestones on the way. 
That is why it is structured to be heavily weighted 
to longer term equity opportunities. More detail can 
be found in the Remuneration Report. Your ongoing 
support of these new arrangements is well justified 
by the results to date. 

At the 2014 Annual General Meeting we will have 
three serving Directors standing for election or 
re-election. I am one of the Directors who will 
stand for re-election, along with Peter Young. 
Todd Sampson stands for election for the first time. 

I joined the Board in February 2003 and took on the 
position of Chairman in October 2009. Peter Young 
is a highly experienced investment banker and 
Chairman of Barclays Australia and New Zealand. 
Todd Sampson was appointed as a Director in 
May this year and brings to the Board his extensive 
experience in the media, marketing and advertising 
industry and his commercial success as national 
CEO of Leo Burnett, one of Australia’s leading 
communication companies. 

Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank 
all of our people for their tireless efforts in achieving 
significant progress for the Company in the past year. 
I would also like to acknowledge my fellow Board 
members for the invaluable skills and expertise they 
bring to this Company. 

I would note in particular the outstanding 
contribution of Sam Morgan who retired from the 
Board in May 2014. Sam is a highly successful digital 
entrepreneur and we thank him for his input into 
the Company’s strategic thinking over the past six 
years. Sam decided that the time was right for him 
to move on and will be devoting more time to his 
philanthropic and business ventures in various parts 
of the world.

As we look to the future, we will be disciplined, 
pragmatic and innovative as we execute our strategy. 

I am confident that we are well placed.

roger corbett, ao 
chairman

// 11 

it is noW almost four Years since 
We commenced reshaping fairfax 
media in earnest. our progress is 
reflected in the results for the 
2014 financial Year. theY shoW 
stabilitY in operating earnings, 
a stronger balance sheet With a 
net cash position and substantiallY 
improved bottom line profitabilitY. 
Underpinning this is a vibrant workforce adept at 
using the modern tools of media to drive audience 
engagement and commercial success. 

Transforming a business as diverse as Fairfax was 
always going to be a multi-year undertaking, and 
our progress so far is very pleasing. Successful 
execution of our strategy is creating a leaner, 
more digital-centric structure. 

Now more than ever, Fairfax is well-positioned 
to continue to adapt to an evolving industry.

It is encouraging to see our strategic decisions 
and the performance of our people reflected 
in financial results.

Major initiatives such as our Fairfax of the Future 
program, which will deliver a total of $311 million 
in annualised cost savings by the end of fiscal 2015, 
contributed significantly to the performance of our 
publishing businesses at a time when print advertising 
continues to experience structural decline. 

Our Metropolitan Media publishing division, excluding 
Domain, recorded earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 44.6% 
to almost $66 million, driven by digital subscription 
revenue, our profitable circulation strategy and cost 
initiatives. The improvement in our metropolitan 
publishing businesses augurs well for the long-term 
viability of our newspapers and websites. 

We have changed the operating model and 
embraced new ways of working. Fairfax’s metro 
newsrooms are now genuinely digital first, operating 
with significantly reduced costs, with activities 
outsourced where appropriate. 

12 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

in all parts of our 
business our people are 
focused and committed 
to maKing fairfax 
a stronger business 
and more prepared than 
ever for the future.

greg hYWood 
chief executive officer and managing director

ceo’s 
report

// 13 

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, a new business structure 
and marketing practices drove revenue growth and 
cost reduction.

The Domain Group is growing profitability rapidly, 
with digital advertising revenue growth of 40.5% 
for the financial year. Overall Group digital revenue 
increased a more modest 5% and our Digital Ventures 
division now has a portfolio of seven high-potential 
digital businesses and investments with strategy 
to build, grow and invest.

The Chairman’s Report noted that Australian 
Community Media will undergo a major restructure 
during the next 18 months. We expect to deliver 
annualised savings of at least $40 million by 2016. 

The implementation plan follows a review of the 
business which drew heavily on the successful 
restructuring of our other publishing businesses.

The new model involves reducing duplication 
and costs, delivering our journalism in the most 
effective ways possible, and responding to changes 
in audience habits. 

We are moving to a flatter management structure 
for the Australian Community Media business, which 
includes more than 150 regional and agricultural 
mastheads and NSW community titles. 

The changes will see a hub-and-spoke model 
adopted – underpinned by strong local editorial and 
sales capability – with sharing of all services (including 
finance, technology, circulation and distribution and 
human resources) that can be centralised effectively. 

The new model for Australian Community Media 
is not predicated on closing mastheads or leaving 
markets. There may be some limited consolidation 
of papers where there is significant overlap of 
readership or where it makes business sense. We are 
making these changes to bolster the long-term 
viability of our newspapers and websites in order 
to make a modern, stronger and more sustainable 
rural and regional media network – spanning the 
many hundreds of local communities we serve. 

// ceo’s report cont’d

$306m

underlying ebiTdA

Metro 

radio  

5

32

new Zealand   

20

Australian community Media 

43

excluding buSineSSeS diveSTed

SHAre of underlying ebiTdA for conTinuing buSineSSeS  
excludeS corporATe/oTHer (%)

people and culture
We remain committed to our long-standing 
core capabilities, investment in our people and 
maintenance of our culture. These are crucial 
elements without which we could not produce the 
outstanding content we provide across a spectrum 
of media platforms.

Quality journalism has always been what makes our 
business tick, and we are proud of the leading role 
we play in driving the conversations that matter 
across Australia and New Zealand. 

We do this while retaining absolute independence 
and integrity. We reach an extensive audience 
of more than 13.5 million readers in Australia and 
New Zealand through our publishing mastheads 
and 1.9 million listeners through our national news, 
talk and sports radio network. 

We put thousands of reporters into communities 
across Australia and New Zealand every day. 

These people are at the forefront of changing work 
practices, driving innovation as we adapt to evolving 
industry dynamics. 

Technology has changed the way our people interact 
with an engaged audience, and journalism has 
evolved into a broader community conversation. 

Right across the Fairfax team we have embraced 
these changes to reshape what was a legacy-based, 
vertically integrated newspaper business into 
a genuinely multi-platform media company.

A more commercial, collaborative approach underpins 
a reinvigorated Fairfax culture. We are future-focused, 
resilient and ready for change. We are driving 
innovation and our business is alive with a new 
generation of talent which is balanced with experience. 

Young people are now being given the opportunity 
to take on the sort of responsibilities that were 
available to, and for many years tightly held by, 
my generation. There’s plenty of opportunity for 
passionate individuals looking to grab their future 
with both hands. Generational change has been 
good for Fairfax.

At the heart of our strategy and our culture 
is journalism. In an era of change, we have 
kept thousands of reporters in our communities. 

We have worked hard to find efficiencies in 
management ranks and in the support services 
underpinning our journalism.

More than 1,000 new people have joined Fairfax 
in the past year in a mix of replacement and new 
roles as we have developed our business and 
expanded in new areas.

focus on groWth
We will grow by building new audiences and 
extending our media core into a broadly based 
services business – marketing services, property 
services, data services and our recently-announced 
Australian subscription video-on-demand joint 
venture with Nine Entertainment Co.

14 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

 
$284m

cashflow

280.7

179.4

204.0

print Advertising 

digital Advertising 

print circulation 

digital circulation 

24.0

other print revenue 

41.0

other digital revenue 

74.1

froM TrAding

MeTropoliTAn MediA revenue Mix ($m)

continue our transformation. We will be leveraging 
our audience to invest in and build new businesses. 

We have a contemporary business model 
underpinning our contemporary journalism.

As we look to the future, we are confident in our 
strategy and our ongoing transformation. In all 
parts of our business our people are focused and 
committed to making Fairfax a stronger business 
and more prepared than ever for the future.

There’s great opportunity ahead.

greg hYWood
chief executive officer and managing director

This provides the basis for future investment and 
the development of new revenue streams, all driven 
by our fundamental capabilities as a leading news 
and media business with large-scale audiences 
interacting with us around the clock.

Our progress can be seen in areas including:

// Domain – Continues its aggressive national 
expansion, benefiting from investment in 
additional sales and product capability and 
several strategic acquisitions.

// Digital Subscriptions – The Sydney Morning Herald 
and The Age have more than 140,000 paid digital 
subscribers, and an additional 111,000 eligible print 
subscribers who have signed up for digital access, 
as at 11 August 2014. 

// Marketing Services – New division created. 

The Events business is building on a solid portfolio 
and expanding into new geographic markets via 
key platforms including Food and Sport. Content 
Marketing continues to attract significant interest 
from major corporations and has a strong pipeline 
of activity.

// Data – Well-progressed and in active discussions 
with potential partners as well as having positive 
commercial discussions with a number of 
Australia’s largest advertisers. 

Fairfax has the balance sheet strength required 
to build and invest in new business areas where our 
content gives us competitive advantage – including 
education, travel, health and lifestyle – as we 

// 15 

 
 
// Matt Pearce

Head of Development, 
Weatherzone

We’re a highlY-sKilled 
team of meteorologists, 
developers and data 
specialists operating 
and building unrivalled 
Weather-related products 
and services. 

Weather is always top of mind, not just for 
me as a trained meteorologist, but mainly 
because nobody wants to be caught without 
an umbrella. At Weatherzone we provide 
accurate and timely information to multiple 
audiences – in all sorts of ways – and to our 
clients in varied industries. 

We started out small 15 years ago compiling 
weather graphics and scripts for TV. Today, 
we’re a highly-skilled team of meteorologists, 
developers and data specialists operating and 
building unrivalled weather-related products 
and services – for example, our custom aviation 
dashboard for Qantas and our market-leading 
geospatial viewer that shows radar, lightning, 
weather observations and more. It’s great to 
be the market leader, but we’re working harder 
than ever to stay one step ahead and continuing 
to innovate to meet our customers’ needs.

16 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

independent. alWaYs.

PHOTO: SIMON O’DWYER

//feel

conversations that matter.

// cooling off in carboor victoria in 
januarY 2014 When the temperature soared.

// 17 

//Win

conversations that matter.

// going, going, gone at an auction for 
a propertY on iconic holbrooK avenue 
Kirribilli sYdneY in november 2013.

PHOTO: DALLAS KILPONEN

18 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

// Damon Pezaro

Product Director, 
Domain Property Group

each month, four million 
australians turn to 
domain as a vital service 
in helping them navigate 
the home-buYing or 
selling process. 

Buying a home can be an incredibly significant 
and emotional experience. For most people, 
it is the biggest investment they ever make. 
Aspirations, dreams and quite literally the 
foundations of many Australians’ futures 
are embedded in the experience. 

We are continuously innovating within the 
digital space and leading the way in driving 
mobile experiences. It’s a source of great 
pride that Domain’s mobile apps regularly 
win industry awards and have the highest 
consumer ratings in Australia across all the 
major mobile platforms. 

Whether it is through our property data 
empowering home buyers and real-estate 
agents, or our suite of agent products and 
technology that reaches around 10,000 
agent offices and makes for a seamless 
customer experience, Domain continues 
to be both a driving force and trusted source 
for the Australian real-estate industry.

// 19 

independent. alWaYs.

// Joanna Savill

Festival Director, 
Fairfax Events

it’s a source of great 
personal joY to be 
bringing our mastheads 
to life in such a festive, 
sharing and convivial WaY.

Good Food Month arrived 16 years ago 
so restaurants could celebrate their listing 
in the prestigious Good Food Guide by 
holding one-off events throughout October. 
Now it’s bigger than ever! 

Almost two million people attended Good Food 
Month events during the past 12 months, across 
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. 

We also hold the monthly Pyrmont Growers’ 
Market and the NSW Food & Wine Festival 
in February. It’s a fantastic way to connect 
with our readers – who are fanatical consumers 
of our food and drink sections, guides and 
online content – as well as pay tribute to our 
chefs, restaurateurs and food producers. 

Our growth mirrors the incredible expansion 
of the Fairfax Events division – which now covers 
everything from fitness to business events. 

And there’s more to come. 

20 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

independent. alWaYs.

PHOTO: CHRIS HYDE

//join

conversations that matter.

// fairfax’s night noodle marKets made 
its debut in brisbane in julY 2014.

// 21 

// sustainabilitY & corporate 
social responsibilitY

the commercial success and financial sustainabilitY of 
fairfax media are vitallY important to the companY’s abilitY 
to provide long-term benefits to the communities We serve. 

Sustainability begins with being financially 
sustainable and serving shareholders’ interests 
so as to be able to fulfil our business objectives 
and serve communities with high-quality 
independent journalism – across print, digital 
and radio – in Australia and New Zealand.

Fairfax’s journalism is a profoundly important public 
good. Our journalism makes communities stronger 
– more civil, more open and transparent. 

Our ability to continue delivering quality journalism 
to huge audiences is dependent upon the successful 
execution of our strategy to build, and profitably 
monetise, our audiences in a variety of ways. 

Fairfax has addressed the challenges the media 
faces and shaped a new model and structure 
to sustain quality journalism. We are meeting 
or exceeding our key milestones in the Company’s 
transformation program.

It holds governments and the powerful up to public 
scrutiny and to account. 

Our transformation has involved making the 
necessary tough decisions.

This contributes to making our society the kind 
of place in which we all want to live. We engage 
and inform the communities we serve.

At Fairfax, we strive to be as accurate and 
fair-minded in our reporting as possible. We have 
established internal processes which aim to ensure 
this happens. We embrace self-regulation for the 
industry, which we support and fund.

We have identified four key areas of corporate 
social responsibility as integral to the important 
community role that we have. Those are:
// editorial integrity;
// environment;
// people and culture; and
// community.

PHOTO: COLE BENNETT

22 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

// indigenous australian soccer 
star KYah simon is ambassador for 
the boots for Kids program in 2014.

Whether via comments, letters or 
social media, the smh communitY is 
a large and varied group stronglY 
engaged in contributing to the 
national debate via our print 
and digital editions.
KathrYn WicKs 
communitY editor, the sYdneY morning herald

// editorial integritY

Fairfax is proud of its quality independent journalism. 
We maintain an uncompromising approach to media 
ethics and integrity.

Fairfax has a long and proud history of independent 
journalism. In August 2013, we launched the 
“Independent. Always.” tagline to celebrate our point 
of difference and competitive advantage as a news 
media organisation. 

The simple fact is that not all news is created equal. 
Quality independent journalism has been the guiding 
principle at Fairfax for the past 180 years. Our journalists 
pursue the truth without fear or favour. Vested interests 
don’t get in the way. Our journalists operate with a robust 
code of ethics that demands balance and fairness.

Independence is at the core of who we are and what 
we do. Our journalists give their communities the facts. 
They tell it like it is. They expose corruption. They expose 
the truth.

Fairfax has deeply-engaged audiences – spanning 
print, digital and radio. Our audiences also interact 
with us on conversational platforms such as social 
media, or at community forums and events run by 
our mastheads or radio stations.

Fairfax mastheads and radio stations have received more 
than 140 individual, team, masthead or radio station 
journalism awards in recognition of their work in the 
past year. Such awards often recognise the power Fairfax 
journalism has in influencing change and the social 
agenda, sparking public interest and debate, and serving 
as a source of timely and reliable information. Examples 
of such journalism are below.

// Institutionalised political corruption was exposed 

through our journalism which prompted the 
Independent Commission Against Corruption 
inquiries. A group of former ministers was labelled 
“corrupt” – Eddie Obeid four times. Reporters for 
The Sydney Morning Herald, Kate McClymont and 
Michaela Whitbourn, kept readers informed via their 
stories and social media.

// The Sydney Morning Herald successfully enlisted 

readers to help comb through hundreds of 

expense-claim documents of federal parliamentarians. 
The process unearthed anomalies which led to major 
stories by reporters Jonathan Swan and Lisa Visentin.

// Allegations that Royal Australian Navy sailors had 

deliberately burned the hands of asylum seekers on a hot 
exhaust pipe were dismissed by the Federal Government 
and questioned by News Corp and the ABC’s Media 
Watch program. As other media outlets argued over a 
thin and contradictory factual basis, Fairfax’s Michael 
Bachelard tracked down multiple sources, including an 
eye witness on board the Navy vessel, built a compelling 
account, and transformed debate about the incident.

// Work by Fairfax investigative journalists triggered the 
Victorian State Parliamentary inquiry into institutional 
child abuse and the current Royal Commission; and 
revelations about the CFMEU, the Australian Workers 
Union and widespread union corruption led to the 
Royal Commission into unions.

// A Walkley Award-winning investigation by journalists 
Adele Ferguson and Chris Vedelago persuaded the 
Commonwealth Bank to address public concern and 
substantially lift their compensation to victims of bad 
financial advice. The reporting also prompted a Senate 
inquiry into the financial services industry.

// The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age editors 

made coverage of NSW bushfires in October 2013 
freely available to readers on digital platforms 
as part of providing them with accurate and timely 
information about the emergency situation. As the 
bushfires threatened lives and homes across NSW, 
Fairfax reporters, photographers and videographers 
filed hundreds of reports. A live blog ran for 10 days. 
This was followed by coverage advocating for better 
insurance protection and improvements in firefighting 
and early-warning practices.

// The Newcastle Herald’s investigation into high rates 

of domestic violence in NSW prompted police 
commissioner Andrew Scipione to call the issue out 
as being one of the “biggest issues modern society 
has to face”. The Herald’s year-long “Shine the Light” 
editorial series detailed the names, faces and stories 
behind seven recent domestic murders of women 
whose deaths were otherwise unreported. 

// 23 

  The piece won praise from advocates and other 
media for giving the issue prominence. In June, 
the NSW government restored $8.6 million to 
homeless services, including an extra $2 million 
for women’s services.

// Uncovering multiple suicides and instances 

of drug abuse among more than 400 victims 
of sexual abuse involving the Catholic Church 
in the Hunter Valley, the Newcastle Herald’s “Shine 
the Light” campaign was led by reporter Joanne 
McCarthy, and has resulted in a Royal Commission. 
Joanne received the Gold Walkley at the prestigious 
Walkley Awards in November 2013.

// environment

The media has a unique opportunity to influence 
others to take positive action towards reducing 
energy consumption, as well as the ability to 
responsibly manage its own carbon footprint.
Fairfax holds an influential position in terms of 
educating and informing the community about 
environmental issues – at the same time as 
taking seriously its responsibility to care for and 
protect the environment in which it operates. 
The Company’s Environment Policy sets out 
its commitment to improving environmental 
performance across all business activities. 
Fairfax recognises its key impacts are in the areas 
of waste generation, air and water emissions and 
recycled waste.

communitY education
Fairfax makes an important contribution to 
environmental sustainability by educating and 
informing the community about environmental 
matters. It does this through regular editorial coverage 
of relevant issues such as climate change, water, 
and health and safety. For example, The Sun‑Herald 
provided continued support to the Taronga 
Conservation Society via its “Zoo Month” initiative, 
which involved giving the Society 10 cents from every 
paper sold during the month, while highlighting both 
the scourge of animal trafficking and the important 
sustainability work that the Society does.

energY audit & emissions target
Fairfax maintains focus on energy efficiency and 
cost-saving initiatives, which reflects the Company’s 
continued interest in operational improvement and 
environmental sustainability.

We have made good progress with our internal 
emissions reduction campaigns through office 
and print facility consolidation, recycling and 
waste minimisation programs, and energy 
reduction through the use of efficient lighting 
and service equipment.

Fairfax made a commitment in 2011 to reduce 
its carbon emissions by 20-25% by 2020. At the 
end of the 2014 financial year, the Company has 
achieved a combined saving in excess of 16% in 
electricity consumption alone. Fairfax is achieving 
its overall target through projects that include: 

// Completion of an energy efficient lighting 

program in 2014 involving 10 Australian-based 
regional printing plants. The project received 
government support through the AusIndustry 
– Clean Technology Investment Program (CTIP). 
Key outcomes were:

  - 1,119,072 KW reduction per annum;

  - 970 tonnes of CO2 saved per annum;
  -  ROI less than two years at current energy prices; 

and

  - reduced lighting maintenance costs.

// The closure of the Chullora and Tullamarine 
printing facilities and the relocation of this 
work to the smaller regional print sites resulted 
in further improvements in energy efficiency 
and CO2 savings. We expect an 80% reduction 
in energy consumption in our printing division. 

// The Company has achieved significant real-estate 

footprint reduction at its main Sydney and 
Melbourne offices. Floor space was reduced by 
two levels in Sydney and three levels in Melbourne. 

Further reorganisation of Fairfax’s offices across both 
Australia and New Zealand is being considered, and 
is expected to further reduce the Company’s energy 
requirements and carbon emissions.

24 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

the closure of the chullora 
and tullamarine printing 
facilities and move to smaller 
regional print sites resulted 
in significant improvements 
in energY efficiencY and 
carbon savings. 
bob locKleY 
group director, printing and distribution

printing and the environment
With the Commonwealth Government and 
leading newsprint supplier, Norske Skog, and 
others, Fairfax Media is a co-signatory to the 
National Environmental Sustainability Agreement. 
The Company maintains a strong commitment 
to using sustainable technologies and materials 
such as inks with a vegetable oil base and 
newsprint from sustainable sources. 

Fairfax print facilities are proactive about waste 
minimisation, recycling, water management and 
energy efficiency. Each facility sets weekly targets 
for the reduction of newsprint and ink-related waste. 
Sites are benchmarked against each other and against 
the wider industry to ensure that best-practice 
processes are in place. In the 2014 financial year, 
Fairfax’s printing plants reduced printed waste 
by 16% over the previous year through a combination 
of reduced print volumes and improved efficiency.

Fairfax’s printing division is also a member of the 
Publishers’ National Environment Bureau (PNEB), 
an association of Australian newspaper and 
magazine publishers known as The Newspaper 
Works that promotes the sustainable recovery 
of old newspapers and magazines. Visit 
thenewspaperworks.com.au/facts-and-figures 
for more information about the success of the 
Newspaper Works’ environmental programs.

real-estate consolidation
Fairfax has outsourced its property maintenance 
and asset management to property services 
specialist, DTZ. 

As part of the project, a review and consolidation of 
property assets is underway. Although we are only part 
way through the process, a key benefit has already 
been achieved this financial year after we submitted 
a request for proposals to market for electricity supply 
for our large Australian sites that resulted in a cost 
saving of $3.4 million over three years. The full roll-out 
of the property and facilities management outsourcing 
project will further reduce Fairfax’s environmental 
footprint and energy consumption associated with 
office and administration facilities.

// people & culture

A diverse, innovative and engaged workforce 
is important in enhancing the quality and creativity 
that underpins our brands and businesses, and 
makes Fairfax a good place to work.

The transformation of Fairfax has involved 
extraordinary change and the adoption of new 
business practices and behaviours. While change 
has involved large numbers of staff leaving the 
business, the Company’s strategy remains centred 
on maintaining at-scale high-quality journalism. 
The brunt of structural changes has been borne 
by people in management and support services. 
Job loss is confronting but has been necessary 
to sustain our journalism over the longer term. 
While there have been staff losses in some areas, 
the business has hired in other areas where 
it is expanding and growing revenue.

Fairfax’s businesses continue to attract the best talent 
across their operations, from sales to journalism. 
Indeed, our recruitment program for trainee 
journalists saw hundreds of talented, highly-qualified 
young people compete for positions we created at 
The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian 
Financial Review, and in our publications across 
regional and rural Australia, and in New Zealand.

Health and safety is of paramount importance 
in our business. Fairfax’s Printing and Distribution 
site in Newcastle won a PANPA award for Health 
and Safety in 2013.

culture and values
The launch of Fairfax’s Culture and Values program 
in 2012 marked the start of several initiatives 
to establish a new set of cultural values at Fairfax. 
Initiatives included a more robust performance 
management system and process. New recognition 
awards have also been established to acknowledge 
our most outstanding employees.

Our values and cultural drivers are also embedded 
within our internal projects such as the Fairfax 
mentoring program and our leadership development 
programs. During the past year, more than 250 

// 25 

employees have participated in leadership programs 
across the business, more than 100 participated 
in manager communication training, while 450 
employees took part in the mentoring program.

in 2014:

652 staff 

use company-subsidised gym facilities 

neW WaYs of WorKing
Fairfax has won international praise for the 
implementation of innovative workspace and 
technology solutions in its Sydney and Melbourne 
offices. Real-time working practices continue 
to attract high levels of positive feedback from 
employees. It involves a mix of flexible seating 
arrangements and adaptive-use space, coupled 
with technology to support productivity outcomes, 
which also facilitates working from home when 
appropriate. The solutions were recently rolled 
out to new offices in Wellington and are being 
considered for other locations. Improved spatial 
agility afforded by the new approach allows for 
greater collaboration across the business.

health & safetY
Fairfax continued to improve its safety performance 
in the 2014 financial year. Since the 2009/2010 
financial year, the Company has reduced the number 
of Lost Time Injuries by 50% and the number of 
workers’ compensation claims by 62%. While some 
of these reductions may be attributed to the reduction 
in overall headcount across the business, the majority 
of the reduction is because of a significantly improved 
focus on driving safety accountability through various 
policy, training and educational measures.

The Group Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate 
(LTIFRMAT) target for FY14 was achieved. The June 
2014 LTIFRMAT was 2.58, which was better than 
the targeted 2.99. This was a 22% overall reduction 
on the 2012-2013 financial year result.

australia and 
neW Zealand
took up offer for free flu vaccination

1981emploYees in 
699 emploYees  

received 
free entrY

in fairfax’s running and swimming events

employees and their immediate families, as well as an 
independent external “whistleblower” hotline for staff 
to report concerns about ethics and harassment.

As part of the Company’s commitment to employee 
health and wellbeing we have continued to engage 
Optum as our employee assistance provider. 
The service allows employees and their immediate 
family members to access 24-hour counselling 
services covering a wide range of issues. In the 
2014 financial year, 308 staff and family members 
accessed the service for direct counselling and 
support. More than 1000 employees accessed 
information directly from the Optum website.

// communitY

diversitY
Fairfax is committed to creating a workplace that 
is fair and inclusive. Fairfax values, respects and 
encourages diversity across its business and in all 
aspects. More information on diversity can be found 
in the Corporate Governance section of this report.

Fairfax makes a positive contribution to the hundreds 
of communities in which it operates. We are 
committed to being a socially responsible organisation 
that supports and engages with those communities. 
We do this through a combination of funding, 
resources, volunteering, sponsorships, editorial 
coverage and promoting charitable activities. 

fairfax foundation
The Fairfax Foundation was established in 1959 
and operates separately from Fairfax Media with 
the purpose of helping current and former Fairfax 
employees and their dependents. During the 2014 
financial year, the Foundation provided $371,165 
in financial grants, loans and other benefits to 
eligible recipients. 

emploYee support services 
Fairfax offers independent, confidential external 
assistance and counselling services to all Fairfax 

fairfax events
Fairfax’s large-scale audiences, spanning print and 
digital, also extend to events it holds in communities 
around Australia and New Zealand, such as City2Surf 
(Sydney), City2Sea (Melbourne) and City2South 
(Brisbane). Many of the organised events result 
in important funds being raised for charity partners. 
These community events are an important way that 
the Company builds and maintains key partnerships 
with charities, clubs and associations. 

Since 1971, Fairfax Events have raised more than 
$30 million for more than 1000 charities. In the 2014 

26 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

financial year, Fairfax Events have raised $7.5 million 
in charitable contributions.

Every year more than 80,000 people register to take 
part in the 14km Sun‑Herald City2Surf, the world’s 
biggest community run. This year, the event raised 
more than $4.5 million for participating charities.

Started in 1972 with just 1200 runners, the Round 
the Bays event in New Zealand has become another 
of the world’s largest fun runs. Co-owned by Fairfax 
Media and the Auckland Joggers Club, the 8.4km 
run follows the contours of Auckland’s Waitemata 
harbour, and now attracts more than 35,000 
participants every year. Online fundraising with 
Everyday Hero was incorporated into the last run, 
with more than NZ$85,000 being raised.

The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon has been 
testing serious runners for 23 years. This year’s event 
attracted 12,517 participants and raised more than 
$558,000 for charity. And in March, more than 3600 
swimmers lined up for the Cole Classic at Manly while 
the Sun Run had 5491 entrants. Between them, the 
Cole Classic and Sun Run raised more than $190,000.

Fairfax’s food events also make a significant 
community contribution in their own right and 
via charity. One example of our positive community 
connection is via The Sydney Morning Herald 
Growers’ Market. Held on the first Saturday every 
month, the Growers’ Market attracts up to 15,000 
people to its 60-80 stallholders, and focuses on 
state-grown produce and goods. A key element of 
Good Food Month, held in three states, is the Night 
Noodle Markets, attracting thousands of people each 
year. This year, the Night Noodle Markets in Sydney’s 
Hyde Park attracted 300,000 people over the 16 
nights and raised $13,000 for OzHarvest, which was 
able to deliver 26,000 meals to Australians in need.

charitable contributions
There are many heroic organisations that perform 
vital roles of protection and support in our 
communities, and that have raised needed funds for 
hundreds of special groups and projects. Fairfax is 
proud to have helped many hundreds of organisations 
during the past 12 months, contributing more than 
$6 million in cash and kind to a range of charitable and 
community causes during the year. 

For example, Fairfax Radio Network supports 
communities its radio stations broadcast to by being 
directly involved in community-based activities, 
sponsorships, and community service announcements, 
and through the participation of our staff in community 
events. Fairfax Radio Network also assisted hundreds 
of non-profit organisations by providing community 
service announcement airtime. 

The total value of that airtime across the network 
was approximately $2.4 million. In addition, Fairfax’s 
national content distribution company, Fairfax Radio 

each Year more 
than 80,000 people 
register to taKe part 
in the 14Km sun-herald 
citY2surf presented 
bY Westpac. it’s the 
World’s largest 
run and sYdneY’s 
favourite sporting 
event. more than 
$30 million has been 
raised for charitY 
across fairfax events 
since 1971.
angus dillon 
chief operating officer,  
fairfax events

// 27 

Syndication, supplied free commercial distribution 
and campaign monitoring for a number of charities.

WorKplace giving program
Fairfax’s Australian businesses participate in 
a workplace-giving program called More Than 
Words. The program encourages and enables 
employees to donate part of their pre-tax salary 
to certain nominated charities. More than $799,000 
has been donated since the program started in 2005.

literacY programs
Early childhood literacy is energetically promoted 
by Fairfax in New Zealand through the Fairfax First 
Books program. Established in 2006, Fairfax First 
Books distributes about 16,000 books each year 
to kindergartens throughout New Zealand. 

In collaboration with the New Zealand Kindergarten 
Association, Fairfax often picks out a kindergarten 
in a low socio-economic area for additional support. 
Editors and staff across Fairfax mastheads personally 
visit the kindergartens in their respective areas to 
hand out the books.

boots for Kids
Fairfax started Boots for Kids in Victoria in 2013 
and is supporting it for a second year. The program 
encourages families to donate new or their children’s 

pre-loved football boots to go to thousands of 
children in remote indigenous communities around 
Australia. Many of the children in those remote 
and financially disadvantaged areas play sports 
barefoot. Coles provides the collection points, Linfox 
provides transport support, while cleaning company 
Sunnyfield – a not-for-profit organisation offering 
employment for people with disabilities – sorts and 
cleans the shoes. In its second year, the donation 
program now includes New South Wales. 

celebrating diversitY 
The Australian Financial Review is in its third year 
partnering with Westpac to run the highly successful 
100 Women of Influence Awards. In New Zealand, 
Fairfax works with Westpac to run the 60 Women 
of Influence Awards. The purpose of the awards 
is to recognise women in a broad range of roles, 
and to celebrate their successes and contributions 
to Australia and New Zealand.

Creative Spirit (creativespirit.org.nz) is a Fairfax 
initiative in New Zealand which sets the challenge 
to employers in the media and advertising industries 
to provide employment to people with disabilities. 
Fairfax in New Zealand started the Creative Spirit 
journey in 2012 with two young people who 
job-shared in the creative communication space 
and the program has grown from there.

anYthing that 
encourages reading 
and a connection 
With the printed 
Word is important.
bernadette courtneY 
editor, the dominion post

28 // fairfax annual report // conversations that matter

table of contents

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities 
For the period ended 29 June 2014

Board of Directors ......................................................................... 30
Directors’ Report ............................................................................ 32
Auditor’s Independence Declaration......................................... 36
Remuneration Report ................................................................... 37
Corporate Governance ................................................................. 59
Management Discussion and Analysis Report ........................ 68
Consolidated Income Statement ................................................71
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ............ 72
Consolidated Balance Sheet ....................................................... 73
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement .......................................... 74
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ....................... 75

Notes to the Financial Statements
  1. Summary of significant accounting policies ..................... 77
  2. Revenues ...................................................................................88
  3. Expenses .................................................................................... 89
  4. Significant items .......................................................................90
  5. Discontinued operations ....................................................... 91
  6. Income tax expense ................................................................ 92
  7. Dividends paid and proposed  .............................................. 93
  8. Receivables ...............................................................................94
  9. Inventories ................................................................................. 95
 10. Assets and liabilities held for sale ......................................... 95
 11. Other financial assets ............................................................. 96
 12. Investments accounted for using the equity method ..... 96
 13. Available for sale investments ............................................... 98
 14. Intangible assets ...................................................................... 98
 15. Property, plant and equipment .......................................... 101
 16. Derivative financial instruments ......................................... 103
 17. Deferred tax assets and liabilities ....................................... 105
 18. Payables ...................................................................................106
 19. Interest bearing liabilities ..................................................... 107
 20. Provisions ................................................................................108
 21. Pension assets and liabilities ...............................................109
 22. Contributed equity ................................................................ 112
 23. Reserves ................................................................................... 113
 24. Earnings per share ................................................................. 115
 25. Commitments ........................................................................ 116
 26. Contingencies ........................................................................ 117
27. Controlled entities ................................................................. 117
 28. Acquisition and disposal of controlled entities ............... 122
 29. Business combinations ........................................................ 123
 30. Employee benefits ................................................................. 124
 31. Remuneration of auditors .................................................... 125
 32. Related party transactions  .................................................. 126
 33. Notes to the cash flow statement ..................................... 127
 34. Financial and capital risk management ............................128
 35. Segment reporting ................................................................ 135
 36. Parent entity information .....................................................138
 37. Events subsequent to reporting date ................................138

Directors’ Declaration ................................................................. 139
Independent Auditor’s Report...................................................140
Shareholder Information ............................................................ 142
Directory ........................................................................................144

FAIRFAX MEDIA LIMITED 2014
ACN 008 663 161 

// 29 

 
 
board of directors
board of directors

roGer corbett, ao
non-exeCutiVe ChairMan,  
appointed to the Board 4 FeBruarY 2003

Mr Corbett was elected Chairman of the Board in October 2009. He has been involved in the retail industry for more 
than 40 years. In 1984, Mr Corbett joined the Board of David Jones Australia as Director of Operations. In 1990, 
he was appointed to the Board of Woolworths Limited and to the position of Managing Director of BIG W. In 1999, 
Mr Corbett was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Woolworths Limited. He retired from that position in 2006.

Mr Corbett is a Director of the Reserve Bank of Australia, a Director of Wal-Mart Stores and Chairman of Mayne 
Pharma Group Limited. He is also Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board (Australian Eastern Territory); 
a member of the Dean’s Advisory Group of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney; a member of the 
Advisory Council of the Australian School of Business and Chairman of the University of New South Wales Centre 
for Healthy Brain Ageing Advisory Board.

MicHaeL aNdersoN
non-exeCutiVe direCtor, 
appointed to the Board 2 septeMBer 2010

Mr Anderson has had a long career in the radio industry including as Chief Executive of Austereo Limited from 2003 
until January 2010. During his time as Chief Executive he focused the company on building strong station brands 
and adapting the business to the changing media market including building and maintaining market leadership 
and developing new strategic directions, focusing on target audiences and adapting to increased competition. 
He launched a nationwide digital network and Australia’s first digital radio station. He has been a leader in adapting 
radio to the digital era and is Director of Oztam Pty Limited and Ooh Media.

JacK coWiN
non-exeCutiVe direCtor, 
appointed to the Board 19 JuLY 2012

Mr Cowin is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Competitive Foods Australia Pty Ltd. The company was 
founded in 1969. Competitive Foods owns and operates over 350 fast food restaurants in Australia, it also operates 
several food manufacturing plants for the supermarket and food service industries exporting to 29 countries. 
Mr Cowin is a Director of Network Ten, BridgeClimb and Chandler Macleod Pty Ltd, and is Chairman of Domino’s 
Pizza Enterprises Ltd. 

GreGorY HYWood
exeCutiVe direCtor, 
appointed to the Board (non-exeCutiVe) eFFeCtiVe 4 oCtoBer 2010 
appointed as Ceo and ManaGinG direCtor 7 FeBruarY 2011 

Mr Hywood has enjoyed a long career in the media and government. A Walkley Award winning journalist, 
he held a number of senior management positions at Fairfax including Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of each 
of The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald/Sun Herald and The Age. He also held the position 
of Group Publisher Fairfax magazines. He was Executive Director Policy and Cabinet in the Victorian Premier’s 
Department between 2004 and 2006, and from 2006 to 2010 was Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria. Mr Hywood 
is a Director of The Victorian Major Events Company.

saNdra McPHee, aM
non-exeCutiVe direCtor, 
appointed to the Board 26 FeBruarY 2010

Ms McPhee is a Director of AGL Energy Limited, Scentre Group (previously Westfield Retail Trust), Kathmandu 
Limited and Tourism Australia. Her previous directorships include Australia Post, Coles Group Limited and Perpetual 
Limited. Prior to becoming a Non-Executive Director, Ms McPhee held senior executive positions in a range of 
consumer oriented industries including retail, tourism and aviation, including 10 years with Qantas Airways Limited.

30 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

board of directors

JaMes MiLLar, aM
non-exeCutiVe direCtor, 
appointed to the Board 1 JuLY 2012

Mr Millar is a Director of a number of organisations and companies including Mirvac Limited and Helloworld 
Limited. Mr Millar is also Chairman of The Smith Family and former Chairman of Fantastic Holdings Limited. He is 
the former Chief Executive Officer and Oceania Area Managing Partner of Ernst & Young and was a member of the 
Ernst & Young Global Board. Mr Millar is a Director, trustee or member of a number of not-for-profit and charitable 
organisations. He has qualifications in business and accounting and is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

LiNda NicHoLLs, ao
non-exeCutiVe direCtor,  
appointed to the Board 26 FeBruarY 2010

Mrs Nicholls has more than 30 years’ experience as a senior executive and company director in Australia, New 
Zealand and the United States. She is currently the chairman of Yarra Trams and Japara Healthcare, and a Director 
of Pacific Brands, Medibank Private and Sigma Pharmaceutical Group. Previously, Mrs Nicholls held the position 
of chairman at Healthscope and Australia Post, and was a Director of St George Bank. Mrs Nicholls has a Bachelor 
of Arts in Economics from Cornell University and a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business 
School, where she was formerly Trustee and Vice President of The Harvard Business School Alumni Board.

todd saMPsoN
non-exeCutiVe direCtor,  
appointed to the Board 29 MaY 2014

Mr Sampson is the national Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s leading communications company, Leo Burnett 
Australia. He has an MBA and has spent nearly 20 years working as a strategic advisor with a diverse range of 
expertise including marketing, communication, digital transformation, new media, reputational risk and corporate 
turnaround. He is also a writer, producer and host on a number of TV shows including the Gruen Planet, The Project 
and the award winning documentary Redesign My Brain.

Peter YoUNG, aM
non-exeCutiVe direCtor,  
appointed to the Board 16 septeMBer 2005

Over the last 30 years, Mr Young has been an investment banking executive in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.A. 
He is currently the Chairman of Barclays Australia and New Zealand and Chairman of Standard Life Investments 
Australia. Mr Young was a member of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Advisory Council in Australia. He also served as 
Chairman of Investment Banking for ABN AMRO in Australia and New Zealand, Chairman of Queensland Investment 
Corporation and a Director of PrimeAg Australia. From 1998 to 2002, Mr Young was Executive Vice Chairman, 
ABN AMRO Group (Australia and New Zealand) and Head of Telecommunications, Media & Technology Client 
Management for Asia Pacific. Mr Young is also a member of Standard Life plc Asia Advisory Board, a member of the 
Barangaroo Delivery Authority Board, a member of the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and Governor 
of the Taronga Foundation. He is involved in a number of community, environmental and artistic activities.

// 31 

directors’ rePort
directors’ rePort

The Board of Directors presents its report together with the financial report of Fairfax Media Limited (the Company) 
and of the consolidated entity, being the Company and its controlled entities for the period ended 29 June 2014 
and the auditor’s report thereon.

directors
The Directors of the Company at any time during the financial year or up to the date of this report are as follows. 
Directors held office for the entire period unless otherwise stated. 

roGer corbett, ao
Non-Executive Chairman

MicHaeL aNdersoN
Non-Executive Director

JacK coWiN
Non-Executive Director

GreGorY HYWood
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

saNdra McPHee, aM
Non-Executive Director

JaMes MiLLar, aM
Non-Executive Director

saM MorGaN
Non-Executive Director

Resigned 29 May 2014

LiNda NicHoLLs, ao
Non-Executive Director

todd saMPsoN
Non-Executive Director 

Appointed 29 May 2014

Peter YoUNG, aM
Non-Executive Director

A profile of each Director holding office at the date of this report is included in the Board of Directors section 
of this report.

32 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

directors’ rePort

coMPaNY secretarY
Gail Hambly is Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary. She has over 25 years experience as 
a commercial and media law specialist. Ms Hambly 
is Chair of CopyCo Pty Limited and a Director of 
Trade Me Limited, Company B Belvoir Limited and 
Sydney Story Factory. She is a member of the Media 
and Communications Committee and the Privacy 
Committee for the Law Council of Australia, a member 
of the Advisory Board for the Centre of Media and 
Communications Law at the Melbourne Law School, 
a member of Chartered Secretaries Australia and of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds 
degrees in Law, Economics and Science.

corPorate strUctUre
Fairfax Media Limited is a company limited by shares 
that is incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

PriNciPaL actiVities
During the course of the financial year the consolidated 
entity operated as a multi-platform media, marketing 
services and property services Group.

The principal activities were the publishing of news, 
information and entertainment, advertising sales in print 
and digital formats, and radio broadcasting. In addition, 
the Group operated or held investments in several 
digital businesses.

There were no significant changes in the nature of the 
consolidated entity during the year other than the matters 
set out as significant changes in the state of affairs below.

coNsoLidated resULt
The profit attributable to the consolidated entity for the 
financial year was $224,432,000 (2013: $16,432,000 loss).

diVideNds
An interim fully franked dividend of 2 cents per ordinary 
share and debenture was paid on 19 March 2014 
in respect of the year ended 29 June 2014.

Since the end of the financial year, the Board has declared 
a fully franked dividend of 2.0 cents per ordinary share 
and debenture in respect of the year ended 29 June 2014. 
This dividend is payable on 9 September 2014.

reVieW of oPeratioNs
Revenue for the Group was lower than the prior year 
at $1,988 million (2013: $2,045 million). After significant 
items of $66.7 million the Group generated a net 
profit after tax of $224.4 million (2013: $16.4 million 
loss). Earnings per share increased to 9.5 cents 
(2013: loss 0.7 cents).

Further information is provided in the Management 
Discussion and Analysis Report. 

siGNificaNt cHaNGes iN tHe state of affairs
Significant changes in the state of affairs of the 
consolidated entity during the financial year 
were as follows:

The Company repurchased some of its outstanding 
Senior Notes in July 2013. Of the outstanding total 
of US$430 million, US$224 million were repurchased.

On 6 December 2013, the Company disposed of the 
Stayz business for gross proceeds of $218 million.

The Company acquired 100% of the shares in 
Property Data Solutions Pty Ltd on 13 December 2013 
for $30 million.

LiKeLY deVeLoPMeNts aNd eXPected resULts
The consolidated entity’s prospects and strategic 
direction are discussed in the Management Discussion 
and Analysis Report.

Further information about likely developments in the 
operations of the consolidated entity and the expected 
results of those operations in future financial years has 
not been included in this report because disclosure of 
the information would be likely to result in unreasonable 
prejudice to the consolidated entity.

eNViroNMeNtaL reGULatioN aNd PerforMaNce
No material non-compliance with environmental 
regulation has been identified relating to the 2014 
financial year.

The Company reported to the Department of Climate 
Change on the total carbon emissions of the Group 
generated in the 2013 financial year under the 
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting legislation. 
The Group’s main source of carbon emissions overall 
was from electricity consumption at its larger sites 
and total scope 1 and 2 emissions reported was 79,174 
(2013: 84,976) tonnes CO2-e. 

eVeNts after rePortiNG date
The Group completed an agreement to merge 
RSVP.com.au Pty Limited with 3H Group Pty Ltd 
on 1 July 2014. Following the merger, the Group 
will hold a 58% interest in RSVP.com.au Pty Limited. 
The Group will no longer consolidate this entity as 
it does not control the financial and operating policies 
of the entity. The investment will be accounted for using 
the equity method.

// 33 

directors’ rePort

On 10 July, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire All Homes Pty Ltd and All Data Australia Pty Ltd subject 
to regulatory approval. Total consideration is expected to be $50 million.

On 10 July, the Group repaid US$105 million (A$125 million) of senior notes.

reMUNeratioN rePort
A remuneration report is set out on the pages that follow and forms part of this Directors’ Report.

directors’ iNterests
The relevant interest of each Director in the equity of the Company and related bodies corporate as at the date 
of this report are disclosed in the remuneration report. 

directors’ MeetiNGs
The following table shows the number of Board and Committee meetings held during the financial year ended 
29 June 2014 and the number attended by each Director or Committee member.

MeetinGs *

Board MeetinG

audit and risk

noMinations

peopLe and CuLture

no.
heLd
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
8
2
8

no. 

attended
7
8
8
7
7
8
6
8
2
7

no. 
heLd
5
5
–
–
–
5
–
5
–
5

no. 

attended
5
4
–
–
–
5
–
5
–
4

no. 
heLd
3
–
–
–
–
3
–
3
–
3

no. 

attended
3
–
–
–
–
3
–
3
–
1

no. 
heLd
8
8
8
8
8
–
–
–
–
–

no. 

attended
8
7
8
7
8
–
–
–
–
–

R Corbett **
G Hywood ***
M Anderson
J Cowin
S McPhee
J Millar
S Morgan
L Nicholls
T Sampson
P Young

sustainaBiLitY 
and Corporate 
responsiBiLitY #

no. 
heLd
1
1
1
–
1
–
1
–
–
–

no. 

attended
1
1
1
–
1
–
1
–
–
–

* 

The number of meetings held refers to the number of meetings held while the Director was a member of the 
Board or Committee. 

**  Mr Corbett, Chairman, is an ex officio member of all Board committees.
***   Mr Hywood attends the Audit and Risk, People and Culture and Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee 

meetings as an invitee of the Committees.

#  The Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee was dissolved in December 2013.

iNdeMNificatioN aNd iNsUraNce of officers aNd aUditors
The Directors of the Company and such other officers as the Directors determine, are entitled to receive the 
benefit of an indemnity contained in the Constitution of the Company to the extent allowed by the Corporations 
Act 2001, including against liabilities incurred by them in their respective capacities in successfully defending 
proceedings against them.

During or since the end of the financial year, the Company has paid premiums under contracts insuring the 
Directors and officers of the Company and its controlled entities against liability incurred in that capacity to the 
extent allowed by the Corporations Act 2001. The terms of the policies prohibit disclosure of the details of the 
liability and the premium paid.

Each Director has entered into a Deed of Access, Disclosure, Insurance and Indemnity which provides for indemnity 
by the Company against liability as a Director to the extent allowed by the law.

There are no indemnities given or insurance premiums paid during or since the end of the financial year 
for the auditors.

34 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

directors’ rePort

No officers are forMer aUditors
No officer of the consolidated entity has been a partner 
of an audit firm or a Director of an audit company that 
is the auditor of the Company and the consolidated 
entity for the financial year.

NoN-aUdit serVices
Under its Charter of Audit Independence, the Company 
may employ the auditor to provide services additional 
to statutory audit duties where the type of work 
performed and the fees for services do not impact 
on the actual or perceived independence of the auditor.

Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor, 
Ernst & Young, for non-audit services provided during 
the financial year are set out below. Details of amounts 
paid or payable for audit services are set out in Note 31 
to the financial statements.

The Board of Directors has received advice from the 
Audit and Risk Committee and is satisfied that the 
provision of the non-audit services did not compromise 
the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 because none of the services 
undermine the general principles relating to auditor 
independence as set out in Professional Statement F1, 
including reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, 
acting in a management or a decision-making capacity 
for the Company, acting as advocate for the Company 
or jointly sharing economic risk and rewards.

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration 
under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 
follows this report.

During the financial year, Ernst & Young received 
or were due to receive the following amounts for 
the provision of non-audit services:

Subsidiary company and other audits required by contract 
or regulatory or other bodies:

•	 Australia $178,249

•	 Overseas $71,948

Other assurance and non-assurance services:

•	 Australia $110,164 

roUNdiNG
The Company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 
98/100, issued by the Australian Securities and 
Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding 
off” of amounts in the Directors’ Report. Amounts 
contained in the Directors’ Report have been rounded 
off in accordance with that Class Order to the 
nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the 
nearest dollar.

Signed on behalf of the Directors in accordance with 
a resolution of the Directors.

Roger Corbett, AO 
Chairman 

Greg Hywood 
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

14 August 2014

// 35 

aUditor’s iNdePeNdeNce decLaratioN
aUditor’s iNdePeNdeNce decLaratioN

36 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort
reMUNeratioN rePort

Dear shareholder

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present Fairfax Media’s Remuneration Report for 2014.

At the 2013 Annual General Meeting shareholders approved the Remuneration Report including the Transformation 
Incentive Plan (TIP). The TIP was developed to support the achievement of the Company’s strategic transformation 
by concentrating most incentives on the longer term and setting annual targets which represent milestones on the 
way. This is why the TIP incentives are heavily weighted to longer term equity opportunities. We are not proposing 
any changes to the executive remuneration structure for 2015.

The Company’s strategic goals are referred to later in this report.

We implemented the TIP in 2014. This replaced the previous short term and long term incentive plans. 
The TIP strongly aligns executive rewards with shareholder interests because any incentive award for executive 
Key Management Personnel (KMP) is made entirely in equity, through a combination of options and deferred 
performance shares which are subject to achievement of hurdles.

Seventy percent of the TIP equity is in the form of options. These options are only exercisable if a challenging 
performance hurdle linked to Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over a three to four year period is achieved.

The remaining 30% of the TIP incentive is an annual grant of deferred performance shares. Performance shares are allocated 
if annual targets in the Company’s transformation plan are achieved. The targets are set at the beginning of each year and 
are largely financial. They include earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), revenue, targets 
and cost reduction. Details of the objectives and outcomes for 2014 are set out in detail later in this Report.

2014 saw significant improvement in returns to shareholders:

•	 the share price increased significantly; 

•	 dividends doubled; 

•	 earnings per share increased 78% (for continuing businesses and after significant items);

•	 costs savings continued to favourably impact profitability;

•	 Domain EBITDA grew by 39% year on year;

•	 debt reduced by $222 million resulting in a net cash position of $68 million at year end; and

•	 portfolio assets reviewed to maximize long term value resulted in the very successful sale of the Stayz business 

for $218 million. 

The options awarded under the TIP provide no short term reward. Their exercise is subject to the achievement of an 
absolute TSR performance condition measured over an initial 3 year period, so no options were tested for vesting in 
2014. The strong performance in 2014 is however reflected in the number of deferred performance shares granted to 
the executive KMP. The value of these performance shares in the future, after the deferral of entitlement will depend on 
the value of Fairfax shares at the time so they continue to motivate the executives to improve the value of the Company. 

In addition to the TIP the following changes to the remuneration framework were introduced during 2014:

•	 KMP volunteered to sacrifice 10% of their annual fixed remuneration into Fairfax shares;

•	 10% reduction in Non-Executive Directors base fees from 1 July 2013;

•	 reduction in total Board Committee fees by discontinuing the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility 

Committee and dividing its responsibilities between the Audit & Risk and the People & Culture Committees from 
January 2014; and

•	 no fees for Nomination Committee membership.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our executives for their tireless efforts in achieving significant progress 
for the Company in the past year. 

The Board recommends the Remuneration Report to you and asks that you support our remuneration policies and 
practices by voting in favour of this Report at our 2014 Annual General Meeting.

Yours faithfully 

Sandra McPhee, AM 
Chair – People and Culture Committee

// 37 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

1.  iNtrodUctioN 

This report forms part of the Company’s 2014 Directors’ Report and sets out the Fairfax Group’s remuneration 
arrangements for Key Management Personnel (KMP) in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 
2001 and its regulations. KMP comprises Directors and members of the senior executive team who have authority 
and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Fairfax Group.

The KMP for the financial year are set out in Table 1.

Table 1

naMe 
Non-Executive Directors

Roger Corbett 

Michael Anderson 

Jack Cowin 

Sandra McPhee 

James Millar 

Sam Morgan (1)

Linda Nicholls 

Todd Sampson (2)

Peter Young 
Executive Director

Greg Hywood
Other Executives

David Housego

Gail Hambly

Allen Williams

(1)  Sam Morgan retired from the Board on 29 May 2014.
(2)  Todd Sampson joined the Board on the 29 May 2014. 

roLe

Non-Executive Chairman

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer 

Chief Financial Officer

Group General Counsel/Company Secretary

Managing Director, Australian Publishing Media

38 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

2.   KeY reMUNeratioN cHaNGes dUriNG 2014 to sUPPort  

tHe coMPaNY’s traNsforMatioN strateGY

The Board implemented a number of changes to the Company’s remuneration framework during 2014. The changes 
were set out in the Company’s 2013 Remuneration Report which was approved by shareholders. Overall the targets 
for the Transformation Incentive Plan for senior executives (TIP) are set to drive the transformation strategy. The 
company is transforming an old publishing business into a multi-platform media organisation and growing new 
businesses such as property, marketing and data services, events and related digital businesses. Ultimately the goal 
is a sustainable growing business which delivers consistent value to shareholders. Details of the TIP targets are set 
out later in this Report. 

As well as the TIP the following changes were made in 2014:

•	 executive KMP volunteered to sacrifice 10% of their annual fixed remuneration to purchase Fairfax shares; 

•	 the freeze on fixed remuneration for the vast majority of our senior executives continued; and

•	 Non-Executive Directors agreed to a reduction of 10% in their base fees, no Nominations Committee fees 
have been paid, and the responsibilities of the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee were 
incorporated into the Audit & Risk and the People & Culture Committees.

Further details of the TIP are set out below.

The new remuneration structure aligns executive rewards with our shareholders over the medium and longer term 
and provides an appropriate incentive to deliver on our strategy. The diagram below demonstrates the link between 
the Company performance in 2014 and the value of the CEO’s annual incentive. The annual incentive earned by the 
CEO for 2014 is in line with the performance of the Company. Under the TIP rules, the annual incentive earned in 
2014 by KMP will be entirely delivered by the grant of deferred performance shares. 

SHARE PRICE AND CEO ANNUAL INCENTIVE

$1.2

$1.0

$0.8

$0.6

$0.4

$0.2

$0.0

E
C
I
R
P
E
R
A
H
S

$1,200

$1,000

$800

$600

$400

$200

0

)
0
0
0
$
(

I
T
S
O
E
C

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

24 June 2012

30 June 2013

29 June 2014*

SHARE PRICE

CEO ANNUAL INCENTIVE

Note – share price relates to closing price at financial year end date.
* 

Introduction of TIP with annual incentive awarded in the form of deferred performance shares. Prior to 2014 the short term 
incentive arrangements was paid in cash.

// 39 

 
 
 
 
reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

3.  reMUNeratioN fraMeWorK aNd GoVerNaNce 

Please Note. The following principles and framework were detailed in the Company’s 2013 Remuneration Report 
and approved by shareholders. In 2014 the approved principles and framework were implemented.

3.1  reMUNeratioN PriNciPLes aNd fraMeWorK

fairfaX Media eXecUtiVe reMUNeratioN fraMeWorK

The objectives of the Company’s executive remuneration framework are to align executive remuneration with the creation 
of value for shareholders, achievement of strategic objectives, and to have regard to the employment market so as to be 
able to attract and retain key people. 

The executive remuneration framework comprises a mix of fixed and performance based components.  
The framework aims to: 

•	 align remuneration with achievement of business strategy;

•	 fairly remunerate and reward for achievement of Group strategic milestones, with incentive payments 

deferred to promote alignment with shareholder interests;

•	 attract, retain and motivate talented, qualified and experienced people in the context of industry changes; and

•	 be transparent and fair.

Fixed remuneration package

Performance Based Incentives – Transformation Incentive Plan

•	 set to attract and retain high calibre 

•	 the new Transformation Incentive Plan (TIP) was 

talent to drive the Company’s 
transformation strategy

•	 has regard to the scope of the 

individual’s role, level of knowledge 
and experience, and the market 
(including Fairfax’s competitors) 

•	 most senior executives’ fixed 

implemented during 2014 replacing the former short 
term and long term incentive plans. The TIP better aligns 
executive outcomes with shareholder interests and 
provides rewards on delivery of our strategy

•	 the TIP is designed to reward the most senior executives 

if they achieve the transformation plan for the 
Company over 3–4 years

remuneration was frozen in 2014 

•	 steps in the transformation are designed to translate into 

•	 for 2014, executive KMP volunteered 
to sacrifice 10% of their annual fixed 
remuneration into Fairfax shares 

•	 acknowledging the voluntary 

sacrifice, and as a further retention 
mechanism, if the executive KMP is 
still employed at the end of a 2 year 
period, then Fairfax will provide one 
additional bonus share for every five 
shares purchased by the executive 
through the voluntary salary 
sacrifice arrangement

40 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

enhancement of shareholder wealth over time

•	 under the TIP, long term options are issued. The options are 
exercisable only if challenging absolute shareholder return 
objectives are achieved at the end of the vesting period

•	 a smaller proportion of deferred performance shares 
are granted if specific annual business metrics linked 
to the transformation of the Company (including linked 
to EBITDA, revenue and cost reduction) are achieved. 
Metrics are measurable and are weighted and tailored 
according to each executive’s responsibilities

•	 rewards under the TIP are delivered in equity for 

executive KMP (i.e. no cash payments) in order to further 
incentivise growth in shareholder returns 

•	 any performance shares earned are deferred so that 

executives do not become entitled to the equity until later 
in the transformation process which also promotes and 
rewards longer term service by the executives

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

3.2  reMUNeratioN GoVerNaNce 
The Board’s goal is that Fairfax’s executive remuneration strategy aligns with Company performance and shareholder 
interests and supports achievement of the business strategy. 

Importantly, the Board is focused on delivering a remuneration framework that attracts and retains the right 
executive team to establish and deliver upon Company strategy, and that remuneration arrangements support 
achievement of that strategy and growth in shareholder value. 

The People and Culture Committee (P&CC), comprising solely of Non-Executive Independent Directors, assists the 
Board in discharging its duties. 

The members of the P&CC during 2014 were: 

•	 Sandra McPhee (Chair); 

•	 Roger Corbett;

•	 Michael Anderson; and

•	 Jack Cowin.

The CEO, CFO, Group General Counsel/Company Secretary and Group Director Human Resources attend P&CC 
meetings as invitees except when their own performance or remuneration arrangements are being discussed. 

The Board has a formal Charter for the P&CC which sets out the responsibilities, composition and rules of the 
Committee. The Committee’s primary responsibilities include making recommendations in relation to executive 
remuneration that support the remuneration strategy and the performance conditions that underpin it, to promote 
the achievement of the Group’s strategy, make recommendations to the Board on Non-Executive Directors fees and 
review and recommend the aggregate remuneration pool of Non-Executive Directors, within the maximum amount 
approved by shareholders. Further details of the role and responsibilities of the Committee are set out in its Charter, 
which is available on the Fairfax Media website; www.fairfaxmedia.com.au 

The Committee engages independent remuneration consultants to provide advice and information regarding 
market relativities as required. During the year JWS Consulting was engaged by the Committee to assist with 
implementation of the changes to remuneration arrangements summarised in Section 3.1 above. The fees paid to 
JWS Consulting were $25,000 plus GST.

JWS Consulting has provided confirmation that the recommendations provided were free from ‘undue influence’ 
by the members of the KMP to whom the recommendations related and, based on these confirmations, the Board 
is satisfied that the recommendations were made free from any undue influence.

// 41 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

3.3  reMUNeratioN MiX
The Board considers that a significant proportion of executive remuneration should be ‘at risk’, and linked to Fairfax’s 
short and long term strategy and performance. The following diagram provides the executive KMP remuneration 
mix for the 2014 financial year at maximum achievable value. 

AT RISK: Deferred 
Performance Shares

20%

47%

AT RISK: Long Term Options

FIXED: Base Salary, Allowances 
and Superannuation

30%

3%

FIXED: Sacrifice of Fixed 
Remuneration to purchase 
Company shares

Note – Long Term Options are granted at on-target performance. Determination of further options up to the maximum 
opportunity will be at the Board’s discretion based on the outcomes against the performance hurdles at the conclusion of the 
performance period.

3.4  eXecUtiVe sHareHoLdiNGs
The Company encourages executives to hold Fairfax Media shares to align their interests with our shareholders, 
and the Company’s new remuneration framework has been developed with this in mind.

To reinforce this, as summarised in Section 3.1, during 2014 executive KMP sacrificed 10% of their fixed remuneration, 
post-tax, into Company shares. Furthermore as detailed in section 4.1, the Transformation Incentive Plan rewards 
executives with the issue of long term options exercisable only if challenging absolute shareholder return objectives 
are achieved, and also with the achievement of annual objectives through delivery of Performance Shares that are 
restricted for a period.

Executive KMP equity holdings disclosure as at 29 June 2014 is set out below:

42 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

(A)  ShAreholdingS of executive KMP 

Table 2 
2014

exeCutiVe kMp
G. Hywood
D. Housego
G. Hambly
A. Williams
Total 

BAlANCE AT
30 JuNE 2013
318,343
291,139
104,815
–
714,297

NET

CHANGE (1)
110,912
57,182
43,321
44,200
255,615

BAlANCE AT
29 JuNE 2014
429,255
348,321
148,136
44,200
969,912

POST
YEAR-END 
ACquISITIONS
–
–
–
–
–

POST
YEAR-END
DISPOSAlS
–
–
–
–
–

POST
YEAR-END
BAlANCE
429,255
348,321
148,136
44,200
969,912

(1) 

Includes shares acquired by sacrifice of 10% of fixed remuneration.

2013

exeCutiVe kMp
G. Hywood
D. Housego
G. Hambly
A. Williams
B. Cassell (2)
Total 

BaLanCe at
24 June 2012
118,343
–
104,815
–
1,061,014
1,284,172

net ChanGe 
200,000
291,139
–
–
–
491,139

BaLanCe at
30 June 2013
318,343
291,139
104,815
–
1,061,014
1,775,311

post
Year-end 
aCquisitions
–
–
–
–

post
Year-end
disposaLs
–
–
–
–

–

–

post
Year-end
BaLanCe
318,343
291,139
104,815
–
1,061,014
1,775,311

(2)  The closing balance represents the number of shares at the date of resignation. Mr Cassell ceased in the position of CFO 

on 3 Dec 2012 and resigned on 1 July 2013. 

(B)  rightS over ShAreholdingS of executive KMP
Details of the TIP can be found in section 4.1 and the Long Term Incentive Plan prior to 2014 in section 6.

Table 3 
2014

exeCutiVe kMp
G. Hywood
D. Housego
G. Hambly
A. Williams
Total 

2013

Executive KMP
G. Hywood
D. Housego
G. Hambly
A. Williams
B. Cassell (1)
Total 

BAlANCE AT
30 JuNE 2013
10,403,380
3,666,667
2,690,313
1,837,124
18,597,484

BaLanCe at
24 June 2012
1,514,491
–
717,949
–
785,983
3,018,423

GRANTED AS
REMuNERATION
8,000,000
4,125,000
3,125,000
3,875,000
19,125,000

Granted as
reMuneration
8,888,889
3,666,667
2,083,333
1,837,124
–
16,476,013

NET CHANGE (2)

–
–

(56,488)

–

(56,488)

ClOSING BAlANCE AT

29 JuNE 2014 (3)
18,403,380
7,791,667
5,758,825
5,712,124
37,665,996

net ChanGe (2)

–
–
(110,969)
–
(121,057)
(232,026)

CLosinG BaLanCe at
30 June 2013
10,403,380
3,666,667
2,690,313
1,837,124
664,926
19,262,410

(1)  The closing balance represents the number of rights over shareholdings at the date of resignation. Mr Cassell ceased in the 

position of CFO on 3 Dec 2012 and resigned on 1 July 2013. Any unvested rights were forfeited. 

(2)  Net change movements due to forfeitures. 
(3)  The number of deferred Performance Shares granted under the 2014 Transformation Incentive Plan is determined based on 
the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the Company share price in the 5 days commencing the day after the August 
2014 results announcement. The rights over shares for this plan have therefore not been included in the above table for 2014.

// 43 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

4.  iNceNtiVe reMUNeratioN of eXecUtiVe KMP

4.1  traNsforMatioN iNceNtiVe PLaN (tiP) aPProVed at 2013 aGM 
The following table sets out how the Company’s TIP operated during the 2014 financial year. 

Table 4

detaiL oF transForMation inCentiVe pLan

What is the TIP and who 
participates?

As summarised in Section 3.1, the TIP is designed to reward executives for achieving objectives 
linked to the Company’s transformation strategy and for creating growth in shareholder value. 
The TIP is weighted heavily to the long term.

Senior executives whose roles and skills are critical to the strategy of the Group are eligible to 
participate in the TIP. 

Executive KMP are offered an incentive opportunity that comprises:

•	 options (70% of total incentive opportunity); and

•	 deferred performance shares (30% of total incentive opportunity). 

oPtioNs

How is the options grant 
determined? 

Options are granted each year with an exercise price determined by the Volume Weighted Average 
Price (VWAP) of Fairfax shares over the 5 trading day period commencing on the day after the 
Fairfax AGM. 

Each option entitles the participant to one ordinary Company share, subject to achievement of the 
performance and service conditions and payment of the exercise price. 

The value of options granted depends on the participant’s role and responsibilities. The number 
of options granted is set by an independent valuation based on the Monte Carlo pricing model.

Before the options can vest and be exercised, the granted options are subject to an absolute total 
shareholder return (absolute TSR) condition which must be satisfied over the 3 year performance 
period. 

Options are granted at on-target opportunity. Determination of further options up to the maximum 
opportunity will be at the Board’s discretion based on the outcomes against the performance 
hurdles at the conclusion of the performance period.

What is the performance 
period?

Initially, three years. 

Are the performance 
conditions re-tested?

There are re-tests of the performance hurdles in the fourth year if the performance hurdles are not 
achieved in the initial 3 year performance period. Two further re-testing opportunities at six monthly 
intervals will occur. 

In order for the condition to be met on re-testing, absolute TSR on a cumulative basis will be tested 
over the extended period.

If the condition is met over the extended period, the Board considers it appropriate that executives 
should be rewarded along with shareholders.

Any options that remain unvested after the final re-test will lapse immediately.

The Board is cognisant that a number of factors can impact the outcome against an absolute 
TSR condition, including general market volatility at the time, which is outside of the influence 
of executives. Accordingly, the Board wants to ensure that executives are not penalised for factors 
outside of their control. 

44 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

detaiL oF transForMation inCentiVe pLan

What are the performance 
hurdles?

Why were they chosen?

Options will not vest unless the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) targets for absolute total 
shareholder return growth (absolute TSR) are met. Absolute TSR measures growth in shareholder 
wealth over the performance period as it takes into account both share price growth as well as 
dividends paid to shareholders. 

The applicable targets are set out in the table below. 

Performance
Threshold
Target
Stretch

% exercisable
25%
50%
100%

Absolute TSR growth
15% CAGR
20% CAGR
25% CAGR

The Board adopted absolute TSR as the performance condition for the options as it considers share 
price growth and other distributions to shareholders to be a key indicator of Fairfax’s success over 
the coming years. 

The Board believes that the level of growth required in order for the options to vest would result 
in a healthy rate of return to shareholders. The Board also considers absolute return targets to 
be appropriate during the current rebuilding phase, rather than a relative measure against a variety 
of companies that are not facing the issues Fairfax currently faces.

Notwithstanding these targets, the Board has discretion to deem performance conditions not met 
if vesting would otherwise only occur as a result of extraneous factors, such as speculation about 
a takeover bid for the Company. The Company considers it important that any award of options 
reflects the quality of the Company’s performance and excludes any independent factors. 

deferred PerforMaNce sHares

How is the grant of deferred 
performance shares 
determined? 

Performance shares are granted if participants achieve certain annual objectives that are linked 
to the Company’s transformation strategy. 

The actual number of performance shares granted will be dependent on the participants’ 
performance outcomes for the year and the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the 
Company share price in the 5 days commencing on the day after the August 2014 results 
announcement.

The objectives are set annually by the Board to provide flexibility to moderate, change or introduce 
new measures as the transformation strategy progresses through each stage of implementation. 

Performance shares are granted on a deferred basis to ensure that the value of any award continues 
to be linked to shareholder value. Accordingly, 50% of the shares allocated to a participant following 
testing in 2014 are deferred for 12 months (i.e. until 2015) and the remaining 50% are deferred for 
24 months (i.e. until 2016). 

// 45 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

detaiL oF transForMation inCentiVe pLan

What are the performance 
conditions?

Performance shares are granted at the end of the relevant financial year if a participant achieves 
specific performance conditions linked to the transformation strategy.

Why were they chosen?

For every participant in the TIP, the majority of their opportunity is tied to financial milestones 
such as EBITDA, revenue and costs targets. The remaining portion of the opportunity comprises 
non-financial milestones that drive performance against key business outcomes. 

The specific targets and weighting are tailored to each executive based on their role (and including, 
for example, whether it is tied to Group or business unit metrics). Further detail around the targets 
for 2014, and the weightings that apply in respect to executive KMP, are set out in the table below:

tarGet
EBITDA
Achieve group and/or divisional 
EBITDA targets set in reference to the 
FY14 budget and FY13 performance.

Revenue
Achieve revenue growth and/or 
revenue adjacency targets at group 
and/or division level.

Cost
Achieve cost reduction targets for 
group and/or division.

Key Business Outcomes
Achieve strategic outcomes relating 
to business plan and transformation 
strategy.

Safety
Achieve reduction targets relating to 
LTIFR and HSE plan initiatives. 

Transformation Strategy

GreG
hYwood
50%

daVid
houseGo
50%

GaiL
haMBLY
50%

aLLen
wiLLiaMs
50%

20%

10%

5%

20%

15%

20%

10%

10%

10%

15%

30%

15%

5%

5%

5%

5%

Overall, the targets are set to drive the transformation strategy. The Board believes that generating 
new revenue streams and containing our cost structure should translate into shareholder value. 
The Board selected these milestones with a view to setting clear and measurable objectives, over 
which executives have a clear line of sight.

We are transforming our old publishing business into a multi-platform media organisation and 
growing new businesses, such as property, marketing and data services, events and related digital 
businesses. Ultimately the goal is a sustainable, growing business which delivers consistent value 
to shareholders.

What is the performance 
period? 

One year. Performance Shares are awarded by reference to transformational objectives that are set 
at the start of each year. Performance shares are granted at the end of the relevant financial year 
if specific goals are achieved.

Are the performance 
conditions re-tested?

No.

GeNeraL 

Is there an ability to claw 
back awards under the TIP?

Yes. The Board has the discretion to claw back awards made under the TIP to ensure that 
participants do not unfairly benefit, including in the event of fraud, dishonesty or a breach of 
obligation to the Company. 

In addition, the Board may also claw back awards in the case of material risk or where financial 
information becomes available after awards are granted, which suggests that the initial grant was 
not justified. 

46 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

detaiL oF transForMation inCentiVe pLan

Is there a restriction on 
executives hedging awards 
under the TIP?

What happens in a change 
of control?

Yes. The rules prohibit employees from creating any encumbrance on unvested awards. All 
executives must operate under the Fairfax Security Trading Policy. 

In the event of a takeover bid or other transaction, event or state of affairs that in the Board’s 
opinion is likely to result in a change in control of the Company, the Board has discretion to 
determine that vesting of some or the entire TIP should be accelerated.

If the Board needs to exercise its discretion regarding a change of control event it would be guided 
by the time remaining before the set vesting test date, whether if, the performance hurdles were 
applied at the date of the likely change of control, the vesting test would be achieved, and, the best 
interest of shareholders. 

What happens if the 
executive ceases 
employment?

Where an executive resigns or their employment is terminated by mutual agreement, the unvested 
transformation incentives will remain on foot and subject to the original performance hurdle (in 
the case of Options) and the deferral period (in the case of Performance Shares), as though the 
executive has not ceased employment. 

However, the Board may at its discretion determine to lapse any or all of the unvested 
transformation incentives and ordinarily, in the case of resignation, would be expected to do so.

Where an executive is terminated for cause such as misconduct or poor performance all of the 
unvested transformation incentives will lapse or be forfeited, unless the Board determines otherwise.

The following diagram provides a timeline and overview of the how the 2014 TIP operates, demonstrating the strong 
alignment of the plan with shareholder interests. 

1/7/13

30/6/14

30/6/15

30/6/16

70%

OPTIONS

Vesting subject to achievement of longer term 
shareholder wealth objectives

30% DEFERRED PERFORMANCE SHARES

If transformation 
objectives met 
performance 
shares granted

50% become
unrestricted

50% become
unrestricted

31/12/16

30/6/17

1
s
t

t
e
s
t

2
n
d

t
e
s
t

3
r
d

t
e
s
t

// 47 

 
 
 
reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

4.2  2014 oUtcoMes UNder tHe traNsforMatioN iNceNtiVe PLaN

(A)  AnnuAl coMPonent: deferred PerforMAnce ShAreS
The positive outcome on the 2014 annual transformational objectives has resulted in executive KMP receiving an 
annual allocation of deferred performance shares. The outcomes reflect that EBITDA performance was broadly in 
line with plans. However due to the continued challenges in revenue this was largely achieved through significant 
cost reductions across the group. Safety performance has improved remarkably. 

The average outcomes for executive KMP was 77% of maximum opportunity. The diagrams below represent the 
dollar value earned by each executive KMP. The amount of deferred performance shares to be granted will be 
determined based on the VWAP of Company shares in the five trading days commencing on the day after the 
August 2014 results announcement.

GREG HYWOOD

DAVID HOUSEGO

GAIL HAMBLY

ALLEN WILLIAMS

ON-TARGET $480,000

MAXIMUM $960,000

Not earned

EBITDA

Revenue Costs

Strategic Safety

ON-TARGET $247,500

MAXIMUM $495,000

Not earned

EBITDA

Revenue Costs

Strategic Safety

ON-TARGET $187,500

MAXIMUM $375,000

EBITDA

Revenue Costs

Strategic

Safety

ON-TARGET $232,500

MAXIMUM $465,000

Not earned

Not earned

EBITDA

Revenue

Costs Strategic Safety

The following table provides the weightings and performance achieved for each measure for each executive KMP:

Table 5

naMe

G. Hywood

D. Housego

G. Hambly

A. Williams

legend:

eBitda

reVenue

  50%

  50%

  50%

  50%

  20%

  10%

    5%

  20%

keY
Business
outCoMes

  10%

  15%

  30%

  15%

Costs

  15%

  20%

  10%

  10%

saFetY

  5%

  5%

  5%

  5%

Minimum performance target not achieved

Overall performance below on-target, but some performance elements achieved

Overall performance either met on-target, or achieved above targets 

Maximum performance target achieved

48 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

Performance summary:

EBITDA(1)

Strong Group EBITDA result achieved which provided awards above on-target performance for Group 
EBITDA. 

Because Mr Williams has 25% of his incentive based on Group performance and 25% based on Australian 
Publishing Media performance he achieved overall EBITDA performance below his target.

Revenue

Mr Williams exceeded his target for the transformational digital growth revenue targets. The rest of KMP 
had targets based on Group Revenue measures. 

Costs 

Cost reduction targets have been achieved, with the targets in the Fairfax of the Future exceeded.

Key Business 
Outcomes

Key annual milestones and initiatives in the transformation journey were achieved. For example, for the 
CEO these outcomes included targeted assets sales (e.g. Stayz); closure of non-profitable products; and 
deliver on growth of Domain.

Safety

Targets were based on year on year improvement of Lost Time Injury Frequency Rates, and were exceeded. 

(1)  The EBITDA targets set were based on the Group’s 2014 budget and were adjusted for significant acquisitions and disposals 

made during the year.

Summary of TIP deferred performance share awards for the 2014 

Table 6

naMe
G. Hywood
D. Housego 
G. Hambly
A. Williams

(1) As a percentage of Fixed Remuneration

MaxiMuM
opportunitY
annuaL
perForManCe

Based sti (1)

% oF
MaxiMuM
opportunitY
earned

% oF
MaxiMuM
opportunitY
ForFeited

60%

60%

60%

60%

78%

81%

79%

67%

22%

19%

21%

33%

// 49 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

(B)  oPtionS grAnted
The options are subject to achievement of an absolute TSR performance measured over 3 years aligned to the 
strategic plan. No options were available to vest under the TIP during 2014. The diagram below provides the starting 
share price and the forecast share price required at the end of the 3 year period for the absolute TSR target to be 
achieved and vesting to occur. The Company share price after the first year of the performance period is tracking 
at a level that would meet maximum vesting if this performance continues over the 3 to 4 year period. 

FXJ FORECAST SHARE PRICE REQUIRED TO MEET 2014 OPTIONS ABSOLUTE TSR PERFORMANCE HURDLE

$1.0

$0.80

$0.60

76% INCREASE FROM OPENING SHARE PRICE TO 30 JUNE 2014

MAXIMUM

TARGET

THRESHOLD

E
C
I
R
P
E
R
A
H
S

$0.40

1 July 13
(start of the FY14 options period)

30 June 14

30 June 15

30 June 16
(end of 3 year period)

SHARE PRICE

THRESHOLD

TARGET

STRETCH

Note – Target share price required (incorporating a conservative dividend assumption) calculated by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

50 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

 
reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

5.  eXecUtiVe KMP reMUNeratioN aNd eQUitY GraNted iN 2014

5.1  reMUNeratioN of KeY MaNaGeMeNt PersoNNeL 
This table sets out details of remuneration during the financial year. 

Table 7

G. Hywood 
– Chief Executive Officer

D. Housego 
– Chief Financial Officer (1)

G. Hambly 
–  Group General Counsel 
& Company Secretary
Allen Williams 
–  Managing Director Australian 

Publishing Media (2)
B. Cassell 
– Chief Financial Officer (3)
TOTAl

Base
saLarY &
other
BeneFits (4)
1,575,000
1,575,000
760,000
464,166
554,210
554,210

750,000
184,083

2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013

2014
2013

2013

274,411

Cash
Bonus
–
–
–
100,000
–
–

super-
annuation
25,000
25,000
25,000
26,923
70,790
70,790

LonG serViCe
LeaVe
expense
17,394
11,239
2,357
–
10,829
10,830

totaL
exCLudinG
shares /
riGhts
1,617,394
1,611,239
787,357
591,089
635,829
635,830

VaLue oF
shares /

riGhts (5)
1,244,877
371,468
545,748
250,556
427,365
82,366

totaL
inCLudinG
shares /
riGhts
2,862,271
1,982,707
1,333,105
841,645
1,063,194
718,196

–
–

–

25,000
2,885

14,655
2,966

789,655
189,934

406,923
125,537

1,196,578
315,471

9,615

14,654

298,680

(79,828)

218,852

2014
2013

3,639,210
3,051,870

–
100,000

145,790
135,213

45,235
39,689

3,830,235
3,326,772

2,624,913
750,099

6,455,148
4,076,871

(1)  D. Housego commenced with the Company on the 3 December 2012.
(2)  A Williams met the definition of a KMP on his appointment as Managing Director Australian Publishing Media on 4 April 2013 

(with an annual fixed remuneration of $775,000). Prior to this Mr Williams was the CEO of Fairfax New Zealand.

(3)  B. Cassell ceased in the position of CFO on 3 December 2012 and was no longer deemed to be KMP.
(4)  Executive KMP voluntary salary sacrifice of 10% of their fixed annual remuneration to purchase Company shares is on 

a post-tax basis. 

(5)  Amount includes the amortised cost of the fair value of rights to shares and options issued but not yet vested. 

// 51 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

5.2  eQUitY GraNted to eXecUtiVes WHo are KeY MaNaGeMeNt PersoNNeL dUriNG tHe fiNaNciaL Year

Table 8

G. Hywood 
– Chief Executive Officer

D. Housego 
– Chief Financial Officer

G. Hambly 
–  Group General Counsel 
& Company Secretary

Allen Williams 
–  Managing Director Australian 

Publishing Media

equitY
award (1)

perForManCe

Condition (2)

Options
Performance
Shares

Options
Performance
Shares

Options
Performance
Shares

Options
Performance
Shares

Absolute TSR
Transformation
Objectives

Absolute TSR
Transformation
Objectives

Absolute TSR
Transformation
Objectives

Absolute TSR
Transformation
Objectives

nuMBer oF
options/
shares
Granted (3)

8,000,000

Fair VaLue
per options/

shares (4)
$0.14

n/a

4,125,000

n/a

3,125,000

n/a

3,875,000

n/a

n/a

$0.14

n/a

$0.14

n/a

$0.14

n/a

MaxiMuM
VaLue

oF Grant (5)

$1,120,000

$750,644
$1,870,644
$577,500

$401,277
$978,777
$437,500

$294,496
$731,996
$542,500

$309,604
$852,104

The maximum value of unvested shares for executive KMP in the LTI plans for FY2011, FY2012, and FY2013 is $5,163,520. 
The minimum total value of all unvested shares for all plan years is nil.
1)  The Performance Share grants made to executives for 2014 are subject to the terms summarised in section 4.1 and will not 

be known until after the Company results announcement in August 2014, in line with the plan rules.

2)  Performance Shares and Options are subject to performance hurdles that are outlined in section 4.1. Rights to Performance 
Shares and Options lapse where the applicable performance conditions are not satisfied on testing. As the Performance 
Shares and Options only vest on satisfaction of performance conditions which are to be tested in future years, the 2014 
Performance Shares and Options have not yet been forfeited or vested.

3)  Options are granted at on-target performance. Determination of further options up to the maximum opportunity will be at 

the Board’s discretion based on the outcomes against the performance hurdles at the conclusion of the performance period.

4)  Fair value per Option was calculated by independent consultants PwC as at the grant date of 8 November 2013.
5)  The maximum value of the grant has been estimated based on the fair value per instrument. The minimum total value of the 

grant is nil (this assumes none of the applicable performance conditions are met). 

52 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

6.  LoNG terM iNceNtiVe PLaN Prior to 2014 

Prior to 2014, the Company operated a short term incentive plan and a separate long term incentive plan (LTIP). 
These plans were discontinued from 2014. The following table sets out how the LTIP prior to 2014 operates.

Table 9

detaiL oF Ltip arranGeMent 

How was the lTIP grant 
determined? 

In 2013, LTIP participants received an allocation of performance rights (rights) which allowed 
the executive to acquire shares for no consideration subject to achievement of the performance 
hurdles. No dividends were payable to participants on the unvested rights. 

Allocations were set at a fixed percentage of the executive’s Fixed Remuneration at the time they 
participate in the LTIP. The value of the rights at the time of allocation was determined by an 
independent external valuer using the industry standard valuation method. 

In the allocations for the 2011 and 2012 financial years, participants in the LTIP received an 
allocation of Company shares. The shares were allocated to the executives and held in trust until 
they either vest, or forfeited. 

What was the performance 
period?

Three years. 

For allocations prior to 2013, if an allocation did not vest at the end of the three year period, 
a re-test of the performance hurdles occurred at the end of the fourth. This re-test was removed 
in respect of the 2013 allocation.

What were the performance 
hurdles?

For an allocation to vest, there were two performance hurdles, both linked to the Company’s return 
to shareholders. 

Fifty percent of an allocation vested on achievement of the total shareholder return (TSR) target. 

TSR was measured against the S&P/ASX 300 Consumer Discretionary Index and allocations vested 
as described in the table below:

TSR PERFORMANCE
Below 50th percentile
50th percentile
50th to 75th percentile
Above 75th percentile

% OF AllOCATION THAT vESTS
Nil
50% of allocation
Vested on a straight line basis
100%

The other 50% of the allocation vested if the Company achieves the earnings per share (EPS) target. 

EPS was measured by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the Company’s EPS and vested 
according to the table below:

EPS PERFORMANCE
Less than 7% CAGR
7% CAGR
7% to 10% CAGR
10% CAGR or above

% OF AllOCATION THAT vESTS
Nil
25%
Vested on a straight line basis 
100%

The base case to be used for the EPS performance hurdle test for the 2013 allocation is the 
underlying 2012 financial year EPS of 8.7 cents per share as set out in the Fairfax Media 2012 Annual 
Report. Underlying EPS is calculated excluding significant items which are set out in Note 4 to the 
2012 financial year audited accounts. In order to be consistent, underlying EPS will also be used 
at the test date. 

What happened if there 
was a change of control 
of the Company?

The Board had discretion regarding vesting.

If the Board needs to exercise its discretion regarding a change of control event it would be guided 
by the time remaining before the set vesting test date, whether if, the performance hurdles were 
applied at the date of the likely change of control, the vesting test would be achieved, and, the best 
interest of shareholders

What happened if 
the executive ceased 
employment?

If an executive resigned, unvested allocations were, in general forfeited. On termination for 
misconduct, allocations were forfeited. 

If an executive was terminated without cause, for example made redundant or died or permanently 
disabled, then vesting was at the Board’s discretion. 

// 53 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

Status and dates – lTIP Prior to 2014 (unvested awards) 

Table 10

Grant date

award instruMent

17 November 2010

Performance Shares

perForManCe
testinG window

1 July 2010  
– 30 June 2013

13 September 2011

Performance Shares

1 July 2011  
– 30 June 2014 

expirY date 
(iF hurdLe not Met)*

award stiLL
eLiGiBLe For VestinG?

30 June 2014

No. Performance 
hurdles not achieved, 
shares have 
been forfeited 

30 June 2015

In re-testing period. 

Base EPS FY11 = 11.6c. 

Three year test 
minimum FY14 = 14.2c. 

Minimum 
retest FY15 = 15.2c

Performance 
testing window 
not yet complete.

Base EPS FY12 = 8.7c.

Three year test 
minimum FY15 = 10.7c. 

31 October 2012

Performance Rights

1 July 2012  
– 30 June 2015

n/a

*   Retest of conditions performed in the fourth year in respect of LTIP allocations prior to 2013, if performance hurdle is not met 

in the initial performance testing window. Performance is re-tested over the 4 year period. 

Of the two remaining LTIP grants prior to 2014, the EPS hurdles are currently not being achieved but progress on the 
TSR hurdle for the 31 October 2012 grant is tracking on target to achieve part vesting. The following diagram shows 
the current TSR progress against the S&P/ASX 300 Consumer Discretionary Index vesting hurdle. 

TSR Progress on existing Long Term Incentive Grants

100%

75%

50%

25%

0%

)
E
L
I
T
N
E
C
R
E
P
(
E
C
N
A
M
R
O
F
R
E
P
R
S
T

100% VESTING

71%

50% VESTING
STRAIGHT
LINE PRO RATA

41%

NO VESTING

13 September 2011 Grant

13 October 2012 Grant

FXJ RELATIVE TSR RANK

Note – Forecast tracking of relative TSR against the S&P/ASX 300 Consumer Discretionary Index provided by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

54 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

 
 
reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

Retirement Benefits for Executives
Except for a small number of long serving executives who are members of a defined-benefit superannuation plan, 
retirement benefits are delivered through contribution accumulation superannuation plans. The defined-benefit 
funds (which are closed to new entrants) provides defined lump sum benefits based on years of service, retirement 
age and the executive’s remuneration at the time of retirement.

7.  eXecUtiVe serVice aGreeMeNts 

The remuneration and other terms of employment for the executive KMP are set out in written service agreements. 
These service agreements are unlimited in term but may be terminated by written notice by either party or by the 
Company making payment in lieu of notice. They may also be terminated with cause as set out below. 

Each agreement sets out the Fixed Remuneration, performance related incentive opportunities and termination 
rights and obligations.

The Company may terminate the employment of the executive without notice and without payment in lieu of 
notice in some circumstances, including if the executive commits an act of serious misconduct or a material breach 
of the executive service agreement or is charged with any criminal offence which, in the reasonable opinion of the 
Company, may embarrass or bring the Fairfax Group into disrepute.

The Company may terminate the employment of the executive at any time by giving the executive notice 
of termination or payment in lieu of such notice. The amount of notice required from the Company in these 
circumstances is set out in the table below. If the Company elects to make payment in lieu of all or part of 
the required notice, the payment is calculated on the basis of fixed remuneration excluding bonuses and 
non cash incentives.

Also set out in the table below is the notice that the executive is required to give. 

Table 11

naMe oF
exeCutiVe
Greg Hywood

CoMpanY
terMination
notiCe period
12 months

eMpLoYee
terMination
notiCe period
6 months

David Housego

12 months

4 months

Gail Hambly (1) 

18 months

3 months

Allen Williams

12 months

6 months

post-eMpLoYMent restraint
12 month no solicitation of employees or clients
6 months no work for a competitor of the Fairfax Group
12 month no solicitation of employees or clients
6 months no work for a competitor of the Fairfax Group
12 month no solicitation of employees or clients
6 months no work for a competitor of the Fairfax Group
12 month no solicitation of employees or clients
6 months no work for a competitor of the Fairfax Group

(1)  Participant in the Fairfax defined benefit superannuation scheme.

8.  reMUNeratioN of NoN-eXecUtiVe directors 

Under the Fairfax Constitution, the aggregate remuneration of Non-Executive Directors is set by resolution 
of shareholders. The aggregate was last approved by shareholders at the 2010 Annual General Meeting and set 
at $2,100,000 per annum. Within this limit, the Board annually reviews Directors’ remuneration with advice from 
the P&CC. The Board also considers survey data on Directors’ fees paid by comparable companies, and any 
independent expert advice commissioned. 

In addition to the reduction in fees implemented during 2013, as foreshadowed in our 2013 Remuneration Report, 
Directors’ base fees were reduced by 10% as of 1 July 2013. 

A further reduction in Board Committee fees was realised by incorporating the responsibilities of the Sustainability 
and Corporate Responsibility Committee into the Audit & Risk and the People & Culture Committees 
from January 2014.

// 55 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

Board and committee fees payable as at the date of this report are as follows: 

Table 12

Chairman of the Board*
Other Non-Executive Director
Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
Members of Audit and Risk Committee
Chair of People and Culture Committee 
Members of People and Culture Committee 
Chair of the Nominations Committee
Members of Nominations Committee

$
327,600
117,000
44,000
33,000
33,000
22,000
0
0 

* 

The Chairman of the Board does not receive committee fees for membership of Committees.

The fees above do not include statutory superannuation payments.

8.1  retireMeNt beNefits for NoN-eXecUtiVe directors
Other than superannuation contributions made on behalf of Non-Executive Directors in accordance with statutory 
requirements, Non-Executive Directors are not entitled to any retirement benefits.

8.2  NoN-eXecUtiVe directors’ fees 
The following table outlines fees paid to Non-Executive Directors during the financial year. 

Table 13

M. Anderson 

R. Corbett 

J. Cowin (1)

J. Millar 

S. McPhee

S. Morgan (2)

L. Nicholls

T. Sampson (3)
P. Young

Directors

non-exeCutiVe
direCtors Fees
156,883
180,290
327,600
380,500
140,426
136,178
151,538
148,869
162,510
185,000
117,472
142,579
162,651
174,000
12,150
151,538

184,000
1,382,768
1,531,416

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

2013
2014
2013

super-
annuation
14,512
29,644
30,303
34,245
12,989
12,256
14,017
13,398
15,032
16,650
10,866
12,832
15,045
15,660
1,124
14,017

16,560
127,905
151,245

totaL 
171,395
209,934
357,903
414,745
153,415
148,434
165,555
162,267
177,542
201,650
128,338
155,411
177,696
189,660
13,274
165,555

200,560
1,510,673
1,682,661

(1)  J. Cowin joined the Board on 19 July 2012.
(2)  S. Morgan retired from the Board on the 29 May 2014.

(3)  T. Sampson joined the Board on the 29 May 2014. 

56 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

8.3  NoN-eXecUtiVe directors’ sHareHoLdiNGs
Non-Executive Director equity holdings disclosure as at 29 June 2014 is set out below:

Table 14 
2014

non-exeCutiVe 
direCtor
M. Anderson
R. Corbett
J. Cowin
J. Millar
S. McPhee
S. Morgan (1)
L. Nicholls
T. Sampson (2)
P. Young
Total 

2013

exeCutiVe kMp
M. Anderson
R. Corbett
J. Cowin
J. Millar
S. McPhee
S. Morgan
L. Nicholls
P. Young
Total 

BAlANCE AT
30 JuNE 2013
–
99,206
3,000,000
100,000
110,893
1,564,668
107,758
–
131,117
5,113,642

BaLanCe at
24 June 2012
–
99,206
–
–
40,220
1,564,668
40,387
131,117
1,875,598

NET CHANGE
OTHER
–
–
–
–
29,902
–
28,085
–
–
57,987

net ChanGe
other
–
–
3,000,000
100,000
70,673
–
67,371
–
3,238,044

BAlANCE AT
29 JuNE 2014
–
99,206
3,000,000
100,000
140,795
1,564,668
135,843
–
131,117
5,171,629

BaLanCe at
30 June 2013
–
99,206
3,000,000
100,000
110,893
1,564,668
107,758
131,117
5,113,642

POST
YEAR-END
ACquISITIONS
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

post
Year-end
aCquisitions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

POST
YEAR-END
DISPOSAlS
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

post
Year-end
disposaLs
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

POST
YEAR-END
BAlANCE
–
99,206
3,000,000
100,000
140,795
1,564,668
135,843
–
131,117
5,171,629

post
Year-end
BaLanCe
–
99,206
3,000,000
100,000
110,893
1,564,668
107,758
131,117
5,113,642

(1)  S. Morgan retired from the Board on the 29 May 2014. The closing balance represents the number of shares at the date 

retired from the Board. 

(2)  T. Sampson joined the Board on the 29 May 2014. 

9.  LoaNs to KeY MaNaGeMeNt PersoNNeL 

There were no loans made to Directors of Fairfax Media Limited or to other key management personnel of the 
Group, including their personally related parties, during the financial period ended 29 June 2014 (2013: nil). 

There are no outstanding loans for the financial years ended 29 June 2014 and 30 June 2013.

// 57 

reMUNeratioN rePort (aUdited)

10.  fiVe Year fiNaNciaL PerforMaNce of tHe coMPaNY  

iN KeY sHareHoLder VaLUe MeasUres 

The financial performance of the Company in key shareholder value measures over the past five years 
is shown below.

Table 15

Underlying operating revenue
Underlying net profit after tax
Earnings per share after significant items
Dividends per share
Total Shareholder Returns (TSR)*

$m 
$m 
Cents 
Cents 
% 

IFRS
2014 
1,866
158.5
6.7
4.0
97.5

iFrs
2013 (1)
2,074
143.5
5.4
2.0
(3.4)

iFrs
2012
2,328
212.0
8.7
3.0
(40.5)

iFrs
2011
2,466
285.0
11.6
3.0
(23.9)

iFrs
2010
2,482
290.7
11.8
2.5
11.3

*   TSR comprises share price appreciation and dividends, gross of franking credits, reinvested in the shares. Source: Bloomberg.
(1)   Trade Me revenue has been included in 2013 for comparative purposes up to the date of sale on 21 December 2012 

(refer Note 5). 

58 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

corPorate GoVerNaNce
corPorate GoVerNaNce

The Company’s compliance with the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations, 2nd edition (“ASX Recommendations”) is set out in the following table.

CoMpLianCe

Principle 1: lay solid foundations for management and oversight
1.1

Establish the functions reserved to the Board and those delegated to senior executives and disclose 
those functions
Disclose the process for evaluating the performance of senior executives

1.2

Provide the information indicated in the Guide to reporting on Principle 1

1.3
Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5

A majority of the Board should be independent Directors
The chair should be an independent Director
The roles of chair and Chief Executive Officer should not be exercised by the same individual
The Board should establish a nomination committee
Disclose the process for evaluating the performance of the Board, its committees and individual Directors

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 2

2.6
Principle 3: Promote ethical and responsible decision making
3.1

Establish a code of conduct and disclose the code or a summary of the code as to:
•	 the practices necessary to maintain confidence in the Company’s integrity
•	 the practices necessary to take into account legal obligations and the reasonable expectations 

of shareholders, and

•	 the responsibility and accountability of individuals for reporting and investigating reports of 

unethical practices

3.2
3.3

3.4

Establish a policy concerning diversity and disclose the policy or a summary of that policy 
Disclose the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by the Board in accordance with the 
diversity policy and progress towards achieving them
Disclose the proportion of women employees in the whole organisation, women in senior executive 
positions and women on the Board

Provide the information indicated in the Guide to reporting on Principle 3

3.5
Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in financial reporting
The Board should establish an audit committee
4.1
Structure the audit committee so that it:
4.2
•	 consists of only Non-Executive Directors
•	 consists of a majority of independent Directors
•	 is chaired by an independent chair, who is not chair of the Board, and
•	 has at least three members.
The audit committee should have a formal charter

4.3

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 4

4.4
Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
5.1

Establish written policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with ASX Listing Rule disclosure 
requirements and to ensure accountability at a senior executive level for that compliance and disclose those 
policies or a summary of those policies
Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 5

5.2
Principle 6: Respect the rights of shareholders
6.1

Design a communications policy for promoting effective communication with shareholders and encouraging 
their participation at general meetings and disclose the policy or a summary of the policy
Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 6

6.2




































// 59 

corPorate GoVerNaNce

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
7.1

Companies should establish policies for the oversight and management of material business risks and 
disclose a summary of those policies
Board should require management to design and implement the risk management and internal control 
system to manage the company’s material business risks and report to it on whether those risks are being 
managed effectively. The Board should disclose that management has reported to it as to the effectiveness of 
the Company’s management of its material business risks
Board should disclose whether it has received assurance from the Chief Executive (or equivalent) that the 
declaration provided in accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act is founded on a sound system 
of risk management and internal control and that the system is operating effectively in all material respects in 
relation to financial reporting risks
Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 7

7.4
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
8.1
8.2

The Board should establish a remuneration committee
The remuneration committee should be structured so that it consists of a majority of independent directors, 
is chaired by an independent director and has at least three members
Clearly distinguish the structure of Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration from that of executive Directors 
and senior executives
Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 8

7.2

7.3

8.3

8.4

CoMpLianCe
















The key corporate governance principles of the Fairfax Group are set out below. This section contains summaries of the 
Fairfax Board Charter, Nomination Committee Charter, Code of Conduct, Audit and Risk Committee Charter, Charter of Audit 
Independence, policy on market disclosure and shareholder communications, risk management policy, securities trading policy 
(including policy on hedging unvested securities issued as part of remuneration) and the Diversity Policy and data. The People 
and Culture Committee Charter is summarised in the Remuneration Report. The Committee and Board Charters are also available 
at www.fairfaxmedia.com.au.

board of directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the long-term growth and profitability of the Group.

The Board has adopted a Board Charter which sets out the responsibilities of the Board and its structure and 
governance requirements. Under the Board Charter, the responsibilities of the Board are to:

(a)   set the strategic direction of the Fairfax Group;

(b)   provide overall policy guidance and ensure that policies and procedures for corporate governance and risk 

management are in place to ensure shareholder funds are prudently managed and that the Group complies with 
its regulatory obligations and ethical standards;

(c)   set and monitor performance against the financial objectives and performance targets for the Group;

(d)   determine the terms of employment and review the performance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO);

(e)   set and monitor the Group’s programs for succession planning and key executive development with the aim 

to ensure these programs are effective;

(f)   approve acquisitions and disposals of assets, businesses and expenditure above set monetary limits; and

(g)   approve the issue of securities and entry into material finance arrangements, including loans and debt issues.

Subject to the specific authorities reserved to the Board under the Board Charter, and to the authorities 
delegated to the Board committees, the Board has delegated to the CEO responsibility for the management and 
operation of the Fairfax Group. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day operations, financial performance and 
administration of the Fairfax Group within the powers authorised to him from time-to-time by the Board. The CEO 
may make further delegation within the delegations specified by the Board and is accountable to the Board for the 
exercise of these delegated powers.

60 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

corPorate GoVerNaNce

Membership of the Board and its committees during the 2014 year is set out below.

CoMMittee MeMBership

direCtor
R. Corbett
G. Hywood

M. Anderson
J. Cowin
S. McPhee
J. Millar
S. Morgan*
L. Nicholls
T. Sampson**
P. Young

MeMBership tYpe
Independent Chair
CEO/Managing 
Director
Independent
Independent
Independent
Independent
Independent
Independent
Independent
Independent

Resigned 29 May 2014

* 
**  Appointed 29 May 2014
#  Committee dissolved in December 2013

audit and risk
Member
–

noMinations
Chair 
–

peopLe and CuLture
Member
–

–
–
–
Member
–
Chair
–
Member

–
–
–
Member
–
Member
–
Member

Member 
Member
Chair
–
–
–
–
–

sustainaBiLitY 
and Corporate 
responsiBiLitY#
Member
–

Chair
–
Member
–
Member
–
–
–

The qualifications and other details of each member of the Board are set out in the Board of Directors section of the 
2014 Annual Report.

Except for the Chief Executive Officer, all Directors (including the Chair) are considered by the Board to be 
independent, Non-Executive Directors.

The Constitution authorises the Board to appoint Directors to vacancies and to elect the Chair. One third of 
Directors (excluding the Chief Executive Officer and a Director appointed to fill a casual vacancy and rounded 
down to the nearest whole number) must retire at every Annual General Meeting. Other than the Chief Executive 
Officer, no Director may remain in office for more than three years or the third annual general meeting following 
appointment without resigning and being re-elected. Any Director appointed by the Board must stand for election 
at the next general meeting of shareholders.

Any Director may seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. Prior approval by the Chair 
is required, but approval must not be unreasonably withheld.

The Board has a Nominations Committee which reviews potential Board candidates as required. The Committee 
is comprised of Non-Executive Independent Directors. The Committee may seek expert external advice on 
suitable candidates. 

The Board has adopted a formal Nominations Committee Charter. Under the Charter, the purpose of the Committee 
is to identify individuals qualified to become Board members and recommend them for nomination to the Board 
and its Committees; to ensure Board members’ performance is reviewed regularly and to recommend changes from 
time to time to ensure the Board has an appropriate mix of skills and experience.

The Committee uses the following principles to recommend candidates and provide advice and other 
recommendations to the Board:

•	 a majority of the Directors and the Chair should be independent; and

•	 the Board should represent a broad range of expertise consistent with the Company’s strategic focus.

Duties of the Nominations Committee include:

•	 making recommendations to the Board on the size and composition of the Board;

•	 identifying and recommending individuals qualified to be Board members, taking into account such factors 

as it deems appropriate;

•	 identifying Board members qualified to fill vacancies on the Committees;

// 61 

corPorate GoVerNaNce

•	 recommending the appropriate process for the evaluation of the performance of each director and the Board; and

•	 other duties delegated to it from time to time relating to nomination of Board or Committee members 

or corporate governance.

The Board conducts a review of its structure, composition and performance annually. The Board may seek external 
advice to assist in the review process. 

iNdePeNdeNt directors
Under the Board Charter, the majority of the Board and the Chair must be independent. A Director must notify the 
Company about any conflict of interest, potential material relationship with the Company or circumstance relevant 
to his/her independence.

Directors have determined that all Directors except the Chief Executive Officer are independent. In assessing 
whether a Director is independent, the Board has considered Directors’ obligations to shareholders, 
the requirements of applicable laws and regulations, criteria set out in the Board Charter and the ASX 
Recommendations. The Board has not set specific materiality thresholds, considering it more effective to assess any 
relationship on its merits on a case-by-case basis, and where appropriate, with the assistance of external advice. 

The ASX Recommendations, in summary, state that the Board should consider whether the Director:

•	 is a substantial shareholder or officer or associated with a substantial shareholder of the Company;

•	 was employed in an executive capacity by the Group within the last three years;

•	 within the last three years, was a principal of a material professional adviser or a material consultant or an employee 

materially associated with a service;

•	 is, or is associated with a material supplier or customer of the Group; 

•	 has a material contractual relationship with the Group other than as a Director;

•	 has close family ties with any person who falls within any of the categories described above; and

•	 has been a director of the entity for such a period that his or her independence may be compromised.

code of coNdUct
All Directors, managers and employees are required to act honestly and with integrity.

The Company has developed and communicated to all employees and Directors the Fairfax Code of Conduct. 
The Code assists in upholding ethical standards and conducting business in accordance with applicable laws. 
The Code also sets out the responsibility of individuals for reporting Code breaches.

The Fairfax Code of Conduct aims to:

•	 provide clear guidance on the Company’s values and expectations while acting as a representative of Fairfax;

•	 promote minimum ethical behavioural standards and expectations across the Group, all business 

units and locations;

•	 offer guidance for shareholders, customers, readers, suppliers and the wider community on our values, standards 

and expectations, and what it means to work for Fairfax; and

•	 raise employee awareness of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and provide a means to assist in avoiding 

any real or perceived misconduct.

Supporting the Code of Conduct is the Company’s range of guidelines and policies. These policies are posted 
on the Company intranet, are communicated to employees at the time of employment and are reinforced by 
training programs.

The Code of Conduct is a set of general principles relating to employment with Fairfax, covering the following areas:

•	 business integrity – conducting business with honesty, integrity and fairness; reporting concerns without fear 

of punishment; making public comments about the Company and disclosing real or potential conflicts of interest;

•	 professional practice – dealings in Fairfax shares; disclosing financial interests; protecting Company assets and 

property; maintaining privacy and confidentiality; undertaking employment outside Fairfax; personal advantage, 
gifts and inducements, recruitment and selection; and Company reporting;

62 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

corPorate GoVerNaNce

•	 health, safety and environment;

•	 Equal Employment Opportunity and anti-harassment;

•	 compliance with Company policies; and

•	 implementation of and compliance with the Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct is to be read in conjunction with the codes of ethics for each masthead and the other Fairfax 
policies as amended from time to time.

aUdit aNd risK coMMittee
The Audit and Risk Committee operates in accordance with a Charter which sets out its role and functions. 
In summary, the Committee’s role is to advise and assist the Board on the establishment and maintenance of 
a framework of risk management, internal controls and ethical standards for the management of the Fairfax Group, 
to monitor the quality and reliability of financial information for the Group, and from December 2013, to manage 
certain sustainability and corporate responsibility matters. To carry out this role, the Committee:

•	 recommends to the Board the appointment of the external auditor, reviews its performance, independence and 

effectiveness, approves the auditor’s fee arrangements and enforces the Company’s Charter of Audit Independence;

•	 ensures that appropriate systems of control are in place to effectively safeguard assets;

•	 ensures accounting records are maintained in accordance with statutory and accounting requirements;

•	 formulates policy for Board approval and oversees key finance and treasury functions;

•	 formulates and oversees an effective business risk plan;

•	 ensures appropriate policies and procedures are in place with the goal to ensure compliance with all 

regulatory requirements;

•	 monitors compliance with all regulatory and ethical requirements;

•	 identifies and monitors current and emerging sustainability and corporate responsibility trends, risks and 
opportunities and ensuring that the Board is kept up to date with market and investor expectations on 
sustainability and corporate responsibility activities;

•	 oversees the Group’s compliance with corporate governance and legal requirements in relation to sustainability 

and corporate responsibility issues and related reporting;

•	 ensures there is an appropriate framework for compliance with all legal and Australian Securities 

Exchange requirements;

•	 reviews the external audit process with the external auditor, including in the absence of management;

•	 reviews the performance of internal audit and has input into the performance review and remuneration of the 

Internal Audit Manager;

•	 recommends to the Board the appointment and dismissal of the Internal Audit Manager;

•	 reviews and approves the internal audit plan;

•	 Receives internal audit summaries of significant reports prepared by internal audit;

•	 meets with the Internal Audit Manager including in the absence of management if considered necessary; and 

•	 deals with such matters as the Committee deems necessary to carry out the functions set out above. 

Under its Charter, all members of the Committee must be Non-Executive Directors. Executives may attend by 
invitation. The Chair of the Committee is required to be independent and have relevant financial expertise and 
may not be the Chair of the Board. The members of the Audit and Risk Committee and details of their attendance 
at Committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ Report. The Chair of the Committee may, at the Company’s 
expense, obtain external advice, or obtain assistance and information from officers of the Group, or engage other 
support as reasonably required from time to time.

// 63 

corPorate GoVerNaNce

cHarter of aUdit iNdePeNdeNce
The Board has also adopted a Charter of Audit Independence. The purpose of this Charter is to provide 
a framework for the Board and management to ensure that the external auditor is both independent and seen 
to be independent. The purpose of an independent statutory audit is to provide shareholders with reliable and clear 
financial reports on which to base investment decisions. The Charter sets out key commitments by the Board and 
procedures to be followed by the Audit and Risk Committee and management aimed to set a proper framework 
of audit independence.

To promote audit quality and effective audit service by suitably qualified professionals, the Board ensures that 
the auditor is fairly rewarded for the agreed scope of the statutory audit and audit-related services. The auditor 
is required to have regular communications with the Committee, at times without management present. Audit 
personnel must be appropriately trained, meet the required technical standards and maintain confidentiality.

Restrictions are placed on non-audit work performed by the auditor. Non-audit fees above a fixed level may not 
be incurred without the approval of the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Company requires the rotation of the lead audit partner and the independent review partner for the 
Company at least every five years. The Committee requires the auditor to confirm annually that it has complied 
with all professional regulations and guidelines issued by the Australian accounting profession relating to auditor 
independence. The auditor must also confirm that neither it nor its partners has any financial or material business 
interests in the Company outside of the supply of professional services.

MarKet discLosUre aNd sHareHoLder coMMUNicatioNs
The Company has a Market Disclosure Policy which sets out requirements aimed to ensure full and timely disclosure 
to the market of material issues relating to the Group to ensure that all stakeholders have an equal opportunity to 
access information. 

The Policy reflects the ASX Listing Rules and Corporations Act continuous disclosure requirements.

The Market Disclosure Policy requires that the Company notify the market, via the ASX, of any price sensitive 
information (subject to the exceptions to disclosure under the Listing Rules). Information is price sensitive if 
a reasonable person would expect the information to have a material effect on the price or value of the Company’s 
securities or if the information would, or would be likely to, influence investors in deciding whether to buy, hold 
or sell Fairfax securities.

The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Group General Counsel/Company Secretary are designated 
as Disclosure Officers who are responsible for reviewing potential disclosures and deciding what information 
should be disclosed. 

Only the Disclosure Officers may authorise communications on behalf of the Company to the ASX, media, analysts 
and investors. This safeguards the premature exposure of confidential information and aims to ensure proper 
disclosure is made in accordance with the law. ASX and press releases of a material nature must be approved 
by a Disclosure Officer.

The Disclosure Officers, in conjunction with the Chair of the Board are authorised to determine whether a trading 
halt will be requested from the ASX to prevent trading in an uninformed market.

The onus is on all staff to inform a Disclosure Officer of any price sensitive information as soon as becoming aware 
of it. The Executive Leadership Team is responsible for ensuring staff understand and comply with the policy.

As well as its Listing Rules and statutory reporting obligations, the Company actively encourages timely and ongoing 
shareholder communications.

To ensure ready access for shareholders to information about the Company, Company announcements, annual 
reports, analyst and investor briefings, financial results and other information useful to investors such as press 
releases are placed on the Company’s website at www.fairfaxmedia.com.au as soon as practical after their release 
to the ASX. Several years’ worth of historical financial information is available on the website. The results briefings 
given to analysts by senior management are webcast on the website.

The full text of notices of meetings and the accompanying explanatory materials are posted on the website for 
each Annual General Meeting. The Chair’s and the Chief Executive Officer’s addresses, proxy counts and results 
of shareholder resolutions at the meeting are also posted on the website.

64 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

corPorate GoVerNaNce

At the Annual General Meeting, shareholders are encouraged to ask questions and are given a reasonable 
opportunity to comment on matters relevant to the Company. The external auditor attends the Annual General 
Meeting and is available to answer shareholder questions about the audit and the audit report.

risK MaNaGeMeNt aNd iNteGritY of fiNaNciaL rePortiNG
The Board oversees the risk management and internal compliance and control system. 

The system seeks to provide a consistent approach to identifying, assessing, and reporting risks, whether they are 
related to Company performance, reputation, safety, environment, internal control, compliance or other risk areas.

Key aspects of the Company’s risk management and internal compliance and control system are 
summarised as follows:

•	 risks are assessed at least annually and revised periodically for each division through the business planning, 

budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal audit and performance management processes; 

•	 the Board, through the Audit and Risk Committee, receives regular reports from management (and independent 

advisers where appropriate) on key risk areas such as treasury, health safety and environment, regulatory 
compliance, taxation, finance and internal audit and the effectiveness of the risk management system; 

•	 formal risk assessments are required as part of business case approvals for one-off projects or initiatives 

of a significant nature. Project teams are responsible for managing the risks identified; and

•	 under the direction of the Audit and Risk Committee, Internal Audit conducts a program of internal process 
control reviews over key areas, based on their importance to the Company, and provides assurance over the 
internal control assessments undertaken by management.

The Company’s risk framework is overseen and monitored by both the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee. 

As part of the risk framework, specific policies and approval processes have been developed to cover key risk areas 
such as material investments and contracts, treasury, capital expenditure approval, occupational health and safety 
and environmental processes.

The Company’s Internal Audit function comprises the Manager, Corporate Risk and Assurance and a team of 
professionals who work through a schedule of prioritised risk areas across all the major business units to provide 
an independent risk assessment and evaluation of operating and financial controls. The Internal Audit and Risk 
function is independent from the external auditor and the Manager, Corporate Risk and Assurance may meet with 
the Audit and Risk Committee in the absence of management. Internal Audit and Risk reports its results to each 
meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Manager, Corporate Risk and Assurance attends the meetings. 

The Board has received written assurances from the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer that 
in their opinion:

(a)   the financial statements and associated notes comply in all material respects with the accounting standards 

as required by the Corporations Act 2001;

(b)   the financial statements and associated notes give a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the financial 
position as at the end of the financial year and performance of the Company and Consolidated Entity for the 
period then ended as required by the Corporations Act 2001;

(c)   there are reasonable grounds to believe the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become 

due and payable;

(d)   the financial records of the Company have been properly maintained in accordance with the 

Corporations Act 2001;

(e)   the statements made above regarding the integrity of the financial statements are founded on a sound system 

of financial risk management and internal compliance and control which, in all material respects, implements the 
policies adopted by the Board;

(f)   the risk management and internal compliance and control systems of the Company and Consolidated Entity 

relating to financial reporting compliance and operations objectives are operating efficiently and effectively, in all 
material respects. Management has reported to the Board as to the effectiveness of the Company’s management 
of its material business risks; and

// 65 

corPorate GoVerNaNce

(g)   subsequent to the end of the financial year, no changes or other matters have arisen that would have a material 
effect on the operation of the risk management and internal compliance and control systems of the Company 
and Consolidated Entity.

These statements to the Board are underpinned by the requirement for appropriate senior executives to provide 
a signed letter of representation addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer verifying 
material issues relating to the executive’s areas of responsibility and disclosing factors that may have a material effect 
on the financial results or operations of the Group.

reMUNeratioN
Information about the Board’s People and Culture Committee, its Charter, the Company’s remuneration 
policies for Non-Executive Directors and the remuneration of the CEO and senior executives is set out in the 
Remuneration Report.

tradiNG iN coMPaNY secUrities
Directors and managers must not trade directly or indirectly in Fairfax securities while in possession of price sensitive 
information. Price sensitive information is information which has not been made public, usually about the Group 
or its intentions, which a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of Fairfax 
securities or which would be likely to influence an investment decision in relation to the securities.

The Fairfax Securities Trading Policy regulates dealings by Directors and certain senior employees (“Designated 
People”) in Fairfax securities (including shares, convertible notes derivatives and options). The purpose of the Policy 
is to ensure that Designated People comply with the legal and company-imposed restrictions on trading in securities 
whilst in possession of unpublished price sensitive information. The Policy sets out blackout periods when no 
trading is to be undertaken and a process for authorisation of trading at other times. Designated People means the 
Directors, CEO, Company Secretary, those employees who report directly to the CEO and those employees who are 
notified that they are subject to the Policy.

A Designated Person must not trade in breach of the Policy either directly or indirectly through another entity, 
such as a partner, child, nominee or controlled company acting on his/her behalf. Under the Policy, Designated 
People are prohibited from trading in Fairfax securities without approval under the Policy or when in possession 
of price-sensitive information about Fairfax. In addition, Designated People must not tip anyone else on Fairfax 
securities, engage in short term speculative trading in Fairfax securities or trade in Fairfax derivatives.

Black-out periods occur before the announcement of the half-yearly and annual results, other trading updates and 
the Annual General Meeting. During black-out periods Designated People will not be authorised to trade. Outside 
of the trading black-out periods, Directors must obtain approval from the Chair (or the chairman of the Audit and 
Risk Committee for approvals for the Chair to trade). Other Designated People must obtain approval from the 
Company Secretary who will consult with the Chair.

Each Director must notify the Company Secretary of any change in the Director’s interest in Fairfax securities so 
as to ensure compliance with the disclosure requirements of the ASX Listing Rules.

The Policy prohibits Designated People from entering into any financial transactions that operate to limit the 
economic risk of unvested Fairfax securities which have been allocated to an employee as part of his/her 
remuneration, prior to the securities vesting. Any breach of this prohibition risks disciplinary sanctions.

sUstaiNabiLitY aNd corPorate resPoNsibiLitY coMMittee
The Board determined that the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee will no longer continue from 
effect from December 2013. Sustainability and corporate responsibility matters were transferred to other Board 
Sub-Committees. 

diVersitY 
Fairfax Media is committed to creating a workplace that is fair and inclusive and reflects the diversity of the 
communities in which we operate. Fairfax Medial values, respects and encourages diversity of board members, 
employees, customers and suppliers. The Company believes diversity includes but is not limited to gender, age, 
ethnicity and cultural background. 

66 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

corPorate GoVerNaNce

Fairfax Media recognises the importance of its employees and aims to attract, motivate, retain and engage high 
performing employees. The Company recognises that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, 
experiences and characteristics to their work, and values such diversity at all levels of the Company in all that it does. 

Encouraging diversity broadens the pool for the recruitment of talented employees, enhances retention and 
supports innovation. Increasing the focus on high quality employees supports the Company to improve its financial 
performance and achieve its strategic objectives.

The Company’s workforce gender demographics were: 

•	 Proportion of women who are Non-Executive Directors on the Board: 25%

•	 Proportion of women in senior management: 30%

•	 Proportion of women across the organisation: 53%

As at 29 June 2014 female gender representation among senior managers was 30 per cent. The Company has 
achieved its objective of 30 percent female gender representation among senior managers by 2015. It will aim 
to maintain this and set new targets over the course of the next 12 months. 

In line with the new Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 requirements, this year the Company updated its definition 
of senior managers, and this definition will be used of senior managers in the future. If a “like-for-like” comparison 
was used for the definition of senior managers in the 2013 Annual Report, the proportion of women in senior 
management would be 29%. This is still an improvement of 2013 figures.

Fairfax Media continues to focus on gender diversity, and in 2013, the Fairfax Women of Influence Awards was 
introduced. Fairfax Women of Influence Awards is an internal reward and recognition award aiming to celebrate 
the contributions and successes of high-achieving female Fairfax employees to raise their leadership profiles. 
The awards comprised of six categories: young leader, community leadership, public agenda setting, leadership, 
innovation, and change champion. Judging panel included members of the Board in addition to senior leaders 
across the business. Participation in the awards was high and the calibre and diversity of nominees was outstanding. 
The program has made a significant impact in raising the leadership profiles of females across the business.

The Company is moving in the right direction with regards to its targets to have a senior female included in all 
panels for senior executive roles and at least one female candidate in the shortlist for senior roles. This financial 
year a senior female has been on the recruitment panel for senior positions such as the new Commercial Director, 
MD Events and CEO Domain. Based on merit, a female has also been included in the candidate shortlist for senior 
roles. Fairfax Media will continue to make these practises standard.

Analysis into gender pay equity has begun and the Company will continue to conduct further research to gather 
diversity metrics across the business and in individual business units. Data submitted for the 2014 WGEA report 
indicates that in Australia, the following employment terms that can positively impact on women’s participation 
in the workforce are available to Fairfax employees:

•	 Flexible work hours;

•	 Compressed working weeks;

•	 Time-in-lieu;

•	 Telecommuting;

•	 Part-time work job sharing;

•	 Carer’s leave;

•	 Purchased leave; and

•	 Unpaid leave.

The Company has submitted and is compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 report in Australia.

More detailed analysis of pay equity and further research to gather robust diversity metrics across the business will 
be key areas of focus in FY15.

// 67 

MaNaGeMeNt discUssioN aNd aNaLYsis rePort

tradiNG oVerVieW
Fairfax Media Group reported a statutory net profit after significant items and tax of $224.4 million with underlying 
operating earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $312.7 million. This was a pleasing 
result for the Group. EBITDA for continuing businesses of $306.4 million was 1.8% above last year. 

The 2013 financial year included 53 weeks while the 2014 financial year had 52 weeks. This had a positive impact 
in 2013 of $38 million revenue and $5.6 million EBITDA.

The Australian Metro Media segment performed strongly with EBITDA growth of 41.3%, excluding significant 
items. Contributing to this result was revenue from digital subscriptions that were launched at the beginning of the 
financial year, growth in the Domain Group and an ongoing focus on cost. Advertising revenue remained challenged 
in the 2014 financial year with print revenue declines of 23.5%. Digital advertising revenue increased by 5.6%.

There was pleasing growth of digital subscriptions for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Australian 
Financial Review during the 2014 financial year, with total revenue from those products of $24 million, $19.2 million 
higher than the prior year. 

Australian Metro Media continues to attract strong audience numbers. The Sydney Morning Herald is Australia’s most 
read masthead – attracting an audience of 5.6 million a month across print, web, mobile in May 2014 – according 
to the Enhanced Media Metrics Australia survey. The Age attracted an audience of 3.4 million in May 2014, while 
The Australian Financial Review attracted an audience of 1.4 million during the same period. 

The Domain Group continued to accelerate its digital growth and manage declines in print. During the financial year, 
Domain’s total digital revenue grew 40.5% year-on-year and EBITDA increased by 47%. Domain’s online revenue 
(excluding Australian Property Monitors, Commercial Real Estate, Property Data Solutions and Commerce Australia) 
was 33% higher than the prior year. Domain had more than 8,550 agent subscribers at the end of the financial year, 
which was 12% higher than the prior year, representing approximately 80% market penetration. 

Domain continued its national expansion strategy with the acquisition of property data business Property Data 
Solutions (PDS) for approximately $30 million in December 2013. PDS provides property data research to more 
than 5,000 subscribers with the majority being real estate businesses. The acquisition of Canberra’s leading 
real estate listings business Allhomes was announced in July after the end of the 2014 financial year, subject 
to regulatory approval. 

Digital Ventures continued its strategy of growing existing portfolio businesses and investing in and building new 
businesses through international and local partnerships. There were a number of strategic divestments during 
the financial year, including the sale of Stayz in December 2013 for approximately $220 million and the sale of 
InvestSmart in August 2013 for $7 million. Investments made during the financial year included a minority interest 
in Sydney-based digital health services company Healthshare in November 2013, and a joint venture with leading 
international job search engine Adzuna to provide a major new platform for recruiters and job seekers in Australia. 
A merger between RSVP and competitor Oasis Active was announced in June 2014, with Fairfax holding a 58% 
interest in the merged entities following the transaction. The merger of RSVP and Oasis brings together two 
of Australia’s largest online dating services businesses. 

Australian Community Media continued to experience revenue declines in the 2014 financial year although there 
was some improvement in the second half. Advertising revenue in the segment was down 16.1% with the drought 
in the Eastern states and a downturn in the resource sector being contributing factors. Costs are being tightly 
managed across the business. 

Australian Community Media conducted a review of its business and operating model during the financial year. 
The outcome of the review involves adopting a flatter management structure and the phased introduction of 
a new operating model.

In the New Zealand segment for the 2014 financial year, total revenue was down 5.4%, with advertising revenue 
down 5.2%. The New Zealand print advertising market is not experiencing the same rate of decline seen in the 
Australian market. A new business structure was implemented in the second half of the 2014 financial year to drive 
revenue and efficiencies. The changes have contributed to the improved trend in the segment’s second half revenue. 
There was a focus on cost reduction during the 2014 financial year as well as investment in growth initiatives.

68 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

MaNaGeMeNt discUssioN aNd aNaLYsis rePort

Radio experienced a decline in revenue of 6% in the 2014 financial year. The total metro radio advertising market 
grew 2% during that same period. New programming line-ups were put in place at five of the seven stations in the 
second half of the 2014 financial year. Management has been implementing changes to strengthen the position 
of the business. Sales teams have been restructured to have a national focus resulting in changes to three out 
of four of the sales leadership teams. Melbourne’s 3AW and 96fm in Perth continued to have strong ratings and 
audience share. 

Fairfax continued to deliver against its Fairfax of the Future transformation targets, with total annualised run-rate 
savings of $300 million achieved to the end of the 2014 financial year. Fairfax is making pleasing progress in growing 
several new revenue initiatives, including Events, Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Digital and Marketing Services, 
Content Marketing and Data. 

The second half of the 2014 financial year also saw the closures of Chullora and Tullamarine print sites and transition 
of work done at those sites to smaller regional print sites of North Richmond and Ballarat.

The 2014 financial year recorded significant items net of tax totalling $66.7 million for the Group. This included gains 
from the sales of Stayz and other controlled entities totalling $106.5 million, offset by restructuring and redundancy 
costs of $24.0 million and impairments of property, plant and equipment (with the majority relating to Chullora and 
Tullamarine closures).

fiNaNciaL PositioN
Net cash inflow from operating activities was $171.5 million. After capital expenditure of $72.3 million, dividends paid 
of $71.4 million, the impact of the sale of Stayz and other controlled businesses, repayments of borrowings, cash 
and cash equivalents decreased by $80.8 million. 

Net cash was $67.6 million at 29 June 2014. 

// 69 

MaNaGeMeNt discUssioN aNd aNaLYsis rePort

recoNciLiatioN of statUtorY to UNderLYiNG PerforMaNce

Total revenue
Associate profits/(losses)
Expenses 

as reported

siGniFiCant iteMs (iV)

tradinG perForManCe 
exCLudinG siGniFiCant iteMs

note

(i)

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

 1,972,694 
 8,007 
 (1,609,387)

 2,033,786 
 (2,239)
 (2,150,758)

 106,477 
 – 
 (47,909)

 19,830 
 – 
 (460,302)

 1,866,217 
 8,007 
 (1,561,478)

 2,013,956 
 (2,239)
 (1,690,456)

Operating EBITDA

 371,314 

 (119,211)

 58,568 

 (440,472)

 312,746 

 321,261 

Depreciation and amortisation

 (93,517)

 (100,762)

 – 

 – 

 (93,517)

 (100,762)

EBIT

 277,797 

 (219,973)

 58,568 

 (440,472)

 219,229 

 220,499 

Net finance costs

(ii)

 (10,428)

 (54,967)

 – 

 – 

 (10,428)

 (54,967)

Net profit/(loss) before tax

 267,369 

 (274,940)

 58,568 

 (440,472)

 208,801 

 165,532 

Tax (expense)/benefit

 (42,201)

 (37,912)

 8,108 

 12,569 

 (50,309)

 (50,481)

Net profit/(loss) after tax 
from continuing operations

Net profit after tax from 
discontinued operations

 225,168 

 (312,852)

 66,676 

 (427,903)

 158,492 

 115,051 

(iii)

 – 

 311,881 

 – 

 283,444 

 – 

 28,437 

Net profit/(loss) after tax

 225,168 

 (971)

 66,676 

 (144,459)

 158,492 

 143,488 

Net profit attributable to 
non-controlling interest

Net profit/(loss) attributable 
to members of the Company 

 (736)

 (15,461)

 – 

 – 

 (736)

 (15,461)

 224,432 

 (16,432)

 66,676 

 (144,459)

 157,756 

 128,027 

Earnings/(loss) per share

 9.5 

 (0.7)

 6.7 

 5.4 

Notes:
(i)  Revenue from ordinary activities excluding interest income and trading results of discontinued operations.
(ii)  Finance costs less interest income.
(iii)  The remaining 51% of Trade Me Group Ltd was disposed of on 21 December 2012 and classified as a discontinued operation 
in 2013. The “As reported” net profit after tax from discontinued operations includes both trading results of this business 
up to the date of disposal and the profit on disposal.

(iv)  Significant items are those items of such a nature or size that separate disclosure will assist users to understand the accounts. 
Refer to Note 4 for further details of significant items for impairments, restructuring and redundancy and gains on sale of 
controlled entities consistent with prior period disclosures.

recoNciLiatioN of tradiNG to oPeratiNG casH fLoW 

Cash flow from trading activities
Redundancy payments
Interest and dividends received
Finance costs and income tax paid
Net cash flow from operating activities

70 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
284,343
 (86,397)
17,821
(44,285)
171,482

 30 June 2013
$’000
376,645
(96,018)
14,330
(108,506)
186,451

coNsoLidated iNcoMe stateMeNt

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

Continuing operations
Revenue from operations
Other revenue and income
Total revenue and income
Share of net profits/(losses) of associates and joint ventures
Expenses from operations excluding impairment, depreciation,
amortisation and finance costs
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of intangibles, investments and property, plant and equipment
Finance costs
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations after income tax expense

Discontinued operations
Net profit from discontinued operations after income tax expense
Net profit/(loss) after income tax expense

Net profit/(loss) is attributable to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of the parent

Earnings per share (cents per share)
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share)

Earnings per share from continuing operations (cents per share) 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share)

note

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

2(A)
2(B)

12(C)

3(A)
3(B)

3(C)

6

5

24
24

24
24

 1,856,762 
 130,806 
 1,987,568 
 8,007 

 2,010,488 
 34,902 
 2,045,390 
 (2,239)

 (1,585,928)
 (93,517)
 (23,459)
 (25,302)
 267,369 
 (42,201)
 225,168 

 (1,690,820)
 (100,762)
 (459,938)
 (66,571)
 (274,940)
 (37,912)
 (312,852)

 – 
 225,168 

 311,881 
 (971)

 736 
 224,432 
 225,168 

 15,461 
 (16,432)
 (971)

 9.5 
 9.5 

 9.5 
 9.5 

 (0.7)
 (0.7)

 (13.3)
 (13.3)

The above Consolidated Income Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Notes.

// 71 

coNsoLidated stateMeNt of coMPreHeNsiVe iNcoMe

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

Net profit/(loss) after income tax expense

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Changes in fair value of available for sale financial assets
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Changes in value of net investment hedges
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Income tax relating to these items

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Actuarial gain on defined benefit plans
Income tax relating to these items

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax
Total comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income is attributable to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of the parent

note

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 225,168 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 (971)

6

6

 707 
 511 
 (11,231)
 22,451 
 3,387 

 518 
 (149)
 16,194 
 241,362 

 736 
 240,626 
 241,362 

 296 
 3,407 
 (18,431)
 28,033 
 4,532 

 2,353 
 (702)
 19,488 
 18,517 

 15,461 
 3,056 
 18,517 

The above Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the 
accompanying Notes.

72 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

coNsoLidated baLaNce sHeet

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities as at 29 June 2014

CuRRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Derivative assets
Assets held for sale
Income tax receivable
Other financial assets
Total current assets
NON-CuRRENT ASSETS
Receivables
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Available for sale investments
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative assets
Deferred tax assets
Pension assets
Other financial assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
CuRRENT lIABIlITIES
Payables
Interest bearing liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Liabilities directly associated with held for sale assets
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Total current liabilities
NON-CuRRENT lIABIlITIES
Interest bearing liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Pension liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
NET ASSETS
EquITY
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained losses
Total parent entity interest 
Non-controlling interest
TOTAl EquITY

note

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

33(B)
8
9
16
10(A)

11

8
12
13
14
15
16
17(A)
21(A)
11

18
19
16
10(B)
20

19
16
17(A)
20
21(A)

22
23

 452,687 
 295,424 
 25,362 
 213 
 91,494 
 8,725 
 4,858 
 878,763 

 1,232 
 88,801 
 2,488 
 1,312,111 
 407,978 
 1,551 
 86,022 
 1,195 
 1,369 
 1,902,747 
 2,781,510 

 218,052 
 119,721 
 13,278 
 4,202 
 118,959 
 9,290 
 483,502 

 235,526 
 21,957 
 – 
 49,416 
 440 
 307,339 
 790,841 
 1,990,669 

 4,646,525 
 55,432 
 (2,713,145)
 1,988,812 
 1,857 
 1,990,669 

 533,531 
 298,330 
 30,908 
 11,018 
 6,979 
 8,466 
 4,386 
 893,618 

 1,046 
 80,490 
 1,929 
 1,438,034 
 478,933 
 7,815 
 107,895 
 709 
 6,222 
 2,123,073 
 3,016,691 

 235,919 
 284,323 
 47,978 
 – 
 191,319 
 1,333 
 760,872 

 353,889 
 26,939 
 3,581 
 53,942 
 1,273 
 439,624 
 1,200,496 
 1,816,195 

 4,646,248 
 35,517 
 (2,867,387)
 1,814,378 
 1,817 
 1,816,195 

The above Consolidated Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Notes.

// 73 

coNsoLidated casH fLoW stateMeNt

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST)
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)
Redundancy payments
Interest received
Dividends and distributions received 
Finance costs paid 
Net income taxes paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Payment for purchase of controlled entities, associates and joint ventures (net of cash 
acquired)
Payment for purchase of businesses, including mastheads
Payment for property, plant, equipment and software 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investments, net of transaction fees and cash disposed *
Loans repaid by other parties
Net cash inflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Payment for purchase of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
Proceeds from borrowings and other financial liabilities
Repayment of borrowings and other financial liabilities
Payment of facility fees
Dividends paid to shareholders
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents held

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the financial year
Reclassification to held for sale
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

note

 2,044,784 
 (1,760,441)
 (86,397)
 12,933 
 4,888 
 (31,162)
 (13,123)
 171,482 

 2,326,259 
 (1,949,614)
 (96,018)
 10,963 
 3,367 
 (60,456)
 (48,050)
 186,451 

33(A)

 (33,713)
 (482)
 (72,321)
 12,260 
 222,444 
 4,986 
 133,174 

 (3,983)
 12,871 
 (319,457)
 (1,475)
 (70,559)
 (884)
 (383,487)
 (78,831)

 533,531 
 (8,439)
 6,426 
 452,687 

 (51,935)
 (10,048)
 (60,584)
 2,047 
 644,099 
 6,056 
 529,635 

 (2,999)
 – 
 (480,586)
 – 
 (47,040)
 (14,407)
 (545,032)
 171,054 

 358,364 
 – 
 4,113 
 533,531 

7

10

33(B)

* 

 The 2014 proceeds primarily relate to the disposal of the Stayz business on 6 December 2013. The 2013 proceeds relate 
to the disposal of the remaining 51% interest in Trade Me Group Ltd on 21 December 2012 and the disposal of the US 
Agricultural Media business on 14 November 2012.

The above Consolidated Cash Flow Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Notes.

74 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

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76 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the 
preparation of the financial report are set out below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all the 
years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial 
report includes the consolidated entity consisting 
of Fairfax Media Limited and its controlled entities.

The acquisition method of accounting is used 
to account for the acquisition of controlled entities 
by the Group (refer to Note 1(C)).

All inter-entity transactions, balances and unrealised 
gains on transactions between Group entities have been 
eliminated in full. 

The financial report is for the period 1 July 2013 
to 29 June 2014 (2013: the period 25 June 2012 
to 30 June 2013). Reference in this report to ‘a year’ 
is to the period ended 29 June 2014 or 30 June 2013 
respectively, unless otherwise stated.

Fairfax Media Limited is a for profit company limited 
by ordinary shares incorporated in Australia whose 
shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities 
Exchange. The nature of the operations and 
principal activities of the Group are described in the 
Directors’ Report.

(A)  BASiS of PrePArAtion
The financial report is a general-purpose financial 
report, which has been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, 
Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative 
pronouncements of the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board. The financial report also complies with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. 

The Group has prepared the financial statements in 
compliance with amendments to the Corporations Act 
2001 in June 2010 which removed the requirement for 
the Group to lodge parent entity financial statements. 
Parent entity financial statements have been replaced 
by the specific parent entity disclosures in Note 36.

Historical cost convention
These financial statements have been prepared 
on a going concern basis and on the basis of historical 
cost principles except for those assets and liabilities 
disclosed in Note 34(E) which are measured at fair value. 
The carrying values of recognised assets and liabilities 
that are hedged with fair value hedges are adjusted to 
record changes in the fair values attributable to the risks 
that are being hedged.

(B)  PrinciPleS of conSolidAtion

(i)  Controlled entities
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the 
assets and liabilities of the Company, Fairfax Media 
Limited, and its controlled entities. Fairfax Media Limited 
and its controlled entities together are referred to in this 
financial report as the Group or the consolidated entity. 

Controlled entities are fully consolidated from the date 
on which control is transferred to the Group. They are 
de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

Non-controlling interests in the earnings and equity 
of controlled entities are shown separately in the 
income statement, statement of comprehensive 
income, statement of changes in equity and balance 
sheet respectively.

 Associates and joint ventures

(ii) 
Investments in associates and joint ventures are 
accounted for in the consolidated financial statements 
using the equity method. Associates are entities over 
which the Group has significant influence and are 
neither subsidiaries or joint ventures.

The Group’s share of its associates’ and joint ventures’ 
post-acquisition profits or losses are recognised in the 
income statement, and its share of post-acquisition 
movements in reserves is recognised in reserves. 
The cumulative post-acquisition movements are 
adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. 
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures 
are recognised in the consolidated financial statements 
as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate or joint 
venture equals or exceeds its interest in the associate 
or joint venture, the Group does not recognise further 
losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made 
payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group 
and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated 
to the extent of the Group’s interest in associates and 
joint ventures.

(c)   Accounting for AcQuiSitionS
Business combinations are accounted for using the 
acquisition method. The consideration transferred 
in a business combination is measured at fair value, 
which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date 
fair values of the assets transferred by the acquirer, 
the liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners 
of the acquiree and the equity issued by the acquirer, 
and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree. For each business combination, the acquirer 
measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree 
either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related 
costs are expensed as incurred and included in 
other expenses.

// 77 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the 
financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate 
classification and designation in accordance with the 
contractual terms, economic conditions, the Group’s 
operating or accounting policies and other pertinent 
conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the 
separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts 
of the acquiree.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the 
acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously 
held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured 
to fair value at the acquisition date through the 
income statement.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the 
acquirer is recognised at fair value at the acquisition 
date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the 
contingent consideration which is deemed to be an 
asset or liability is recognised in accordance with 
AASB 139 either in the income statement or as a change 
to other comprehensive income. If the contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it will not be 
remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.

(d)   iMPAirMent of ASSetS
Intangibles, property, plant and equipment and 
investments accounted for using the equity method 
are tested for impairment annually, or at each reporting 
date where there is an indication that the asset 
may be impaired. 

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount 
by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its 
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the 
higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value 
in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future 
cash flows are discounted to their present value using 
a post-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks 
specific to the asset.

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets 
are grouped at the lowest levels for which there 
are separately identifiable cash inflows which are 
largely independent of the cash inflows from other 
assets, or groups of assets, which are called cash 
generating units (CGUs).

Assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment 
are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment 
at the end of each reporting period.

(e)   intAngiBleS

 Goodwill

(i) 
Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquisition 
over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net 
identifiable assets of the acquired entity at the date 
of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries 
is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisitions 

of associates and joint ventures is included in the 
investment in associates and joint ventures.

Goodwill is not amortised. It is carried at cost less 
accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses 
relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future 
periods. Goodwill is allocated to a CGU for the purposes 
of impairment testing. Impairment is determined for 
goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of each 
CGU (or group of CGUs) to which goodwill relates. 
Refer to Note 1(D).

Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include 
the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the 
entity disposed.

(ii) 

 Other intangible assets 

Mastheads and tradenames
The majority of mastheads and tradenames have been 
assessed to have indefinite useful lives. Accordingly, 
they are not amortised and are carried at cost less 
accumulated impairment losses. Mastheads and 
tradenames are tested for impairment in accordance 
with Note 1(D).

The Group’s mastheads and tradenames operate in 
established markets with limited licence conditions and 
are expected to continue to complement the Group’s 
new media initiatives. On this basis, the Directors 
have determined that the majority of mastheads 
and tradenames have indefinite lives as there is no 
foreseeable limit to the period over which the assets are 
expected to generate net cash inflows for the Group.

There are a small number of tradenames that have been 
assessed to have a definite useful life and are amortised 
using a straight-line method over twenty years.

Radio licences
Radio licences, being commercial radio licences held 
by the consolidated entity under the provisions of the 
Broadcasting Services Act 1992, have been assessed 
to have indefinite useful lives. Accordingly, they are not 
amortised and are carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses. Radio licences are tested for 
impairment in accordance with Note 1(D).

Software, databases and websites
Computer software licences and databases acquired are 
capitalised as an intangible asset. Internal and external 
costs directly incurred in the purchase or development 
of software or databases are capitalised, including 
subsequent upgrades and enhancements when 
it is probable that they will generate future economic 
benefits attributable to the consolidated entity. These 
costs are amortised using the straight-line method over 
three to six years.

Internal and external costs directly incurred in the 
development of websites are capitalised and amortised 
using a straight-line method over two to four years.

78 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Capitalised software, databases and website costs are 
reviewed annually for potential impairment.

Other
Other intangibles, where applicable, are stated at cost 
less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 
The useful life of the intangible assets are assessed 
to be either finite or indefinite and are examined 
on an annual basis and adjustments, where applicable, 
are made on a prospective basis.

Other intangible assets created within the business 
are not capitalised and are expensed in the income 
statement in the period the expenditure is incurred.

(f)   foreign currencY

 Currency of presentation

(i) 
All amounts are expressed in Australian dollars, which 
is the consolidated entity’s presentation currency. 
Items included in the financial statements of each 
of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency 
of the primary economic environment in which the 
entity operates (the functional currency).

 Transactions and balances

(ii) 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the 
functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing 
at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange 
gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such 
transactions and from the translation at reporting 
date exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised 
in the income statement, with the exception of 
differences on foreign currency borrowings that 
provide a hedge against a net investment in a foreign 
entity and qualifying cash flow hedges, which are 
deferred in equity until disposal. Tax charges and credits 
attributable to exchange differences on borrowings are 
also recognised in equity.

Translation differences on non-monetary items that 
are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign 
currency are translated using the exchange rate as at the 
date of the initial transaction. Translation differences on 
non-monetary items, such as available for sale financial 
assets, are translated using the exchange rates at the 
date when the fair value was determined and included 
in the asset revaluation reserve in equity.

(iii)   Group entities
The results and financial position of all the Group 
entities that have a functional currency different from 
the presentation currency are translated into the 
presentation currency as follows:

•	 assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented 

are translated at the closing rate at the date of 
that balance sheet;

•	 income and expenses for each income statement are 
translated at average monthly exchange rates during 
the financial year; and

•	 all resulting exchange differences are recognised 

as a separate component of equity.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from 
the translation of the borrowings designated as hedges 
of the net investment in foreign entities are taken 
directly to a separate component of equity; the net 
investment hedge reserve.

On disposal of a foreign entity, or when borrowings that 
form part of the net investment are repaid, the deferred 
cumulative amount of the exchange differences in the 
net investment hedge reserve relating to that foreign 
entity are recognised in the income statement as part 
of the gain or loss on sale. Goodwill and fair value 
adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity 
are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the closing rate.

(g)   revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that the economic benefits will flow to the Group 
and the amount of the revenue can be reliably 
measured. Revenue from advertising, circulation, 
subscription, online services, radio broadcasting 
and printing is recognised when control of the right 
to be compensated has been obtained and the 
stage of completion of the contract can be reliably 
measured. For newspapers, magazines and other 
publications the right to be compensated is on the 
publication date. Revenue from the provision of online 
advertising on websites is recognised in the period the 
advertisements are placed or the impression occurs. 
Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of commissions, 
rebates, discounts, returns, trade allowances, duties 
and taxes paid.

Dividend revenue is recognised when the Group’s right 
to receive the payment is established, which is generally 
when the dividend has been declared.

Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues, based 
on the effective yield of the financial asset.

(h)   incoMe tAx And other tAxeS
The income tax expense or benefit for the period 
is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable 
income based on the national income tax rate for 
each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax 
assets and liabilities attributed to temporary differences 
and to unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are recognised for temporary differences 
at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial 
reporting purposes.

// 79 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all 
taxable temporary differences:

•	 except where the deferred income tax liability arises 
from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in 
a transaction that is not a business combination and, 
at the time of the transaction, affects neither the 
accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

•	 in respect of taxable temporary differences associated 

with investments in subsidiaries, associates and 
interests in joint ventures, except where the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary differences can 
be controlled and it is probable that the temporary 
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all 
deductible temporary differences, carry-forward 
of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be 
available against which the deductible temporary 
differences, and the carry-forward of unused tax assets 
and unused tax losses can be utilised:

•	 except where the deferred income tax asset relating 
to the deductible temporary difference arises from 
the initial recognition of an asset or liability in 
a transaction that is not a business combination and, 
at the time of the transaction, affects neither the 
accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

•	 in respect of deductible temporary differences 

associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates 
and interests in joint ventures, deferred tax assets 
are only recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that the temporary differences will reverse in the 
foreseeable future and taxable profit will be 
available against which the temporary differences 
can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets 
is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the 
extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable 
profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred 
income tax asset to be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured 
at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year 
when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based 
on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted 
or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Income 
taxes relating to items recognised directly in equity are 
recognised in equity.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset 
only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current 
tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred 
tax assets and liabilities relate to the same taxable group 
and the same taxation authority.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the 
amount of GST except:

(i)   where the GST incurred on a purchase of goods 
and services is not recoverable from the taxation 
authority, in which case the GST is recognised 
as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset 
or as part of the expense item as applicable; and

(ii)   receivables and payables are stated with the amount 

of GST included.

This net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, 
the taxation authority is included as part of receivables 
or payables in the balance sheet.

Cashflows are included in the cash flow statement 
on a gross basis and the GST component of cashflows 
arising from investing and financing activities, which are 
recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority 
are classified as operating cashflows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net 
of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, 
the taxation authority.

Tax consolidation – Australia
Fairfax Media Limited (the head entity) and its 
wholly-owned Australian entities implemented the tax 
consolidation legislation as of 1 July 2003. The current 
and deferred tax amounts for each member in the tax 
consolidated group (except for the head entity) have 
been allocated based on stand-alone calculations 
that are modified to reflect membership of the tax 
consolidated group.

On adoption of the tax consolidation legislation, 
the entities in the tax consolidated group entered into 
a tax sharing agreement which, in the opinion of the 
Directors, limits the joint and several liability of the 
wholly-owned entities in the case of a default of the 
head entity, Fairfax Media Limited.

The entities have also entered into a tax funding 
agreement under which the wholly-owned entities 
fully compensate Fairfax Media Limited for any current 
tax payable assumed and are compensated by the 
Company for any current tax receivable and deferred 
tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused 
tax credits transferred to Fairfax Media Limited under 
the tax consolidation legislation. Assets or liabilities 
arising under tax funding arrangements with the tax 
consolidated entities are recognised as amounts 
receivable from or payable to other entities in the 
group. The amounts receivable/payable under the tax 
funding arrangements are due upon demand from the 
head entity. The head entity may also require payment 
of interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations 
to pay tax instalments.

80 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

(i) 

 leASeS

 Finance leases

(i) 
Assets acquired under finance leases which result in the 
consolidated entity receiving substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership of the asset are capitalised 
at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value 
of the leased property or the estimated present value 
of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding 
finance lease obligation, net of finance charges, 
is included within interest bearing liabilities. The interest 
element is allocated to accounting periods during the 
lease term to reflect a constant rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability for each accounting 
period. The leased asset is included in property, plant 
and equipment and is depreciated over the shorter 
of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

 Operating leases

(ii) 
Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks 
and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified 
as operating leases. Net rental payments, excluding 
contingent payments, are recognised as an expense 
in the income statement on a straight-line basis over 
the period of the lease.

(iii)   Onerous property costs
Property leases are considered to be an onerous 
contract if the unavoidable costs of meeting the 
obligations under the contract exceed the economic 
benefits expected to be received under it. Where 
a decision has been made to vacate the premises 
or there is excess capacity and the lease is considered 
to be onerous, a provision is recorded.

 cASh And cASh eQuivAlentS

(J) 
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, 
deposits held at call with financial institutions and other 
short term investments with original maturities of three 
months or less that are readily convertible to cash and 
subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank 
overdrafts are shown within interest bearing liabilities 
in current liabilities on the balance sheet.

(K)   trAde And other receivABleS
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value 
and subsequently measured at amortised cost which 
is the original invoice amount less an allowance for any 
uncollectible amount. Collectability of trade receivables 
is reviewed on an ongoing basis and a provision for 
doubtful debts is made when there is objective evidence 
that the Group will not be able to collect the debts.

Interest receivable on related party loans is recognised 
on an accruals basis.

(l)   inventorieS
Inventories including work in progress are stated 
at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The 
methods used to determine cost for the main items 
of inventory are:

•	 raw materials (comprising mainly newsprint and paper 
on hand) are assessed at average cost and newsprint 
and paper in transit by specific identification cost;

•	 finished goods and work in progress are assessed 

as the cost of direct material and labour and 
a proportion of manufacturing overheads based 
on normal operating capacity; and

•	 in the case of other inventories, cost is assigned 

by the weighted average cost method.

(M)   AvAilABle for SAle inveStMentS
Available for sale financial assets are investments in 
listed equity securities in which the Group does not 
have significant influence or control. They are stated 
at fair value based on current quoted prices and 
unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the 
fair value are recognised in the asset revaluation reserve. 
The assets are included in non-current assets unless 
management intends to dispose of the investment 
within twelve months of the reporting date.

(n)   inveStMentS And other finAnciAl ASSetS
The Group classifies its investments in the following 
categories: financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss, loans and receivables, held to maturity 
investments and available for sale financial assets. 
The classification depends on the purpose for which the 
investments were acquired. Management determines 
the classification of its investments at initial recognition 
and, in the case of assets classified as held to maturity, 
re-evaluates this designation at each reporting date.

The consolidated entity classifies and measures its 
investments as follows:

 Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

(i) 
This category has two sub-categories: financial assets 
held for trading and those designated at fair value 
through profit and loss on initial recognition. The policy 
of management is to designate a financial asset at fair 
value through profit and loss if there exists the possibility 
it will be sold in the short term and the asset is subject 
to frequent changes in fair value. These assets are 
measured at fair value and realised and unrealised 
gains and losses arising from changes in fair value 
are included in the income statement in the period 
in which they arise.

// 81 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

 loans and receivables

(ii) 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets 
with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted 
in an active market and are included in receivables and 
other financial assets in the balance sheet. These assets 
are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

(iii)   Other financial assets 
These assets are non-derivatives that are either 
designated or not classified in any of the other 
categories and measured at fair value. Any unrealised 
gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are 
included in equity, impairment losses are included 
in the income statement.

(iv)   Held to maturity investments
Held to maturity investments are non-derivative financial 
assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed 
maturities that the Group’s management has the positive 
intention and ability to hold to maturity. These assets 
are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

Financial assets other than derivatives are recognised 
at fair value or amortised cost in accordance with 
the requirements of AASB 139 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement. Where they are carried 
at fair value, gains and losses on remeasurement are 
recognised directly in equity unless the financial assets 
have been designated as being held at fair value through 
profit and loss, in which case the gains and losses are 
recognised directly in the income statement.

All financial liabilities other than derivatives are carried 
at amortised cost.

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as 
forward foreign currency contracts, and foreign currency 
and interest rate swaps to hedge its risks associated 
with interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations. 
Derivatives, including those embedded in other 
contractual arrangements, are initially recognised at fair 
value on the date a derivative contract is entered into 
and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value. The 
method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends 
on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging 
instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. 

The measurement of the fair value of forward exchange 
contracts is calculated by reference to current forward 
exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity 
profiles. The fair value of interest rate swap contracts 
is determined by reference to market values for 
similar instruments.

Hedge accounting 
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges 
are classified as:

•	 Fair value hedges: hedges of the fair value of 

recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment;

•	 Cash flow hedges: hedges of highly probable forecast 

transactions; or

•	 Net investment hedges: hedges of the net investment 

in a foreign operation.

Fair value hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are 
designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded 
in the income statement, together with any changes 
in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that 
are attributable to the hedged risk. Any gain or loss 
attributable to the hedged risk on remeasurement of the 
hedged item is adjusted against the carrying amount of 
the hedged item and recognised in the income statement 
within finance costs. Where the adjustment is to the 
carrying amount of a hedged interest bearing financial 
instrument, the adjustment is amortised to the income 
statement such that it is fully amortised by maturity. 

When the hedged firm commitment results in the 
recognition of an asset or a liability, then, at the time 
the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains 
or losses that had previously been recognised in equity 
are included in the initial measurement of the acquisition 
cost or other carrying amount of the asset or liability.

Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of 
derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow 
hedges is recognised in equity in the hedging reserve. 
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is 
recognised immediately in the income statement within 
finance costs. Gains or losses that are recognised 
in equity are transferred to the income statement 
in the same year in which the hedged firm commitment 
affects the net profit and loss, for example when the 
future sale actually occurs.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging 
instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, 
or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that 
point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the 
hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained 
in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. 
If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, 
the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity 
is transferred to the income statement.

Net investment hedge
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation are 
accounted for in a similar way to cash flow hedges. 
Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating 
to the effective portion of the hedge are recognised 
directly in equity while any gains or losses relating 
to the ineffective portion are recognised in the income 
statement. On disposal of the foreign operation, the 
cumulative value of such gains or losses recognised 
directly in equity is transferred to the income statement 
based on the amount calculated during the direct 
method of consolidation.

82 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting
For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, 
any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are 
taken directly to the income statement.

(o)   ProPertY, PlAnt And eQuiPMent
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated 
impairment losses. Directly attributable costs arising 
from the acquisition or construction of fixed assets, 
including internal labour and interest, are also 
capitalised as part of the cost.

Recoverable amount
All items of property, plant and equipment are reviewed 
annually to ensure carrying values are not in excess of 
recoverable amounts. Recoverable amounts are based 
upon the present value of expected future cashflows.

Depreciation and amortisation
Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets 
is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate 
their cost, net of their residual values, over their 
estimated useful lives, as follows:

Buildings
Printing presses
Other production equipment 
Other equipment
Computer equipment

up to 60 years
up to 10 years
up to 15 years
up to 20 years
up to 6 years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed 
and adjusted, if appropriate, at each reporting date. 
An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately 
to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount 
is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains 
and losses on disposals are determined by comparing 
the proceeds with carrying amount. These are included 
in the income statement.

(P)   non-current ASSetS held for SAle And 

diScontinued oPerAtionS

The Group classifies non-current assets and disposal 
groups as held for sale if their carrying amounts will 
be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather 
than through continuing use. Non-current assets and 
disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured 
at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less 
costs to sell. The criteria for held for sale classification 
is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable 
and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate 
sale in its present condition. Management must be 
committed to the sale, which should be expected to 
qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one 
year from the date of classification.

Discontinued operations are excluded from the results 
of continuing operations and are presented as a single 
amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued 
operations in the income statement.

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
are not depreciated or amortised once classified 
as held for sale.

(Q)   trAde And other PAYABleS
Liabilities for trade creditors and other amounts are 
carried at amortised cost which is the fair value of the 
consideration to be paid in the future for goods and 
services received. Loans payable to related parties 
are carried at amortised cost and interest payable 
is recognised on an accruals basis.

(r)   ProviSionS
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a legal, 
equitable or constructive obligation to make a future 
sacrifice of economic benefits to others as a result 
of past transactions or events, it is probable that a future 
sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and 
a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation. Provisions are not recognised for future 
operating losses.

Provisions are measured at the present value of 
management’s best estimate of the expenditure required 
to settle the present obligation at the reporting date 
using a discounted cash flow methodology. The risks 
specific to the provision are factored into the cash flows 
and as such a risk-free government bond rate relative 
to the expected life of the provision is used as a discount 
rate. If the effect of the time value of money is material, 
provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate 
that reflects the time value of money and the risks 
specific to the liability. The increase in the provision 
resulting from the passage of time is recognised 
in finance costs.

A provision for dividends is not recognised as a liability 
unless the dividends are declared, determined or 
publicly recommended on or before reporting date.

(S)   intereSt BeAring liABilitieS
Subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, net of 
transaction costs incurred, interest bearing liabilities are 
measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the 
proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption 
amount is recognised in the income statement over 
the period of the borrowings using the effective 
interest method. 

Finance lease liabilities are determined in accordance 
with the requirements of AASB 117 Leases 
(refer to Note 1(I)).

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs include interest, amortisation 
of discounts or premiums relating to borrowings, 
amortisation or ancillary costs incurred in connection 
with arrangement of borrowings and foreign exchange 
losses net of hedged amounts on borrowings, including 
trade creditors and lease finance charges.

// 83 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred unless they 
relate to qualifying assets. Qualifying assets are assets 
which take more than twelve months to get ready for 
their intended use or sale. In these circumstances, 
borrowing costs are capitalised to the cost of the 
asset. Where funds are borrowed generally, borrowing 
costs are capitalised using a weighted average 
capitalisation rate.

(t)    eMPloYee BenefitS

(i) 

 Wages, salaries, annual leave and long 
service leave

Current liabilities for wages and salaries, holiday pay, 
annual leave and long service leave are recognised 
in the provision for employee benefits and measured 
at the amounts expected to be paid when the 
liabilities are settled. 

The employee benefit liability expected to be settled 
within twelve months from reporting date is recognised 
in current liabilities. The non-current provision relates 
to entitlements, including long service leave, which 
are expected to be payable after twelve months from 
reporting date and are measured as the present value 
of expected future payments to be made in respect 
of services, employee departures and periods of 
service. Expected future payments are discounted using 
market yields at reporting date on national government 
bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, 
as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

Employee benefit on-costs are recognised and included 
in employee benefit liabilities and costs when the 
employee benefits to which they relate are recognised 
as liabilities.

 Share-based payment transactions

(ii) 
Share-based compensation benefits can be provided 
to employees in the form of equity instruments.

The cost of share-based payments is recognised over 
the period in which the performance and/or service 
conditions are fulfilled (the vesting period), ending 
on the date on which the relevant employees become 
entitled to the award (the vesting date).

At each reporting date until vesting, the cumulative 
charge to the income statement is the product of (i) the 
grant date fair value of the award; (ii) the current best 
estimate of the number of awards that will vest, taking 
into account such factors as the likelihood of employee 
turnover during the vesting period and the likelihood 
of non-market performance conditions being met; 
and (iii) the expired portion of the vesting period.

The market value of equity instruments issued 
to employees for no cash consideration under 
the Long Term Incentive Plan is recognised as an 
employee benefits expense over the vesting period 
(refer to Note 30).

Shares purchased, but which have not yet vested 
to the employee as at reporting date are offset against 
contributed equity of the Group (refer to Note 1(U)).

(iii)   Defined benefit superannuation plans
Fairfax Media Limited and certain controlled entities 
participate in a number of superannuation plans.

An asset or liability in respect of defined benefit 
superannuation plans is recognised in the balance 
sheet, and is measured as the present value of the 
defined benefit obligation at the reporting date plus 
unrecognised actuarial gains (less unrecognised 
actuarial losses), less the fair value of the superannuation 
fund’s assets at that date and any unrecognised past 
service cost. The present value of the defined benefit 
obligation is based on expected future payments which 
arise from membership of the fund to the reporting 
date, calculated annually by independent actuaries using 
the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given 
to expected future wage and salary levels, experience 
of employee departures and periods of service. Actuarial 
gains and losses are recognised in retained earnings 
in the periods in which they arise.

Contributions made by the Group to defined 
contribution superannuation funds are charged to 
the income statement in the period the employee’s 
service is provided.

(iv)   Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment 
is terminated before the normal retirement date, 
or when an employee accepts voluntary redundancy 
in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises 
termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed 
to either terminating the employment of current 
employees according to a detailed formal plan without 
possibility of withdrawal or providing termination 
benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage 
voluntary redundancy.

 Bonus plans

(v) 
The Group recognises a provision and an expense 
for bonuses where contractually obliged or 
where there is a past practice that has created 
a constructive obligation.

(u)   contriButed eQuitY
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue 
of new shares or options are recognised in equity 
as a reduction from the proceeds. Incremental costs 
directly attributable to the issue of new shares for the 
acquisition of a business are not included in the cost 
of the acquisition as part of the purchase consideration.

If the Group reacquires its own equity instruments, 
e.g. under the Long Term Incentive Plan, those 
instruments are deducted from equity.

84 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Debentures
Debentures have been included as equity as the 
rights attaching to them are in all material respects 
comparable to those attaching to the ordinary shares. 
Such debentures are unsecured non-voting securities 
that have interest entitlements equivalent to the 
dividend entitlements attaching to the ordinary voting 
shares and rank equally with such shares on any 
liquidation or winding up. These interest entitlements 
are treated as dividends.

The debentures are convertible into shares on 
a one-for-one basis at the option of the holder 
provided that conversion will not result in a breach 
of any of the following:

Operating segments have been identified based 
on the information provided to the chief operating 
decision makers, being the Board of Directors, Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and are 
disclosed in Note 35.

The Group aggregates two or more operating segments 
when they have similar economic characteristics, and the 
segments are similar in each of the following respects:

•	 Nature of the products and services;

•	 Nature of the production processes;

•	 Type or class of customer for the 

products and services;

•	 Methods used to distribute the products or provide 

(i)   any provision of the Foreign Acquisitions and 

the services; and if applicable

Takeovers Act 1975;

(ii)   any undertaking given by the Company to the Foreign 
Investment Review Board or at the request of the 
Foreign Investment Review Board from time to time; or

(iii)  any other applicable law including, without limitation 

the Broadcasting Act 1942.

(v)   eArningS Per ShAre

Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing 
the net profit attributable to members, adjusted to 
exclude costs of servicing equity other than ordinary 
shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted 
for any bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during 
the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing 
the basic EPS earnings adjusted by the after tax effect 
of interest and other financing costs associated with 
dilutive potential ordinary shares and the effect on 
revenues and expenses of conversion to ordinary shares 
associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares and dilutive 
potential ordinary shares adjusted for any bonus issue. 

(W)   SegMent rePorting
An operating segment is a component of an entity that 
engages in business activities from which it may earn 
revenues and incur expenses (including revenue and 
expense relating to transactions with other components 
of the same entity), whose operating results are regularly 
reviewed by the entity’s chief operating decision maker 
to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the 
segment and assess its performance and for which 
discrete financial information is available. Management 
will also consider other factors in determining operating 
segments such as the existence of a line manager and 
the level of segment information presented to the 
Board of Directors.

•	 Nature of the regulatory environment.

Operating segments that meet the quantitative criteria 
as prescribed by AASB 8 are reported separately. 
However, an operating segment that does not meet the 
quantitative criteria is still reported separately where 
information about the segment would be useful to users 
of the financial statements.

Information about other business activities and 
operating segments that are below the quantitative 
criteria are combined and disclosed in a separate 
category for “Other segments”.

(x)   SignificAnt Accounting eStiMAteS And JudgeMentS
The carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities 
are determined based on estimates and assumptions 
of future events. The key estimates and assumptions 
that have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of certain assets 
and liabilities within the next financial year are:

(i) 

 Impairment of goodwill and intangibles with 
indefinite useful lives

The Group tests annually or at each reporting date 
where there is an indication of impairment. This 
requires an estimation of the recoverable amount 
of the cash generating units (CGU), using a value 
in use methodology, as detailed in Note 1(D).

The assumptions used in this estimation of recoverable 
amount and the carrying amount of goodwill and 
intangibles with indefinite useful lives, along with 
a sensitivity analysis, are detailed in Note 14.

 Income taxes

(ii) 
The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia 
and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. 
Judgement is required in determining the Group’s 
provision for income taxes. There are many 
transactions and calculations undertaken during the 
ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax 
determination is uncertain. 

// 85 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Principles of consolidation – subsidiaries and 
joint arrangements
AASB 10 replaces the guidance on control and 
consolidation in AASB 127 Consolidated and Separate 
Financial Statements and in Interpretation 112 
Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities. Under the new 
principles, the Group controls an entity when the Group 
is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its 
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the entity.

The Group has reviewed its investments in other 
entities to assess whether the consolidation conclusion 
in relation to these entities is different under AASB 10 
than under AASB 127. No differences were found and 
therefore no adjustments to any of the carrying amounts 
in the financial statements are required as a result of the 
adoption of AASB 10.

Under AASB 11 investments in joint arrangements are 
classified as either joint operations or joint ventures 
depending on the contractual rights and obligations 
each investor has, rather than the legal structure of the 
joint arrangement. The Group has assessed the nature 
of its joint arrangements and determined it only has 
joint ventures.

Under the previous standard, investments in joint 
ventures could be accounted for using either the 
proportionate consolidation method or the equity 
method. Under AASB 11, investments in joint ventures 
may only be accounted for using the equity method. 
For the Group, this has resulted in no change or 
adjustments in the financial statements as the Group’s 
policy is to account for all joint ventures using 
the equity method.

Employee benefits
The adoption of the revised AASB 119 changed the 
accounting for the Group’s annual leave provisions. 
As the Group does not expect all annual leave to be 
taken within 12 months of the respective service being 
provided, annual leave provisions are now assessed 
as long term employee benefits. This has changed the 
measurement of these provisions, as the provisions are 
now measured on a discounted basis. However, it has 
not changed the balance sheet classification of the 
annual leave provision as current. The financial impact 
of this change is considered not to be material.

(iii)   Share-based payment transactions
The Group measures the cost of equity-settled 
transactions with employees by reference to the fair 
value of equity instruments at the date at which they 
are granted. The fair value is determined by an external 
independent valuer using a Monte Carlo model, using 
the assumptions detailed in Note 30.

(iv)   Defined benefit plans
Various actuarial assumptions are required when 
determining the Group’s superannuation plan 
obligations. These assumptions and the related 
carrying amounts are discussed in Note 21.

 Restructuring and redundancy provision

(v) 
A provision for restructuring and redundancy has been 
disclosed in Note 20 as a result of the Group having 
a constructive obligation and a detailed formal plan 
for restructuring.

(Y)   rounding of AMountS
The consolidated entity is of a kind referred to in Class 
Order 98/0100, as amended by Class Order 04/667, 
issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission relating to the “rounding off” of amounts 
in the financial report. Amounts in this report have been 
rounded to the nearest thousand dollars in accordance 
with that Class Order, unless otherwise indicated.

(Z)   neW Accounting StAndArdS And urgent iSSueS 

grouP (uig) interPretAtionS

 Changes in accounting policy and disclosure

(i) 
The Group has changed some of its accounting policies 
as a result of new or revised accounting standards 
which became effective for the annual reporting period 
commencing on 1 July 2013.

The affected policies and standards are:

•	 Principles of consolidation – new standards AASB 10 

Consolidated Financial Statements and AASB 11 
Joint Arrangements;

•	 Accounting for employee benefits – revised AASB 119 

Employee Benefits;

•	 Recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets 

– amendments to AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.

Other new standards that are applicable for the first 
time for the June 2014 year end report are AASB 13 
Fair Value Measurement, AASB 2012-2 Amendments 
to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures 
– Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities and 
AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards arising from Annual Improvements 2009-
2011. These standards have introduced new disclosures 
but did not affect the Group’s accounting policies or any 
of the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

86 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

1.  sUMMarY of siGNificaNt accoUNtiNG PoLicies (coNtiNUed)

Recoverable amount disclosures for 
non-financial assets
The amendments to AASB 136 introduced via 2013-3 
remove the unintended consequences of AASB 13 
on the disclosures required under AASB 136. In addition, 
these amendments require disclosure of the recoverable 
amounts for the assets or CGUs for which impairment 
loss has been recognised or reversed during the period. 
These amendments are effective retrospectively for 
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 
with earlier application permitted, provided AASB 13 
is also applied. The Group has early adopted these 
amendments to AASB 136 in the current period since 
the amended/additional disclosures provide useful 
information as intended by the AASB. Accordingly, 
these amendments have been considered while making 
disclosures for impairment of non financial assets. 
These amendments would continue to be considered 
for future disclosures.

(ii) 

 Accounting standards and interpretations issued 
but not yet effective

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations 
have been published that are not mandatory for 
29 June 2014 reporting periods. The Group has elected 
not to early adopt these new standards or amendments 
in the financial statements. The Group has yet to fully 
assess the impact the following accounting standards 
and amendments to accounting standards will have on 
the financial statements, when applied in future periods:

•	 AASB 2012-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting 

Standards – Offsetting Financial Assets and 
Financial Liabilities;

•	 AASB 9 Financial Instruments;

•	 Annual Improvements 2010–2012 Cycle;

•	 Annual Improvements 2011–2013 Cycle;

•	 AASB 2013-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards – Conceptual Framework, Materiality and 
Financial Instruments (Part B and Part C);

•	 AASB 1031 Materiality; and

•	 IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Other standards and interpretations that have been 
issued but are not yet effective are not expected 
to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial 
statements in the year of their initial application.

// 87 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

2.  reVeNUes

(A)  revenue froM oPerAtionS
Total revenue from sale of goods *
Total revenue from services
Total revenue from operations

(B)  other revenue And incoMe
Interest income
Dividend revenue
Foreign exchange gains
Gains on sale of property, plant and equipment
Gains on sale of controlled entities
Gain on derivative at fair value through profit and loss
Other
Total other revenue and income
Total revenue and income

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 503,919 
 1,352,843 
 1,856,762 

 489,764 
 1,520,724 
 2,010,488 

 14,874 
 147 
 3,817 
 868 
 106,477 
 354 
 4,269 
 130,806 
 1,987,568 

 11,604 
 112 
 1,541 
 1,011 
 19,830 
 785 
 19 
 34,902 
 2,045,390 

* 

Revenue from the sale of goods includes revenue from circulation, subscription, printing and printing-related products. 

88 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

3.  eXPeNses

(A)  exPenSeS Before iMPAirMent, dePreciAtion, AMortiSAtion And finAnce coStS
Staff costs excluding staff redundancy costs
Redundancy costs
Newsprint and paper
Distribution costs 
Production costs
Promotion and advertising costs
Rent and outgoings
Repairs and maintenance
Outsourced services
Communication costs
Maintenance and other computer costs
Fringe benefits tax, travel and entertainment
Other
Total expenses before impairment, depreciation, amortisation and finance costs

(B)  dePreciAtion And AMortiSAtion
Depreciation of freehold property
Depreciation of plant and equipment
Amortisation of leasehold property
Amortisation of tradenames
Amortisation of software
Amortisation of customer relationships
Total depreciation and amortisation 

(c)  finAnce coStS
External parties
Gain on partial redemption of senior notes
Finance lease
Hedge ineffectiveness
Total finance costs

(d)  detAiled exPenSe diScloSureS
Operating lease rental expense
Defined contribution superannuation expense
Share-based payment expense

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 731,502 
 22,126 
 141,752 
 144,155 
 135,155 
 91,997 
 59,815 
 25,832 
 22,477 
 18,630 
 24,763 
 25,174 
 142,550 
 1,585,928 

 786,915 
 522 
 165,487 
 151,069 
 157,801 
 107,831 
 63,903 
 29,129 
 3,517 
 19,812 
 25,218 
 25,179 
 154,437 
 1,690,820 

 6,275 
 54,629 
 4,370 
 33 
 27,451 
 759 
 93,517 

 31,172 
 (10,183)
 4,073 
 240 
 25,302 

 40,580 
 47,658 
 3,870 

 5,370 
 60,024 
 3,745 
 31 
 29,485 
 2,107 
 100,762 

 56,734 
 – 
 4,513 
 5,324 
 66,571 

 43,077 
 53,275 
 1,695 

// 89 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

4.  siGNificaNt iteMs

The net profit after tax includes the following items whose disclosure is relevant in explaining the financial 
performance of the consolidated entity.

Significant items are those items of such a nature or size that separate disclosure will assist users to understand 
the financial statements.

Impairment of intangibles, investments, inventories and property, plant and equipment – Comprising:
Impairment of mastheads, goodwill, licences and customer relationships 
Impairment of investments, inventories and property, plant and equipment
Income tax benefit
Impairment of intangibles, investments, inventories and property, plant and equipment, 
net of tax 

– 
 (23,890)
 7,056 

 (418,655)
 (37,189)
 11,232 

 (16,834)

 (444,612)

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

Restructuring and redundancy – Comprising:
Restructuring and redundancy charges
Income tax benefit
Restructuring and redundancy, net of tax

Gains on sale of controlled entities – Comprising:
Gain on sale of Stayz business and other controlled entities disclosed in other revenue and 
income (i)
Gain on sale of US Agricultural Media business disclosed in other revenue and income (ii)
Gain on sale of Trade Me business disclosed in net profit from discontinued operations (iii)
Income tax expense
Gains on sale of controlled entities, net of tax 

Net significant items after income tax 

 (24,019)
 7,094 
 (16,925)

 (4,458)
 1,337 
 (3,121)

 106,477 
–
–
 (6,042)
 100,435 

–
 19,830 
 283,444 
 – 
 303,274 

 66,676 

 (144,459)

(i)  On 6 December 2013, the Group disposed of the Stayz business for gross proceeds of $218.0 million.
(ii)  On 14 November 2012, the Group disposed of the US Agricultural Media business for US$79.9 million.
(iii)  On 21 December 2012, the Group disposed of its remaining 51% interest in Trade Me Group Ltd for proceeds 

of A$605.5 million net of transaction fees. 

90 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

5.  discoNtiNUed oPeratioNs

On 21 December 2012, the Group disposed of its remaining 51% interest in Trade Me Group Ltd for proceeds 
of A$605.5 million net of transaction fees.

The Trade Me business had its own operating segment within the segment reporting disclosures (refer Note 35).

As at 30 June 2013, the Trade Me business was classified as a discontinued operation and the results for the period 
ended 30 June 2013 are presented below. For the period ended 29 June 2014, no operations were classified 
as discontinued.

Total revenue and income
Expenses
Net profit before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net profit after income tax expense

Gain on sale of discontinued operations *
Income tax expense
Net profit from discontinued operations after income tax expense 

2014
$’000
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

2013
$’000
 60,871 
 (21,229)
 39,642 
 (11,205)
 28,437 

 283,444 
 – 
 311,881 

* 

The gain on sale is associated with the disposal of the Group’s 51% interest in Trade Me Group Ltd. Previous disposals of the 
Group’s interest in this entity have resulted in a gain on sale of $182.8 million recorded in equity as an acquisition reserve 
while the Group still retained control.

Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations

Cash flows of discontinued operations
The net cash flows incurred by discontinued operations are as follows:

Operating
Investing
Financing
Net cash outflow

2014
¢ PER SHARE

2013
¢ per share

 – 
 – 

2014
$’000

 13.3 
 13.3 

2013
$’000

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 27,010 
 (4,020)
 (26,894)
 (3,904)

// 91 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

6.  iNcoMe taX eXPeNse

coNsoLidated iNcoMe stateMeNt
Income tax expense is reconciled to prima facie income tax payable as follows:

Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense
Net profit from discontinued operations before income tax expense
Profit before income tax expense

Prima facie income tax at 30% (2013: 30%)
Tax effect of differences:

Overseas tax rate and accounting differentials
Share of net (profits)/losses of associates and joint ventures
Capital gains not taxable
Non-assessable dividends
Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous years*
Adjustments in respect of deferred income tax of previous years
Temporary differences not recognised on intangible and other asset write-offs
Non-deductible items
Other

Income tax expense
Income tax expense for continuing operations
Income tax expense for discontinued operations
Income tax expense

* 

The 2014 adjustment includes $9.8 million of prior year R&D claims finalised in the current year.

The major components of income tax expense in the income statement are:

Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense
Adjustments in respect of current income tax of previous years
Income tax expense in the income statement

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 267,369 
–
 267,369 

30 June 2013
$’000
 (274,940)
 323,086 
 48,146 

 80,211 

 14,444 

 (811)
 (1,813)
 (24,581)
 (11)
 (11,686)
–
 (891)
 1,642 
 141 
 42,201 
 42,201 
–
 42,201 

 (8,030)
 1,313 
 (83,774)
 (5)
 (941)
 (966)
 125,486 
 2,309 
 (719)
 49,117 
 37,912 
 11,205 
 49,117 

 32,842 
 21,045 
 (11,686)
 42,201 

 27,620 
 11,233 
 (941)
 37,912 

coNsoLidated stateMeNt of coMPreHeNsiVe iNcoMe
Deferred tax related to items charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income during the year:

Unrealised gain/(loss) on available for sale financial assets
Net (loss)/gain on actuarial gains and losses
Net (loss)/gain on revaluation of cash flow hedges
Net gain on hedge of net investment
Net gain on exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Income tax on items of other comprehensive income

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 5 
 (149)
 13 
 3,369 
 – 
 3,238 

30 June 2013
$’000
 4 
 (702)
 (1,022)
 5,530 
 20 
 3,830 

92 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

7.  diVideNds Paid aNd ProPosed 

(A)  ordinArY ShAreS

Interim 2014 dividend: fully franked 2.0 cents – paid 19 March 2014
(2013: fully franked dividend 1.0 cent – paid 20 March 2013)
2013 dividend: fully franked 1.0 cent – paid 17 September 2013
(2012: fully franked dividend 1.0 cent – paid 21 September 2012)
Total dividends paid

CONSOlIDATED
29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 47,039 

ConsoLidated
30 June 2013
$’000

COMPANY
29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 47,039 

CoMpanY
30 June 2013
$’000

 23,520 

 70,559 

 23,520 

 23,520 
 47,040 

 23,520 

 70,559 

 23,520 

 23,520 
 47,040 

(B)  dividendS ProPoSed And not recogniSed AS A liABilitY
Since reporting date the Directors have declared a dividend of 2.0 cents per fully paid ordinary share, fully franked at 
the corporate tax rate of 30%. The aggregate amount of the dividend to be paid on 9 September 2014 out of profits, 
but not recognised as a liability at the end of the year, is expected to be $47.0 million.

(c)  frAnKed dividendS
Franking account balance as at reporting date at 30% (2013: 30%)
Reduction in franking credits that will arise from the receipt of income tax receivable balances as at 
the end of the financial year
Franking credits that will arise from the payment of income tax payable balances as at the end of the 
financial year
Total franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30%

COMPANY
2014
$’000

CoMpanY
2013
$’000

 34,063 

 60,043 

 – 

 (3,901)

 1,262 
 35,325 

 – 
 56,142 

On a tax-paid basis, the Company’s franking account balance is approximately $34.1 million (2013: $60.0 million). 
The impact on the franking account of the dividend declared by the Directors since reporting date will be 
a reduction in the franking account of approximately $20.2 million.

// 93 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

8.  receiVabLes

Current
Trade debtors *
Provision for doubtful debts

Loans and deposits
Prepayments
Other

Total current receivables
Non-current
Loans and deposits
Other
Total non-current receivables

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 266,955 
 (8,253)
 258,702 
 2,766 
 20,250 
 13,706 

 295,424 

 977 
 255 
 1,232 

 274,797 
 (10,014)
 264,783 
 3,045 
 11,919 
 18,583 

 298,330 

 716 
 330 
 1,046 

* 

Trade debtors are non-interest bearing and are generally on 7 to 45 day terms.

iMPaired trade debtors
As at 29 June 2014, trade debtors of the Group with a nominal value of $8.3 million (2013: $10.0 million) were 
impaired and provided for. No individual amount within the provision for doubtful debts is material. Refer to 
Note 34(C) for the factors considered in determining whether trade debtors are impaired.

As at 29 June 2014, an analysis of trade debtors that are not considered impaired is as follows:

Not past due
Past due 0 – 30 days
Past due 31 – 60 days
Past 60 days

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 190,229 
 48,026 
 9,885 
 10,562 
 258,702 

30 June 2013
$’000
 205,999 
 45,960 
 8,291 
 4,533 
 264,783 

Based on the credit history of the trade debtors, it is expected that these amounts will be received. All other 
receivables are not past due and do not contain impaired assets.

Movements in the provision for doubtful debts are as follows:

Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Additional provisions
Acquisition of controlled entities
Disposal of controlled entities
Discontinued operations
Receivables written off as uncollectible
Exchange differences
Balance at the end of the financial year

2014
$’000
 10,014 
 2,608 
 33 
 (523)
–
 (4,072)
 193 
 8,253 

2013
$’000
 10,059 
 4,807 
–
 (80)
 (56)
 (4,886)
 170 
 10,014 

94 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

9.  iNVeNtories

Raw materials and stores – at net realisable value
Finished goods – at cost
Work in progress – at cost
Total inventories

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 19,990 
 4,753 
 619 
 25,362 

30 June 2013
$’000
 25,552 
 4,358 
 998 
 30,908 

During the year, newsprint and paper expense (excluding cartage) of $139.7 million (2013: $164.0 million) was 
recognised in the income statement.

During the year, a $0.4 million (2013: $6.1 million) write down to net realisable value on raw materials and stores 
was recognised within other expenses in the income statement.

10. assets aNd LiabiLities HeLd for saLe

(A) Assets held for sale
Freehold land and buildings
RSVP.com.au Pty Limited disposal group

Cash
Intangible assets
Other assets

Total assets held for sale

(B) liabilities directly associated with held for sale assets
RSVP.com.au Pty Limited disposal group

Payables
Other liabilities

Total liabilities directly associated with held for sale assets

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 36,244 

 6,979 

 8,439 
 46,262 
 549 
 91,494 

 4,066 
 136 
 4,202 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 6,979 

 – 
 – 
 – 

freeHoLd LaNd aNd bUiLdiNGs
Assets held for sale comprise properties in Australia and New Zealand that are being actively marketed and for 
which the sale is highly probable. During 2014, three of these properties were sold.

Prior to being transferred to held for sale, the properties are remeasured at the lower of carrying amount and fair 
value less costs to sell. An impairment charge of $7.9 million (2013: $0.5 million) was recognised in the income 
statement against the assets.

rsVP.coM.aU PtY LiMited disPosaL GroUP
On 24 June 2014, an agreement was signed for the merger of RSVP.com.au Pty Limited with 3H Group Pty Ltd 
with the merger being completed subsequent to the reporting date. RSVP.com.au Pty Limited will no longer 
be consolidated and as a result, the assets and liabilities of this company have been transferred to held for sale.

// 95 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

11. otHer fiNaNciaL assets

cUrreNt

Loan receivable
Total current other financial assets

NoN-cUrreNt

Shares in unlisted entities – at fair value
Loan receivable
Total non-current other financial assets

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 4,858 
 4,858 

 4,386 
 4,386 

 67 
 1,302 
 1,369 

 67 
 6,155 
 6,222 

The loan receivable has quarterly repayments, consisting of both interest and principal, and matures on 
30 September 2015.

12. iNVestMeNts accoUNted for UsiNG tHe eQUitY MetHod

Shares in associates
Shares in joint ventures
Total investments accounted for using the equity method

(A)  intereStS in ASSociAteS

naMe oF CoMpanY
Australian Associated Press Pty Ltd

prinCipaL aCtiVitY
News agency business and 
information service
Digital audio broadcasting

note
(A)
(B)

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 69,457 
 19,344 
 88,801 

30 June 2013
$’000
 63,103 
 17,387 
 80,490 

ownership interest

pLaCe oF 
inCorporation  29 JuNE 2014
47.0%
Australia

 30 June 2013
47.0%

Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Digital Radio Broadcasting Melbourne 
Pty Ltd (i)
Digital Radio Broadcasting Perth Pty Ltd
Digital audio broadcasting
Digital Radio Broadcasting Brisbane Pty Ltd Digital audio broadcasting
Digital Radio Broadcasting Sydney Pty Ltd (i) Digital audio broadcasting
Environmental promotion
Earth Hour Ltd (ii)
Information technology tools 
Healthshare Pty Ltd (iii)
for healthcare practitioners and 
consumers
Rental of a transmission facility
Community newspaper publisher
News agency business and financial 
information service
Provider of e-recruitment software 
to corporations
Rental of a transmission facility
Australia
Internet delivered television network Australia
Newspaper publishing
Provider of EDI software
Provider of EDI software

Perth FM Facilities Pty Ltd
The Video Network Pty Ltd 
Times Newspapers Ltd
Xchange IT Software Pty Ltd
Xchange IT Newsagents Pty Ltd

Homebush Transmitters Pty Ltd
MMP Holdings Pty Ltd (iv)
New Zealand Press Association Ltd

NGA.net Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia
Australia
New Zealand

New Zealand
Australia
Australia

18.2%

18.2%

33.3%
25.0%
11.3%
–
19.7%

50.0%
50.01%
49.2%

23.7%

33.3%
28.6%
49.9%
33.3%
25.0%

33.3%
25.0%
11.3%
33.3%
 – 

50.0%
50.01%
49.2%

23.7%

33.3%
28.6%
49.9%
33.3%
25.0%

  The Group has significant influence in the entity due to its right to participate in policy setting for the entity.

(i) 
(ii)  The Group resigned as a member of this entity (a company limited by guarantee) on 16 April 2014.
(iii) 

 The investment was acquired on 5 November 2013. The Group has significant influence in this entity due to its representation 
on the Board and its participation in policy-making processes. 

(iv)  The Group does not have control of this company as it does not have power to govern the financial and operating policies of 
the company, such as power over budget, operational plans and appointment and removal of key personnel. The investment 
has been classified as an associate, rather than a joint venture, as all significant decisions do not require unanimous consent.

96 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

12. iNVestMeNts accoUNted for UsiNG tHe eQUitY MetHod (coNtiNUed)

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 79,853 
 8,284 
–
 (2,398)
 5,886 

28,001 
28,363
56,364
14,333
 3,634 
17,967

 76,193 
 (1,856)
 (2,805)
 (96)
 (4,757)

 18,205 
 30,685 
 48,890 
 13,627 
 3,280 
 16,907 

pLaCe oF 
inCorporation
Australia
Australia

ownership interest

 29 JuNE 2014
50.0%
–

 30 June 2013
–
50.0%

(i) Share of associates’ profits
Revenue
Profit/(loss) before income tax expense
Non-recurring impairment charge in associate
Income tax expense
Net profit/(loss) after income tax expense
(ii) Share of associates' assets and liabilities
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities

(B)  intereStS in Joint ventureS

naMe oF CoMpanY
Adzuna Australia Pty Ltd (v)
Dog Lovers Show Pty Ltd (vi)

Fermax Distribution Company Pty Ltd
Gilgandra Newspapers Pty Ltd
Gippsland Regional Publications 
Partnership
Pricemaker Ltd (vii)
Torch Publishing Company Pty Ltd 

prinCipaL aCtiVitY
Job advertisements search engine
Organisation of canine industry 
exhibitions
Letterbox distribution of newspapers
Newspaper publishing and printing
Newspaper publishing and printing

Australia
Australia
Australia

Online shopping platform
Newspaper publishing and printing

New Zealand
Australia

50.0%
50.0%
50.0%

50.0%
50.0%

50.0%
50.0%
50.0%

–
50.0%

(v)  This company was incorporated on 31 October 2013 and established as a joint venture investment on 13 November 2013.
(vi)  This investment was disposed of on 31 July 2013. 
(vii)  This investment was acquired on 6 June 2014. 

(i) Share of joint ventures' profits
Revenues
Expenses
Profit before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net profit after income tax expense
(ii) Share of joint ventures' assets and liabilities
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

(c)  ShAre of net ProfitS/(loSSeS) of ASSociAteS And Joint ventureS

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net profit/(loss) after income tax expense

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 10,449 
 (8,208)
 2,241 
 (120)
 2,121 

 5,126 
 17,789 
 22,915 
 1,330 
 177 

 1,507 

 11,257 
 (8,631)
 2,626 
 (108)
 2,518 

 4,786 
 16,466 
 21,252 
 1,223 
 257 

 1,480 

 10,525 
 (2,518)
 8,007 

 (2,035)
 (204)
 (2,239)

// 97 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

13. aVaiLabLe for saLe iNVestMeNts

Listed equity securities – at fair value
Total available for sale investments

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 2,488 
 2,488 

30 June 2013
$’000
 1,929 
 1,929 

Available for sale investments consist of investments in ordinary shares at fair value and have no fixed maturity date. 

In the prior year an impairment charge of $0.4 million was recognised in the income statement due to a significant 
decline in the share price in respect of one investment.

14. iNtaNGibLe assets

Mastheads and tradenames 
Goodwill
Radio licences 
Software 
Customer relationships 
Total intangible assets

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 972,022 
 177,898 
 114,037 
 46,974 
 1,180 
 1,312,111 

30 June 2013
$’000
 966,223 
 294,385 
 114,037 
 56,840 
 6,549 
 1,438,034 

recoNciLiatioNs
Reconciliations of the carrying amount of each class of intangible at the beginning and end of the current financial 
year are set out below:

At 24 June 2012
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment
Net carrying amount

Period ended 30 June 2013
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Additions
Capitalisations from works in progress
Disposals
Discontinued operations
Disposal of controlled entities
Acquisition through business 
combinations

Amortisation for continuing operations
Amortisation for discontinued 
operations
Impairment
Exchange differences
At 30 June 2013, net of accumulated 
amortisation and impairment

At 30 June 2013
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment
Net carrying amount

 Mastheads & 
tradenaMes 
$’000

note

 GoodwiLL 
$’000

radio
 LiCenCes
$’000

 soFtware 
$’000

 CustoMer 
reLationships 

$’000

 totaL
$’000

 3,692,719 

 2,455,250 

 143,700 

 269,976 

 15,417 

 6,577,062 

 (2,405,876)
 1,286,843 

 (1,446,165)
 1,009,085 

 (22,063)
 121,637 

 (193,970)
 76,006 

 (6,943)
 8,474 

 (4,075,017)
 2,502,045 

15

 1,286,843 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (26,199)
 (26,196)

 1,009,085 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (585,939)
 (23,143)

 1,766 

 13,872 

3(B)

 (31)

 – 

 – 
 (280,100)
 10,140 

 – 
 (130,706)
 11,216 

 121,637 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 (7,600)
 – 

 76,006 
 7,954 
 9,364 
 (286)
 (8,814)
 (96)

 8,474 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 2,502,045 
 7,954 
 9,364 
 (286)
 (620,952)
 (49,435)

 2,154 

 375 

 18,167 

 (29,485)

 (2,107)

 (31,623)

 (2,010)
 – 
 2,053 

 – 
 (249)
 56 

 (2,010)
 (418,655)
 23,465 

 966,223 

 294,385 

 114,037 

 56,840 

 6,549 

 1,438,034 

 3,707,070 

 1,809,157 

 143,700 

 276,874 

 15,921 

 5,952,722 

 (2,740,847)
 966,223 

 (1,514,772)
 294,385 

 (29,663)
 114,037 

 (220,034)
 56,840 

 (9,372)
 6,549 

 (4,514,688)
 1,438,034 

98 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

14. iNtaNGibLe assets (coNtiNUed)

Period ended 29 June 2014
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Additions
Capitalisations from works in progress
Disposals
Disposal of controlled entities
Assets classified as held for sale
Acquisition through business 
combinations
Amortisation 
Exchange differences
At 29 June 2014, net of accumulated 
amortisation and impairment

At 29 June 2014
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment
Net carrying amount

 Mastheads & 
tradenaMes 
$’000

note

 GoodwiLL 
$’000

radio
 LiCenCes
$’000

 soFtware 
$’000

 CustoMer 
reLationships 

$’000

 totaL
$’000

 966,223 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (2,867)
 (5,850)

 – 
 (33)
 14,549 

 294,385 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (104,149)
 (39,717)

 26,890 
 – 
 489 

 114,037 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

15

3(B)

 56,840 
 12,735 
 8,028 
 (1,327)
 (3,803)
 (695)

 1,350 
 (27,451)
 1,297 

 6,549 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (4,695)
 – 

 – 
 (759)
 85 

 1,438,034 
 12,735 
 8,028 
 (1,327)
 (115,514)
 (46,262)

 28,240 
 (28,243)
 16,420 

 972,022 

 177,898 

 114,037 

 46,974 

 1,180 

 1,312,111 

 3,791,271 

 1,676,208 

 143,700 

 285,513 

 8,342 

 5,905,034 

 (2,819,249)
 972,022 

 (1,498,310)
 177,898 

 (29,663)
 114,037 

 (238,539)
 46,974 

 (7,162)
 1,180 

 (4,592,923)
 1,312,111 

The carrying value of intangibles should be considered with reference to accounting policies described in Note 1(D) 
and (E). The carrying value of intangible assets is an area of significant accounting estimate and judgement as 
described in Note 1(X) of the Group’s accounting policies. The assumptions used in this estimation of recoverable 
amount and the sensitivities around the key assumptions are outlined in (i)–(ii) below.

Impairment of cash generating units (CGu) including goodwill and indefinite life assets

(i) 
A CGU is the grouping of assets at the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. CGU 
Groups are an aggregation of CGUs which have similar characteristics. The recoverable amount of each CGU which 
includes goodwill or indefinite life intangibles has been tested.

The value in use calculations prepared by the company use discounted cash flow methodology. Key components 
of the calculation and the basis for each component are set out below:

Year 1 cash flows
This is based upon the annual budget for 2015 which includes the impact of the Fairfax of the Future program.

Year 2 and 3 cash flows
These cash flows are forecast using year 1 as a base and a growth or decline factor applied to revenue and expenses 
in years 2 and 3. The rate of change takes account of management’s best estimate of the likely results in these 
periods, industry forecasts, historical actual rates and the impact of the Fairfax of the Future restructure. Revenue 
declines of between 5% and 8% have been used in publishing where management expect the cyclical downturn 
and structural change to continue. In the digital businesses, revenue growth of 5% to 18% depending on the maturity 
of the market, has been adopted including the introduction of digital subscription models. Expenses have been 
adjusted to account for the revenue growth or decline, Fairfax of the Future restructuring and other committed 
management initiatives.

Terminal growth factor
A terminal growth factor that estimates the long term average growth for that CGU is applied to the year 3 cash 
flows into perpetuity. A rate of 3.5% (2013: 3.5%) has been used for Australian Digital Transactions cash flows. 
Metropolitan Media, Australian Regional Media and New Zealand Media were calculated at nil growth (2013: nil) 
and Radio calculated at 2.5% (2013: 2.5%)

Discount rate
The discount rate is an estimate of the post-tax rate that reflects current market assessment of the time value 
of money and the risks specific to the CGU. The post-tax discount rates applied to the CGU Groups’ cash flow 
projections were in a range producing a mid point of 11.0% for Australian and 11.3% for New Zealand Media 
(2013: Aust: 11.0%; NZ: 10.9%) and 12.5% for Australian Digital Transactions (2013: 12.9%).

// 99 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

14. iNtaNGibLe assets (coNtiNUed)

Each of the above factors is subject to significant judgement about future economic conditions and the ongoing 
structure of the publishing and digital industries. Specifically, the Directors note that the extent and duration of the 
structural change in print advertising is difficult to predict. The Directors have applied their best estimates to each 
of these variables but cannot warrant their outcome. To assess the impact of this significant uncertainty, and the 
range of possible outcomes, sensitivity analysis is disclosed below.

(ii)  Impact of possible change in key assumptions
Holding all other assumptions constant, if year 1 cash flow forecasts declined by 5% across all CGU’s then an 
impairment would arise of $45 million in Metro, $1 million in Regional and $14 million in New Zealand CGU 
Groups. If year 1 cash flow forecasts increased by 5% across all CGU’s then there would be a reversal of prior 
period impairments of $47 million in Metro, $8 million in Regional, $1 million in Agricultural and $15 million 
in New Zealand CGU Groups.

Holding all other assumptions constant, if year 3 cash flow forecasts declined by 5% across all CGU’s then an 
impairment would arise of $35 million in Metro, $16 million in Regional, $6 million in Agricultural and $11 million 
in New Zealand CGU Groups. If year 3 cash flow forecasts increased by 5% across all CGU’s then there would be 
a reversal of prior period impairments of $36 million in Metro, $23 million in Regional, $6 million in Agricultural and 
$11 million in New Zealand CGU Groups.

Holding all assumptions constant, if the discount rate applied to the cash flow projections was increased by 0.5% 
across all CGU’s then an impairment would arise of $25 million in Metro, $13 million in Regional, $5 million in 
Agricultural and $9 million in New Zealand CGU Groups. If the rate was decreased by 0.5% across all CGU’s then 
there would be a reversal of prior period impairments of $29 million in Metro, $23 million in Regional, $6 million 
in Agricultural and $10 million in New Zealand CGU Groups.

Holding all assumptions constant, if terminal growth factors were reduced by a further 0.5% for Digital Transactions 
and Radio then there would still be no impairment in any CGU Groups. If terminal growth factors were increased 
by 0.5% across all CGU’s there would be a reversal of prior period impairments of $25 million in Metro, $20 million 
in Regional, $5 million in Agricultural and $9 million in New Zealand CGU Groups.

(iii) Allocation of goodwill, licences, mastheads and tradenames to CGus
For the financial year ended 29 June 2014, goodwill, licences, mastheads and tradenames were allocated to the 
CGU Groups below. The table below also indicates which operating segment each CGU Group belongs to. Operating 
segments are defined at Note 1(W) and Note 35 with further disclosure on the results for each operating segment.

At 29 June 2014

Allocation to CGu Groups
Metropolitan Media
Australian Digital Transactions
Australian Regional Media
Agricultural Media 
Radio
New Zealand Media
Total goodwill, licences, mastheads 
and tradenames

At 30 June 2013

Allocation to CGu Groups
Metropolitan Media
Australian Digital Transactions
Australian Regional Media
Agricultural Media 
Radio
New Zealand Media
Total goodwill, licences, mastheads 
and tradenames

operatinG seGMent

Australian Metro Media
Australian Metro Media
Australian Community Media
Australian Community Media
Radio
New Zealand Media

operatinG seGMent

Australian Metro Media
Australian Metro Media
Australian Community Media
Australian Community Media
Radio
New Zealand Media

LiCenCes,
Mastheads and
tradenaMes
$’000

GoodwiLL 
$’000

 91,558 
 30,155 
 – 
 – 
 56,185 
 – 

 387,135 
 564 
 299,224 
 122,333 
 114,037 
 162,766 

 totaL 
$’000

 478,693 
 30,719 
 299,224 
 122,333 
 170,222 
 162,766 

 177,898 

 1,086,059 

 1,263,957 

LiCenCes,
Mastheads and
tradenaMes
$’000

GoodwiLL 
$’000

 33,041 
 205,159 
 – 
 – 
 56,185 
 – 

 393,389 
 18,739 
 283,519 
 122,333 
 114,037 
 148,243 

 totaL 
$’000

 426,430 
 223,898 
 283,519 
 122,333 
 170,222 
 148,243 

 294,385 

 1,080,260 

 1,374,645 

In the current year, there has been a reallocation between CGUs for some goodwill, mastheads and tradenames 
following changes to the structure of the organisation.

100 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

 
Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

15. ProPertY, PLaNt aNd eQUiPMeNt

Freehold land and buildings
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Total freehold land and buildings

leasehold buildings
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Total leasehold buildings

Plant and equipment
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Total plant and equipment

Capital works in progress – at cost

Total property, plant and equipment

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 226,959 
 (34,956)
 192,003 

 273,198 
 (59,774)
 213,424 

 115,711 
 (66,245)
 49,466 

 110,574 
 (70,785)
 39,789 

 1,091,328 
 (942,820)
 148,508 

 1,061,360 
 (868,862)
 192,498 

 18,001 

 33,222 

 407,978 

 478,933 

recoNciLiatioNs
Reconciliations of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment during the financial year 
are set out below:

At 24 June 2012
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net carrying amount

Period ended 30 June 2013
Balance at beginning of financial year
Additions/capitalisations
Capitalisation to software
Disposals
Disposal of controlled entities
Discontinued operations
Acquisition through business combinations
Depreciation for continuing operations
Depreciation for discontinued operations
Assets classified as held for sale
Reclasses between asset categories
Impairment
Exchange differences
At 30 June 2013, net of accumulated 
depreciation and impairment

At 30 June 2013
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net carrying amount

CapitaL 
works in
 proGress
$’000

 FreehoLd 
Land &
BuiLdinGs
$’000

note

LeasehoLd
BuiLdinGs
$’000

pLant and
equipMent
$’000

totaL
$’000

 7,749 
 – 
 7,749 

 257,582 
 (38,220)
 219,362 

 103,904 
 (36,166)
 67,738 

 1,083,690 
 (831,535)
 252,155 

 1,452,925 
 (905,921)
 547,004 

14

3(B)

10

 7,749 
 35,715 
 (9,364)
 – 
 – 
 (1,047)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 123 
 – 
 46 

 219,362 
 2,313 
 – 
 (259)
 (979)
 – 
 1,350 
 (5,370)
 – 
 1,052 
 4,838 
 (11,430)
 2,547 

 67,738 
 762 
 – 
 – 
 (209)
 (46)
 4 
 (3,745)
 – 
 – 
 2,692 
 (27,534)
 127 

 252,155 
 13,130 
 – 
 (2,132)
 (406)
 (3,111)
 1,218 
 (60,024)
 (1,114)
 524 
 (7,653)
 (1,967)
 1,878 

 547,004 
 51,920 
 (9,364)
 (2,391)
 (1,594)
 (4,204)
 2,572 
 (69,139)
 (1,114)
 1,576 
 – 
 (40,931)
 4,598 

 33,222 

 213,424 

 39,789 

 192,498 

 478,933 

 33,222 
 – 
 33,222 

 273,198 
 (59,774)
 213,424 

 110,574 
 (70,785)
 39,789 

 1,061,360 
 (868,862)
 192,498 

 1,478,354 
 (999,421)
 478,933 

// 101 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

15. ProPertY, PLaNt aNd eQUiPMeNt (coNtiNUed)

Period ended 29 June 2014
Balance at beginning of financial year
Additions/capitalisations
Capitalisation to software
Disposals
Disposal of controlled entities
Acquisition through business combinations
Depreciation for continuing operations
Assets classified as held for sale
Reclasses between asset categories
Impairment
Exchange differences
At 29 June 2014, net of accumulated 
depreciation and impairment

At 29 June 2014
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net carrying amount

CapitaL 
works in
 proGress
$’000

 FreehoLd 
Land &
BuiLdinGs
$’000

note

LeasehoLd
BuiLdinGs
$’000

pLant and
equipMent
$’000

14

3(B)
10

 33,222 
 (930)
 (8,028)
 (4)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (20)
 (6,340)
 – 
 101 

 213,424 
 17,716 
 – 
 (4,611)
 – 
 – 
 (6,275)
 (32,782)
 13,303 
 (12,388)
 3,616 

 39,789 
 8,497 
 – 
 (696)
 – 
 – 
 (4,370)
 – 
 6,044 
–
 202 

 192,498 
 34,524 
 – 
 (2,553)
 (112)
 51 
 (54,629)
 (99)
 (13,007)
 (10,421)
 2,256 

totaL
$’000

 478,933 
 59,807 
 (8,028)
 (7,864)
 (112)
 51 
 (65,274)
 (32,901)
 – 
 (22,809)
 6,175 

 18,001 

 192,003 

 49,466 

 148,508 

 407,978 

 18,001 
–
 18,001 

 226,959 
 (34,956)
 192,003 

 115,711 
 (66,245)
 49,466 

 1,091,328 
 (942,820)
 148,508 

 1,451,999 
 (1,044,021)
 407,978 

During the current year, an impairment charge of $22.8 million (2013: $40.9 million) was recorded on property, 
plant and equipment. This impairment primarily relates to freehold land and buildings and plant and equipment 
at various sites in the Group’s print network. The impairment was recognised following a review of the fair value 
less costs to sell.

102 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

16. deriVatiVe fiNaNciaL iNstrUMeNts

Current assets
Cross currency swap – cash flow hedge
Cross currency swap – net investment hedge
Forward contracts
Call option derivative
Total current derivative assets

Non-current assets
Cross currency swap – cash flow hedge
Cross currency swap – net investment hedge
Total non-current derivative assets

Current liabilities
Interest rate swap – cash flow hedge
Cross currency swap – cash flow hedge
Cross currency swap – fair value hedge
Forward contracts
Obligation under put option *

Total current derivative liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Interest rate swap – cash flow hedge
Cross currency swap – fair value hedge
Cross currency swap – cash flow hedge
Cross currency swap – net investment hedge
Total non-current derivative liabilities

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 – 
 – 
 213 
 – 
 213 

 1,551 
 – 
 1,551 

 – 
 4 
 13,274 
 – 
 – 

 13,278 

 14,711 
 5,254 
 73 
 1,919 
 21,957 

 3,193 
 5,617 
 1,808 
 400 
 11,018 

 7,107 
 708 
 7,815 

 4,381 
 598 
 35,741 
 822 
 6,436 

 47,978 

 19,453 
 7,290 
 196 
 – 
 26,939 

* 

Present value of exercise price of the put option over subsidiary shares. The put option was exercised on the 14 August 2013.

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign 
currency rates.

The Group formally designates hedging instruments to an underlying exposure and details the risk management 
objectives and strategies for undertaking hedge transactions. The Group assesses at inception and on a semi-annual 
basis thereafter, as to whether the derivative financial instruments used in the hedging transactions are effective 
at offsetting the risks they are designed to hedge. Due to the high effectiveness between the hedging instrument 
and underlying exposure being hedged, value changes in the derivatives are generally offset by changes in the 
fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposure. Any derivatives not formally designated as part of a hedging 
relationship are fair valued with any changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.

The derivatives entered into are over the counter instruments within liquid markets.

// 103 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

16. deriVatiVe fiNaNciaL iNstrUMeNts (coNtiNUed)

HedGiNG actiVities

(i)  Cash flow hedges – interest rate and cross currency swaps
At 29 June 2014, the Group held cross currency swaps designated as hedges of future contracted interest payments 
on the USD denominated senior notes issued in July 2007. The cross currency swaps are being used to hedge 
a combination of future movements in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.

At 29 June 2014, the notional principal amounts and period of expiry of the swaps for each counterparty 
are as follows:

Pay fixed, receive floating – AUD$59.5m
Pay fixed, receive floating – AUD$22.6m

interest rate

MaturitY date
10 July 2017
10 July 2017

2014
7.52%
7.46%

2013
7.52%
7.46%

The contracts require settlement on interest receivable semi-annually and interest payable each 90 days. These 
dates coincide with the interest payable dates on the underlying senior notes.

At 29 June 2014, the Group held an interest rate swap designated as hedging the future contracted interest 
payments on AUD denominated bank borrowings. The interest rate swap is being used to hedge future movements 
in interest rates.

At 29 June 2014, the notional principal amount and period of expiry of the swap is as follows:

Pay fixed, receive floating – AUD$125m

interest rate

MaturitY date
12 October 2015

2014
6.52%

2013
6.52%

The contract requires settlement on interest receivable and interest payable each 90 days. These dates coincide with 
the interest payable dates on the underlying AUD denominated bank borrowings.

At 29 June 2014, the above hedges were assessed to be highly effective with a combined unrealised gain in fair 
value of $1.2 million (2013: $1.7 million gain) recognised in equity for the period. During the period no material 
ineffectiveness (2013: $0.4 million unrealised loss) was recognised in the income statement attributable to the 
cash flow hedges.

During the year there was a gain transferred from equity to finance costs of $0.1 million (2013: nil).

(ii)  Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
During the year, forward exchange contracts were used by the Group to hedge future foreign capital and 
non-capital purchase commitments across the Australian and New Zealand business. The contracts are timed 
to mature as payments are scheduled to be made to suppliers. At 29 June 2014, the Group held forward exchange 
contracts of $0.2 million (2013: $1.0 million).

The foreign currency contracts are considered to be fully effective hedges as they are matched against the highly 
probable foreign capital and non-capital purchases with any gain or loss on the contracts taken directly to equity. 
When the contract is delivered, the Group will adjust the initial measurement of any component recognised on the 
balance sheet by the related amount deferred in equity.

During the current and prior financial period there was no material ineffectiveness recognised in the income 
statement attributable to cash flow hedges of foreign exchange contracts.

(iii)  Fair value hedges
At 29 June 2014, the Group held cross currency swap agreements designated as hedging changes in the underlying 
value of USD denominated senior notes (refer to Note 19). The terms of certain cross currency swap agreements 
exchange USD obligations into AUD obligations and other agreements exchange USD obligations into NZD 
obligations. The latter are also designated to hedge value changes in the Group’s New Zealand controlled entities, 
as discussed in Note (iv) below.

At 29 June 2014, the cross currency swap agreements had a combined derivative liability position of $18.5 million 
(2013: $43.0 million).

The cross currency swaps are designated based on matched terms to the debt and also have the same maturity 
profile as the USD denominated senior notes.

104 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

16. deriVatiVe fiNaNciaL iNstrUMeNts (coNtiNUed)

The terms of these cross currency swaps are as follows:

Pay floating AUD receive fixed USD – USD$105m
Pay floating NZD receive fixed USD – USD$19m

MaturitY date
10 July 2014
15 January 2016

For the Group, the remeasurement of the hedged items resulted in a gain before tax of $13.9 million 
(2013: $21.4 million loss) and the changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments resulted in a loss before tax 
of $14.0 million (2013: $16.1 million gain) resulting in a net loss before tax of $0.1 million (2013: $5.3 million loss) 
recorded in finance costs.

(iv)  Net investment hedges
The NZD/USD cross currency swap agreements have also been designated to hedge the net investment 
in New Zealand controlled entities acquired as part of the acquisition of the business assets of Independent 
News Limited in June 2003.

At 29 June 2014, the hedges were assessed to be highly effective with an unrealised loss of $7.9 million 
(2013: $12.9 million loss) recognised in equity. During the current financial period there was an unrealised loss 
of $0.2 million (2013: $0.8 million loss) recognised in the income statement attributable to the ineffective portion 
of the net investment hedges.

17. deferred taX assets aNd LiabiLities

(A)  recogniSed deferred tAx ASSetS And liABilitieS
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Investments
Intangible assets
Other assets
Provisions
Payables
Other liabilities
Tax losses
Other 
Gross deferred tax assets/liabilities
Set-off of deferred tax assets/liabilities
Net deferred tax assets/liabilities

assets

LiaBiLities

net

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 15,987 
 – 
 – 
 6,120 
 16,677 
 44,980 
 7,208 
 5,134 
 – 
 941 
 97,047 
 (11,025)
 86,022 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 11,607 
 – 
 – 
 6,286 
 16,946 
 62,524 
 10,669 
 9,747 
 8,144 
 1,415 
 127,338 
 (19,443)
 107,895 

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 7,177 
 1,068 
 364 
 2,059 
 194 
 – 
 – 
 130 
 – 
 33 
 11,025 
 (11,025)
 – 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 10,111 
 3,055 
 515 
 5,038 
 4,182 
 – 
 – 
 475 
 – 
 (352)
 23,024 
 (19,443)
 3,581 

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 8,810 
 (1,068)
 (364)
 4,061 
 16,483 
 44,980 
 7,208 
 5,004 
 – 
 908 
 86,022 
 – 
 86,022 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 1,496 
 (3,055)
 (515)
 1,248 
 12,764 
 62,524 
 10,669 
 9,272 
 8,144 
 1,767 
 104,314 
 – 
 104,314 

// 105 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

17. deferred taX assets aNd LiabiLities (coNtiNUed)

(B)  MoveMent in teMPorArY differenceS during the finAnciAl YeAr

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Investments
Intangible assets
Other assets
Provisions
Payables
Other liabilities
Tax losses
Other 

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Investments
Intangible assets
Other assets
Provisions
Payables
Other liabilities
Tax losses
Other 

BaLanCe
30 June 2013
 1,496 
 (3,055)
 (515)
 1,248 
 12,764 
 62,524 
 10,669 
 9,272 
 8,144 
 1,767 
 104,314 

reCoGnised
on
aCquisition
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (405)
 – 
 95 
 10 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (300)

reCoGnised
in inCoMe
 7,417 
 1,987 
 146 
 1,695 
 336 
 (17,434)
 (3,431)
 (4,068)
 (8,143)
 450 
 (21,045)

reCoGnised
in equitY
 – 
 – 
 5 
 – 
 3,383 
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 (1,309)
 2,079 

BaLanCes
disposed
 (103)
 – 
 – 
 1,523 
 – 
 (205)
 (40)
 (200)
 (1)
 – 
 974 

disContinued
operations
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 BAlANCE
29 JuNE 2014
 8,810 
 (1,068)
 (364)
 4,061 
 16,483 
 44,980 
 7,208 
 5,004 
 – 
 908 
 86,022 

BaLanCe
 24 June 2012

reCoGnised
on
aCquisition

reCoGnised
in inCoMe

reCoGnised
in equitY

BaLanCes
disposed

disContinued
operations

 BaLanCe
 30 June 2013

 (6,158)
 (3,121)
 (1,133)
 (6,740)
 1,305 
 100,620 
 15,004 
 4,524 
 – 
 3,004 
 107,305 

 (102)
 – 
 – 
 (113)
 – 
 195 
 47 
 – 
 – 
 4 
 31 

 7,659 
 66 
 614 
 (647)
 10,205 
 (38,078)
 (4,058)
 4,881 
 8,144 
 (19)
 (11,233)

 – 
 – 
 4 
 – 
 4,190 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (1,211)
 2,983 

 55 
 – 
 – 
 8,748 
 (1,987)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 6,816 

 42 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (949)
 (213)
 (324)
 (133)
 – 
 (11)
 (1,588)

 1,496 
 (3,055)
 (515)
 1,248 
 12,764 
 62,524 
 10,669 
 9,272 
 8,144 
 1,767 
 104,314 

(c)  tAx loSSeS And future deductiBle teMPorArY differenceS
The Group has realised Australian capital losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognised on the balance sheet 
of $146.0 million (2013: $280.0 million) which are available indefinitely for offset against future capital gains subject 
to continuing to meet relevant statutory tests.

The Group has deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised on the balance sheet 
of $755.6 million (2013: $770.2 million).

(d)  future ASSeSSABle teMPorArY differenceS
At 29 June 2014, there are no material unrecognised future assessable temporary differences associated with the 
Group’s investments in associates or joint ventures, as the Group has no material liability should the associates 
or joint ventures retained earnings be distributed (2013: Nil).

18. PaYabLes

Trade and other payables *
Income in advance
Interest payable
Total current payables

* 

Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30 day terms.

106 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 155,599 
 56,413 
 6,040 
 218,052 

30 June 2013
$’000
 160,726 
 65,748 
 9,445 
 235,919 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

19. iNterest beariNG LiabiLities

Current interest bearing liabilities – unsecured
Other loans

Senior notes
Other

Finance lease liability
Total current interest bearing liabilities

Non-current interest bearing liabilities – unsecured
Bank borrowings
Other loans

Senior notes
Other

Finance lease liability
Total non-current interest bearing liabilities

Net debt

Cash and cash equivalents
Current interest bearing liabilities
Non-current interest bearing liabilities
Derivative financial instruments liabilities *
Net (cash)/debt

note

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

(C)
(D)
(D)

(B)

(C)
(D)
(D)

 111,637 
 3,316 
 4,768 
 119,721 

 277,700 
 2,185 
 4,438 
 284,323 

 138,055 

 123,548 

 95,722 
 503 
 1,246 
 235,526 

 220,508 
 3,819 
 6,014 
 353,889 

 (452,687)
 119,721 
 235,526 
 29,879 
 (67,561)

 (533,531)
 284,323 
 353,889 
 49,812 
 154,493 

*  Debt hedging instruments are measured against the undiscounted contractual AUD cross currency swap obligations and 

therefore may not equate to the values disclosed in the balance sheet (inclusive of transaction costs).

(A)  finAncing ArrAngeMentS
The Group net cash, taking into account all debt related derivative financial instruments, was $67.6 million as at 
29 June 2014 (2013: Net debt of $154.5 million).

The Group has sufficient unused committed facilities and cash at the reporting date to finance maturing current 
interest bearing liabilities. The Group has a number of finance facilities which are guaranteed by the Group and 
are covered by deeds of negative pledge.

(B)  BAnK BorroWingS
A $275.0 million syndicated bank facility (2013: $441.6 million) is available to the Group with maturities in February 
2017 and February 2018. At 29 June 2014, $125.0 million was drawn (2013: $125.0 million). The interest rate for 
drawings under this facility is the applicable bank bill rate plus a credit margin.

A NZ$40.0 million revolving cash advance facility is available to the Group until April 2016. At 29 June 2014, 
NZ$15.5 million was drawn (2013: Nil). The interest rate for drawings under this facility is the applicable bank 
bill rate plus a credit margin.

(c)  Senior noteS
The Group issued senior notes in the US private placement market with a principal value of US$230 million 
(A$289.8 million) in January 2004 with a fixed coupon of between 4.7% p.a. and 5.9% p.a. payable semi-annually 
in arrears. The interest and principal on the senior notes are payable in US dollars and were swapped into floating rate 
New Zealand dollars and floating rate Australian dollars via cross currency swaps. This issue of senior notes comprises 
maturities ranging from January 2011 to January 2019. Senior notes of US$50 million were repaid in January 2011, 
US$148 million were repaid in July 2013 and US$13.0 million were repaid in January 2014. The weighted average 
maturity of the issue is approximately 1.5 years. The applicable cross currency swap credit margin includes the cost 
of hedging all currency risk and future interest and principal repayments on a quarterly basis.

// 107 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

19. iNterest beariNG LiabiLities (coNtiNUed)

The Group issued further senior notes in the US private placement market with a principal value of US$250 
million (A$308.2 million) in July 2007 comprising maturities ranging from July 2013 to July 2017. Senior notes 
of US$76 million were repaid in July 2013. The weighted average maturity of this issue is approximately 1.2 years. 
The issued notes include fixed and floating rate coupon notes, paying a weighted average coupon of 7.4% p.a. 
semi-annually in arrears. The interest and principal on the senior notes are payable in US dollars and were swapped 
into fixed and floating rate Australian dollars via cross currency swaps. An additional 1.0% p.a. step up margin is 
payable on the coupons, effective from 10 July 2009.

(d)  other loAnS And finAnce leASe liABilitY
The Chullora printing facility in Sydney is partially financed by a finance lease facility and loans with a maturity date 
of 30 September 2015. This comprises a finance lease of $6.0 million (2013: $10.5 million), which was entered into 
in February 1996, and principal and interest outstanding of $3.8 million (2013: $6.0 million) in the form of a fixed rate 
loan with an established repayment schedule.

20. ProVisioNs

Current
Employee benefits
Restructuring and redundancy
Property
Other
Total current provisions
Non-current
Employee benefits
Property
Other
Total non-current provisions

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 85,478 
 25,394 
 1,116 
 6,971 
 118,959 

 8,287 
 41,129 
 – 
 49,416 

 92,198 
 94,640 
 686 
 3,795 
 191,319 

 12,529 
 40,433 
 980 
 53,942 

recoNciLiatioN
Reconciliations of the carrying amount of each class of provision, other than employee benefits, during the financial 
year are set out below:

At 30 June 2013
Current
Non-current
Total provisions, excluding employee benefits

Period ended 29 June 2014
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Additional provision
Utilised
Acquisition through business combinations
Disposal of controlled entities
Exchange differences
Balance at end of the financial year
At 29 June 2014
Current
Non-current
Total provisions, excluding employee benefits

108 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

restruCturinG 

and
redundanCY
$’000

 94,640 
 – 
 94,640 

 94,640 
 23,210 
 (92,785)
 – 
 – 
 329 
 25,394 

 25,394 
 – 
 25,394 

propertY
$’000

 686 
 40,433 
 41,119 

 41,119 
 2,378 
 (1,381)
 70 
 (55)
 114 
 42,245 

 1,116 
 41,129 
 42,245 

other
$’000

 3,795 
 980 
 4,775 

 4,775 
 4,605 
 (2,246)
 – 
 (163)
 – 
 6,971 

 6,971 
 – 
 6,971 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

20  ProVisioNs (coNtiNUed)

NatUre aNd tiMiNG of ProVisioNs

(i)  Employee benefits
Provisions for employee benefits include liabilities for annual leave and long service leave and are measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled, refer to Note 1(T)(i).

(ii)  Restructuring and redundancy
The provision is in respect of amounts payable in connection with restructuring and redundancies, including termination benefits, 
on-costs, outplacement and consultancy services. 

(iii)  Property
The provision for property costs is in respect of make good provisions, deferred lease incentives and onerous lease provisions. 
The make good provisions and deferred lease incentives are amortised over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life 
of the assets, being up to fifteen years.

(iv)  Other
Other provisions includes defamation and various other costs relating to the business.

21. PeNsioN assets aNd LiabiLities

sUPeraNNUatioN PLaN
The Group contributes to defined contribution and defined benefit plans which provide benefits to employees and 
their nominated dependants on retirement, disability or death. All defined benefit plans are closed to new members.

The superannuation arrangements in Australia are managed in a sub-plan of the Mercer Super Trust, called Fairfax 
Media Super. The Trustee of the Trust is Mercer Investment Nominees Limited. The superannuation arrangements 
in New Zealand are managed by AoN Consulting New Zealand Limited in two funds – Fairfax NZ Retirement Fund 
and Fairfax NZ Senior Executive Superannuation Scheme. Both New Zealand funds have defined contribution plans 
and the Fairfax NZ Retirement Fund has a defined benefit section.

The defined contribution plans receive fixed contributions from employees and from Group companies and the 
Group’s legally enforceable obligation is limited to these contributions. The defined benefit plans receive employee 
contributions plus Group company contributions at rates recommended by the plans’ actuaries.

The following sets out details in respect of the defined benefit plans only and in the case of the Fairfax NZ 
Retirement Fund, excludes $58.0 million (2013: $59.2 million) of defined contribution assets and entitlements.

(A)  BAlAnce Sheet
The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are determined as follows:

Pension assets
Pension liabilities
Net pension assets/(liabilities)
Present value of the defined benefit plan obligation
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets
Net pension assets/(liabilities)

note

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 1,195 
 (440)
 755 
 (12,358)
 13,113 
 755 

 709 
 (1,273)
 (564)
 (14,128)
 13,564 
 (564)

 (B) 
(C)

// 109 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

21. PeNsioN assets aNd LiabiLities (coNtiNUed)

(B)  reconciliAtion of the PreSent vAlue of defined Benefit PlAn oBligAtion

Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Contributions by employees
Actuarial gains arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial losses arising from liability experience
Benefits paid
Transfers in
Taxes, premiums and expenses paid
Exchange differences on foreign plans
Curtailments
Settlements
Balance at the end of the financial year 

(c)  reconciliAtion of the fAir vAlue of defined Benefit PlAn ASSetS

Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Interest income
Actual return on plan assets
Contributions by Group companies and employees
Benefits paid
Transfers in
Taxes, premiums and expenses paid
Exchange differences on foreign plans
Settlements
Balance at the end of the financial year 

(d)  AMountS recogniSed in incoMe StAteMent
The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

Current service cost
Net interest income

Curtailments
Total included in employee benefits expense

Actual return on plan assets

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 14,128 
 589 
 386 
 83 
 (65)
 786 
(1,765)
2,100
 (325)
 25 
 133 
 (3,717)
 12,358 

 13,564 
 401 
 1,239 
 1,522 
(1,765)
2,100
 (325)
 94 
 (3,717)
 13,113 

 21,974 
 768 
 497 
 160 
 (1,141)
 678 
 (3,376)
–
 (109)
 24 
 (924)
 (4,423)
 14,128 

 18,190 
 1,131 
 1,890 
 204 
 (3,376)
–
 (109)
 57 
 (4,423)
 13,564 

 589 
(15)

 133 
 707 

 768 
(634)

 (924)
 (790)

 1,297 

 2,527 

(e)  cAtegorieS of PlAn ASSetS
The major categories of plan assets as a percentage of the fair value of the total defined benefit plan assets are as follows:

Cash
Australian equities
International equities
Fixed interest securities
Property
Other

110 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

29 JuNE 2014
%
 20 
 23 
 27 
 17 
 9 
 4 

30 June 2013
%
 26 
 18 
 26 
 17 
 4 
 9 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

21. PeNsioN assets aNd LiabiLities (coNtiNUed)

(f) eMPloYer contriButionS
Employer contributions to the defined benefit section of the plans are based on recommendations by the plans’ 
actuaries. Actuarial assessments are made at two yearly intervals for Australia and the last actuarial assessment 
of Fairfax Media Super was carried out as at 1 July 2012 by Mercer Human Resource Consulting Pty Ltd. Actuarial 
assessments are made at three yearly intervals for New Zealand and the last actuarial assessment of Fairfax NZ 
Retirement Fund was carried out as at 1 April 2011 by AoN Consulting New Zealand Limited. As at reporting date, 
the 2014 actuarial assessment for New Zealand had not been finalised. Fairfax NZ Senior Executive Superannuation 
Scheme is a defined contribution fund and does not require an actuarial assessment.

The objective of funding is to ensure that the benefit entitlements of members and other beneficiaries are fully 
funded by the time they become payable. To achieve this objective, the actuary has adopted a method of funding 
benefits known as the aggregate funding method. This funding method seeks to have benefits funded by means of 
a total contribution which is expected to be a constant percentage of members’ salaries over their working lifetimes.

Total employer contributions expected to be paid by Group companies for the 2015 financial year are $0.7 million.

(g)  net finAnciAl PoSition of PlAn
In accordance with AAS 25 Financial Reporting by Superannuation Plans the plans’ net financial position is 
determined as the difference between the present value of the accrued benefits and the net market value of plan 
assets. This has been determined as a deficit of $2 million at the most recent financial position of the plans, being 
1 July 2012 for Australia and 1 April 2011 for New Zealand. In accordance with the actuarial assessment of Fairfax 
Media Super as at 1 July 2012, additional contributions are being made to meet the financing objective of the plan.

The Directors, based on the advice of the trustees of the plan, are not aware of any changes in circumstances 
since the date of the most recent financial statements of the plans (1 July 2012 for Australia and 1 April 2011 for 
New Zealand), which would have a material impact on the overall financial position of the defined benefit plan.

(h) SignificAnt ActuAriAl ASSuMPtionS
The significant actuarial assumptions used to determine the present value of the defined benefit plan obligation 
(expressed as weighted averages) were as follows:

Discount rate
Future salary increases

2014
%
 3.4 
 2.9 

2013
%
 2.7 
 4.0 

(i)  SenSitivitY AnAlYSiS
A quantitative sensitivity analysis for significant actuarial assumptions as at 29 June 2014 is as shown below:

assuMptions

sensitiVitY LeVeL
Impact on the net defined benefit plan obligation

disCount rate

Future saLarY inCreases

0.5% inCrease
$'000
 (152)

0.5% deCrease
$'000
 168 

0.5% inCrease
$'000
 160 

0.5% deCrease
$'000
 (149)

The sensitivity analysis above has been determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on the 
net defined benefit plan obligation as a result of reasonable changes in key assumptions at the end of the 
reporting period.

The average duration of the defined benefit plan obligation at the end of the reporting period is 4.4 years.

// 111 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

22. coNtribUted eQUitY

Ordinary shares
2,351,955,725 ordinary shares authorised and fully paid (2013: 2,351,955,725)

unvested employee incentive shares
11,594,031 unvested employee incentive shares (2013: 11,723,026)

Debentures
281 debentures fully paid (2013: 281)
Total contributed equity

* 

Amount is less than $1000

note

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

(A)

(B)

(C)

 4,667,944 

 4,667,944 

 (21,419)

 (21,696)

 * 
 4,646,525 

 * 
 4,646,248 

recoNciLiatioNs
Movements for each class of contributed equity, by number of shares and dollar value, are set out below:

(A)  ordinArY ShAreS

Balance at beginning of the financial year
Balance at end of the financial year

 2,351,955,725 
 2,351,955,725 

 2,351,955,725 
 2,351,955,725 

 4,667,944 
 4,667,944 

 4,667,944 
 4,667,944 

 29 JuNE 2014
NO. OF SHARES

 30 June 2013
no. oF shares

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

(B)  unveSted eMPloYee incentive ShAreS

Balance at beginning of the financial year
Reclassification due to prior distribution of shares 
Balance at end of the financial year

(c)  deBentureS 

Balance at beginning of the financial year
Balance at end of the financial year

Total contributed equity

* 

Amount is less than $1000

terMs aNd coNditioNs of coNtribUted eQUitY

 11,723,026 
 (128,995)
 11,594,031 

 11,723,026 
 – 
 11,723,026 

 (21,696)
 277 
 (21,419)

 (21,696)
 – 
 (21,696)

 281 
 281 

 281 
 281 

 * 
 * 

 * 
 * 

 4,646,525 

 4,646,248 

(A)  ordinArY ShAreS
Ordinary shares entitle the holder to receive dividends as declared and, in the event of winding up the Company, 
to participate in the proceeds from the sale of all surplus assets in proportion to the number of and amounts paid 
up on shares held. Ordinary shares entitle their holder to one vote, either in person, or by proxy, at a meeting 
of the Company.

(B)  unveSted eMPloYee incentive ShAreS
Shares in Fairfax Media Limited are held by the Executive Employee Share Plan Trust for the purpose of issuing shares 
under the Long Term Incentive Plan. Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared and are 
entitled to one vote per share at a meeting of the Company.

(c)  deBentureS
Debenture holders terms and conditions are disclosed in Note 1(U).

112 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

23. reserVes

Asset revaluation reserve, net of tax
Foreign currency translation reserve, net of tax
Cashflow hedge reserve, net of tax
Net investment hedge reserve, net of tax
Share-based payment reserve, net of tax
Acquisition reserve
General reserve
Total reserves

(A)  ASSet revAluAtion reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year 
Revaluation of available for sale investments

Impairment losses transferred to the income statement

Disposal of available for sale investments
Tax effect on available for sale investments
Balance at end of the financial year 

(B)  foreign currencY trAnSlAtion reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Exchange differences on currency translation
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of tax
Tax effect of net changes on foreign currency translation reserve
Balance at end of the financial year 

(c)  cAShfloW hedge reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year 
Gains arising during the year on interest rate and cross currency swaps
(Losses)/gains arising during the year on currency forward contracts
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in the income statement
Tax effect of net changes on cashflow hedges
Balance at end of the financial year 

(d)  net inveStMent hedge reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Effective portion of changes in value of net investment hedges
Tax effect on net investment hedges
Balance at end of the financial year 

(e)  ShAre-BASed PAYMent reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Reclassification due to prior distribution of shares 
Share-based payment expense
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of tax
Tax effect on share-based payment expense
Balance at end of the financial year 

(f)  AcQuiSition reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
Disposal of non-controlling interest in subsidiary
Balance at end of the financial year 

note
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)

29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 753 
 (110,148)
 (4,179)
 (18,094)
 11,231 
 182,706 
 (6,837)
 55,432 

30 June 2013
$’000
 41 
 (132,599)
 (4,703)
 (10,232)
 8,799 
 181,048 
 (6,837)
 35,517 

 41 
 820 

 16 

 (129)
 5 
 753 

 (259)
 (61)

 357 

 – 
 4 
 41 

 (132,599)
 22,451 
 – 
 – 
 (110,148)

 (219,528)
 28,033 
 58,876 
 20 
 (132,599)

 (4,703)
 1,410 
 (774)
 (125)
 13 
 (4,179)

 (7,088)
 2,543 
 864 
 – 
 (1,022)
 (4,703)

 (10,232)
 (11,231)
 3,369 
 (18,094)

 2,669 
 (18,431)
 5,530 
 (10,232)

 8,799 
 (277)
 3,870 
 – 
 (1,161)
 11,231 

 7,764 
 – 
 2,038 
 (495)
 (508)
 8,799 

 181,048 
 1,658 
 – 
 182,706 

 177,759 
 (3,005)
 6,294 
 181,048 

// 113 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

23. reserVes (coNtiNUed)

(g)  generAl reServe
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Balance at end of the financial year 

NatUre aNd PUrPose of reserVes

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 (6,837)
 (6,837)

 (6,837)
 (6,837)

(A)  ASSet revAluAtion reServe
The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets. 
From 1 July 2004, changes in the fair value of investments classified as available for sale investments are recognised 
in the asset revaluation reserve, as described in Note 1(M).

(B)  foreign currencY trAnSlAtion reServe
The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record exchange differences arising on translation of foreign 
controlled entities and associated funding of foreign controlled entities, as described in Note 1(F).

(c)  cAShfloW hedge reServe
The hedging reserve is used to record the portion of gains and losses on a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge 
that is determined to be an effective hedge, as described in Note 1(N). Refer to further disclosures at Note 16.

(d)  net inveStMent hedge reServe
The net investment hedge reserve is used to record gains and losses on a hedging instruments in a fair value hedge, 
as described in Note 1(N). Refer to further disclosures at Note 16.

(e)  ShAre-BASed PAYMent reServe
The share-based payment reserve is used to recognise the fair value of shares issued but not vested and transfers 
to fund the acquisition of Share Trust shares, as described in Note 1(T)(ii).

(f)  AcQuiSition reServe
The acquisition reserve is used to record differences between the carrying value of non-controlling interests and the 
consideration paid/received, where there has been a transaction involving non-controlling interests that does not 
result in a loss of control. The reserve is attributable to the equity of the parent.

(g)  generAl reServe
The general reserve is used to record Stapled Preference Share (SPS) issue costs that have been transferred from 
contributed equity. The SPS were repurchased on 29 April 2011.

114 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

24. earNiNGs Per sHare

Basic earnings per share 
Net profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent

Diluted earnings per share 
Net profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent

Earnings reconciliation – basic
Net profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent

Earnings reconciliation – diluted
Net profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic EPS 

29 JuNE 2014
¢ PER SHARE

30 June 2013
¢ per share

 9.5 
 9.5 

 9.5
 9.5 

 (0.7)
 (13.3)

 (0.7)
 (13.3)

29 JuNE 2014
$’000

30 June 2013
$’000

 224,432 
 224,432 

 (16,432)
 (312,852)

 224,432 
 224,432 

 (16,432)
 (312,852)

29 JuNE 2014
NuMBER
’000
 2,351,956 

30 June 2013
nuMBer 
$’000
 2,351,956 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted EPS

 2,365,174 

 2,351,956 

// 115 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

25. coMMitMeNts

oPeratiNG Lease coMMitMeNts – GroUP as Lessee
The Group has entered into commercial leases on office and warehouse premises, motor vehicles and 
office equipment. 

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases as at the period end are as follows:

Within one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years
Total operating lease commitments

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 42,661 
 143,080 
 266,212 
 451,953 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 39,861 
 122,219 
 284,111 
 446,191 

Non-cancellable leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. On renewal, the terms of 
the leases can be renegotiated. The leases have remaining terms of between one and twenty-three years and 
usually include a clause to enable upward revision of the rental charge on an annual basis according to prevailing 
market conditions.

fiNaNce Lease coMMitMeNts – GroUP as Lessee
The Group has a finance lease for property, plant and machinery with a carrying amount of $7.0 million 
(2013: $8.2 million). The lease has a remaining term of one year (2013: two years) and a weighted average interest 
rate of 13.3% (2013: 13.3%). Future minimum lease payments under the finance lease together with the present 
value of the net minimum lease payments are as follows:

Within one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years
Minimum lease payments
Less future finance charges
Total finance lease liability

MiniMuM
paYMents

present 
VaLue oF
paYMents

note

 19(D) 

2014
$’000
 5,076 
 1,269 
 – 
 6,345 
 (331)
 6,014 

2014
$’000
 4,768 
 1,246 
 – 
 6,014 
 – 
 6,014 

MiniMuM
paYMents

2013
$’000
 5,076 
 6,344 
 – 
 11,420 
 (968)
 10,452 

present 
VaLue oF
paYMents

2013
$’000
 4,438 
 6,014 
 – 
 10,452 
 – 
 10,452 

coNtiNGeNt reNtaLs UNder fiNaNce Lease
A component of the finance lease payments are contingent on movements in the consumer price index. 
At reporting date, the rent payable over the remaining lease term of one year which is subject to such movements 
amounts to $6.0 million (2013: $10.4 million). 

caPitaL coMMitMeNts
At 29 June 2014, the Group has commitments principally relating to the purchase of property, plant and equipment. 
Commitments contracted for at reporting date but not recognised as liabilities are as follows:

Within one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years
Total capital commitments

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 4,619 
 109 
 – 
 4,728 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 30,407 
 – 
 – 
 30,407 

116 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

26. coNtiNGeNcies

GUaraNtees
Under the terms of ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended), the Company and certain controlled entities (refer 
Note 27), have guaranteed any deficiency of funds if any entity to the class order is wound-up. No such deficiency 
exists at reporting date.

The Group has provided a bank guarantee of $2.5 million in relation to a property sublease for a period of 30 months 
commencing 4 July 2013.

defaMatioN
From time to time, entities in the Group are sued for defamation and similar matters in the ordinary course of 
business. At the date of this report, there were no legal actions against the consolidated entity, other than those 
recognised at Note 20, that are expected to result in a material impact.

27. coNtroLLed eNtities

The following entities were controlled as at the end of the financial year:

Fairfax Media Limited

CONTROllED ENTITIES
2GTHR Pty Limited
ACN 000 128 281 Pty Limited (in Liq)
ACN 000 834 257 Pty Limited
ACN 001 004 815 Pty Limited (in Liq)
ACN 001 260 671 Pty Limited (in Liq)
ACN 091 950 462 Pty Limited (in Liq)
ACN 101 806 302 Pty Limited
ACN 113 587 527 Pty Limited (in Liq)
Agricultural Publishers Pty Limited
Allure Media Pty Ltd
Associated Newspapers Pty Limited
Aussie Destinations (1) Pty Ltd
Australian Property Monitors Pty Limited
AZXC Pty Ltd
Border Mail Printing Pty Ltd
Bridge Printing Office Pty Limited
Carpentaria Newspapers Pty Ltd
Commerce Australia Pty Ltd
Country Publishers Pty Ltd
CountryCars.com.au Pty Ltd
Creative House Publications Pty Ltd
David Syme & Co Pty Limited
Debt Retrieval Agency Limited
Examiner Properties Pty Ltd
Fairfax Business Media (South Asia) Pte Ltd
Fairfax Business Media Pte Ltd
Fairfax Business Media Sdn. Bhd.
Fairfax Community Newspapers Pty Limited
Fairfax Corporation Pty Limited
Fairfax Digital Holdings NZ Limited
Fairfax Digital Assets NZ Limited
Fairfax Digital Australia & New Zealand Pty Limited

notes

(A)

CountrY oF
 inCorporation

Australia

ownership interest

2014
%

2013
%

(A)

(A)

(A)
(A)
(A), (B)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)

(A)

(A)

(C)
(C)
(A)
(A)
(D)
(D)
(A)

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
Australia
Singapore
Singapore
Malaysia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
New Zealand
Australia

 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 60 
 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 
 60 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 

// 117 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

27. coNtroLLed eNtities (coNtiNUed)

ownership interest

notes

CountrY oF
 inCorporation

2014
%

(A), (E)

Fairfax Digital Pty Limited
Fairfax Group Finance New Zealand Limited
Fairfax Media (UK) Limited
Fairfax Media Group Finance Pty Limited
Fairfax Media Management Pty Limited
Fairfax Media Operations Limited
Fairfax Media Productions UK Limited
Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited
Fairfax New Zealand Holdings Limited
Fairfax New Zealand Limited
Fairfax News Network Pty Limited
Fairfax OF Limited
Fairfax OSI Limited
Fairfax Print Holdings Pty Limited
Fairfax Printers Pty Limited
Fairfax Radio Network Pty Limited
Fairfax Radio Syndication Pty Limited
Fairfax Regional Media (Tasmania) Pty Limited
Fairfax Regional Printers Pty Limited
Financial Essentials Pty Ltd (in Liq)
Find a Babysitter Pty Ltd
Golden Mail Pty Limited
Gunnedah Publishing Co Pty Ltd
Harris and Company Pty Limited
Harris Enterprises Pty Ltd
Harris Print Pty Ltd
Hunter Distribution Network Pty Ltd
Illawarra Newspapers Holdings Pty Ltd
Integrated Publication Solutions Pty Limited
Internet Marketing Australia Pty Ltd 
Internet Products Sales & Services Pty Ltd
InvestSMART Financial Services Pty Ltd
John Fairfax & Sons Pty Limited
John Fairfax (US) Limited
John Fairfax Pty Limited
Lime Digital Pty Limited (in Liq)
Mackamedia Pty Ltd
Mamiko Co Pty Ltd
Mapshed Pty Ltd
Mayas Pty Ltd
Mayas Unit Trust
Media Investments Pty Ltd
Micosh Pty Ltd (in Liq)
Milton Ulladulla Publishing Co. Pty Ltd
Mistcue Pty Limited
Mountain Press Pty Ltd
Namoi Media & Marketing Pty Ltd
Netus Pty Limited
Newcastle Newspapers Pty Ltd
Newsagents Direct Distribution Pty Ltd

118 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

(A)
(A)

Australia
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
(F) United Kingdom
Australia
(A)
New Zealand
(G)
New Zealand
(G)
Australia
(A)
New Zealand
(D)
New Zealand
(D)
Australia
(A)
Australia
(A)
Australia
(A)
Australia
(A)
Australia
(A)
Australia
(A)
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
United States
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

(A)

(A)

(A)
(H)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(I)
(A), (J)

(A), (K)

(A)
(A)
(A), (L)

(A), (M)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(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 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 65 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 

2013
%

 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 66 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 – 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 65 
 88 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

27. coNtroLLed eNtities (coNtiNUed)

ownership interest

North Australian News Pty Ltd
Northern Newspapers Pty Ltd

Occupancy Pty Limited
Ollority Pty Ltd
Online Marketing Group Pty Limited
OSF Australia Pty Limited (in Liq)
Personal Investment Direct Access Pty Limited
Port Lincoln Times Pty Ltd
Port Stephens Publishers Pty Ltd
Port Stephens Publishers Trust
Property Data Solutions Pty Ltd
Queensland Community Newspapers Pty Ltd
Radio 1278 Melbourne Pty Limited
Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
Radio 3AW Melbourne Pty Limited
Radio 4BC Brisbane Pty Limited
Radio Magic 882 Brisbane Pty Limited
Radio 6PR Perth Pty Limited
Radio 96FM Perth Pty Limited
Regional Press Australia Pty Limited (in Liq)
Regional Printers Pty Limited
Regional Publishers (Tasmania) Pty Ltd (in Liq)
Regional Publishers (Victoria) Pty Limited
Regional Publishers (Western Victoria) Pty Limited
Regional Publishers Pty Ltd
RSVP.com.au Pty Limited
Rural Press Printing (Victoria) Pty Limited
Rural Press Printing Pty Limited
Rural Press Pty Limited
Rural Press Queensland Pty Ltd
Rural Press Regional Media (WA) Pty Limited
Rural Publishers Pty Limited
Southern Weekly Partnership
S.A. Regional Media Pty Limited
Satellite Music Australia Pty Limited 
Stayz Limited
Stayz Pty Limited
Stock Journal Publishers Pty Ltd
Suzannenic Pty Limited
The Advocate Newspaper Proprietary Limited
The Age Company Pty Limited
The Age Print Company Pty Ltd
The Barossa News Pty Limited
The Border Morning Mail Pty Limited
The Border News Partnership
The Federal Capital Press of Australia Pty Limited
The Independent News Pty Ltd (in Liq)
TheVine.com.au Pty Limited
The Wagga Daily Advertiser Pty Ltd
The Warrnambool Standard Pty Ltd

notes

CountrY oF
 inCorporation

2014
%

(A)
(A)

(N)
(A)
(A)

(I)
(A)
(A)

(A), (L)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A), (O)
(A)
(A)

(A)

(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)

(A)
(A)
(N)
(N)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)
(A)

(A)

(A)
(A)

Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

 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 
 75 
 100 
 100 
 – 
 – 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 63 
 100 
 100 
 70 
 100 
 100 

2013
%

 100 
 100 

 97 
 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 
 75 
 100 
 100 
 97 
 97 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 100 
 63 
 100 
 100 
 70 
 100 
 100 

// 119 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

27. coNtroLLed eNtities (coNtiNUed)

The Weather Company Pty Limited
Tricom Group Pty Ltd (in Liq)
Weatherzone Japan LLC
West Australian Rural Media Pty Ltd
West Australian Primary Industry Press Pty Ltd
Western Magazine Pty Ltd
Western Magazine Settlement Trust
Whyalla News Properties Pty Ltd (in Liq)
Winbourne Pty Limited

ownership interest

notes

CountrY oF
 inCorporation

Australia
Australia
Japan
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

(A)
(A)

(A)

2014
%

 75 
 100 
 75 
 100 
 100 
 75 
 75 
 100 
 100 

2013
%

 75 
 100 
 75 
 100 
 100 
 75 
 75 
 100 
 100 

(a)   The Company and the controlled entities incorporated within Australia are party to Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) issued 
by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission. These entities have entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee dated 
June 2007 (as varied from time to time) under which each entity guarantees the debts of the others. These companies 
represent a ‘Closed Group’ for the purposes of the Class Order and there are no other members of the ‘Extended Closed 
Group’. Under the Class Order, these entities have been relieved from the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 with 
regard to the preparation, audit and publication of accounts. 

(b)   This company was formerly called Associated Newspapers Ltd.
(c)  Disposed on 7 August 2013.
(d)  Amalgamated with Fairfax Group Finance New Zealand Limited on 5 February 2014.
(e)  This company was formerly called Fairfax Digital Limited.
(f)  This company was formally dissolved on 19 November 2013, following members voluntary liquidation.
(g)  Fairfax New Zealand Holdings Limited and Fairfax New Zealand Limited were amalgamated into Fairfax New Zealand 
Holdings Limited on 31 March 2014. Fairfax New Zealand Holdings Limited subsequently adopted the name of Fairfax 
New Zealand Limited.

(h)  The remaining interest in this company was acquired on 12 December 2013.
(i)  Disposed on 30 September 2013.
(j)  This company was formerly called John Fairfax & Sons Ltd.
(k)  This company was formerly called John Fairfax Limited.
(l)  Acquired on 13 December 2013.
(m)  The remaining interest in this company was acquired on 1 July 2013.
(n)  Disposed on 6 December 2013.
(o)  This company was formerly called Radio 4BH Brisbane Pty Limited.

120 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

27. coNtroLLed eNtities (coNtiNUed)

deed of cross GUaraNtee
Fairfax Media Limited and certain wholly-owned entities (the ‘Closed Group’) identified at (a) above are parties 
to a Deed of Cross Guarantee under ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended). Pursuant to the requirements of that 
Class Order, a summarised consolidated income statement for the period ended 29 June 2014 and consolidated 
balance sheet as at 29 June 2014, comprising the members of the Closed Group after eliminating all transactions 
between members are set out below:

(A)  BAlAnce Sheet

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories
Derivative assets
Assets held for sale
Income tax receivable
Other financial assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Receivables
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Available for sale investments
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative assets
Deferred tax assets
Other financial assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Payables
Interest bearing liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Liabilities directly associated with held for sale assets
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Provisions
Pension liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained losses
Total equity

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

 444,707 
 230,103 
 20,674 
 213 
 83,784 
 – 
 4,858 
 784,339 

 1,248 
 87,667 
 2,488 
 1,141,818 
 341,196 
 1,551 
 84,773 
 574,070 
 2,234,811 
 3,019,150 

 103,074 
 119,721 
 13,278 
 4,202 
 99,958 
 3,132 
 343,365 

 235,526 
 21,957 
 47,041 
 440 
 304,964 
 648,329 
 2,370,821 

 449,780 
 244,349 
 25,394 
 11,018 
 3,176 
 3,200 
 4,386 
 741,303 

 19,611 
 80,396 
 1,929 
 1,213,572 
 406,958 
 7,815 
 109,159 
 647,107 
 2,486,547 
 3,227,850 

 176,052 
 284,323 
 41,957 
 – 
 175,630 
 – 
 677,962 

 353,889 
 26,939 
 51,467 
 1,273 
 433,568 
 1,111,530 
 2,116,320 

 4,646,525 
 (12,711)
 (2,262,993)
 2,370,821 

 4,646,248 
 (66,921)
 (2,463,007)
 2,116,320 

// 121 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

27. coNtroLLed eNtities (coNtiNUed)

(B)  incoMe StAteMent

Total revenue 
Share of net profits of associates and joint ventures
Expenses before finance costs
Finance costs
Net profit/(loss) from operations before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net profit/(loss) from operations after income tax expense

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 1,637,018 
 8,012 
 (1,350,936)
 12,040 
 306,134 
 (41,847)
 264,287 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 1,834,598 
 (2,251)
 (1,895,265)
 (58,683)
 (121,601)
 (13,812)
 (135,413)

28. acQUisitioN aNd disPosaL of coNtroLLed eNtities

(A)  AcQuiSitionS
The Group gained control over the following entities during the year:

entitY or Business aCquired
Property Data Solutions Pty Ltd
Mapshed Pty Ltd

prinCipaL aCtiVitY
Property data research subscriptions
Property data research subscriptions

date oF aCquisition
13 December 2013
13 December 2013

(B)  diSPoSAlS
The Group disposed of its interest in the following entities during the year:

entitY or Business disposed
Fairfax Business Media Pte Ltd
Fairfax Business Media Sdn. Bhd.
InvestSMART Financial Services Pty Ltd
Personal Investment Direct Access Pty 
Limited
Stayz Pty Ltd
Stayz Limited
Occupancy Pty Ltd

prinCipaL aCtiVitY
Business media publishing
Business media publishing
Agent to managed investment funds
Agent to managed investment funds

Online accommodation advertising
Online accommodation advertising
Online accommodation advertising

date oF disposaL
7 August 2013
7 August 2013
30 September 2013
30 September 2013

6 December 2013
6 December 2013
6 December 2013

For the above entities, the major classes of assets and liabilities disposed were as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables 
Income tax receivable
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Total assets
Payables
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities
Net assets

122 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

ownership
interest
100%
100%

ownership
interest
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

$’000
 6,120 
 3,107 
 453 
 115,514 
 112 
 448 
 125,754 
 10,346 
 677 
 1,850 

 12,873 
 112,881 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

29. bUsiNess coMbiNatioNs

acQUisitioNs dUriNG tHe Period
The acquisition of Property Data Solutions Pty Ltd and Mapshed Pty Ltd is listed in Note 28(A).

The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were:

value of net assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets
Total assets
Payables
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Total liabilities
value of identifiable net assets
Goodwill arising on acquisition
Total identifiable net assets and goodwill attributable to the Group
Purchase consideration

Cash paid

Total purchase consideration

Net cash outflow on acquisition

Net cash acquired with subsidiary
Cash paid

Net cash outflow

reCoGnised 
on 
aCquisition 
$’000

 482 
 546 
 51 
 1,350 
 105 
 2,534 
 564 
 284 
 376 
 405 
 1,629 
 905 
 26,890 
 27,795 

 27,795 
 27,795 

 482 
 (27,795)
 (27,313)

In addition to cash paid of $27.8 million, remuneration of up to $2.0 million is payable by the Group to specified 
former shareholders if certain financial performance criteria is achieved. This is payable over a period of two years 
with the final payment due on 31 December 2015. 

As a result of this acquisition, the consolidated income statement includes revenue and net profit before tax for the 
period ended 29 June 2014 of $4.8 million and $0.6 million respectively (including $0.9 million of earn out costs). 
Had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the reporting period, the consolidated income statement would 
have included revenue and net profit before tax of $8.9 million and $1.9 million respectively (including $0.9 million 
of earn out costs).

Goodwill of $26.9 million includes the acquired workforces and future growth opportunities.

// 123 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

30. eMPLoYee beNefits

(A)  nuMBer of eMPloYeeS
As at 29 June 2014 the Group employed 6,410 full-time employees (2013: 7,043) and 1,211 part-time and casual 
employees (2013: 1,384). This includes 1,636 (2013: 1,813) full-time employees and 259 (2013: 285) part-time and 
casual employees in New Zealand.

(B)  eMPloYee ShAre PlAnS
The Company had three employee share plans during the period. The terms of each plan are set out below:

1.  Fairfax Exempt Employee Share Plan
This plan is open to all Australian employees with at least twelve months service with the consolidated entity 
in Australia, whose adjusted taxable income is $180,000 per annum or less. Under this Plan, participants may salary 
sacrifice up to $1,000 of pre tax salary per annum for the purchase of issued Fairfax shares at the market price on 
the open market of the ASX. The shares are purchased by an independent trustee company on predetermined dates.

2.  Fairfax Deferred Employee Share Plan
This plan is open to all Australian employees with at least twelve months service with the consolidated entity 
in Australia. Under this Plan, participants may salary sacrifice a minimum of $1,000 and up to a maximum of $5,000 
of salary per annum for the purchase of issued Fairfax shares at the market price on the open market of the ASX. 
The shares are purchased by an independent trustee company on predetermined dates. Participants must nominate 
a ‘lock’ period of either 3, 5 or 7 years during which their shares must remain in the plan, unless they leave the 
consolidated entity in Australia.

3.  long Term Equity Based Incentive Scheme
The long term incentive plan is available to certain permanent full-time and part-time employees of the 
consolidated entity. 

2008 – 2012 Financial Year
Under this plan, the cash value of a percentage of an eligible executive’s annual total fixed remuneration was in 
the form of allocated Fairfax shares, which are beneficially held in a trust. The shares vest if the eligible employee 
remains in employment three years from the date the shares were allocated and certain performance hurdles are 
satisfied. If the allocation does not vest at the end of year three post allocation, a re-test of the performance hurdles 
occurs in the fourth year. There are currently no cash settlement alternatives. Dividends on the allocated shares 
during the vesting period are paid directly to the eligible employee and the Company does not have any recourse 
to dividends paid.

2013 Financial Year
For 2013, participants in the plan received an allocation of performance rights (rights) which allow the executive 
to acquire shares for no consideration subject to achievement of the performance hurdles. No dividends are payable 
to participants on the unvested rights.

The number of rights to which a participant was entitled depended on the participant’s role and responsibilities. 
Allocations were set at a fixed percentage of the executive’s fixed remuneration at the time they participate in the 
scheme. The value of the rights at the time of allocation was determined by an independent external valuer.

2014 Financial Year
For 2014, participants in the plan were granted options following the 2013 AGM with the exercise price set at the 
share price around the time of issue. The options have a vesting hurdle of absolute total shareholder return over 
three years from issue with a retest in the fourth year. No dividends are payable to participants on the unvested 
options. The options have been valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model.

Participants are also entitled to receive performance shares for no consideration subject to achievement of certain 
performance hurdles. Half of the shares granted are deferred for one year and the other half are deferred for two 
years. Participants must remain employed during the deferral period or the shares will be forfeited.

124 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

31. reMUNeratioN of aUditors

During the financial year the following amounts were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the 
Company and its related parties:

Audit services 
Ernst & Young Australia 

Audit and review of financial reports

Affiliates of Ernst & Young Australia

Audit and review of financial reports

Non Ernst & Young Firms

Audit and review of financial reports

Total audit services
Other assurance services
Ernst & Young Australia 

Regulatory and contractually required audits
Other

Affiliates of Ernst & Young Australia

Regulatory and contractually required audits
Other

Non Ernst & Young Firms

Regulatory and contractually required audits
Other

Total other assurance services
Total remuneration for assurance services
Non assurance services
Ernst & Young Australia 

Other services

Affiliates of Ernst & Young Australia

Other services

Non Ernst & Young Firms

Other services

Total non assurance services
Total remuneration of auditors

 29 JuNE 2014
$

 30 June 2013
$

 885,800 

 1,088,401 

 228,521 

 244,044 

 23,251 
 1,137,572 

 26,498 
 1,358,943 

 178,249 
110,164

 243,809 
 225,449 

 71,948 
 – 

 98,020 
 – 

 2,160 
 – 
362,521
1,500,093

 8,151 
 – 
 575,429 
 1,934,372 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
1,500,093

 – 
 – 
 1,934,372 

// 125 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

32. reLated PartY traNsactioNs 

(A)  ultiMAte PArent
Fairfax Media Limited is the ultimate parent company.

(B)  controlled entitieS
Interests in controlled entities are set out in Note 27.

(c)  KeY MAnAgeMent PerSonnel

Transactions with Director-related entities
A number of Directors of Fairfax Media Limited also hold directorships with other corporations which provide and 
receive goods or services to and from the Fairfax Group in the ordinary course of business on normal terms and 
conditions. None of these Directors derive any direct personal benefit from the transactions between the Fairfax 
Group and these corporations.

Transactions were entered into during the financial year with the Directors of Fairfax Media Limited and its controlled 
entities or with Director-related entities, which:

•	 occurred within a normal employee, customer or supplier relationship on terms and conditions no more 

favourable than those which it is reasonable to expect would have been adopted if dealing with the Director 
or Director-related entity at arm’s length in the same circumstances;

•	 do not have the potential to adversely affect decisions about the allocation of scarce resources or discharge the 

responsibility of the Directors; or

•	 are minor or domestic in nature.

Rights over shareholdings of key management personnel
Details of equity-based incentive schemes are included in the remuneration report.

2014

G Hywood
D Housego
G Hambly
A Williams
Total

2013
G Hywood
B Cassell *
D Housego
G Hambly
A Williams
Total

OPENING
BAlANCE
30 JuNE 2013

 10,403,380 
 3,666,667 
 2,690,313 
 1,837,124 
 18,597,484 

openinG
BaLanCe
24 June 2012
 1,514,491 
 785,983 
 – 
 717,949 
 – 
 3,018,423 

GRANTED AS
REMuNERATION

NET CHANGE

OTHER **

 8,000,000 
 4,125,000 
 3,125,000 
 3,875,000 
 19,125,000 

 – 
 – 
 (56,488)
 – 
 (56,488)

Granted as
reMuneration
 8,888,889 
 – 
 3,666,667 
 2,083,333 
 1,837,124 
 16,476,013 

net ChanGe

other **

 – 
 (121,057)
 – 
 (110,969)
 – 
 (232,026)

ClOSING
BAlANCE
29 JuNE 2014

 18,403,380 
 7,791,667 
 5,758,825 
 5,712,124 
 37,665,996 

CLosinG
BaLanCe
30 June 2013
 10,403,380 
 664,926 
 3,666,667 
 2,690,313 
 1,837,124 
 19,262,410 

* 

For KMP, the closing balance represents the number of shares at the date of resignation. B Cassell ceased in the position 
of CFO on 3 December 2012 and resigned on 1 July 2013. Any unvested rights were forfeited.

**  Net change movements include forfeitures.

126 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

32. reLated PartY traNsactioNs (coNtiNUed)

(d)  trAnSActionS With relAted entitieS
The following transactions for the sale and purchase of goods and services occurred with related parties on normal 
market terms and conditions:

Associates
29 June 2014
30 June 2013

Joint ventures
29 June 2014
30 June 2013

saLes to
reLated parties
$’000

purChases FroM
reLated parties
$’000

aMount owed BY
reLated parties
$’000

aMount owed to
reLated parties
$’000

 3,588 
 13,688 

 348 
 54 

 17,753 
 7,307 

 3,101 
 241 

 343 
 246 

 35 
 – 

 64 
 3,413 

 155 
 1 

33. Notes to tHe casH fLoW stateMeNt

(A)   reconciliAtion of net Profit/(loSS) After incoMe tAx exPenSe 

to net cASh infloW froM oPerAting ActivitieS

Net profit/(loss) for the period

 225,168 

 (971)

note

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

Non-cash items
Depreciation and amortisation for continuing operations
Depreciation and amortisation for discontinued operations
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and investments
Amortisation of borrowing costs
Share of (profits)/losses of associates and joint ventures not received as dividends
Straight-line rent adjustment
Net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net gain on disposal of investments and other assets
Fair value adjustment to derivatives
Net foreign currency (gain)/loss
Share-based payment expense
Non-cash superannuation expense
Gain on partial redemption of senior notes
Other non-operating gains

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions

Decrease in trade receivables
(Increase)/decrease in other receivables
Decrease in inventories
Increase in other assets
Decrease in payables
Decrease in provisions
Increase in tax balances

Net cash inflow from operating activities

3(B)

 93,517 
 – 
 23,459 
 1,764 
 (3,266)
 312 
 (121)
 (106,345)
 (157)
 (5,526)
 3,870 
 (731)
 (10,183)
 – 

 8,751 
 (11,153)
 5,916 
 (1,286)
 (3,287)
 (78,298)
 29,078 
 171,482 

 100,762 
 3,124 
 459,938 
 1,191 
 5,528 
 513 
 92 
 (299,413)
 4,539 
 660 
 2,038 
 (833)
 – 
 142 

 34,033 
 7,611 
 6,180 
 (788)
 (41,020)
 (100,942)
 4,067 
 186,451 

(B)  reconciliAtion of cASh And cASh eQuivAlentS
Reconciliation of cash at end of the financial year (as shown in the Cash Flow Statement) to 
the related items in the financial statements is as follows:

Cash on hand and at bank
Total cash at end of the financial year

 452,687 
 452,687 

 533,531 
 533,531 

// 127 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt

fiNaNciaL risK MaNaGeMeNt
The Group’s principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise cash, short term deposits, bills 
of exchange and bank loans. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to manage liquidity and to raise 
finance for the Group’s operations. The Group has various other financial instruments, such as trade and other 
receivables and trade and other payables, which arise directly from its operations.

The Group uses derivatives in accordance with Board approved policies to reduce the Group’s exposure to fluctuations 
in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. These derivatives create an obligation or right that effectively transfers one 
or more of the risks associated with an underlying financial instrument, asset or obligation. Derivative instruments that 
the Group uses to hedge risks such as interest rate and foreign currency movements include:

•	 cross currency swaps;

•	 interest rate swaps;

•	 forward foreign currency contracts; and

•	 forward rate agreements.

The Group’s risk management activities for interest rate and foreign exchange exposures are carried out centrally 
by Fairfax Media Group Treasury department. The Group Treasury department operates under policies as approved 
by the Board. The Group Treasury department operates in co-operation with the Group’s operating units so as 
to maximise the benefits associated with centralised management of Group risk factors.

caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt
The capital structure of Group entities is monitored using net debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation) ratio. The ratio is calculated as net debt divided by underlying EBITDA. Net debt 
is calculated as total interest bearing liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. Where interest bearing liabilities 
are denominated in a currency other than the Australian dollar functional currency, and the liability is hedged 
into an Australian dollar obligation, the liability is measured for financial covenant purposes as the hedged 
Australian dollar amount.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to 
shareholders, buy back shareholder equity, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. The Group reviews 
the capital structure to ensure:

•	 sufficient finance capacity for the business is maintained at a reasonable cost; and

•	 sufficient funds are available for the business to implement its capital expenditure and business 

acquisition strategies.

Where excess funds arise with respect to the funds required to enact the Group’s business strategies, consideration 
is given to increased dividends or buy back of shareholder equity.

The net (cash)/debt to EBITDA ratio for the Group at 29 June 2014 and 30 June 2013 is as follows:

Net (cash)/debt
EBITDA *
Net debt to EBITDA ratio

note
19

2014
$’000
 (67,561)
 312,452 
 (0.22)

2013
$’000
 154,493 
 366,474 
 0.42 

* 

For the purposes of the debt to EBITDA ratio, underlying EBITDA is adjusted for specific items of a non-recurring nature and 
excludes any unrealised profit/(loss) arising from mark to market revaluations of financial instruments. 

128 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

risK factors
The key financial risk factors that arise from the Group’s activities, including the Group’s policies for managing these 
risks are outlined below.

Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of the Group’s financial instruments will fluctuate 
because of changes in market prices. The market risk factors to which the Group is exposed to are discussed 
in further detail below.

(A)  intereSt rAte riSK
Interest rate risk refers to the risks that the value of a financial instrument or future cash flows associated with the 
instrument will fluctuate due to movements in market interest rates.

Interest rate risk arises from interest bearing financial assets and liabilities that the Group utilises. Non-derivative 
interest bearing assets are predominantly short term liquid assets. Long term debt issued at fixed rates exposes the 
Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s borrowings which have a variable interest rate attached give rise 
to cash flow interest rate risk.

The Group’s risk management policy for interest rate risk seeks to reduce the effects of interest rate movements 
on its asset and liability portfolio through management of the exposures.

The Group seeks to maintain a mix of foreign and local currency fixed rate and variable rate debt, as well as a mix 
of long term debt versus short term debt. The Group primarily enters into interest rate swap, interest rate option 
and cross currency swap agreements to manage these risks. The Group designates which of its financial assets and 
financial liabilities are exposed to a fair value or cash flow interest rate risk, such as financial assets and liabilities 
with a fixed interest rate or financial assets and financial liabilities with a floating interest rate that is reset as 
market rates change.

The Group hedges the currency risk on foreign currency borrowings by entering into cross currency swaps, which 
have the economic effect of converting foreign currency borrowings to local currency borrowings. Over the 
counter derivative contracts are carried at fair value, which are estimated using valuation techniques based wherever 
possible on assumptions supported by observable market prices or rates prevailing at the reporting date. For other 
financial instruments for which quoted prices in an active market are available, fair value is determined directly from 
those quoted market prices.

Refer to Note 16 for further details of the Group’s derivative financial instruments and details of hedging activities.

At reporting date, the Group had the following mix of financial assets and financial liabilities exposed to 
interest rate risks:

FlOATING RATE

$’000

FIxED RATE
$’000

NON-INTEREST
 BEARING
$’000

As at 29 June 2014

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Available for sale investments
Other financial assets
Derivatives
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities
Payables
Interest bearing liabilities:

Bank borrowings and loans
Senior notes
Finance lease liability

Total interest bearing liabilities
Derivatives
Total financial liabilities

Total interest bearing liabilities
Notional principal hedged
Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

 452,687 
 – 
 – 
 6,227 
 – 
 458,914 

 – 

 138,055 
 – 
 6,014 
 144,069 
 20,518 
 164,587 

 144,069 
 (123,654)
 20,415 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 3,819 
 207,359 
 – 
 211,178 
 14,717 
 225,895 

 211,178 
 (78,012)
 133,166 

TOTAl
$’000

 452,687 
 276,406 
 2,488 
 6,227 
 1,764 
 739,572 

 – 
 276,406 
 2,488 
 – 
 1,764 
 280,658 

 218,052 

 218,052 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 218,052 

 141,874 
 207,359 
 6,014 
 355,247 
 35,235 
 608,534 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 355,247 
 (201,666)
 153,581 

// 129 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

As at 30 June 2013
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Available for sale investments
Other financial assets
Derivatives
Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Payables
Interest bearing liabilities:

Bank borrowings and loans
Senior notes
Finance lease liability

Total interest bearing liabilities
Derivatives
Total financial liabilities

Total interest bearing liabilities
Notional principal hedged
Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

FLoatinG rate
$’000

Fixed rate
$’000

non-interest
 BearinG
$’000

 533,531 
 – 
 – 
 10,541 
 6,325 
 550,397 

 – 

 123,549 
 27,338 
 10,452 
 161,339 
 43,826 
 205,165 

 161,339 
 (123,526)
 37,813 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 6,003 
 470,870 
 – 
 476,873 
 23,833 
 500,706 

 476,873 
 (116,495)
 360,378 

totaL
$’000

 533,531 
 287,457 
 1,929 
 10,608 
 18,833 
 852,358 

 – 
 287,457 
 1,929 
 67 
 12,508 
 301,961 

 235,919 

 235,919 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 7,258 
 243,177 

 129,552 
 498,208 
 10,452 
 638,212 
 74,917 
 949,048 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 638,212 
 (240,021)
 398,191 

Sensitivity analysis
The table below shows the effect on net profit and equity after income tax if interest rates at reporting date had 
been 30% higher or lower with all other variables held constant, taking into account all underlying exposures and 
related hedges. Concurrent movements in interest rates and parallel shifts in the yield curves are assumed.

A sensitivity of 30% (2013: 30%) has been selected as this is considered reasonable given the current level of 
both short term and long term Australian interest rates. A 30% sensitivity would move short term interest rates 
at 29 June 2014 from around 2.71% to 3.52% representing a 81 basis point shift (2013: 85 basis point shift).

In 2014, 90% (2013: 66%) of the Group’s debt, taking into account all underlying exposures and related hedges 
was denominated in Australian Dollars; therefore, only the movement in Australian interest rates is used in this 
sensitivity analysis.

Based on the sensitivity analysis, if interest rates were 30% higher, net profit would be impacted by the interest 
expense being higher on the Group’s floating rate Australian Dollar debt during the year.

If interest rates were 30% higher with all other variables held constant 
– increase/(decrease)
If interest rates were 30% lower with all other variables held constant 
– increase/(decrease)

 (737)

 (2,603)

 889 

 1,670 

 737 

 2,603 

 (900)

 (1,704)

iMpaCt on post-tax proFit

iMpaCt on equitY

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

130 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

(B)  foreign currencY riSK
Foreign currency risk refers to the risk that the value or the cash flows arising from a financial commitment, 
or recognised asset or liability will fluctuate due to changes in foreign currency rates. The Group’s foreign 
currency exchange risk arises primarily from:

•	 borrowings denominated in foreign currency; and

•	 firm commitments and/or highly probable forecast transactions for receipts and payments settled in foreign 

currencies and prices dependent on foreign currencies respectively.

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to:

•	 United States Dollars; and

•	 New Zealand Dollars.

Forward foreign exchange contracts are used to hedge the Group’s known non-debt related foreign currency risks. 
These contracts generally have maturities of less than twelve months after the reporting date and consequently the 
net fair value of the gains and losses on these contracts will be transferred from the cash flow hedging reserve to the 
income statement at various dates during this period when the underlying exposure impacts earnings. The derivative 
contracts are carried at fair value, being the market value as quoted in an active market.

The Group’s risk management policy for foreign exchange is to only hedge known or highly probable future 
transactions. The policy only permits hedging of the Group’s underlying foreign exchange exposures.

Benefits or costs arising from currency hedges for revenue and expense transactions that are designated and 
documented in a hedge relationship are brought to account in the income statement over the lives of the hedge 
transactions depending on the effectiveness testing outcomes and when the underlying exposure impacts earnings. 
For transactions entered into that hedge specific capital or borrowing commitments, any cost or benefit resulting 
from the hedge forms part of the initial asset or liability carrying value.

When entered into, the Group formally designates and documents the financial instrument as a hedge of the 
underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge 
transactions. The Group formally assesses both at the inception and at least semi-annually thereafter, whether the 
financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value 
or cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging 
instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments 
are generally offset by changes in the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Any 
ineffective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is immediately recognised in the income statement 
and this is mainly attributable to financial instruments in a fair value hedge relationship. Derivatives entered into 
and not documented in a hedge relationship are revalued with the changes in fair value recognised in the income 
statement. All of the Group’s derivatives are straight forward over the counter instruments with liquid markets.

Refer to Note 16 for further details of the Group’s derivative financial instruments and details of hedging activities.

Sensitivity analysis
The tables below show the effect on net profit and equity after income tax as at reporting date from a 15% weaker/
stronger base currency movement in exchange rates at that date on a total derivative portfolio with all other 
variables held constant.

A sensitivity of 15% has been selected as this is considered reasonable given the current level of exchange rates 
and the volatility observed both on a historical basis and market expectations for potential future movement. 
The Group’s foreign currency risk from the Group’s long term borrowings denominated in foreign currencies has 
no significant impact on profit from foreign currency movements as they are effectively hedged.

// 131 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

(a)  AuD / NZD
Comparing the Australian Dollar exchange rate against the New Zealand Dollar, a 15% weaker Australian Dollar 
would result in an exchange rate of 0.9149 and a 15% stronger Australian Dollar in an exchange rate of 1.2378 based 
on the year end rate of 1.0763. This range is considered reasonable given over the last five years, the Australian 
Dollar exchange rate against the New Zealand Dollar has traded in the range of 1.0554 to 1.3746.

If the AUD exchange rate was 15% weaker against the NZD with all 
other variables held constant – increase/(decrease)
If the AUD exchange rate was 15% stronger against the NZD with all 
other variables held constant – increase/(decrease)

iMpaCt on post-tax proFit

iMpaCt on equitY  
(hedGinG reserVes) *

2014
$’000

 107 

 (79)

2013
$’000

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 852 

 (3,613)

 (31,522)

 (630)

 2,670 

 23,299 

*  Hedging reserves includes both the cash flow hedge reserve and net investment hedge reserve.

(b)  AuD / uSD
Comparing the Australian Dollar exchange rate against the United States Dollar, a 15% weaker Australian Dollar 
would result in an exchange rate of 0.8006 and a 15% stronger Australian Dollar in an exchange rate of 1.0832 
based on the year end rate of 0.9419. This range is considered reasonable given over the last five years, the 
Australian Dollar exchange rate against the United States Dollar has traded in the range of 0.7783 to 1.1028.

If the AUD exchange rate was 15% weaker against the USD with all 
other variables held constant – increase/(decrease)
If the AUD exchange rate was 15% stronger against the USD with all 
other variables held constant – increase/(decrease)

iMpaCt on post-tax proFit

2014
$’000

 58 

 – 

2013
$’000

 1 

 (3)

iMpaCt on equitY  
(Cash FLow hedGe reserVe)

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

 (801)

 (1,249)

 1,136 

 1,786 

(c)  credit riSK
Credit risk is the risk that a contracting entity will not complete its obligations under a financial instrument and 
cause the Group to make a financial loss. The Group has exposure to credit risk on all financial assets included 
in the Group’s balance sheet. To help manage this risk, the Group:

•	 has a policy for establishing credit limits for the entities it deals with;

•	 may require collateral where appropriate; and

•	 manages exposures to individual entities it either transacts with or enters into derivative contracts with (through 

a system of credit limits).

The Group is exposed to credit risk on financial instruments and derivatives. For credit purposes, there is only 
a credit risk where the contracting entity is liable to pay the Group in the event of a closeout. The Group has policies 
that limit the amount of credit exposure to any financial institution. Derivative counterparties and cash transactions 
are limited to financial institutions that meet minimum credit rating criteria in accordance with the Group’s policy 
requirements. At 29 June 2014 counterparty credit risk was limited to financial institutions with S&P credit ratings 
ranging from A- to AA-.

The Group’s credit risk is mainly concentrated across a number of customers and financial institutions. The Group 
does not have any significant credit risk exposure to a single or group of customers or individual institutions.

Financial assets are considered impaired where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect 
all amounts due according to the original trade and other receivable terms. Factors considered when determining 
if an impairment exists include ageing and timing of expected receipts and the credit worthiness of counterparties. 
A provision for doubtful debts is created for the difference between the assets carrying value and the present value 
of estimated future cash flows. The Group’s trading terms do not generally include the requirement for customers 
to provide collateral as security for financial assets.

Refer to Note 8 for an ageing analysis of trade receivables and the movement in the provision for doubtful debts. 
All other financial assets are not impaired and are not past due. Based on the credit history of these classes, 
it is expected that these amounts will be received when due.

132 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

(d)  liQuiditY riSK
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group cannot meet its financial commitments as and when they fall due.

To help reduce this risk the Group:

•	 has a liquidity policy which targets a minimum level of committed facilities and cash relative to EBITDA;

•	 has readily accessible funding arrangements in place; and

•	 staggers maturities of financial instruments.

Refer to Note 19(B) for details of the Group’s unused credit facilities at 29 June 2014. 

The contractual maturity of the Group’s fixed and floating rate derivatives, other financial assets and other financial 
liabilities are shown in the tables below. The amounts represent the future undiscounted principal and interest cash 
flows and therefore may not equate to the values disclosed in the balance sheet.

As at 29 June 2014

Financial liabilities *
Payables
Bank borrowings and loans
Notes and bonds
Finance lease liability

Derivatives – inflows *
Cross currency swaps – foreign leg (fixed) **
Forward foreign currency contracts
Derivatives – outflows *
Cross currency swaps – AUD leg (fixed) **
Cross currency swaps – AUD leg (variable) **
Cross currency swaps – NZD leg (variable) **
Interest rate swaps ***
Forward foreign currency contracts

As at 30 June 2013

Financial liabilities *
Payables
Bank borrowings and loans
Notes and bonds
Finance lease liability
Derivatives – inflows *
Cross currency swaps – foreign leg (fixed) **
Cross currency swaps – foreign leg (variable) **
Forward foreign currency contracts
Derivatives – outflows *
Cross currency swaps – AUD leg (fixed) **
Cross currency swaps – AUD leg (variable) **
Cross currency swaps – NZD leg (variable) **
Interest rate swaps ***
Forward foreign currency contracts
Put option

(NOMINAl CASH FlOWS)

1 YEAR OR lESS
$’000

1 TO 2 YEARS
$’000

2 TO 5 YEARS
$’000

MORE THAN 
5 YEARS
$’000

 (218,052)
 (10,153)
 (126,273)
 (9,848)

 – 
 (144,842)
 (26,213)
 (2,533)

 – 
 – 
 (78,886)
 – 

 118,304 
 4,169 

 26,264 
 – 

 78,886 
 – 

 (6,149)
 (125,043)
 (938)
 (4,706)
 (4,112)

 (6,149)
 – 
 (29,341)
 (126,177)
 – 

 (88,411)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

(noMinaL Cash FLows)

1 Year or Less
$’000

1 to 2 Years
$’000

2 to 5 Years
$’000

More than 
5 Years
$’000

 (235,919)
 (9,101)
 (276,057)
 (9,453)

 248,714 
 27,388 
 28,203 

 (43,221)
 (58,491)
 (224,510)
 (4,275)
 (25,937)
 (6,436)

 – 
 (133,366)
 (122,009)
 (9,848)

 122,009 
 – 
 – 

 (6,149)
 (125,059)
 (892)
 (4,275)
 – 
 – 

 – 
 (516)
 (108,390)
 (2,533)

 108,443 
 – 
 – 

 (94,560)
 – 
 (26,742)
 (127,138)
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

For floating rate instruments, the amount disclosed is determined by reference to the interest rate at the last repricing date.

* 
**  Contractual amounts to be exchanged representing gross cash flows to be exchanged.
***  Net amount for interest rate swaps for which net cash flows are exchanged. 

// 133 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

(e)  fAir vAlue
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities at reporting date are:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Derivative assets
Available for sale investments
Other financial assets

Financial liabilities
Payables
Interest bearing liabilities:

Bank borrowings
Senior notes
Finance lease liability

Derivative liabilities

CARRYING vAluE
2014
$’000

FAIR vAluE
2014
$’000

CarrYinG VaLue
2013
$’000

Fair VaLue
2013
$’000

 452,687 
 276,406 
 1,764 
 2,488 
 6,227 
 739,572 

 452,687 
 276,406 
 1,764 
 2,488 
 6,227 
 739,572 

 533,531 
 287,457 
 18,833 
 1,929 
 10,608 
 852,358 

 533,531 
 287,457 
 18,833 
 1,929 
 10,608 
 852,358 

 218,052 

 218,052 

 235,919 

 235,919 

 141,874 
 207,359 
 6,014 
 35,235 
 608,534 

 143,220 
 207,386 
 10,859 
 35,235 
 614,752 

 129,552 
 498,208 
 10,452 
 74,917 
 949,048 

 131,003 
 498,848 
 17,929 
 74,917 
 958,616 

Market values have been used to determine the fair value of listed available for sale investments.

The fair value of the senior notes and lease liabilities have been calculated by discounting the future cash flows 
by interest rates for liabilities with similar risk profiles. The discount rates applied range from 5.57% to 13.29% 
(2013: 1.93% to 13.29%). 

The carrying value of all other balances approximate their fair value.

The Group uses various methods in estimating fair value. The methods comprise:

(a)  quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1);

(b)  inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 

(as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (level 2); and

(c)  inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (level 3).

The fair value of assets and liabilities held at fair value, as well as the methods used to estimate the fair value, 
are summarised in the table below:

As at 29 June 2014

Assets at fair value
Derivative assets
Available for sale investments
Assets held for sale

Freehold land and buildings

liabilities at fair value
Derivative liabilities

lEvEl 1
$’000

lEvEl 2
$’000

lEvEl 3
$’000

 – 
 2,488 

 – 
 2,488 

 1,764 
 – 

 – 
 1,764 

 – 
 – 

 35,235 
 35,235 

 – 
 – 

 29,963 
 29,963 

 – 
 – 

TOTAl
$’000

 1,764 
 2,488 

 29,963 
 34,215 

 35,235 
 35,235 

134 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

34. fiNaNciaL aNd caPitaL risK MaNaGeMeNt (coNtiNUed)

As at 30 June 2013

Financial assets
Derivative assets
Available for sale investments

Financial liabilities

Derivative liabilities

LeVeL 1
$’000

 – 
 1,929 
 1,929 

 – 

 – 

LeVeL 2
$’000

LeVeL 3
$’000

totaL
$’000

 18,833 
 – 
 18,833 

 74,917 

 74,917 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 18,833 
 1,929 
 20,762 

 74,917 

 74,917 

Held for sale freehold land and buildings are carried at the Directors’ determination of fair value which takes into 
account latest independent valuations and evidence of fair value from disposal negotiations. The key assumptions 
in determining the valuation of the properties are the estimated weighted average yield and costs of dismantling 
plant and equipment where relevant. Significant movement in these assumptions in isolation would result in a higher 
or lower fair value of the properties.

35. seGMeNt rePortiNG

(A)  deScriPtion of SegMentS
The Group has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the 
Board of Directors, CEO and CFO in assessing performance and in determining the allocation of resources.

During the 2013 financial year, the Printing Operations division was restructured to form part of corporate services. 
As a result, Printing Operations is no longer a reportable segment and its results have been allocated to the 
Australian Metro Media, Australian Community Media and the New Zealand Media segments. 

In the 2014 financial year, the Group has implemented changes to the structure of the organisation which has 
resulted in a reclassification within its reportable segments. NSW community and ACT publications have been 
moved from Australian Metro Media to Australian Community Media.

The Group is organised into five reportable segments based on aggregated operating segments determined 
by similar product and services provided, economic characteristics and geographical considerations.

The prior year financial information has been restated under the new reportable segments.  

On 21 December 2012, the Group disposed of its remaining 51% interest in Trade Me Group Ltd. The Group disposed 
of the US Agricultural Media business on 14 November 2012. The US Agricultural Media business was part of the 
Australian Community Media reportable segment. On 6 December 2013, the Group disposed of the Stayz business 
which was part of the Australian Metro Media segment.

reportaBLe seGMent
Australian Community Media
Australian Metro Media

produCts and serViCes
Newspaper publishing and online for all Australian regional, community and agricultural media.
Metropolitan news, sport, lifestyle and business media across various platforms including 
print, online, tablet and mobile. Also includes classifieds for metropolitan publications and 
transactional businesses.
Newspaper, magazine and general publishing and online for all New Zealand media.
Metropolitan radio networks in Australia.
Comprises corporate and other entities not included in the segments above. 

New Zealand Media
Radio
Other
Trade Me (discontinued operations) Transactional businesses of Trade Me in New Zealand.

// 135 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

35. seGMeNt rePortiNG (coNtiNUed)

(B)  reSultS BY oPerAting SegMent
The segment information provided to the Board of Directors, CEO and CFO for the reportable segments for the 
period ended 29 June 2014 and 30 June 2013 is as follows:

SEGMENT
REvENuE 
$’000

INTERSEGMENT
REvENuE
$’000

REvENuE 
FROM ExTERNAl
CuSTOMERS
$’000

SHARE OF
PROFITS OF
ASSOCIATES 
AND JOINT
vENTuRES
$’000

uNDERlYING
EBIT
$’000

 586,569 
 804,088 
 362,672 
 103,955 
 9,602 
 1,866,886 

 (89)
 (895)
 (6)
 (130)
 451 
 (669)

 586,480 
 803,193 
 362,666 
 103,825 
 10,053 
 1,866,217 

 2,266 
 3,780 
–
 (3)
 1,964 
 8,007 

 112,714 
 63,536 
 59,752 
 10,718 
 (27,491)
 219,229 

seGMent
reVenue 
$’000

interseGMent
reVenue
$’000

reVenue 
FroM externaL
CustoMers
$’000

 687,658 
 894,001 
 337,585 
 110,762 
 (3,856)
 2,026,150 
 60,187 
 2,086,337 

 (2,428)
 (9,548)
 55 
 (273)
 – 
 (12,194)
 – 
 (12,194)

 685,230 
 884,453 
 337,640 
 110,489 
 (3,856)
 2,013,956 
 60,187 
 2,074,143 

share oF
proFits oF
assoCiates 
and Joint
Ventures
$’000

 2,367 
 (2,527)
–
55
 (2,134)
 (2,239)
 – 
 (2,239)

underLYinG
eBit
$’000

 145,009 
 36,891 
 49,510 
 16,052 
 (26,963)
 220,499 
 41,650 
 262,149 

29 June 2014
Australian Community Media
Australian Metro Media
New Zealand Media
Radio
Other
Total for the Group

30 June 2013
Australian Community Media
Australian Metro Media
New Zealand Media
Radio
Other
Total for continuing operations
Trade Me (discontinued operations)
Total for the Group

(c)  other SegMent inforMAtion

(i)  Segment revenue
Segment revenue reconciles to total revenue and income as follows:

Total segment revenue from external customers for continuing operations
Interest income
Gains on sale of controlled entities 
Total revenue and income

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 1,866,217 
 14,874 
 106,477 
 1,987,568 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 2,013,956 
 11,604 
 19,830 
 2,045,390 

Transactions between operating segments relating to management charges are on third party terms. 

The consolidated entity operates predominantly in two geographic segments, Australia and New Zealand. 
The amount of its revenue from external customers in Australia is $1,622.7 million (2013: $1,686.1 million) and the 
amount of revenue from external customers in New Zealand is $364.9 million (2013: $359.3 million). Segment 
revenues are allocated based on the country in which the customer is located. 

136 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

35. seGMeNt rePortiNG (coNtiNUed)

(ii)  Segment result – EBIT
The Board of Directors, CEO and CFO assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure 
of underlying EBIT. This measurement basis excludes the effects of significant items from the operating segments 
such as restructuring costs and goodwill, masthead or radio licence impairments when the impairment is the result 
of an isolated, significant event. Gains on the sale of controlled entities have been excluded from the reportable 
segment results.

Interest income and expenditure are not allocated to segments, as this type of activity is driven by the centralised 
treasury function, which manages the cash position of the Group.

A reconciliation of underlying EBIT to operating profit/(loss) before income tax is provided as follows:

underlying EBIT for continuing operations
Interest income
Finance costs

Gains on sale of controlled entities in other revenue and income
Impairment of mastheads, goodwill, licences and customer relationships
Impairment of investments, inventories and property, plant and equipment
Restructuring and redundancy charges
Reported net profit/(loss) before tax

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 219,229 
 14,874 
 (25,302)

 30 June 2013
$’000
 220,499 
 11,604 
 (66,571)

 106,477 
 – 
 (23,890)
 (24,019)
 267,369 

 19,830 
 (418,655)
 (37,189)
 (4,458)
 (274,940)

A summary of significant items by operating segments is provided for the period ended 29 June 2014 and 30 June 2013.

IMPAIRMENT OF
 MASTHEADS,
GOODWIll,
lICENCES AND
CuSTOMER
RElATIONSHIPS
$’000

IMPAIRMENT OF
INvESTMENTS,
INvENTORIES
AND PROPERTY,
PlANT AND
EquIPMENT
$’000

RESTRuCTuRING
AND
REDuNDANCY
CHARGES
$’000

GAIN ON 
SAlE OF
 CONTROllED
 ENTITIES
$’000

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 406,055 
 5,000 
 7,600 
 – 
 418,655 

 440 
 15,058 
 5,539 
2,853
 23,890 

 – 
 36,832 
 – 
 357 
 37,189 

 – 
 – 
 5,589 
 18,430 
 24,019 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 (106,477)
 (106,477)

 2,844 
 – 
 – 
 1,614 
 4,458 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 (19,830)
 (19,830)

TOTAl
$’000

 440 
15,058
 11,128 
(85,194)
 (58,568)

 408,899 
 41,832 
 7,600 
 (17,859)
 440,472 

29 June 2014
Australian Community Media
Australian Metro Media
New Zealand Media
Other
Consolidated entity

30 June 2013
Australian Community Media
Australian Metro Media
Radio
Other
Consolidated entity

(iii)  Segment assets
Information provided to the Board of Directors, CEO and CFO in respect of assets and liabilities is presented on 
a group basis consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets and employment benefit assets 
(there are no rights arising under insurance contracts) located in Australia is $1,608.4 million (2013: $1,773.0 million) 
and the total of these non-current assets located in New Zealand is $204.2 million (2013: $227.4 million). Segment 
assets are allocated to countries based on where the assets are located.

// 137 

Notes to tHe fiNaNciaL stateMeNts

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

36. PareNt eNtitY iNforMatioN

The following disclosures relate to Fairfax Media Limited as an individual entity, being the ultimate parent entity 
of the Fairfax Media group.

Financial position of parent entity
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Total liabilities

Total equity of parent entity
Contributed equity
General reserve
Acquisition reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Retained losses
Total equity

Result of parent entity
Profit/(loss) for the period
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the period

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000

 30 June 2013
$’000

 1,492,947 
 1,900,484 
 13,395 
 13,395 

 1,419,568 
 1,829,633 
 12,912 
 13,438 

 4,646,525 
 (722)
 (10,672)
 11,231 
 (2,759,273)
 1,887,089 

 4,646,248 
 (722)
 (10,672)
 8,799 
 (2,827,458)
 1,816,195 

 138,744 
 – 
 138,744 

 (180,630)
 – 
 (180,630)

Fairfax Media Limited has entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee with the effect that the Company guarantees 
debts in respect of its subsidiaries within the Closed Group. Further details regarding the deed are set out in Note 27. 

oPeratiNG Lease coMMitMeNts – PareNt eNtitY as Lessee
In the prior year, Fairfax Media Limited had a commercial lease on office premises.

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases as at the period end are as follows:

Within one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years
Total operating lease commitments

 29 JuNE 2014
$’000
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 30 June 2013
$’000
 109 
 – 
 – 
 109 

37. eVeNts sUbseQUeNt to rePortiNG date

The Group completed an agreement to merge RSVP.com.au Pty Limited with 3H Group Pty Ltd on 1 July 2014. 
Following the merger, the Group will hold a 58% interest in RSVP.com.au Pty Limited. The Group will no longer 
consolidate this entity as it does not control the financial and operating policies of the entity. The investment will 
be accounted for using the equity method.

On 10 July, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire All Homes Pty Ltd and All Data Australia Pty Ltd subject 
to regulatory approval. Total consideration is expected to be $50 million.

On 10 July, the Group repaid US$105 million (A$125 million) of senior notes.

138 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

directors’ decLaratioN

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Fairfax Media Limited, we state that:

1.   In the opinion of the Directors:

(a)   the financial statements and notes of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 

2001, including:

(i)   giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 29 June 2014 and 

of its performance for the year ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001;

(b)   the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards 

as disclosed in Note 1;

(c)   there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they 

become due and payable; and

(d)   as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed 
Group identified in Note 27 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may 
become subject, by virtue of the Deed of Cross Guarantee.

2.   This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors from the 

Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer in accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act 
2001 for the financial year ended 29 June 2014.

On behalf of the Board

Roger Corbett, AO 
Chairman 

Greg Hywood 
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

14 August 2014

// 139 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
iNdePeNdeNt aUditor’s rePort

140 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

iNdePeNdeNt aUditor’s rePort

// 141 

sHareHoLder iNforMatioN

FairFax Media LiMited

tWeNtY LarGest HoLders of secUrities at 31 aUGUst 2014

ORDINARY SHARES (FxJ)

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

National Nominees Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Timeview Enterprises Pty Ltd

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

AMP Life Limited

Hanrine Investments Pty Ltd

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited  

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

National Nominees Limited 

Pacific Custodians Pty Limited  

QIC Limited

Merrill Lynch (Australia) Nominees Pty Limited

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited - A/C 3

Sandhurst Trustees Ltd 

DEBENTuRES

National Financial Services Corp.

oPtioNs
There were no options exercisable at the end of the financial year.

nuMBer oF
 seCurities

419,309,231

390,981,511

388,971,567

328,382,124

235,426,915

59,306,940

40,807,144

26,015,427

24,073,540

20,503,818

16,390,191

16,005,581

13,095,020

12,253,533

11,809,256

9,373,807

8,994,316

6,744,442

5,336,759

4,490,049

%

17.83

16.62

16.54

13.96

10.01

2.52

1.74

1.11

1.02

0.87

0.70

0.68

0.56

0.52

0.50

0.40

0.38

0.29

0.23

0.19

2,038,271,171

86.67

281

100

142 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

sHareHoLder iNforMatioN

FairFax Media LiMited

sUbstaNtiaL sHareHoLders
Substantial shareholders as shown in substantial shareholder notices received by the Company as at 31 August 2014 are:

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd
Gutenberg Investments Pty Ltd
(pursuant to Consultation Agreement)

Ausbil Dexia Limited 

Allan Gray Australia Pty Ltd

SAS Trustee Corporation

Dimensional Fund Advisors Group

distribUtioN of HoLdiNGs at 31 aUGUst 2014

No. of securities 

1 – 1,000 

1,001 – 5,000 

5,001 – 10,000 

10,001 – 100,000 

100,001 and over 

Total number of holders 

Number of holders holding less than a marketable parcel 

ordinarY
 shares

352,455,644

149,340,606

133,458,373

118,279,205

117,713,482

no. oF
 ordinarY
sharehoLders 

no. oF
 deBenture
 hoLders

8,478

12,092

4,124

4,655

322

29,671

5,233

1

–

–

–

–

1

–

VotiNG riGHts
Voting rights of ordinary shareholders are governed by Rules 5.8 and 5.9 of the Company’s Constitution which 
provide that every member present personally or by proxy, attorney or representative shall on a show of hands have 
one vote and on a poll, shall have one vote for every share held.  Debentures do not carry any voting rights.

// 143 

directorY

FairFax Media LiMited and ControLLed entities For the period ended 29 June 2014

aNNUaL GeNeraL MeetiNG
The Annual General Meeting will be held at 10.30am on 
Thursday, 6 November 2014 at the RACV club, Level 17, 
501 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

Website
Corporate information and the Fairfax annual 
report can be found via the Company’s website at 
www.fairfaxmedia.com.au. The Company’s family of 
websites can be accessed through this site.

February 2015
August 2015
November 2015

HoW to obtaiN tHe fairfaX aNNUaL rePort
A soft copy of the annual report is available at 
www.fairfaxmedia.com.au. To obtain a hard copy of 
the report, contact Link Market Services – see contact 
details under Share Registry.

coNsoLidatioN of sHareHoLders
Shareholders who wish to consolidate their separate 
shareholdings into one account should advise the Share 
Registry in writing.

direct PaYMeNt to sHareHoLders’ accoUNts
The Company pays dividends by direct credit to 
shareholders’ bank accounts. The Company no longer 
issues cheques except in exceptional circumstances. 
A direct credit form can be obtained from the Share 
Registry. Payments are electronically credited on the 
dividend date and confirmed by a mailed payment 
advice. Shareholders are advised to notify the Share 
Registry (although it is not obligatory) of their tax file 
number so that dividends can be paid without tax 
being withheld.

fiNaNciaL caLeNdar 2015

Interim result
Preliminary final result
Annual General Meeting

coMPaNY secretarY
Gail Hambly

reGistered office
1 Darling Island Road,
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Ph:  +61 2 9282 2833
Fax: +61 2 9282 1633

sHare reGistrY
Link Market Services Limited
Level 12
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph:  1300 888 062 (toll free within Australia)
Ph:  +61 2 8280 7670
Fax: +61 2 9287 0303
Email: registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au
Website: www.linkmarketservices.com.au

secUrities eXcHaNGe ListiNG
The Company’s ordinary shares are listed on the 
Australian Securities Exchange as FXJ.

144 // faIRfaX annUal RePoRt // conVeRsatIons tHat MatteR

Produced by ArmstrongQ – www.armstrongQ.com.au

InDePenDent. alWays.

faIRfaX MeDIa lIMIteD
GPo 506 syDney nsW 2001  //  1 DaRlInG IslanD RoaD PyRMont nsW 2009  //  t: +61 2 9282 2833

WWW.faIRfaXMeDIa.coM.aU