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ITV

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FY2015 Annual Report · ITV
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Delivering strong  
growth and building scale

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Welcome to our Annual Report 2015

We are an integrated producer broadcaster, 
creating, owning and distributing high-quality 
content on multiple platforms.

maximising

We invest over £1 billion annually in our programming, 
significantly more than our commercial competitors, 
and have an unrivalled ability to deliver mass audiences 
across all demographics for our advertisers. 

   See page 18 for more

growing

As an integrated producer broadcaster we create 
value from world-class content that we develop, 
own and distribute around the world. 

   See page 22 for more

building

As we grow our investment in content, we are 
creating more windows to extend the reach of that 
content and monetise it across more markets and 
platforms, both free and pay.

   See page 26 for more

Front Cover 
Clockwise from the top: Poldark (ITV Studios UK 
for the BBC); 2015 Rugby World Cup winners New 
Zealand; Rovers Return from Coronation Street; 
I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!; Family Guy 
launched in February 2016 on ITV2; The Voice 
(Talpa Media for the BBC).

Emmerdale had an 
average share of 
viewing of 32% in 2015 
and reached 62% of the 
UK population, which 
is more than 35 million 
viewers. Emmerdale 
has been sold to 
139 countries.

The Chase has now 
been produced in  
nine countries and sold 
to over 130 countries.

Thunderbirds Are Go! 
has now been sold to 
90 countries, including 
a four-series deal with 
Amazon to debut on 
Prime Video in the US. 
We are also starting 
to drive value from 
merchandising as we 
extend the franchise 
beyond the television set.

  Contents

Strategic Report
Provides a comprehensive 
review of ITV’s business 
and strategy.

Overview
2015 Highlights 
Investor Proposition 
ITV at a Glance 
Market Review 

Strategy and Operations
Our Strategy and Business Model 
Chairman’s Statement 
Chief Executive’s Review 
Strategic Priorities 
Performance Dashboard 

Performance and Financials
Key Performance Indicators 
Financial and Performance Review 
Risks and Uncertainties 

Chairman’s Governance Statement 
Board of Directors 
Management Board 
Corporate Governance 
Audit Committee Report 
Annual Remuneration Report 
Remuneration Policy 
Directors’ Report 
Directors’ Responsibilities 

Governance
Presents a clear view 
of ITV’s governance.

Financial Statements
ITV’s audited financial 
statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2015.

Financial Statements  
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Primary Statements 
ITV plc Company Financial 
Statements 

Additional information

Shareholder Information 
Glossary 

2
4
6
8

10
12
14
18
30

32
36
46

52
54
56
58
62
68
81
85
91

92
93
97

157

171
172

Strategic Report  
The Strategic Report explains in detail how we have performed this year and sets out a fair review of 
the business, a balanced and comprehensive analysis of our performance, the use of key performance 
indicators to explain the progress we have made, a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Company, and an indication of potential future developments. The Strategic Report is 
prepared in line with the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and the Company has had 
regard to the guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council. It is intended to provide shareholders 
with a better understanding of the Company, of its position in the markets within which it operates, and 
of its prospects. In setting out the Company’s main risks and uncertainties, an indication of potential 
future developments, and in other content, this report and accounts contains statements that are based 
on knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of the Strategic Report, and what are 
believed to be reasonable judgements, and therefore cannot be considered as indications of likelihood 
or certainty. A wide range of factors may cause the actual outcomes and results to differ materially from 
those contained within, or implied by, these various forward-looking statements. None of these 
statements should be construed as a profit forecast.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

1

Learn more…
The Online Annual Report
Is available at ar2015.itvplc.com

Corporate website
We maintain a corporate website at 
www.itvplc.com containing a wide range 
of information of interest to institutional 
and private investors including:

•  Latest news and press releases
•  Annual reports and investor 

presentations

•  Governance documents
•  Corporate Responsibility

Video content
See our latest showreels at
www.itvplc.com/media/showreel

Key

Read more content within this report

Read more content online

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Overview

2015 Highlights

ITV delivered another strong performance in 2015 
as we continued to strengthen, rebalance and grow 
the business.

Group external revenue £m
£2,972m

Non-NAR revenue1 £m
£1,664m

Adjusted EBITA2 £m
£865m

2
7
9
2

,

0
9
5
2

,

9
8
3
2

,

15%
YoY

0
4
1
2

,

6
9
1
2

,

4
6
0
2

,

9
7
8
1

,

4
6
6
1

,

25%
YoY

7
2
3
1

,

1
1
2
1

,

6
3
0
1

,

2
2
9

0
5
8

9
2
8

5
6
8

0
3
7

18%
YoY

0
2
3 6
1
5

2
6
4

8
0
4

+58% 
Increase 
on 2009 

+96% 
Increase 
on 2009 

2
0
2

+328% 
Increase 
on 2009 

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

Adjusted profit before tax3 £m
£843m

Adjusted EPS4 p
16.5p

Dividend per share p
16.0p

  Special
  Ordinary

3
4
8

2
1
7

1
8
5

18%
YoY

7
5
8 4
9
1 3
2
8 3
0
1

.

1
9

9
7

.

.

4
6

8
1

.

+681% 
Increase 
on 2009 

.

5
6
1

.

8
3
1

.

2
1
1

20%
YoY

+817% 
Increase 
on 2009 

.

0
0
1

0
6

.

5
2
6

.

.

7
4

46%
YoY

+16.0p 
Increase 
on 2009 

0
4

.

5
3

.

0
4

.

6
2

.

6
1

.

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

Group EBITA margin of

Proposed an increase of 

29% 

up from 28%  
in 2014

28% in the  
ordinary
dividend and a 10p  

special dividend

Online, Pay  
& Interactive  
revenue up 23%

1.  Non-Net Advertising Revenue (Non-NAR) includes all ITV revenue, both internal and external, except Net Advertising Revenue (NAR).
2.  EBITA before exceptional items has been adjusted to reflect the inclusion of production tax credits (‘adjusted EBITA’).
3.  Profit before tax is £641 million (2014: £605 million).
4.  Reported EPS is 12.4p (2014: 11.6p).

2

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  2015 Highlights

Pictured left to right: Good Morning 
Britain is broadcast on ITV five 
mornings a week; Unforgotten was a 
critically acclaimed drama produced 
by Mainstreet Pictures, which was 
acquired by ITV Studios UK in 2015.

6% growth  
in NAR

Again outperforming  
our estimate of the  
total television  
advertising market

In 2015 we grew our share  
of broadcast to 

46.1% 

ITV is the biggest marketing 
platform in the UK, reaching 
around 
80% 

of the television owning 
population every week

33% growth  
in total ITV 
Studios revenue

With over half its revenue 
generated outside the UK

Non-NAR revenues  
account for 

49% of total 
revenues  
in 2015

Poldark has now been sold to 
107 countries. It has been 
recommissioned for a  
second series.

Coronation Street was the most 
watched soap of 2015 with an 
average of eight million viewers  
over the year. It has been sold 
to 132 countries.

Britain’s Got Talent was the 
most watched entertainment 
programme of 2015 with an 
average of over 10.5 million 
viewers across the series.

The England vs Wales Rugby 
World Cup match was watched 
by 9.7 million viewers and was 
the most watched sporting 
event of 2015.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

3

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Overview

Investor  
Proposition

ITV continues to make 
significant progress  
in growing and 
strengthening the 
business creatively, 
commercially  
and financially. 

Pictured top to bottom: ITV 
on-screen ident; Multiscreening 
for the Rugby World Cup.

A strong track 
record for delivery 

Over the last six years we have delivered strong 
revenue growth and double-digit profit growth 
in our key profit measures every year

We have made significant progress rebalancing 
the business, reducing our dependence on UK 
advertising and driving new revenue streams 
to build a more global organisation

+800%

increase in adjusted EPS 
since 2009

49%

of total revenue is from 
sources other than spot 
advertising

4

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Pictured top to bottom: 
Broadchurch returned for a second 
series in January 2015; X Factor 
returned for a 12th series with 
two new judges.

Strong market position 

The Broadcast business delivers unrivalled 
audience reach for advertisers in the UK and 
we will benefit from our continued creative 
investment as we exploit our content across 
multiple platforms, both free and pay

Online, Pay & Interactive is a material, fast-
growing and profitable part of the business with 
continued strong growth expected as we build 
a global pay and distribution business

Our international content business is now a global 
player of scale, creating and owning rights and 
we will continue to grow both organically and 
through acquisitions in key creative markets

98%

of all commercial audiences over 
five million are on ITV

+50%

of total Studios revenues is from 
outside the UK

  Investor proposition

Highly cash generative 

We are a highly cash generative business and 
our disciplined approach to cash, costs and capital 
has strengthened our balance sheet and allowed 
us to invest in the business organically and 
through acquisitions

Investment 
opportunities to grow 

As we continue to deliver our strategy we see 
good investment opportunities to grow the 
business and enhance shareholder value whilst 
maintaining capital discipline

Compelling 
shareholder returns 

Pictured: The England football 
team will be part of the 2016 
UEFA European Championships 
which will be broadcast on ITV. 

We are committed to growing shareholder 
returns and have targeted to deliver 20% ordinary 
dividend growth to 2016 to achieve a dividend 
cover of between 2.0 to 2.5x adjusted EPS

£1.1bn

returned to shareholders since 2011

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

5

Strategic Report 
Strategic Report 

  Overview

ITV at a Glance

ITV, as an integrated producer broadcaster, creates,  
owns and distributes high-quality content on  
multiple platforms. 

Broadcast  
& Online

46.1%

largest share of  
the UK TV ad market 

We operate the largest commercial family of channels in the UK 
and deliver our content through traditional television broadcasting 
as well as on demand via the ITV Hub.

ITV broadcasts a wide variety of content on its family of free-to-air channels. We invest 
over £1 billion annually in programming for our channels which is primarily funded by 
television advertising revenue. ITV has the largest share of the UK television advertising 
market, and we estimate this share to be 46.1% in 2015 (2014: 45.9%).

The family of channels attracted a total share of viewing (SOV) of 21.2% in 2015 
(2014: 22.0%), the largest audience of any UK commercial broadcaster.

Our main channel is the largest commercial channel in the UK, delivering 98% of all 
commercial audiences over five million. 

21.2% 

share of viewing  
for the ITV Family  
in 2015

27

platforms that  
carry our content

Our free-to-air digital channels provide more targeted demographics for advertisers 
such as 16-34’s, ABC1 Men and Housewives with Children, and consist of ITV2 and 
ITV3, the two largest digital channels in the UK, and ITV4, CITV and ITVBe. 

We also have high definition versions of our digital channels available on pay 
platforms along with ITV Encore, our pay only channel available exclusively on Sky. 

In addition to linear broadcast, ITV delivers its content across multiple platforms. 
This is either through the newly launched ITV Hub, now available on over 27 platforms 
including ITV’s website (itv.com) and pay providers such as Virgin and Sky, or through 
direct content deals with services such as Amazon, Apple iTunes and Netflix. 

6

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  ITV at a Glance

Pictured left to right: Britain’s Got 
Talent returned for a ninth series in 
2015 with a 43% share of viewing 
(2014: 43%); Loose Women has 
been broadcast as part of the ITV 
daytime schedule for 16 years and 
continues to drive good audiences.

ITV total revenue

 Broadcast & Online £2,146m

 ITV Studios £1,237m

ITV adjusted EBITA 

 Broadcast & Online £659m
 ITV Studios £206m

ITV Studios

7,000+ 

hours of original 
content produced  
and delivered in 2015

58

labels 

in 10

different countries 
supplying over 

90 

channels

We have built significant scale in key creative markets around the 
world, creating and producing programmes and formats that return 
and travel, namely drama, entertainment and factual entertainment.

ITV Studios creates and produces content in the UK and internationally, while 
our distribution business, Global Entertainment, sells finished programmes 
and formats worldwide.

ITV Studios UK
ITV Studios UK is the largest commercial producer in the UK. We produce 
programming across a diverse range of genres such as drama, entertainment and 
factual for ITV’s own channels, as well as for other UK broadcasters such as the BBC, 
Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. 

ITV America
ITV America is the largest unscripted independent producer of content in the US. 
We have acquired a number of unscripted and reality producers and have grown 
our presence in scripted content, using our strong cash flows to produce high profile 
dramas with the potential to travel and build international appeal.

ITV Studios Rest of World
ITV Studios also operates in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia and the 
Nordics, producing content for local broadcasters in these regions. This content 
is either created locally or are formats that have been created elsewhere by ITV, 
primarily the UK. 

Global Entertainment
Global Entertainment, ITV’s distribution business, owns the rights of ITV programmes 
and formats and acquires third-party content and distributes this to other 
broadcasters and platforms internationally. Within this business we also finance 
productions both on and off-ITV to acquire global distribution rights.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

7

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Overview

Market Review

The market environment in which we operate 
is dynamic and constantly changing. 

Consolidation of media and telecoms companies and the increasing influence of technology brings both 
challenges and opportunities that we believe we are able to respond to with pace and confidence. 

Key market trends

Global Content

Global demand for content continues to 
grow, with more channels, more platforms 
and new entrants increasing spend on 
high-quality programming. We estimate 
that the global content market is growing 
at around 5% per annum, with some genres 
such as drama growing faster than others. 

This growth can be attributed to a number 
of factors, including: a larger international 
pay television market; convergence in the 
television market, where telecom and 
new media companies are increasingly 
competing with traditional media 
companies for content and viewers; online 
players such as Netflix and Amazon have 
continued to invest heavily in archive and 
new content; and online advertising driven 
platforms like YouTube and Facebook are 
creating a new market for short form and 
digital content. 

The US is by far the largest content market 
in the world, dominating the global 
production sector, with the UK the second 
largest market. This represents a significant 
opportunity for ITV Studios, which has a 
strong presence in both regions. 

Demand for drama, particularly US drama, 
has increased significantly in the last few 
years. Original scripted content becomes 
brand defining for broadcasters and OTT 
players in an increasingly competitive 
global environment. US studios continue 
to dominate the market for drama in 
the US and internationally, however the 
emergence of Netflix and Amazon in 
creating high-quality original scripted 
content has increased competition in the 
market. ITV America has developed a 
number of scripted programmes including 

Aquarius, The Good Witch and Texas Rising. 
Leveraging our network relationships and 
international distribution network, we 
are looking to expand our global scripted 
business and develop a strong portfolio 
of international and returning drama. 

In the UK, there is stronger demand and 
higher viewing figures for UK content over 
imported series. We are a major producer 
of scripted content and have further 
reinforced this position through acquiring 
Mammoth Screen and Twofour Group. 
Our 2015 scripted deliveries included 
Poldark, Unforgotten and Home Fires.

While not growing as quickly as scripted 
content, demand for non-scripted content 
remains strong as networks continue to 
require lower cost, high volume popular 
series. The UK remains the dominant 
producer of unique non-scripted formats, 
producing almost twice as many as the US. 
ITV has significantly strengthened its 
capability in this area with the acquisition 
of Talpa Media. Along with the established 
entertainment and factual entertainment 
genres, scripted reality programming, 
where we have focused our US acquisitions, 
has grown quickly with formats such 
as Pawn Stars, Real Housewives and 
Duck Dynasty.

ITV is now a genuine global player in 
non-scripted content, being the largest 
unscripted independent producer in the 
US, as well as the largest commercial 
production company in the UK. The large 
independent production companies, such 
as Endemol Shine Group and Fremantle 
Media, continue to be ITV Studios’ main 
competitors in non-scripted content. 

8

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Broadcast & Online

Over recent years the number of ways to 
watch TV has greatly increased with viewers 
able to choose a variety of platforms, 
both free and pay. Linear viewing remains 
dominant although viewing habits vary 
by demographic with younger viewers 
watching more non-linear content than 
older demographics. Non-linear viewing, 
while currently only a small proportion 
of total viewing, is growing fast and we 
continue to invest in ITV’s online offering, 
for example the ITV Hub, to compete 
successfully in this market.

Television viewing

Share of viewing by broadcaster

 ITV Family 

 BBC Family 

21.2%

32.8%

 Channel 4 Family  10.6%

 Five Family 

 Sky Family 

 Other 

Source: BARB

5.8%

8.3%

21.3%

ITV competes for viewers with the BBC 
and commercial broadcasters including 
Channel 4, Sky and Channel 5. Since the 
digital switchover, the number of available 
channels has grown which has impacted 
the SOV of the traditional broadcasters. 
However, despite an increase in the number 
of channels, ITV and BBC1 continue to be 
the only channels consistently able to 
deliver mass audiences as well as targeted 
demographics, and in 2015 ITV delivered 
98% of all commercial audiences over five 
million viewers. In 2015 the ITV family of 
channels delivered a 21.2% SOV, second 
only to the BBC’s family of channels.

  Market Review

Pictured left to right: Home Fires was a new 
drama for ITV averaging 6.2 million viewers 
across six episodes. It has been commissioned 
for a second series; Joanna Lumley presented 
two documentaries for ITV, Elvis and Me and 
Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure.

Although broadcast television has seen 
significant change over the last few years 
overall television viewing levels around the 
world have remained high.

Average television viewing in the UK in 2015 
was down 2% compared to 2014. However, 
over a longer-term basis viewing has been 
resilient despite year-on-year fluctuations 
and remains the most popular form of media 
entertainment. UK average television viewing 
in 2015 was 216 minutes per day which is a 
similar level to ten years ago. (source: BARB). 

Pay television

The platform mix in the UK 
is roughly 50% free-to-air 
and 50% pay. 

Free-to-air television is delivered through 
the services Freeview, YouView and Freesat, 
while pay television is delivered through the 
satellite operator Sky and cable operators 
Virgin and BT. Pay television revenue 
continues to grow in aggregate but the 
market dynamics are changing rapidly as 
established pay television providers such 
as Sky and Virgin come under pressure from 
relatively new entrants to the market such 
as BT, Netflix and Amazon. 

Increasingly homes are supplementing 
their free television with other forms of paid 
content including subscription VOD such as 
Netflix, or by purchasing additional channels 
from providers such as BT or Now TV.

ITV participates in the pay television market, 
earning revenue from various third parties, 
including Sky and Virgin, through the licensing 
of channels and content. ITV also has its pay 
only television channel, ITV Encore, on the 

Sky platform along with our other pay 
channels, ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD.

Non-linear viewing

Long-form content viewing

  Live (including  
simulcast) 

  Timeshifted (PVR) 
up to 28 days 

  VOD: Broadcaster  
catch-up 

 VOD: Other 

81%

12%

3%

4%

Source: Internal estimates

Non-linear viewing of long-form content is 
mostly recorded, or timeshifted viewing and 
catch-up of live television (linear television). It 
also encompasses VOD or Over The Top (OTT) 
delivery of other long-form content such as 
box sets and movies.

While non-linear viewing has grown fast it 
still accounts for a small proportion of total 
viewing time. In the UK we estimate 81% of 
all viewing of legal long-form content is live 
(including simulcast), with a further 12% 
timeshifted via a Personal Video Recorder 
(PVR) and watched within 28 days of the 
original broadcast date. Of the estimated 7% 
of content viewed on demand, 3% is catch-up 
viewing of broadcaster content via the 
television set or to other devices such as 
tablets and mobiles. The remaining 4% of 
content is other VOD viewing, where viewing 
of box sets via services such as Netflix is 
replacing viewing of DVDs. This is growing 
quickly driven by increased availability of 
devices such as smartphones, tablets and 
connected televisions.

Advertising revenue

Television’s share of the 
advertising market

 Television 

 Press 

 Radio 

 Cinema 

 Outdoor 

 Internet 

27.5%

15.2%

2.8%

1.3%

6.1%

47.1%

Source: Advertising Association January 2016

ITV generates revenues from advertising 
through traditional broadcast and 
online, and competes with commercial 
broadcasters and other advertising media, 
for its advertising revenues. In the UK, 
television has broadly held its share of the 
overall advertising market over the last five 
years, with a share of 27.5% in 2015 (2010: 
29.2%). Internet advertising has grown its 
share from 29.3% in 2010 to 47.1% in 2015, 
making the UK one of the most developed 
markets for online advertising. This growth 
is at the expense of print advertising, which 
declined to 15.2% in 2015, down from 30.8% 
in 2010.

The UK television advertising market is 
getting increasingly hard to measure as all 
broadcasters have different definitions, but 
we estimate ITV’s share of broadcast was 
46.1% in 2015, up from 44.7% in 2009. This 
is because of ITV’s unique ability to deliver 
mass audiences across key demographics.

Within online advertising, display accounts 
for 16.9% of the total online advertising 
spend, with the remaining 30.2% spent on 
search and classified. ITV competes within 
the display section of this market, providing 
an advertising platform around our online 
video content.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

9

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Our Strategy and Business Model

We remain focused on our original vision for ITV 
as an owner, producer and broadcaster of content. 

We are confident that our strategy to maximise our value as an integrated producer broadcaster, creating, 
owning and distributing content around the world, is the right long-term path for ITV.

Our strategy

Our sources of competitive advantage

Our strategy is focused 
on three key priorities:

maximising
maximise audience 
and revenue share from 
free-to-air broadcast 
and VOD business

   See page 18 for more

growing
grow international 
content business

   See page 22 for more

building
build a global pay 
and distribution business

   See page 26 for more

The UK’s biggest marketing platform delivering unrivalled 
commercial audiences
The scale of our channels and the significant investment we make in quality 
content gives ITV unique scale and reach on our main channel and more targeted 
audiences on our family of channels and the ITV Hub.

80%

Our channels reach around 80% of the TV-owning population each week

World-class content
At the core of ITV is our focus on creativity and content, whether selling unique 
content around the world or investing in third-party content to broadcast across 
multiple platforms. Internationally we have built production and distribution scale 
in key global creative markets through organic growth and selective acquisitions.

£1bn

We invest over £1bn annually in content for our family of channels

Global distribution
ITV has built relationships globally, with major networks and local broadcasters, 
and owns the rights to a diverse portfolio of shows, particularly drama and 
entertainment, for international distribution.

40,000+

Hours of television and film content

Our strategic assets

Our strategic assets underpin ITV’s competitive advantage

Creating and 
owning the rights 
to quality content

Our strong brand

Our talented, 
creative people

10

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Our Strategy and Business Model

Pictured left to right: The Sound of Music 
Live was the first live adaptation of a 
musical to be broadcast on TV in the 
UK; behind the scenes for Text Santa, 
ITV’s annual charity appeal.

  See page 46 for information on our principal risks

Our diversified revenue streams 

Creating value

By developing and retaining the rights to content, ITV is able to 
maximise the value of its programme brands across a range of 
revenues streams, making ITV a more balanced business and 
enabling it to drive value from different revenue models.

Advertising

Our family of channels and the ITV Hub drive 
significant advertising revenues from the mass 
audiences and more targeted demographics 
it delivers, which funds our investment in the 
programme budget. 

Commercial 
partnerships

We work with advertisers and advertising 
agencies to provide unique commercial 
partnerships and sponsorship opportunities 
that extend beyond pure spot advertising.

Pay &  
interactive

Original 
production

Distribution 
revenues

We earn pay revenues primarily from licensing 
our HD channels, our pay channel ITV Encore 
and our online video on demand (VOD) services. 
We also monetise our consumer interaction 
with our biggest shows through competitions 
and voting.

We produce original content commissions 
for broadcasters internationally from our 
production bases in the UK, the US, the 
Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia 
and the Nordics.

We own the rights to a significant catalogue 
of programmes and formats which we sell 
and license to broadcasters internationally. 
The strong global demand for content 
provides a significant opportunity for us. 

49%

of our total revenue is from sources other than traditional 
spot TV advertising

For advertisers
Through delivering unique 
scale and breadth of 
demographics and new 
innovative ways of engaging 
with consumers around 
quality programme brands

For audiences
Through a varied, high-quality 
programming schedule

For broadcasters and 
platform owners
Through delivering quality 
programming which they can 
then monetise through their 
own business models

For shareholders
Through a track record of 
creating shareholder value 
and delivering significant 
shareholder returns

For our people
Investing in and developing our 
creative, on screen, commercial 
and operational talent

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

11

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Chairman’s Statement

The last year has seen another period of strong 
progress at ITV with record financial performance 
and further evolution in the shape of the business. 

ITV is a remarkable 
place to work and 
employs remarkable 
people. It is thanks to 
their hard work that 
we have produced 
these results.”

This represents the sixth successive 
year of growth and the turnaround 
days of 2010 are now long behind us. 
As a result ITV is a very different 
business today, from that which this 
team inherited. 

The success of ITV depends on driving 
ahead creatively, commercially and 
financially, while at the same time 
combining these strands successfully in 
the context of very strong management 
leadership. Creative potential sits at 
the core of our business, and measured 
in terms of talented people and new 
programme generation, ITV is stronger 
than it has ever been. Commercially 
the year has seen further progress 
in rebalancing the business towards 
content and multi-platform 
broadcasting. Financially we have a 
business generating strong cash flows 
and high return on capital. 

When we started on the original 
transformation programme it was 
commonplace to hear television referred 
to as a no-growth business. In fact, 
many saw our model as in decline. 
Instead we have grown strongly every 
year and emphatically believe our 
combination of multi-platform 
broadcasting and content provides 
a platform for continued growth.

That is not to say that the changing 
broadcast landscape is entirely benign. 
We can all see that changing viewing 
habits, especially amongst young people 
will affect conventional linear television. 
The arrival of new global video on 
demand broadcasters is affecting 
viewing habits and provides new 
competition for top-end drama. 
And new online advertising models 
provide our commercial customers 
with different routes to market.

These challenges are also opportunities 
for ITV. Great content is in demand 
globally. As new viewing opportunities 
emerge so the thirst for really good 
programmes increases. Under its 
international umbrella ITV has an 
extraordinarily diverse but high talent 
set of content businesses. In the UK our 
integrated producer broadcaster model 
is stronger than ever with increasing 
in-house output.

Our audience strength in the UK and 
close working relationships with 
advertisers provides a uniquely powerful 
marketing platform. Far from replacing 
television, the online advertising market 
has reinforced our unique ability to 
provide advertisers with rapid access 
to very large audiences with persuasive 
and emotional branding messages. The 
strength of ITV’s offering has enabled 
it to grow its share of broadcast 
advertising revenues over the last 
five years.

12

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Pictured left to right: The Good Witch was aired in 
the US on the Hallmark channel in February 2015; 
behind the scenes on The Frankenstein Chronicles, 
an ITV Encore commission.

Dividend

Ordinary dividend

6.0p

Special dividend

10.0p

  Chairman’s Statement

One of the hallmarks of our approach 
has been disciplined control of costs and 
spending. As a result, over 90% of our 
operating profit is converted into cash 
and we have been able to both invest 
in acquisitions and grow progressively 
our dividend. Our approach is to invest 
carefully in selected new growth 
opportunities while at the same 
time making returns to shareholders. 
Within this context we continue to 
look at potential acquisitions that could 
further enhance our ability to execute 
our strategy.

Against this context we maintain a 
conservative balance sheet. That is 
not just a consequence of strong 
performance but a Board policy – to 
maintain low financial risk and to take 
where appropriate bold creative and 
operating decisions.

Our Board structure and workings 
reflect our commitment to a creative, 
commercial and financial management 
philosophy. The ‘team sheet’ includes 
strands of experience and knowledge 
in all three areas. We have a relatively 
small Board, closely engaged with the 
business, supporting but also challenging 
the executive. We believe that the 
strength of a Board comes from its 
understanding of what really goes on in 
the business and a spirit of openness and 
transparency around the Board table.

We are very selective about Board 
appointments. Each addition needs to 
add to our skill base and diversity, but 
also relate to the business. Against this 
context I am delighted to welcome 
Anna Manz to our Board. She will bring 
new insight from the consumer world 
and valuable experience.

I believe that the well spring of our 
success is our people and the culture 
that binds them together. ITV is a 
remarkable place to work and employs 
remarkable people. It is thanks to their 
hard work that we have produced 
these results.

Lastly, after the AGM I pass the baton 
on to a talented and accomplished new 
Chairman. After nearly six and a half 
years in what has been a carefully 
planned succession I want to thank 
all our shareholders and colleagues 
for their commitment. 

Being part of ITV during this exciting 
period has been a great privilege.

Archie Norman
Chairman

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

13

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Chief Executive’s Review

In 2015 ITV delivered another 
strong performance as we continue 
to strengthen and grow the business. 

We achieved good revenue growth 
across all parts of the business, with 
external revenue up 15%, and for the 
sixth consecutive year we delivered 
double-digit growth in our key 
profit measures. 

ITV’s performance in 2015 builds 
on our consistent record of strong 
results since we launched our strategy 
six years ago. Since 2009 we have 
increased Group external revenues by 
58%, adjusted EBITA by 328%, adjusted 
earnings per share (EPS) by over 800% 
and basic EPS by over 400%. We have 
improved our cash position by turning 
this profit into cash, which has allowed 
us to significantly invest in the business 
while at the same time returning over 
£1.1 billion to shareholders to date, 
with more proposed for 2016. We will 
also maintain financial flexibility to 
continue to invest in the business. 

ITV today is a demonstrably better 
business creatively, commercially and 
financially. We’ve made significant 
progress in reducing our dependence 

on UK spot advertising and in growing 
new revenue streams. In 2015, 49% of 
ITV’s total revenues came from sources 
other than traditional spot advertising.

Our global production business, ITV 
Studios, continues to grow in the UK 
and internationally, both organically 
and through acquisitions in key creative 
markets, and is now a global player 
of scale with over half of its revenues 
coming from outside the UK. Our 
Broadcast business is robust and 
growing as we continue to deliver 
unrivalled audience reach for advertisers, 
and further strong growth in Online, 
Pay & Interactive, which is a material 
and profitable part of the business. 

We are committed to our original vision 
of ITV as an owner and producer of 
world-class content. We are confident 
that our strategy to maximise our value 
as an integrated producer broadcaster, 
making our content famous on multiple 
platforms before distributing it around 
the world, is the right long-term path 
for ITV.

We will continue to strengthen the 
business and grow new revenue 
streams both organically and through 
acquisitions, as we see investment 
opportunities across the business. 
There will be an increasing emphasis 
on building a global pay and distribution 
business as we seek to deliver and 
monetise our content on multiple 
platforms, free and pay. 

14

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

We remain focused on delivering 
against our three strategic priorities 
in the areas where we can achieve 
most growth:

 maximising
maximise audience and 
revenue share from 
free-to-air broadcast 
and VOD business

   See page 18 for more

 growing
grow an international  
content business

   See page 22 for more

 building
build a global pay and 
distribution business

   See page 26 for more

ITV delivers another strong 
performance
In 2015 we grew external revenue by 15% 
to £2,972 million (2014: £2,590 million), 
reflecting 6% growth in NAR to 
£1,719 million (2014: £1,629 million) and 
over £300 million growth in non-NAR to 
£1,664 million (2014: £1,327 million), up 
25%. Together with our continued focus 
on cash and costs we delivered another 
year of double-digit profit growth 
with total adjusted EBITA up 18% 
to £865 million (2014: £730 million), 
corresponding to an improved adjusted 
EBITA margin of 29% (2014: 28%). 
Adjusted EPS in the year increased 20% 
to 16.5p (2014: 13.8p) and statutory EPS 
increased 7% to 12.4p (2014: 11.6p).

Group external revenue growth £m
£2,972m

2
7
9
2

,

0
9
5
2

,

9
8
3
2

,

15%
YoY

0
4
1
2

,

6
9
1
2

,

4
6
0
2

,

9
7
8
1

,

+58% 
Increase 
on 2009 

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

 
 
  Chief Executive’s Review

Pictured left to right: Assault course 
game show, Ninja Warrior UK was 
broadcast on ITV in Spring 2015, 
produced by ITV Studios UK; Safe 
House was ITV’s second most watched 
new drama in 2015. A second series 
has been commissioned.

Adjusted EPS p
16.5p

Dividend per share p
16.0p

  Special
  Ordinary

.

5
6
1

.

8
3
1

.

2
1
1

20%
YoY

+817% 
Increase 
on 2009 

.

1
9

9
7

.

.

4
6

8
1

.

.

0
0
1

0
6

.

5
2
6

.

.

7
4

46%
YoY

+16.0p 
Increase 
on 2009 

0
4

.

5
3

.

0
4

.

6
2

.

6
1

.

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

The business remains highly cash 
generative and profit to cash conversion 
was 91%, even after increased 
investment in our scripted business. 
We ended the year with net debt of 
£319 million (2014: net cash £41 million) 
after acquisitions of £406 million (net 
of cash acquired), dividend payments 
of £459 million and pension deficit 
contributions of £90 million. 

With a strong balance sheet we are 
able to continue to invest in the assets 
underpinning our strategy, developing 
our content, our people and our brand. 
As a people and talent business we 
also continue to drive high employee 
engagement and attract a diverse 
workforce to support the success of ITV. 
Reflecting ITV’s strong performance in 
2015 and in line with its policy, the Board 
has proposed a final dividend of 4.1p. 
This equates to a full year dividend of 
6.0p, up 28%, which is well ahead of 
earnings growth and is a significant step 
forward in taking ITV’s dividend cover 
closer to its policy range.

The Board is also proposing a 
£400 million (10.0p per share) special 
dividend, which comes after a year 
of significant investment at ITV and 
reflects ITV’s strong cash generation and 
the Board’s confidence in the business. 
Following this distribution ITV’s leverage 
remains well below the 1.5x net debt 
to EBITDA ceiling and gives ITV the 
flexibility to continue to invest across 
the business for further growth.

Maximise audience and revenue 
share from free-to-air broadcast 
and VOD business
Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 
media environment, our Broadcast 
business has performed consistently well 
over the last few years and has generated 
significant profit and cash, supported by 
our strong programme schedule, tight 
cost control and a sustained recovery 
in the UK advertising market.

In 2015 Broadcast & Online revenues 
were up 6% to £2,146 million (2014: 
£2,023 million), with adjusted EBITA up 
16% to £659 million (2014: £568 million), 
which reflects 6% growth in highly geared 
NAR and 23% growth in high margin 
Online, Pay & Interactive revenue.

Continued strong advertising growth
In 2015 ITV again outperformed its 
estimate of the television advertising 
market. ITV invests over £1 billion annually 
in programming and has unique scale 
and reach which is much in demand from 
advertisers, delivering mass audiences 
on the ITV main channel as well as more 
targeted demographics on the family of 
channels and on the ITV Hub. This scale 
and strength of our brand underpins 
the success of our free-to-air and on 
demand platforms. 

ITV is also driving more value from its 
brands and for advertisers through 
partnerships and sponsorship deals, 
increased consumer interactivity, and 
by developing new and more targeted 
advertising initiatives to extend 
advertising campaigns beyond the 
television spot, such as AdSync+ and 
ITV AdVentures.

Focus on strengthening viewing 
performance
In 2015 ITV Family Share of Viewing (SOV) 
declined by 3%. While there were many 
successful programmes in the first half, 
our viewing performance was impacted 
by the launch of a number of new 
free-to-air digital channels, some of 
our shows, particularly in the factual 
genre, not performing as well as we 
had expected and relatively strong 
competition from BBC. ITV Family 
Share of Commercial Impacts (SOCI ) 
was down 4%.

We have new creative leadership in place 
and we remain focused on strengthening 
our viewing performance to ensure we 
continue to deliver standout content 
that drives mass audiences for our 
advertisers. We believe that around 
£1 billion is the right level of investment 
for our programme budget and we have a 
strong slate of programmes for 2016 with 
many new and returning programmes 
across all key genres. 

Responsive to a dynamic environment
The market environment in which we 
operate is constantly changing which 
provides both opportunities and 
challenges. Viewers, and particularly the 
younger generation, are changing the 
way they consume content and the digital 
revolution has dramatically increased 
the number of devices and platforms on 
which content is viewed. As a result online 
is one of the fastest growing businesses 
within ITV and we will continue to invest 
in the quality and accessibility of the 
ITV Hub, the new digital home for all our 
channels and services, as well as seeking 
new ways to monetise and distribute 
our content. 

However, while online viewing is growing 
rapidly in the UK, it remains a small 
proportion of total viewing at 7%, with 
the majority of television watched live.

Broadcast markets differ internationally 
and therefore there cannot necessarily 
be a direct read across. However, what 
is common to all markets is that at the 
heart of a successful Broadcast business 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

15

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Chief Executive’s Review continued

is owning and exploiting the rights to 
high-quality, ‘must have’ content. That 
is why growing an international content 
business remains central to our strategy 
as an integrated producer broadcaster.

Grow international content business
In 2015, reflecting the strength of our 
global production labels, ITV Studios 
delivered good revenue growth both 
organically and from our acquisitions, 
with growth across the business. Total 
revenue was up 33% to £1,237 million 
(2014: £933 million), of which organic 
revenue was up 8%, while adjusted 
EBITA increased 27% to £206 million 
(2014: £162 million). 

Our vision is to be a scaled international 
business, owning and exploiting rights 
in key genres that travel. In line with 
this, we continue to strengthen our 
position as the UK’s largest commercial 
production company, as well as creating 
an increasingly international business 
with production bases in America, 
the Netherlands, France, Germany, the 
Nordics and Australia. Over half of ITV 
Studios total revenue is generated 
outside the UK and we have become 
a top independent producer across 
Europe and the US.

It is clear that there remains strong 
global demand for high-quality content 
from both broadcasters and platform 
owners. We estimate that the global 
content market is growing at about 5% 
per annum. Capitalising on this demand, 
ITV’s strategy continues to be to 
develop, own and manage content 
with international appeal in the key 
creative markets.

Over the last few years we have built 
scale in production markets with solid 
creative track records both organically 
and through acquisitions. This year we 
have strengthened our business, with 
the acquisitions of Talpa Media in the 
Netherlands and Twofour Group and 
Mammoth Screen in the UK. 

We continue to build scale internationally 
and develop a larger portfolio of 

successful series and formats across 
genres and across their content lifecycle. 
We will focus on programmes that 
return and travel internationally, namely 
drama, entertainment and factual 
entertainment. We have a good slate 
of new and returning programmes 
with 166 new commissions and 176 
recommissions delivered in 2015 and 
many more in the creative pipeline for 
2016 and beyond.

Building a global pay  
and distribution business
As we grow our investment in content 
and own more hit shows that can be 
exported around the world, we are 
creating new windows to extend the 
reach of that content and monetise it 
across more platforms and markets.

Capitalising on growing demand 
for video on demand
Growth in Online, Pay & Interactive 
remains strong with revenue up 23% 
to £188 million (2015: £153 million) as 
viewers are changing the way they 
consume content. We continue to 
see good growth in long-form video 
requests, up 14% while total video 
consumption, which is the measure of 
how long viewers are spending online, 
was up 42%. 

In Autumn 2015 we successfully 
launched our new online service the ITV 
Hub, through which audiences can access 
ITV broadcast content both live and on 
demand. This is a major step forward in 
the quality, innovation and ease of use of 
our online service. Live content is central 
to the Hub and live simulcast viewing 
is becoming increasingly popular 
particularly around sporting events and 
large entertainment shows, as viewers 
are using connected devices as a 
television set. The new service has been 
very well received with consumption 
growing strongly since launch. To 
continue to drive growth in our online 
audiences and advertising revenues, we 
will continuously invest in improving the 
user experience, technology and the 
reach of the ITV Hub, which is now 
available on 27 platforms. 

16

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Frankenstein Chronicles
Frankenstein Chronicles was the first 
original commission for ITV Encore.

Further developing pay opportunities
We have built a fast-growing and 
profitable pay business in the UK from 
licensing our channels, including our 
pay channel ITV Encore, and content to 
platforms such as Sky and Virgin. Outside 
the UK we have established a number of 
smaller pay propositions including Cirkus 
and ITV Choice.

Going forward we are looking to explore 
new models for content creation and 
distribution, through a mix of pay 
channels and online. We have invested 
in a number of digital media companies 
and will continue to develop a greater 
expertise and scale in monetising our 
content through a mixed economy 
of organic growth, partnerships 
and acquisitions.

Expanding our global distribution 
network
Global Entertainment’s revenues grew 
9% in 2015 to £157 million (2014: £144 
million) as we have driven value from the 
investments we have made in creating 
and owning content with international 
appeal. In 2015 we invested £163 million 
in scripted content, up £60 million and 
we continue to strengthen our portfolio 
including acquiring third-party content. 

As ITV grows in scale, we will further 
enhance our distribution network, 
benefiting from our increased rights 
ownership and from the stronger 
network relationships we build. 

  Chief Executive’s Review

Pictured left to right: ITV production 
gallery working on the broadcast 
of an England team football 
match; 24 Hours in A&E is a medical 
documentary produced by ITV Studios 
UK for C4 and is in its seventh series. 

Our acquisitions have also strengthened 
Global Entertainment’s position as a 
leading international distributor of 
content and our focus is now on 
leveraging our creative talent and 
distribution network to build on these 
successes and develop new ways 
to package and sell our content 
internationally. 

Confident of delivering further 
good growth in 2016 and beyond
We expect to deliver another good 
performance in 2016 with continued 
revenue growth across both businesses.

Over the full year we expect to 
outperform our estimate of the 
television advertising market but 
the phasing of NAR over the year is 
expected to be different in 2016, driven 
by the timing of major sporting events. 
We expect ITV NAR to be flat in Q1, 
marginally behind the market, against 
12% growth in Q1 last year. Q2, which 
will benefit from the Euros, should 
be positive. 

We remain focused on strengthening 
our viewing performance and we have 
started 2016 well, with ITV SOV up 5% 
and ITV Family SOV up 2%. Online, Pay 
& Interactive will deliver double digit 
revenue growth, driven particularly by 
Online and Pay as we continue to invest 
in the ITV Hub and further develop our 
international pay model. ITV Studios is 
on track to report double-digit revenue 
and profit growth, primarily driven by our 
recent acquisitions. 

Overall, we see clear opportunities for 
investment in all parts of the business. 
And because of our strong financial 
position and cash conversion, we are 
confident in delivering both continued 
growth and shareholder returns. ITV 
remains well positioned to drive value 
from its talented and creative people, 
our commercial scale, and our global 
network in the creation and distribution 
of content. 

Our people and our responsibility
Building a responsible business that benefits all stakeholders

We recognise that diversity and 
inclusion goes beyond gender and 
we are committed to monitoring and 
reporting progress on other protected 
characteristics. 

Our programmes and services also 
need to be accessible to all and we 
exceed the Ofcom targets for subtitling, 
audio description and signing. 

Planet
We rely on energy and often depend 
on the resources of local communities 
to help in the production and 
broadcast of programmes. In 2015, 
we used 100% renewable energy in all 
the buildings we own and Coronation 
Street leads the industry in producing 
a television drama of the highest 
quality with the lowest possible 
environmental impact. See page 88 
for our greenhouse gas disclosures.

Partnerships
We strive to tackle social topics in an 
authentic way and leverage our reach 
to mass audiences to raise awareness 
and money for charity. In 2015, over 
30 hours of airtime were dedicated 
to social action. ITV contributed more 
than £24 million in cash and in-kind 
to support charitable causes, which 
equates to 2.8% of adjusted profit 
before tax. More locally, our people 
volunteered over 1,000 hours of their 
time for a cause they care about. 

Further information
We aim for continuous improvement 
in our responsibility strategy, actions 
and performance. More information 
on our responsibility initiatives can be 
found online.

 itvresponsibility.com

The success of our strategy depends 
not just on our operational efficiency, 
but also on the way we interact with our 
stakeholders, the wider community and 
the environment. ITV’s social purpose is 
to use the power of the nation’s most 
loved and most watched programmes 
to create change for good. Our 
responsibility strategy is at the heart 
of everything we do with the aim of 
building a responsible and sustainable 
business. As well as complying with our 
legislative and regulatory requirements 
we recognise that our actions can have 
an impact and our reach can positively 
influence society. We therefore work to 
identify issues that are material to ITV 
and matter to our stakeholders, helping 
us to manage reputational risk as well 
as leverage our audience reach to 
benefit our communities.

Our responsibility priorities
Our responsibility strategy is focused 
around three priorities: people, planet 
and partnerships. 

People
To continue our success as an integrated 
producer broadcaster, we want to 
attract the largest possible audiences 
to our channels and content and attract 
the best people to work for us. To do 
this we need to portray the diverse 
makeup of modern society on-screen 
and ensure our workplace is inclusive. 

Gender split 
Board of Directors

  7

87.5%
Senior managers1

  18

78.3%
All employees2
  3,061
49.1%

1

  12.5%

5
  21.7%

3,177
  50.9%

1.   All of the five female senior managers were 
directors of consolidated Group companies.

2.   Employee gender split based on total 
headcount at 31 December 2015.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

17

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Strategic  
Priority 1:
Maximise audience  
and revenue share from  
free-to-air broadcast  
and VOD business

Pictured: I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! returned 
for a 15th series and launched with 11.3 million viewers. 
It averaged 9.9 million viewers across the series and 
was up in the 16–34 demographic.

18

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Strategic Priority 1

While the media environment in which we operate 
is constantly changing our Broadcast business 
remains robust and adaptable. ITV is the biggest 
marketing platform in the UK and because of the 
scale of our commercial channels, we reach around 
80% of the television owning population every week. 
We invest over £1 billion in our programme budget, 
significantly more than our commercial competitors, 
and have an unrivalled ability to deliver mass 
audiences across all demographics. 

  See page 30 for more

As a result, there continues to be a strong demand for advertising on 
our family of channels, which generates significant profit and cash to 
reinvest across ITV. Additionally, as an integrated producer broadcaster, 
our broadcast channels also provide an important platform to 
showcase ITV Studios content and give it a proven track record, 
before exploiting it internationally.

Continued strong advertising growth driven by our 
unique offering
Since 2009 ITV has maintained its leading position as the only 
commercial broadcaster consistently able to deliver mass audiences 
to our advertisers. In 2015 ITV delivered 98% of all audiences over 
five million and 93% of all audiences over three million. 

% of commercial audiences over three and five million 

0
0
1

0
0
1

0
9

0
9

9
9

9
9

4
9

3
9

0
0
1

6
9

9
9

5
9

8
9

3
9

2015
93%
98%

Over 3 million
Over 5 million

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

ITV’s unique ability to deliver these mass audiences, as well as more 
targeted demographics across the family of channels and the ITV Hub, 
has enabled us to once again grow ITV Family NAR ahead of our 
estimate of the television advertising market, even though our SOV 
declined in the year. SOV provides an overall measure of viewing 
performance, however because advertisers are buying scale and 
breadth of audience, SOV is not necessarily a direct indicator of 
advertising performance. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

19

Strategic Report 
Strategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Strategic Priority 1 continued

Television remains the 
most efficient and 
effective advertising 
medium for advertisers 
to achieve mass 
simultaneous reach.”

Television remains the most efficient 
and effective advertising medium 
for advertisers to achieve mass 
simultaneous reach. Although television 
has seen some price inflation over the 
last few years, the cost of advertising is 
similar to 2004 levels and compared to 
many other advertising media it remains 
good value, especially given the reach 
and scale that it delivers. As the viewing 
and advertising landscape continues to 
fragment, the scale of audience that 
television, and particularly ITV delivers, 
becomes increasingly valuable. 

Advertising inflation 2004–2015

%
125

100

75

50

25

0

-25

120%

31%

(1%)

(24%)

Television

Newspapers Magazines

Radio

Source: Warc

You’re Back in the Room, as well as 
driving significant audiences with our 
returning brands, I’m A Celebrity… Get 
Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent 
and The X Factor. Our drama schedule, 
which included Code of a Killer, Safe 
House, Downton Abbey, Home Fires, 
Unforgotten and the second series 
of Broadchurch, continued to deliver 
large-scale audiences. 

To drive viewing and engagement in 
our content, we are further developing 
programme apps which continue 
to grow in popularity. Our digital 
engagement has grown significantly 
in the year, delivering 100 million votes 
across our big entertainment shows 
and 40 million paid competition entries. 

Looking ahead we have new creative 
leadership in place and we remain very 
focused on strengthening our viewing 
performance in 2016. We believe that 
around £1 billion is the appropriate 
programme budget for ITV’s family 
of channels to ensure we continue 
to deliver standout content that drives 
the scale and breadth of audiences that 
advertisers demand. We have a strong 
slate of new and returning programmes 
across the key genres. We have 50 hours 
more drama, major football and rugby 
tournaments and will continue to invest 
in daytime and soaps. Our 2016 schedule 
includes new programmes such as 
Victoria, Cold Feet, The Durrells, Maigret, 
Brief Encounters, Family Guy, American 
Dad, Drive, Euro 2016 and the Rugby Six 
Nations and returning programmes Vera, 
Endeavour, Britain’s Got Talent, X-Factor, 
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, 
Love Island, Ninja Warrior UK, Long Lost 
Family, The Chase and the Tour de France. 

Maximising the value of our airtime
ITV is also focused on maximising the 
value of its airtime and driving new 
revenue streams through sponsorship, 
interactivity and branded content. 
ITV can utilise its core assets of its 
strong brand and reputation, unique 
commercial relationships and quality 
production capability to deliver a wide 
variety of marketing solutions. To date 
we have implemented many innovative 
sponsorship deals including Aunt Bessie’s 
for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 
and Land Rover and SSE for the Rugby 
World Cup. We have also produced a 
number of branded content solutions 
with our new service ITV AdVentures 
for Suzuki and National Lottery and we 
have launched AdSync+, a partnership 
with RadiumOne to amplify the reach 
of our television advertising. In 2016 
we will also be introducing more 
targeted advertising.

Ongoing focus on strengthening 
viewing performance
Although we had many on-screen 
successes in 2015, ITV Family’s SOV 
declined by 3% with ITV main channel 
SOV down 4% and the digital channels 
SOV down 3%. This performance was a 
result of the launch of some new free 
digital channels, a number of our shows 
not performing as well as we had 
expected, particularly in the factual 
genre, and relatively strong competition 
from the BBC.

However, we enjoyed many real 
successes in the year – we broadcast the 
most watched entertainment show in 
Britain’s Got Talent, the most watched 
soap in Coronation Street, the most 
watched drama in Downton Abbey and 
the most watched sporting event with 
England vs. Wales during the Rugby 
World Cup. Our daytime schedule 
improved, including Good Morning 
Britain, and we also launched a number 
of new entertainment shows including 
Mission Survive, Ninja Warrior UK and 

20

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Strategic Priority 1

Three attributes lie at the heart of ITV’s 
successful Broadcast proposition: it’s 
first-class distribution and reach across 
all platforms; owning the rights to 
high-quality, must have content, for all 
key audiences; and providing advertisers 
with creative access to the biggest and 
most effective marketing platform in 
the UK. 

2016 and beyond
On 29th February 2016 ITV completed 
its acquisition of 100% of UTV Ltd, 
the television assets of UTV plc. This 
further strengthens ITV’s free-to-air 
business and enables it to run a more 
efficient network.

As we continue to invest in our 
integrated producer broadcast model, 
our priority is to strengthen our 
on-screen performance and we have 
started 2016 well, with ITV SOV up 
5% and ITV Family SOV up 2%. We are 
also focused on maintaining the scale 
of our audiences because as the viewing 
and advertising landscape continues 
to fragment, this becomes increasingly 
valuable to advertisers.

The market in which we 
operate is constantly 
changing but traditional 
linear television viewing 
remains resilient despite 
significant changes in 
the availability and 
delivery of content.”

Over the full year we again expect 
to outperform our estimate of the 
television advertising market, although 
the phasing of NAR is expected to be 
different in 2016, driven by the timing 
of major sporting events. We expect 
ITV NAR to be flat in Q1, marginally 
behind the market, against 12% growth 
in Q1 last year. Q2, which will benefit 
from the Euros, should be positive. 

Pictured left to right: This Morning is one of 
the longest running daytime programmes in 
the UK and has been broadcast on ITV since 
1989; Black Work was ITV’s most watched 
new drama in 2015 with an average of 7.6m 
viewers across the three-part series.

Remaining responsive to a changing 
media environment
The market in which we operate is 
constantly changing but traditional 
linear television viewing remains 
resilient despite significant changes in 
the availability and delivery of content. 
Broadcaster and other VOD is growing 
rapidly, but it is a gradual process and still 
only accounts for 7% of total viewing. 

On average viewers watch 216 minutes 
of television a day, which is a similar level 
to 2004 of 222 minutes. The majority of 
television viewing is live, which we 
estimate to be 81%, as television 
continues to have the power to bring 
audiences together. Live event television 
in particular has demonstrated resilience 
and a growing relevance as viewers 
increasingly connect through social 
media and they continue to deliver very 
significant audiences. Therefore large 
sporting events, which also deliver 
valuable demographics, continue to be 
an important part of our schedule and as 
well as the Rugby Six Nations we have 
also recently secured British horseracing 
from 2017.

Many consumers, particularly younger 
viewers, are engaging in an increasing 
amount of content and entertainment 
via other platforms such as social media 
and video games, but television viewing 
continues to dominate the way people 
like to be entertained.

Broadcast markets differ internationally. 
The key European markets are 
structurally different to the US, driven 
by the strength of free-to-air television, 
the level of pay penetration and the cost 
of pay. Therefore while lessons can be 
learnt from other countries, there can 
be no direct read-across. 

Family Guy
Launching on ITV2 and the ITV Hub in March 2016.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

21

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Strategic  
Priority 2:
Grow international  
content business

Pictured: Poldark was an eight-part series 
produced for the BBC by Mammoth Screen, 
which ITV Studios UK acquired in 2015. It received 
critical acclaim and has been recommissioned.

22

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Strategic Priority 2

Growing a scaled international content business is central to our 
strategy as an integrated producer broadcaster. As ITV creates and 
owns more content, our channels provide a platform to showcase 
our programmes before distributing them across multiple platforms 
in the UK and internationally.

  See page 30 for more

Growing global demand for content
The strong global demand for content from 
broadcasters and platform owners provides 
a significant opportunity for ITV Studios. 
We estimate that the global content market 
is growing at about 5% per annum, with some 
genres such as drama growing more quickly 
than others. To capitalise on this, our strategy 
remains to develop, own and manage content 
rights in genres that return and travel 
internationally, namely drama, entertainment 
and factual entertainment. 

In 2015 we again delivered strong growth 
with revenues up 33% to £1,237 million 
(2014: £933 million) and EBITA up 27% to 
£206m (2014: £162 million). This builds on 
the significant growth we have achieved 
over the last few years, more than doubling 
revenues from £600m in 2009 to over 
£1.2 billion in 2015. This growth has been 
achieved organically as well as through a mix 
of acquisitions, partnerships, investments 
and talent deals. 

Studios revenue growth £m
£1,237m

7
5
2 8
1
2 7
1
6

7
9
5

4
5
5

7
3
2
1

,

3
3
9

33%
YoY

+107% 
Increase 
on 2009 

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

Studios adjusted EBITA growth £m
£206m

3
3
1

7
0
1

1
9

1
8

3
8

6
0
2

2
6
1

27%
YoY

+126% 
Increase 
on 2009 

Building scale in creative markets
ITV Studios has three production divisions – ITV Studios UK, ITV America and ITV Studios 
Rest of World. The US and UK are the dominant creative markets, with the US the largest 
exporter of scripted content and the UK the world leader for exported formats. 

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

Over the last few years we have built scale in these key markets, developing a portfolio 
of successful series and formats. We have made 16 acquisitions since 2012 mainly in the 
UK and US and also more recently Talpa Media in the Netherlands. Our original business 
(excluding all acquisitions we have made) continues to perform well, delivering a 5% 
compound annual growth rate since 2009, although production businesses do not deliver 
straight-line revenue growth.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

23

Strategic Report 
 
 
Strategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Strategic Priority 2 continued

We have cemented 
our position as 
the number one 
commercial producer 
in the UK and a leading 
indie producer in 
Europe and the US.”

ITV Studios UK performed strongly in 
2015 with overall revenues up 19%, with 
good growth in sales to ITV and to other 
UK broadcasters. With the acquisition of 
Mammoth Screen and Twofour Group 
we have strengthened our production 
capability across the genres of drama, 
entertainment, factual entertainment 
and comedy, as well as helping to 
drive further growth in our off-ITV 
commissions. We have delivered series 
such as The Graham Norton Show 
(BBC1), 24 Hours in A&E (Channel 4), 
10,000 BC (Channel 5), and following 
these recent acquisitions our portfolio 
includes Poldark (BBC), The Voice (BBC), 
Educating Cardiff (Channel 4) and Posh 
Pawn (Channel 4).

ITV Studios UK is also focused on 
growing its share of original content 
commissioned on the ITV main channel. 
In 2015 ITV Studios delivered 60% of the 
total spend on original commissions on 
the ITV main channel. This is a similar 
proportion to 2014 but in terms of 
revenue, total sales to Broadcast 
increased by 12%. New commissions 
delivered to ITV include Thunderbirds 
Are Go!, Ninja Warrior UK, Home Fires, 
Unforgotten and Jekyll & Hyde. 

ITV America also had a strong year with 
revenues up 36% as it benefited from 
the delivery of major new dramas and 
a high volume of programmes from 
our stable portfolio of unscripted series, 
including Duck Dynasty, Pawn Stars 
and two series of Hell’s Kitchen USA.

We saw good growth across ITV Studios 
Rest of World (RoW) with revenues 
up 124%, where our production bases 
in Australia, Germany, France, the 
Netherlands and the Nordics produce 
original content as well as local versions 
of ITV Studios formats. This division 
benefited from the significant 
acquisition of Talpa Media in the year 
and also delivered a number of new 
and returning commissions including 
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 

Hell’s Kitchen USA
Broadcast on the Fox Network 
and returned for a 14th series in 
the US in 2015. It has been sold 
to 196 countries.

in Denmark and Australia, The Chase in 
Norway, Come Dine With Me in Sweden, 
The Chase, Quizduell and I’m A Celebrity…
Get Me Out Of Here! in Germany and 
A Mother’s Son in France. 

In total in 2015 we produced over 
7,000 hours of content by our 58 labels, 
supplying over 90 channels. We have 
delivered good revenue growth across 
our three production divisions and 
we have cemented our position as the 
number one commercial producer 
in the UK and have become a leading 
independent producer in Europe and the 
US. Over half of our revenues now come 
from outside the UK as we are becoming 
an increasingly international business. 

Investing in content with 
international appeal
To become increasingly international we 
must continue to expand our portfolio 
of successful series and formats that 
return and that can be distributed 
globally. We have a strong mix of 
programmes across genres and also 
across their content life cycle which 
balances our risk and financial exposure. 
We continue to invest in our pipeline of 
ideas to ensure that we are adding to our 
catalogue of programmes every year. 

24

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Strategic Priority 2

2016 and beyond
We have a very strong international 
pipeline of programmes and brands 
across genres and across their content 
life cycle. New programmes include 
Victoria, Cold Feet, Tutankhamun, 
Houdini & Doyle, Married by Mom and 
Dad and Killing Fields and returning 
programmes which include Aquarius, 
Thunderbirds Are Go!, Home Fires, 
The Good Witch, Poldark, Endeavour, 
Vera, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, 
The Voice, The Voice Kids, Pawn Stars, 
Come Dine With Me, The Chase, 
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 
and Countdown. 

ITV Studios is now a global business and 
going forward we aim to utilise our scale 
to grow our market share and expand 
the number of networks and OTT 
players we work with, particularly in the 
US. With a strong portfolio of new and 
returning programmes we will build 
further scale internationally, both 
organically and through partnerships 
and acquisitions, as we continue to 
reduce our reliance on the UK market. 

Pictured left to right: The Real Housewives 
of New Jersey is an American reality series 
produced by Sirens (a Leftfield company) in the 
US; Jericho is an eight-part UK period drama 
on ITV and has been sold to 85 countries. 

Demand for drama is growing strongly 
as standout, original content becomes 
brand defining for both broadcasters 
and OTT players in an increasingly 
competitive global environment. We 
are looking to leverage our network 
relationships and international 
distribution network, to expand our 
global scripted business and develop 
a strong portfolio of international and 
returning drama. 

Reflecting the Group’s strong financial 
position and cash generation, we are 
now able to finance larger-scale scripted 
projects through working capital. 
The production cost is partly funded 
by the initial sale of the series to the 
broadcaster, while the deficit is recovered 
through distribution revenue from 
selling the finished product globally to 
other broadcasters and platforms. We 
balance our financial exposure through 
our portfolio approach, with successful 
international dramas offsetting the risk 
that we will not recover the full deficit 
on every show. 

During 2015 we have delivered three 
major drama series in the US, The Good 
Witch, Aquarius and Texas Rising, of 
which The Good Witch and Aquarius 
have been recommissioned. In the 
UK we have also delivered or have in 
production Mr Selfridge s4, Endeavour 
s3, Poldark s2 and Vera s6 which all 
have international appeal. 

Demand for drama 
is growingly strongly 
as standout, original 
content becomes 
brand defining for 
both broadcasters 
and OTT players.”

Shetland
Scottish crime drama produced by 
ITV Studios UK for the BBC. Currently 
in its third series in the UK and has 
been sold to 120 countries.

We continue to perform well 
internationally in the entertainment 
and factual entertainment genres. 
In response to continued demand 
from networks, we have grown a solid 
portfolio of high volume, high margin 
formats including Duck Dynasty, 
Pawn Stars, Come Dine with Me, 
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, 
Hell’s Kitchen USA and The Chase. 

Over the last few years we have 
strengthened our exposure to this genre 
with a number of partnerships, including 
in 2015, Possessed Television and Cats 
on the Roof and most significantly Talpa 
Media, which we acquired in April 2015 
which is focused on developing new 
entertainment formats that attract 
large audiences and have significant 
commercial potential. Benefiting from 
the creative input of John De Mol and his 
management team, who will continue 
to work with ITV, Talpa has created 
75 shows and has aired programmes in 
more than 180 countries over the last six 
years, including The Voice, The Voice Kids, 
I Love My Country, Dating in the Dark and 
Dance Dance Dance.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

25

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Strategic  
Priority 3:
Build a global pay and 
distribution business

Pictured: The Voice is produced by 
Netherlands based 2015 acquisition Talpa 
Media. It has been sold to 180 countries.

26

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Strategic Priority 3

As digital media and consumer behaviour continue to evolve, 
our ability to create and distribute high-value content in 
new and efficient ways is of increasing significance. ITV is 
continually exploring and experimenting with new ways to 
distribute our content to broadcasters and platform owners, 
both free and pay, while also seeking new opportunities to 
extend the reach of our content for the consumer.

  See page 30 for more

Capitalising on growing demand for VOD through the ITV Hub
Changes in technology and the growing base of connected devices are driving 
rapid growth in audiences’ appetite for VOD and in turn fuelling demand from 
advertisers for VOD inventory. ITV as a creator and owner of content, particularly 
sought after drama and entertainment content, is well placed to exploit this 
growing customer base.

Our Online business has grown rapidly over the last few years and is contributing 
meaningful revenue to the Group. In November we successfully launched the 
ITV Hub to replace ITV Player and ITV.com across mobile, PC and connected TV, 
through which audiences can access ITV content on different devices, live 
or on demand. This is a major step forward in the quality, innovation and ease 
of use of ITV’s online services. The biggest change is that live content is now 
central to the ITV Hub and live simulcast viewing is becoming increasingly popular 
particularly around sporting events and large entertainment shows, as viewers 
are using their connected devices as a television set. Simulcast viewing now 
represents about 30% of viewing on the platforms on which it is available. 

To drive growth in our online audiences and online advertising revenues we 
have also been working to increase the distribution of the ITV Hub which is now 
available on 27 platforms, most recently launching on Amazon Fire, YouView Sony 
and Freeview Play. Long-form video requests continue to grow strongly up 14% 
in 2015, driven by mobile and connected televisions. Online consumption, which is 
the measure of how long viewers are spending online, has also increased by 42% 
reflecting the quality of ITV’s content and the improved viewing experience of the 
ITV Hub. 

To date there have been 21 million downloads of our app and to further increase 
usage we will continually extend and enhance the ITV Hub with improvements in 
technology and new content, such as premieres, box sets and short-form content. 

Overall the new service has been very well received by both audiences and 
advertisers, with consumption growing strongly since launch, particularly for live 
viewing where our audiences enjoy the new ‘live swipe’ feature on smartphones 
and tablets and the ITV Hub’s improved streaming quality. 

Additionally, we are working to 
maximise the value of our digital 
data. We have introduced new 
digital advertising features like 
AdSync+ as well as dynamically-
served advertising on ITV’s live 
simulcast channels on PC and 
Apple platforms. With 13 million 
registered users of the ITV Hub, we 
are not only able to understand and 
engage with our audiences better 
but we are also developing more 
targeted advertising online in 2016.

Online, Pay & Interactive  
revenue growth
£188m

8
1
2 1
0
1 1
8

8
0 5
5

8
8
1

3
5
1

23%
YoY

+276% 
Increase 
on 2009 

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

27

Strategic Report 
 
Strategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Strategic Priority 3 continued

Our Online, Pay & 
Interactive business 
is rapidly growing 
and profitable.”

Further developing our pay offering 
in the UK and internationally
ITV earns revenue from pay television 
through licensing our channels and 
content. 2015 pay revenue grew by 
38% as we continued to develop our 
services across multiple platforms.

Our pay business in the UK includes deals 
with Sky and Virgin for our HD channels 
and catch-up VOD, an advertising free 
subscription version of the ITV Hub on 
iOS and a deal with Sky to make ITV’s 
content available through its connected 
platforms including Sky Go and Now TV. 
In 2014 we launched our first pay 
channel, ITV Encore, which we are 
strengthening with more exclusive 
content including original commissions 
such as The Frankenstein Chronicles and 
Houdini & Doyle and critically acclaimed 
acquired series such as The Americans 
and Jordskott.

Outside the UK we have established 
a number of smaller pay propositions 
including Cirkus, a subscription VOD 
service that offers the ‘Best of British’ 
content to international pay platforms 
which is available in the Nordics and 
more recently in Iceland. We also 
distribute ITV Essentials, an online 
service for expats, and ITV Choice, a 
general entertainment channel for 
emerging markets which was recently 
launched in South Africa. 

As we look to increase ITV brand loyalty, 
we have already increased our exposure 
to new types of content including 
short-form and younger focused 
long-form programming and new types 
of distribution. We are widening our 
digital reach by expanding our presence 
on YouTube to bring new audiences to 
our programmes. In 2015 we launched 
22 new ITV branded channels across a 
range of our biggest programme brands. 
We saw usage increase over 400% 
across the year on the ITV branded 
channels to deliver over 160million 
views, the equivalent of over 8 million 
hours of viewing. 

Talpa has a very strong digital presence 
internationally across its range of 
formats. Since 2014 it has developed 
10 successful connected live formats 
including The Voice, The Voice Kids and 
Dance Dance Dance, in 40 countries, with 
90 apps/sites and 100 YouTube channels, 
in total delivering over 12 billion views. 

We have made investments in the 
digital arena as we look to develop our 
expertise in monetising online audiences. 
These include: Believe Entertainment 
Group, a producer of digital-branded 
short-form entertainment; Zealot, a 
digital content multi-platform network; 
Indigenous Media, a producer of scripted 
digital content; and Channel Mum, 
the first ever online video network 
dedicated to young mothers.

Looking ahead we will further develop 
our pay offering both in the UK and 
internationally exploring opportunities 
for both pay and online as we seek to 
monetise our content further. We will 
look to do this through a mixed economy 
of organic growth, partnerships and 
acquisitions. We will also increasingly 
look for opportunities to ‘window’ our 
content across our free channels, pay 
channels and the ITV Hub to derive 
maximum value for audiences, 
platforms and advertisers.

Expanding our global 
distribution network
In 2015 Global Entertainment, the 
distribution arm of ITV Studios, delivered 
revenue growth of 9% to £157 million 
(2014: £144 million) as we have continued 
to drive value from the investment 
we have made in creating and owning 
the rights to quality content with 
international appeal.

Global Entertainment  
revenue growth £m
£157m

6
2
1

3
2
1

6
2
1

3
3
1

5
3
1

7
5
4 1
4
1

9%
YoY

+25% 
Increase 
on 2009 

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

Our distribution business has a 
substantial archive of over 40,000 hours 
of television and film content that we 
distribute to broadcasters and platform 
owners around the world. In 2015 
we have continued to enhance our 
distribution network, benefiting from 
our increased rights ownership and 
strong network relationships as ITV 
Studios has grown in scale. 

We have a strong and balanced 
portfolio of scripted and unscripted 
programmes and formats, both 
new and returning. We continuously 
strengthen this using ITV’s strong cash 
flow to create and fund new content 
and acquire third-party rights. ITV 
Studios creates new programmes in 
the key genres of drama, entertainment 
and factual entertainment.

28

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
  Strategic Priority 3

Pictured left to right: Vera is a British based 
detective drama in its sixth series on ITV. It has 
had huge international success and has been 
sold to 177 countries; Thunderbirds Are Go! 
is produced by ITV Studios and broadcast on 
CITV. It has been sold to 90 countries to date.

Global Entertainment also invests in 
the funding of scripted content with 
international appeal. ITV has invested 
around £160 million in the year, up 
£60 million, in scripted programmes 
such as Texas Rising, Aquarius and The 
Good Witch, two of which have been 
recommissioned and they are selling 
well internationally. 

Reality dating show Love Island 
generated significant activity on 
the ITV Hub with 11 million requests 
on ad-funded platforms across the 
series. It was the first ITV programme 
to generate two million views in 
a week.

In addition to distributing ITV’s own 
content, we have also acquired the 
third-party distribution rights to a 
number of international shows including 
Schitt’s Creek from Canada and Nordic 
thriller Jordskott. 

Our scripted content has sold well 
internationally with programmes 
such as Poldark, Aquarius, Texas Rising, 
Endeavour, Jekyll & Hyde and Mr Selfridge 
all selling to over 100 countries. Our 
entertainment and factual entertainment 
content also continues to sell well with 
programmes such as Come Dine With 
Me, The Voice, The Voice Kids, I Love My 
Country, The Chase, I’m A Celebrity… Get 
Me Out Of Here! and the Price of Beauty. 

During the year we have also signed a 
number of new multi-year and multi-
territory deals including a seven year 
deal for Coronation Street with CBC in 
Canada. In early 2016 we agreed a multi 
series and territory deal for Thunderbirds 
Are Go! with Amazon covering the 
US and India for first run and UK and 
Germany for second run. We are now 
starting to benefit from merchandising 
around Thunderbirds Are Go! as we look 
to extend the franchise beyond the 
television set. 

2016 and beyond
Looking ahead we expect to deliver 
double-digit growth in our Online, Pay 
& Interactive revenues as we further 
develop our ability to distribute and sell 
our content. We will continue to invest 
to enhance the ITV Hub and through 
a mixed economy of organic growth, 
partnerships and acquisitions, we will 
develop our pay and online services 
and channels and explore new ways 
to package and sell our content to 
take advantage of demand for quality 
content in the UK and internationally 
from consumers, broadcasters and 
platform owners. 

Lastly, we are also continuing to drive 
the debate around the implementation 
of retransmission fees in the UK to 
ensure that we are fairly compensated 
for our investment in content for the 
ITV main channel when it is carried on 
pay TV platforms. 

Our scripted 
content has sold well 
internationally with 
programmes such 
as Poldark, Aquarius, 
Texas Rising, Endeavour 
and Mr Selfridge 
all selling to over 
100 countries.”

Talpa Connect
Since 2014:

10  
successful connected  
live formats

in
40 countries
with 
90 apps/sites
and 
100 YouTube channels
with over 
12 billion views

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

29

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Strategy and Operations

Performance Dashboard

Demonstrating continued progress against  
our strategic priorities.

Strategic priority

2015 performance

Focus for 2016

Key Performance Indicators

1

Maximise audience  
and revenue share  
from free-to-air  
broadcast and  
VOD business

2

Grow international 
content business

3

Build a global pay  
and distribution  
business

•  ITV NAR growth of 6%, ahead of our estimate of the TV advertising market 
•  Share of broadcast up to 46.1% in 2015 (2014: 45.9%)
•  ITV Family SOV down 3% 
•  ITV delivered 98% of commercial audiences over five million and 93% 

of audiences over three million

•  Delivered most watched entertainment drama, soap and sporting event
•  ITV2 and ITV3 largest digital channels in the UK
•  Innovative sponsorship and brand extension partnerships with advertisers
•  Launched AdSync+, a partnership with RadiumOne to amplify the reach of 

our TV advertising

•  Dynamic advertising now served to ITV simulcast content on PC and iOS
•  Significant digital engagement with 100 million votes across our big 

entertainment shows and 40 million paid competition entries

•  Good growth across ITV Studios with 8% organic and 33% including 

the acquisitions

•  ITV Studios’ share of ITV main channel output at 60%
•  46% growth in Off-ITV production revenue in the UK
•  Continued investment in creative pipeline with over 7,000 hours 

of original content produced and delivered

•  Completed three acquisitions including Talpa Media, our biggest 

acquisition to date

•  53% of ITV Studios revenue generated outside the UK 
•  Top indie producer across Europe and the US
•  Delivered three US scripted series in the year, two of which have 

been recommissioned

•  Successful launch of the ITV Hub
•  Long-form video requests up 14%, consumption up 42%
•  21 million downloads of app and 13 million registered users
•  Launched new original programming on ITV Encore
•  New pay deal with Virgin and others including Amazon TVOD and TalkTalk
•  Cirkus and ITV Choice now launched in four countries
•  Launched many YouTube channels across our programme brands focusing 

on short-form content, which has driven very significant views

•  A leading European distributor of content, with Aquarius, Mr Selfridge, 

Poldark and Hell’s Kitchen USA all sold to over 100 countries

•  Six formats sold to three or more countries

30

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

•  Strengthen on-screen viewing in key demographics

•  Further invest in our content, channels and brand to maintain 

•  ITV Family SOV

•  ITV Family SOCI

our unique scale

•  Grow our share of total television and VOD advertising

•  Continue to maximise the value of our programme brands 

through sponsorship, interactivity and brand extensions

•  Developing new and more targeted advertising opportunities

•  Developing branded content solutions through our new content 

creation service ITV AdVentures

•  Integration of UTV

•  ITV Family share of broadcast

•  Percentage of commercial audiences  

over three million and over five million 

  See page 18 for more on  

Strategic Priority 1

•  Build further scale internationally 

•  Number of new commissions for ITV Studios

•  Continue to develop IP in key creative markets to exploit growing 

•  Percentage of ITV output from ITV Studios

worldwide demand

•  Build a pipeline of programmes across genres and content life cycle

•  Develop more 16 to 24 focused content

•  Attract and retain key creative talent 

•  Continue to look at acquisitions, investments and talent deals

  See page 22 for more on  

Strategic Priority 2

•  Further invest in the quality and distribution of the ITV Hub 

•  Total long-form video requests 

•  Number of new commissions for ITV Studios

•  Build a network of pay channels and OTT services

•  Consider wider partnerships with OTT/VOD players

•  Continue to trial direct to consumer pay opportunities

•  Develop innovative new content windowing strategy

•  Further grow our international distribution network with high-

quality content

•  Maximise the use of our strong cash flows to finance the production 

of high-profile dramas that return and travel internationally

•  Invest in developing third-party distribution deals

•  Secure retransmission fees in the medium term

  See page 26 for more on  

Strategic Priority 3

  Performance Dashboard

Pictured left to right: The Tour de France 
has been broadcast on ITV4 for eight 
years; Trevor McDonald presented two 
documentaries during 2015, with The Mafia, 
broadcast in March being the most watched 
documentary in Q1 on any channel.

Key Performance 
Indicators across 
all three priorities

Our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) align our performance 
and accountability to our strategy of continuing to develop 
a creative, commercial and global organisation. Five KPIs 
measure the Group’s operational and financial performance 
across all three priorities:

•  Adjusted EBITA 
•  Adjusted EPS
•  Profit to cash conversion
•  Non-NAR revenue
•  Employee engagement

Strategic priority

2015 performance

Focus for 2016

Key Performance Indicators

Maximise audience  

and revenue share  

from free-to-air  

broadcast and  

VOD business

Grow international 

content business

1

2

3

Build a global pay  

and distribution  

business

•  ITV NAR growth of 6%, ahead of our estimate of the TV advertising market 

•  Share of broadcast up to 46.1% in 2015 (2014: 45.9%)

•  ITV Family SOV down 3% 

•  ITV delivered 98% of commercial audiences over five million and 93% 

of audiences over three million

•  Delivered most watched entertainment drama, soap and sporting event

•  ITV2 and ITV3 largest digital channels in the UK

•  Innovative sponsorship and brand extension partnerships with advertisers

•  Launched AdSync+, a partnership with RadiumOne to amplify the reach of 

our TV advertising

•  Dynamic advertising now served to ITV simulcast content on PC and iOS

•  Significant digital engagement with 100 million votes across our big 

entertainment shows and 40 million paid competition entries

•  Good growth across ITV Studios with 8% organic and 33% including 

the acquisitions

•  ITV Studios’ share of ITV main channel output at 60%

•  46% growth in Off-ITV production revenue in the UK

•  Continued investment in creative pipeline with over 7,000 hours 

of original content produced and delivered

•  Completed three acquisitions including Talpa Media, our biggest 

acquisition to date

•  53% of ITV Studios revenue generated outside the UK 

•  Top indie producer across Europe and the US

•  Delivered three US scripted series in the year, two of which have 

been recommissioned

•  Successful launch of the ITV Hub

•  Long-form video requests up 14%, consumption up 42%

•  21 million downloads of app and 13 million registered users

•  Launched new original programming on ITV Encore

•  New pay deal with Virgin and others including Amazon TVOD and TalkTalk

•  Cirkus and ITV Choice now launched in four countries

•  Launched many YouTube channels across our programme brands focusing 

on short-form content, which has driven very significant views

•  A leading European distributor of content, with Aquarius, Mr Selfridge, 

Poldark and Hell’s Kitchen USA all sold to over 100 countries

•  Six formats sold to three or more countries

•  Strengthen on-screen viewing in key demographics
•  Further invest in our content, channels and brand to maintain 

our unique scale

•  Grow our share of total television and VOD advertising
•  Continue to maximise the value of our programme brands 
through sponsorship, interactivity and brand extensions

•  Developing new and more targeted advertising opportunities
•  Developing branded content solutions through our new content 

creation service ITV AdVentures

•  Integration of UTV

•  ITV Family SOV
•  ITV Family SOCI
•  ITV Family share of broadcast
•  Percentage of commercial audiences  
over three million and over five million 

  See page 18 for more on  
Strategic Priority 1

•  Build further scale internationally 
•  Continue to develop IP in key creative markets to exploit growing 

•  Number of new commissions for ITV Studios
•  Percentage of ITV output from ITV Studios

worldwide demand

•  Build a pipeline of programmes across genres and content life cycle
•  Develop more 16 to 24 focused content
•  Attract and retain key creative talent 
•  Continue to look at acquisitions, investments and talent deals

•  Further invest in the quality and distribution of the ITV Hub 
•  Build a network of pay channels and OTT services
•  Consider wider partnerships with OTT/VOD players
•  Continue to trial direct to consumer pay opportunities
•  Develop innovative new content windowing strategy
•  Further grow our international distribution network with high-

quality content

•  Maximise the use of our strong cash flows to finance the production 

of high-profile dramas that return and travel internationally

•  Invest in developing third-party distribution deals
•  Secure retransmission fees in the medium term

  See page 22 for more on  
Strategic Priority 2

•  Total long-form video requests 
•  Number of new commissions for ITV Studios

  See page 26 for more on  
Strategic Priority 3

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

31

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Key Performance Indicators

We have defined our KPIs to align our performance  
and accountability to our strategy.

These KPIs are the key measures of 
success and cover all three strategic 
priorities. Our KPIs have not changed 
over the year.

Our strategic priorities

   Maximise audience and  

revenue share from free-to-air 
broadcast and VOD business

   Grow international  
content business

   Build a global pay and  
distribution business

Financial

Adjusted EBITA

Adjusted EPS

Definition
This is the key profitability measure 
used across the whole business. 
Earnings before interest, tax and 
amortisation (EBITA) is before 
exceptional items and has been 
adjusted to include the benefit of 
production tax credits. It reflects our 
performance in a consistent manner 
and in line with how the business 
is managed and measured on a 
day-to-day basis.

Performance
In 2015 adjusted EBITA increased by 
£135 million or 18%. This increase was 
a result of the 15% increase in Group 
external revenue which was driven 
by a 6% increase in Net Advertising 
Revenue, a 23% increase in Online, 
Pay & Interactive revenue and a 124% 
increase in ITV Studios Rest of World 
revenue driven by the acquisition 
of Talpa. 

Group EBITA margin once again 
increased, up to 29% from 28% 
in 2014.

Definition
Adjusted EPS represents the adjusted 
profit for the year attributable to 
equity shareholders. Adjusted profit 
is defined as profit for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders 
before exceptional items, impairment 
of intangible assets, amortisation 
of intangible assets acquired 
through business combinations, net 
financing cost adjustments and tax 
adjustments relating to these items.

It reflects the business performance 
of the Group in a consistent manner 
and in line with how the business 
is managed and measured on a 
day-to-day basis.

Performance
Adjusted EPS increased by 20% or 
13.8p to 16.5p. This reflects the 
increase in adjusted EBITA of 18%.

5
6
8

2015
£865m

0
3
7

0
2
6

3
1
5

2
6
4

8
0
4

2
0
2

.

4
6

8
1

.

.

1
9 9
7

.

.

5
6
1

2015
16.5p

.

8
3
1

.

2
1
1

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

32

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Key Performance Indicators

Non-financial

Employee 
engagement

Definition
Continuing to develop a creative, 
commercial and global organisation 
requires high-quality employees who 
are engaged in the work that they do, 
and are committed to the strategy.

Employee engagement measures 
pride in the work we do, pride in 
working for ITV and also what we say 
about our programmes and services.

Performance
Employee engagement was once 
again high at 89% which is above 
the benchmark rate of 83%. The 
participation rate was 74%.

Profit to cash 
conversion

Non-NAR revenue

Definition
Profit to cash conversion represents 
the proportion of adjusted EBITA 
converted into a measure of 
adjusted cash flow (defined as cash 
generated from operations before 
exceptional items less cash related 
to the acquisition of operating 
property, plant and equipment 
and intangible assets).

This primarily reflects our working 
capital management and capital 
expenditure control. Our aim is to 
keep profit to cash conversion as 
high as possible.

Performance
Profit to cash has been maintained at 
a strong level in excess of 90%. This is 
despite our continued investment in 
scripted content and demonstrates 
our continued focus on working 
capital management.

Definition
Growing non-NAR is key to the 
strategy as we aim to rebalance 
the business away from our reliance 
on television advertising revenue. 
Non-NAR includes all ITV revenue, 
both internal and external, except 
NAR (spot advertising revenues).

Key drivers of non-NAR are the 
growth in Online, Pay & Interactive 
and ITV Studios, particularly 
international.

Performance
Non-NAR revenue increased by 25% 
in 2015 as we continue to rebalance 
the business away from a reliance 
on NAR. Growth was driven by ITV 
Studios revenues which saw both 
organic and acquisition revenues 
increase, and from Online and Pay 
revenue. Non-NAR revenues were 
49% of total revenues which has 
increased significantly since 2009 
when it was 40%. 

1
7
1

7
2
1

2015
91%

3
0
1

7
9

7
9

1
9

1
9

7
2
3
1

,

1
1
2
1

,

6
3
0
1

,

2
2
9

0
5
8

9
2
8

4
6
6
1

,

2015
£1,664m

1
8 9

5 8
8

0
9

9 2015
8

89%

5
7

5
6

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

33

Strategic Report 
Strategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Key Performance Indicators continued

Strategic

ITV Family SOV

ITV Family SOCI

Definition
Strategic Priority 1 aims to maximise 
audience share from our existing 
free-to-air Broadcast business, 
and ITV Family SOV is the clearest 
indicator of this. ITV Family SOV 
is ITV’s share of the total viewing 
audience over the year achieved 
by ITV’s family of channels as a 
proportion of total television viewing, 
including the BBC Family. ITV aims at 
least to maintain the ITV Family SOV.

Performance
ITV Family SOV declined by 3% in 2015 
to 21.2%. Within this, the ITV main 
channel saw a decline of 4% impacted 
by the launch of new free digital 
channels, some of our shows not 
performing as well as we had 
expected, particularly in the first 
half of the year and by the relatively 
strong performance of the BBC. 
The digital channels were down 3%.

ITV Family SOV improved in the 
second half of 2015 with strong 
performances in Daytime, the Soaps, 
Sport and Entertainment.

Definition
Strategic Priority 1 aims to maximise 
audience share from our existing 
free-to-air Broadcast business, and 
ITV Family SOCI is another indicator 
of this. SOCI is the trading currency 
in the television advertising market, 
and since it only covers commercial 
television it does not include the BBC. 
This is the share of total UK television 
commercial impacts which is 
delivered by ITV’s family of channels. 
An impact is one viewer watching 
one 30 second commercial. We aim 
to maximise our SOCI.

SOCI provides an overall measure 
of viewing performance, however 
because advertisers are buying scale 
and breadth of audience, SOCI is 
not necessarily a direct indicator 
of advertising performance. 

Performance
ITV Family SOCI declined by 4%, with 
the main channel down 4%. The 
digital channels SOCI was down 3%.

.

1
3
2

.

9
2
2

.

1
3
2

.

1
3
2

.

3
2
2

.

0
2
2

.

2
1
2

2015
21.2%

.

0
0
4

.

8
9
3

.

5
9
3

.

3
8
3

.

3
8
3

.

2
6
3

.

9
4
3

2015
34.9%

ITV Family share  
of broadcast

Definition
ITV’s share of UK television spot 
advertising revenue is known as its 
share of broadcast. To maximise 
revenue from our free-to-air business, 
which is a key component of Strategic 
Priority 1, we aim to continue to 
maximise our share of broadcast 
and to outperform the UK television 
advertising market.

It is increasingly difficult to measure 
the total television advertising 
market as all broadcasters have 
different definitions and include 
other sources of revenue, such 
as sponsorship and VOD in their 
estimates of television advertising. 
Our share of broadcast is based on 
our estimate of the pure spot 
advertising market.

Performance
In 2015 we gained market share again, 
increasing our share of broadcast to 
46.1%. This is as a result of our unique 
ability to deliver mass audiences 
across the key demographics to 
our advertisers.

.

1
6
4

2015
46.1%

.

9
5
4 4
5
4

.

.

8
5
3 4
5
4

.

.

2
5
7 4
4
4

.

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

34

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Key Performance Indicators

Our strategic priorities

  Maximising

  Growing

  Building

Total long-form 
video requests

Number of new 
commissions for  
ITV Studios

Percentage of  
ITV* output from 
ITV Studios

Definition
A key part of our strategy is to 
maximise audience share from 
our free-to-air broadcast and 
VOD business. 

Long-form video requests is a 
measure of the total number of our 
videos viewed across all platforms 
on which the ITV Hub is available and 
therefore provides a key measure 
of how much of our content is being 
viewed online. A long-form video is a 
programme that has been broadcast 
on television and is available to watch 
online and on demand in its entirety. 

Performance
Long-form video requests were up 
14% in 2015 to 828 million views. 
To support growth in our online 
audiences we launched the ITV Hub 
in November 2015 and have improved 
our mobile apps and simulcast 
offering. Online consumption, which 
is the measure of how long viewers 
are spending online, is becoming 
increasingly important as an indicator 
of online performance and this has 
increased by over 40% in 2015.

Definition
A key indicator of the creative 
renewal pipeline is the number of new 
commissions won. This figure includes 
programmes shown both on ITV and 
on other broadcasters, and both in 
the UK and internationally.

Performance
There was strong growth in the 
number of new commissions for 
ITV Studios in 2015, up 11% to 166. 
Fifty-eight of these new commissions 
have come from the UK business, 
with the remaining 108 coming 
from our international businesses. 

We continue to invest in our 
creative pipeline both organically 
and through acquisitions.

Definition
This represents the proportion of the 
total spend on original commissions 
on ITV transmitted in the year, 
delivered by ITV Studios. A key part 
of building a strong international 
content business is to increase ITV 
Studios’ supply of programmes to ITV, 
where we aim to make them famous 
and then sell them around the world, 
benefiting from our integrated 
producer broadcaster status.

Performance
The percentage of ITV output from 
ITV Studios has remained flat in 2015, 
although the value has increased 
as ITV’s total original commissions 
has increased. Several ITV Studios 
programmes created in 2015 have 
now been distributed around the 
world including Thunderbirds Are Go!, 
Mr Selfridge, The Chase and I’m A 
Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

* ITV Main Channel only.

8
2
8

2015
828m

6
2
7

6
6
1

2015
166

9
4
1

1
2
1

1
1
1

3
0
1

7
7
6 5
9
6 4
0
4

3
7
2

0
5
1

0
9 6

8 5
5

0
6

2015
60%

5
5

3
5

0
5

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

11

12

13 14 15

09 10 11

12

13 14 15

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

35

Strategic Report 
 
Strategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Financial and Performance Review

ITV delivered another strong performance in 2015 
with growth across the business. 

Reflecting our continued investment in quality content, we 
grew revenue across all parts of the business and reported 
our sixth consecutive year of double-digit growth in our 
key profit measures, while further improving our adjusted 
EBITA margin. We remain highly cash generative which, 
together with our continued focus on costs, places us in a 
strong position to invest for further growth and enhance 
shareholder value into 2016 and beyond.

Twelve months to 31 December
NAR
Total non-NAR 
Total revenue
Internal supply
Group external revenue

2015
£m

1,719
1,664
3,383
(411)
2,972

2014
£m
1,629
1,327
2,956
(366)
2,590

Change
£m
90
337
427
45
382

Change
%
6
25
14
12
15

Adjusted EBITA
Group adjusted EBITA margin

865
29%

730
28%

135

18

Adjusted EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS
Dividend per share
Special dividend
Net (debt)/cash as  
at 31 December

16.5p
16.3p
6.0p
10.0p

13.8p
13.7p
4.70p
6.25p

2.7p
2.6p
1.3p
–

(319)

41

(360)

20
19
28
–

–

The unadjusted profit before tax and EPS from the 
Consolidated Income Statement are as follows:

Twelve months to 31 December
Profit before tax
EPS
Diluted EPS

2015
£m

641
12.4p
12.3p

2014
£m
605
11.6p
11.5p

Change
£m
36
0.8p
0.8p

Change
%
6
7
7

Total ITV revenue increased 14% to £3,383 million (2014: 
£2,956 million), with external revenue up 15% at £2,972 million 
(2014: £2,590 million). This reflects 6% growth in NAR to 
£1,719 million (2014: £1,629 million), and 25% growth in 
non-NAR revenue to £1,664 million (2014: £1,327 million). 
Non-NAR now accounts for 49% (2014: 45%) of total revenue.

We remain highly cash 
generative which, together 
with our continued focus 
on costs, places us in a 
strong position to invest 
for further growth and 
enhance shareholder value 
into 2016 and beyond.”

36

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Financial and Performance Review

Growth in NAR and high margin Online, Pay & Interactive 
revenue combined with the growth in ITV Studios and our 
continued focus on costs, delivered an 18% increase in adjusted 
EBITA to £865 million (2014: £730 million), resulting in a 1% 
improvement in the adjusted EBITA margin to 29%. Adjusted 
EPS grew 20% to 16.5p (2014: 13.8p) while reported EPS grew 
7% to 12.4p (2014: 11.6p). Reported EPS grew at a slower rate 
than adjusted EPS primarily because of the treatment of 
employment linked consideration for our acquisitions which 
is included within reported earnings. This is explained over 
the following pages.

We remain focused on balance sheet efficiency and working 
capital management. Despite increased investment in scripted 
content, our profit to cash ratio remained strong at 91%. After 
acquisitions of £406 million (net of cash acquired), dividend 
payments of £459 million and our deficit pension contributions 
of £90 million, we ended 2015 with net debt of £319 million 
(31 December 2014: net cash of £41 million). This gives us the 
financial flexibility to continue to invest in the business. 

Adjusted EBITA tracker
£m
900

850

800

750

700

44

865

90

28

(27)

730

2014

NAR

Network
Schedule

Online, Pay &
Interactive 
and Other 
Broadcast

 ITV Studios

2015

The Financial and Performance Review focuses on the adjusted 
results, which, in management’s view, reflect the underlying 
performance of the business, providing a more meaningful 
comparison of how the business is managed and measured 
on a day-to-day basis. 

The key adjustments are to reflect production tax credits in 
EBITA before exceptional items (‘adjusted EBITA’) and remove 
the effect of certain items from adjusted profit before tax 
and EPS. These include all operating and non-operating 
exceptional items primarily acquisition-related costs such as: 
employment linked consideration and professional fees for 
due diligence; impairment of intangible assets; amortisation 
of intangible assets acquired through business combinations 
including formats and customer contracts; net financing cost 
adjustments; and tax adjustments relating to these items. 
A full reconciliation between our adjusted and statutory 
results is provided on page 43.

Broadcast & Online

Twelve months to 31 December

NAR
Online, Pay & Interactive 
revenue
SDN external revenue
Other commercial income
Broadcast & Online  
non-NAR revenue
Total Broadcast & Online 
revenue
Total schedule costs
Other costs
Total Broadcast & Online 
adjusted EBITA
Adjusted EBITA margin

2015
£m

2014
£m

1,719

1,629

Change
£m

90

Change
%

6

188
64
175

153
71
170

427

394

2,146
(1,045)
(442)

2,023
(1,018)
(437)

659
31%

568
28%

35
(7)
5

33

123
(27)
(5)

23
(10)
3

8

6
(3)
(1)

91

16

Broadcast & Online delivered another strong performance, 
with total revenue up 6% to £2,146 million (2014: £2,023 million) 
driven by 6% growth in NAR and 23% growth in Online, 
Pay & Interactive.

Broadcast & Online revenue tracker
£m
2,175

2,125

2,075

2,025

1,975

35

3

2

90

(7)

2,146

2,023

2014

NAR

SDN

Online, 
Pay &
Interactive

Sponsorship 
& Brand 
Extensions

Other 
Non-NAR

2015

The television advertising market again showed strong 
growth with NAR up 6% to £1,719 million (2014: 1,629 million) 
and continued good growth across all the major advertising 
categories. The Finance advertising category was driven by 
traditional banking brands and the Retail and Food sectors 
remained strong with supermarkets and furniture stores 
increasing spend. We saw strong growth from technology 
companies such as Google and Facebook as well as new digital 
brands, such as Just Eat and Purple Bricks, all using TV to build 
brand awareness. Entertainment & Leisure did see a decline 
which was as a result of significant spend by bookmakers in 
2014 around the Football World Cup.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

37

Strategic Report 
Strategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Financial and Performance Review continued

2015 advertising category analysis

 Retail 20%

 Finance 10%

 Entertainment & Leisure 9%

 Food 8%

 Cosmetics & Toiletries 7%

 Cars & Car Dealers 6%

  Airlines, Travel & Holidays 5%

 Telecommunications 5%

  Publishing & Broadcasting 4%

 Pharmaceuticals 3%

 Other 23%

As expected, the phasing of NAR was different in 2015 
reflecting the timing of major sporting events. The first 
quarter saw strong growth of 12% benefiting from an earlier 
Easter, while the second quarter was flat against a strong Q2 
2014 which benefited from the Football World Cup. The 
third quarter was up 8% with increased spend around the 
Rugby World Cup with the fourth quarter up 4%. Overall 
ITV’s underlying advertising performance was consistently 
strong in both the first and second halves of the year. 

Over the full year we increased our estimated share 
of broadcast to 46.1% (2014: 45.9%) as we once again 
outperformed our estimate of the UK television advertising 
market. It is becoming increasingly difficult to measure the 
pure spot advertising market as all broadcasters use 
different definitions, which may include additional sources 
of revenue such as sponsorship and VOD in their estimates 
of television advertising. 

ITV Family SOV declined 3% in 2015. This reflects a 4% decline 
in the ITV main channel SOV which was impacted by more 
competition from the launch of new digital channels in the 
year including Spike and Your TV, some of our shows not 
performing as well as we had expected and the relatively 
strong performance of the BBC. ITV2 also contributed to the 
decline, partly as a result of our repositioning of the channel 
to provide more targeted audiences for our advertisers. We 
remain focused on strengthening our viewing performance 
and continuing to deliver mass audiences.

Online, Pay & Interactive revenue continued to show strong 
growth, up 23% to £188 million (2014: £153 million) reflecting 
further growth in both our online advertising and pay 
businesses. In November we successfully launched the ITV Hub, 
the new digital home for our online services, which has had a 
very encouraging start. Audience demand for VOD continues 
to grow strongly which helped drive a 14% increase in long-

38

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

form video requests and 42% increase in consumption. There 
remains strong demand for online advertising which helped 
drive significant growth in online revenue. We continue to 
develop our pay services with Pay revenue benefiting from 
a full twelve months of revenue from ITV Encore and strong 
demand for ITV video on demand services. Interactive revenue 
was up in the year with daytime competitions performing well. 
Voting on our programme apps increased exponentially as we 
introduced a free voting strategy. X Factor delivered 24 million 
votes and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! delivered total 
votes of over 56 million.

SDN external revenue, which is generated from licence sales 
for DTT Multiplex A, decreased 10% to £64 million (2014: 
£71 million). This was as a result of lower renewal fees for 
existing long-term contracts which expired during the year.

Other commercial income was up 3% to £175 million (2014: 
£171 million), reflecting growth in sponsorship for the Rugby 
World Cup and brand extensions through a number of 
innovative solutions including Land Rover and SSE for the 
Rugby World Cup and Aunt Bessie’s for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me 
Out Of Here! Other commercial income also includes revenue 
from media sales, which relates to commission earned by ITV 
on sales of airtime for the non-consolidated licensees, as well 
as minority revenue from these licensees for ITV content. 
As expected, performance across both revenue streams 
was largely unchanged.

Schedule costs were up 3% to £1,045 million (2014: £1,018 
million) predominantly due to the full year costs of ITVBe 
and ITV Encore. Sports rights savings on the FA Cup and 
Champions League were partly offset by the costs of the 
Rugby World Cup. Going forward we believe that this is around 
the right level of programme spend although the genre mix 
will change each year. 

Other Broadcast costs increased marginally, up 1% to 
£442 million (2014: £437 million). We maintain a tight control 
on costs and will continue to deliver savings to mitigate 
inflationary pressure.

Overall Broadcast & Online adjusted EBITA was up 16% to 
£659 million (2014: £568 million). The continued growth in 
our highly geared advertising revenue, together with high 
margin revenue growth in Online, Pay & Interactive, resulted in 
the adjusted EBITA margin increasing 3% to 31% (2014: 28%). 

On 29th February 2016, ITV completed its acquisition of 100% 
of UTV Ltd, which owns the televisions assets of UTV Plc, for 
£100 million. This will further strengthen ITV’s free-to-air 
business and enable it to run a more efficient network. As part 
of the transaction ITV has taken on responsibility for the UTV 
defined benefit pension scheme. 

  Financial and Performance Review

Change
£m
88
85
118
13
304
(260)

Change
%
19
36
124
9
33
(34)

44

27

2014
£m
459
235
95
144
933
(771)

162
17%

Studios UK revenue was up 19% to £547 million (2014: 
£459 million) reflecting 13% growth in internal revenue and 
39% growth in external revenue. Organic revenue was up 5%. 
There were increased programming sales to Broadcast 
across both drama and entertainment, with new deliveries 
including The Trials of Jimmy Rose, Unforgotten, Home Fires, 
Thunderbirds Are Go! and Ninja Warrior UK. Successful 
recommissions On-ITV included Saturday Night Takeaway, 
The Chase and Judge Rinder. Off-ITV revenue grew strongly 
with successful deliveries including Poldark and The Graham 
Norton Show for the BBC and Come Dine With Me and 24 
Hours in A&E for Channel 4.

ITV Studios

Twelve months to 31 December
Studios UK
Studios US
Studios RoW
Global Entertainment
Total Studios revenue
Total Studios costs
Total Studios adjusted 
EBITA*
Studios adjusted EBITA margin

2015
£m

547
320
213
157
1,237
(1,031)

206
17%

* 

Includes the benefit of production tax credits.

Twelve months to 31 December
Sales from ITV Studios to 
Broadcast & Online
External revenue
Total Studios revenue

2015
£m

2014
£m

Change
£m

Change
%

411
826
1,237

366
567
933

45
259
304

12
46
33

ITV Studios total revenue grew strongly, exceeding £1 billion 
for the first time as we continue to build scale in creative 
content markets and strengthen our international portfolio 
of programmes that return and travel. ITV Studios is becoming 
increasingly international, and reflecting our growth and 
increasing scale in key production markets in Europe and the 
US, 53% of ITV Studios total revenue in the year was generated 
outside the UK (2014: 47%).

Total organic revenue, which excludes our current and prior 
year acquisitions as well as foreign exchange movements, 
was up 8%. There was growth across the business, with a 
particularly strong performance from ITV America and Global 
Entertainment. Our acquisitions continue to come through, 
with twelve months of Leftfield Entertainment as well as 
Talpa Media from 30 April 2015 and our UK acquisitions 
including Twofour Group from 24 June 2015. The foreign 
exchange impact was immaterial as the stronger US dollar was 
offset by our greater exposure to a weakening Euro following 
the Talpa acquisition. 

ITV Studios total revenue tracker
£m
1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

9,00

800

933

2014

170

16

(1)

1,237

31

65

23

Organic
UK
Productions

UK 
Acquisitions

Organic
International
Productions

International
Acquisitions

Global
Entertain-
ment

FX Impact 2015

ITV America grew strongly in 2015, with revenue up 36% to 
£320 million (2014: £235 million) as we benefited from good 
organic growth, up 15% driven by the delivery of our three 
US dramas, Best Time Ever, a US remake of Saturday Night 
Takeaway, and two series of Hells Kitchen. ITV America also 
benefited from the first full year of Leftfield Entertainment, 
acquired in May 2014. Following this acquisition, we became 
the largest unscripted independent producer in the US and we 
now have a strong portfolio of returning series and formats 
including Hell’s Kitchen, Pawn Stars, Duck Dynasty, Marriage 
Bootcamp, The Real Housewives of New Jersey and The Rich 
Kids Of Beverly Hills. 

Studios RoW also showed strong growth, up 124% to 
£213 million (2014: £95 million), with organic revenue up 4%. 
We have benefited from Talpa Media which we acquired on 
30 April 2015, significantly strengthening our position as a 
leading international producer. We also saw good growth in 
Australia and Denmark from exporting UK formats. 2015 
deliveries included I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 
Australia and Denmark, The Chase in Germany and Norway, 
and Hell’s Kitchen in France. 

Global Entertainment revenue increased 9% in the year 
to £157 million (2014: £144 million). Revenue growth was 
supported by our strong programme slate including new titles 
Poldark and Schitt’s Creek, as well as US drama Aquarius and 
the launch of Thunderbirds Are Go!, which has now been sold 
to 90 countries with key territories such as the US and France 
launching in 2016. We expect to benefit from merchandising 
around the series as we continue to extend the franchise 
beyond the television set. 

Reflecting the strong revenue growth across ITV Studios, 
adjusted EBITA increased 27% to £206 million (2014: 
£162 million). The adjusted EBITA margin remains unchanged 
at 17% even after significant investment in scripted content. 
In 2015 we invested £163 million in scripted content, up 
£60 million. We are financing our larger-scale scripted projects 
through our strong underlying cashflows. The production cost 
is partly funded by the initial sale of the series to a broadcaster, 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

39

Strategic Report 
Strategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Financial and Performance Review continued

while the deficit is recovered through distribution revenue 
from selling the finished product globally to other 
broadcasters and platforms. We balance our financial 
exposure through our portfolio approach, with successful 
international dramas offsetting the risk that we will not 
recover the full deficit on every show. 

Overall, we delivered many creative successes in the year, 
including two of our US dramas – Aquarius and The Good Witch 
being recommissioned. Given the nature of our business not 
all our programmes will return for another series in 2016, 
for example Jekyll & Hyde and Best Time Ever, but we have 
a strong portfolio of programmes and formats and we will 
continue to invest in our creative pipeline to build upon this. 
We are on track to deliver good revenue and profit growth 
in 2016, primarily driven by our acquisitions.

Acquisitions
We have built scale in our international content business, 
focusing our growth in key creative markets that have a track 
record for creating and owning intellectual property. Since 
2012 we have acquired a number of content businesses in 
the UK, US and creative locations across Europe, developing a 
strong portfolio of programmes that return and travel. As we 
have grown in size and expanded our network relationships 
and distribution capability, this has helped to strengthen our 
creative talent pool and build our reputation as a leading 
European producer and the largest unscripted independent 
production company in the US.

We have strict criteria for evaluating potential acquisitions. 
Financially, we assess ownership of intellectual property, 
earnings growth and valuation based on return on capital 
employed and discounted cash flow. Strategically, we ensure 
an acquisition target has a strong creative track record and 
pipeline in content genres that return and travel, namely 
drama, entertainment and factual entertainment, as well 
as succession planning for key individuals in the business.

We generally structure our deals with earnouts or with put and 
call options in place for the remainder of the equity, capping 
the maximum consideration payable. By basing a significant 
part of the consideration on future performance in this 
way, not only can we lock in creative talent and ensure our 
incentives are aligned, but we also reduce our risk by only 
paying for the actual, not expected, performance delivered 
over time. The majority of earnouts or put and call options are 
dependent on the seller remaining within the business. Where 
consideration paid or contingent consideration payable in the 
future is employment linked, it is treated as an expense in our 
statutory results rather than as capital. All consideration of this 
type is excluded from adjusted profit after tax and adjusted 
EPS as, in our view, these items are part of capital consideration. 

40

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

In April 2015 we completed the acquisition of 100% of 
Talpa Media in the Netherlands, the creator of worldwide 
entertainment formats, including The Voice, The Voice Kids, 
I Love My Country, Dating In The Dark and Dance Dance Dance. 
We paid an initial cash consideration of €500 million 
(£362 million) for 100% of Talpa’s fully diluted share capital 
with further payments dependent on Talpa’s future 
performance. The total maximum consideration, including 
the initial payment, is up to €1.1 billion which is contingent on 
Talpa continuing to deliver significant profit growth to 2022 as 
well as John de Mol’s continued commitment to the business 
during this time. Under the deal structure, because all future 
payments and €150 million of the initial consideration are 
directly related to John de Mol remaining with the business, 
these payments are treated as employment costs and 
therefore on a statutory basis are part of our reported 
results. However, we exclude them from adjusted profits as 
an exceptional item, which is consistent with our treatment 
of all costs of this type.

We also acquired a minority stake in Monumental Television in 
April, the UK scripted independent producer founded by Oscar 
nominated film producers Alison Owen and Debra Hayward. As 
part of the agreement, Global Entertainment acquired exclusive 
distribution rights to all of its future television productions.

In May we acquired the remaining 75% of Mammoth Screen, 
one of the UK’s leading scripted production companies, 
having held a 25% investment in the producer since 2007. 
Its successful slate of high-end drama includes Poldark, 
Endeavour and the forthcoming Victoria. 

In June we completed the acquisition of Boom Supervisory 
Limited, the holding company of UK based Twofour Group 
which produces factual entertainment and drama 
programmes. We paid an initial cash consideration of 
£55 million for 75% of the Group. There is a put and call option 
for the remaining 25% that can be exercised at the end of 2017 
and between the end of 2019 and 2021. Additionally, Twofour 
has a put and call option to acquire the remaining 49% of its 
subsidiary Mainstreet Pictures that can be exercised between 
2018 and 2023. The total maximum consideration for 100% 
of the business is £280 million with contingent payments 
dependent on delivering exceptional profit growth to 
£60 million in aggregate over the final two-year payment 
period and key individuals remaining with the Group.

Also in June we acquired a new label, Cats on the Roof Media 
which owns a number of creative labels focused on developing 
entertainment and scripted comedy programmes.

  Financial and Performance Review

Acquisitions – 2012 to 2015 (undiscounted)

Company

Geography

Genre

2015
Talpa Media
Twofour Group
Other
Total for 2015
Total for 2012–2014
Total

Netherlands

Entertainment

UK Fact Ent & Drama
UK Various

Initial
consideration
(£m)

Expected future
 payments
(£m)

Total expected 
consideration1
(£m)

Expected 
payment 
period

Total maximum 
consideration
(£m)

362
55
15
432
328
760

186
10
28
224
792
303

2015–2019
2016–2021
2015–2020

2016–2021

548
65
43
656
407
1,063

796
280
81
1,157
5882
1,745

1.  Including the initial cash consideration and excluding working capital adjustments. All future payments are performance related.
2.  The amounts have been updated to reflect the accelerated buyout of the remaining 20% of Leftfield.

In December Brent Montgomery, the CEO of Leftfield, became 
CEO of ITV America. In order to facilitate the integration of 
Leftfield within the US business, we acquired the outstanding 
20% of Leftfield which we did not own. The original terms 
under which ITV acquired its initial 80% interest included 
potential future payments linked to Leftfield’s profit growth 
and put and call options under which ITV would acquire the 
remaining 20%. In consideration for the acquisition of the 
outstanding 20%, these arrangements have been cancelled 
and ITV has assumed certain obligations of Brent Montgomery 
in relation to Leftfield, most notably settlement of the 
earnouts for its subsidiaries. There was no cash consideration 
payable at the time by ITV. The maximum consideration 
payable by ITV for the remaining obligations under the 
Leftfield acquisition is $100m and is dependent on future 
performance and is linked to ongoing employment.

The 2015 acquisitions we have made have resulted in a 
£297 million increase in intangible assets, mainly relating 
to Talpa formats and £102 million of goodwill.

The table above sets out the initial consideration payable 
on our acquisitions, our expected future payments based 
on our current view of performance and the total maximum 
consideration payable which is only payable if exceptional 
compound earnings growth is delivered. 

We closely monitor the forecast performance of each 
acquisition and where there has been a change in expectations, 
we adjust our view of potential future commitments through 
the income statement. 

Total expected consideration for all acquisitions since 2012 has 
increased by £656 million since 2014. This relates to the total 
expected amount payable for our 2015 acquisitions. This is 
made up of the initial consideration of £432 million (£406 
million plus the cash acquired) and expected future payments 
which are only payable if significant compound earnings 
growth is delivered. 

Net financing costs

Twelve months to 31 December
Financing costs directly attributable to loans 
and bonds
Cash-related net financing (costs)/income
Cash-related financing costs
Amortisation of bonds
Adjusted financing costs
Mark-to-market on swaps and foreign exchange
Imputed pension interest
Losses on buybacks
Other net financial (loss)/income
Net financing costs

2015
£m

2014
£m

(10)
(3)
(13)
–
(13)
(4)
(10)
–
(4)
(31)

(8)
2
(6)
(1)
(7)
(9)
(17)
(30)
12
(51)

Adjusted financing costs increased to £13 million (2014: 
£7 million), due to increased borrowing for the acquisition 
of Talpa and costs associated with raising the funding which 
included the initial €500 million acquisition bridge loan that 
was repaid in September following the issue of the seven year 
€600 million Eurobond. 

Net financing costs are adjusted to reflect the underlying 
funding costs of the business providing a more meaningful 
comparison of how the business is managed and funded on 
a day-to-day basis. These adjustments include mark-to-market 
on swaps and foreign exchange, imputed pension interest, 
losses on debt buybacks and other financial loss/income.

Net financing costs were £20 million lower in 2015 at 
£31 million (2014: £51 million), as the prior year included losses 
incurred on the repurchase of the remaining £62 million 2019 
bilateral loan. This was partially offset by the reduction in 
other net financial income, which in 2014 related to a reduction 
in expected future payments for acquisitions as a result of 
ITV’s assessment of their future performance. The imputed 
pension charge also decreased as a result of the reduction in 
pension liabilities. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

41

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Financial and Performance Review continued

Profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax, after financing costs, was up 
18% at £843 million (2014: £712 million). Profit before tax is 
adjusted to reflect the impact of production tax credits, net 
exceptional items, amortisation and impairment of intangible 
assets and the adjustments to net financing costs, to reflect 
the underlying performance of the business. Statutory profit 
before tax increased by 6%, which is less than the increase in 
adjusted profit before tax, as a result of the exceptional items 
described below. 

Profit before tax (PBT)

Twelve months to 31 December
Profit before tax 
Production tax credits
Exceptional items (net)
Amortisation and impairment  
of intangible assets*
Adjustments to net financing costs
Adjusted profit before tax

2015
£m
641
23
103

58
18
843

2014
£m
605
–
7

56
44
712

* 

 In respect of intangible assets arising from business combinations.

Production tax credits are recognised in adjusted PBT as in 
our view they relate directly to the production of programmes 
and reflect the way the business is managed and measured 
on a day-to-day basis. The ability to access these tax credits 
is fundamental when assessing the viability of investment 
decisions in high-end drama. ITV considers these to be part of 
the overall cost of production rather than a corporate tax item. 
In 2015 significant tax credits were available to us because of 
our investment in high-end drama in the UK.

Exceptional items are set out in the table below. Operating 
exceptional items largely relate to acquisition related expenses 
which are predominantly performance based employment 
linked consideration, in particular regarding Talpa as discussed 
earlier. Other operating exceptional items relate to 
restructuring costs in particular in relation to the US business. 
Non-operating income relates to the gain on the sale of the 
freehold property in Manchester. 

Exceptional items

Twelve months to 31 December
Operating exceptional items:
Acquisition related expenses
Reorganisation and restructuring costs
Other, including one-off legal costs

Non-operating exceptional items:
Total exceptional items (net)

2015
£m

2014
£m

(88)
(13)
(8)
(109)
6
(103)

(6)
(6)
–
(12)
5
(7)

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets acquired 
through business combinations is not included within adjusted 
earnings. However, amortisation of software licences and 
development is included as management considers these 
assets to be core to supporting the operations of the business.

Tax
The total adjusted tax charge for 2015 was £177 million 
(2014: £151 million), corresponding to an effective tax rate on 
adjusted PBT of 21% (2014: 21%) which is broadly in line with 
the standard UK corporation tax rate of 20.25% (2014: 21.5%). 
The adjustments made to reconcile the tax charge with the 
adjusted tax charge are the tax effects of the adjustments 
made above to reconcile PBT and adjusted PBT. 

Twelve months to 31 December

Tax charge 
Production tax credits
Charge for exceptional items
Charge in respect of amortisation of 
intangible assets*
Charge in respect of adjustments to net 
financing costs
Other tax adjustments
Adjusted tax charge
Effective tax rate on adjusted profits

2015
£m

(139)
(23)
(8)

2014
£m

(132)
–
(2)

(4)

(12)

(3)
–
(177)
21%

(10)
5
(151)
21%

* 

 In respect of intangible assets arising from business combinations. Also 
reflects the cash tax benefit of tax deductions for US goodwill. In 2014, 
this was included in other tax adjustments. 

Cash tax paid in the year was £117 million (2014: £85 million), 
the majority of which is paid in the UK. The 2015 cash figure is 
net of production tax credits received in the year. The cash tax 
paid is lower than the total tax charge for 2015 largely due to 
the tax treatment of allowable pension contributions.

ITV is a responsible business, and we take a responsible 
attitude to tax, recognising that it affects all of our 
stakeholders. We seek at all times to comply with the law in 
each of the jurisdictions in which we operate, and to build open 
and transparent relationships with those jurisdictions’ tax 
authorities. Our tax strategy is in line with that of the business 
and its commercial activities, and within our overall governance 
structure, the governance of tax and tax risk is given a high 
priority by the Board and Audit Committee, including through 
the operation of the Tax & Treasury Committee.

EPS
Overall, adjusted profit after tax was up 19% at £666 million 
(2014: £561 million). After non-controlling interests of £7 million 
(2014: £7 million), adjusted basic earnings per share was 16.5p 
(2014: 13.8p), up 20%. The weighted average number of shares 
was broadly in line at 4,006 million (2014: 4,002 million). 

42

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Financial and Performance Review

Diluted adjusted EPS in 2015 was 16.3p (2014: 13.7p) reflecting 
a weighted average diluted number of shares of 4,035 million 
(2014: 4,040 million). 

special distribution ITV’s pro forma leverage would be 0.8x 
reported net debt to adjusted EBITDA, which provides flexibility 
to continue to invest in the business for further growth.

The table below reconciles basic to adjusted EPS and the 
adjustments are explained in the previous sections.

Dividend per share p

Twelve months to 31 December 2015
EBITA*
Exceptional items (operating)
Amortisation and impairment 
of intangible assets
Operating profit
Net financing costs
Gain on sale of non-current assets 
and subsidiaries (non-operating 
exceptional items)
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Non-controlling interests
Earnings
Shares (million), weighted average
EPS (p)

Reported
£m
842
(109)

Adjustments
£m
23
109

Adjusted
£m
865
–

(67)
666
(31)

6
641
(139)
502
(7)
495
4,006
12.4

58
190
18

(6)
202
(38)
164
–
164

(9)
856
(13)

–
843
(177)
666
(7)
659
4,006
16.5

*  £23 million adjustment relates to production tax credits.

Adjusted EPS £m

.

1
9

9
7

.

.

4
6

8
1

.

.

5
6
1

2015
16.5p

.

8
3
1

.

2
1
1

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

20%
YoY

Dividend per share
The Board has committed to growing the full year ordinary 
dividend by at least 20% per annum for three years to 2016, 
by which time we will achieve a dividend cover of between 
2.0 and 2.5x adjusted earnings per share. Reflecting ITV’s 
strong performance in 2015 and in line with its policy, the 
Board has proposed a final dividend of 4.1p. This equates to 
a full year dividend of 6.0p, up 28%, which is well ahead of 
earnings growth and is a significant step forward in taking 
ITV’s dividend cover closer to its policy range. 

The Board is also proposing a 10.0p special dividend, worth 
just over £400 million, which comes after a year of significant 
investment at ITV and reflects ITV’s strong cash generation 
and the Board’s confidence in the business. Adjusted for this 

.

0
0
1

0
6

.

5
2
6

.

.

7
4

0
4

.

5
3

.

0
4

.

6
2

.

6
1

.

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

Cash generation
Profit to cash conversion

2015
16.0p

  Special 
  0rdinary

46%
YoY

Twelve months to 31 December

Adjusted EBITA 
Decrease/(increase) in programme rights and 
other inventory distribution rights
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Production tax credits
Decrease in payables
Working capital movement
Depreciation
Share-based compensation and pension service 
costs
Cash flow generated from operations before 
exceptional items
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets
Adjusted cash flow
Profit to cash ratio 

2015
£m

865

4
(21)
(13)
(42)
(72)
27

2014
£m

730

(39)
18
–
(48)
(69)
27

17

14

837

702

(49)
788
91%

(37)
665
91%

Note: Except where disclosed, management views the acquisition of operating 
property, plant and equipment and intangibles as necessary ongoing 
investment in the business.

ITV remains highly cash generative reflecting our continued 
focus on cash and costs. In 2015 there was another working 
capital outflow as we continued to invest in our creative pipeline. 

 In the year we generated £788 million of operational cash 
(2014: £665 million) from £865 million of adjusted EBITA 
(2014: £730 million), which equates to a strong profit to cash 
ratio of 91%. The ratio has remained the same despite our 
increased investment in scripted content and demonstrates 
our disciplined approach to cash and costs.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

43

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Financial and Performance Review continued

Cash spent on the acquisition of property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets increased year-on-year 
as we invest in infrastructure to support the business. 

The difference between the reported and adjusted cash flow 
in 2015 relates to the cash inflow from production tax credits 
which ITV considers a working capital item. 

Free cash flow

Twelve months to 31 December
Adjusted cash flow
Net interest paid
Adjusted cash tax
Pension funding
Free cash flow

2015
£m

788
(9)
(127)
(90)
562

2014
£m
665
(11)
(85)
(91)
478

Note: Adjusted cash tax is total cash tax paid excluding receipt of production tax 
credits which are included within adjusted cashflow.

After payments for interest, tax and pension funding, our free 
cash flow also remained strong in the period, up 18% to 
£562 million (2014: £478 million). 

Overall, after dividends, acquisitions and debt repayments 
we ended the year with net debt of £319 million, compared to 
net debt of £540 million at 30 June 2015 and £41 million net 
cash at 31 December 2014. Our cash generation was weighted 
towards the second half of 2015 due to the payment of the 
special dividend and the significant acquisition of Talpa, all 
of which took place in the first half of 2015. 

Net cash/(debt) tracker
£m
800

600

400

200

0

(200)

(400)

(600)

562

41

(459)

Dec 14
Net Cash

Free Cash
flow

Dividends

(406)

(33)

Acquisitions,
net of cash
acquired

Purchase 
of shares 
for EBT

(24)

Other

(319)

Dec 15
Net Debt

Funding and liquidity
Debt structure and liquidity
We have a £525 million Revolving Credit Facility in place 
until 2019 provided by a number of core relationship banks. 
We also have a £175 million bilateral financing facility and a 
£75 million invoice discounting facility, both of which are free 
of financial covenants. At 31 December 2015 these facilities 
were all undrawn.

In 2015, to fund the acquisition of Talpa Media, we entered 
into a 12 month €500 million bridge loan facility provided by 
five of our relationship banks. This was repaid and cancelled 
in September 2015 when we issued a 7 year €600 million 
Eurobond at a fixed coupon of 2.125%. The bond will mature 
on 21 September 2022. The proceeds from the bond were 
also used to fund the maturing £78 million Eurobond in 
October 2015. 

As we enter the next phase of our strategy, our balance sheet 
strength together with our continued strong free cash flow 
will enable us to invest in opportunities to grow the business 
and enhance shareholder value. To preserve our financial 
flexibility, our policy is to maintain at least £250 million of 
available liquidity at any point. 

Leverage
Our objective is to run an efficient balance sheet. Our priority is 
to invest to drive organic growth and make acquisitions in line 
with our strategic priorities. We will balance this investment 
for further growth with attractive returns to shareholders. 

Over time we will continue to look to increase our balance 
sheet leverage and we believe maintaining leverage below 1.5x 
reported net debt to adjusted EBITDA will optimise our cost of 
capital, allow us to sustain a progressive dividend policy and 
enable us to retain flexibility to continue to invest for further 
growth. As at 31 December 2015, reported net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA was 0.4x.

We also look at an adjusted measure of net debt, taking 
into consideration all of our financial commitments which 
reflects how credit rating agencies look at our balance sheet. 
At 31 December 2015, adjusted net debt was £1,144 million 
(31 December 2014: £765 million) reflecting an increase in 
expected contingent payments on acquisitions as a result 
of the acquisitions we have made in the year, partly offset 
by a reduction in the pension deficit under IAS 19 and lower 
undiscounted finance lease commitments which mainly 
relate to broadcast transmission contracts and property. 
As at 31 December 2015 adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA 
was 1.3x.

44

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
  Financial and Performance Review

Net debt at 31 December
Expected contingent payments on acquisitions
Pension deficit (IAS 19R)
Operating leases
Adjusted net debt at 31 December
Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA

2015
£m

(319)
(303)
(176)
(346)
(1,144)
1.3x

2014
£m
41
(79)
(346)
(381)
(765)
1.0x

Financing
We are financed using debt instruments with a range of 
maturities. During the year we repaid the £78 million Eurobond 
which matured in October 2015. Borrowings at 31 December 
2015 were repayable as follows:

Amount repayable
£161 million Eurobond
€600 million Eurobond
Finance leases
Other debt
Total debt repayable on maturity

Maturity
Jan 2017
Sep 2022
Various
Various

£m

161
437
10
5
613

Ratings
We are rated investment grade by two ratings agencies: 
BBB- by Standard and Poor’s and Baa3 by Moody’s Investor 
Services. The factors that are taken into account in assessing 
our credit rating include our degree of operational gearing, 
exposure to the economic cycle, as well as business and 
geographical diversity. 

Foreign exchange
As ITV continues to grow internationally, we are increasingly 
exposed to foreign exchange on our overseas operations. It is 
our policy not to hedge our exposure to revenues and profits 
generated overseas, as this is seen as an inherent risk. We do 
hedge our overseas net assets, where material, and so we have 
hedged a significant portion of the euro net assets arising 
from the Talpa acquisition.

ITV is also exposed to foreign exchange risk on transactions 
we undertake in a foreign currency. Our policy is to hedge a 
portion of any transaction that is either a firm commitment 
or highly probable for up to two years forward. The amount 
hedged depends on the level of certainty we have on the final 
size of the transaction.

Finally, ITV is exposed to foreign exchange risk on the re-
translation of foreign currency loans and deposits. Our policy 
is to hedge such exposures where there is an expectation that 
any changes in the value of these items will result in a realised 
cash movement over the short to medium term.

Pensions
IAS 19
The aggregate IAS 19 deficit of the defined benefit scheme 
at 31 December 2015 was £176 million (31 December 2014: 
£346 million). The reduction reflects lower pension liabilities 
as a result of rising bond yields over the year, deficit funding 
contributions of £90 million and the difference between 
the actual inflation experienced in the period compared to 
the expected rate. Pensions continue to be paid from the 
Scheme based on actual requirements.

IAS 19 Pension deficit tracker
£m
400

300

(346)

200

100

0

90

48

(126)

(11)

(176)

Dec 14

Deficit
funding

Change in
liabilities:
inflation
experience

169
Change in
liabilities:
increase in
bond yields

Changes in
assets:
Investment
returns

Other

Dec 15

Actuarial valuation
The last actuarial valuation was undertaken in 2014. On the 
bases adopted by the Trustee, the combined deficits as at 
1 January 2014 amounted to £540 million.

Deficit funding contributions
The Group’s deficit funding contributions in 2015 were 
£90 million (2014: £91 million).

Following completion of the actuarial valuations, the Group 
has agreed to make deficit funding contributions in order to 
eliminate the deficits in each section. From 1 January 2016 
the contributions are paid on the following basis:

Section A – £5.0 million per month until 31 May 2021
Section B – £0.15 million per month until 28 February 2023
Section C – £0.3 million per month until 31 July 2021 

In addition to these contributions, payments are made into 
Section A as a result of the SDN and LTC Pension Funding 
Partnership structures and during 2015 these payments 
amounted to £13 million. 

The new funding structure above results in a £10 million reduction 
in deficit funding contributions payable in 2016 compared to 
2015, which will be paid more evenly throughout the year. 

Ian Griffiths
Group Finance Director

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

45

Strategic Report 
Strategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Risks and Uncertainties

ITV has a formal risk management process which 
is embedded within the business to support the 
identification and effective management of risks 
across the business. 

It is regularly reviewed and adapted as the Company, industry and macro environment evolves.

Risk management framework

Our approach, which is consistent with 
previous years, covers risks at all levels 
of the organisation and considers risks 
in three core groups:

High Impact, Low Likelihood (HILL) risks –  
of low inherent likelihood but where there 
would be major consequences were the risk 
to materialise

Strategic risks – would impact the 
successful execution of the strategy

Process level risks – embedded into 
everyday activity within the organisation.

Principal Risks

P

o

t

e

High Impact, Low 
Likelihood (HILL) risks 

n

t
i

a

l 

O

p

e

r

a

t
i

o

n

a

l 

R

i
s

k

s

Strategic risks 

Process level risks 

The Board is responsible for establishing 
risk appetite, a robust and appropriate 
risk management framework and for 
monitoring the risk management 
and internal control systems. During 
the course of the year the Board, 
Management Board and Divisional 
Boards, routinely review ITV’s principal 
risks and discuss the mitigations and 
actions being taken with regards to 
these risks. The Audit Committee 
supports the Board to keep the overall 
effectiveness of these processes under 
regular review. 

In 2015 the Board has continued 
to enhance and develop ITV’s risk 
management framework, in particular 
reviewing the level of risk appetite in the 
business. Further, the Board has carried 
out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing ITV, including those that 
would threaten its business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity. 
Discussion of the principal risks affecting 
ITV and mitigating factors can be found 
on pages 48 to 51.

The Management Board has 
responsibility for the development 
and operation of the risk management 
framework and for the operation 
of ITV’s systems of internal control. 
This includes: 

•  Risk identification and assessment: 

identifying the risks facing the 
business and for establishing controls 
and procedures to monitor and 
mitigate risks. 

•  Control environment: financial 

controls, policies and procedures are 
considered as a part of the Group’s 
ongoing risk assessment process. 
These controls are reviewed to ensure 
risks are identified and the processes 
and procedures are in accordance 
with and aligned to the strategy. The 
Internal Audit team provides objective 
assurance as to the effectiveness of 
the Group’s systems of internal control 
and risk management, reporting to 
both the Management Board and 
the Audit Committee. 

46

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
  Risks and Uncertainties

•  Reviewing and monitoring the 

effectiveness of internal controls: 
controls are monitored by senior 
management, Internal Audit and the 
Audit Committee. Remedial plans 
are put in place where controls are 
weak or there are opportunities 
for improvement. Serious control 
weakness (if any) are reported to the 
Board and action taken as appropriate.

Risk management process
Risks are primarily controlled through 
the risk management process. In 
addition to the risk specific mitigating 
actions outlined on pages 48 to 51 risks 
are considered through day-to-day 
operations and are regularly discussed 
by the Board and Management Board, 
by the Audit Committee and as part 
of the Board’s strategy day. 

During 2015 all the HILL and Strategic 
risks were reassessed, challenged and 
further refined to improve our risk 
management. Mitigating actions have 
been identified for all the HILL and 
Strategic risks. Each Strategic risk has 
been mapped to at least one of the 
three key strategic priorities and, where 
possible, assigned key risk indicators. 
Where appropriate, the key risk indicators 
are aligned to our key performance 
indicators (KPIs) on pages 32 to 35 or 
a subset of these KPIs. All HILL and 
Strategic risks are owned by at least one 
member of the Management Board.

We have in place an Operational Risk 
Steering Group to manage and consider 
existing and emerging operational 
risks and ensure they are addressed 
appropriately.

Internal audit plan
The internal audit plan is driven from 
ITV’s risk management framework. 
Internal Audit reviews the auditable 
elements of the HILL, Strategic and 
Process level risks and this informs 
the areas and topics that Internal Audit 
focus on. 

Risk culture
Throughout the year we have continued 
to focus on and strengthen our risk 
culture. Our Code of Conduct remains 
unchanged and the Operational Risk 
Steering Group considers ethical 
behaviours, governance and compliance 
with our Code. ITV also offers all 
employees annual online training 
on ethics and compliance.

Viability Statement
In its assessment of viability the Board is of the view that a three year horizon to 31 December 2018 is appropriate, 
given the visibility ITV has over its Broadcast advertising business and the normal commissioning cycle which drives the 
Studios division. 

When considering the longer-term viability of ITV, the Board has reviewed each of ITV’s principal risks and uncertainties 
and, taking into account current operational and financial performance, has in particular analysed the impact of: 

•  The Broadcast division experiencing a significant and sharp downturn, similar to the 2008/09 financial crisis, with 

regards to advertising revenues, but in this case with no immediate recovery

•  A number of key programme brands within the Studios division not being recommissioned
•  A significant change in ITV’s pension funding obligations, following the triennial valuation in 2017 and subsequent 

funding arrangements

The review involved flexing the underlying strategic forecast for the above impacts, both individually and concurrently, 
and no specific mitigations were assumed. The underlying strategic forecast assumed: business as usual capital 
spending; the ongoing availability of the financing facilities (as ITV remains within the covenants); and that ITV 
maintains its stated dividend policy. 

Based on the results of this review, the Board has a reasonable expectation that ITV will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three year period ending 31 December 2018. The assessment has been 
made with reference to ITV’s strategy and current position and prospects.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

47

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Risks and Uncertainties continued

High Impact, Low Likelihood Risks (HILL)

Potential Risk

Mitigating Factors

Financial

ITV loses its credit status or 
lines of funding with existing 
lenders or there is a collapse 
of a major bank impacting 
financial arrangements/
availability of credit.

•  The business is cash generative and working capital management 

remains a key focus.

•  ITV has a balance sheet policy to maintain adjusted net debt 

below 1.5x adjusted EBITDA and have unused liquidity headroom 
of £250 million.

•  ITV has a £525 million Revolving Credit Facility with a number of core 
relationship banks and £250 million of financial covenant free facilities.

•  The low gross debt levels that ITV currently has should enable the 

Company to obtain debt from the marketplace if needed.

•  We are rated investment grade by two ratings agencies.

There is a major collapse in 
investment values leading to a 
material impact on the pension 
scheme deficit.

•  There is regular communication between ITV and the pension trustees.
•  The pension scheme’s assets are invested in a diversified portfolio, 

with a significant amount of the fund held in bonds.

•  ITV has worked with the pension trustees to limit the potential 
deficit by a series of asset backed arrangements. Further, it has 
taken mortality risk out of the scheme with a longevity swap and 
hedged a portion of inflation and interest rate variability.

Operational

A significant event removes a 
number of the key management 
team from the business on a 
long-term or permanent basis.

•  There is a business resilience plan in place which includes succession 

plans or nominated replacements for all key positions within 
the Company.

Reputation

An event with public interest 
that causes significant 
reputational and brand damage.

•  ITV has a crisis management policy in place and is increasing 

emphasis on its development and application.

There is a major health and 
safety incident that results in 
a significant loss of human life.

•  ITV has a central Health & Safety team, Operational Risk Steering 
Group and Health & Safety policies and procedures are in place, 
with appropriate training for employees where required. As we 
continue to expand internationally these will be reviewed.
•  Regular inspections are undertaken at all sites, which are run 

alongside a programme of Health & Safety audits. This is subject 
to ongoing review.

A major incident results in ITV 
being unable to continue with 
scheduled broadcasting for a 
sustained period.

•  A risk register of broadcast operations, including key outsourced 

functions, is in place and reviewed on a regular basis.
•  Major incident scenario testing takes place bi-annually.
•  An incident management process has been agreed and full disaster 

recovery plans are in place.

There is a significant or 
unexpected change in 
regulation or legislation.

•  ITV regularly communicates with appropriate groups and its 
legal panel and Ofcom to monitor potential policy, legal and 
regulatory developments.

48

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Risks and Uncertainties

Strategic priorities

  Maximising

  Growing

  Building

Strategic risks

The Market

Potential Risk

Mitigating Factors

There is a major decline in 
advertising revenues and ITV 
does not build sufficient non-NAR 
revenue streams to offset the 
financial impact of this decline.

•  Growing non-NAR in areas such as ITV Studios and Online, 

Pay & Interactive, remains a key part of the strategy.
•  ITV continues to focus on cash and costs, ensuring the 

Company has an adequate financial liquidity and balance sheet 
flexibility to continue to invest.

The television market moves 
significantly towards pay 
television as a preferred model, 
negatively impacting ITV’s 
free-to-air revenue.

•  ITV continues to support free platforms, including YouView, 

to keep free-to-air strong.

•  ITV looks at and evaluates the opportunities for expanding 

its existing pay services and other pay offerings.

•  ITV explores other platforms to understand viewing habits 

and what people are prepared to pay for.

A faster than expected shift to 
Video on Demand or other new 
technologies, such as internet 
enabled TVs or online only 
services, causes a sustained 
loss of advertising revenue.

•  The business continues to develop the ITV Hub VOD services, 
maximise the distribution of the ITV Hub and grow its VOD 
advertising business.

•  ITV monitors the market for new technology and where 

appropriate explores how ITV can participate.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

49

Strategic ReportStrategic Report 

  Performance and Financials

Risks and Uncertainties continued

Strategic risks

Organisation, 
Structure  
and Processes 

Potential Risk

Mitigating Factors

ITV fails to evolve its organisational 
structure and culture to ensure that 
it is capable of delivering continued 
growth from the new businesses 
or revenue streams and fails to 
attract, develop and retain key 
creative, commercial and 
management talent with the skills 
required for the ongoing business.

•  ITV constantly reassesses the business to create a fit-for-

purpose organisation.

•  Strategic focus on working across the business to embed 
and strengthen the culture of ‘One ITV’ way of working.

•  ITV invests in training and development for all key 

colleagues in the business.

•  Succession plans are in place for all key positions within 

the Company.

There is significant loss of 
programme rights or ITV fails to 
identify and obtain the optimal 
rights packages.

•  ITV is focused on both protecting and exploiting existing 
rights and ensuring that future rights generated accrue 
to ITV.

•  ITV has a detailed model to evaluate the value of third-
party rights to ensure it only buys rights that make 
economic sense.

ITV fails to create and own 
a sufficient number of hit 
programmes/formats across 
its international portfolio of 
content companies.

•  ITV maximises opportunities for ITV Studios to create 

successful shows by investing in the creative pipeline and 
focusing on programmes and genres that can return and 
travel internationally, i.e. drama, entertainment and factual 
entertainment, as evidenced by our increased investment 
in scripted content.

•  ITV is focused on hiring and retaining the right key 

creative talent.

ITV fails to properly resource, 
financially, creatively and 
operationally, the new growth 
businesses, in particular online 
and international content.

•  Talent management plans have been developed and reviewed 

to ensure adequate succession planning across ITV. 
•  ITV continues to embed and strengthen the culture of 

‘One ITV’ way of working.

•  Lessons from recent investments are captured through 

post-acquisition reviews.

ITV remains heavily reliant on 
legacy systems, which could 
potentially restrict the ability to 
grow the business. These systems 
and processes may not be 
appropriate for non-advertising 
revenue or international growth.

•  System requirements are kept under review with business 
growth and system modernisation projects implemented 
as appropriate.

•  A modernisation plan is in place for the legacy systems which 
remains under constant review and development to ensure 
technology systems meet the needs of the business.

50

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

  Risks and Uncertainties

Strategic priorities

  Maximising

  Growing

  Building

Strategic risks

Technology

Potential Risk

Mitigating Factors

There is a sustained cyber/viral 
attack causing prolonged system 
denial or major reputational 
damage, for example the ability 
to broadcast our channels or the 
availability of ITV Hub or ITV loses 
a significant volume of personal 
or sensitive data.

•  We continue to improve our ability to monitor, detect and 

respond to cyber threats internally and through partnerships 
with specialist security organisations.

•  Mandatory online training modules, awareness campaigns 

and simplified information security policies have been 
implemented for employees.

•  There are disaster recovery and incident management plans in 
place for high-risk areas of the business to help deliver a rapid 
and flexible response.

•  An Operational Risk Steering Group is in place to ensure the 

appropriate management of information security.

A significant high-profile incident 
or series of events e.g. a system 
failure, a technology issue, or a 
major regulatory breach that 
causes significant reputational 
and/or commercial damage.

•  ITV has ongoing modernisation projects to ensure 

transmission and distribution technologies are fit-for-purpose.

•  There are disaster recovery and incident management plans 

in place in high risk areas of the business to help deliver a rapid 
and flexible response.

•  ITV proactively manages its broadcast chain partners and 

suppliers to ensure the risk of incidents and regulatory breach 
is minimised.

ITV fails to ensure appropriate 
business continuity planning and 
resilience within its core systems, 
processes, platforms and 
technology infrastructure.

•  Disaster recovery plans are in place with tests conducted 

annually on business critical systems. 

The Strategic Report was approved by 
the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Adam Crozier
Chief Executive

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

51

Strategic ReportGovernance

Chairman’s Governance Statement

Dear shareholder,
The Board believes that a high standard 
of corporate governance is essential not 
just to protecting shareholders interests, 
but to building and sustaining the long- 
term success of the Company.

Our belief is that a good board is an 
engaged board, working closely with 
the executive team. The success of the 
Board process depends on a strong 
chemistry around the board table where 
robust discussions can be conducted in 
a spirit of openness and transparency. 
The Board’s role is both to support and 
challenge the executive team and to 
promote the success of the business.

When we started on the transformation 
programme six years ago we downsized 
the Board initially to six members to 
create a more cohesive and engaged 
team. Since that time, we have added 
carefully to its membership to reflect 
our belief that ITV works best with a 
balanced combination of creative, 
commercial and financial talent and 
experience. But we continue to believe 
that a relatively small, but talented 
board, close to the business is the right 
model for ITV.

With that we have reshaped the 
governance process. Strong governance 
is the platform that allows the Board 
to engage in effective strategic and 
commercial debate. Today, we have a 
robust framework of risk management 
and financial controls which we review 
regularly and a very rigorous Audit 
Committee process under its Chairman, 
John Ormerod. 

We recognise that the best governance 
system in the world is of limited value 
unless built on an organisation that 
encourages integrity and transparency. 

We recognise that the best 
governance system in the world is 
of limited value unless built on an 
organisation that encourages 
integrity and transparency.”

Archie Norman
Chairman

In the Governance section
This section of the Annual Report contains a statement from your 
Chairman and information about the Directors and Management 
Board. It explains our governance structure and corporate 
governance compliance and includes reports from the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees and the Directors’ Report. 

52

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Chairman’s Governance Statement

Committee and she was appointed as 
an additional member on 16 June 2015. 
From that date we were fully compliant.

Further information on corporate 
governance and a schedule setting out 
how we comply with the Code can be 
found on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

A copy of the Code is available on the 
FRC website.

   www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Codes-
Standards/Corporate-governance

Archie Norman
Chairman

2 March 2016

ITV is a talent business and ensuring 
that we employ great people and allow 
them creative freedom in the context 
of tight financial discipline is crucial to 
our success. So the foundation of our 
governance is ensuring we have the 
right people and attitudes. For this 
reason we have rigorous pulse surveys 
of employee morale and attitudes 
and the Board regularly engages in 
discussion about people, organisation 
and succession. 

The Board meets regularly for scheduled 
Board and Committee meetings and 
has a number of informal meetings to 
consider specific issues. We interact 
frequently with senior executives and 
subject matter experts. This ensures 
that the Board has a full understanding 
of the business. During the year some of 
our Non-executive Directors undertook 
visits to our UK and international sites. 

We remain committed to maintaining 
regular open dialogue and effective 
communication with our shareholders. 
We believe that continued engagement 
is highly beneficial to all parties as it 
helps to build a greater understanding 
of our investors’ views, opinions 
and concerns. 

During the year an important focus has 
been on evolving our strategy for the 
next stage of our development. Each 
year we hold a two day off-site strategy 
meeting where we consider recent 
and upcoming changes in our business 
environment, the risks and impacts of 
such changes on our business and how 
we might meet these challenges. A brief 
summary of the business undertaken by 
the Board and our focus for 2016 is set 
out on page 59.

We are delighted that Anna Manz 
agreed to join the Board in February 
2016. Anna is currently Group Strategy 
Director at Diageo plc where she has 
an impressive track record. She will 
bring consumer, financial and strategic 
experience to the Board .

It is our policy to appoint Non-executive 
Directors for a three year period 
from appointment and then consider 
reappointment on an annual basis 
following a robust performance 
evaluation. 

In addition we carefully review other 
commitments to ensure that Directors 
have sufficient time to commit to the 
business. Details of appointment dates 
and length of tenure for each director 
can be found in the table on page 59. 
All Directors are required by the 
Company’s Articles of Association to 
be elected by shareholders at the first 
AGM following their appointment by 
the Board. Subsequently, all Directors 
are subject to annual re-election by 
shareholders as recommended by 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the Code). 

We are in the process of conducting 
an externally facilitated board 
effectiveness review and further 
details of this can be found on page 60.

As a listed company, ITV is required 
to report on how it has complied with 
the principles of governance set out 
in the Code. The Board considers that 
the Company has complied with the 
provisions of the Code, except in 
respect of provision C.3.1. Following the 
departure of Lucy Neville-Rolfe in July 
2014, the Audit Committee had only two 
members. However, we were delighted 
that Mary Harris agreed to join the Audit 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

53

GovernanceGovernance

Board of Directors

1

4

7

2

5

8

3

6

9

G

2 Adam Crozier 
Chief Executive
Appointed: April 2010
Key areas of prior experience: Business 
turnaround and change management.
Current external appointments:  
Non-executive Director of G4S plc.
Previous experience: Non-executive 
Director of Debenhams plc and Camelot 
Group plc; Chief Executive of the Royal 
Mail Group; Chief Executive of the 
Football Association; Joint Chief Executive 
of Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising.

G

3 Ian Griffiths 
Group Finance Director
Appointed: September 2008
Key areas of prior experience: 
Corporate finance and financial 
restructuring.
Current external appointments:  
Non-executive Director of DS Smith Plc.
Previous experience: Group Finance 
Director and other senior finance roles 
within Emap plc; Manager in audit and 
corporate finance at Ernst & Young. 

N   R

1 Archie Norman 
Chairman
Appointed: January 2010
Key areas of prior experience: Business 
turnaround, consumer marketing, 
international business, corporate finance 
and regulatory affairs.
Current external appointments: 
Chairman of Lazard, London and 
Hobbycraft Group Limited; Director of 
Coles Group and Target Limited; Advisor 
to Wesfarmers Limited; Governor of 
the National Institute of Economic and 
Social Research.
Previous experience: Founder of Aurigo 
Management Partners LLP; Chairman of 
HSS Hire Services Group, Energis PLC and 
Chartwell Land plc; Chief Executive and 
Chairman of ASDA Group plc; Finance 
Director of Kingfisher plc; Non-executive 
Director of British Rail, Railtrack plc and 
Geest plc; Member of Parliament; Deputy 
Chairman and Chief Executive of the 
Conservative Party; Shadow Secretary 
of State for the Department of 
Environment, Transport and the Regions; 
Partner at McKinsey & Company.

54

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Board of Directors

Committee membership
G   General purpose 

A   Audit

N   Nomination

R   Remuneration

N

8 Anna Manz 
Non-executive director
Appointed: February 2016
Key areas of prior experience:
Strategy and finance and financial 
planning.
Current external appointments:
Group Strategy Director at Diageo plc.
Previous Experience:
Various appointments at Diageo plc 
including; Regional Finance Director, 
Asia Pacific; Group Treasurer; Finance 
Director, Global Marketing, Sales and 
Innovation; other finance roles at 
Quest International, Unilever and ICI. 

N   A   R
9 John Ormerod 
Non-executive Director,  
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Appointed: January 2008
Key areas of prior experience: 
Financial experience, developing 
strategy and growth.
Current external appointments: 
Chairman of First Names Group Limited; 
Non-executive Director of Constellium 
NV; Non-executive Director and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
of Gemalto NV.
Previous experience: Chairman of Tribal 
Group plc, Merlin Claims Service Holdings 
Limited and Wallbrook Group; Senior 
Independent Director of Misys plc; 
Trustee of The Design Museum and 
The Roundhouse Trust; Non-executive 
Director and Chairman of Audit 
Committee of Computacenter plc, 
Negative Equity Protection Holdings 
Limited, Millen Group Limited and BMS 
Associated Limited; Member of Audit 
and Retail Risk Control Committees 
of HBOS plc; Chairman of the Audit 
Committee for Transport for London; 
Practice Senior Partner at Deloitte & 
Touche; Regional Managing Partner 
at Arthur Andersen.

   Full biographies can be found on 
our website: www.itvplc.com/about/
management/board-of-directors

N   R

4 Sir Peter Bazalgette 
Non-executive Director
Appointed: June 2013
Key areas of prior experience: Media 
consultant, digital media investor and 
former television producer.
Current external appointments: 
Chairman of the Arts Council of England; 
Non-executive Director of Nutopia; 
President of the Royal Television 
Society; Member of an Advisory Board, 
YouGov plc.
Previous experience: Non-executive 
Director and Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee and member 
of the Audit Committee of YouGov plc; 
Non-executive Director of Mirriad 
Advertising Ltd, DCMS, Rightster, Critical 
Information Group plc and Channel Four 
Television Corp; Trustee of DebateMate; 
Chairman of the ENO and Endemol UK; 
Deputy Chairman and Director of the 
National Film and Television School; 
Adviser to Sony Music’s television 
division; Chairman of the UK production 
business of Sony Pictures Television Inc.; 
Chief Creative Officer at Endemol Group 
BV and Endemol Entertainment 
UK Limited. 

N

5 Roger Faxon 
Non-executive Director
Appointed: October 2012
Key areas of prior experience: Broad 
commercial, digital and media rights 
experience, development of business 
strategy and finance.
Current external appointments: 
Chairman of Mirriad Advertising Ltd; 
Non-executive Director of Pandora 
Media Inc; Director of The John Hopkins 
University.
Previous experience: Director of EMI 
Group Global Limited and EMI Group plc; 
Chief Executive Officer of EMI Group 
Limited; Chairman and CEO of EMI Music 
Publishing; Director of the Songwriters 
Hall of Fame; other appointments at 
the American Society of Composers and 
Authors and Lancit Media Entertainment 
Ltd in the US; Chairman of VIVA Television 
in Germany and Channel V Networks 
in Asia. 

N   A

6 Mary Harris 
Non-executive Director
Appointed: July 2014
Key areas of prior experience: Business 
management consulting, sales and 
marketing, mergers and acquisitions, 
media, television and interactive media 
investments and digital rights 
management.
Current external appointments: 
Non-executive Director of Reckitt 
Benckiser Group plc and J.Sainsbury plc; 
Member of the supervisory board of 
TNT Express NV and Unibail Rodamco SE.
Previous experience: Member of 
supervisory board of Scotch and Soda 
NV, TNT NV and Irdeto BV. Partner at 
McKinsey & Company, Amsterdam; 
Various positions worldwide with 
McKinsey & Company, Maxwell 
Entertainment Group, Pepsi Cola 
Beverages and Goldman Sachs & Co. 

N   A   R  

7 Andy Haste 
Senior Independent Director, 
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee
Appointed: August 2008
Key areas of prior experience: 
International and emerging markets, 
change management, restructuring 
and business turnaround.
Current external appointments: 
Chairman of Wonga Group Limited; 
Senior Independent Deputy Chairman 
of the Council of Lloyd’s.
Previous experience: Group Chief 
Executive of RSA Insurance Group plc; 
Chief Executive of AXA Sun Life plc; 
Director of AXA UK plc (life and 
pensions); President and Chief Executive 
Officer of GE Capital Global Consumer 
Finance UK, Western Europe and 
Eastern Europe; President of the US 
Consumer Credit Business and Senior 
Vice President and Head of the US 
Consumer Loan Products Division 
of National Westminster Bank.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

55

GovernanceGovernance

Management Board

2

4

6

1 Julian Bellamy 
Managing Director, ITV Studios 
Appointment to the Board: 
February 2016
Previous experience: Julian joined ITV 
in 2014 as Managing Director of the 
studios business in the UK and was 
recently promoted to Managing Director 
of ITV Studios. Julian’s previous roles 
included Creative Director and Head of 
Commissioning at Discovery Networks 
International, Head of Programming at 
Channel 4 and prior to that he ran BBC3 
and E4. He also spent time as Channel 4’s 
Head of Factual Entertainment and was 
a commissioning editor of Channel 4 
News and Current Affairs. 

2 Mary Fagan
Group Communications and 
Corporate Affairs Director
Appointment to the Board:  
January 2011
Previous experience: Mary joined ITV 
from the Royal Mail Group, where 
she was Corporate and Government 
Affairs Director from December 2003. 
A senior city and business journalist 
with more than 20 years’ experience, 
Mary’s previous roles included Deputy 
City Editor of the Sunday Telegraph, 
Industrial Correspondent for the 
Independent and City Reporter 
at the Evening Standard. 

1

3

5

7

56

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Management Board

3 Andrew Garard
Group Legal Director and Company 
Secretary
Appointment to the Board:  
November 2007
Previous experience: Andrew joined 
ITV as Group Legal Director in 2007 and 
took on the additional role of Company 
Secretary in 2009. He is also Chairman 
of ITN, and responsible for rights 
management, the ITV archive and 
Corporate Responsibility. Previously 
Andrew was a Partner in the corporate 
department of LeBoeuf Lamb’s London 
office. Prior to this, Andrew was Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
at Cable & Wireless plc where he was 
a member of the Group Executive 
responsible for Global Legal. Prior to 
that he was Global Head of Legal and 
Deputy General Counsel of Reuters 
Group plc in the UK, and before that, 
General Counsel Asia. 

4 Kevin Lygo
Director of Television
Appointment to the Board:  
August 2010
Previous experience: 
Kevin joined ITV as Managing Director, 
ITV Studios in 2010 and became Director 
of Television in February 2016. Kevin’s 
previous roles included Director of 
Television and Content at Channel 4, 
Director of Programmes at Channel 5 
and a number of positions at the BBC, 
including Head of Independent 
Commissioning for Entertainment. 

5 David Osborn
Group Human Resources Director
Appointment to the Board:  
October 2014
Previous experience: David joined ITV 
as the Human Resources Director for ITV 
Studios in May 2011, and was appointed 
to the Management Board in October 
2014 as Group Human Resources 
Director, responsible for delivering the 
Group’s People Strategy. David gained 
previous experience in both the UK 
and internationally whilst working 
in a variety of businesses including 
EMI Music, Vodafone, Visa Europe 
and Marks & Spencer.

7 Kelly Williams
Managing Director, Commercial
Appointment to the Board: 
December 2014
Previous experience: Kelly joined ITV 
in August 2011 as Group Commercial 
Director and was promoted to the 
Management Board as Managing 
Director, Commercial in December 2014. 
He is also Chairman of Thinkbox, sits 
on the BARB Strategy board and is Vice 
Chairman of the Advertising Association. 
Before joining ITV, Kelly was the Sales 
Director at Channel 5 and prior to that 
held various positions at UKTV, Sky and 
Thames Television.

6 Simon Pitts
Managing Director, Online, Pay TV, 
Interactive and Technology
Appointment to the Board:  
January 2011
Previous experience: Simon joined ITV 
in 2000 and has held a range of roles 
across corporate strategy, general 
management, digital media, policy and 
regulation, and public affairs. He took on 
his most recent role in December 2014 
with a remit to grow ITV’s Online, Pay TV 
and Interactive businesses alongside 
continued leadership of the Technology 
team. He also has responsibility for SDN, 
sits on the boards of ITN and YouView 
and is a Trustee of the Royal Television 
Society. Before ITV Simon worked in the 
European Parliament in Brussels where 
he specialised in media issues.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

57

GovernanceGovernance

Corporate Governance

Our Governance structure

Board and Committees

Audit Committee
Three Non-executive Directors 
See the Audit Committee Report  
on page 62.

Remuneration Committee
Chairman and two Non-executive 
Directors 
See the Annual Remuneration Report 
on page 68.

Disclosure Committee
Executive Directors and other 
senior managers 
Meets to ensure compliance with the 
continuing obligations under the Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules.

General Purpose Committee
Executive Directors 
Meets as required to conduct business within 
clearly defined limits set by the Board.

Nomination Committee
Chairman and Non-executive Directors
Meets to review the structure, size, and 
composition of the Board, including skills, 
knowledge and experience. Identifies and 
nominates for board approval candidates 
to fill board vacancies, and considers 
succession planning for Directors and other 
Senior Executives. Considers and reviews any 
conflicts of interest that may be reported by 
the Directors.

Tax and Treasury Committee
Group Finance Director and  
other senior managers 
Meets to consider and approve tax and 
treasury related matters in respect of 
corporate transactions or other activities. 
Monitors compliance with tax and treasury 
related policies and procedures.

Matters reserved for the Board and Committee terms of reference are available on our website:

   www.itvplc.com/about/governance

Executive

Management Board 
Members are set out on page 56.
Meets to consider and approve strategy 
and operational plans, monitors operating 
and financial performance, and assesses 
and manages risk.

ITV Studios Board
Executive Directors and Senior 
Executives of divisional business
Meets to consider and approve operational 
matters, and assesses and manages risk in 
relation to the Studios business.

ITV Broadcast Board
Executive Directors and Senior 
Executives of divisional business
Meets to consider and approve operational 
matters, and assesses and manages risk in 
relation to the Broadcast business.

Operations

Operational Risk Steering Group
Manages and considers a number of 
existing and emerging operational risks 
and ensures that the business addresses 
them appropriately including in relation to: 
Health & Safety, Child Protection,  
Business Resilience, Data Protection, Insider 
Dealing, Whistleblowing, Anti-Bribery & 
Corruption, Information Security, Fraud, 
Technology and Cyber risk. 

Programme Compliance  
Advisory Group
Manages and considers issues and 
risks in relation to the programme 
compliance framework, the 
interactive business and 
regulation.

Responsibility Governance Board
Manages the direction and delivery of 
ITV’s Responsibility Strategy including 
in relation to: 
Diversity and inclusion, Community, Charity 
and the Environment.

58

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Corporate Governance

Board and Committee meetings
The number of meetings held during the year and attendance of Directors is set out in the table below. The Board agrees an 
annual schedule of matters it wishes to consider at each of its meetings and those of its committees. The schedule ensures that 
all relevant matters are considered and receive appropriate attention. Meetings are normally held at one of the London sites or 
one of the regional or international offices. Board meetings are structured around the following areas:

•  Operational and functional updates
•  Financial updates
•  Strategy 
•  Risk framework and appetite
•  Progress against strategic priorities
•  Other reporting and items for approval

Senior Executives and other colleagues are regularly invited to attend meetings for specific items. In addition to formal board 
and committee meetings, meetings take place between:

•  Board members and Management Board members
•  Chairman and Non-executive Directors
•  Senior Independent Director and Non-executive Directors (without the Chairman present)

Our focus during 2015 and some of our plans for 2016 are set out below:

2015
Broadcast strategy focusing on SOV
International content strategy and market review
Online, Pay & Interactive strategy
Retransmission fees and the regulatory environment
Viewing trends and global OTT market developments

2016
Development of creative talent pipeline
Review of the North American market
Viewing trends, including younger viewers
International content strategy
Online and Pay strategy

Board and Committee membership and attendance
Board and Committee membership and attendance at scheduled meetings in 2015 is set out below. 

Board

Nomination
 Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Audit 
Committee 

Peter Bazalgette
Adam Crozier
Roger Faxon
Ian Griffiths
Mary Harris

Andy Haste

Archie Norman
John Ormerod

Status
Independent
Executive
Independent
Executive
Independent
Independent 
SID
Independent 
Chairman
Independent

Notes

Date of appointment
to the Board
1 June 2013
26 April 2010
1
2
31 October 2012
1 9 September 2008
28 July 2014
3

Tenure at  
31 December 

2015 Y/M Contract renewal date
1 June 2016 
2/7
5/8
n/a
3/2 31 October 2016
7/4
n/a
28 July 2017
1/5

11 August 2008

7/5

11 August 2016

4

1 January 2010
18 January 2008

6/0
7/11

1 January 2017
18 January 2017

10
10
10
9
10
9

10

10
10

2
2
–
2
–
1

2

2
2

6
6
–
–
–
–

6

4
6

7
–
–
–
–
3

7

–
7

1.   Executive Directors have rolling service contracts that provide for 12 months’ notice on either side. 
2.   Roger Faxon did not attend a scheduled Board meeting and the AGM on 14 May 2015 due to family commitments.
3.   Mary Harris was appointed to the Audit Committee on 16 June 2015 and three of the seven scheduled meetings were held prior to her appointment.  

Non-attendance at another scheduled meeting was due to other board commitments agreed before her appointment to ITV.
4.    Archie Norman did not attend two scheduled Remuneration Committee meetings due to unavoidable overseas commitments.

Terms of engagement for the Non-executive Directors are available on our website.

   www.itvplc.com/about/governance

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

59

Governance 
Governance

Corporate Governance continued

During the year the appointments of 
John Ormerod and Andy Haste were 
extended for a further 12 months. 
Both have been Non-executive Directors 
for over six years. The Board continues 
to believe that they bring a wealth of 
knowledge and experience to their 
deliberations and both provide a 
valuable contribution as Chairmen 
of the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees respectively. 

Anna Manz was appointed as a Non-
executive Director with effect from 
1 February 2016. Anna was selected 
from a number of candidates following 
a rigorous search process. 

During 2015 the Nomination Committee 
commenced the succession process for 
the Chairman. Following a robust review 
they concluded that Sir Peter Bazalgette 
was the best and most appropriate 
candidate for the position. With his 
wealth of experience and unrivalled 
reputation in the media sector, he is well 
placed to take the Company forward to 
its next stage of development. Sir Peter 
has been on the Board since June 2013 
and has a detailed understanding of 
the business and its issues together 
with valuable insight on the strategic 
challenges facing ITV and the 
industry generally.

Executive search firm Zygos were 
engaged to assist with both search 
processes. Zygos have no other 
connection with ITV.

Board effectiveness
Experience and independence
Biographical details for the Directors are 
set out on pages 54 and 55, with fuller 
biographies available on our website.

   www.itvplc.com/about/management/
board-of-directors

The Board is of the view that the 
Non-executive Directors are independent 
in both character and judgement. 
They constructively challenge and 
help develop proposals on strategy, 
scrutinise the performance of 

management in meeting agreed goals 
and objectives, and monitor the 
reporting of performance.

that the Board has a number of new 
members. Board members were 
asked for:

The Board works well together, 
bringing strong, independent, balanced 
judgement, knowledge and experience 
to its deliberations. Each Non-executive 
Director has appropriate skills and 
experience so that their views carry 
significant weight in the decision making.

•  Views on board effectiveness
•  Feedback on individual board 

members

•  Suggestions for improvement
•  Personal aspirations around 
contribution to the Board

There are job descriptions in place 
for each of the Chairman, the Chief 
Executive, and the Senior Independent 
Director which have been agreed by 
the Board. These are available on 
our website.

   www.itvplc.com/about/governance

Evaluation
Internal
The work of the Board Committees is 
reviewed annually with the support of 
Group Secretariat. The evaluation takes 
the form of face-to-face meetings with 
Board and Committee members eliciting 
feedback on a wide range of topics. 
In addition input is sought from the 
Executive Directors, other relevant 
senior executives and external advisers.

Output is reported to the relevant 
Chairman and a report of actions is 
submitted to the Committees and 
actioned as appropriate.

External
In 2012/13 the Board undertook a 
board effectiveness review facilitated 
by YSC. The review was developmentally 
focused, both with respect to the 
functioning of the Board and for 
individual board members. This resulted 
in suggestions for the Board to develop 
its effectiveness which were discussed 
with the Board as a whole and feedback 
was provided to individual board 
members together with additional 
development sessions.

As part of the process YSC have 
attended several board meetings 
to observe and will produce a report 
of findings and suggestions for 
development of the Board as a whole 
and on an individual basis. The process 
is expected to take approximately 
six months.

Board tenure
The current board tenure is shown in the 
diagram below.

0–2 years

2–5 years

5–8 years

Succession planning and diversity
Succession planning
The Board has agreed a succession 
planning framework which it regularly 
reviews to ensure that:

•  Board tenure is appropriate and 
encourages fresh thinking and 
new ideas

•  The Board is sufficiently diverse but 

most importantly has the appropriate 
mix of generalist and specialist skills

At the end of 2015 the Board 
commenced a further effectiveness 
review, again using YSC, and recognising 

•  Non-executive Directors have the 

appropriate level of independence, 
from the executive and each other

60

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Governance Report

We regularly seek feedback on the 
perception of the Company amongst 
shareholders and the investor 
community more broadly via our 
corporate brokers. Investor comments 
are fed back to the Board and its 
committees regularly.

Private shareholders represent more 
than 92% of our shareholders, holding 
2.97% of our shares. We encourage 
shareholders to register their email 
addresses to receive information from 
us in a timely manner.

The AGM will be held on Thursday, 
12 May 2016 (further details can be 
found on page 171). 

In 2015 the meeting was attended by 
129 shareholders. Shareholders are 
invited to meet the Directors prior to 
and after the formal proceedings. At 
the meeting the Chairman and Chief 
Executive will review the Group’s current 
trading which is followed by a question 
and answer session. Separate resolutions 
are proposed on each substantially 
separate issue and all resolutions are 
taken on a poll. Voting can be done 
online or using a form of proxy which 
is sent to all shareholders. The level of 
votes lodged on each resolution is made 
available on a Regulatory Information 
Service and on the Company’s website 
as soon as possible after the meeting. 
Details of voting at the 2015 meeting 
are available on our website.

   www.itvplc.com/investors/ 
annual-general-meeting

As part of their professional 
development Executive Directors 
may accept external appointments 
as Non-executive Directors of other 
companies and retain any related fees 
paid to them. Details of positions held 
and fees received by Executive Directors 
in 2015 can be found on page 79. 

Relations with shareholders
The Board attaches a high priority to 
effective communication with 
shareholders and has regular and open 
dialogue with investors. The Board 
believes that continued engagement 
with shareholders is beneficial to both 
ITV and its stakeholders as it helps to 
build a greater understanding of 
investors’ views, opinions and concerns. 
Adam Crozier, Ian Griffiths and the 
Director of Investor Relations meet with 
many institutional investors throughout 
the year to keep them updated on the 
Company’s performance against our 
strategy. These range from one-to-one 
meetings to group presentations 
including the Full Year and Interim 
results and the AGM. Specifically, 
following the Full Year and Interim 
results one-to-one meetings are held 
with our largest institutional investors.

The Chairman and Senior Independent 
Director also respond to shareholder 
queries and hold meetings where 
appropriate.

The Company maintains a programme 
of engagement with the investment 
community, including results 
presentations, briefings to brokers 
and other sales forces and attendance 
at a number of investor conferences. 
Presentations given to the investment 
community are available to download 
from our website.

   www.itvplc.com/investors

Both John Ormerod and Andy Haste are 
approaching nine years tenure. The 
Board is mindful of this and succession 
planning is under consideration.

Diversity
It is our policy to retain a strong but 
relatively small board bringing a balance 
of in-depth commercial and creative 
experience. It continues to be the Board’s 
intention to increase the diverse 
make-up and representation of its 
members as opportunities arise, but 
given the size of the Board specific 
formulaic targets are not appropriate. 

Induction, training and development
The Company has a policy and 
programme for induction and continuing 
professional development of Directors. 
On appointment, each Director takes 
part in a comprehensive induction 
programme.

During their period in office, the 
Directors are continually updated on the 
Group’s businesses and the competitive 
and regulatory environments in which 
they operate. This is done through:

•  Updates and papers which cover 
changes affecting the Group and 
the market in which it operates
•  Meetings with senior executives 

across the Group and key advisers
•  Regular updates on changes to the 
legal and governance requirements 
of the Group and in relation to their 
own position as Directors

•  Presentations given at board and 
committee meetings on business 
matters and technical update 
sessions from external advisers 
where appropriate

This is supplemented by visits to UK and 
international locations. During 2015 
Peter Bazalgette and Roger Faxon 
visited the ITV Studios office in Los 
Angeles, Mary Harris visited Talpa in 
The Netherlands and The Garden 
with John Ormerod. A number of the 
Directors visited the new Coronation 
Street site in Salford, Manchester.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

61

GovernanceGovernance

Audit Committee Report

ITV is a different business from that 
of three or five years ago. We aim 
to ensure that our controls 
anticipate the changing 
risks in our business and 
that our reporting reflects 
fairly our new activities.”

John Ormerod
Chairman,  
Audit Committee

In this report
The purpose of this report is to highlight areas that the Committee 
has reviewed during the year. We report back to shareholders the 
significant financial reporting issues and judgements made in connection 
with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements. Also highlighted 
is how the Committee has assisted the Board in reviewing the Company’s 
internal control and risk environment. We explain what the Committee has 
done to review the effectiveness of our internal and external auditors. 

Dear shareholder,
On the following pages we set out the 
Audit Committee’s Report for 2015. 

Our particular areas of focus during the 
year include:

Acquisitions: we continued to invest 
in our production business in particular 
the acquisition of formats that travel 
internationally. The Committee engages 
at an early stage with significant 
potential acquisitions. We review with 
management the approach to due 
diligence and review the results of that 
work prior to its submission to the Board. 
We consider carefully the appropriate 
accounting for arrangements which are 
designed both to incentivise creative 
talent and manage financial risk. 

Of particular focus this year was 
the acquisition accounting for Talpa, 
specifically the treatment of the 
earnout arrangements linked to 
retaining key talent in the business.

Technology: technology is key to our 
competitive success in areas such as 
online but also to improving our 
operational efficiency. The Committee 
has continued to review the plans and 
controls over technology change and 
for maintaining control in areas where 
legacy systems continue to operate. 
Cyber security has remained a focus 
for the Committee, especially as media 
companies have continued to face 
increased frequency and sophistication 
of cyber attacks.

62

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Audit quality: the Committee continued 
to focus on audit quality. This year 
the Committee noted the Financial 
Reporting Council’s comments and used 
their Audit Quality Practice Aid to help 
shape the Committee’s review of the 
external audit.

Risk management and internal 
controls: the Committee assisted 
the Board in ensuring compliance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
Code) in relation to risk management 
and internal controls. The Committee 
reviewed the process of risk 
management and considered how to 
embed more operational risk appetite 
measures into board discussions. For 
example in 2015, an Operational Risk 
Steering Group was established to 
manage and consider a number of 
existing and emerging operational 
risks and ensure the business addresses 
them appropriately. I am invited to 
attend meetings of the Operational 
Risk Steering Group and of the Tax 
and Treasury Committee.

Audit Tendering: during the year the 
Committee has continued to monitor 
changes in regulation for auditor 
appointments. Recently the Department 
for Business, Innovation and Skills has 
issued further guidance that has clarified 
ITV’s position with regards to its next 
tender and mandatory auditor rotation.

Viability Statement: following changes 
to the Code the Committee reviewed 
the process by which the Company 
assesses viability over the longer term. 
This was considered by the Board and 
the statement is set out on page 47. 

We continue to focus on financial 
reporting judgements and disclosures 
and challenging management to 
develop controls to anticipate future 
opportunities and risk. Management is 
committed to continuous improvement. 

 Audit Committee Report

We are pleased that Mary Harris joined 
the Committee during the year and she 
brings a broad range of experience to 
our deliberations.

We seek to respond to shareholders’ 
expectation of audit committee 
reporting and would welcome feedback.

John Ormerod
Chairman, Audit Committee
2 March 2016

What we focused on in 2015
In planning its own agenda, and 
reviewing the audit plans of the internal 
and external auditor, the Committee 
takes account of significant issues and 
risks, both operational and financial, 
likely to impact on the Company’s 
financial statements. The Committee 
also addresses specific queries referred 
to it by the Board or Remuneration 
Committee.

During 2015 there were no topics where 
there was significant disagreement 
between management, our external 
auditor and the Committee, or 
unresolved issues that needed to be 
referred to the Board.

During 2015 we complied with the 
provisions of the Statutory Audit 
Services for Large Companies Market 
Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Processes and Audit 
Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Below is a summary of some of the 
more significant risks and financial 
reporting issues discussed in the year 
by the Committee.

Who is on the Committee
The Committee is composed entirely of Non-executive Directors. The current 
members are:

•  John Ormerod (Chairman)
•  Mary Harris (appointed 16 June 2015)
•  Andy Haste

The Committee members have between them a wide range of business and 
financial experience. The Committee considers that John Ormerod has recent 
and relevant financial experience for the purposes of the Code. 

Full details of attendance at Committee meetings can be found on the table 
on page 59.

Our role
The main role of the Committee is to:

•  monitor the integrity of the published financial information of the Company 

and review and report to the Board on the significant financial reporting issues 
and judgements made in connection with the preparation of the published 
financial information of the Company;

•  provide advice to the Board on whether the Annual Report and Accounts are 

fair, balanced and understandable;

•  review the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management 

processes and give input to the Board’s consideration of risk and risk appetite;

•  monitor and review the effectiveness and independence of the internal 

audit function; 

•  provide advice to the Remuneration Committee on financial reporting matters 

and related judgements and risk management as they affect performance 
objectives related to executive remuneration; and

•  review the quality and effectiveness of the external audit and the procedures 

and controls designed to ensure auditor independence.

Following each meeting the Committee communicates its main discussion points 
and findings to the Board.

Annual Review
An annual review of the performance of the Committee was conducted for 
the year. In addition to feedback from members of the Committee, input was 
sought from the Group Finance Director, external auditors, Internal Audit and 
the Chairman of the Board. Overall, the review concluded that the Committee is 
responding appropriately to its terms of reference and will continue to develop 
its role. Priorities for this year will include strengthening further the Committee 
membership as part of our succession planning and deepening our engagement 
with the key risks facing the Company.

Further information about the Committee and the Committee’s terms of 
reference can be accessed on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

63

GovernanceGovernance

Audit Committee Report continued

Financial reporting
As part of the Committee’s review of the Interim and Full Year financial statements, the following were discussed:

Complex discrete transactions in the year
The Group completed certain transactions during the period that were outside the normal course of business. The Committee 
carefully reviewed these one-off transactions to ensure that the judgements applied by management were reasonable and 
any complex accounting guidance followed correctly. The key topics discussed in the year covered acquisitions.

Acquisition accounting for Talpa (see note 3.4 for detail on the acquisition)
Talpa was the largest acquisition made by the Group in 2015. The Committee ensured consistency in application of principles to 
previous deals and reviewed the treatment and presentation of performance-related commitments between ITV and the seller:

Consistent 
application of 
acquisition 
accounting

Performance- 
related  
consideration

As part of the review of the acquisition of Talpa, the Committee reviewed the areas of judgement applied 
by management around the valuation of intangibles. The Committee concluded that the assumptions 
and judgements taken by management were on a basis consistent with previous acquisitions, market 
practice and IFRSs.

The Talpa acquisition structure allows for further amounts payable after two, five and eight years 
based on the achievement of stretching performance targets for the business in the years following 
acquisition. For these amounts to be paid the deal requires the seller to remain with the business 
during these periods. Further, if the seller leaves within two years a significant portion of the initial 
consideration would be refunded to ITV. Structuring the deal this way helped manage risks in terms 
of initial capital outlay and created a joint incentive between ITV and the seller to grow the business. 
Management considered it appropriate for performance reporting to include these payments as the 
cost of acquiring the business even though IFRS requires any payment that links a seller to remaining in 
the business as an employment cost. The Committee discussed management’s analysis for excluding 
these payments from adjusted earnings, and concluded that management’s analysis was fair and 
consistent with previous acquisitions where key talent is retained.

Buy out of minority interest of Leftfield
The Committee also reviewed the acceleration of the buy out of the Leftfield minority interest. The Committee discussed 
management’s judgements around the fair value of the consideration paid for the remaining minority interest and concluded 
management’s analysis was fair and reasonable.

Recurring transactions in the year
There are a number of areas where the Group transacts as part of its business as usual. However, these areas may require the 
application of judgement by management or have underlying complexity that should be considered on an ongoing basis by 
the Committee.

Consequently, the following key topics are reviewed by the Committee:

Revenue

Deal debt

Royalty accruals

Every year the Committee considers management’s assessment of the Group’s internal controls 
framework, which includes control over revenue. At the end of 2014 the Committee requested an internal 
audit exercise specifically to review the risks and controls surrounding each of the Group’s main revenue 
streams. This review was finalised in early 2015. The Committee ensured the processes and controls 
around existing revenue streams remained consistent and effective during the year. The Committee is 
involved in the preliminary discussions regarding implementation of the new revenue recognition 
standard IFRS15 applicable from 2018.

This is where management reviews the over and under delivery of advertising value to agencies. The 
Committee reviews management’s approach and method of determining the provision required for 
under delivery. The Committee is satisfied that the provision has been calculated on an appropriate basis. 

The Group is required to make royalty payments for content broadcast and distributed where we do not own 
all the rights. Such payments are in accordance with individual contracts, and the large variety of terms 
results in a complex and manual process. After an annual review of processes and controls, the Committee 
was satisfied with the improvements management continue to make in the controls over royalty 
payments and as with previous years, the Committee considered the estimated accrual to be reasonable.

64

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Audit Committee Report

Pension  
accounting

The Group’s defined benefit pension scheme is a significant net liability on the Group’s balance sheet 
(see note 3.7) and the value of the scheme’s net liabilities will fluctuate due to changes in underlying 
assumptions (and the assets are held at market value). The main assumptions which drive the fluctuations 
in liabilities include the value of its bond yield rate and the forecast inflation rate. The Committee 
considered both the process management undertook to finalise the assumptions and how these 
assumptions benchmark against the market. The Committee concluded that the process was robust 
and the resulting calculation appropriately balanced.

Other topics reviewed during the year included: 

Deficit financing

Tax

As part of management’s strategy to expand its content portfolio, significant investment in high end 
drama was made during the year. The Committee has reviewed and considered the accounting 
implications, including revenue recognition and recoverability of the amounts invested. The Committee 
concluded that the accounting treatment was appropriate.

The Committee received regular updates from management and the Tax and Treasury Committee 
with regard to key areas of tax risk, tax compliance, tax matters in respect of corporate transactions, 
and significant changes in tax legislation. The Committee considered the key risks which give rise to 
uncertainties over corporate tax, payroll and VAT liabilities and related provisions. The Committee 
discussed the activities which management undertakes to resolve the matters that give rise to such 
provisions. Where advice from our tax advisers is received, the results and views of their work are also 
reviewed. The Committee concluded that the provisions at the year end were appropriate (see note 2.3).

Risk Management and Internal 
Controls
Risk management
The Committee continued to consider 
the process for managing risk within 
the business and assisted the Board 
in relation to compliance with the Code 
and development of the risk appetite 
framework. Further information on our 
HILL and strategic risks and uncertainties 
and risk management process is 
included within the Strategic Report 
on pages 46 to 51.

For the Group’s HILL risks the Committee 
reviewed the Group’s current level 
of exposure and considered the 
appropriateness of the mitigating 
actions being taken by management.

The Committee also considered 
management’s response to strategic risk, 
including the level of assurance provided 
around the risk and how the risk is tracked 
using key risk indicators. With regard to 
process risks the Committee reviewed 
how effective management was in 
addressing the findings of internal and 
external audit, as well as the method 
by which management accepted 
process risks.

The Committee has in place a rolling 
programme to review key compliance 
and other risk.

Internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility 
for the Group’s systems of internal 
control and for regularly reviewing the 
effectiveness of those systems. The 
Committee assists the Board in reviewing 
the systems of internal control. The 
primary responsibility for the operation 
of these systems is delegated to 
management. Such systems can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement 
or loss. Key control procedures are 
designed to manage rather than 
eliminate risk.

The Committee satisfies itself that 
internal controls are operating 
throughout the year principally based 
on the programme of internal audit 
reviews. In addition to the internal 
audit programme, there is a suite of 
exception reports that cover transaction 
processing. For those subsidiaries not 
covered by exception reporting software, 
management recently implemented a 
monthly self assessment which is subject 
to independent internal review.

Strategy and financial reporting: 
The strategy is reviewed and approved 
by the Board. The Group performs a 
comprehensive annual strategy review 
and a rolling five year financial planning 
exercise. The five year plan feeds into 
the annual budget cycle. The Executive 
Directors review formal forecasts, 
detailed budgets, strategies and action 
plans and the Board approves the overall 
Group budget as part of its normal 
responsibilities. The results of operating 
units are reported monthly, along with 
an update of the Group’s performance 
against strategic KPIs and cash. Actual 
results are compared to budget and 
forecasts, and key trends and variances 
are explained and analysed. 

Post-acquisition review: When 
introducing the Group’s procedures and 
control environment to an acquisition, 
management is responsible for ensuring 
that key areas of governance are 
implemented and that operational and 
financial processes are aligned to the 
Group. A full post-acquisition review is 
presented to the Committee in the year 
following a material acquisition. The 
Committee reviewed Leftfield in 2015 
and plans to review Talpa in 2016.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

65

GovernanceGovernance

Audit Committee Report continued

Data analytics: the Group has a suite of 
automated analytics tests that enables 
the Group to continuously highlight 
exceptions from the norm over its 
transactional financial data. The 
analytics have been expanded and have 
contributed to a stronger and more 
efficient control environment.

Whistleblowing
ITV has arrangements in place that 
enable employees to raise concerns in 
confidence about any possible risks to 
employees, customers, viewers or the 
Company. The Committee considers 
the process and procedures each year 
and is of the view that they are operating 
appropriately and that colleagues are 
aware of and trust the process. Every 
three years ITV asks the whistleblowing 
charity Public Concern at Work to carry 
out an independent review of these 
arrangements. ITV is a signatory to The 
First 100 campaign which seeks to 
champion enlightened organisations 
that are committed to ensuring that 
their arrangements meet best practice.

Our auditors
Internal auditor
The Group’s internal audit activity is 
outsourced to Deloitte who report 
directly to the Committee. During the 
year the Committee reviewed this 
internal audit model. We concluded that 
outsourcing offers access to the wide 
range of skills and resources in the 
various geographies required and 
endorsed its continuing use.

The Committee keeps under review 
the internal audit relationship with 
Deloitte and the procedures to ensure 
appropriate independence of the 
internal audit function is maintained. In 
particular, the Committee has approved 
guidelines in relation to other advisory 
and consultancy work that Deloitte 
may undertake for the Company, which 
adheres to the underlying principle that 
they cannot implement controls that 
they audit. Other services provided by 
Deloitte included tax and corporate 
finance advice.

The effectiveness of internal audit is 
assessed over the year using a number 
of measures that include (but are not 
limited to):

Technology risk
As we continue to execute our strategy the technology infrastructure supporting 
the business also has to evolve. A number of legacy systems supporting the 
existing business remain in place, while at the same time new revenue streams 
require systems to support them. It therefore remains important to have an 
effective technology governance framework that seeks to address the risks 
arising from the above environment. In 2015, the Committee continued to review 
the Group’s governance over its legacy systems, including ongoing projects to 
migrate certain legacy systems to newer technology while implementing new 
systems to support our new revenue streams.

Media companies in particular have continued to face increased frequency and 
sophistication of cyber-attacks, with a number of well publicised cases in 2015 
targeting services and customer data. As part of ongoing governance the 
Committee reviewed the steps that management are taking on cyber security. 
These included: increasing awareness and education of staff with regards to types 
of security threat, improving the monitoring of internal network activity and the 
implementation of enterprise security management tools. The Group’s response 
to cyber security will require continuing effort, especially as the types of attacks 
and their sophistication will continue to evolve, and the Committee will continue 
to focus on this area in 2016.

66

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

•  an evaluation of each audit assignment 
completed using feedback from the 
part of the business that has been 
audited; and

•  a high level annual review that is 

completed by obtaining feedback from 
senior management in each division.

At the start of the year the Committee 
considered and approved the internal 
audit plan, that included audits across 
the Group as well as assurance over live 
projects. During the year the Committee 
reviewed findings from these internal 
audit reports, the actions taken to 
implement the recommendations made 
in the reports and the status of progress 
against previously agreed actions. All 
internal audit reports are available to 
the Committee.

The Committee reviewed and approved 
the 2016 internal audit plan.

External auditor
Engagement
The Committee is responsible for 
agreeing the terms of the engagement 
letter. Throughout the year the 
Committee received reports from the 
auditor (KPMG) on their plans and the 
progress and results of their work.

The Committee considers carefully 
the scope of planned work and the 
assessment of risk and materiality on 
which it is based. In particular through 
the Chairman the Committee 
participates in the negotiation of the 
audit fee arrangements to ensure that 
there is an appropriate balance between 
the scope of work and the cost of 
assurance. The Committee’s aim is to 
support a robust and effective audit and 
strong reporting lines to the Committee.

Audit tendering and rotation 
During the year the Committee has 
continued to monitor changes in 
regulation for auditor appointments. 
The Department for Business (BIS) has 
recently issued further guidance on their 
consultation, setting out how EU audit 
rules will be implemented in the UK. 

 Audit Committee Report

The BIS guidance specifically highlights 
that companies which tendered the 
audit engagement before the 
application date for the EU Regulation, 
that resulted in the reappointment of 
the incumbent auditor, should benefit 
from the transitional provisions where 
the tender would meet the objectives 
of the EU Regulation. 

Having recommended the reappointment 
of KPMG in 2012 following a competitive 
tender, and applying the above BIS 
guidance, the next mandatory tender 
would be for the 2023 financial year. 
However, the Committee will continue 
to monitor audit quality, to ensure the 
Group continues to have a robust and 
effective audit.

Effectiveness and quality
Audit quality is reviewed throughout the 
year and in 2015 the Committee used 
the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) 
Audit Quality Practice Aid to help 
structure its review of audit quality at 
ITV. When making its assessment of 
audit quality, the factors the Committee 
focused on included: 

•  External audit quality reports – 

reviewing the FRC’s Audit Quality 
Review reports and discussing with 
the auditor specific topics that may 
be applicable to ITV, and how their 
audit strategy for the year addressed 
thematic concerns that the FRC 
had highlighted.

•  Auditor interaction with management 
– reviewing the auditor’s understanding 
of business progress against the 
strategy and emerging industry 
themes, as well as the auditor’s 
discussions with management on 
key corporate transactions.

•  Auditor’s own view of effectiveness – 

enquired with regards to: their 
audit methodology and its effective 
application to ITV; their robustness of 
challenges and findings on areas which 
require management judgement; 
whether there had been an internal 
peer review of the ITV audit and what 
the findings were; and the experience 
of the senior members of the 
audit team.

Further in its assessment of audit quality 
the Committee took into account:

•  the detailed audit strategy for the 
year, including the coverage of 
emerging risks;

•  Group materiality and component 

materiality;

The Committee regularly monitors the 
other services being provided to the 
Group by its external auditor, and has 
developed a formal policy and sign off 
process with management to ensure 
this does not impair their independence 
or objectivity. 

•  how the auditor communicated any 

key accounting judgement and 
conclusions; and

•  feedback from management of the 
performance of the external auditor. 

The policy is reviewed annually and is 
available in full on our website together 
with further information on how the 
Committee manages the external 
audit relationship.

There were no significant findings 
from the evaluation this year and the 
Committee considers the external audit 
to have been robust and effective.

Independence, objectivity and fees
The Committee seeks to ensure the 
objectivity and independence of our 
auditor through:

•  focus on the assignment and rotation 

of key personnel;

•  the adequacy of audit resource; and
•  policies in relation to non-audit work.

The senior audit partner serves no more 
than five years continuously and the 
independent review partner serves no 
more than seven years continuously. 
Other key partners serve for no longer 
than seven consecutive years. The 
Committee monitors the tenure of 
partners and senior staff as well as 
former employees working for the 
Company. Following completion of the 
2015 audit, Mark Summerfield our Senior 
Statutory Auditor and KPMG partner will 
rotate off our engagement and will be 
replaced by Paul Sawdon. During the 
year the Chairman of the Committee 
and management met partners from 
KPMG who might serve as our senior 
audit partner making a final proposal 
which was approved by the Committee.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

Other than in exceptional circumstances 
management and the Committee do 
not expect non-audit fees to be in excess 
of fees for audit and audit-related 
services. The non-audit fees for 2015 
were one third of the audit fees. A report 
on the level of non-audit work provided 
by the auditor is given to the Committee 
half yearly. The significant non-audit 
engagements related to corporate tax 
advice and other assurance. Full details 
are set out on page 110.

The Committee has formally reviewed 
the work undertaken by KPMG for the 
Committee and elsewhere in the 
Company and is satisfied that the advice 
they have received has been objective 
and independent.

Reappointment
During the year the Committee 
considered the performance and audit 
fees of the external auditor, and the level 
of non-audit work undertaken, and 
recommended to the Board that a 
resolution for the reappointment of 
KPMG for a further year as the 
Company’s auditor be proposed to 
shareholders at the AGM in May 2015. 
The resolution was passed and KPMG 
was reappointed for a further year.

The Committee has recommended the 
reappointment of KPMG at the AGM on 
12 May 2016.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

67

GovernanceGovernance

Annual Remuneration Report 

Over the last six years 
ITV has delivered strong 
revenue and double-digit 
profit growth in key profit 
measures every year.”

Andy Haste
Chairman,  
Remuneration Committee

In this report
The purpose of this report is to set out for shareholders the 
principles and policy we apply to remuneration for our Executive 
Directors and to update you on how we have applied these for the financial 
year ended 31 December 2015. The report also aims to demonstrate how our 
Remuneration Policy is aligned to our strategy, supports the retention of the 
Executive Directors and rewards them for strong performance.

Dear shareholder,
On the following pages we set out:
•  Our Annual Remuneration Report 

(pages 70 to 80) which will be subject 
to an advisory vote at our Annual 
General Meeting (AGM) in May 2016; 
and 

•  Our Remuneration Policy table (pages 
81 to 84) which was approved at the 
AGM in May 2014 for a three year 
period. The full Remuneration Policy 
is available on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

We believe that our remuneration 
framework remains aligned with the 
strategy of the business and is linked 
to our key KPIs, which are set out in 
the Strategic Report. In addition we 
are satisfied that our remuneration 
framework promotes long-term 
alignment with shareholders and 
does not encourage undue risk taking.

During 2016 we will be undertaking a 
review of the remuneration policy for 
the Executive Directors in preparation 
for the AGM in 2017, when the existing 
policy will reach its third anniversary and 
require resubmission to shareholders. 

Our performance in 2015
As discussed in the Strategic Report, over 
the last six years ITV has delivered strong 
revenue and double-digit profit growth 
in key profit measures every year. In 2015 
we delivered £865 million adjusted EBITA 
(before exceptionals) (2014: £730 
million) and adjusted EPS of 16.5 pence 
(2014: 13.8 pence). We remain focused on 
our original vision and are confident that 
our strategy, focused on three key 
Strategic Priorities, remains appropriate 
for the long-term.

Performance measures for our Annual 
Bonus Awards and Long-Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP) are closely aligned to our KPIs 
(set out on pages 32 to 35). Our KPIs have 
been defined to align our performance 
and accountability to our strategy. 

68

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

The KPIs are the key measures of our 
success and cover all of our Strategic 
Priorities.

Performance against KPIs which are 
aligned to our Bonus and LTIP is set 
out below:

Adjusted EBITA
Profit to cash conversion
Adjusted EPS
Family SOV
Total non-NAR growth

2015

2014

£865m £730m

91%

16.5p

21.2%

25%

91%

13.8p

22%

10%

In addition, over the past few years we 
have included a cost-saving target in 
our Bonus Awards to ensure that 
management continues to focus on 
streamlining the business.

Remuneration outcomes in 2015
As explained above, the performance 
against financial targets other than 
Share of Viewing (SOV) has been strong. 

The bonus payout levels for the Executive 
Directors were 96% for Adam Crozier and 
95% for Ian Griffiths. Further information 
and details of the bonus targets are set 
out on page 72. Previously we reported 
that the Board believed that targets 
remained commercially sensitive for a 
two year period following the relevant 
year end and we committed to including 
the targets for 2013 in this year’s report. 
During the year, we reviewed emerging 
best practice in this area and have 
concluded that it is more appropriate to 
disclose targets following the relevant 
year end. To this end, in addition to the 
targets for the financial year ended 
2013, we have also included details of the 
targets for the financial years ended 2014 
and 2015, which are set out on page 72.

During the year, awards made under the 
Performance Share Plan (PSP) in 2013 
reached the end of their performance 
period, and will become exercisable 
in March 2016. Details are set out 
on page 73. Over the three year 
performance period, the Company’s 
share price increased from 105.2 pence 

 Annual Remuneration Report

to 276.6 pence with a total return to 
shareholders (TSR) of 202%. This resulted 
in the Company being the second best 
performing company in the FTSE100 
over the period. The Committee 
considers the total pay of the Executive 
Directors to be a fair reflection of their 
overall contribution in this context.

The Remuneration Committee has not 
exercised any discretion during the year 
or felt it appropriate to call on malus 
and clawback provisions.

Remuneration Policy  
implementation 2016
Bonus targets and performance 
conditions for LTIP awards to be made 
in 2016 have been set in line with the 
Remuneration Policy and have been 
aligned closely with our strategy. 
Details are set out on page 77. 

One specific change is being made to 
the bonus framework for the Executive 
Directors to increase the proportion 
aligned to financial targets from 60% 
to 75% and reduce the proportion 
aligned to personal targets from 40% 
to 25%. This follows a review during 
2015, based on feedback from some 
institutional shareholders that the 
weighting on personal measures 
was above the market norm. While 
previously appropriate given the 
turnaround phase, the Committee 
concluded that making such change 
was now relevant to ensure focus on 
the targets with the greatest impact 
on overall business performance. We 
believe this is a more usual approach 
and in line with shareholder 
expectations. There has not been 
any change to the target or maximum 
level of bonus.

The Executive Directors each received 
a 2.5% increase in their salaries from 
1 January 2016 which is in line with 
the increase for employees generally. 
No other material changes will apply 
for 2016. 

Who is on the Committee
The Committee is composed entirely of Non-executive Directors. The current 
members are:

•  Andy Haste (Chairman)
•  Sir Peter Bazalgette

•  Archie Norman
•  John Ormerod

Full details of attendance at Committee meetings can be found in the table on 
page 59.

Our role
The role of the Committee is primarily to:
•  review the ongoing appropriateness, relevance and effectiveness of the 
Remuneration Policy including in relation to retention and development;

•  propose to shareholders changes to the Remuneration Policy and approve its 
implementation for the Executive Directors, Management Board and other 
Senior Executives (together the Senior Executive Group) taking into account 
arrangements for the wider employee group. Details on employee 
remuneration can be found on page 87;

•  approve the design of the Company’s annual bonus arrangements and LTIPs, 
including the performance targets that apply for the Senior Executive Group; 
and

•  determine the award levels for the Senior Executive Group based on 

performance against annual bonus targets and long-term incentive conditions.

Following each meeting the Committee communicates its main discussion points 
and findings to the Board.

Annual Review
An annual review of the performance of the Committee was conducted. In 
addition to feedback from members of the Committee input was also sought 
from the Chief Executive, Group HR Director and FIT Remuneration Consultants, 
the independent adviser to the Committee. Overall the review concluded that 
the Committee is responding appropriately to its terms of reference and will 
continue to develop its role. Priorities for this year will include consideration of 
Committee membership and continued alignment to the corporate strategy.

The Committee’s terms of reference can be accessed on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

Shareholder views
Details of voting on remuneration resolutions at the AGM in May 2015 are set out on 
page 75. We were pleased to receive strong investor support. 

We seek to respond to shareholders’ expectations of remuneration reporting and 
would welcome feedback.

Andy Haste
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 
2 March 2016

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

69

GovernanceGovernance

Annual Remuneration Report continued

What we did in 2015
During 2015 our work was broadly in four areas:

Setting targets
•  setting the business and personal performance targets for 2015 bonuses, aligned with the business plan for the year;
•  setting the performance targets that would apply to awards made under the LTIP and PSP in 2015; and
•  carrying out a preliminary review of annual bonus targets for 2016.

Reviewing outcomes
•  reviewing the bonus outcomes and award levels for 2014 and indicative 2015 outcomes ahead of final approval in 2016; and
•  approving the performance outcomes of the 2012 awards under the PSP.

Reward framework
•  agreeing the base salaries for the Senior Executive Group using the same process as applied to the wider employee population;
•  agreeing the remuneration packages for new appointments to the Senior Executive Group and the arrangements for any 

leavers from this group.

Governance
•  agreeing the Remuneration Report for 2014 prior to its approval by the Board, and approval by shareholders at the AGM 

in May 2015.

Principles considered when setting remuneration
The Company operates in the particularly competitive media market. We aim to balance the need to attract and retain high-
quality talent essential to the Company’s success with the need to be cost-effective and to reward exceptional performance. 
The Committee has developed a Remuneration Policy for the Company that balances these factors, while taking into account 
the prevailing best practice and a fair outcome for investors.

A significant proportion of the remuneration package is tied to the achievement of stretching performance conditions, that 
align remuneration with our strategy to deliver strong business performance and create shareholder value. Individuals should 
be rewarded for success and performance measured over clear timescales. The remuneration package is focused on rewarding 
sustained long-term performance and aligning executives with the shareholder experience.

Throughout this report we make reference to Strategic Priorities. For reference these are as detailed in the tables below.

For awards made in 2015 and 2016 
Target

Maximise audience and revenue from free-to-air and VOD business
Grow an international content business
Build a global pay and distribution business

Further information on each of the above is set out in the Strategic Report on pages 18 to 29.

For awards made up to and including 2014 
Target

1

2

3

4

Create a lean, creatively dynamic and fit-for-purpose organisation
Maximise audience and revenue share from our existing free-to-air Broadcast business
Drive new revenue streams by exploiting our content across multiple platforms, free and pay
Build a strong international content business

Further information on each of the above is set out in the 2014 Strategic Report available on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/investors

70

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Annual Remuneration Report

Total remuneration for 2015
The sections of the Annual Remuneration Report that have been audited by KPMG are pages 71 to 74, and page 78 (from and 
including Directors’ Share Interests) to page 80.

Executive Directors
The table below sets out in a single figure the total remuneration for both Executive Directors for the financial year.

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths

2015 
£000

918
561
1,479

Salary

2014 
£000
900
550
1,450

Taxable benefits

Bonus
(cash and shares)

Share awards

Pension

2015 
£000

19
15
34

2014 
£000
19
14
34

2015 
£000

1,586
879
2,465

2014 
£000
1,523
864
2,387

2015 2 
£000

1,220
669
1,889

2014 1 
£000
2,175
1,167
3,342

2015 
£000

229
140
369

2014 
£000
225
138
363

2015 
£000

3,972
2,264
6,236

Total

2014 
£000
4,842
2,733
7,575

1.   In the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts part of the amount shown was the indicative vesting value of the 2012 PSP awards that were subject to performance 

conditions measured to 31 December 2014. The figures shown in the table above represent the subsequent value received on the vesting date of 30 March 2015 
using the share price on that day (254.855 pence), a total increase of £637,976.

2.   The amount shown is the indicative value of the 2013 PSP awards that were subject to performance conditions measured to 31 December 2015. The value was 

calculated using the average share price for the final quarter of 2015 (260.5 pence). The share price grew by 115.6% over the performance period. See page 73 for 
further information.

3.   The aggregate emoluments for all directors as required under Schedule 5 (SI 2008/410) is the total remuneration shown in the table above less share awards, 

plus the total emolument figures for Non-executive Directors shown on page 73. 

Further information in relation to each of the elements of remuneration for 2015 set out in the table above is detailed below. 
An explanation for 2014 is set out in detail in our 2014 Annual Report and Accounts, which can be found on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/investors

Salary
Salaries are paid in line with our Remuneration Policy.

Taxable benefits
The benefits provided to the Executive Directors include the cost of private medical insurance and car-related benefits.

Bonus (cash and shares)
Annual incentives are provided to Executive Directors through the bonus, with one-third of any award deferred into shares under 
the Deferred Share Award Plan (DSA). The performance conditions that apply to the bonus are set on an individual basis and are 
linked to the Company’s corporate, financial and strategic priorities. This enables the Committee to reward both annual financial 
performance delivered for shareholders, and performance against specific financial, operational or strategic objectives set for 
each Executive Director, which are closely linked to the strategic priorities of the business. Payments and deferrals in respect of 
the financial year are set out below.

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths

% of maximum 
bonus 
opportunity
 earned
96%
95%

Value deferred 
into shares 
under the DSA
£000
528,768
293,123

Value paid 
in cash
£000
1,057,536
586,245

Total value
£000

1,586,304
879,368

When considering performance outcomes, the Committee looks beyond formulaic results to ensure the outcomes align with 
overall business performance.

The majority of the bonus (60%) was based upon the achievement of corporate and financial targets, with payout determined 
in accordance with pre-set target ranges subject only to the usual adjustments to exclude the impact of in-year acquisitions and 
disposals, significant unbudgeted initiatives and currency movements. 

The remainder of the bonus (40%) was based upon the Committee’s assessment of the contribution the Executive Director has 
made to the overall strategy through the delivery of specific targets. Both Executive Directors had a number of common objectives 
aligned to our Strategic Priorities. The Strategic Report sets out more detail of the Company’s achievements in the year.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

71

GovernanceGovernance

Annual Remuneration Report continued

During the year particular achievements, in addition to the delivery of the stretching business plan, related to international 
expansion and development of organic growth and new commissions. This was achieved with the acquisition of Talpa,  
Twofour Group and other production businesses and investments.

Adam Crozier was also assessed against the continuing international expansion of ITV Studios, as well as the growth of the UK 
and international Pay and Online businesses.

Ian Griffiths was also assessed against effective M&A activity, and supporting ITV Studios and Broadcast to develop their 
international businesses and creative performance.

With regard to disclosure of performance against the corporate and financial targets, previous reports stated that these targets 
contained commercially sensitive information, which would remain so until two years after the end of the relevant financial year, 
at which point they may be disclosed. However, to reflect emerging best practice, the Committee has decided to provide 
immediate disclosure of the corporate and financial targets used following the relevant year end, together with performance 
against those targets and the resulting level of payout. Consequently, the tables below provide this detail for the 2015 bonus 
year, as well as for 2013 and 2014.

2015 

Performance measure
ITV plc EBITA (before exceptional items)
Profit to cash conversion
Cost savings

Weighting

45%
10%
5%

Threshold
£760m
80%
£8m

Performance required

Target
£795m
85%
£10m

Max
£825m
90%
£12m

Performance 
achieved
£865m
91%
£12.2m

Adam Crozier
100%
100%
100%

Payout

Ian Griffiths
100%
100%
100%

Strategic
 target

Performance against the personal targets as noted above (40% weighting), resulted in payouts of 90% and 87.5% of the maximum against these targets for Adam 
Crozier and Ian Griffiths respectively. Up to 20% is payable for threshold and up to 60% for target performance.

2014

Performance measure

Weighting

Threshold

Target

Max

Performance required

Performance 
achieved

Adam Crozier

ITV plc EBITA (before exceptional items)
Profit to cash conversion
Cost savings

45%
10%
5%

£660m
79%
£10m

£695m
84%
£12m

£725m
89%
£14m

£730m
91%
£15.4m

100%
100%
100%

Ian Griffiths

Payout

Strategic
 target
100% 1   2   3   4
100% 1   2   3   4
100%
1

As explained in the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts, performance against the personal targets (40% weighting), resulted in payouts of 85% and 88% of the 
maximum against these targets for Adam Crozier and Ian Griffiths respectively.

2013

Performance measure

Weighting

Threshold

Target

Max

Performance required

Performance 
achieved

Adam Crozier

ITV plc EBITA (before exceptional items)
Profit to cash conversion
Cost savings

40%
6.67% 
6.67% 

£561m
85%
22.5m

£594m
90%
£25m

£624m
95%
£27.5m

£620m
97%
£27.9m

93.87%
100%
100%

Payout

Ian Griffiths

Strategic
 target
93.87% 1   2   3   4
100% 1   2   3   4
100%
1

In addition to the above, each Executive Director had 6.67% of their 2013 bonus based on a range of rebalancing revenues and balance sheet performance targets, 
which paid out in full. 

As explained in the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts, performance against the personal targets (40% weighting), resulted in payouts of 88% and 90.6% of the 
maximum against these targets for Adam Crozier and Ian Griffiths respectively.

72

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Annual Remuneration Report

Share awards 
We are required to show share awards in the remuneration table on page 71 according to the year in which the performance 
period for each performance condition came to an end. 100% of the awards made in 2013 under the PSP were subject to 
performance conditions measured to 31 December 2015. 

The indicative value of these awards is set out below. 

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths

Number of 
shares awarded
624,647
342,549

Value at 
award date 
£
756,636
414,930

Number 
of shares
vesting

468,485
256,912

Value at
31 December
2015 
£

1,220,403
669,256

Change in 
share price since 
award date
115.6%
115.6%

The vesting figures shown in the table above reflect 75% of the total award that met performance conditions on 31 December 2015 and will become exercisable on 
28 March 2016. 

The share price used to value the shares at 31 December 2015 is the average share price for the final quarter of 2015 (260.5 pence).

When considering performance outcomes the Committee looks beyond formulaic results to ensure the outcomes align with 
overall business performance.

Details of the performance achieved for the 2013 PSP awards are below. A gateway condition of minimum cumulative adjusted 
EPS (30.4 pence) was met before any portion of the award could vest.

Performance measure
Cumulative adjusted EPS

Family SOV

Strategic target

Weighting

Targets

Performance
 achieved

Payout level 

1

2

50% 30.4p = 30% vesting
33.4p = 100% vesting
Vesting on a straight-line basis between

25% Maintain at 23% = 50% vesting

+2% on 23% = 100% vesting
Vesting on a proportionate basis between

41.5p

100%

21.2%

0%

Total non-NAR growth

3   4

25% 5% growth pa = 30% vesting

10% growth pa = 100% vesting
Vesting on a straight-line basis between

17.27%

100%

Pension
Pension contributions represent a cash allowance in lieu of pension with a value of 25% of base salary for both Executive 
Directors. The cash allowance does not form part of the base salary for the purpose of determining incentives.

Non-executive Directors
The table below sets out in a single figure the total remuneration for Non-executive Directors for the financial year.

Peter Bazalgette
Roger Faxon
Mary Harris
Andy Haste
Lucy Neville-Rolfe
Archie Norman
John Ormerod

Notes 

1

3

2015
£000

69
63
66
114
–
500
89
901

Fees

2014
£000
65
62
27
112
37
500
87
890

Taxable expenses2

2015
£000

2
5
7
2
–
3
2
21

2014
£000
2
6
3
1
–
2
1
15

2015
£000

71
68
73
116
–
503
91
922

Total

2014
£000
67
68
30
113
37
502
88
905

1.  Mary Harris was appointed to the Board on 28 July 2014, and the Audit Committee on 1 6 June 2015.
 2.   The amounts disclosed in the table above relate to the reimbursement of relevant travel and accommodation expenses for attending Board meetings and 

related business. The value disclosed is inclusive of tax arising on the expense, which is settled by the Company. 

3.  Lucy Neville-Rolfe stepped down from the Board on 17 July 2014.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

73

GovernanceGovernance

Annual Remuneration Report continued

LTIP awards made in 2015
On 28 March 2015 awards were made under the LTIP to both Executive Directors in the form of nil-cost options, subject to 
performance over the period to 31 December 2017. 50% of any shares that vest will be subject to a one year holding period, 
the remaining 50% will be subject to a two year holding period as follows:

Adam Crozier

Award date
28 March 2015

% Salary 
awarded
225

Number of 
options

Performance
 period ends
804,636 £2,065,500 31 December 2017

Value at 
award date

Vesting date 

Release dates

28 March 2018

50% – 28 March 2019

50% – 28 March 2020

Ian Griffiths

28 March 2015

225

491,722

£1,262,250 31 December 2017

28 March 2018

50% – 28 March 2019

50% – 28 March 2020

The number of nil-cost options was calculated using the average share price over the three day period prior to the award date (256.7 pence).

The LTIP was introduced in 2014 following the remuneration review at that time and subsequent approval by shareholders at the 
2014 AGM. The holding periods were phased in over the first two annual awards made in 2014 and 2015. For awards made in 
2016, 100% of any shares that vest will be subject to a two year holding period. 

The Committee sets targets for the LTIP taking into account external forecasts, internal budgets, business priorities, and risks 
and uncertainties. Targets are set to be appropriately stretching in this context, with maximum performance set at a level which 
is considered to be the delivery of exceptional performance.

The awards made in 2015 are subject to performance measures and targets as set out below. Awards will be subject to an initial 
cumulative adjusted EPS performance gateway equal to that required for threshold performance (45.7 pence) before any 
portion of the award can vest.

Performance measure
Cumulative adjusted EPS
Family SOV
Total non-NAR growth
International Production revenue
Online, Pay & Interactive revenue

Strategic target

Weightings
50%
20%
10%
10%
10% 

Threshold
45.7p
22.0%
5% growth pa
5% growth pa
5% growth pa 

Maximum
52.2p
22.44%
10% growth pa
15% growth pa 
18% growth pa

Threshold vesting for all targets is 20%. Vesting between threshold and maximum is on a straight-line basis.

When assessing performance against the Family SOV target, the Committee will also have regard to the health of the main 
ITV channel.

Payments to past Directors or for loss of office
No payments were made during the year.

Consideration of Directors’ remuneration
The Directors who were members of the Committee when matters relating to the Executive Directors’ remuneration for the 
year were considered, are set out on page 69.

The Committee obtains advice from various sources in order to ensure it makes informed decisions. The Chief Executive and 
Group Finance Director are invited to attend Committee meetings as appropriate. No individual is involved in decisions relating 
to their own remuneration.

The Group HR Director is the main internal adviser and provides updates on remuneration, employee relations and human 
resource issues.

74

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 
 Annual Remuneration Report

FIT Remuneration Consultants acted as the independent adviser on remuneration policy and the external remuneration 
environment during 2015 and provided advice on benchmarking, shareholder consultation and long-term incentive 
arrangements. Total fees for the advice provided to the Committee during the year amounted to £69,799 which were 
charged on their normal terms.

The Committee has formally reviewed the work undertaken by FIT for the Committee and is satisfied that the advice they 
have received has been objective and independent. FIT is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and abides by its 
Code of Conduct.

Shareholder voting
At the AGM held on 14 May 2015, votes cast by proxy and at the meeting in respect of the Executive Directors’ remuneration 
were as follows:

Voting for

Voting against

Resolution
Annual Remuneration Report

Number of
shares

2,743,890,234

%
93.23

Number of
shares

199,153,902

%

6.77 2,943,044,136

Total votes cast Votes withheld
7,329,799

The Remuneration Policy was approved at the AGM held on 14 May 2014 for a three year period. Votes cast by proxy and at the 
meeting were as follows:

Resolution
Remuneration Policy

Voting for

Voting against

Number of
shares

2,272,594,109

%
96.04

Number of
shares

93,825,641

%

Total votes cast Votes withheld
3.96 2,366,419,750 366,266,825

Historic performance
The graph below shows the TSR performance of the Company against the FTSE 100 index over the seven year period to 
31 December 2015.

ITV

FTSE 100

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

)

9
0
0
2
y
r
a
u
n
a
J
1
t
a
0
0
1
o
t
d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(

R
S
T

01/01/2009

01/01/2010

01/01/2011

01/01/2012

01/01/2013

01/01/2014

01/01/2015

01/01/2016

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

75

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Annual Remuneration Report continued

Chief Executive remuneration
The table below provides a summary of the total remuneration received by the Chief Executive over the last seven years, 
including details of the annual bonus payout and long-term incentive award vesting level in each year.

2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2010
2009

Adam Crozier
Adam Crozier
Adam Crozier
Adam Crozier
Adam Crozier
Adam Crozier (for the eight month period served)
John Cresswell (for the four month period served)
Michael Grade

Total
remuneration
£000
3,972
4,842
8,399
2,915
2,158
1,350
661
2,583

Bonus % of
maximum
96
94
93
91
88
95
83
94

Long-term
incentive
award
vesting % of
maximum
75
75
87
12
–
–
–
–

The long-term incentive award vesting percentage relates to the proportion of the award that met performance conditions in the relevant financial year.

The table below provides details of the percentage change in the base salary, benefits and bonus of the Chief Executive between 
31 December 2014 and 31 December 2015 compared to the average percentage change for other employees.

Chief Executive
All employees

Notes
1
2, 3

% change in
base salary
2.0
4.09

% change in
benefits
(1.08)
2.22

% change
in bonus
payment
4.17
12.02

1.   Benefits include the cost of medical insurance and car-related benefits.
2.   As the majority of employees are based in the UK, overseas employees have not been included.
3.   The percentage change in benefits is the average change for all employees (excluding the Chief Executive) with any of the same benefits as the Chief Executive. 

Spend on pay
The table below shows pay for all employees compared to other key financial indicators.

Employee pay
Ordinary dividend
Special dividend
Employee headcount 

Notes
1

2

2015 
£m

400
208
251
5,558

2014 
£m
356
152
160 
4,559

% Change
12.4
36.8
56.9
17.7

1.   Employee pay is the total remuneration paid to all colleagues across ITV employed on a full-time equivalent basis. This is shown on a different basis to last year’s 

report where the figure consisted of total remuneration paid to all UK PAYE employees through the main UK payroll. More detail is set out on page 109.

2.  Employee headcount is the monthly average number of colleagues across ITV employed on a full-time equivalent basis.
3.  There were no share buy-backs during either year. 

Remuneration Policy in 2016
The following provides details of how the Remuneration Policy will be implemented in 2016.

Executive Directors
Salary
Executive Directors’ base salaries were increased with effect from 1 January 2016 as follows.

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths

76

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

1 January
2016 
£000

941
575

1 January
2015 
£000

918
561

% Change

2.5
2.5

 Annual Remuneration Report

In line with the Remuneration Policy, salary increases for Executive Directors followed those of the wider employee population.

Taxable benefits and pension
These will be provided in line with the Remuneration Policy.

Bonus (cash and shares)
Awards will continue to be made in line with the Remuneration Policy, with annual incentives paid to Executive Directors through 
the bonus with two-thirds in cash, and one-third deferred into shares under the DSA. The proposed performance measures for 
awards are detailed below and remain unchanged from 2015. The weightings for 2016 reflect the changes to the bonus 
framework outlined in the Chairman’s letter on page 68. The Board considers the actual targets for 2016 to be commercially 
sensitive at this time and we envisage including equivalent disclosures to those included in respect of the 2015 bonus in next 
year’s report.

Performance measure
ITV plc EBITA (before exceptional items)
Profit to cash conversion
Cost savings
Individual targets

Strategic target

Weightings
60%
10%
5%
25%

Share awards
Awards will continue to be made under the LTIP in line with the Remuneration Policy. The proposed performance measures and 
targets for awards to be made in 2016 are detailed below. 

Under the LTIP rules, the maximum annual award that can be granted in any financial year is 350% of salary. This is to allow the 
Committee flexibility when recruiting Executives and to ensure the longevity of the plan. There is currently no intention to grant 
awards at this level. Awards in 2016 will be made to the Executive Directors with a value of 225% of salary, at the same level as 
awarded in 2015 and in line with the operational maximum set out in the Remuneration Policy.

In order to ensure that Executive Directors are only rewarded if value is delivered to shareholders, awards will be subject to an 
initial cumulative adjusted EPS performance gateway equal to that required for threshold performance (54.6 pence). If this 
gateway is achieved, performance will then be assessed by reference to the conditions set out below.

Performance measure
Cumulative adjusted EPS
Family SOV
Total non-NAR
International Production revenue
Online, Pay & Interactive revenue

Strategic target

Weightings
50%
20%
10%
10%
10%

Threshold
54.6p
20.2%
5% growth pa
5% growth pa 
5% growth pa

Maximum
62.4p
21.6%
10% growth pa
15% growth pa
18% growth pa

Threshold vesting for all targets is 20%. Vesting between threshold and maximum (100%) is on a straight-line basis except in 
respect of the Family SOV measure. This has a lower level of vesting that occurs at 21.2% (75% vesting) with straight-line vesting 
to that position from each threshold and maximum. When assessing performance against this target, the Committee will also 
have regard to the health of the main ITV channel.

Shares that vest will be subject to a two year holding period. 

Malus and Clawback
Malus and clawback provisions may be operated at the discretion of the Committee in respect of any cash and deferred share 
elements of the bonus and awards made under the LTIP following the introduction/amendment of these clauses. Under malus, 
unvested share awards (including any LTIP shares subject to a post vesting holding period) can be reduced (down to zero if 
considered appropriate) or be made subject to additional conditions. Clawback allows for repayment of bonuses previously paid 
and/or shares previously received following vesting. Malus/clawback can be operated up to four years following the start of the 
relevant bonus year for bonuses, and up to six years from the relevant date of grant for LTIP awards. The circumstances in which 
the operation of these provisions may be considered include material misstatement of results, gross misconduct or fraud. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

77

Governance 
 
Governance

Annual Remuneration Report continued

Non-executive Directors
Non-executive Director fees were increased with effect from 1 January 2016 as set out below.

Chairman (all-inclusive fee)
Board fee
Additional fees for:
Senior Independent Director
Audit Committee Chairman
Audit Committee member
Remuneration Committee Chairman
Remuneration Committee member

1 January
2016
£000

500,000
65,054

25,000
20,000
5,371
20,000
5,371

1 January
2015
£000
500,000
63,468

25,000 
20,000
5,240
20,000
5,240

% Change
–
2.5

–
–
2.5
–
2.5

Details of Committee membership can be found in the Governance section on page 59.
Sir Peter Bazalgette will become Chairman following the AGM to be held on 12 May 2016. His annual all-inclusive fee will be £450,000.

Directors’ share interests
Shareholding guidelines
The Committee continues to recognise the importance of Executive Directors being shareholders so as to align their interests 
with other shareholders. Shareholding guidelines are in place, which encourage Executive Directors to build up a holding of ITV 
plc shares based on a percentage of base salary. 50% of the requirement must be obtained within three years of appointment 
and the remainder within five years.

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths

The share price used to value the shares as at 31 December 2015 was 276.6 pence. 

% of salary
 required under
 shareholding 
guidelines
400
200

% of salary
 held at 
31 December
 2015

764
938

Interests in shares
The figures set out below represent shareholdings in the ordinary share capital of ITV plc beneficially owned by Directors and 
their family interests at 31 December 2015.

Peter Bazalgette
Adam Crozier
Roger Faxon
Ian Griffiths
Mary Harris 
Andy Haste
Archie Norman
John Ormerod

31 December
2015

13,685
2,241,233
15,835
1,754,554
6,138
109,222
1,350,474
153,898

31 December
2014
8,657
1,699,910
11,145
1,511,922
1,841
99,431
1,297,498
145,471

There were no changes in Directors’ interests in shares between the end of the financial year and 2 March 2016.

78

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Annual Remuneration Report

Executive Directors’ non-executive directorships
With specific approval of the Board, Executive Directors may accept external appointments as non-executive directors of other 
companies and retain any related fees paid to them.

During the year the Executive Directors retained fees for the directorships set out below.

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths 

Company
G4S plc
DS Smith plc

2015 
£000

61
54

Service contracts and loss of office
Executive Directors
Executive Directors have rolling service contracts that provide for 12 months notice on either side. There are no special provisions 
that apply in the event of a change of control.

Adam Crozier
Ian Griffiths

Date of appointment
26 April 2010
9 September 2008

Nature of contract
Rolling
Rolling

Notice period from
Company
12 months
12 months

Notice period from
Director
12 months
12 months

Compensation provisions
for early termination
None
None

A payment in lieu of notice, including base salary, contractual benefits and contractual provision for an income in retirement, 
may be made if:

•  the Company terminates the employment of the Executive Director with immediate effect, or without due notice; or
•  termination is agreed by mutual consent.

The Company may also make a payment in respect of outplacement costs, legal fees and the cost of any settlement agreement 
where appropriate.

With the exception of termination for cause or resignation, Executive Directors will be eligible for a bonus award prorated to 
reflect the proportion of the financial year for which they were employed and subject to performance achieved, provided they 
have a minimum of three months service in the bonus year.

Non-executive Directors
Each Non-executive Director, including the Chairman, has a contract of service with the Company. Non-executive Directors will 
serve for an initial term of three years, subject to election and annual re-election by shareholders, unless otherwise terminated 
earlier by and at the discretion of either party upon one month’s written notice (12 months for the current Chairman). After the 
initial three year term reappointment is on an annual basis.

All Non-executive Directors are subject to election or re-election at the AGM in 2016. Details of unexpired terms are set out in the 
table on page 59.

The Directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

79

GovernanceGovernance

Annual Remuneration Report continued

Outstanding interests under share schemes
The following tables provide details of Directors’ interests in outstanding share awards.

At
1 January
2015

Awarded
in year

Vested
in year

Exercised
in year

Lapsed in
in year

At 
31 December
2015

Share
price used
for award
(pence)

Share price
at date of
vesting
(pence)

Date of
release/exercise 
in year

Notes

a, 3, 8
a 
a
a
b

–
240,534
346,228
477,112
238,557

197,741
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
477,112
238,557

–
–
–
477,112
238,557

8

– 804,636
–

1,103,543

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

197,741
240,534
346,228
–
–

–
804,636
– 1,103,543

c, 6
c, 7
d, 7

624,647
899,347
238,557

–
–
–

–
674,511
178,918

–
674,511
178,918

–
224,836
59,639

624,647
–
–

a, 3, 8
a 
a
a
b

–
122,269
175,891
234,406
117,204

–
112,186
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 234,406 234,406
117,204
–

117,204

8

–
674,387

491,722
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

112,186
122,269
175,891
–
–

491,722
674,387

c, 6
c, 7
d, 7

342,549
493,192
117,204

–
–
–
– 369,894 369,894
87,903
–

87,903

–
123,298
29,301

342,549
–
–

256.7
194.5
129.5
88.6
88.6

256.7
183.5

121.1
81.8
88.6

256.7
194.5
129.5
88.6
88.6

256.7
183.5

121.1
81.8
88.6

254.86
254.86

30 March 2015
30 March 2015

254.86
254.86

30 March 2015
30 March 2015

254.86
254.86

30 March 2015
30 March 2015

254.86
254.86

30 March 2015
30 March 2015

Adam Crozier
DSA
27 March 2015
28 March 2014
28 March 2013
28 March 2012
28 March 2012
LTIP
27 March 2015
30 May 2014
PSP
1 March 2013
1 March 2012
28 March 2012

Ian Griffiths
DSA
27 March 2015
28 March 2014
28 March 2013
28 March 2012
28 March 2012
LTIP
27 March 2015
30 May 2014
PSP
1 March 2013
1 March 2012
28 March 2012

1.   a – Compulsory deferral, b – Voluntary deferral, c – Core Award, d – Matching Award. 
2.   No awards are outstanding that have vested but not been exercised.
3.   There are no performance conditions attaching to the DSA. 
4.   Performance conditions that apply to the outstanding awards under the PSP and LTIP are set out in the table below.
5.   DSA awards made in 2015 for 2014 performance are included in the remuneration table on page 71.
6.   PSP performance conditions were met in 2015 (75%) and will become exercisable on 28 March 2016. The indicative value at 31 December 2015 is included in the 

remuneration table on page 71 and is described on page 73.

7.   PSP performance conditions were met in 2014 (75%) and the value is included in the remuneration table on page 71. 
8.   The face value of awards granted in the financial year at £2,065,500 and £1,262,250 under the LTIP for Adam Crozier and Ian Griffiths respectively, and £507,600 

and £287,980 under the DSA.

2013 PSP

Threshold

2014 LTIP

Threshold

Strategic target

Weighting

 vesting Threshold Maximum Weightings

Gateway
Cumulative adjusted EPS
Family SOV
Annual non-NAR growth
International Production revenue growth
Online, Pay and Interactive revenue growth

1

1

2

3   4
4

3

50%
25%
25%

30.4p
30% 30.4p
23%
50%
5%
30%

33.4p
+2%
10%

50%
20%
10%
10%
10%

Cumulative adjusted  
EPS years 2013 to 2015

vesting  Threshold Maximum
37.1p
20% 37.1p
42.3p
20% 23.05% 23.51%
10%
5%
20%
15%
5%
20%
18%
5%
20%
Cumulative adjusted  
EPS years 2014 to 2016

2015 LTIP

Threshold Maximum

45.7p
45.7p

52.2p
22% 22.44%
10%
15%
18%
Cumulative adjusted 
EPS years 2015 to 2017

5% 
5%
5%

Vesting between threshold and maximum (100%) on a straight-line basis for all targets apart from SOV, which is measured on a 
proportionate basis for 2013 PSP awards

80

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Remuneration Policy

 Remuneration Policy

The Company’s policy on remuneration for Executive and Non-executive Directors was approved by shareholders at the AGM 
on 14 May 2014 for a three year period. The full policy can be found on our website:

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

The table below contains the principal elements of the remuneration packages for the Executive Directors.

Fixed elements

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum potential payment

Performance metrics

Base 
salary

Reflects the individual’s 
skills, responsibilities 
and experience.

Supports the 
recruitment and 
retention of Executive 
Directors of the calibre 
required to deliver 
the business strategy 
within the competitive 
media market.

Reviewed annually and paid 
monthly in cash.

Consideration is typically given 
to a range of factors when 
determining salary levels, 
including:

•  Personal and Company-wide 

performance.

•  Typical pay levels in relevant 
markets for each Executive 
whilst recognising the need 
for an appropriate premium 
to attract and retain superior 
talent, balanced against 
the need to provide a 
cost-effective overall 
remuneration package.

•  The wider employee pay review.

Provision for 
an income in 
retirement

To provide competitive 
post-retirement benefits 
or cash allowance as 
a framework to save 
for retirement.

Supports the 
recruitment and 
retention of Executive 
Directors of the calibre 
required to deliver 
the business strategy 
within the competitive 
media market.

Executives can choose to 
participate in the ITV defined 
contribution scheme, receive 
a cash allowance or receive 
payments into a personal 
pension or a combination 
thereof.

Contributions are set as a 
percentage of base salary.

Post-retirement benefits do 
not form part of the base 
salary for the purposes of 
determining incentives.

Benefits

Ensures the overall 
package is competitive 
and provides financial 
protection for employees 
and their families.

The Company provides a range 
of market competitive benefits 
including travel-related benefits, 
private medical insurance and 
other insurance benefits.

Additional benefits may  
also be provided in certain 
circumstances, if required for 
business need. For example 
(but not limited to), relocation 
expenses, housing allowance 
and education support.

There is no maximum 
salary increase. However, 
ordinarily salary increases 
will be in line with the 
average increase awarded 
to other employees in 
the Company.

None, although 
overall individual 
and business 
performance is 
considered when 
setting and 
reviewing salaries.

Increases may be made 
above this level to take 
account of individual 
circumstances, which 
may include:

•  Increase in size or 

scope of the role or 
responsibility.

•  Increase to reflect the 

individual’s development 
and performance in role.

The maximum 
contributions or cash 
allowances for the 
Executive Directors 
are 25% of base salary.

Set at a level which the 
Committee considers 
to be appropriately 
positioned taking into 
account typical market 
levels for comparable 
roles, individual 
circumstances and 
the overall cost to 
the business.

None

None

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

81

GovernanceGovernance

Remuneration Policy continued

Variable elements

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum potential payment

Performance metrics

Annual Bonus 
Scheme 
(Bonus) and 
Deferred 
Share Award 
Plan (DSA)

Incentivises Executives 
and colleagues to 
achieve key strategic 
outcomes on an 
annual basis.

Focus on key financial 
metrics and objectives 
to deliver the business 
strategy.

The element 
compulsorily deferred 
into shares rewards 
delivery of sustained 
long-term performance, 
provides alignment 
with the shareholder 
experience and 
supports the retention 
of executives.

The maximum bonus 
opportunity for any 
Executive Director will 
not exceed 200% 
of salary.

The current bonus 
opportunities are 180% 
of salary for Adam 
Crozier and 165% of 
salary for Ian Griffiths.

Increases above the 
current opportunities, up 
to the maximum limit, 
may be made to take 
account of individual 
circumstances, which 
may include:

•  Increase in size or 
scope of the role 
or responsibility.
•  Increase to reflect 
the individual’s 
development and 
performance in 
their role.

Performance 
measures and targets 
are set by the 
Committee each year 
based on corporate 
objectives closely 
linked to the 
strategic priorities 
and individual 
contributions.

The majority of the 
bonus opportunity 
will be based on the 
corporate and 
financial measures.

The remainder of the 
bonus will be based on 
performance against 
individual objectives.

Up to 20% of 
the maximum 
opportunity will 
be received for 
threshold 
performance.

Measures and targets are set 
annually based on business 
plans at the start of the 
financial year and pay-out 
levels are determined by the 
Committee following the 
year-end based on performance 
against objectives.

Paid once the results have 
been audited. Annual bonus 
calculations that are based 
on the financial results for the 
year are audited by Internal 
Audit and reviewed by the 
Audit Committee before 
consideration by the 
Committee.

The Committee has the 
discretion to amend the bonus 
pay-out should any formulaic 
assessment of performance not 
reflect a balanced view of 
overall business performance 
for the year.

Two-thirds of the bonus is 
delivered in cash and one-third 
is deferred into shares under the 
DSA for a period of three years. 

During the deferral period 
share awards may be reduced 
or cancelled in certain 
circumstances. Further detail  
is provided on our website  
www.itvplc.com/governance.

Dividends are paid to 
participants on the deferred 
shares during the deferral 
period.

82

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Remuneration Policy

Variable elements

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum potential payment

Performance metrics

New LTIP

Incentivises Executives 
to deliver performance 
which is aligned to 
the business strategy 
over the longer term 
and the creation of 
shareholder value.

Acts as a retention tool 
to retain the Executives 
required to deliver the 
business strategy.

Our current operational 
policy is to make 
awards of 225% of salary 
each year.

Under the new LTIP rules, 
the maximum annual 
award that may be 
granted in any financial 
year is 350% of salary. 

The Committee would 
consult with 
shareholders if it was 
considering increasing 
awards above the 
current operational 
policy.

Awards are made annually 
with vesting dependent on 
business performance during 
the performance period. The 
performance period will be 
three years, other than in 
exceptional circumstances.

The Committee has discretion 
to amend the final vesting 
level should any formulaic 
assessment of performance 
not reflect a balanced view 
of the business performance 
during the performance period.

Awards will be required to be 
held for an additional period of 
two years after the end of the 
performance period. This is 
called the holding period and 
will be phased in during 2014 
and 2015.

Dividends are earned on 
deferred shares during the 
holding period.

During the holding period 
awards may be reduced or 
cancelled in certain 
circumstances. Further detail 
is provided on our website 
www.itvplc.com/governance.

SAYE

Provides all 
employees, including 
Executive Directors, 
the opportunity to 
voluntarily invest in 
Company shares.

Executive Directors are entitled 
to participate in the plan on the 
same basis as other employees.

Participation limits are 
as per the rules of the 
plan and in accordance 
with HMRC limits.

Performance is 
measured against 
corporate targets 
closely linked to the 
Company’s financial 
and strategic priorities.

Performance metrics 
are:

•  Adjusted EPS
•  Non-NAR and its 

components

•  Viewing 

performance

LTIP awards will vest 
based on financial 
performance. 

A gateway condition 
must be achieved 
before any portion 
of the award vests. 

Each performance 
metric will operate 
independently.

The performance 
range will be 
determined for each 
metric. The proportion 
of each element of the 
award that will vest for 
threshold performance 
against a metric will 
be 20%.

None

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

83

GovernanceGovernance

Remuneration Policy continued

The table below summarises the main elements of remuneration for Non-executive Directors:

Component

Approach of the Company

Chairman fees

The Committee determines the fees of the Chairman and sets the fees at a level that is considered 
to be appropriate, taking into account the size and complexity of the business and the expected time 
commitment and contribution of the role.

The fee is a fixed annual fee of which 25% (40% for the current Chairman), after statutory deductions, 
is used to acquire shares in the Company. The shares are purchased quarterly and held by a nominee 
until retirement from the Board.

Non-executive fees

The Board determines the fees of the Non-executive Directors and sets the fees at a level that is 
considered to be appropriate, taking into account the size and complexity of the business and the 
expected time commitment and contribution of the role.

Fees are structured as a basic fee with additional fees payable for membership and/or chairmanship 
of a committee or other additional responsibilities.

The Non-executive Directors are required to use 25% of their annual fees, after statutory deductions, 
to acquire shares in the Company. The shares are purchased quarterly and held by a nominee on their 
behalf until they retire from the Board.

Benefits

Additional benefits may also be provided in certain circumstances, if required for business purposes.

84

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Directors’ Report

 Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Annual Report and the audited consolidated and parent company financial statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2015. The Directors’ Report required under the Companies Act 2006 comprises this report, the entire 
Governance section including the Annual Remuneration Report, and the Strategic Report, all of which are incorporated by 
reference and deemed to form part of this report.

Articles of Association 
Unless expressly specified to the contrary, the Articles of Association may only be amended by special resolution of the 
shareholders. The Articles are available on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

Auditor
During the year the Audit Committee considered the performance and audit fees of the external auditor, and the level of 
non-audit work undertaken. They recommended to the Board that a resolution for the reappointment of KPMG LLP for a 
further year as the Company’s auditor be proposed to shareholders at the AGM in May 2016. 

Change of control
No person holds securities in the Company carrying special rights with regard to control of the Company.

All of the Company’s share schemes contain provisions relating to a change of control. Outstanding awards and options would 
normally vest and become exercisable on a change of control, subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions and 
proration for time where appropriate.

Certain of the Group’s bonds/borrowing facilities have change of control clauses whereby the issuer can require ITV to repay/
redeem bonds in the event of a change of control. The Company is not aware of any other significant agreements to which it 
is party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company.

Directors
Appointments: A table showing Directors who served in the year can be found on page 59. Biographies for Directors currently 
in office can be found on pages 54 and 55. 

Directors are appointed for an initial three year period and annually thereafter. During the year Roger Faxon, Andy Haste, Archie 
Norman and John Ormerod were re-appointed for a further 12 month period. In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, each Director will retire and submit himself or herself for election or re-election at the AGM on 12 May 2016.

Detail on compensation for loss of office can be found in the Annual Remuneration Report on page 79.

Conflicts of interest: The Board has delegated the authorisation of conflicts to the Nomination Committee and has adopted 
a Conflicts of Interest Policy. The Board has considered in detail the current external appointments of the Directors which may 
give rise to a situational conflict and has authorised potential conflicts where appropriate. This authorisation can be reviewed 
at any time but will always be subject to annual review. The Board is confident that these procedures operate effectively.

Contracts of significance: No Director had any interest in any contract with the Company or its subsidiary undertakings.

Powers: The powers of the Directors are set out in the Articles of Association. The Articles and a schedule of Matters Reserved 
for the Board can be found on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

85

GovernanceGovernance

Directors’ Report continued

Dividends
The Board has proposed a final dividend and a special dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015. Details of these and other 
dividends paid for the year are as follows: 

Interim dividend
Final dividend
Total ordinary dividend

Special dividend
Total dividend payment

 2015

1.9p
4.1p
6.0p

10.0p
16.0p

2014
1.4p
3.3p
4.7p

6.25p
10.95p

The final dividend and special dividend for 2015 will be paid on 27 May 2016 to shareholders on the register on 29 April 2016. 
The ex dividend date is 28 April 2016.

Employees 

Disability: The Company gives full and fair consideration to the employment of people with disabilities 
in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. This is reflected in an award from the Department for Work and 
Pensions of a Two Ticks Disability Symbol. In the event of a colleague becoming disabled, it is the Company’s 
policy, wherever possible, to support the individual to continue their employment or be considered for other 
open positions within the business. 

The Company’s employment and recruitment policy is based on non-discrimination and equal opportunities. We are committed 
to ensuring that all training, career development and promotional opportunities are accessible and inclusive to all and individuals 
with a disability are afforded the same career opportunities for growth and progression.

The Company provides tailored measures to ensure employees are fully supported and that reasonable 
adjustments are made, training is provided and resource materials are accessible. The Company continues 
to review its policies and practices to build confidence around the disability agenda, to attract, develop and retain those with a 
disability, both on and off screen. The Company is also able to draw on its in-house service SignPost for additional support and 
guidance around access and inclusion for particular audiences.

The Company’s commitment around the disability agenda extends beyond our legal obligations and partners with a variety of 
external specialists to drive best practice. For a comprehensive outline of our activity visit our Corporate Responsibility website. 

  www.itvresponsibility.com

Diversity: Diversity within the organisation is integral to achieving our business aims. Reflecting the demographics of our 
customers and understanding their needs ensures that our brand, programmes and services are accessible, inclusive and have 
wide appeal. Further information can be found on our Corporate Responsibility website. 

  www.itvresponsibility.com

Engagement: Attracting and retaining talent is critical to our success. It is therefore in our interest to ensure that we provide 
the appropriate rewards and opportunities for development so that colleagues feel engaged with the Company.

In 2015 the Company carried out an engagement campaign consisting of a series of Management Board led roadshows across 
the business. This gave colleagues an opportunity to feed back their thoughts and concerns about the business. Engagement 
was reinforced through forums such as the intranet, regular soft and hard-copy newsletters and briefings between management 
and their teams. These channels enabled colleagues to understand the financial and economic factors affecting the Company’s 
performance, how their role contributed towards the execution of the strategy and how they could benefit from Company 
success through involvement in employee share schemes and information on their rights and benefits. 

86

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Directors’ Report

To further promote colleague engagement, the Company has introduced a network of Ambassadors who have been nominated 
and elected by their colleagues to represent each part of the business. These Ambassadors share the views of colleagues with 
the business, enabling us to understand ways to make ITV a better place to work. The Ambassadors also keep colleagues up to 
date with what is going on across the business.

We have continued to measure and listen to colleagues through employee surveys. A short survey carried out at the end of 2015 
revealed that 93% of colleagues were proud to work for ITV, with the total engagement score of 89.33% (90% in 2014), 6% higher 
than the benchmark response.

Remuneration: When the Company reviews pay it takes a number of factors into consideration, including the need to stay 
competitive. Our focus on cash and costs remains incredibly important for the future health of our business. We need to balance 
our business and financial commitments with our continuing investment in our programming and people. 

The Company continues to be committed to ensuring colleagues earn at least the Living Wage or greater. Where appropriate 
we have agreed additional increases. On 1 January 2016, all eligible colleagues received a pay increase of 3.0% (2015: 2.2%), 
with all those on a full-time equivalent basic salary of £100,000 or above receiving 2.5%. 

In addition a bonus arrangement extends to all our colleagues, providing a comprehensive incentive framework which rewards 
everybody when the Company is successful. The all-colleague bonus award for 2015 was paid in full at £1,500 (2014: paid in full 
at £1,200). 

The Company also operates a successful and popular all-employee Save As You Earn scheme that encourages voluntary 
investment in Company shares and a package of voluntary benefits, which provides valuable cost savings for both colleagues 
and the Company.

Information about remuneration for the Directors is included in the Annual Remuneration Report on pages 68 to 80.

Succession planning: When planning succession within the Company consideration is given to emergency cover together with 
medium and long-term succession and this is reviewed annually by the Nomination Committee. There is particular emphasis on 
growing the internal leadership pipeline through the launch of the following key programmes:

Executive Development Programme – Next generation potential Board successors, giving them an opportunity to develop 
their management potential and gain a greater understanding of the business.

Developing Future Leaders Programme – Delegates selected from across the business identified as a result of the 
performance review process. Content includes understanding what it means to be a leader at ITV, how to manage 
performance effectively, coaching skills and change management.

A comprehensive portfolio of development courses and workshops is in place for all colleagues which address common 
development needs.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

87

GovernanceGovernance

Directors’ Report continued

Greenhouse Gas emissions
The Company is required to report annually on the quantity of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in tonnes emitted as a result 
of activities for which it is responsible.

All data for the financial year ended 31 December 2015 is disclosed below for direct and indirect (electricity consumption) 
emissions. More information on our environmental impacts and how we aim to make a positive difference can be found on our 
Corporate Responsibility website. 

  www.itvresponsibility.com

Indicator
Total gross CO2e emissions
Scope 1: Direct emissions
Scope 2: Indirect emissions
Total revenue
Emissions per unit/£m revenue

Source: Utilyx analysis of ITV data.

2015
31,196 (tCO2e)
8,294 (tCO2e)
22,902 (tCO2e)
£3,383m
9.2 (tCO2e)

2014
40,219 (tCO2e)
11,180 (tCO2e)
29,039 (tCO2e)
£2,956m
13.6 (tCO2e)

The emissions data covers our global properties but not our US acquisitions. The latest conversion factors specified in Defra and DECC’s 2015 guidance were used to 
calculate emissions in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. 35% of our data set is based on estimated data. Estimates are calculated from previous consumption 
trends and published benchmarks. The 2014 total is 19 (t CO2e) which is higher than reported last year due to additional data received.

Health and safety
The health and safety of our colleagues, contractors and visitors is always a high priority. The significant loss of human life as 
the result of a major incident has been identified as a specific risk to the organisation. The Company’s professional Health and 
Safety team continue to use a management system that meets the specific risk profile of the business which is communicated 
across the business. This is supported by a comprehensive training programme and direct support from the Health and 
Safety team.

Health and safety performance information is reported to the Board monthly and briefings were held in 2015 for the 
Management and Studios Boards. In 2015 a full health and safety compliance review was undertaken and work was done with 
external production companies to develop a model for compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 
2015 appropriate for a television production business. Work at height continues to be an area of focus for us as our reporting 
indicates this is an ongoing issue for productions.

Performance indicators – UK 

Lost time accidents reported under RIDDOR1
Specified injuries reported under RIDDOR2

Staff

5
1

Non
Staff

7
7

2015

Total

12
8

Staff
8
4

Non
Staff
3
2

2014

Total
11
6

1.   This indicates accidents that have led to people being unable to undertake their normal role for seven days or longer. 
2.   Specified injuries in this context means injuries such as broken bones (not fingers or toes), amputation, serious burns, loss of consciousness caused by a head 

injury or inpatient hospitalisation. These are reported if they were caused by our work activity.

3.   Reported data excludes Mammoth, Twofour and Talpa as these were not integrated into the ITV Health and Safety Management System in the year ended 

31 December 2015.

The majority of these accidents occurred in the production business. Given the risk profile of production content and the increase 
in the number of productions last year, the increase in accidents does not indicate any change in overall safety performance 
within the business.

88

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

 Directors’ Report

Performance indicators – international 

Serious injuries sustained at work by staff or 
people directly involved in our activities1

Australia

France

Germany

USA

Finland

Norway

Sweden

Denmark

0

0

1 

1 

 0 

0 

 0

0

1.   We have used the UK definition of a specific injury under RIDDOR to define a serious injury. Due to differing local legislative reporting requirements figures for 

lost time accidents have not yet been integrated into the ITV Health and Safety Management System. 

Insurance and indemnities
The Company maintains liability insurance for its Directors and officers that is renewed on an annual basis. The Company has also 
entered into deeds of indemnity with its Directors. A copy of the indemnity can be found on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

The Company operates a pension scheme that provides retirement and death benefits for colleagues. Qualifying pension 
scheme indemnity provisions, as defined in Section 235 of the Companies Act 2006, were in force for the financial year ended 
31 December 2015 and remain in force for the benefit of each of the directors of ITV Pension Scheme Limited. These indemnity 
provisions cover, to the extent permitted by law, certain losses or liabilities incurred as a director of ITV Pension Scheme Limited.

For further information about pensions is set out on page 45 and in note 3.7 on page 133. 

Listing rule 9.8.4 disclosures
There are no disclosures to be made other than that the trustee of the EBT waived their rights to receive dividends on shares 
held by them which do not relate to restricted shares held under the ITV Deferred Share Award Plan. 

Political contributions
It is the Company’s policy not to make cash contributions to any political party. However, within the normal activities of the 
Company’s national and regional news-gathering operations there may be occasions when an activity might fall within the 
broader definition of ‘political expenditure’ contained within the Companies Act 2006. Shareholder authority for such expenditure 
was given at the 2015 AGM. However, during 2015 the Group made no payments falling within this definition (2014: nil).

Report and Accounts disclosures
Financial risk management: The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Company, 
including in relation to its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity. Details of our risks and associated 
mitigations together with details of our approach to risk management are set out on page 46 to 51.

Note 4.3 to the accounts on page 144 gives details of the Group’s financial risk management policies and related exposures. 
This note is incorporated by reference and deemed to form part of this report.

Future developments: Our strategy is set out in the Strategic Report.

Going concern: The going concern statement is set out on page 103. This note is incorporated by reference and deemed to form 
part of this report. 

Post balance sheet events: On 19 February 2016 Ministerial approval was received and all other conditions confirmed as 
satisfied for the acquisition of 100% of UTV Limited. Completion took place on Monday 29 February 2016. 

Research and Development: Relevant information is set out in the Strategic Report.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

89

GovernanceGovernance

Directors’ Report continued

Share capital
Issued: At the date of this report there were 4,025,409,194 ordinary shares of 10 pence each in issue, all of which are fully paid up 
and quoted on the London Stock Exchange. 

Purchase of own shares: The Directors have the authority to purchase up to 402.5 million of the Company’s ordinary shares. 
The authority remains valid until the AGM in 2016 or 12 August 2016, if earlier.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company other than those which 
may be imposed by law from time to time. In accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs), certain employees 
are required to seek approval to deal in ITV shares. The Company is not aware of any agreements between shareholders that 
may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities and/or voting rights.

Rights: The rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares are set out in the Articles of Association. A copy of the Articles can 
be found on our website.

  www.itvplc.com/about/governance

Share Schemes: Details of employee share schemes are set out in note 4.7. The Company has a discretionary employees’ 
benefit trust (EBT) funded by loans to acquire shares for the potential benefit of employees. Details of shares held by the EBT 
at 31 December 2015 are set out on page 154. During the year shares have been released from the EBT in respect of share 
schemes for employees. The trustee of the EBT has the power to exercise all voting rights in relation to any investment 
(including ordinary shares) held within the EBT. 

Substantial shareholders
Information regarding interests in voting rights provided to the Company pursuant to the DTRs is published on a Regulatory 
Information Service and on the Company’s website. 

As at 2 March 2016, the information in the table below had been received, in accordance with DTR5, from holders of notifiable 
interests (voting rights) in the Company’s issued share capital. It should be noted that these holdings are likely to have changed 
since notified to the Company. However, notification of any change is not required until the next applicable threshold is crossed.

Liberty Global Incorporated Limited
FMR LLC
Blackrock Inc.

Shares

398,515,510
309,919,900
195,504,921

%
9.90
7.69
6.24

Nature of
holding
Direct
Indirect
Indirect

The Company received separate notifications from The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman Sachs) on various dates during the course of 2015 and, most recently, 
on 2 February 2016 in respect of an interest in 20.01% of the Company’s issued share capital. Of this, 0.05% related to voting rights over the Company’s shares 
which are held indirectly with a further 0.01% held by way of a physical stock loan and 19.96% being represented by certain financial instruments with similar 
economic effect to the Company’s ordinary shares. The Company understands that Goldman Sachs initially submitted a notification in respect of its interest as a 
result of changes to the DTRs, specifically 5.1 and 5.3, which took effect on 26 November 2015 rather than as a result of any change in the interests of Goldman 
Sachs in the Company’s issued share capital. 

The number of shares is based on announcements made by each relevant shareholder using the Company’s issued share capital 
at that date.

90

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Directors’ responsibilities

 Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors consider that the Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s and the Group’s position 
and performance, business model 
and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and 
functions are listed on pages 54 and 55, 
confirm that, to the best of their 
knowledge:

•  the Group accounts, which have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit of the Group; and
•  the Directors’ Report includes a fair 
review of the development and 
performance of the business and the 
position of the Group, together with 
a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that it faces.

In accordance with Section 418 of the 
Companies Act 2006, the Directors 
confirm that, so far as they are each 
aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s 
auditor is unaware; and each Director 
has taken all steps that they ought to 
have taken as a Director in order to 
make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s auditor is aware 
of that information.

The Board has conducted a review of 
the effectiveness of the Group’s systems 
of internal controls for the year ended 
31 December 2015. In the opinion of 
the Board, the Company has complied 
with the internal control requirements 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
throughout the year, maintaining 
an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating, and minimising risk. 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group 
and parent company financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and parent company 
financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they are required 
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent company 
financial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and parent company and of their profit or loss for that period. 
In preparing each of the Group and parent company financial statements, 
the Directors are required:

•  to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  to make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  for the Group financial statements, to state whether they have been prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;

•  for the parent company financial statements, state whether applicable UK 

Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the parent company financial statements; and
•  to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the parent company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent 
company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps 
as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to 
prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible 
for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, Annual Remuneration 
Report and Corporate Governance Statement that comply with that law 
and those regulations.

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

By order of the Board

Andrew Garard
Company Secretary 
2 March 2016
ITV plc 
Registered number 4967001

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

91

GovernanceFinancial Statements

Financial Statements

In this section

The financial statements have been presented in a style that attempts to make them less 
complex and more relevant to shareholders. We have grouped the note disclosures into five 
sections: ‘Basis of Preparation’, ‘Results for the Year’, ‘Operating Assets and Liabilities’, ‘Capital 
Structure and Financing Costs’ and ‘Other Notes’. Each section sets out the accounting policies 
applied in producing the relevant notes, along with details of any key judgements and estimates 
used. The purpose of this format is to provide readers with a clearer understanding of what drives 
financial performance of the Group. The aim of the text in boxes is to provide commentary on  
each section, or note, in plain English.

Keeping it 
simple

Notes to the financial statements provide information required by statute, accounting standards  
or Listing Rules to explain a particular feature of the financial statements. The notes which follow  
will also provide explanations and additional disclosure to assist readers’ understanding and 
interpretation of the Annual Report and the financial statements.

Contents

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of ITV plc Only 

Primary Statements 
Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Section 1: Basis of Preparation 

Section 2: Results for the Year 
2.1  Profit before tax 
2.2  Exceptional items 
2.3  Taxation 
2.4  Earnings per share 

Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities 
3.1  Working capital 
3.2  Property, plant and equipment 
3.3  Intangible assets 
3.4  Acquisitions 
3.5  Investments 
3.6  Provisions 
3.7  Pensions 

Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs 
4.1  Net cash/(debt) 
4.2  Borrowings and finance leases 
4.3  Managing market risks: derivative financial instruments 
4.4  Net financing costs 
4.5  Fair value hierarchy 
4.6  Equity 
4.7  Share-based compensation 

Section 5: Other Notes 
5.1  Related party transactions 
5.2  Contingent liabilities 
5.3  Subsequent events 
5.4  Subsidiaries except from audit 

ITV plc Company Financial Statements 

Notes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 

92

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

93

97
97
98
99
100
102

103

106
106
111
112
115

117
117
121
123
128
131
131
133

140
140
142
144
148
149
151
152

154
154
155
155
156

157

159

 Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of ITV plc Only

Independent Auditor’s Report to the  
Members of ITV plc Only

Opinions and conclusions arising from our audit
1. Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified 
We have audited the financial statements of ITV plc for the year ended 31 December 2015 set out on pages 97 to 170.  
In our opinion: 

•  The financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 

31 December 2015 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

•  The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

as adopted by the European Union; 

•  The parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards, including 

FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework; and

•  The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and, as regards 

the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

2. Our assessment of risks of material misstatement
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial statements the risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect 
on our audit, were as follows:

The Audit Committee’s consideration of these significant risks is set out in the Audit Committee Report on pages 62 to 67. 

The risk
Revenue recognition and contractual arrangements (see note 2.1)  
The Group’s revenue consists primarily of advertising, programme production and programme rights. 

Our response

Our procedures included: 

•  Testing of controls, assisted by our own IT specialists, including 
those over: input of individual campaigns’ terms and pricing, 
comparison of those terms and pricing data against the related 
contracts with advertising agencies; linkage to transmission/viewer 
data; and segregation of duties

•  Testing management’s review controls over: contract approval; 

periodic deal reconciliations and the related deal debt adjustment 
•  Analysing revenue based on our industry knowledge and external 

market data, following up variances and 

•  Challenging the year-end deal debt position based on comparison 
with customers’ correspondence and agreed terms of business 

We also assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect 
of the accounting policies on revenue recognition set out in note 2.1.

Net Advertising Revenue (‘NAR’) £1,719 million  
(2014: £1,629 million)
The majority of ITV’s advertising revenue (NAR) is subject to 
regulation under Ofcom’s Contract Rights Renewal system 
(‘CRR’). CRR works by ensuring that the annual share of TV 
advertising that will be placed with ITV by each advertising 
agency can change in relation to the viewing figures for 
commercial television that it delivers. The CRR system, the 
pricing of the annual contractual arrangements with advertising 
agencies and the details of each advertising campaign, together 
with the related processes and controls, are complex and 
involve estimation. 

In particular, the pricing mechanism means it is possible for a 
difference to arise between the price paid for an advertising 
campaign and the value it delivered, mainly as a result of the 
actual viewing figures being different from the agreed level. 
Where the Group has over-delivered viewers this is referred to 
as a ‘deal credit’, or a ‘deal debt’ where delivery has fallen short. 
Rather than the price paid for that campaign being adjusted, 
these differences are noted for each agency and then taken 
account of when agreeing either future campaigns or the 
annual contract. A net deal debt position with an agency is 
recorded in ITV’s accounts, as a liability. Net deal credit positions 
are not recognised.

NAR is therefore considered a significant risk due to:

•  The number and complexity of contractual agreements with 

advertising agencies

•  The complexity of the systems and processes of control used 

to record revenue and

•  The level of estimation involved in determining the deal debt 

liability at the period end 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

93

Financial StatementsIndependent Auditor’s Report to the  
Members of ITV plc Only continued

The risk

Other revenue streams (‘Non-NAR revenue’) £1,253 million 
(2014: £961 million)
Non-NAR revenue includes revenue from; programme 
production, the sale of programme rights, transmission supply 
arrangements and the Online, Pay & Interactive division within 
the Broadcast segment.

Our response
Our procedures included:

•  Testing of controls over the timing of revenue recognition. 

We considered the Group’s revenue recognition policies against 
the relevant accounting standards and 

•  For a sample of contracts entered into during the year, we tested 
whether revenue had been recognised in accordance with the 
contractual terms in the correct accounting period, given the 
requirements of the relevant accounting standard

Recognition of non-NAR revenue is driven by the specific terms 
of the related contracts. It is considered to be a risk as the terms 
of the contracts are varied and can be complex, with the result 
that accounting for the revenue generated in any given period 
can require individual consideration. 
Acquisition accounting: Talpa Media B.V. (initial consideration £238 million and goodwill arising £41 million (see notes 3.3 and 
3.4) (2014: Leftfield Entertainment initial consideration £209 million and goodwill arising £139 million)
ITV acquired 100% of Talpa Media on 30 April 2015. The 
acquisition agreement requires the seller to provide services 
to ITV for a period of seven years, in order to qualify for 
performance-based payments after two, five and seven years. 
Further, a portion of the initial consideration is repayable if the 
seller ceases to provide services for a two year period after 
acquisition. Accounting for the Talpa acquisition is considered 
a significant risk as a result of the following factors: 

•  Inspecting the terms of the acquisition contracts to determine 
whether the accounting treatment of performance-related 
consideration arrangements applied is appropriate based on the 
criteria of the relevant accounting standards

•  Using our own valuation specialists to assist us in: assessing both 
the appropriateness of the identified intangibles, against the 
criteria of the relevant accounting standards, and the 
appropriateness of the discount rates

Our procedures included:

•  The Group is required to make a number of judgements, 

which focus on, but are not limited to: assessment of whether 
the performance-related consideration arrangements are 
acquisition consideration or post-acquisition remuneration, 
identification of intangible assets acquired and assessment 
of fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities and

•  In determining the fair value of the acquired intangible assets 
and the contingent consideration and remuneration payable, 
medium term cashflow forecasts have been prepared by ITV. 
The inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting future cash 
flows and the judgement involved in the selection of the 
appropriate discount rate makes this a key area of focus

•  Comparing the Group’s forecast revenue growth and margins 
assumptions to our own assessments, based on our industry 
knowledge, in relation to key inputs such as the useful lives of, 
and likelihood of revenue from, existing formats and
•  Understanding of the principles applied by the Group in 

determining the acquisition date fair values for the remaining 
assets and liabilities and agreeing significant adjustments to 
supporting documentation, such as underlying contracts and 
vendor due diligence reports

We also considered the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in 
respect of the acquisition and the related judgments in note 3.4.

Defined benefit pension schemes £176 million (2014: £346 million) (see note 3.7)
Significant estimates are made in valuing the Group’s post-
retirement defined benefit schemes.

In this area our procedures included challenging the key assumptions 
applied in determining the Group’s net deficit, being the discount 
rate, inflation rate and mortality/life expectancy, with the support 
of our own actuarial specialists. This included a comparison of these 
key assumptions against externally derived data. 

We also considered the adequacy of the group’s disclosures in respect 
of the sensitivity of the deficits to these assumptions in note 3.7.

The key valuation assumptions are set out in note 3.7 in the 
‘Assumptions’ section. When making these assumptions the 
Group takes independent actuarial advice relating to their 
appropriateness.

The valuation is considered to be a significant risk as, given 
the quantum of the pension deficit, small changes in the 
assumptions can have a material financial impact on the Group.

94

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of ITV plc Only

The risk

Our response

Royalty accruals £69 million (2014: £70 million) (see note 3.1.5) 
The Group pays royalties directly to artists or producers for 
content used. The contractual terms of these agreements are 
varied and complex. 

The related IT systems can only address part of the processing, 
necessitating a significant manual element in calculating 
royalty accruals recorded by the Group. 

Overall the process is complex and the volume and variety of 
contracts being interpreted and accounted for combined with 
the manual nature of the process increases the risk of error. 

Among other procedures, we tested manual controls over the 
recording of royalty costs and the approval of royalty payments. 

We re-performed a sample of the Group’s annual royalty calculations, 
agreeing key inputs to contracts and the underlying system data. 

In addition, for a sample of programs, we performed analytical 
procedures, comparing the royalty costs recorded in the financial 
statements to our expectation using participation percentages from 
the underlying contracts, and following up variances. 

3. Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £29 million (2014: £25 million), determined with 
reference to a benchmark of Group profit before tax, of which it represents 4.6% (2014: 4.1%). 

We reported to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £1.5 million 
(2014: £1 million), in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Scoping and coverage
Revenue

  Group audited 

80%

  Specified audit 
procedures 

  Not in scope 

12%

8% 

Profit before tax

  Group audited 

88%

  Specified audit 
procedures 

   Not in scope 

6%

6% 

Total assets

  Group audited 

85%

  Specified audit 
procedures 

   Not in scope 

3%

12% 

The Group’s principal operations are in the United Kingdom and only the core UK operations (comprising Broadcast and Online, 
the UK Studios, Global Entertainment and the central functions) are scoped in for Group audit purposes. The Group audit team 
performed the audit of the core UK operations as if they were a single aggregated set of financial information using materiality 
of £25 million (2014: £23 million). The Group audit team performed all of the audit procedures over the risks related to the 
acquisition of Talpa Media.

Although not in-scope for Group reporting purposes, in agreement with the Audit Committee, specified audit procedures were 
also performed on two entities in the US and one entity in the Netherlands by component auditors simultaneously with the audit 
of the Group and UK operations. The Group audit team set the materiality for specified audit procedures at £5 million for all 
components. Together the above audit and these specified audit procedures covered 92% (2014: 96%) of total Group revenue, 
94% (2014: 99%) of Group profit before taxation; and 88% (2014: 99%) of total Group assets. 

4. Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified
In our opinion: 

•  The part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 

Act 2006 and

•  The information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 

statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

95

Financial Statements 
 
 
Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the  
Members of ITV plc Only continued

5. We have nothing to report on the disclosures of principal risks
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

•  The Directors’ statement of long term viability on page 47, concerning the principal risks, their management, and, based on that, 
the Directors’ assessment and expectations of the Group’s continuing in operation over the three years to 31 December 2018 or 

•  The disclosures in note 1 of the financial statements concerning the use of the going concern basis of accounting

6. We have nothing to report in respect of the matters on which we are required to report by exception 
Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you if, based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have 
identified other information in the Annual Report that contains a material inconsistency with either that knowledge or the 
financial statements, a material misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 

•  We have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our audit and the Directors’ statement 
that they consider that the Annual Report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy or

•  The Audit Committee Report does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee

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

•  Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us or 

•  The parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns or 

•  Certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made or 
•  We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

•  The Directors’ statements, set out on pages 91 and 47, in relation to going concern and longer-term viability and 
•  The part of the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 58 to 61 relating to the Company’s compliance with the eleven 

provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities. 

Scope and responsibilities
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 91, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. A description of the scope of 
an audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. 
This report is made solely to the Company’s members as a body and is subject to important explanations and disclaimers 
regarding our responsibilities, published on our website at www.kpmg.com/uk/auditscopeukco2014a, which are incorporated 
into this report as if set out in full and should be read to provide an understanding of the purpose of this report, the work we 
have undertaken and the basis of our opinions.

Mark Summerfield (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants  
15 Canada Square 
London  
E14 5GL  
2 March 2016

96

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December

Revenue
Operating costs
Operating profit

Presented as:
Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation (EBITA) before exceptional items
Operating exceptional items
Amortisation of intangible assets
Operating profit

Financing income
Financing costs
Net financing costs
Gain on sale of non-current assets (exceptional items)
Gain on sale of subsidiaries and investments (exceptional items)
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

 Financial Statements

Note
2.1

2.1
2.2
3.3

4.4
4.4
4.4
2.2
2.2

2.3

4.6.6

 2015
£m

2,972
(2,306)
666

2014
£m
2,590
(1,939)
651

842
(109)
(67)
666

6
(37)
(31)
5
1
641
(139)
502

495
7
502

730
(12)
(67)
651

22
(73)
(51)
4
1
605
(132)
473

466
7
473

2.4
2.4

12.4p
12.3p

11.6p
11.5p

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

97

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:
Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss
Revaluation of available for sale financial assets
Net loss on cash flow hedges
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (net of hedging)
Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurement gains on defined benefit pension schemes
Income tax charge on items that will never be reclassified
Other comprehensive income/(cost) for the year, net of income tax
Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year

Note

4.6.4
4.3/4.6.3
4.6.3

3.7
2.3

4.6.6

 2015
£m

502

(1)
–
10

91
(19)
81
583

576
7
583

2014
£m
473

3
(4)
22

24
(3)
42
515

508
7
515

98

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures, associates and equity investments
Derivative financial instruments
Distribution rights
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Programme rights and other inventory
  Trade and other receivables due within one year
  Trade and other receivables due after more than one year
Trade and other receivables
Current tax receivable
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
  Trade and other payables due within one year
  Trade payables due after more than one year
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Provisions

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Defined benefit pension deficit
Deferred tax liabilities
Other payables
Provisions

Net assets

Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
Share capital
Share premium
Merger and other reserves
Translation reserve
Available for sale reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

 Financial Statements

 2015
£m

239
1,500
30
8
29
–
1,806

373
531
33
564
13
1
294
1,245

(11)
(5)
(786)
(48)
(834)
(69)
(28)
(947)

298

(602)
(6)
(176)
(79)
(89)
(5)
(957)
1,147

403
174
221
35
6
275
1,114
33
1,147

2014
£m

248
1,129
14
16
13
43
1,463

367
385
24
409
–
11
297
1,084

(85)
(12)
(699)
(27)
(726)
(72)
(17)
(912)

172

(171)
(12)
(346)
–
(38)
(4)
(571)
1,064

403
174
228
25
7
177
1,014
50
1,064

Note

3.2
3.3
3.5
4.3
3.1.1
2.3

3.1.2
3.1.4
3.1.4

4.3
4.1

4.2
4.3
3.1.5
3.1.6

3.6

4.2
4.3
3.7
2.3

3.6

4.6.1
4.6.1
4.6.2

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 March 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:

Ian Griffiths 
Group Finance Director

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

99

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company

Note

Share
capital
£m

403

Share
premium
£m

Merger
and other
reserves
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Available
for sale
 reserve
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Non-
controlling
interests
£m

Total
£m

Total
equity
£m

174

228

25

Balance at 1 January 2015
Total comprehensive income for 
the year
Profit
Other comprehensive income/(cost)
Revaluation of available for sale 
financial assets
Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations (net of hedging)
Remeasurement gains on defined benefit 
pension schemes
Reclassification of revaluation reserve 
on disposal of property, plant and 
equipment
Income tax charge on other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for 
the year
Transactions with owners, recorded 
directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners
Equity dividends
Movements due to share-based 
compensation
Tax on items taken directly to equity
Purchase of own shares via employees’ 
benefit trust
Total contributions by and distributions 
to owners
Total transactions with owners
Changes in non-controlling interests(a)
Balance at 31 December 2015

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

(4)

–
(4)

(4)

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
403

–
–
–
174

–
–
(3)
221

3.7

2.3

4.7
2.3

4.7

3.4
4.6

–

–

10

–

–

–
10

10

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
35

7

–

(1)

–

–

–

–
(1)

(1)

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
6

177

1,014

50

1,064

495

495

–

–

91

4

(19)
76

(1)

10

91

–

(19)
81

571

576

7

–

–

–

–

–
–

7

502

(1)

10

91

–

(19)
81

583

(459)

(459)

(5)

(464)

14
5

14
5

(33)

(33)

(473)
(473)
–
275

(473)
(473)
(3)
1,114

–
–

–

(5)
(5)
(19)
33

14
5

(33)

(478)
(478)
(22)
1,147

(a) Movements reported in merger and other reserves include a put option for the acquisition of non-controlling interests.

100

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Changes in Equity continued

 Financial Statements

Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company

Note

Share
capital
£m

403

Share
premium
£m

Merger
and other
reserves
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Available
for sale
 reserve
£m

174

248

Balance at 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive income for 
the year
Profit
Other comprehensive income/(cost)
Revaluation of available for sale 
financial assets
Net loss on cash flow hedges
Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations (net of hedging)
Remeasurement gains on defined benefit 
pension schemes
Income tax charge on other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for 
the year
Transactions with owners, recorded 
directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners
Equity dividends
Movements due to share-based 
compensation
Purchase of own shares via employees’ 
benefit trust
Total contributions by and distributions 
to owners
Total transactions with owners
Changes in non-controlling interests(a)
Balance at 31 December 2014

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
403

–
–
–
174

–
–
(20)
228

3.7

2.3

4.7

4.7

3.4
4.6

Retained
earnings
£m

22

Non-
controlling
interests
£m

31

Total
£m

858

466

466

–
–

–

24

(3)
21

3
(4)

22

24

(3)
42

487

508

7

–
–

–

–

–
–

7

Total
equity
£m

889

473

3
(4)

22

24

(3)
42

515

(313)

(313)

(8)

(321)

14

14

(33)

(33)

(332)
(332)
–
177

(332)
(332)
(20)
1,014

–

–

(8)
(8)
20
50

14

(33)

(340)
(340)
–
1,064

7

–

–
(4)

22

–

–
18

18

–

–

–

–
–
–
25

4

–

3
–

–

–

–
3

3

–

–

–

–
–
–
7

(a) Movements reported in merger and other reserves include a put option for the acquisition of non-controlling interests.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

101

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December

Note

£m

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations before exceptional items:
Cash flow relating to operating exceptional items:

Operating exceptional items
Prepaid employment linked consideration
Increase in exceptional payables 
Decrease in exceptional prepayments and other receivables

Cash outflow from exceptional items
Cash generated from operations
Defined benefit pension deficit funding
Interest received
Interest paid on bank and other loans
Interest paid on finance leases
Net taxation paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of subsidiary undertaking, net of cash acquired
Prepaid employment linked consideration

Net consideration paid
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets
Acquisition of investments
Loans granted to associates and joint ventures
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures and available 
for sale investments
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Bank and other loans – amounts repaid
Bank and other loans – amounts raised
Capital element of finance lease payments
Issue of share capital
Equity dividends paid
Dividend paid to minority interest
Purchase of own shares via employees’ benefit trust
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Effects of exchange rate changes and fair value movements
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

(109)
(109)
60
36

(90)
25
(34)
–
(117)

(406)
109
(297)
28
(33)
(16)
(14)
(2)

1

(447)
797
(7)
–
(459)
(5)
(33)

2.1

2.2
3.4

3.4
3.4

4.1

4.1

2015
£m

827

(122)
705

(216)
489

(333)

(154)
2
297

(5)
294

£m

(10)
–
3
–

(91)
41
(51)
(1)
(85)

(214)
–
(214)
15
(27)
(10)
(7)
(3)

1

(110)
–
(21)
–
(313)
(8)
(33)

2014
£m

702

(7)
695

(187)
508

(245)

(485)
(222)
518

1
297

102

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 1: Basis of Preparation

 Financial Statements

In this section

This section sets out the Group’s accounting policies that relate to the financial 
statements as a whole. Where an accounting policy is specific to one note, the 
policy is described in the note to which it relates. This section also shows new 
EU endorsed accounting standards, amendments and interpretations, and 
whether they are effective in 2015 or later years. We explain how these changes 
are expected to impact the financial position and performance of the Group.

The financial statements consolidate those of ITV plc (‘the Company’) and its subsidiaries (together 
referred to as the ‘Group’) and the Group’s interests in associates and jointly controlled entities. The 
Company is domiciled in the United Kingdom.

As required by European Union law (IAS Regulation EC 1606/2002) the Group’s financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘IFRS’), 
and approved by the Directors.

The financial statements are principally prepared on the basis of historical cost. Where other bases are 
applied these are identified in the relevant accounting policy.

The parent company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS101).

Going concern
At 31 December 2015 the Group was in a net debt position. The Group’s strong balance sheet and 
continued generation of significant free cash flows has enabled further acquisitions as well as the payment 
of a special dividend. The Group has also sought to gain further efficiencies in the balance sheet and 
maintain the flexibility to invest in the business by issuing a new Eurobond (see section 4 for details 
on capital structure and financing).

The Group continues to review forecasts of the television advertising market to determine the impact 
on ITV’s liquidity position. The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible 
changes in trading performance, show that the Group will be able to operate within the level of its 
current funding.

The Group also continues to focus on development of the non-advertising business, and evaluates the 
impact of further investment in acquisitions against the strategy and cash headroom of the business.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operation for at least twelve months from the date of this report. Accordingly, 
the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

Subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and available for sale investments 
Subsidiaries are entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by the Group. Control exists where the 
Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity in order to obtain benefits 
from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible 
are taken into account.

A joint venture is a joint arrangement in which the Group holds an interest under a contractual 
arrangement where the Group and one or more other parties undertake an economic activity that is 
subject to joint control. The Group accounts for its interests in joint ventures using the equity method. 
Under the equity method the investment in the entity is stated as one line item at cost plus the investor’s 
share of retained post-acquisition profits and other changes in net assets.

An associate is an entity, other than a subsidiary or joint venture, over which the Group has significant 
influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in, but not control or jointly control, the financial 
and operating decisions of an entity. These investments are also accounted for using the equity method.

Investments where the Group concludes it does not have significant influence are deemed ‘available for 
sale’. These investments are held at fair value unless the investment is a start-up business, in which case 
it is valued at cost and assessed for impairment.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

103

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 1: Basis of Preparation continued

Current/non-current distinction
Current assets include assets held primarily for trading purposes, cash and cash equivalents, and assets 
expected to be realised in, or intended for sale or use in, the course of the Group’s operating cycle. All other 
assets are classified as non-current assets.

Current liabilities include liabilities held primarily for trading purposes, liabilities expected to be settled in 
the course of the Group’s operating cycle and those liabilities due within one year from the reporting date. 
All other liabilities are classified as non-current liabilities.

Classification of financial instruments
The financial assets and liabilities of the Group are classified into the following financial statement captions 
in the statement of financial position in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments:

•  Loans and receivables – separately disclosed as cash and cash equivalents (excluding gilts over which 

unfunded pension commitments have a charge) and trade and other receivables

•  Available for sale financial assets – measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Includes 

gilts over which unfunded pension commitments have a charge

•  Financial assets/liabilities at fair value through profit or loss – separately disclosed as derivative financial 

instruments in assets/liabilities and included in non-current other payables (contingent consideration) and

•  Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost – separately disclosed as borrowings and trade and 

other payables

Judgement is required when determining the appropriate classification of the Group’s financial instruments. 
Details on the accounting policies for measurement of the above instruments are set out in the relevant note.

Recognition and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
The Group recognises a financial asset or liability when it becomes a party to the contract. Financial 
instruments are no longer recognised in the statement of financial position when the contractual cash flows 
expire or when the Group no longer retains control of substantially all the risks and rewards under the 
instrument.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits with a maturity of less than or equal to 
three months from the date of acquisition, cash held to meet certain finance lease commitments and gilts 
in respect of which a charging deed was executed on the unfunded pension commitments of four former 
Granada executives. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is considered to approximate fair value.

Foreign currencies
The primary economic environment in which the Group operates is the UK and therefore the consolidated 
financial statements are presented in pounds sterling (‘£’).

Where Group companies based in the UK transact in foreign currencies, these transactions are translated 
into pounds sterling at the exchange rate on the transaction date. Foreign currency monetary assets and 
liabilities are translated into pounds sterling at the year end exchange rate. Where there is a movement in 
the exchange rate between the date of the transaction and the year end, a foreign exchange gain or loss 
is recognised in the income statement.

Hedge accounting is implemented on certain foreign currency firm commitments, which allows for the 
effective portion of any foreign exchange gains or losses to be recognised in other comprehensive income 
(note 4.3).

Where a forward currency contract is used to manage foreign exchange risk and hedge accounting is not 
applied, any movement in currency is taken to the income statement.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at historical cost are translated into pounds sterling at the 
exchange rate on the date of the transaction.

The assets and liabilities of Group companies outside of the UK are translated into pounds sterling at the 
year end exchange rate. The revenue and expenses of these companies are translated into pounds sterling 
at the average monthly exchange rate during the year. Where differences arise between these rates, they 
are recognised in the translation reserve within other comprehensive income.

104

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Exchange differences arising on the translation of the Group’s interests in joint ventures and associates 
are recognised in the translation reserve within other comprehensive income.

On disposal of a subsidiary outside the UK or an interest in a joint venture or an associate, the related 
translation reserve is released to the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

Accounting judgements and estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to exercise judgement in applying the 
Group’s accounting policies. It also requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with revisions recognised in the 
period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity are set out below and in more detail in the 
related notes:

•  Revenue recognition (note 2.1)
•  Business combinations (note 3.3 and note 3.4)
•  Allocation of goodwill and assets to CGUs and impairment of assets (note 3.3)

In addition to the above, the areas involving the most sensitive estimates and assumptions that are 
significant to the financial statements are set out below and in more detail in the related notes:

•  Defined benefit pension schemes, including the related longevity swap (note 3.7)
•  Taxation (note 2.3)

New or amended EU endorsed accounting standards
The table below represents new or amended EU endorsed accounting standards relevant to the Group’s 
results that are effective in 2015: 

Accounting Standard

IAS 19 Employee 
Benefits

Annual 
Improvements 
to IFRS 2010 – 
2012 cycle 

Annual 
Improvements 
to IFRS 2011 – 
2013 cycle

Requirement
The amendment was to simplify the accounting for 
contributions that are independent of the number of years 
of employee service.
Various amendments to simplify various standards including 
IFRS 2 Share-based payment, IFRS 3 Business Combinations, 
IFRS 8 Operating Segments, IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, 
IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment, IAS 24 Related Party 
Disclosures and IAS 38 Intangible Assets.
Various amendments to simplify various standards including 
IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial 
Reporting Standards, IFRS 3 Business Combinations, IFRS 13 
Fair Value Measurement, IAS 40 Investment Property.

Impact on financial statements
The amendment has not had 
any impact on the Group.

The amendments do not 
change our accounting and 
therefore have no impact on 
the Group’s financial position 
or performance.
The amendments do not 
change our accounting and 
therefore have no impact on 
the Group’s financial position 
or performance.

The Directors also considered the impact on the Group of other new and revised accounting standards, 
interpretations or amendments that are currently endorsed but not yet effective. There are none that are 
effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015 that are expected to have a significant impact 
on the Group’s results. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is effective 1 January 2018 but has not yet been endorsed by the EU. 
The Directors are currently assessing the impact this standard would have on its financial position 
and performance.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is also effective 1 January 2018 and has also not been 
endorsed by the EU. The Directors have performed an initial assessment and do not expect a material 
impact on our Broadcast business. The assessment on our Studios business is ongoing.

IFRS 16 Leases is effective 1 January 2019 and has not been endorsed by the EU. The Directors are currently 
assessing the impact this standard would have on its financial position and performance.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

105

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 2: Results for the Year

In this section

This section focuses on the results and performance of the Group. On the 
following pages you will find disclosures explaining the Group’s results for 
the year, segmental information, exceptional items, taxation and earnings 
per share.

2.1 Profit 
before tax

Keeping it 
simple

This section analyses the Group’s profit before tax by reference to the activities 
performed by the Group and an analysis of key operating costs.

Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation (EBITA) and before exceptional items 
remains the Group’s key profit indicator. This reflects the way the business is 
managed and how the Directors assess the performance of the Group. This section 
therefore also shows each division’s contribution to total revenue and EBITA.

Accounting policies
Revenue recognition
Revenue is stated exclusive of VAT and comprises the sale of products and services to third parties. 
Judgement is required when determining the appropriate timing and amount of revenue that can be 
recognised, specifically around whether there is a firm contract and that the service has been provided, 
and if so, whether there is a fixed or reasonably determinable price that is reasonably certain will be 
collected. 

Revenue from the sale of products is recognised when the Group has transferred both the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership and control of the products sold, and the amount of revenue can be measured 
reliably. Revenue recognition criteria for the Group’s key classes of revenue are recognised on the 
following bases:

Applicable segment
Broadcast & Online

Broadcast & Online

Class of revenue
Advertising (NAR), Video on Demand 
(VOD)
Sponsorship

Broadcast & Online

Pay

Broadcast & Online

Studios

Studios

Studios

Participation (Interactive & Brand 
Extensions)
Programme production

Programme distribution rights

Format and licences

Studios

Digital: Archive 

Recognition criteria
on transmission, as audience targets are met

across period of transmission of the sponsored 
programme or series
over the term of the contract or accrued in the 
month for the expected revenue per subscriber 
or download and trued up on receipt of third-
party reports showing revenue share calculation 
(showing subscribers or number of downloads)
as the service is provided or event occurs

on delivery of episode and acceptance by the 
customer
when the contract is signed and content is available 
for exploitation
at the point in time when the license is transferred 
and the customer is able to use and benefit from 
the licence
on delivery of content (one-off) or over the 
contract period in a manner that reflects the flow 
of content delivered (top-up)

106

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

The results for the year aggregate these classes of revenue into four significant categories:

Broadcast & Online

NAR
Non-NAR
ITV Studios

Productions
Distribution
Total revenue

2015
£m

1,719
427

1,045
192
3,383

2014
£m

1,629
394

789
144
2,956

Segmental information
Operating segments, which have not been aggregated, are determined in a manner that is consistent with 
how the business is managed and reported to the Board of Directors. The Board is regarded as the chief 
operating decision maker.

The Board considers the business primarily from an operating activity perspective. The reportable 
segments for the years ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 are therefore Broadcast & Online 
and ITV Studios, the results of which are outlined in the following tables:

Total segment revenue
Intersegment revenue
Revenue from external customers
EBITA before exceptional items
Share of losses of joint ventures and associated undertakings

Total segment revenue
Intersegment revenue
Revenue from external customers
EBITA before exceptional items
Share of losses of joint ventures and associated undertakings

Broadcast
& Online
2015
£m

2,146
–
2,146
659
–

Broadcast
& Online
2014
£m
2,023
–
2,023
568
–

ITV Studios*
2015
£m

Consolidated
2015
£m

1,237
(411)
826
183
–

3,383
(411)
2,972
842
–

ITV Studios*
2014
£m
933
(366)
567
162
–

Consolidated
2014
£m
2,956
(366)
2,590
730
–

* 

 Revenue of £389 million (2014: £255 million) was generated in the US during the year, and represented £314 million (2014: £297 million) 
of non-current assets at year end.

Intersegment revenue, which is carried out on arm’s length terms, is generated from the supply of ITV 
Studios programmes to Broadcast & Online for transmission primarily on ITV. This revenue stream is a 
measure which forms part of the Group’s strategic priority of building a strong international content 
business, as by producing and retaining rights to the broadcast shows the Group benefits further from 
subsequent international content and format sales. 

In preparing the segment information, centrally managed costs have been allocated between reportable 
segments on a methodology driven principally by revenue, headcount and building occupancy of each 
segment. This is consistent with the basis of reporting to the Board of Directors.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

107

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 2: Results for the Year continued

Broadcast & Online 
The Group operates the largest commercial family of channels in the UK and delivers content through 
traditional television broadcasting. In addition to linear broadcast, the Group delivers its content on 
multiple platforms including the ITV Hub, pay platforms, or through direct content deals. Content, that is 
commissioned and scheduled by this segment, is funded primarily by television advertising, where revenue 
is generated from the sale of audiences for advertising airtime and sponsorship. 

Other sources of revenue are from: online advertising, HD digital channels on pay platforms (e.g. Sky and 
Virgin), SDN revenue (which generates licence sales for DTT Multiplex A), and participation revenue (which 
includes interactive sales from competitions) and ITV Choice in other countries.

ITV Studios 
ITV Studios is the Group’s international content business, creating and producing programmes and formats 
that return and travel, namely drama, entertainment and factual entertainment.

ITV Studios UK is the largest commercial producer in the UK and produces programming for the Group’s 
own channels, accounting for 60% of ITV main channel spend on commissioned programming. 
Programming is also sold to other UK broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky. 

ITV America is the largest unscripted independent producer of content in the US and is growing its scripted 
presence by increasing investment in high profile dramas straight to series.

ITV Studios also operates in five other international locations being Australia, Germany, France, 
Netherlands (primarily Talpa) and the Nordics, where content is produced for local broadcasters. This 
content is either locally created IP or formats that have been created elsewhere by ITV, primarily in the UK. 

Global Entertainment and Talpa Global, ITV’s distribution businesses, license ITV’s finished programmes 
and formats and third-party content internationally. Within this business we also finance productions both 
on and off ITV to acquire global distribution rights. 

EBITA before exceptional items
The Directors assess the performance of the reportable segments based on a measure of EBITA before 
exceptional items. The Directors use this measurement basis as it excludes the effect of non-recurring 
income and expenditure. Amortisation and share of profit/(losses) of joint ventures and associates are also 
excluded to reflect more accurately how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. 
Net financing costs and tax are not allocated to segments as the funding, cash and tax management 
of the Group are activities carried out by the central treasury and tax functions.

A reconciliation from EBITA before exceptional items to profit before tax is provided as follows:

EBITA before exceptional items
Operating exceptional items
Amortisation of intangible assets
Net financing costs
Share of losses of joint ventures and associated undertakings
Gain on sale of non-current assets (exceptional items)
Gain on sale of subsidiaries and investments (exceptional items)
Profit before tax

2015
£m

842
(109)
(67)
(31)
–
5
1
641

2014
£m
730
(12)
(67)
(51)
–
4
1
605

The Group’s principal operations are in the United Kingdom. Revenue from external customers in the 
United Kingdom is £2,275 million (2014: £2,123 million), and total revenue from external customers in other 
countries is £697 million (2014: £467 million). 

There are two media buying agencies (2014: two) acting on behalf of a number of customers that 
represent the Group’s major customers. These agencies are the only customers which individually 
represent over 10% of the Group’s revenue. Revenue of approximately £576 million (2014: £571 million) 
and £339 million (2014: £312 million) was derived from these customers. This revenue is attributable to 
the Broadcast & Online segment.

108

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Cash generated from operations
A reconciliation from profit before tax to cash generated from operations before exceptional items is 
as follows:

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
Gain on sale of subsidiaries and investments (exceptional items)
Gain on sale of non-current assets (exceptional items)
Net financing costs
Operating exceptional items
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Share-based compensation and pension service costs

Decrease/(increase) in programme rights and other inventory, and distribution rights
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Decrease in payables

Movement in working capital
Cash generated from operations before exceptional items

Operating costs
Staff costs
Staff costs before exceptional items can be analysed as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security and other costs
Share-based compensation (see note 4.7)
Pension costs
Total staff costs
Less: staff costs allocated to productions
FTEE staff costs (non-production)

2015
£m

641
(1)
(5)
31
109
27
67
17
4
(21)
(42)
(59)
827

2015
£m

318
43
14
25
400
(137)
263

2014
£m

605
(1)
(4)
51
12
27
67
14
(39)
18
(48)
(69)
702

2014*
£m
277
44
14
21
356
(118)
238

* 

 The prior year classification of ‘staff costs allocated to productions’ has been revised to present a consistent and comparable 
methodology to the 2015 allocation. There is no change in the total FTEE staff costs and no impact on the Income Statement. 

The number of full-time equivalent employees (‘FTEE’) (excluding short-term contractors and freelancers 
who are predominantly allocated to the cost of productions), calculated on a weighted average basis, 
during the year was:

Broadcast & Online
ITV Studios

2015

2,109
3,449
5,558

2014
2,042
2,517
4,559

The increase in full-time equivalent employees in ITV Studios is primarily driven by the acquisitions 
completed in 2015.

Details of Directors’ emoluments, share options, pension entitlements and long-term incentive scheme 
interests are set out in the Remuneration Report. Listed Directors’ gains on share options for 2015 are set 
out in the ITV plc entity financial statements.

Depreciation 
Depreciation in the year was £27 million (2014: £27 million), of which £14 million (2014: £15 million) relates 
to Broadcast & Online and £13 million (2014: £12 million) to ITV Studios.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

109

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 2: Results for the Year continued

Operating leases
The total undiscounted future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are due 
for payment as follows:

2015
Within one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years

2014
Within one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years

Transponders

Property

34
111
115
260

17
48
21
86

Transponders

Property

38
123
158
319

13
33
16
62

Total

51
159
136
346

Total

51
156
174
381

The Group’s operating leases relate to transponder assets, offices and studio properties. The Group holds 
transmission supply agreements that require the use of specific transponder assets for a period of up to 
ten years with payments increasing over time, limited by specific RPI caps. These supply agreements are 
classified as operating leases, in accordance with the Group’s policy on leases detailed in note 3.2. 

Property leases run for terms ranging from five to twenty years, depending on the expected operational 
use of the site. Leases may include break clauses or options to renew (options to renew are not included 
in the commitments table). Lease payments are generally subject to market review every five years to 
reflect market rentals, but because of the uncertainty over the amount of any future changes, such changes 
have not been reflected in the table above. None of the lease agreements include contingent rentals. 

The total future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases 
at the year end are £1 million (2014: £2 million).

The total operating lease expenditure recognised during the year was £51 million (2014: £49 million) and 
total sublease payments received were £2 million (2014: £1 million).

Audit fees
The Group engages KPMG LLP (‘KPMG’) on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where 
their expertise and experience with the Group are important. 

Fees paid to KPMG and its associates during the year are set out below:

For the audit of the Group’s annual accounts
For the audit of subsidiaries of the Group
Audit-related assurance services

Total audit and audit-related assurance services

Taxation compliance services
Taxation advisory services
Other assurance services

Total non-audit Services
Total fees paid to KPMG

2015
£m

0.6
0.4
0.2
1.2
–
0.1
0.3
0.4
1.6

2014
£m
0.6
0.2
0.2
1.0
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.6
1.6

There were no fees payable in 2015 or 2014 to KPMG and associates for the auditing of accounts of any 
associate of the Group, internal audit services, services relating to corporate finance transactions entered 
into or proposed to be entered into, by or on behalf of the Group or any of its associates. 

Fees paid to KPMG for audit and other services to the Company are not disclosed in its individual accounts 
as the Group accounts are required to disclose such fees on a consolidated basis.

110

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

2.2 
Exceptional 
items

Keeping it 
simple

Exceptional items are excluded from management’s assessment of profit 
because by their size or nature they could distort the Group’s underlying quality 
of earnings. They are typically gains or losses arising from events that are not 
considered part of the core operations of the business (e.g. costs relating to 
capital transactions, such as professional fees on acquisitions). These items are 
excluded to reflect performance in a consistent manner and are in line with how 
the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis.

Accounting policies
Exceptional items as described above are disclosed on the face of the income statement. 

Subsequent revisions of estimates for items initially recognised as exceptional are recorded as exceptional 
items in the year that the revision is made. Gains or losses on disposal of non-core assets are also 
considered exceptional due to their nature and impact on the Group’s underlying quality of earnings.

Exceptional items
Operating and non-operating exceptional items are analysed as follows:

(Charge)/credit
Operating exceptional items:

Acquisition-related expenses
Reorganisation and restructuring costs
Legal related costs

Total net operating exceptional items
Non-operating exceptional items:

Gain on sale of non-current assets
Gain on sale and impairment of subsidiaries and investments

Total non-operating exceptional items
Total exceptional items before tax

Tax on exceptional items

Total exceptional items net of tax

Ref.

A
B
E

C
D

2015
£m

(88)
(13)
(8)
(109)

5
1
6
(103)
8
(95)

2014
£m

(6)
(6)
–
(12)

4
1
5
(7)
2
(5)

A – Acquisition-related expenses
Acquisition-related expenses of £88 million includes £78 million (2014: £3 million) relating to performance-
based, employment linked costs to former owners mainly in relation to Talpa Media, and professional fees 
(mainly financial and legal due diligence) incurred on the acquisitions completed during the year of 
£10 million (2014: £3 million). See note 3.4 for further details on acquisitions. 

B – Reorganisation and restructuring costs
In 2015 £13 million (2014: £6 million) of costs were incurred as a result of a Group-wide initiative to 
significantly reduce the ongoing cost base, primarily comprised of restructuring of the US business, 
redundancy and excess space provisions.

C – Gain on sale of non-current assets
In 2015 a £5 million gain on sale of non-current assets arose primarily as a result of the sale of a freehold 
property and related assets in Manchester. The 2014 gain of £4 million arose as a result of the sale of a 
freehold property in Cardiff.

D – Gain on sale and impairment of subsidiaries and investments
The gain of £1 million (2014: £1 million) relates to a historical disposal.

E – Legal related costs
£8 million (2014: £nil) provision for anticipated costs of settling a legal dispute.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

111

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 2: Results for the Year continued

2.3  
Taxation

Keeping it 
simple

This section sets out the Group’s tax accounting policies, the current and deferred 
tax charges or credits in the year (which together make up the total tax charge or 
credit in the income statement), a reconciliation of profit before tax to the tax 
charge for the period and the movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Accounting policies
The tax charge for the period is recognised in the income statement, the statement of comprehensive 
income and directly in equity, according to the accounting treatment of the related transaction. The tax 
charge comprises both current and deferred tax. The calculation of the Group’s tax charge involves a 
degree of estimation and judgement in respect of certain items whose tax treatment cannot be fully 
determined until a resolution has been reached by the relevant tax authority. 

Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any 
adjustment in respect of previous years. 

The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax issues based on estimates of the additional taxes 
that are likely to become due, which require judgement. Amounts are accrued based on management’s 
interpretation of specific tax law and the likelihood of settlement. Where the final tax outcome of these 
matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current 
tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

Deferred tax 
Deferred tax arises due to certain temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and those for taxation purposes. 

The following temporary differences are not provided for:

•  the initial recognition of goodwill
•  the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit other than 

in a business combination and

•  differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the 

foreseeable future

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the 
carrying amount of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that are enacted or 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will 
be available to utilise the temporary difference. Recognition of deferred tax assets, therefore, involves 
judgement regarding the timing and level of future taxable income. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are disclosed net to the extent that they relate to taxes levied by the 
same authority and the Group has the right of set-off.

112

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

2015
£m

(125)
6
(119)
9
(110)

(20)
2
(2)
(20)

(9)
(29)
(139)

2014
£m

(118)
(2)
(120)
(6)
(126)

(9)
–
–
(9)

3
(6)
(132)

Taxation – Income statement
The total taxation charge in the income statement is analysed as follows:

Current tax:

Current tax charge before exceptional items
Current tax credit/(charge) on exceptional items

Adjustments to prior periods

Deferred tax:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Deferred tax credit on exceptional items
Impact of change in the statutory tax rate

Adjustments to prior periods

Total taxation charge in the income statement

In order to understand how, in the income statement, a tax charge of £139 million (2014: £132 million) 
arises on a profit before tax of £641 million (2014: £605 million), the taxation charge that would arise at the 
standard rate of UK corporation tax is reconciled to the actual tax charge as follows:

Profit before tax
Notional taxation charge at UK corporation tax rate of 20.25% (2014: 21.5%) on profit 
before tax
Non-taxable income/non-deductible expenses
Adjustments to prior periods
Impact of overseas tax rates
Impact of changes in tax rates
Production tax credits
Total taxation charge in the income statement

2015
£m

641

(130)
(23)
–
(7)
(2)
23
(139)

2014
£m
605

(130)
2
(3)
(1)
–
–
(132)

Non-deductible expenses are expenses that are not expected to be allowable for tax purposes. Similarly 
non-taxable income is income that will not be taxed.

Adjustments to prior periods primarily arise where an outcome is obtained on certain tax matters 
which differs from expectations held when the related provision was made. Where the outcome is more 
favourable than the provision made, the difference is released, lowering the current year tax charge. 
Where the outcome is less favourable than our provision, an additional charge to current year tax will occur.

The impact of overseas tax rates reflects the fact that some of our profits are earned in territories other 
than the UK, and taxed at rates different to the UK corporation tax rate. 

On 26 October 2015, the UK corporation tax rate was substantively enacted to fall to 19% from 1 April 2017 
and 18% from 1 April 2020. The carrying value of UK temporary differences at the balance sheet date has 
been adjusted accordingly. This has given rise to a charge of £1 million (2014: £nil million) of which £2 million 
is recognised as a charge in the income statement and £1m as a credit in other comprehensive income.

Production tax credits are incentives provided to creative industries such as UK High-End Television (HETV) 
tax relief. The ability to access these tax credits is fundamental when assessing the viability of investment 
decisions in the production of high-end drama. Under IFRS certain production tax credits are reported 
within the total taxation charge in the income statement, however ITV considers them to be working capital 
in nature, and excludes them from its adjusted tax charge, including them instead within Adjusted EBITA.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

113

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 2: Results for the Year continued

The effective tax rate is the tax charge on the face of the income statement expressed as a percentage of 
the profit before tax. In the years ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014, the effective tax rate 
is comparable to the standard rate of UK corporation tax. As explained in the Financial and Performance 
Review, the Group uses an adjusted tax rate to show how tax impacts total adjusted earnings in a way that 
is more aligned with the Group’s cash tax position.

Taxation – Other comprehensive income and equity
As analysed in the table below, a deferred tax charge of £19 million on actuarial movements on pensions 
has been recognised in other comprehensive income. A deferred tax charge of £2 million has been 
recognised in equity in respect of share based payments. 

A current tax credit of £7 million has also been recognised in equity in relation to share based payments.

Taxation – Statement of financial position
The table below outlines the deferred tax assets/(liabilities) that are recognised in the statement of 
financial position, together with their movements in the year:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Programme rights
Pension scheme deficits
Tax losses
Share-based compensation
Other temporary differences

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Programme rights
Pension scheme deficits
Tax losses
Share-based compensation
Other temporary differences

At
1 January
2015
£m
(1)
(15)
1
36
7
14
1
43

At
1 January
2014*
£m 
(6)
(13)
1
56
2
13
(1)
52

Recognised in
the income
statement
£m
1
(10)
–
(16)
(3)
(1)
–
(29)

Recognised in
the income
statement*
£m
5
(2)
–
(16)
5
–
2
(6)

Recognised in
OCI and equity
£m
–
–
–
(19)
–
(2)
–
(21)

Recognised in
OCI and equity
£m
–
–
–
(4)
–
1
–
(3)

Business
 acquisitions
£m
–
(76)
–
–
–
–
4
(72)

Business
 acquisitions
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

At
31 December
2015
£m
–
(101)
1
1
4
11
5
(79)

At
31 December
2014*
£m
(1)
(15)
1
36
7
14
1
43

* 

 The prior year movements on deferred tax relating to overseas businesses have been reallocated to the relevant temporary 
difference categories. 

At 31 December 2015, total deferred tax assets are £22 million (2014: £55 million) and total deferred tax 
liabilities are £101 million (2014: £12 million). After netting off balances within countries, there is a net 
deferred tax liability of £79m (2014: net deferred tax asset of £43 million) recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position.

The deferred tax balance relates to:
•  property, plant and equipment temporary differences arising on assets qualifying for tax depreciation
•  temporary differences on intangible assets arising on business combinations
•  programme rights – temporary differences on intercompany profits on stock
•  pension scheme deficit temporary differences on the IAS 19 pension deficit and additional contributions 
resulting from funding through the SDN and LTVC pension partnerships (not recognised as contributions 
under IAS 19)

•  temporary differences arising from the timing of the use of tax losses
•  share-based compensation temporary differences on share schemes and
•  other temporary differences on provisions and other items

114

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

The deferred tax balance associated with the pension deficit has been adjusted to reflect the current tax 
benefit obtained in the current year following the employer contributions of £102 million to the Group’s 
defined benefit pension scheme. The adjustment in other comprehensive income to the deferred tax 
balance primarily relates to the actuarial gains recognised in the period. 

A deferred tax asset of £399 million (2014: £444 million) in respect of capital losses of £2,215 million 
(2014: £2,221 million) has not been recognised due to uncertainties as to whether a capital gain will arise 
in the appropriate form and relevant territory against which such losses could be utilised. For the same 
reasons, deferred tax assets in respect of overseas losses of £15 million (2014: £14 million) that time expire 
between 2017 and 2026 have not been recognised.

2.4  
Earnings  
per share

Keeping it 
simple

Earnings per share (‘EPS’) is the amount of post-tax profit attributable to each share.

Basic EPS is calculated on the Group profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders of £495 million (2014: £466 million) divided by 4,006 million (2014: 
4,002 million) being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

Diluted EPS reflects any commitments made by the Group to issue shares in the 
future and so it includes the impact of share options. 

Adjusted EPS is presented in order to show the business performance of the Group 
in a consistent manner and reflect how the business is managed and measured on a 
day-to-day basis. Adjusted EPS reflects the impact of operating and non-operating 
exceptional items on Basic EPS. Other items excluded from Adjusted EPS include 
amortisation and impairment of intangible assets acquired through business 
combinations; net financing cost adjustments and the tax adjustments relating to 
these items. Each of these adjustments are explained in detail in the section below.

The calculation of Basic EPS and Adjusted EPS, together with the diluted impact on each, is set out below:

Earnings per share 2015

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of ITV plc
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue – million
Dilution due to share options
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue – million
Earnings per ordinary share

Ref.

Basic
£m

495
4,006
–
4,006
12.4p

Diluted
£m
495
4,006
29
4,035
12.3p

Adjusted profit for the year removes the effect of exceptional items, as described in the ‘Keeping it simple’ 
box above. Further detail on the composition of each adjustment is cross-referenced in the following notes.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

115

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 2: Results for the Year continued

Adjusted earnings per share 2015 

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of ITV plc
Exceptional items (net of tax)
Profit for the year before exceptional items
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets
Adjustments to net financing costs
Adjusted profit
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue – million
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share

Earnings per share 2014

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of ITV plc
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue – million
Dilution due to share options
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue – million
Earnings per ordinary share

Adjusted earnings per share 2014

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of ITV plc
Exceptional items
Profit for the year before exceptional items
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets
Adjustments to net financing costs
Other tax adjustments
Adjusted profit
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue – million
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share

Details of the adjustments to earnings are as follows:

Ref.

A

B
C

Ref.

Ref.

A

B
C
B

Adjusted
£m

495
95
590
54
15
659
4,006
16.5p

Basic
£m
466
4,002
–
4,002
11.6p

Adjusted
£m
466
5
471
44
34
5
554
4,002
13.8p

Diluted
£m
495
95
590
54
15
659
4,035
16.3p

Diluted
£m
466
4,002
38
4,040
11.5p

Diluted
£m
466
5
471
44
34
5
554
4,040
13.7p

A. Refer to Note 2.2 for the detailed composition of after tax impact of exceptional items (both operating 
and non operating) of £95 million (2014: £5 million).

B. Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets of £58 million (2014: £44 million) is excluded 
from adjusted profit. It is calculated as total amortisation and impairment of £67 million (2014: £67 million), 
less amortisation of software licences and development of £9 million (2014: £11 million). A related tax 
credit of £13 million (2014: £12 million) is also excluded in arriving at the net amount, which is further 
adjusted to recognise the £9 million cash tax benefit arising from goodwill on US acquisitions, which for 
tax purposes is amortised over a 15 year period (2014: £5 million shown within other tax adjustments). 

C. Gross adjustments of £18 million (2014: £44 million) have been made to net financing costs and relate to 
mark-to-market movements on derivative instruments, losses on buybacks and imputed pension interest 
charges (see note 4.4 for details). This is reduced by a tax credit of £3 million (2014: £10 million) to give a net 
adjustment of £15 million (2014: £34 million).

116

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities

 Financial Statements

In this section

This section shows the assets used to generate the Group’s trading 
performance and the liabilities incurred as a result. On the following pages 
there are notes covering working capital, non-current assets and liabilities, 
acquisitions and disposals, provisions and pensions.

Liabilities relating to the Group’s financing activities are addressed in 
Section 4. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown in note 2.3.

3.1  
Working 
capital

Keeping it 
simple

Working capital represents the assets and liabilities the Group generates through 
its trading activity. The Group therefore defines working capital as distribution 
rights, programme rights and production costs, trade and other receivables and 
trade and other payables.

Careful management of working capital ensures that the Group can meet its 
trading and financing obligations within its ordinary operating cycle. 

Working capital is a driver of the profit to cash conversion, a key performance 
indicator for the Group. The Group’s target profit to cash ratio on a rolling three 
year basis is at least 90%. For those subsidiaries acquired during the year, working 
capital at the date of acquisition is excluded from the profit to cash calculation so 
that only subsequent working capital movements in the period owned by ITV are 
reflected in this metric.

In the following section you will find further information regarding working 
capital management and analysis of the elements of working capital.

3.1.1 Distribution rights
Accounting policies
Distribution rights are programme rights the Group buys from producers to derive future revenue, 
principally through licensing to broadcasters. These are classified as non-current assets as these rights 
are used to derive long-term economic benefit for the Group.

Distribution rights are recognised initially at cost and charged through operating costs in the income 
statement over a maximum five year period that is dependent on either cumulative sales and programme 
genre, or based on forecast future sales. Advances paid for the acquisition of distribution rights are 
disclosed as distribution rights as soon as they are contracted. These advances are not expensed until 
the programme is available for distribution. Up to that point they are assessed annually for impairment 
through the reassessment of the future sales expected to be earned from that title. 

The net book value of distribution rights at the year end are as follows:

Distribution rights

2015
£m

29

2014
£m
13

The movement during the year comprises additions of £43 million (2014: £21 million) and amounts charged 
to the income statement of £27 million (2014: £18 million).

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

117

Financial Statements 
Notes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

3.1.2 Programme rights and other inventory 
Accounting policies
Rights are recognised when the Group controls the respective rights and the risks and rewards associated 
with them. 

Programme rights and production costs not yet written off are included in the statement of financial 
position at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

Broadcast programme rights
Acquired programme rights (which include films), and sports rights, are purchased for the primary purpose 
of broadcasting on the ITV network. These are recognised within current assets as payments are made 
or when the rights are ready for broadcast. The Group generally expenses these rights through operating 
costs over a number of transmissions reflecting the pattern and value in which the right is consumed.

Commissions, which primarily comprise programmes purchased based on editorial specification and 
over which the Group has some control, are recognised in current assets as payments are made and 
are generally expensed to operating costs in full on first transmission. Where a commission is repeated, 
incremental costs associated with the broadcast are included in operating costs. 

In assessing net realisable value for acquired and commissioned rights, the net realisable value assessment 
is based on estimated airtime value, with consideration given to whether the number of transmissions 
purchased can be efficiently played out over the licence period. 

Studios production costs
Production inventory comprises the costs incurred by ITV Studios in producing a programme, where the 
programme is part way through the production process and not yet available for delivery to a broadcaster. 
They are recognised within current assets at the production cost incurred, and are expensed in operating 
costs on delivery of episodes.

Also included here are dramas that have been commissioned straight to series. Although more expensive 
than producing a pilot, this method attracts high profile talent to the production and raises the profile of 
the series to support its distribution. The production cost is partly funded by the commissioning network 
licence fee, the remaining production deficit is recovered by future distribution sales, and once the 
production is complete any remaining deficit is classified as a Distribution Right.

In assessing net realisable value for programmes in production, judgement is required when considering 
the contracted sales price and estimated costs to complete. 

The Group’s programme rights and other inventory at the year end are shown in the table below:

Broadcast

Acquired programme rights
Commissions
Sports rights

ITV Studios

Production costs

2015
£m

111
61
30

171
373

2014
£m

101
57
40

169
367

118

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

3.1.3 Programme commitments
These are operating commitments in respect of programming entered into in the ordinary course of 
business with programme suppliers, sports organisations and film distributors in respect of rights to 
broadcast on the ITV network. Commitments in respect of these purchases, which are not reflected in 
the statement of financial position, are due for payment as follows:

Within one year
Later than one year and not more than five years
More than five years

2015
£m

451
633
141
1,225

2014
£m
464
462
58
984

3.1.4 Trade and other receivables
Accounting policies
Trade receivables are recognised initially at the value of the invoice sent to the customer and subsequently 
at the amounts considered recoverable (amortised cost). Where payments are not due for more than one 
year, they are shown in the financial statements at their net present value to reflect the economic cost of 
delayed payment. The Group provides goods and services to substantially all its customers on credit terms.

Estimates are used in determining the level of receivables that will not, in the opinion of the Directors, 
be collected. These estimates include such factors as historical experience, the current state of the UK 
and overseas economies and industry specific factors. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is 
established when there is sufficient evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due.

The carrying value of trade receivables is considered to approximate fair value.

Trade and other receivables can be analysed as follows:

Due within one year:
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepaid employment linked consideration (see note 3.4)
Prepayments and accrued income

Due after more than one year:

Trade receivables
Prepaid employment linked consideration (see note 3.4)
Other receivables

Total trade and other receivables

2015
£m

328
37
55
111
531

8
18
7
564

2014
£m

271
27
–
87
385

7
–
17
409

Prepaid employment linked consideration totalling £73 million relates to the acquisition of Talpa Media 
(see note 3.4 for details). This represents the portion of the initial consideration that is recoverable from 
the seller in the event he leaves within the initial two years following acquisition and is amortised over 
that period. 

£336 million (2014: £278 million) of total trade receivables that are not impaired are aged as follows:

Current
Up to 30 days overdue
Between 30 and 90 days overdue
Over 90 days overdue

2015
£m

308
17
8
3
336

2014
£m

263
7
4
4
278

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

119

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

The balance above is stated net of a provision of £5 million (2014: £7 million) for impairment of trade 
receivables. Of the provision total, £4 million relates to balances overdue by more than 90 days 
(2014: £3 million) and £1 million relates to current balances (2014: £4 million). 

Movements in the Group’s provision for impairment of trade receivables can be shown as follows:

At 1 January
Charged during the year
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable (utilisation of provision)
Unused amounts reversed
At 31 December

2015
£m

7
3
–
(5)
5

2014
£m
7
2
–
(2)
7

3.1.5 Trade and other payables due within one year
Accounting policies
Trade payables are recognised at the value of the invoice received from a supplier. The carrying value of 
current and non-current trade payables is considered to approximate fair value. Trade and other payables 
due within one year can be analysed as follows:

Trade payables
VAT and social security
Other payables
Accruals
Deferred income

3.1.6 Trade payables due after more than one year
Trade payables due after more than one year can be analysed as follows:

Trade payables

2015
£m

65
71
177
289
184
786

2015
£m

48

2014
£m
49
68
159
250
173
699

2014
£m
27

This primarily relates to film creditors for which payment is due after more than one year.

3.1.7 Working capital management
Cash and working capital management continues to be a key focus. During the year the cash outflow from 
working capital was £59 million (2014: outflow of £69 million) derived as follows:

Decrease/(increase) in programme rights and other inventory and distribution rights
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Decrease in payables
Working capital outflow

2015
£m

4
(21)
(42)
(59)

2014
£m
(39)
18
(48)
(69)

The working capital outflow for the year excludes the impact of balances acquired on the acquisition of 
subsidiaries during the year (see note 3.4).

120

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

3.2  
Property, 
plant and 
equipment

Keeping it 
simple

The following section shows the physical assets used by the Group to operate the 
business, generating revenues and profits. These assets include office buildings 
and studios, as well as equipment used in broadcast transmission, programme 
production and support activities.

The cost of these assets is the amount initially paid for them. A depreciation 
expense is charged to the income statement to reflect annual wear and tear and 
the reduced value of the asset over time. Depreciation is calculated by estimating 
the number of years the Group expects the asset to be used (useful economic 
life). If there has been a technological change or decline in business performance 
the Directors review the value of the assets to ensure they have not fallen below 
their depreciated value. If an asset’s value falls below its depreciated value an 
additional one-off impairment charge is made against profit.

This section also explains the accounting policies followed by ITV and the specific 
estimates made in arriving at the net book value of these assets.

Accounting policies
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 
Certain items of property, plant and equipment that were revalued to fair value prior to 1 January 2004 
(the date of transition to IFRS) are measured on the basis of deemed cost, being the revalued amount less 
depreciation up to the date of transition.

Leases 
Finance leases are those which transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. 
Certain service contracts involve the use of specific assets (e.g. transmission equipment) and therefore 
contain an embedded lease. 

Determining whether a lease is a finance lease requires judgement as to whether substantially all of the 
risks and benefits of ownership have been transferred to the Group. Estimates used by management in 
making this assessment include the useful economic life of assets, the fair value of the asset and the 
discount rate applied to the total payments required under the lease. Assets held under such leases 
are included within property, plant and equipment and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their 
estimated useful lives. 

Outstanding finance lease obligations, which comprise the principal plus accrued interest, are included 
within borrowings. The finance element of the agreements is charged to the income statement over the 
term of the lease on an effective interest basis. 

All other leases are operating leases, the rentals on which are charged to the income statement on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term (see note 2.1 for further details of operating lease commitments). 

Depreciation
Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment less estimated residual 
value, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The annual depreciation charge is sensitive 
to the estimated useful life of each asset and the expected residual value at the end of its life. The major 
categories of property, plant and equipment are depreciated as follows:

Asset class
Freehold land
Freehold buildings
Leasehold improvements
Vehicles, equipment and fittings *

Depreciation policy
not depreciated
up to 60 years
shorter of residual lease term or estimated useful life
3 to 20 years

*  Equipment includes studio production and technology assets.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

121

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

Impairment of assets
Property, plant and equipment that is subject to depreciation is reviewed for impairment whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indicators of 
impairment may include changes in technology and business performance. 

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment can be analysed as follows:

Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions
Reclassification of property fittings
Disposals and retirements
At 31 December 2014
Additions
Disposals and retirements
At 31 December 2015

Depreciation
At 1 January 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals and retirements
At 31 December 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals and retirements
At 31 December 2015
Net book value
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

Freehold land
and buildings

Improvements to leasehold 
land and buildings

Vehicles, equipment 
and fittings

£m

137
–
–
(17)
120
–
(31)
89

23
1
(7)
17
1
(12)
6

83
103

Long
£m

Short
£m

Owned
£m

Finance 
leases
£m

69
–
(2)
–
67
–
(1)
66

11
2
–
13
2
(1)
14

52
54

17
–
–
–
17
1
–
18

15
–
–
15
–
–
15

3
2

221
26
2
(12)
237
37
(10)
264

138
24
(12)
150
24
(9)
165

99
87

16
–
–
–
16
–
–
16

14
–
–
14
–
–
14

2
2

Total

£m

460
26
–
(29)
457
38
(42)
453

201
27
(19)
209
27
(22)
214

239
248

Additions in the year includes £6 million (2014: £5 million) relating to assets owned by subsidiaries acquired 
during the year.

Included within property, plant and equipment are assets in the course of construction of £16 million 
(2014: £10 million). 

During the year, the Group disposed of the Quay Street site and related assets in Manchester for £23 million, 
representing a gain on sale of £5 million. In 2014, the Group sold a freehold property in Cardiff for proceeds 
of £15 million, representing a gain on sale of £5 million. In 2013 the Group acquired the freehold for the 
London Television Centre for £58 million, although the Directors’ view is that fair value of the property 
would be significantly higher.

Capital commitments
There are £2 million of capital commitments at 31 December 2015 (2014: £2 million).

122

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

3.3  
Intangible 
assets

Keeping it 
simple

The following section shows the non-physical assets used by the Group to 
generate revenue and profits.

These assets include formats and brands, customer contracts and relationships, 
contractual arrangements, licences, software development, film libraries and 
goodwill. The cost of these assets is the amount that the Group has paid or, where 
there has been a business combination, the fair value of the specific intangible 
assets that could be sold separately or which arise from legal rights. In the case of 
goodwill, its cost is the amount the Group has paid in acquiring a business over 
and above the fair value of the individual assets and liabilities acquired. The value 
of goodwill is ‘intangible’ value that comes from, for example, a uniquely strong 
market position and the outstanding productivity of its employees.

The value of intangible assets, with the exception of goodwill, reduces over the 
number of years the Group expects to use the asset, the useful economic life, via 
an annual amortisation charge to the income statement. Where there has been 
a technological change or decline in business performance the Directors review 
the value of assets, including goodwill, to ensure they have not fallen below their 
amortised value. Should an asset’s value fall below its amortised value an 
additional one-off impairment charge is made against profit.

This section explains the accounting policies applied and the specific judgements 
and estimates made by the Directors in arriving at the net book value of 
these assets.

Accounting policies
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the future economic benefits that arise from assets that are not capable of being 
individually identified and separately recognised. The goodwill recognised by the Group has all arisen 
as a result of business combinations. Goodwill is stated at its recoverable amount being cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses and is allocated to the business to which it relates.

Due to changes in accounting standards goodwill has been calculated using three different methods 
depending on the date the relevant business was purchased.

Method 1: All business combinations that have occurred since 1 January 2009 were accounted for using 
the acquisition method. Under this method, goodwill is measured as the fair value of the consideration 
transferred (including the recognition of any part of the business not yet owned (non-controlling interests)), 
less the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured at the acquisition 
date. Any contingent consideration expected to be transferred in the future will be recognised at fair value 
at the acquisition date and recognised within other payables. Contingent consideration classified as an asset 
or liability that is a financial instrument is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the 
income statement. The determination of fair value is based on discounted cash flows. The key assumptions 
take into consideration the probability of meeting each performance target and the discount rate.

Where less than 100% of a subsidiary is acquired, and call and put options are granted over the remaining 
interest, a non-controlling interest is initially recognised in equity at fair value, which is established based 
on the value of the put option. A call option is recognised as a derivative financial instrument, carried at fair 
value. The put option is recognised as a liability within other payables, carried at the present value of the 
put option exercise price, and a corresponding charge is included in merger and other reserves. Any 
subsequent remeasurement of the put option liability is recognised within finance income or cost.

Subsequent adjustments to the fair value of net assets acquired can only be made within 12 months of 
the acquisition date, and only if fair values were determined provisionally at an earlier reporting date. 
These adjustments are accounted for from the date of acquisition. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

123

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with owners and therefore no 
goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. Transaction costs incurred in connection with those 
business combinations, such as legal fees, due diligence fees and other professional fees, are expensed 
as incurred.

Method 2: All business combinations that occurred between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2008 
were accounted for using the purchase method in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations (2004). 
Goodwill on those combinations represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair 
value of the identifiable net assets acquired and did not include the value of the non-controlling interest. 
Transaction costs incurred in connection with those business combinations, such as legal fees, due 
diligence fees and other professional fees, were included in the cost of acquisition.

Method 3: For business combinations prior to 1 January 2004, goodwill is included at its deemed cost, 
which represents the amount recorded under UK GAAP at that time less accumulated amortisation up to 
31 December 2003. The classification and accounting treatment of business combinations occurring prior 
to 1 January 2004, the date of transition to IFRS, has not been reconsidered as permitted under IFRS 1. 

Other intangible assets
Intangible assets other than goodwill are those that are distinct and can be sold separately or which arise 
from legal rights.

Within ITV there are two types of other intangible assets: those assets directly purchased by the Group 
for day-to-day operational purposes (such as software licences and development) and intangible assets 
identified as part of an acquisition of a business. 

Intangible assets acquired directly by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation. Those 
separately identified intangible assets acquired as part of an acquisition or business combination are 
shown at fair value at the date of acquisition less accumulated amortisation.

The main intangible assets the Group has valued are formats, brands, licences, contractual arrangements, 
customer contracts and relationships and libraries.

Each class of intangible asset’s valuation method on initial recognition, amortisation method and 
estimated useful life is set out in the table below:

Class of intangible asset
Formats and 
brands
Customer 
contracts and 
relationships

Contractual 
arrangements

Licences

Libraries and 
other

Valuation method
Applying a royalty rate to the expected future 
revenue over the life of the brand.
Expected future cash flows from those contracts 
and relationships existing at the date of acquisition 
are estimated. If applicable, a contributory charge 
is deducted for the use of other assets needed to 
exploit the cash flow. The net cash flow is then 
discounted back to present value.
Expected future cash flows from those contracts 
existing at the date of acquisition are estimated. 
If applicable, a contributory charge is deducted for 
the use of other assets needed to exploit the cash 
flow. The net cash flow is then discounted back to 
present value.
Start-up basis of expected future cash flows existing 
at the date of acquisition. If applicable, a contributory 
charge is deducted for the use of other assets 
needed to exploit the cash flow. The net cash flow 
is then discounted back to present value.
Initially at cost and subsequently at cost less 
accumulated amortisation.

Software licences  
and development

Initially at cost and subsequently at cost less 
accumulated amortisation.

Amortisation method
Straight-line

Estimated useful life
8 to 14 years

Straight-line or 
reducing balance 
as appropriate

Straight-line

up to 6 years for 
customer contracts

5 to 10 years 
for customer 
relationships

up to 10 years 
depending on the 
contract terms

Straight-line

11 to 17 years 
depending on term 
of licence

Sum of digits or 
straight line as 
appropriate
Straight-line

up to 20 years

1 to 5 years

124

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Financial Statements Financial Statements

Determining the fair value of intangible assets arising on acquisition requires judgement. The Directors 
make estimates regarding the timing and amount of future cash flows derived from exploiting the assets 
being acquired. The Directors then estimate an appropriate discount rate to apply to the forecast cash 
flows. Such estimates are based on current budgets and forecasts, extrapolated for an appropriate period 
taking into account growth rates, operating costs and the expected useful lives of assets. Judgements 
are also made regarding whether, and for how long, licences will be renewed; this drives our amortisation 
policy for those assets.

The Directors estimate the appropriate discount rate using pre-tax rates that reflect current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the assets or businesses being acquired.

Amortisation
Amortisation is charged to the income statement over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets 
unless such lives are judged to be indefinite. Indefinite life assets, such as goodwill, are not amortised but 
are tested for impairment at each year end.

Impairment
Goodwill is not subject to amortisation and is tested annually for impairment and when circumstances 
indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

Other intangible assets are subject to amortisation and are reviewed for impairment whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the amount carried in the statement of financial position is less 
than its recoverable amount.

Determining whether the carrying amount of intangible assets has any indication of impairment requires 
judgement. Any impairment is recognised in the income statement.

An impairment test is performed by assessing the recoverable amount of each asset, or for goodwill, 
the cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) related to the goodwill. Total assets (which 
includes goodwill) are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows 
(‘cash-generating unit’ or ‘CGU’).

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The value 
in use is based on the present value of the future cash flows expected to arise from the asset. 

The Group applies cautious assumptions for impairment testing. Estimates are used in deriving these cash 
flows and the discount rate. Such estimates reflect current market assessments of the risks specific to 
the asset and the time value of money. The estimation process is complex due to the inherent risks and 
uncertainties associated with long-term forecasting. If different estimates of the projected future cash 
flows or a different selection of an appropriate discount rate or long-term growth rate were made, these 
changes could materially alter the projected value of the cash flows of the asset, and as a consequence 
materially different amounts would be reported in the financial statements.

Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed. In respect of assets other than goodwill, an 
impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not 
exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation,  
if no impairment loss had been recognised.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

125

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

Intangible assets
Intangible assets can be analysed as follows:

Goodwill
£m

Formats 
and brands
£m

Customer
contracts and 
relationships
£m

Contractual
arrangements
£m

Licences
£m

Libraries
and other
£m

Software
licences and 
development

Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions 
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2014
Additions
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2015
Amortisation  
and impairment
At 1 January 2014
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2014
Charge for the year
Foreign exchange 
At 31 December 2015
Net book value
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

3,467
146
14
3,627
102
15
3,744

2,654
–
2,654
–
–
2,654

1,090
973

179
21
1
201
273
7
481

159
18
177
27
1
205

276
24

352
30
3
385
23
3
411

326
21
347
17
1
365

46
38

10
–
–
10
–
–
10

2
3
5
2
–
7

3
5

121
–
–
121
–
–
121

83
7
90
4
–
94

27
31

81
16
–
97
1
1
99

50
7
57
8
–
65

34
40

78
11
–
89
15
–
104

60
11
71
9
–
80

24
18

Total
£m

4,288
224
18
4,530
414
26
4,970

3,334
67
3,401
67
2
3,470

1,500
1,129

All intangible asset additions in the year, excluding software, are due to the acquisition of four production 
companies, as detailed in note 3.4 (2014: three production companies acquired). 

Goodwill impairment tests
The carrying amount of Goodwill for each CGU is represented as follows:

Broadcast & Online
SDN
ITV Studios

2015
£m

342
76
672
1,090

2014
£m
342
76
555
973

There has been no impairment charge for any CGU during the year (2014: £nil).

When assessing impairment, the recoverable amount of each CGU is based on value in use calculations. 
These calculations require the use of estimates, specifically: pre-tax cash flow projections; long-term 
growth rates; and a pre-tax market discount rate. 

Cash flow projections are based on the Group’s current five year plan. Beyond the five year plan these 
projections are extrapolated using an estimated long-term growth rate of 2% (2014: 2%). The growth rate 
used is consistent with the long-term average growth rates for both the industry and the country in which 
they are located and is appropriate because these are long-term businesses.

The discount rate has been revised for each CGU to reflect the latest market assumptions for the risk-free 
rate, the equity risk premium and the net cost of debt. There is currently no reasonably possible change in 
discount rate that would reduce the headroom in any CGU to zero.

126

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Broadcast & Online
The goodwill in this CGU arose as a result of the acquisition of broadcasting businesses since 1999, the 
largest of which was the merger of Carlton and Granada in 2004 to form ITV plc, which was treated as 
an acquisition of Carlton for accounting purposes.

The main assumptions on which the forecast cash flow projections for this CGU are based include: the 
share of the television advertising market; share of commercial impacts; programme and other costs; 
and the pre-tax market discount rate.

The key assumption in assessing the recoverable amount of Broadcast & Online goodwill is the size of 
the television advertising market. In forming its assumptions about the television advertising market, 
the Group has used a combination of long-term trends, industry forecasts and in-house estimates, which 
place greater emphasis on recent experience. No impairment was identified. Also as part of the 
impairment review, a sensitivity of up to -15% was applied to 2016, again with no impairment identified. 
The Directors believe that currently no reasonably possible change in these assumptions would reduce the 
headroom in this CGU to zero.

A pre-tax market discount rate of 9.7% (2014: 10.6%) has been used in discounting the projected cash flows.

SDN
Goodwill was recognised when the Group acquired SDN (the licence operator for DTT Multiplex A) in 2005. 
It represented the wider strategic benefits of the acquisition specific to the Group, principally the enhanced 
ability to promote Freeview as a platform, business relationships with the channels which are on Multiplex 
A and additional capacity available from 2010.

The main assumptions on which the forecast cash flows are based are: income to be earned from 
medium-term contracts; the market price of available multiplex video streams in the period up to 
and beyond digital switchover; and the pre-tax market discount rate. These assumptions have been 
determined by using a combination of current contract terms, recent market transactions and in-house 
estimates of video stream availability and pricing. No impairment was identified. 

As part of the impairment review sensitivity was applied to the main assumptions with no impairment 
identified (2016: -5% growth, 2017: -10% growth). The Directors believe that currently no reasonably 
possible change in the income and availability assumptions would reduce the headroom in this CGU to zero.

A pre-tax market discount rate of 11.5% (2014: 12.6%) has been used in discounting the projected cash flows.

ITV Studios
The goodwill for ITV Studios has arisen as a result of the acquisition of production businesses since 1999. 
Significant balances were created from the acquisition by Granada of United News and Media’s production 
businesses in 2000 and the merger of Granada and Carlton in 2004 to form ITV plc. ITV Studios goodwill 
also includes all of the goodwill arising from recent acquisitions in 2012 to 2015, with the largest acquisition 
addition to goodwill being Leftfield in 2014, followed by Talpa and Twofour in 2015. 

The key assumptions on which the forecast cash flows were based include revenue (including international 
revenue and the ITV Studios share of ITV output, growth in commissions and hours produced), margin 
growth and the pre-tax market discount rate. These assumptions have been determined by using a 
combination of extrapolation of historical trends within the business, industry estimates and in-house 
estimates of growth rates in all markets. No impairment was identified. 

As part of the impairment review sensitivity was applied to the main assumptions with no impairment 
identified (2016: -5% growth, 2017: -10% growth). The Directors believe that currently no reasonably 
possible change in the income and availability assumptions would reduce the headroom in this CGU to zero.

A pre-tax market discount rate of 10.1% (2014: 11.7%) has been used in discounting the projected cash flows.

Following the acquisitions made by ITV Studios in 2015, the Directors considered how assets and resources 
are shared across the Studios division and the level of integration within the management structure for 
the purposes of reporting and strategic decision-making. They concluded that a single ITV Studios CGU 
continues to remain appropriate.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

127

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

3.4 
Acquisitions

Keeping it 
simple

The following section outlines what the Group has acquired in the year. 

All of the deals are structured so that a large part of the payment made to the 
sellers is determined based on future performance (‘consideration’). This is done 
so that the Group can both align incentives for growth, while reducing risk so that 
total consideration reflects actual performance, not expected. 

IFRS accounting standards require some of this consideration to be included in 
the purchase price used in determining goodwill (‘contingent consideration’). 
Examples of contingent consideration include top-up payments and recoupable 
performance adjustments. Any remaining consideration is required to be recognised 
as a liability or expense outside of acquisition accounting (put option liabilities and 
employment-linked contingent payments known as ‘earnout’ payments).

The Group considers the income statement impact of all consideration to be 
capital in nature and are therefore excluded from adjusted profit. Therefore, for 
each acquisition below, the distinction between the types of consideration has 
been explained in detail.

Acquisitions
During the period, the Group completed four acquisitions, all of which have been included in the results 
of the ITV Studios operating segment. Each of the businesses fit with the strategy of growing the Group’s 
content business and to work with other parts of the ITV Studios segment to exploit that content globally. 
The following section provides a summary of the material acquisitions.

Talpa Media B.V.
On 30 April 2015 the Group acquired 100% controlling interests in Talpa Media B.V. and its subsidiaries. 
Talpa Media is the entertainment show producer behind The Voice, The Voice Kids, I Love My Country, 
Dating In The Dark and Dance Dance Dance. The Group consolidates 100% of the earnings of the business.

Key terms:
Cash consideration of £362 million (€500 million) was paid at acquisition and the maximum total 
consideration for 100% of the business, including the initial payment, is £796 million (€1,100 million, 
undiscounted). 

The deal structure allows for a further £434 million (€600 million) payable after two, five and eight years, 
on the achievement of stretching performance targets for the business in the years following acquisition. 
For these amounts to be payable in the future, the deal requires the seller to remain with the business 
during the earnout period. Further, if the seller leaves within the first two years following acquisition, 
a significant portion of the initial consideration would be refunded to ITV. 

Structuring the deal in this way helped manage risks in terms of initial capital outlay and created a joint 
incentive between ITV and the seller to grow the business, however IFRS requires any payment that links a 
seller to remaining in the business as an employment cost. The Group considers these payments as capital 
in nature, and therefore expenses in relation to these payments are excluded from adjusted profits as an 
exceptional item. 

Acquisition accounting:
Intangibles, being the value placed on formats, brands, customer contracts, non-compete arrangements 
and libraries, of £276 million (€382 million) were identified and goodwill was valued at £41 million 
(€57 million). Goodwill represents the value placed on the opportunity to diversify and grow the content 
and formats produced by the Group. The goodwill arising on acquisition is not expected to be deductible 
for tax purposes. Other fair value adjustments have been made to the opening balance sheet, though 
none of them are individually significant. 

128

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Twofour Group
On 24 June 2015 the Group acquired Boom Supervisory Limited, the holding company of Twofour Group. 
Twofour Group owns 51% of Mainstreet Pictures. Twofour Group is an independent production business 
with a range of scripted and unscripted programmes including The Jump, Educating Series (Educating 
Essex, Educating Yorkshire), Hotel Inspector, Taking New York and Ibiza Weekender.

Key terms:
The Group purchased the Twofour Group for a cash consideration of £55 million, subsequently the sellers 
subscribed to 25% of the share capital of the acquiring company. A put and call option has been granted 
over this 25% in Twofour Group; these options both being exercisable over the next three to five years. 
The transaction has been accounted for on an anticipated acquisition basis and a non-controlling interest 
has not been recognised. The maximum total consideration for 100% of the business, including the initial 
payment, is £280 million (undiscounted). These payments are dependent on future performance of the 
business and linked to ongoing employment. The Group considers these payments as capital in nature, 
and therefore expenses in relation to these payments are excluded from adjusted profits as an 
exceptional item.

Provisional acquisition accounting:
Intangibles, being the value placed on formats, brands, customer contracts, non-compete arrangements 
and libraries, of £18 million were identified and goodwill was valued at £50 million. Goodwill represents 
the value placed on the opportunity to diversify and grow the content and formats The Group is currently 
in the process of completing the valuations for the net assets acquired with the businesses. The Group 
expects to finalise the valuations of acquired assets and liabilities in the first half of 2016.

Goodwill represents the value placed on the opportunity to diversify and grow the content and formats 
produced by the Group. The goodwill arising on acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax 
purposes. Other fair value adjustments have been made to the opening balance sheet, though none 
of them are individually significant.

Other 2015 acquisitions
The Group made an initial payment of £15 million for two smaller acquisitions, Cats on the Roof Media Ltd 
and Mammoth Screen Ltd, with a view that these acquisitions will strengthen and complement ITV’s 
existing position as a producer for major television networks in the UK. The maximum additional 
consideration that the Group could pay is £66 million (undiscounted).

Goodwill, which represents the value placed on the opportunity to grow the content produced by the 
Group, has been provisionally valued at £11 million. The goodwill arising on these acquisitions are not 
expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisitions in 2014
Leftfield Entertainment was acquired for an initial consideration (net of cash acquired) of £214 million 
($360 million) for 80% of the membership interests in May 2014. The remaining 20% equity interest 
was acquired in December 2015. In consideration for the acquisition of the minority interest the Group 
assumed certain obligations of the seller, most notably earnout arrangements for its subsidiaries. 
No additional cash consideration was payable to the seller as a result of the purchase of the remaining 
minority interest. 

The total maximum additional consideration payable by ITV for the acquisition of 100% of the membership 
interest of Leftfield Entertainment, including the additional assumed earnout obligations, is £65 million 
($100 million) and is dependent on future performance and is linked to ongoing employment.

Intangible assets of £65 million ($109 million) were identified in 2014, being the value placed on brands, 
customer contracts, non-compete arrangements and libraries.

The Group also acquired 51% of the membership interest in DiGa Vision, a US-based producer and 100% of 
the controlling interest in United Productions, a company based in Denmark. The total initial consideration 
(net of cash acquired) was £5 million and the maximum additional amount payable is £32 million 
(undiscounted). The final payout is dependent on future performance and is linked to ongoing employment.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

129

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

Intangibles of £2 million were identified, largely reflecting the value placed on brands, customer contracts 
and contractual arrangements.

Effect of acquisition
The acquisitions noted above had the following impact on the Group assets and liabilities:

£m

Talpa Media

Twofour

Other

2015 Total

2014 Total

Recognised values on acquisition

Consideration transferred:
Initial consideration (net of cash acquired) (Note A)
Less: consideration classified as prepaid 
employment linked consideration (Note B)
Total consideration
Fair value of net assets acquired:
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Fair value of net assets
Non-controlling interest measured  
at fair value (Note C)
Goodwill
Other information:
Present value of the liability on options
Present value at acquisition of the earnout 
payment (Note D)
Contributions to the Group’s performance:
From date of acquisition
Revenue
EBITA before exceptionals (Note E)
Proforma – January to December
Revenue
EBITA before exceptionals (Note F)

347

(109)
238

2
276
(66)
78
(93)
197

–
41

–

186

121
25

193
45

49

–
49

4
18
(5)
15
(33)
(1)

–
50

–

10

42
2

80
3

10

–
10

–
3
–
8
(12)
(1)

–
11

–

27

22
2

33
1

406

(109)
297

6
297
(71)
101
(138)
195

–
102

–

223

185
29

306
49

214

(29)
185

5
67
–
32
(45)
59

20
146

20

4

62
14

88
20

Note A: Consideration for all acquisitions is net of cash acquired and estimated debt and working capital settlements. Cash acquired 
during the year comprises Talpa £22 million, Twofour £6 million and Other £5 million.
Note B: Total consideration is net of employment linked consideration of £109 million. IFRS 3 (R) requires the employment linked 
consideration to be treated as remuneration. This amount is repayable to the Group should the seller terminate the service agreement 
within the first two years following completion. The remaining balance is shown within trade and other receivables and is expensed over 
two years.
Note C: Non-controlling interest arises where the Group acquires less than 100% of the equity interest in a business, but obtains control. 
Note D: This represents the present value of earnouts as at acquisition.
Note E: Adjusting for exceptional costs relating to employment linked consideration reduces the contribution to the Group’s profit 
after tax for the period from the date of acquisition to a loss of £35 million for Talpa, a profit of £1 million for Twofour and £nil on 
other acquisitions. 
Note F: Adjusting for exceptional costs relating to employment linked consideration reduces the contribution to the Group’s profit 
after tax on a full year proforma basis to a loss of £38 million for Talpa, a profit of £1 million for Twofour and a loss of £1 million on 
other acquisitions. 

130

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

3.5 
Investments

Keeping it 
simple

The Group holds non-controlling interests in a number of different entities. 
Accounting for these investments, and the Group’s share of any profits and losses, 
depends on the level of control or influence the Group is granted via its interest. 
The three principal types of non-consolidated investments are: joint arrangements 
(joint ventures or joint operations), associates and available for sale investments.

A joint venture is an investment where the Group has joint control, with one or 
more third parties. An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant 
influence (i.e. power to participate in the investee’s financial and operating 
decisions). Any other investment is an available for sale investment.

Accounting policies
For joint ventures and associates the Group applies equity accounting. Under this method, it recognises the 
investment in the entity at cost and subsequently adjusts this for its share of profits or losses, which are 
recognised in the income statement within non-operating items and included in adjusted profit. Available 
for sale investments are held at fair value unless the investment is a start-up business, in which case it is 
valued at cost and assessed for impairment. 

The carrying value of all investments are shown as non-current assets on the Statement of Financial 
Position. The £16 million increase in the year comprises £14 million in relation to the acquisition of 
associates and available for sale investments and £2 million of funding to existing joint ventures. 

Please refer to page 170 for the list of principal investments held at 31 December 2015.

3.6 
Provisions

Keeping it 
simple

A provision is recognised by the Group where an obligation exists relating to 
events in the past and it is probable that cash will be paid to settle it.

A provision is made where the Group is not certain how much cash will be 
required to settle a liability, so an estimate is required. The main estimates relate 
to the cost of holding properties that are no longer in use by the Group, the 
likelihood of settling legal claims and contracts the Group has entered into that 
are now unprofitable.

Accounting policies
A provision is recognised in the statement of financial position when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation arising from past events, it is probable cash will be paid to settle it and the amount 
can be estimated reliably. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows by a 
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a financing cost in the income statement. The value 
of the provision is determined based on assumptions and estimates in relation to the amount and timing 
of actual cash flows which are dependent on future events.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

131

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

Provisions
The movements in provisions during the year are as follows:

At 1 January 2015
Additions
Utilised
Released
At 31 December 2015

Contract
provisions
£m
3
5
(2)
–
6

Property
provisions
£m
3
–
–
(1)
2

Legal and Other
provisions
£m
15
10
–
–
25

Total
£m
21
15
(2)
(1)
33

Provisions of £28 million are classified as current liabilities (2014: £17 million). Unwind of the discount is £nil 
in 2015 and 2014.

Contract provisions comprise onerous commitments on transmission infrastructure that are expected to 
be utilised over the remaining contract period and onerous technology services contracts which will not 
be utilised.

Legal and Other provisions totalling £25 million (2014: £15 million) primarily relate to potential liabilities 
that may arise as a result of Boxclever having been placed into administrative receivership, most of which 
relate to pension arrangements. In 2011 the Determinations Panel of the Pensions Regulator determined 
that Financial Support Directions (FSDs) should be issued against certain Group companies, which would 
require the Group to put in place financial support for the Boxclever Scheme. The Group is challenging this 
in the Upper Tribunal. The reference process is ongoing and aside from procedural issues there were no 
substantive case developments in the period. The Directors have obtained leading counsel’s opinion and 
extensive legal advice in connection with the proceedings and continue to believe that the provision held 
is appropriate. The increase in provisions during the year was primarily due to anticipated costs of settling 
other legal matters. 

132

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements3.7  
Pensions

Keeping it 
simple

 Financial Statements

In this note we explain the accounting policies governing the Group’s pension 
scheme, followed by analysis of the components of the net defined benefit 
pension deficit, including assumptions made, and where the related movements 
have been recognised in the financial statements. In addition, we have placed text 
boxes to explain some of the technical terms used in the disclosure. 

What are the Group’s pension schemes? 
There are two types of pension schemes. A ‘Defined Contribution’ scheme that 
is open to ITV employees, and a number of ‘Defined Benefit’ schemes that have 
been closed to new members since 2006. 

What is a Defined Contribution scheme?
The ‘Defined Contribution’ scheme is where the Group makes fixed payments into 
a separate fund on behalf of those employees that have elected to participate 
in saving for their retirement. ITV has no further obligation to the participating 
employee and the risks and rewards associated with this type of scheme are 
assumed by the members rather than the Group. It is the members’ responsibility 
to make investment decisions relating to their retirement benefits.

What is a Defined Benefit scheme? 
In a ‘Defined Benefit’ scheme, members receive cash payments during retirement, 
the value of which is dependent on factors such as salary and length of service. 
The Group manages the necessary investment, mortality and inflation risks in 
order to meet these obligations. In the event of poor returns the Group needs 
to address this through a combination of increased levels of contribution or by 
making adjustments to the scheme. Schemes can be funded, where regular 
cash contributions are made by the employer into a fund which is invested, or 
unfunded, where no regular money or assets are required to be put aside to cover 
future payments.

The Group makes contributions to the scheme, a separate trustee-administered 
fund that is not consolidated in these financial statements, but is reflected on the 
defined benefit pension deficit line on the consolidated statement of financial 
position. It is the responsibility of the Trustee to manage and invest the assets 
of the Scheme and its funding position. The Trustee, appointed according to the 
terms of the Scheme’s documentation, is required to act in the best interest of 
the members and is responsible for managing and investing the assets of the 
scheme and its funding position.

Accounting policies
Defined contribution scheme
Obligations under the Group’s defined contribution schemes are recognised as an operating cost in the 
income statement as incurred. For 2015, total contributions expensed were £16 million (2014: £14 million).

Defined benefit scheme
The Group’s obligation in respect of the Defined Benefit Scheme (the ‘Scheme’) is calculated by estimating 
the amount of future retirement benefit that eligible employees (‘members’) have earned in return for 
their services. That benefit payable in the future is discounted to today’s value and then the fair value of 
scheme assets contributed by the Group is deducted to measure the net pension deficit. 

The liabilities of the Scheme are measured by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be 
paid using the ‘projected unit’ method. This method is an accrued benefits valuation method that makes 
allowance for projected earnings of members in the future up to retirement.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

133

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

These calculations are complex and are performed by a qualified actuary. There are many judgements and 
estimates necessary to calculate the Group’s estimated liabilities, the main assumptions are set out later in 
this section. Movements in assumptions during the year are called ‘actuarial gains and losses’ and these are 
recognised in the period in which they arise through the statement of comprehensive income. 

The latest triennial valuation of the Scheme was undertaken as at 1 January 2014 by an independent 
actuary appointed by the Trustee of the Scheme and agreed in early 2016. The next triennial valuation will 
be as at 1 January 2017 and is expected to be agreed in 2018. This will drive subsequent contribution rates.

An unfunded scheme in relation to previous Directors is accounted for under IAS 19 and the Group is 
responsible for meeting the pension obligations as they fall due. It is securitised by assets held outside of 
the ITV Pension Scheme in the form of gilts and included within cash and cash equivalents (see note 4.1).

The defined benefit pension deficit
The net pension deficit at 31 December 2015 was £176 million (2014: £346 million).

The net assets and liabilities of the Scheme are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial 
position and shown within non-current liabilities. The totals recognised in the current and previous 
years are: 

Total defined benefit scheme obligations
Total defined benefit scheme assets
Net pension deficit

2015
£m

(3,446)
3,270
(176)

2014
£m
(3,687)
3,341
(346)

The remaining sections provide further detail of the value of the Scheme’s assets and liabilities, how these 
are accounted for and the impact on the income statement.

Defined benefit scheme obligations

Keeping it 
simple

What cause movements in the defined benefit pension obligations?
The areas that impact the defined benefit obligation (the pension scheme 
liabilities) position at the year end are as follows:

•  Current service cost – the cost to the Group of the future benefits earned 
by members that relates to the members’ service in the current year. This is 
charged to operating costs in the income statement.

•  Interest cost – the pension obligations payable in the future are discounted 
to the present value at year end. A discount factor is used to determine the 
current value today of the future cost. The interest cost is the unwinding of 
one year’s movement in the present value of the obligation. It is broadly 
determined by multiplying the discount rate at the beginning of the period by 
the updated present value of the obligation during the period. The discount 
rate is a key assumption explained later in this section. This interest cost is 
recognised through net financing costs in the income statement (see note 4.4).

•  Actuarial gains or losses – there are broadly two causes of actuarial 
movements. ‘Experience’ adjustments, which arise when comparing 
assumptions made when estimating the liabilities and what has actually 
occurred, and adjustments resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions 
e.g. movements in corporate bond yields. Key assumptions are explained in 
detail later in this section. Actuarial gains or losses are recognised through 
other comprehensive income.

•  Benefits paid – any cash benefits paid out by the Scheme will reduce 

the obligation.

134

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

The movement in the present value of the Group’s defined benefit obligation is analysed below:

Defined benefit obligation at 1 January

Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) / loss
Benefits paid

Defined benefit obligation at 31 December

2015
£m

3,687
8
126
(217)
(158)
3,446

2014
£m
3,315
7
144
366
(145)
3,687

Of the above total defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2015, £46 million relates to unfunded 
schemes (2014: £48 million). See note 4.1 for details.

Assumptions used to estimate the Scheme obligations

Keeping it 
simple

What are the main assumptions used to estimate the Scheme obligations?
The main assumptions are: 

•  future salary levels 
•  future pensionable salary levels 
•  an estimate of increases in pension payments 
•  the life expectancy of members
•  the effect of inflation on all these factors 
•  the discount rate used to estimate the present day fair value of these obligations 

How do we determine the appropriate assumptions? 
The Group takes independent actuarial advice relating to the appropriateness 
of the assumptions used.

IFRS requires that we estimate a discount rate by reference to high quality 
fixed income investments in the UK that match the estimated term of the 
pension obligations. 

The inflation assumption has been set by looking at the difference between the 
yields on fixed and index-linked Government bonds. The inflation assumption is 
used as a basis for the remaining financial assumptions, except where caps have 
been implemented.

The discount rate has therefore been obtained using the yields available on AA 
rated corporate bonds which match projected cash flows. The Group’s estimate 
of the weighted average term of the liabilities is 15 years (2014: 15 years). 

The principal assumptions used in the Scheme’s valuations at the year end were:

Discount rate for:

Past service liabilities
Future service liabilities

Inflation assumption for:
Past service liabilities
Future service liabilities

Rate of pensionable salary increases
Rate of increase in pension payment (LPI1 5% pension increases)
Rate of increase to deferred pensions (CPI)

1.  Limited Price Index.

2015 

2014

3.80%
4.00%

3.00%
3.10%
0.90%
2.90%
2.00%

3.50%
3.70%

3.00%
3.05%
0.90%
2.90%
2.00%

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

135

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

The table below reflects published mortality investigation data in conjunction with the results of 
investigations into the mortality experience of Scheme members. The assumed life expectations on 
retirement are:

Retiring today at age
Males
Females
Retiring in 20 years at age
Males
Females

2015

60
28.0
30.6
60
30.0
32.6

2015

65
23.2
25.7
65
25.0
27.6

2014
60
27.9
30.5
60
29.9
32.5

2014
65
23.1
25.6
65
24.9
27.5

Keeping it 
simple

Which assumptions have the biggest impact on estimating the Scheme 
liabilities?
It is important to note that comparatively small changes in the assumptions 
used may have a significant effect on the consolidated income statement and 
statement of financial position. This ‘sensitivity’ to change is analysed below to 
demonstrate how small changes in assumptions can have a large impact on the 
estimation of the Scheme’s liabilities.

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the defined benefit obligation are 
set out below:

Assumption
Discount rate
Rate of inflation  
(Retail Price Index)
Rate of inflation  
(Consumer Price Index)
Life expectations

Change in assumption
Increase/decrease by 0.1%
Increase/decrease by 0.1%

Impact on defined benefit obligation
Decrease/increase by £50 million / £55 million
Increase/decrease by £15 million / £15 million

Increase/decrease by 0.1%

Increase/decrease by £10 million / £10 million

Increase by one year

Increase by £90 million

The analysis above considers the impact of the single change in the assumption while keeping the other 
assumptions unchanged, except for inflation. The inflation sensitivities allow for consequential changes 
to all pension increases linked to the relevant index. The sensitivity analyses have been determined 
by extrapolating the impact on the defined benefit obligation at the year end with changes in key 
assumptions that might reasonably occur.

In practice, changes in one assumption may be accompanied by offsetting changes in another assumption 
(although this is not always the case). Changes in the assumptions may occur at the same time as changes 
in the market value of Scheme assets, which may or may not offset the changes in assumptions.

The sensitivity analysis for the impact of life expectations on the defined benefit liability does not include 
the potential offsetting benefit of the longevity swap classified as a Scheme asset. It is estimated that a 
£75 million benefit would arise on the value of the longevity swap from a one year increase in the market-
based assumption of mortality. (Please refer to the ‘Keeping it simple’ box in the following section for 
further information on the longevity swap).

136

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Total defined benefit scheme assets

Keeping it 
simple

The Scheme holds assets across a number of different classes which are 
managed by the Trustee, who consults with the Group on changes to its 
investment policy. 

What are the pension Scheme assets?
At 31 December 2015 the Scheme’s assets were invested in a diversified portfolio 
that consisted primarily of equity and debt securities. The tables below set out 
the major categories of assets.

Financial instruments are in place in order to provide protection against changes 
in market factors (interest rates and inflation) which could act to increase the net 
pension deficit. These financial instruments are classified as Scheme assets.

One such instrument is the longevity swap which the Scheme transacted in 2011 
to obtain protection against the effect of increases in the life expectation of the 
majority of pensioner members at that date. Under the swap, the Trustee agreed 
to make pre-determined payments in return for payments to meet the specified 
pension obligations as they fall due, irrespective of how long the members and 
their dependants live. The difference in the present values of these two streams 
of payments is reflected in the Scheme assets. The swap had a nil valuation at 
inception and, using market-based assumptions, is subsequently adjusted for 
changes in the market life expectancy and market discount rates.

How do we measure the pension Scheme assets?
Defined benefit scheme assets are measured at their fair value and can change 
due to the following:

•  Interest income on scheme assets – this is determined by multiplying the fair 

value of the Scheme assets by the discount rate, both taken as of the beginning 
of the year. This is recognised through net financing costs in the income 
statement.

•  Return on assets arise from differences between the actual return and interest 
income on Scheme assets and are recognised through other comprehensive 
income.

•  Employer’s contributions are paid into the Scheme to be managed and invested.
•  Benefits and administrative expenses paid out by the Schemes will lower the 

fair value of the Scheme’s assets

The movement in the fair value of the defined benefit scheme’s assets is analysed below:

Fair value of Scheme assets at 1 January

Interest income on Scheme assets
(Loss) / return on assets, excluding interest income
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administrative expenses paid

Fair value of Scheme assets at 31 December

2015
£m

3,341
116
(126)
102
(158)
(5)
3,270

2014
£m
2,870
128
390
103
(145)
(5)
3,341

The actual return on the Scheme’s assets, being the sum of the interest income on Scheme assets and 
return on Scheme assets, for the year ended 31 December 2015 was a decrease of £10 million 
(2014: increase of £518 million). 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

137

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 3: Operating Assets and Liabilities continued

How are the Scheme’s assets invested? 
At 31 December 2015 the Scheme’s assets were invested in a diversified portfolio that consisted primarily 
of equity and debt securities. The fair value of the Scheme’s assets are shown in the following table by 
major category:

Quoted equities
Quoted bonds*
Total quoted assets
Property
Infrastructure
Hedge funds/alternatives
Insurance policies
Cash and cash equivalents
Other
Longevity swap fair value
Total unquoted assets
Total Scheme assets

Market value
2015
£m

651
2,219
2,870
55
68
196
40
86
20
(65)
400
3,270

Market value
2014
£m
654
2,329
2,983
51
77
183
42
50
22
(67)
358
3,341

*  Quoted bonds include interest rate and inflation swaps.

Included in the above are overseas assets of £1,198 million (2014: £1,218 million), comprised of equities 
of £564 million (2014: £569 million) and bonds of £634 million (2014: £649 million).

When selecting the mix of assets to hold, and considering their related risks and returns, the Trustee will 
weigh up the variability of returns against the target long-term rate of return on the overall portfolio.

Keeping it 
simple

What was the impact of movements on the Scheme’s assets and liabilities?
The sections above describe how the Scheme obligations and assets are 
comprised and measured. The following section sets out the impact of various 
movements and expenses on the Scheme on the Group’s financial statement.

Amounts recognised through the income statement
Amounts recognised through the income statement are as follows:

Amount charged to operating costs:

Current service cost
Scheme administration expenses

Amount charged to net financing costs:

Net interest on defined benefit obligation

Total charged in the consolidated income statement

2015
£m

(8)
(5)
(13)

(10)

(23)

2014
£m

(7)
(5)
(12)

(16)

(28)

138

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
The amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(cost) are:

Remeasurement gains and (losses):

(Loss) / Return on scheme assets excluding interest income
Actuarial gains / (losses) on liabilities arising from change in:
– inflation experience
– financial assumptions
– updated valuation data

Total recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

2015
£m

(126)

48
169
–
217
91

2014
£m

390

–
(402)
36
(366)
24

The £217 million actuarial gain on the Scheme’s liabilities was principally due to an increase in bond yields 
over the year, which has resulted in a decrease in the liabilities. The £126 million loss on the Scheme’s 
assets primarily results from decreases in the market values of gilts and swaps, which has led to assets 
underperforming expectations.

Addressing the net pension deficit

Keeping it 
simple

The Group works closely with the Trustee to agree appropriate levels of funding 
for the Scheme. This involves agreeing a Schedule of Contributions at each 
triennial valuation, which specifies the contribution rates for the employer and 
scheme members and the date these contributions are due. A recovery plan 
setting out the steps that will be taken to address a funding shortfall is also agreed.

In the event that the Group’s defined benefit scheme is in a net liability position, 
the Directors must take steps to manage the size of the deficit. Apart from the 
funding agreements mentioned above, this could involve pledging additional 
assets to the Scheme, as was the case in the SDN and London Television Centre 
(‘LTVC’) pension funding partnerships (explained below).

The levels of ongoing contributions to the Scheme are based on the current service costs (as assessed by 
the Scheme Trustee) and the expected future cash flows of the Scheme. Normal employer contributions 
in 2016 for current service are expected to be in the region of £12 million (2015: £11 million) and deficit 
funding contributions in 2016 are expected to be £66 million (2015: £76 million), assuming current 
contribution rates continue as agreed with the Trustee. 

Under the SDN pension partnership, set up in 2010, the Group has agreed to make payments of £11 million 
for 12 years from 2011. The LTVC partnership, established in March 2014, commits the Group to an annual 
payment of £2 million in 2016, increasing by 5% per annum until 2038.

IFRIC 14 clarifies how the asset ceiling should be applied, in particular, how local minimum funding rules 
work. The Group has determined that it has an unconditional right to a refund of surplus assets if the 
Schemes are run off until the last member dies, on which basis IFRIC 14 does not cause any change in the 
balance sheet disclosures before tax.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

139

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs

In this section

This section outlines how the Group manages its capital structure and 
related financing costs, including its balance sheet liquidity and access to 
capital markets.

The Directors determine the appropriate capital structure of ITV, specifically, 
how much is raised from shareholders (equity) and how much is borrowed 
from financial institutions (debt) in order to finance the Group’s activities 
both now and in the future. Maintaining capital discipline and balance sheet 
efficiency remains important to the Group, as seen through the issuance of 
a new Eurobond during the year. Any potential courses of action will take 
into account the Group’s liquidity needs, flexibility to invest in the business, 
pension deficit initiatives and impact on credit ratings.

The Directors consider the Group’s capital structure and dividend policy at 
least twice a year ahead of announcing results and do so in the context of its 
ability to continue as a going concern, to execute the strategy and to invest 
in opportunities to grow the business and enhance shareholder value.

A Tax and Treasury committee acting under delegated authority from the 
Board, approves certain financial transactions and monitors compliance with 
the Group’s tax and treasury policies.

4.1  
Net cash/ 
(debt)

Keeping it 
simple

Net cash / (debt) is the Group’s key measure used to evaluate total cash resources 
net of the current outstanding debt.

Adjusted net debt is also monitored by the Group and more closely reflects how 
credit agencies see the Group’s gearing. To arrive at the adjusted net debt amount, 
we add our total undiscounted expected contingent payments on acquisitions, 
our IAS 19 pension deficit and our undiscounted operating lease commitments. 
A full analysis and discussion of adjusted net debt is included in the Financial and 
Performance Review.

The tables below analyse movements in the components of net cash during the year:

Cash
Cash equivalents

Total cash and cash equivalents

Loans and facilities due within one year
Finance leases due within one year
Loans and facilities due after one year
Finance leases due after one year

Total debt

Net cash / (debt)

1 January
2015
£m
234
63
297
(78)
(7)
(161)
(10)
(256)

Net cash flow
and
acquisitions
£m
3
(6)
(3)
73
7
(433)
–
(353)

Currency and
non-cash
movements
£m
1
(1)
–
–
(6)
(4)
6
(4)

31 December
2015
£m

238
56
294
(5)
(6)
(598)
(4)
(613)

41

(356)

(4)

(319)

140

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Cash
Cash equivalents

Total cash and cash equivalents

Loans and facilities due within one year
Finance leases due within one year
Loans and facilities due after one year
Finance leases due after one year

Total debt

Currency component of swaps held against euro 
denominated bonds

Net cash

1 January
2014
£m
438
80
518
(41)
(21)
(301)
(17)
(380)

26
164

Net cash flow
and
acquisitions
£m
(199)
(17)
(216)
41
21
62
–
124

Currency and
non-cash
movements
£m
(5)
–
(5)
(78)
(7)
78
7
–

31 December
2014
£m
234
63
297
(78)
(7)
(161)
(10)
(256)

(26)
(118)

–
(5)

–
41

Cash and cash equivalents
Included within cash equivalents is £10 million (2014: £16 million), the use of which is restricted to 
meeting finance lease commitments under programme sale and leasebacks (see note 4.2), and gilts of 
£38 million (2014: £39 million) in respect of which a charging deed was executed on the unfunded pension 
commitments of four former Granada executives. Legal action has commenced to try and remove 
the charge.

Loans and facilities due within one year
In October 2015 the unsecured £78 million Eurobond matured, resulting in a net payment by the Group 
of £76 million, after settlement of the Group’s related outstanding interest rate swaps. 

At various periods during the year the Group drew down on the Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’) to meet 
short-term funding requirements. All short-term drawings were repaid by the end of the year. The 
maximum draw down of the RCF during the year was €500 million (£362 million) in April to fund the 
acquisition of Talpa Media. The maximum draw down on the RCF during 2014 was £321 million to fund 
the 2014 acquisitions.

Loans and loan notes due after one year 
In September 2015 the Group issued a seven year €600 million Eurobond at a fixed coupon of 2.125% which 
will mature in September 2022. The bond refinanced the 12 month bridge loan facility of €500 million that 
was used to repay the RCF, which initially funded the purchase of Talpa Media in April.

The Group also has an unsecured £161 million Eurobond which matures in January 2017 and has a coupon 
of 6.125%. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

141

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs continued

4.2 
Borrowings 
and finance 
leases

Keeping it 
simple

The Group borrows money from financial institutions in the form of bonds, bank 
facilities and other financial instruments. The interest payable on these 
instruments is shown in the net financing costs note in note 4.4.

There are Board-approved policies in place to manage the Group’s financial risks. 
Macroeconomic market risks, which impact currency transactions and interest 
rates, are discussed in note 4.3. Credit and liquidity risks are discussed below.

•  Credit risk: the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty 

fails to meet its contractual obligations and 

•  Liquidity risk: the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial 

obligations as they fall due

The Group is required to disclose the fair value of its debt instruments. The fair 
value is the amount the Group would pay a third party to transfer the liability. It is 
calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, 
discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. This calculation 
of fair value is consistent with instruments valued under level 2 in note 4.5.

Accounting policies
Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs, with subsequent 
measurement at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Under the amortised cost 
method the difference between the amount initially recognised and the redemption value is recorded in 
the income statement over the period of the borrowing on an effective interest basis.

Finance leases
Historically, ITV has entered into sale and leaseback agreements in relation to certain programme titles. 
Related outstanding sale and leaseback obligations, which comprise the principal and accrued interest, 
are included within borrowings. The finance related element of the agreement is charged to the income 
statement over the term of the lease on an effective interest basis. Sale and leaseback obligations are 
secured against an equivalent cash balance held within cash and cash equivalents.

Managing credit and liquidity risk
Credit risk
The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of derivative financial 
assets (see note 4.3), trade receivables (see note 3.1.4), and cash and cash equivalents (note 4.1).

Trade and other receivables
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. 
The majority of trade receivables relate to airtime sales contracts with advertising agencies and advertisers. 
Credit insurance has been taken out against these companies to minimise the impact on the Group in the 
event of a possible default.

Cash 
The Group operates investment guidelines with respect to surplus cash that emphasise preservation of 
capital. The guidelines set out procedures and limits on counterparty risk and maturity profile of cash 
placed. Counterparty limits for cash deposits are largely based upon long-term ratings published by the 
major credit rating agencies and perceived state support. Deposits longer than 12 months require the 
approval of the Board.

142

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Borrowings
ITV is rated as investment grade by Moody’s and S&P. ITV’s credit ratings, the cost of credit default swap 
hedging and the absolute level of interest rates are key determinants in the cost of new borrowings for ITV. 

Liquidity risk
The Group’s financing policy is to fund itself for the medium to long-term by using debt instruments with 
a range of maturities and to ensure access to appropriate short-term bank facilities with a minimum of 
£250 million of undrawn facilities available at all times. 

Long-term funding comes from the UK and European Capital markets, while any short to medium-term 
debt requirements are provided through bank credit facilities totalling £775 million (see below). 
Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity reserve (comprising undrawn bank facilities 
and cash and cash equivalents) on the basis of expected cash flows. This monitoring includes financial 
ratios to assess possible future credit ratings and headroom and takes into account the accessibility of cash 
and cash equivalents. 

The Group has available funds through a Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’) with a group of relationship banks. 
This £525 million facility is committed with leverage and interest cover financial covenants and matures 
in 2019. In addition, the Group has £250 million of financial covenant free financing which runs for three 
to seven years. All of these facilities were undrawn at 31 December 2015 (2014: no drawings). 

Fair value versus book value
The tables below provide fair value information for the Group’s borrowings:

Loans due within one year
Other short-term loans

Loans due in more than one year
£161 million Eurobond
€600 million Eurobond
Loans settled or matured in the period
£78 million Eurobond

Maturity

Various

Jan 2017
Sept 2022

Oct 2015

Book value

Fair value

2015
£m

5

161
437

–
603

2014
£m

–

161
–

78
239

2015
£m

5

168
445

–
618

2014
£m

–

173
–

81
254

Finance leases
The following table analyses when finance lease liabilities are due for payment:

In one year or less
In more than one year but not 
more than five years

Minimum
lease 
payments
£m

6

4
10

Interest
£m

2015
Principal
£m

–

–
–

6

4
10

Minimum
lease
payments
£m
8

10
18

Interest
£m
1

–
1

2014
Principal
£m
7

10
17

Finance leases principally comprise programmes under sale and leaseback arrangements. The net book 
value of tangible assets held under finance leases at 31 December 2015 was £1 million (2014: £1 million).

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

143

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs continued

Keeping it 
simple

4.3  
Managing 
market risks: 
derivative 
financial 
instruments

What is a derivative?
A derivative is a type of financial instrument typically used to manage risk. 
A derivative’s value changes over time in response to underlying variables such 
as exchange rates or interest rates and is entered into for a fixed period. A hedge 
is where a derivative is used to manage exposure in an underlying variable.

The Group is exposed to certain market risks. In accordance with Board approved 
policies, which are set out in this note, the Group manages these risks by using 
derivative financial instruments to hedge the underlying exposures.

Why do we need them?
The key market risks facing the Group are:

•  Currency risk arising from: 

i. 

 translation risk, that is, the risk in the period of adverse currency fluctuations 
in the translation of foreign currency profits, assets and liabilities (‘balance 
sheet risk’) and non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities 
(‘income statement risk’) and 

ii.   transaction risk, that is, the risk that currency fluctuations will have a negative 
effect on the value of the Group’s non-functional currency trading cash flows. 
A non-functional currency transaction is a transaction in any currency other 
than the reporting currency of the subsidiary. 

•  Interest rate risk to the Group arises from significant changes in interest rates 

on borrowings issued at or swapped to floating rates.

How do we use them?
The Group mainly employs three types of derivative financial instruments when 
managing its currency and interest rate risk:

•  Foreign exchange swap contracts are derivative instruments used to hedge 

income statement translation risk arising from short term intercompany loans 
denominated in a foreign currency

•  Forward foreign exchange contracts are derivative instruments used to hedge 
transaction risk so they enable the sale or purchase of foreign currency at a 
known fixed rate on an agreed future date and

•  Interest rate swaps are derivative instruments that exchange a fixed rate of 

interest for a floating rate, or vice versa, or one type of floating rate for another, 
and are used to manage interest rate risk

Analysis of the derivatives used by the Group to hedge its exposure and the various 
methods used to calculate their respective fair values are detailed in this section.

Accounting policies
Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently remeasured 
at fair value with the movement recorded in the income statement, except where derivatives qualify for 
cash flow hedge accounting. In this case, the effective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognised in other 
comprehensive income and presented in the hedging reserve within equity. The cumulative gain or loss 
is later reclassified to the income statement in the same period as the relevant hedged transaction is 
realised. Derivatives with positive fair values are recorded as assets and negative fair values as liabilities.

144

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements 
 
 Financial Statements

Determining Fair Value
The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by using the difference between the 
contract exchange rate and the quoted forward exchange rate at the reporting date. The fair value of 
interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap 
at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and our current creditworthiness, as well 
as that of our swap counterparties.

Third-party valuations are used to fair value the Group’s interest rate derivatives. The valuation techniques 
use inputs such as interest rate yield curves and currency prices/yields, volatilities of underlying 
instruments and correlations between inputs.

How do we manage our currency and interest rate risk?
Currency risk
As the Group expands its international operations, the performance of the business becomes increasingly 
sensitive to movements in foreign exchange rates, primarily with respect to the US dollar and the euro. 

The Group’s foreign exchange policy is to use forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge material 
non-functional currency denominated costs or revenue at the time of commitment for up to five years 
forward. The Group also hedges a proportion of highly probable non-functional currency denominated 
costs or revenue on a rolling 18 month basis (see ‘Keeping it simple box’ for explanation of non-functional 
currency transactions).

The Group ensures that its net exposure to foreign currency denominated cash balances is kept to a 
minimal level by using foreign currency swaps to exchange balances back into sterling or by buying or 
selling foreign currencies at spot rates when necessary.

The Group also utilises foreign exchange swaps both to manage foreign currency cash flow timing 
differences and to hedge foreign currency denominated monetary items. 

The Group’s net investments in overseas subsidiaries may be hedged where the currency exposure is 
considered to be material. In 2015 the Group designated a portion of its euro borrowings into a net 
investment hedge against its euro denominated assets following the acquisition of Talpa Media.

The following table highlights the Group’s sensitivity to translation risk resulting from a 10% 
strengthening/weakening in sterling against the US dollar and euro, assuming all other variables are 
held constant:

US dollar 
Euro

2015 – post-
tax profit

2015 – equity

£10 million £63 million
£8 million £41 million

2014 – post-
tax profit
£8 million
£8 million

2014 – equity
£34 million
£29 million

Interest rate risk
The Group’s interest rate policy is to allow fixed rate gross debt to vary between 20% and 100% of total 
gross debt to accommodate floating rate borrowings under the revolving credit facility. 

At 31 December 2015 the Group’s fixed rate debt represented 99% of total gross debt (2014: 100%). 
Consequently a 1% movement in interest rates on negligible floating variable rate debt would not impact 
the post-tax profit for the year. 

For financial assets and liabilities classified at fair value through profit or loss, the movements in the year 
relating to changes in fair value and interest are not separated.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

145

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs continued

What is the value of our derivative financial instruments?
The following table shows the fair value of derivative financial instruments analysed by type of contract. 
Interest rate swap fair values exclude accrued interest.

At 31 December 2015

Current
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Interest rate swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Non-current
Interest rate swaps – fair value through profit or loss

At 31 December 2014

Current
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Non-current
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps – fair value through profit or loss

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

–
1
–

8

9

(4)
(1)
–

(6)

(11)

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

–
11

–
16
27

(3)
(9)

(1)
(11)
(24)

Interest rate swaps
On issuing the 2017 Eurobond, the Group entered into a portfolio of fixed to floating interest rate swaps 
and then subsequently overlaid a portfolio of floating to fixed interest rate swaps with the result that 
interest was 100% fixed on these borrowings. The timing of entering into these swaps locked in an interest 
benefit for the Group, resulting in a net mark-to-market gain on the portfolio.

Cash flow hedges
The Group applies hedge accounting for certain foreign currency firm commitments and highly probably 
cash flows where the underlying cash flows are payable within the next two years. In order to fix the 
sterling cash outflows associated with the commitments – which are mainly denominated in AUD or euros 
– the Group has taken out forward foreign exchange contracts for the same foreign currency amount and 
maturity date as the expected foreign currency outflow. The amount recognised in other comprehensive 
income during the period all relates to the effective portion of the revaluation loss associated with these 
contracts. There was less than £1 million (2014: £nil) ineffectiveness taken to the income statement and 
£6 million cumulative loss (2014: £nil) recycled to the income statement in the year.

Net investment hedges
The Group uses euro denominated debt to partially hedge against the change in the sterling value of its 
euro denominated net assets due to movements in foreign exchange rates. The fair value of debt in a net 
investment hedge was £141 million (2014: £nil). A foreign exchange loss of £2 million (2014: £nil) relating 
to the net investment hedges has been netted off within exchange differences on translation of foreign 
operations as presented on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

146

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Undiscounted financial liabilities

Keeping it 
simple

The Group is required to disclose the expected timings of cash outflows for each 
of its financial liabilities (including derivatives). The amounts disclosed in the table 
are the contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest), so will not always 
reconcile with the amounts disclosed on the statement of financial position.

At 31 December 2015

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Other payables – non-current
Other payables – commitments on 
acquisitions
Derivative financial instruments
Cash flow hedges

Inflow
Outflow

Foreign exchange forward contracts 
and swaps
Inflow
Outflow

Interest rate swaps

Inflow
Outflow

At 31 December 2014

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Other payables – non-current
Other payables – commitments on 
acquisitions
Derivative financial instruments
Cash flow hedges

Inflow
Outflow

Foreign exchange forward contracts 
and swaps 
Inflow
Outflow

Interest rate swaps

Inflow
Outflow

Over
5 years
£m

(461)
–
(1)

–

–
–

–
–

Carrying value 
£m

Total
contractual
cash flows
£m

Less than
1 year
£m

Between
1 and 2 years
£m

Between
2 and 5 years
£m

(613)
(834)
(4)

(703)
(834)
(4)

(30)
(786)
–

(184)
(34)
(1)

(28)
(14)
(2)

(85)

(303)

(12)

(108)

(183)

66
(70)

66
(70)

147
(147)

8
(6)
(1,538)

147
(147)

22
(12)
(1,838)

49
(53)

144
(144)

9
(6)
(829)

17
(17)

3
(3)

13
(6)
(320)

–
–

–
–

–
–
(227)

–
–
(462)

Carrying value 
£m

Total
contractual
cash flows
£m

Less than
1 year
£m

Between
1 and 2 years
£m

Between
2 and 5 years
£m

Over
5 years
£m

(256)
(726)
(4)

(357)
(726)
(4)

(100)
(699)
–

(34)

(96)

–

88
(92)

19
(19)

88
(92)

19
(19)

26
(19)
(1,017)

47
(27)
(1,167)

52
(54)

17
(17)

26
(16)
(791)

(16)
(23)
(3)

(9)

36
(38)

2
(2)

8
(5)
(50)

(175)
(4)
(1)

(81)

–
–

–
–

13
(6)
(254)

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

(66)
–
–

(6)

–
–

–
–

–
–
(72)

147

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs continued

4.4  
Net financing 
costs

Keeping it 
simple

This section details the interest income generated on the Group’s cash and other 
financial assets and the interest expense incurred on borrowings and other 
financial liabilities. 

In reporting ‘adjusted profit’, the Group adjusts net financing costs to exclude 
unrealised mark-to-market movements on interest rate and foreign exchange 
derivatives, gains/losses on bond buybacks, net pension interest, interest and fair 
value movements in acquisition-related liabilities and other financing costs.

Our rationale for adjustments made to financing costs is set out in the Financial 
and Performance Review.

Accounting policies
Net financing costs comprise interest income on funds invested, gains/losses on the disposal of financial 
instruments, changes in the fair value of financial instruments, interest expense on borrowings and finance 
leases, unwinding of the discount on provisions, unwinding of the discount on liabilities to non-controlling 
interest, foreign exchange gains/losses, and imputed interest on pension assets and liabilities. Interest 
income and expense is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method.

Net financing costs
Net financing costs can be analysed as follows:

Financing income:
Interest income
Change in fair value of instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss
Foreign exchange gain

Other finance income

Financing costs:

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Net pension interest (see note 3.7)
Losses on early settlement
Foreign exchange loss
Other finance expense

Net financing costs

2015
£m

3
3
–

–
6

(17)
(10)
–
(2)
(8)
(37)
(31)

2014
£m

4
–
1

17
22

(19)
(17)
(30)
–
(7)
(73)
(51)

Interest on financial liabilities relates to the interest incurred on the Group’s borrowings in the year.

The losses on early settlement in the prior year of £30 million were incurred as a result of the repurchase 
of the remaining £62 million 2019 bilateral loan.

Other finance income in the prior year primarily relates to acquisition-related contingent liabilities. This is 
where estimates of the future performance against stretch targets is reassessed, resulting in adjustments 
to the related put option liabilities. Other finance expense includes the amortisation of facility 
commitment and upfront fees.

148

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

4.5  
Fair value 
hierarchy 

Keeping it 
simple

The financial instruments included on the ITV statement of financial position are 
measured at either fair value or amortised cost. The measurement of this fair 
value can in some cases be subjective, and can depend on the inputs used in the 
calculations. ITV generally uses external valuations using market inputs or market 
values (e.g. external share prices). The different valuation methods are called 
‘hierarchies’ and are described below.

Level 1

Fair values are measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2
Fair values are measured using inputs, other than quoted prices included within 
Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly.

Interest rate swaps and options are accounted for at their fair value based upon 
termination prices. Forward foreign exchange contracts are accounted for at the 
difference between the contract exchange rate and the quoted forward exchange 
rate at the reporting date.

Level 3
Fair values are measured using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based 
on observable market data.

The tables below set out the financial instruments included on the ITV statement of financial position 
at ‘fair value’.

Assets measured at fair value
Available for sale financial instruments
Available for sale gilts (see note 4.1)
Available for sale investments (see note 3.5)
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps
Interest rate swaps

Liabilities measured at fair value
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Contingent consideration
Foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps
Interest rate swaps

Financial liabilities at fair value through reserves

Cash flow hedges

Fair value
31 December
2015
£m

Level 1
31 December
2015
£m

Level 2
31 December
2015
£m

Level 3
31 December
2015
£m

38
11

1
8
58

38
–

–
–
38

–
–

1
8
9

–
11

–
–
11

Fair value
31 December
2015
£m

Level 1
31 December
2015
£m

Level 2
31 December
2015
£m

Level 3
31 December
2015
£m

(3)
(1)
(6)

(4)
(14)

–
–
–

–
–

–
(1)
(6)

(4)
(11)

(3)
–
–

–
(3)

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

149

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs continued

Assets measured at fair value
Available for sale financial instruments
Available for sale gilts (see note 4.1)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Contingent consideration
Interest rate swaps

Liabilities measured at fair value
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Contingent consideration
Interest rate swaps

Financial liabilities at fair value through reserves

Cash flow hedges

Fair value
31 December
2014
£m

Level 1
31 December
2014
£m

Level 2
31 December
2014
£m

Level 3
31 December
2014
£m

39

32
27
98

39

–
–
39

–

–
27
27

–

32
–
32

Fair value
31 December
2014
£m

Level 1
31 December
2014
£m

Level 2
31 December
2014
£m

Level 3
31 December
2014
£m

(3)
(20)

(4)
(27)

–
–

–
–

–
(20)

(4)
(24)

(3)
–

–
(3)

Refer to note 4.3 for how we value interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency contracts.

Contingent consideration is the Group’s only financial instrument classified as Level 3 in the fair value 
hierarchy. As noted in the accounting policy section of note 3.3, the key assumptions taken into 
consideration when measuring this acquisition-related liability are the performance expectations of the 
acquisition and a discount rate that reflects the size and nature of the new business. There is no reasonable 
change in discount rate or performance targets that would give rise to a material change in the liability at 
year end.

The table below summarises the key movement in the contingent consideration during the year.

At 1 January
Acquisitions (see note 3.4)
Changes in non-controlling interests
Changes in estimates (income statement)

Currency translation 
At 31 December

Current
Non-current
At 31 December

Asset 
2015
£m

32
–
(32)
–

–
–
–
–
–

Liability
2015
£m

(3)
–
–
–

–
(3)
(2)
(1)
(3)

Asset 
2014
£m
–
30
–
–

2
32
–
32
32

Liability
2014
£m
(7)
(1)
–
5

–
(3)
–
(3)
(3)

Changes in estimates, including the unwind of interest and fair value movements, are recognised in net 
financing costs. 

150

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

4.6  
Equity

Keeping it 
simple

This section explains material movements recorded in shareholders’ equity that 
are not explained elsewhere in the financial statements. The movements in equity 
and the balance at 31 December 2015 are presented in the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity.

Accounting policies
Available for sale reserve
Available for sale assets are stated at fair value, with any gain or loss recognised directly in the available 
for sale reserve in equity, unless the loss is a permanent impairment, when it is then recorded in the 
income statement.

Dividends
Dividends are recognised through equity on the earlier of their approval by the Company’s shareholders 
or their payment.

4.6.1 Share capital and share premium
The Group’s share capital at 31 December 2015 of £403 million (2014: £403 million) and share premium 
of £174 million (2014: £174 million) is the same as that of ITV plc. Details of this are given in the ITV plc 
Company financial statements section of this Annual Report. 

4.6.2 Merger and other reserves
Merger and other reserves at 31 December 2015 include the following reserves:

Merger reserves 
Capital reserves
Capital redemption reserves
Revaluation reserves
Put option liabilities arising on acquisition of new subsidiaries
Total

2015
£m

98
112
36
2
(27)
221

2014
£m
119
112
36
6
(45)
228

The movement in the merger reserve and put option is in relation to the acquisition of the remaining 
non-controlling interest of Leftfield Entertainment. 

4.6.3 Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises:

•  all foreign exchange differences arising on the translation of the accounts of, and investments in, foreign 

operations and

•  the gains or losses on the portion of cash flow hedges that have been deemed effective (see note 4.3)

4.6.4 Available for sale reserve
The available for sale reserve comprises all movements arising on the revaluation of gilts accounted for 
as available for sale.

4.6.5 Retained earnings
The retained earnings reserve comprises profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company of 
£495 million (2014: £466 million) and other items recognised directly through equity as presented in the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity. Other items include the credit for the Group’s share-based 
compensation schemes and the charge for the purchase of ITV shares via the ITV Employees’ Benefit Trust, 
which are described in note 4.7.

The Directors of ITV plc propose a final dividend of 4.1p per share and a special dividend of 10.0p per share. 
See details on page 163. 

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

151

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 4: Capital Structure and Financing Costs continued

4.6.6 Non-controlling interests
The movement for the year comprises:

•  the fair value of the non-controlling interest acquired in the year of £19 million relates to the acquisition 

of the remaining 20% in Leftfield Entertainment (2014: £20 million);

•  the share of profits attributable to non-controlling interests of £7 million (2014: £7million); and
•  the distributions made to non-controlling interests of £5 million (2014: £8 million).

4.7  
Share-based 
compensation

Keeping it 
simple

The Group utilises share award schemes as part of its employee remuneration 
packages, and therefore operates a number of share-based compensation 
schemes, namely the Deferred Share Award (DSA), Performance Share Plan (PSP), 
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes.

A transaction will be classed as share-based compensation where the Group 
receives services from employees and pays for these in shares or similar equity 
instruments. If the Group incurs a liability based on the price or value of the Group’s 
shares then this will also fall under a share-based transaction. 

A description of each type of share-based payment arrangement that existed at 
any time during the period are set out in the Annual Remuneration Report.

Accounting policies
For each of the Group’s share-based compensation schemes, the fair value of the equity instrument 
granted is measured at grant date and spread over the vesting period via a charge to the income 
statement with a corresponding increase in equity.

The fair value of the share options and awards is measured using either market price at grant date or, for 
the Save As You Earn scheme (SAYE), a Black–Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions 
of the individual scheme. 

Vesting conditions are limited to service conditions and performance conditions. For performance-based 
schemes, the relevant Group performance measures are projected to the end of the performance period 
in order to determine the number of options expected to vest. The estimate is then used to determine the 
option fair value, discounted to present value. The Group revises its estimates of the number of options 
that are expected to vest, including an estimate of forfeitures at each reporting date. The impact of the 
revision to original estimates, if any, are recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity.

Exercises of share options granted to employees can be satisfied by market purchase or issue of new 
shares. No new shares may be issued to satisfy exercises under the terms of the DSA. During the year 
all exercises were satisfied by using shares purchased in the market and held in the ITV Employees’ 
Benefit Trust.

Share-based compensation charges totalled £14 million in 2015 (2014: £14 million).

152

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Share options outstanding
The table below summarises the movements in the number of share options outstanding for the Group 
and their weighted average exercise price:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during the year – nil priced
Granted during the year – other
Forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December

2015
Weighted
average
exercise price
(pence)

32.97
–
198.94
143.65
16.65
18.77
55.63
53.17

Number
of options
(’000)

51,933
6,744
4,615
(30)
(19,477)
(3,618)
40,167
610

Number
of options
(’000)
67,676
8,594
5,999
(1,381)
(27,860)
(1,095)
51,933
1,129

2014
Weighted
average
exercise price
(pence)
14.52
–
162.86
28.67
9.02
12.94
32.97
14.47

The average share price during 2015 was 254.24 pence (2014: 198.01 pence).

Of the options still outstanding, the range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual 
life of these options can be analysed as follows:

Range of exercise prices (pence)
Nil
20.00 – 49.99
50.00 – 69.99
70.00 – 99.99
100.00 – 109.99
110.00 – 119.99
120.00 – 149.99
150.00 – 199.99
200.00 – 249.99

Weighted
average 
exercise price 
(pence)

–
–
67.24
73.58
102.59
–
131.44
172.58
206.83

2015
Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life
(years)
1.79
–
0.98
0.92
1.14
–
1.52
2.22
2.52

Number
of options 
(’000)

25,910
–
991
301
1,672
–
1,175
8,089
2,054

Weighted
average 
exercise price 
(pence)
–
35.61
67.37
73.58
102.59
–
131.44
–
163.72

2014
Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life
(years)
1.75
0.53
1.11
1.90
2.16
–
2.52
–
2.80

Number
of options 
(’000)
36,522
1,120
5,123
303
1,733
–
1,251
–
5,881

Assumptions
DSA, LTIP and PSP options are valued directly by reference to the share price at date of grant. The options 
for the SAYE scheme, an HMRC approved SAYE scheme, are valued using the Black–Scholes model, using 
the assumptions below:

Scheme name
3 Year
5 Year
3 Year
5 Year
3 Year
5 Year
3 Year
5 Year

Date of grant
3 April 2014
3 April 2014
10 Sept 2014
10 Sept 2014
2 April 2015
2 April 2015
16Sept 2015
16 Sept 2015

Share price 
at grant 
(pence)
195.50
195.50
212.40
212.40
251.00
251.00
249.60
249.60

Exercise price
(pence)
159.68
159.68
165.33
165.33
192.52
192.52
206.83
206.83

Expected
volatility 
%
32.00
38.00
29.00
34.00
26.00
32.00
25.00
30.00

Expected life
(years)
3.25
5.25
3.25
5.25
3.25
5.25
3.25
5.25

Gross dividend
yield 
%
2.15
2.15
1.98
1.98
2.27
2.27
2.28
2.28

Risk-free
rate
 %
1.27
1.94
1.30
1.81
0.74
1.14
0.97
1.38

Fair value
(pence)
53.78
70.41
61.14
74.29
65.85
80.81
55.71
72.02

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

153

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 5: Other Notes

Employees’ Benefit Trust
The Group has investments in its own shares as a result of shares purchased by the ITV Employees’ Benefit 
Trust (‘EBT’). Transactions with the Group-sponsored EBT are included in these financial statements and 
primarily consist of the EBT’s purchases of shares in ITV plc, which are accounted for as a reduction to 
retained earnings.

The table below shows the number of ITV plc shares held in the EBT at 31 December 2015 and the 
purchases/(releases) from the EBT made in the year to satisfy awards under the Group’s share schemes:

Scheme

DSA releases
PSP releases
SAYE releases
Shares purchased

Shares held at
1 January 2015

31 December 2015

Number of shares
(released)/purchased
22,482,747
(2,589,150)
(5,580,025)
(5,313,414)
7,949,693
16,949,851

Nominal value
£
2,248,275

1,694,985

The total number of shares held by the EBT at 31 December 2015 represents 0.42% (2014: 0.56%) of 
ITV’s issued share capital. The market value of own shares held at 31 December 2015 is £47 million (2014: 
£48 million).

The shares will be held in the EBT until such time as they may be transferred to participants of the various 
Group share schemes. Rights to dividends have been waived by the EBT in respect of shares held which do 
not relate to restricted shares under the DSA. In accordance with the Trust Deed, the Trustees of the EBT 
have the power to exercise all voting rights in relation to any investment (including shares) held within 
that trust.

5.1  
Related 
party 
transactions

Keeping it 
simple

The related parties identified by the Directors include joint ventures, associated 
undertakings, fixed asset investments and key management personnel.

To enable users of our financial statements to form a view about the effects of 
related party relationships on the Group, we disclose the Group’s transactions with 
those related parties during the year and any associated year end trading balances. 

Transactions with joint ventures and associated undertakings
Transactions with joint ventures and associated undertakings during the year were:

Sales to joint ventures
Sales to associated undertakings
Purchases from joint ventures
Purchases from associated undertakings

2015
£m

9
13
24
65

2014
£m
7
10
26
59

The transactions with joint ventures primarily relate to sales and purchases of digital multiplex services 
with Digital 3&4 Limited. 

Purchases from associated undertakings primarily relate to the purchase of news services from ITN. 

All transactions with associated undertakings and joint ventures arise in the normal course of business 
on an arm’s length basis. None of the balances are secured.

154

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

2015
£m

3
66
2
5
–

2014
£m
–
48
–
5
1

The amounts owed by and to these related parties at the year end were:

Amounts owed by joint ventures
Amounts owed by associated undertakings
Amounts owed to joint ventures
Amounts owed to associated undertakings
Amounts owed by pension scheme

Balances owed by associated undertakings largely relate to production funding advanced to Tomorrow 
ITV Studios.

Amounts paid to the Group’s retirement benefit plans are set out in note 3.7. 

Transactions with key management personnel
Key management consists of ITV plc Executive and Non-executive Directors and the ITV Management 
Board. Key management personnel compensation is as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based compensation

2015
£m

9
6
15

2014
£m
9
5
14

5.2 
Contingent 
liabilities

Keeping it 
simple

A contingent liability is a liability that is not sufficiently certain to qualify for 
recognition as a provision where uncertainty may exist regarding the outcome 
of future events.

There are contingent liabilities in respect of certain litigation and guarantees, broadcasting issues, and in 
respect of warranties given in connection with certain disposals of businesses. None of these items are 
expected to have a material effect on the Group’s results or financial position.

5.3 
Subsequent 
events

Keeping it 
simple

Where the Group receives information in the period between 31 December 2015 
and the date of this report about conditions related to certain events that existed 
at 31 December 2015, we update our disclosures that relate to those conditions 
in light of the new information. Such events can be categorised as adjusting or 
non-adjusting depending on whether the condition existed at 31 December 2015. 
If non-adjusting events are material, non-disclosure could influence the economic 
decisions that users make on the basis of the financial statements. Accordingly, 
for each material category of non-adjusting event after the reporting period we 
disclose in this section the nature of the event and an estimate of its financial 
effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. 

On 19 October 2015 the Group announced that it had agreed to acquired 100% of the share capital 
of UTV Limited for a total cash consideration of £100 million, subject to regulatory and UTV Media plc 
shareholder approval. Final approvals were obtained by 18 February 2016 and the acquisition completed 
on 29 February 2016. The transaction was financed through existing cash and debt facilities.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

155

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
Section 5: Other Notes continued

5.4 
Subsidiaries 
exempt  
from audit

Keeping it 
simple

Certain subsidiaries of the Group can take an exemption from having an audit. 
Strict criteria must be met for this exemption to be taken, and it must be agreed 
to by the Directors of that subsidiary entity. 

Listed below are subsidiaries controlled and consolidated by the Group, where the Directors have taken 
the exemption from having an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015. 
This exemption is taken in accordance with Companies Act s479A. 

Company Number
01891539
02285229
5078683
4159249
1692483
03984490 
3053908 
3210452 
3307790 
2625225 
3210363 
2852812 
3209058 
00290076
3962410
03106798 
05344772 
00733063 
01127149
04209918
06914987 
08534385 
03916436 
09499040
05518785 
04201477

Company Name
Broad Street Films Limited
Campania Limited
Carbon Media Limited
Carlton Content Holdings Limited
Carlton Finance Limited
Carlton Food Network Limited
Carlton Programmes Development Limited
Carlton Screen Advertising (Holdings) Limited
Carltonco 103
Carltonco Forty Investments
Carltonco Ninety-Six
Cosgrove Hall Films Limited
DTV Limited
Granada Group Limited
Granada Limited
Granada Media Limited
Granada Screen (2005) Limited
Granada Television Overseas Limited
ITV Breathless Limited
ITV Cilla Limited
ITV (HC) Limited 
ITV Lucan Limited
ITV News Channel Limited
ITV Tennison Limited
Juice Music UK Limited
Morning TV Limited

156

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsITV plc Company Financial Statements

 Financial Statements

Company Balance Sheet

As at 31 December

Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Accruals and deferred income
Derivative financial instruments

Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

2015
£m

Note

iii

3,864
6
16
126
4,012

–
(3,760)
(21)
(6)
(3,787)

(598)
(6)
(604)

v

v

vi
vii
vii
vii

2015
£m

1,861
9
2
1,872

225
2,097

1,493

403
174
36
880
1,493

Restated* 

2014
£m

Restated*
2014
£m

1,441
14
20
145
1,620

(78)
(1,795)
(19)
(12)
(1,904)

(161)
(12)

1,705
17
2
1,724

(284)
1,440

(173)
1,267

403
174
36
654
1,267

*  2014 has been restated as part of the transition to FRS 101. See note xii.

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 March 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:

Ian Griffiths 
Director

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

157

Financial StatementsITV plc Company Financial Statements  
continued

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Balance at 1 January 2015
Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Equity dividends
Movements due to share based compensation
Total contributions by and distributions to owners
Total transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2015

Balance at 1 January 2014
Effect of changes to FRS 101
Restated balance at 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Equity dividends
Movements due to share based compensation
Total contributions by and distributions to owners
Total transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2014

Note

vii / viii

Note

vii / viii

Share
Capital
£m
403

–
–

–
–
–
–
403

Share
Capital
£m
403
–
403

–
–

–
–
–
–
403

Share
Premium
£m
174

Other
Reserves
£m
36

–
–

–
–
–
–
174

–
–

–
–
–
–
36

Share
Premium
£m
174
–
174

Other
Reserves
£m
36
–
36

–
–

–
–
–
–
174

–
–

–
–
–
–
36

Retained
Earnings
£m
654

671
671

(459)
14
(445)
(445)
880

Retained
Earnings
£m
995
2
997

(44)
(44)

(313)
14
(299)
(299)
654

Total
£m
1,267

671
671

(459)
14
(445)
(445)
1,493

Total
£m
1,608
2
1,610

(44)
(44)

(313)
14
(299)
(299)
1,267

158

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsNotes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements

 Financial Statements

i

Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The Company transitioned from old UK GAAP to Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework (FRS101) for all periods presented. The Company’s transition date is 1 January 2014. This is the 
first year adoption of FRS101. There were no material amendments on the adoption of FRS101. See note xi 
for further information. 

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced 
Disclosure Framework. The Company is a qualifying entity as it is a member of the ITV plc Group where ITV 
plc, the ultimate parent prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements. 

Exemptions Applied
The Company is taking advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS101.

•  Presentation of a Statement of Cash Flows
•  Disclosure of key management personnel compensation
•  Disclosure of related party transactions between wholly-owned subsidiaries and parents within a group
•  Disclosures required under IFRS 2 Share Based Payments in respect of group settled share based 

payments

•  Disclosures required by IFRS 7 Financial Instrument: Disclosure 
•  Certain disclosures required under IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
•  Disclosure of information in relation to new standards not yet applied

As permitted by section 408 (3) of the Companies Act 2006, a separate income statement dealing with 
the results of the parent company has not been presented.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by the Company. Control exists where 
the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain 
benefits from its activities. The investment in the Company’s subsidiaries is recorded at cost. Annual 
share-based payment compensation costs are recharged to the subsidiaries through the profit and 
loss account.

Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of 
the transaction. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are translated 
into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation 
are recognised in the profit and loss account. Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at historical 
cost are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange on the date of the transaction.

Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value including directly attributable transaction costs, with 
subsequent measurement at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The difference 
between initial fair value and the redemption value is recorded in the profit and loss account over the 
period of the liability on an effective interest basis.

Derivatives and other financial instruments
The Company uses a limited number of derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to 
fluctuations in interest and other foreign exchange rates. The Company does not hold or issue derivative 
instruments for speculative purposes.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at 
fair value with the movement recorded in the profit and loss account within net financing costs, except 
where derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. In this case, the effective portion of cash flow 
hedge is recognised in retained profits within equity. The cumulative gain or loss is later reclassified to the 
profit and loss account in the same period as the relevant hedged transaction is realised. Derivatives with 
positive fair values are recorded as assets and negative fair values as liabilities.

The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is determined by using the difference between the 
contract exchange rate and the quoted forward exchange rate at the balance sheet date.

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

159

Financial StatementsNotes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 
continued

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to 
terminate the swap at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current 
creditworthiness of swap counterparties.

Third-party valuations are used to fair value the Company’s derivatives. The valuation techniques use 
inputs such as interest rate yield curves and currency prices/yields, volatilities of underlying instruments 
and correlations between inputs. For financial assets and liabilities classified at fair value through profit 
or loss the fair value change and interest income/expense are not separated. 

Deferred tax
The tax charge for the period is recognised in the income statement or directly in equity according to the 
accounting treatment of the related transaction.

Deferred tax arises due to certain temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and those for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax 
provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets 
and liabilities. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient 
taxable profit will be available to utilise the temporary difference. Recognition of deferred tax assets, 
therefore involves judgement regarding timing and level of future taxable income. 

Share-based compensation
The Company utilises share award schemes as part of its employee remuneration packages, and therefore 
operates a number of share-based compensation schemes, namely the Deferred Share Award (DSA), 
Performance Share Plan (PSP), Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes.

A transaction will be classed as share-based compensation where the Company receives services from 
employees and pays for these in shares or similar equity instruments. If the Company incurs a liability 
based on the price or value of the shares then this will also fall under a share-based transaction.

The fair value of the equity instrument granted is measured at grant date and spread over the vesting 
period via a charge to the income statement with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value of 
the share options and awards is measured using either market price at grant date or, for the Save As 
You Earn scheme (SAYE), a Black–Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions of the 
individual scheme. 

Vesting conditions are limited to service conditions and performance conditions. For performance-based 
schemes, the relevant performance measures are projected to the end of the performance period in order 
to determine the number of options expected to vest. The estimate is then used to determine the option 
fair value, discounted to present value. The Company revises its estimates of the number of options that 
are expected to vest, including an estimate of forfeitures at each reporting date. The impact of the revision 
to original estimates, if any, are recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment 
to equity.

Exercises of share options granted to employees can be satisfied by market purchase or issue of new 
shares. No new shares may be issued to satisfy exercises under the terms of the DSA. During the year 
all exercises were satisfied by using shares purchased in the market and held in the ITV Employees’ 
Benefit Trust.

The weighted average share price of share options exercised during the year was 16.65p (2014: 9.02p). 
The options outstanding at the year end have an exercise price in the range of nil to 206.83p and a 
weighted average contractual life of 1 year (2014: 1 year).

Dividends
Dividends are recognised through equity on the earlier of their approval by the Company’s shareholders 
or their payment. 

ii

Employees
Two (2014: two) Directors of ITV plc were employees of the Company during the year, both of whom 
remain at the year end. The costs relating to these Directors are disclosed in the Remuneration Report.

160

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

iii

iv

v

vi

Investments in subsidiary undertakings
The principal subsidiary undertakings are listed on page 166. The balance at 31 December 2015 was 
£1,861 million (2014: £1,705 million).

During the year, the Company set up a subsidiary investment, ITV (Europe) Holdings BV for £146 million 
in exchange for 10 £1 ordinary shares. The Company also increased its investment in ITV Investments 
Limited by £5 million in exchange for 1 £1 ordinary share. The Company increased its investment in Carlton 
Communications Limited by £5 million in exchange for 1 £1 ordinary share. 

Amounts owed (to)/from subsidiary undertakings
The Company operates an intra-group cash pool policy with certain 100% owned UK subsidiaries. The pool 
applies to bank accounts where there is an unconditional right of set off and involves the daily closing cash 
position for participating subsidiaries whether positive or negative, being cleared to £nil via daily bank 
transfers to/from ITV plc. These daily transactions create a corresponding intercompany creditor or debtor 
which can result in significant movements in amounts owed to and from subsidiary undertakings in the 
Company balance sheet.

Borrowings
Loans repayable in less than one year
In October 2015 the unsecured £78 million Eurobond matured, resulting in a net payment by the company 
of £76 million, after settlement of the related outstanding interest rate swaps. 

Loans repayable after more than one year
The unsecured £161 million Eurobond matures in January 2017 and has a coupon of 6.125%. 

At various periods during the year the Company drew down on the Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’) to 
meet short-term funding requirements. All short-term drawings were repaid by the end of the year. 
The maximum draw down of the RCF during the year was €500 million (£362 million) in April to fund the 
acquisition of Talpa Media. The maximum draw down on the RCF during 2014 was £321 million to fund 
the 2014 acquisitions.

Loans repayable after more than one year
In September 2015 the Company issued a seven year €600 million Eurobond at a fixed coupon of 
2.125% which will mature in September 2022. The bond refinanced the 12 month bridge loan facility of 
€500 million that was used to repay the RCF, which initially funded the purchase of Talpa Media in April.

Managing market risks: derivative financial instruments
What is the value of our derivative financial instruments?   

Current
Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Interest Rate Swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Non-current
Interest Rate Swaps – fair value through profit or loss

Assets
2015 

Liabilities
2015

3
3
–

9
15

(4)
(2)
–

(6)
(12)

Assets
2014 

Liabilities
2014

Current
Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Interest Rate Swaps – fair value through profit or loss
Non-current
Cash Flow Hedges
Interest Rate Swaps – fair value through profit or loss

2
1
11

1
16
31

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

(2)
(1)
(9)

(1)
(11)
(24)

161

Financial StatementsNotes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 
continued

The Company mainly employs three types of derivative financial instruments when managing its currency 
and interest rate risk:

•  Foreign exchange swap contracts are derivative instruments used to hedge income statement 
translation risk arising from short term intercompany loans denominated in a foreign currency.
•  Forward foreign exchange contracts are derivative instruments used to hedge transaction risk so 

they enable the sale or purchase of foreign currency at a known fixed rate on an agreed future date.
•  Interest rate swaps are derivative instruments that exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate 
or vice-versa or one type of floating interest rate for another and are used to manage interest rate risk. 

Interest rate swaps
On issuing the 2017 Eurobond, the Company entered into a portfolio of fixed to floating interest rate 
swaps and then subsequently overlaid a portfolio of floating to fixed interest rate swaps with the result 
that interest was 100% fixed on these borrowings. The timing of entering into these swaps locked in an 
interest benefit for the Company, resulting in a net mark-to-market gain on the portfolio.

Cash flow hedges
The Company applies hedge accounting for certain foreign currency firm commitments and highly 
probably cash flows where the relevant cash flows are payable within the next two years. In order to fix 
the sterling cash outflows associated with the commitments – which are mainly denominated in AUD or 
euros – the Company has taken out forward foreign exchange contracts for the same foreign currency 
amount and maturity date as the expected foreign currency outflow. The amount recognised in other 
comprehensive income during the period all relates to the effective portion of the revaluation loss 
associated with these contracts. There was less than £1 million (2014: £nil) ineffectiveness taken to the 
income statement and £6 million cumulative loss (2014: £nil) recycled to the income statement in the year.

Undiscounted financial liabilities 
The Company is required to disclose the expected timings of cash outflows for each of its derivative 
financial liabilities. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows 
(including interest), so will not always reconcile with the amounts disclosed on the statement of 
financial position.

At 31 December 2015

Non-current and current
Cash flow hedges

Inflow
Outflow

Foreign exchange forward contracts and 
swaps – fair value through profit or loss

Inflow
Outflow

Interest Rate Swaps – fair value through 
profit or loss
Inflow
Outflow

Carrying 
value 
£m

Total 
Contractual
 cash flows
£m

 Less than 
1 year
£m

Between 
1 and 2 years
£m

Between 
2 and 5 years
£m

Over 5 years
£m

3
(4)

3
(2)

9
(6)
3

136
(136)

253
(252)

22
(12)
11

102
(102)

248
(247)

9
(6)
4

34
(34)

5
(5)

13
(6)
7

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

162

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

At 31 December 2014
Non-current and current
Cash Flow Hedges

Inflow
Outflow

Foreign exchange forward contracts and 
swaps – fair value through profit or loss

Inflow
Outflow

Interest Rate Swaps – fair value through 
profit or loss
Inflow
Outflow

Share capital

Carrying 
value
£m

Total
 Contractual
 cash flows
£m

 Less than 
1 year
£m

Between 
1 and 2 years
£m

Between 
2 and 5 years
£m

Over 5 years
£m

3
(3)

1
(1)

27
(20)
7

174
(174)

100
(100)

74
(74)

209
(209)

205
(205)

47
(27)
20

26
(16)
10

4
(4)

8
(5)
3

–
–

–
–

13
(6)
7

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Authorised ordinary shares of 10 pence each
Allotted, issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 10 pence each
Total

8,000,000,000
4,025,409,194

Authorised
2015 & 2014
£m
800

800

Allotted, issued
and fully paid
2015 & 2014
£m

403
403

The Company’s ordinary shares give shareholders equal rights to vote, receive dividends and to the 
repayment of capital. 

Equity
The retained earnings reserve includes profit after tax for the year of £671 million (2014: £44 million loss) 
which includes dividends of £700 million from subsidiaries in 2015 (2014: £nil). The retained earnings 
reserves of £880 million are all distributable. 

The Directors of the Company propose a final dividend of 4.1p per share and a special dividend of 10.0p 
per share.

Other reserves of £36 million (2014: £36 million) relate to share-buy backs in prior periods. 

Contingent liabilities
Under a Group registration, the Company is jointly and severally liable for VAT at 31 December 2015 of 
£59 million (31 December 2014: £58 million). The Company has guaranteed certain finance and operating 
lease obligations of subsidiary undertakings. 

There are contingent liabilities in respect of certain litigation and guarantees, broadcasting issues, and in 
respect of warranties given in connection with certain disposals of businesses. None of these items are 
expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results or financial position.

Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other 
companies within its Group, the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for 
them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such 
time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

Capital and other commitments
There are no capital commitments at 31 December 2015 (2014: none).

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

163

vii

viii

ix

x

Financial StatementsNotes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 
continued

xi

Related party transactions
Transactions with key management personnel
Key management consists of ITV plc Executive Directors.

Key management personnel compensation, on an accounting basis, is as follows:

xii

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based compensation

2015
£m

3
3
6

2014
£m
3
2
5

Total emoluments and gains on share options received by key management personnel in the year were:

Emoluments
Gains on exercise of share options
Gains on release of restricted share awards

2015
£m

3
3
3
9

2014
£m
3
2
3
8

Transition to FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework
For all periods up to and including 31 December 2014, the Company prepared its financial statements in 
accordance with previously extant United Kingdom generally accepted accounting practice (UK GAAP). 
These financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015, are the first the Company has prepared 
in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS101). Accordingly 
the Company has prepared these financial statements to comply with FRS101 for periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2014 and the significant accounting policies meeting those requirements are described in 
the relevant notes.

In preparing these financial statements, the Company has started from an opening balance sheet as at 
1 January 2014, the Company’s date of transition to FRS101 and made those changes in accounting policies 
and other restatements required for the first-time adoption of FRS101. As such this note explains the 
principal adjustments made by the Company in restating its balance sheet as at 1 January 2014 prepared 
under previously extant UK GAAP and its previously published UK GAAP financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2014. 

On transition to FRS 101, the Company has applied the requirements of IFRS 1 first time adoption of 
International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Under FRS 101 deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the estimated future 
tax deductions for share-based compensation and the related cumulative share-based compensation 
expense. To the extent that the estimated future tax deductions exceed the cumulative expense, 
the excess deferred tax is recognised directly in equity.

164

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Company Balance Sheet

Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Other receivables
Cash at bank and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Accruals and deferred income
Derivative financial instruments

Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital

Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

As originally 
reported under 
UK GAAP at
1 January 2014
£m

FRS 101 
£m

Restated at
1 January 2014
£m

As originally 
reported under 
UK GAAP at
31 December 2014
£m

FRS 101 
£m

Restated at
31 December 2014
£m

1,648
41
–
1,689

1,280
32
26
319
1,657

(41)
(1,342)
(22)
(5)
(1,410)
247
1,936

(301)
(27)
(328)
1,608

403

174
36
995
1,608

–
–
2
2

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
2

–
–
–
2

–

–
–
2
2

1,648
41
2
1,691

1,280
32
26
319
1,657

(41)
(1,342)
(22)
(5)
(1,410)
247
1,938

(301)
(27)
(328)
1,610

403

174
36
997
1,610

1,705
17
–
1,722

1,441
14
20
145
1,620

(78)
(1,795)
(19)
(12)
(1,904)
(284)
1,438

(161)
(12)
(173)
1,265

403

174
36
652
1,265

–
–
2
2

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
2

–
–
–
2

–

–
–
2
2

1,705
17
2
1,724

1,441
14
20
145
1,620

(78)
(1,795)
(19)
(12)
(1,904)
(284)
1,440

(161)
(12)
(173)
1,267

403

174
36
654
1,267

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

165

Financial Statements 
Notes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 
continued

Subsidiary undertakings and investments
Principal subsidiary undertakings
The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Company at 31 December 2015, all of which are wholly owned (directly or indirectly) 
and incorporated and registered where stated, are:

Name

Carlton Communications Limited (1)

ITV Broadcasting Limited

ITV Consumer Limited

ITV Digital Channels Limited

ITV Global Entertainment Limited 

ITV Network Limited

ITV Rights Limited

ITV Services Limited

ITV Studios Limited

ITV2 Limited

SDN Limited

Talpa Media B.V.

ITV Studios, Inc.

Leftfield Entertainment, LLC

Country of incorporation 
or establishment

Principal Activities

Interest

% 
Holding

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Netherlands

United States

United States

Holding Company

Broadcast of television programmes

Development of platforms, broadband, transactional 
and mobile services

Operation of digital television channels

Rights ownership and distribution of television 
programmes and films

Ordinary, Redeemable Preference

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Scheduling and commissioning of television programmes

Guarantee 

Rights ownership

Ordinary

Provision of services for other companies within the Group

Ordinary, Cumulative Preference

Production of television programmes

Operation of digital television channels

Operation of Freeview Multiplex A

Production of television programmes

Production of television programmes

Production of television programmes

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Common

Membership 

Subsidiary undertakings

Name

12 Yard (North) Productions 
Limited

12 Yard Limited

12 Yard Productions (Investments) 
Limited

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Interest

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

12 Yard Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary 

A.C.E. (1988) Limited

Action Time Holdings

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Anglia Television (Music) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Anglia Television Entertainment

United Kingdom Ordinary

Anglia Television Group

United Kingdom Ordinary

Anglia Television Holdings

United Kingdom Ordinary

Anglia Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Big Talk Investments Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Big Talk JL Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Big Talk Pictures Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Big Talk Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Broad Street Films Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Campania Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary, Cumulative 

Redeemable 
Preference

Carbon Media Limited 

Carlton Active Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Broadcasting Holdings

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Broadcasting Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Cinema Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Content Holdings  
Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Entertainment

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Film Distributors Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Films Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Finance Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Food Network Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carlton Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

166

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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

% 
Holding

Name

Carlton Programmes 
Development Limited 

Carlton Screen Advertising 
(Holdings) Limited 

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Interest

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carltonco 103 

United Kingdom Ordinary 

Carltonco 99 Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carltonco Eighty-One Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Deferred

Carltonco Fifty Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Preference

Carltonco Forty Investments 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carltonco Forty-Five Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Carltonco Ninety-Six 

United Kingdom Ordinary, Cumulative 

Redeemable 
Preference

Carltonco Seventeen Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Castlefield Properties Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary 

Cat’s on the Roof Media Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Central Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Central Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Channel Television Holdings 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Cosgrove Hall Films Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary 

DTV Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Electronic Rentals Group

United Kingdom Ordinary

EQ Pictures Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Film Lab North Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

First Independent Films

United Kingdom Ordinary

Genesis Film Productions Limited United Kingdom Ordinary

GIL Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada AV Solutions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Film

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Film Productions Limited United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Group Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary, Convertible 

100

Preference

Granada Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Media Group Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

% 
Holding

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

Financial Statements Financial Statements

Name

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Interest

% 
Holding

Name

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Granada Media Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary, Part 

Preference

Granada Nominees Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Properties

Granada Screen (2005)  
Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Television International

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Granada Television Overseas 
Limited 

Granada Television Productions 
Limited

Granada UK Rental and Retail 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary, Cumulative 

100

Preference

Interactive Telephony Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

100

International Television 
Enterprises London Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Redeemable 

100

Preference

ITC Distribution

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITC Entertainment Group Limited United Kingdom Ordinary

ITC Entertainment Holdings Limited United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV (HC) Limited (1) 

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV (Scotland) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Beowulf Limited

ITV Border Limited

ITV Breakfast Broadcasting 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Breakfast Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Breathless Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Central Limited

ITV Channels Limited

ITV Cilla Limited 

ITV Cradle Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Digital Holdings Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Global Content Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Holdings Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Home Fires Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV International Channels (Asia) 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Investments Limited (1)

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV J&H Limited

ITV Jericho Limited

ITV JR Limited

ITV Lewis Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV LTVC (Scotland) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Lucan Limited 

ITV Meridian Limited

ITV Moorside Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Mr Selfridge Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Newco 1 Limited (1)

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV News Channel Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary, Preference

ITV NP Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Pension Scheme Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Deferred

ITV Play Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Properties (Developments) 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Shetland Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Spirit Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Sport Channel Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Studios (Israel) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Interest

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Supplementary Pension 
Scheme Limited

ITV Tennison Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Text Santa Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV TFG Holdings Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Thunderbirds Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Tut Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Ventures Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Wales & West Group Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Wales & West Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV Worldwide Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

ITV3 Limited

ITV4 Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Juice Music UK Limited 

United Kingdom Ordinary

Leftfield (UK) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Link Electronics Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

London News Network

United Kingdom Ordinary

London Weekend Television 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary,

LWT (Holdings) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Special 

Deferred

LWT Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (AR) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (ATTWN) 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (BOTD) Limited United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (Bouquet) 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (BW) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (End2) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (End3) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (Falcon) 
Limited

Mammoth Screen (Monroe) 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (NE) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (NI) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (PE) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (Pol2) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (Poldark) 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (QV) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (RM) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen (WH) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mammoth Screen Ltd

United Kingdom Ordinary

Meridian Music Services Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Millbank Studios

United Kingdom Ordinary

Modern Love Films Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary 

Morning TV Limited 

Moving Picture Company Films 
Limited

Music Services

New Providence Productions 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Partridge Films

Partridge Holdings

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary 

Partridge Productions

United Kingdom Ordinary

Pickwick Packaging Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Planet 24

United Kingdom Ordinary

Planet 24 Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Planet Wild Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

% 
Holding

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

167

Financial StatementsNotes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 
continued

Name

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Interest

% 
Holding

Name

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Pro-Vision Facilities Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Rainbow Music Publishing Limited United Kingdom Ordinary

So Television Developments 
Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

So Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

SelecTV Cable

United Kingdom Ordinary

Sightseers Film Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Signpost Limited

SOM (ITV) Limited

Survival Anglia

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Television Music Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

The CITV Channel Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

The Garden Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

The London Studios Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

VOD Member (ITV A) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

VOD Member (ITV B) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Tyne Tees Television Holdings

United Kingdom Ordinary

Tyne Tees Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Deferred 

United Broadcasting & 
Entertainment Limited

United Broadcasting

Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary, Special

United Broadcasting Holdings

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Broadcasting South

United Kingdom Ordinary

Westcountry Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Wildlife Film Productions

United Kingdom Ordinary

Yorkshire Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Deferred 

Yorkshire-Tyne Tees Productions 
Limited

Yorkshire-Tyne Tees Television 
Enterprises Limited

Yorkshire-Tyne Tees Television 
Holdings

Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Z Music Publishing Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Zebedee Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Artist Services Cable Pty Ltd

Artist Services Investments  
Pty Limited

Artist Services Productions  
Pty Ltd

Granada Media International 
(Australia) Pty Ltd

Granada Media Investments 
(Australia) Pty Ltd

Granada Productions Pty Ltd

ITV Studios Australia Factual  
Pty Limited

Australia

Australia

Ordinary

Ordinary

Australia

Ordinary

Australia

Ordinary

Australia

Ordinary

Australia

Australia

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

ITV Studios Australia Pty Limited

Australia

Leftfield Australia Pty Ltd.

Totally Full Frontal Productions 
Pty Limited

Australia

Australia

Granada December Eight Limited

Cayman Islands

Ordinary

Granada December Nine Limited

Cayman Islands

Ordinary, Preference

ITV Holdings (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

Ordinary

United Production ApS

ITV Studios Finland Oy

ITV Studios, France SAS

ITV Studios Germany GmbH

ITV Studios Germany Holdings 
GmbH

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Germany

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary 

Newtopia GmbH

Germany

Ordinary

168

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

New Waves Entertainment GmbH Germany

Talpa Germany GmbH & Co KG

Talpa Germany Verwaltungs 
GmbH

Elecrent Insurance Limited

ITV Global Entertainment  
(Hong Kong) Limited

Talpa China Limited

Carlton Home Entertainment 
Ireland Limited

Channel Television Limited

Creative Channel Limited

ITV London Properties Limited

ITV Properties (Jersey) Limited

ITV (Europe) Holdings B.V. (1)

ITV Enterprises B.V.

ITV Finance (Europe) B.V.

Germany

Germany

Guernsey

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Ireland

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Global Music & Talent Agency B.V. Netherlands

Masmedia B.V.

Talpa Content B.V.

Talpa Fictie Limited

Talpa Germany Holding B.V.

Talpa Global B.V.

Talpa Non-Spot B.V.

Talpa Producties B.V.

Utopia B.V.

Wardour Street Films B.V.

ITV Studios Nordic AB

ITV Studios Norway AS

12 Yard Holdings, Inc.

Anglia Television, Inc.

Astrum Productions, Inc.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Sweden

Norway

United States

United States

United States

Cardinal Productions of Ohio, Inc.

United States

Carlton Media Company, Inc.

Electric Farm Entertainment 
Holdings, Inc.

United States

United States

Granada America, Inc.

United States

Granada Cracker US Productions

United States

Granada Television International, 
Inc.

United States

Hamdon Entertainment, Inc.

ITC Distribution, LLC.

United States

United States

ITC Entertainment Group, Inc.

United States

ITC Films, LLC.

ITC Productions, LLC.

ITV Believe Holding, Inc.

ITV Diga Holding, Inc.

United States

United States

United States

United States

ITV Global Entertainment, Inc.

United States

ITV Gurney Holding, Inc.

ITV HN Holding, Inc.

United States

United States

ITV International Corporation

United States

ITV Leftfield Holding, Inc.

ITV Popco Holding, Inc.

United States

United States

ITV Thinkfactory Holding, Inc.

United States

ITV Tomorrow Holding, Inc.

ITV US Holdings, Inc.

ITV US Productions, Inc.

JB Entertainment Holding 
Company, Inc.

United States

United States

United States

United States

Interest

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

% 
Holding

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Financial StatementsName

Country

Interest

%

Twofour Broadcast Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Absolutely Rights Limited

United Kingdom Cumulative Redeemable 

20

Twofour Group Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Name

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment

Interest

% 
Holding

Kirkstall Road Enterprises, Inc.

United States

LWT Enterprises, Inc.

United States

Over the Pond Productions, Inc.

United States

Quay Street Enterprises, Inc.

United States

Red Orange Productions, LLC.

United States

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

So Television US, Inc.

Talpa Media USA, Inc.

United States

Ordinary

United States

Common

Upper Ground Enterprises, Inc.

United States

Ordinary

Zinna Productions

United States

Common

Key:
(1)  Subsidiary directly owned by ITV plc

Joint Ventures and Investments

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

That Mitchell and Webb 
Company Limited

Preference

United Kingdom Ordinary C

DTV Services Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Monumental Television Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

Channel Mum Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

Clearcast Limited

ISAN UK Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Thinkbox TV Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Cirkus Limited

Malacara Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary D

United Kingdom Ordinary

Harlequin Agency Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Media4Creative Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Media4Enterprises Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Pink Rose Bud Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

Mainstreet Arlington 
Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Mainstreet Pictures Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

Bait Studio Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Cloth Cat Animation Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Thud Media

United Kingdom Ordinary

Bone Kickers Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Box Clever Technology Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

British Film-Makers Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary B

Columbia Tristar Carlton 
Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary B

Gameface Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

Noho Film and Television Limited United Kingdom Ordinary A

Standard Music Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Talpa Media UK Ltd

United Kingdom Ordinary A

Television Media Marketing 
Limited

Possessed Limited

OSF (Wales) Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

United Kingdom Ordinary B

United Kingdom Ordinary

Oxford Scientific Films Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary, Ordinary B

Adnoddau Zoom Cyf

Boom Cymru TV Ltd

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Boom Pictures Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

20

20

24.92

25

25

25

28.58

29.41

36.75

75

35.32

35.32

37.5

38.25

38.25

41.25

41.25

41.25

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

51

46.27

46.27

75

75

75

 Financial Statements

Name

Country

Interest

%

TwoFour Group Holdings Limited United Kingdom Ordinary A, Ordinary B, 
Ordinary C, Ordinary D,  
Preferred A, Preferred B, 
Preferred C

75

Bulb Films Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Calon/Boomerang JV Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Cynhyrchiad au Al Fresco 
Productions Cyf

United Kingdom Ordinary

Cynhyrchiadau Boomerang Cyf

United Kingdom Ordinary

Double Double Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Ffilmiau Apollo Cyf

Fflic Cyf

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Gorilla TV Group Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary

Gorilla TV Limited

Indus Films Limited

Teledu Apollo Cyf

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

United Kingdom Ordinary

Second Act Productions Limited

United Kingdom Ordinary A

74.07

3sixtymedia Limited

GC Films Pty Limited

Thinkfactory Productions 
Canada Ltd

United Kingdom Ordinary A, Ordinary B 80

Australia

Canada

Ordinary

Common

ITV Holdings (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

Ordinary

Ordinary 1A, 2A, 2C, 3A 80

Talpa Nordic ApS

Imago TV Film und 
Fernsehproduktion GmbH

Denmark

Germany

The Lab Television 2013 Limited 
Partnership

Israel

Talpa Italia Srl

Rangers Productions SRL

Italy

Mexico

Identity Mansion B.V,

Netherlands

Talpa Arabia Holding Ltd (VAE)

Maximum Media Production 
FZ-LLC (VAE)

UAE

UAE

Talpa Middle East FS-LLC (VAE)

UAE

Eight Bells Productions, LLC

United States

What’s the Business, LLC

FT Productions, LLC

Shirina, LLC

United States

United States

United States

Crew Ready Everywhere, LLC

United States

Hatfield and McCoy  
Productions, LLC

Highball Music Group, LLC

LG Films, LLC

Marriage Boot Camp Reality 
Stars, LLC

MDQuartet, LLC

Signal Post Facilities, LLC

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

Sound and Stage Studios, LLC

United States

Texas Rangers, LLC

Thinkfactory Media, LLC

Web Legal, LLC

United States

United States

United States

Westside Film Partners, LLC

United States

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Common

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Common

Loud Television, LLC

United States

Common 

Next Step Productions, LLC

United States

Outpost Entertainment, LLC

United States

Common

Common

75

37.5

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

49

65

66.67

51

50

50

65

25

90

90

90

60

60

61.5

63.25

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

75

75

80

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

169

Financial StatementsNotes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 
continued

Memberships and Companies Limited by Guarantee

Membership and Guarantee

Country

Interest

ITV Netherlands Cooperatief  
W.A. 

ITV LTVC Scottish Limited 
Partnership

Netherlands

Membership

United Kingdom Partnership

ITV Scottish Limited Partnership

United Kingdom Partnership

DTT Multiplex Operators Limited United Kingdom Guarantee

Digital Production Partnership 
Limited

Producer’s Rights Agency 
Limited

United Kingdom Guarantee

United Kingdom Guarantee

Appalachian Rentals, LLC

United States

Membership 

Bluegrass Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

Chad Alan Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

Double Down Films, LLC

United States

Membership 

Double Down Films Holdings, LLC United States

Membership 

Franconia Productions, LLC

United States

Membership

Gator Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

Leftfield Entertainment CA, LLC

United States

Membership 

Leftfield LA, LLC

Leftfield Pictures of NY  
Holdings, LLC

United States

Membership 

United States

Membership 

Leftfield Pictures of NY, LLC

United States

Membership

Leftfield Ventures, LLC

United States

Membership 

Moving Pictures Services, Inc.

United States

Membership

Oaklawn Pacific Properties, LLC

United States

Membership

Out of Play Productions, LLC

United States

Membership

Ozark Pictures, LLC

Sirens Media, LLC

United States

Membership

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1203, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1213, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1216, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1217, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1218, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1219, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1223, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1224, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1226, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1227, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1301, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1303, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1309, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1316, LLC

United States

Membership 

%

100

100

100

25

50

50

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

Membership and Guarantee

Country

Interest

Sirens Project 1326, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Project 1408, LLC

United States

Membership

Sirens Project 1410, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sirens Television  
Development, LLC

Sunshine Productions  
Holdings, LLC

United States

Membership 

United States

Membership 

Sunshine Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sunshine Productions  
Holdings, LLC

United States

Membership 

Sunshine Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

Work Shop of NY, LLC

United States

Membership 

Jaffe/Braunstein  
Entertainment, LLC

High Noon East, LLC

United States

Membership 

United States

Membership 

High Noon Group, LLC

United States

Membership 

High Noon Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

High Noon West, LLC

United States

Membership 

Feeding Time Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

Gurney Productions LLC

United States

Membership 

Hollywood Cameras and 
Lighting, LLC

RICMA, LLC

Brat Brigade, LLC

United States

Membership

United States

Membership 

United States

Membership 

Deep Gotham Post, LLC

United States

Membership 

Diga Holdings, LLC

United States

Membership 

Diga Production Studios, LLC

United States

Membership 

Diga, LLC

United States

Membership 

Film Productions Rentals, LLC

United States

Membership 

Thinkfactory Group, LLC

United States

Membership 

1016 Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

6565 Productions Studios 2, LLC

United States

Membership 

6565 Productions Studios 3, LLC

United States

Membership 

6565 Productions Studios 4, LLC

United States

Membership 

6565 Productions Studios, LLC

United States

Membership

All in Post, LLC

United States

Membership 

Cheese String Studios, LLC

United States

Membership 

In Reality Productions, LLC

United States

Membership 

East Olive Productions, LLC

United States

Membership

Twofour America, LLC

United States

Membership 

Twofour Broadcast Media, LLC

United States

Membership 

%

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

51

60

60

60

60

61.5

61.5

61.5

61.5

63.25

63.25

63.25

63.25

63.25

65

65

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

Principal joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments
The Company indirectly held at 31 December 2015 the following interests in significant joint ventures, associates and investments.

Interest in ordinary 
share capital 2015 
%

Interest in ordinary 
share capital 2014 
%

Principal activity

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

40.0

–

Provision of a standard and high definition enabled digital satellite proposition

Operates the Channel 3 & 4 digital terrestrial multiplex

Supply of news services to broadcasters in the UK and elsewhere

Production of scripted content

Name

Joint Ventures

Freesat (UK) Limited

Digital 3 & 4 Limited

Associates

Independent Television News Limited (ITN)

40.0

Available for sale investments

Tomorrow ITV Studios LLC (1)

–

Key:
(1)  25% preferred interest

170

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

Financial StatementsShareholder Information

 Shareholder Information

Shareholder profile

Information as at 31 December 2015

Type of holder:
Insurance companies
Banks and nominee companies
Individuals
Others
Totals

Size of holding:
1 – 100
101 – 200
201 – 500
501 – 1,000
1,001 – 2,000
2,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 50,000
50,001 – 100,000
100,001 – 500,000
500,001 – 1,000,000
1,000,001 – 5,000,000
5,000,001 – 10,000,000
10,000,001 – 50,000,000
50,000,001 and above
Totals

Holders
Number

5
3,097
51,644
1,373
56,119

Holders
Number

9,381
7,500
14,067
8,967
6,916
5,061
1,815
1,356
220
370
138
210
53
49
16
56,119

%

0.01
5.52
92.03
2.44
100

Shares held
Millions

0
3,891
120
14
4,025

%

0.00
96.65
2.97
0.38
100

%

Shares held

%   

16.72
13.36
25.07
15.98
12.32
9.01
3.23
2.42
0.39
0.66
0.25
0.36
0.10
0.10
0.03
100

328,102
1,126,231
4,567,672
6,564,924
10,016,277
15,778,685
12,823,179
27,153,400
15,364,910
94,301,108
100,420,701
506,744,652
377,538,681
1,077,825,229
1,774,855,443
4,025,409,194

0.01
0.03
0.11
0.16
0.25
0.39
0.32
0.67
0.38
2.34
2.49
12.60
9.38
26.78
44.09
100

Company website
Investor and shareholder-related information, including the 
current price of ITV plc shares, can be found on the Company 
website at:

  www.itvplc.com

Financial calendar

Ex-dividend date for the Final and  
28 April 2016
Special dividend
29 April 2016
Record date for the Final and Special dividend
12 May 2016
Annual General Meeting
Interim Management Statement
12 May 2016
Payment date for the Final and Special Dividend 27 May 2016
27 July 2016
Half year results announcement

Registered office
The London Television Centre 
Upper Ground 
London  
SE1 9LT

  020 7157 3000

Company registration number 4967001

Registrars and transfer office
All administrative enquiries relating to shareholdings and 
requests to receive corporate documents should be directed 
to Capita Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, 
Beckenham, BR3 4TU. They can be contacted by telephone on

   0371 664 0300 from the UK (calls cost 12 pence per minute plus 
network charges) and

   +44 20 8639 3399 from outside the UK (calls UK will be charged 
at the applicable international rate). 

Lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Alternatively you could email them at: 

  shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 12 May 
2016 at 11.00 a.m. at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, 
Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. The Notice 
of the AGM contains an explanation of special business to be 
considered at the meeting and a copy of this is available on the 
Company website.

  www.itvplc.com/investors/annual-general-meeting

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

171

Additional informationAdditional Information

Glossary

Broadcasters’ Audience Research 
Board (BARB) – organisation owned by 
broadcasters and advertisers providing 
data on linear and online television 
viewing statistics by UK households

Catch up viewing – non-live viewing 
of recently broadcast television 
programmes, either via a recording 
device (often called a PVR or DTR) such 
as Sky+ or through a Video on Demand 
service such as the ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, 
All 4 or Demand 5 

Channel 3 licences – the 15 regional 
licences and one national licence 
awarded to transmit Channel 3 across 
the UK. All are owned by ITV with the 
exception of three of the regional 
licences, two of which are owned by STV 
and one by UTV. (ITV completed the 
acquisition of UTV on 29th February 2016)

Contract Rights Renewal (CRR) – the 
remedy agreed by Carlton and Granada 
in 2003 as a pre-condition of the merger, 
which governs the way in which ITV 
airtime is sold by ITV to its advertising 
customers

Digital switchover – termination 
in 2012 of the analogue terrestrial 
television signal. BBC1, BBC2, ITV, 
Channel 4 and Channel 5 were broadcast 
in analogue

Free-to-Air (FTA) television – viewing 
of television through devices not 
requiring a subscription such as the 
Freeview or Freesat services

High Definition (HD) – channels or 
services broadcast in substantially 
higher resolution than standard, 
providing improved picture quality

Impact or Commercial Impact – one 
Commercial Impact is defined as one 
viewer watching one 30-second 
television commercial

ITV Family – the ITV family of channels 
which includes ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, 
ITVBe, ITV Encore, CITV, ITV Breakfast, 
CITV Breakfast and all associated +1 
and HD equivalents. Viewing figures 
include the whole of the ITV network. 
Revenue figures include only ITV plc 
operated regions 

Linear television – television service 
where the viewer has to watch a 
scheduled TV program at the particular 
time it’s offered, and on the particular 
channel it’s presented on

Long form video requests – video 
requests are a measure of the total 
number of videos viewed across all 
platforms (such as itv.com, Virgin and 
mobile devices). A long form video is a 
programme that has been broadcast on 
television and is available to watch 
online and on demand in its entirety

Media sales commission – commission 
earned by ITV plc on sales of airtime on 
behalf of the non-consolidated licensees 

Net Advertising Revenue (NAR) – the 
amount of money received by a 
broadcaster as payment for television 
spot advertising net of any commission 
paid to agencies 

Total Schedule Costs/Total Network 
Programme Budget (NPB) – the budget 
spent on programming broadcast on 
the ITV Family of channels, including 
spend on regional programming and 
ITV Breakfast

Non-consolidated licensees – the 
three regional channel 3 licences which 
ITV does not own. These licences are 
owned by STV and UTV and revenues 
received from these licences for ITV 
programming content are referred to as 
minority revenues. (ITV completed the 
acquisition of UTV on 29th February 2016)

Non-NAR revenue – non-NAR revenue 
includes all ITV revenue, both internal 
and external, except net advertising 
revenue (NAR). This includes inter-

segment revenue from the sale of ITV 
Studios shows to the ITV Network

Ofcom – independent regulator and 
competition authority for the UK 
communications

Over-the-top content (OTT) – delivery 
of audio, video, and other media over 
the Internet, this includes content 
from providers such as Netflix, Amazon 
and Hulu and also our own on demand 
service, the ITV Hub

SDN – multiplex operator owned by ITV 
which operates one of the eight national 
multiplex licences in the UK on Freeview

Share of Broadcast (SOB) – ITV’s share 
of UK television advertising revenue 
(NAR), a measure of market share

Share of Commercial Impacts (SOCI) – 
the term used to define the share of 
total UK television commercial impacts 
which is delivered by one channel 
or group of channels. This measure 
excludes viewing of BBC channels 
as they do not generate commercial 
impacts. Unless stated otherwise, SOCI 
figures cited throughout this report 
are based on BARB data and are based 
on the universe of Adults (16+)

Share of Viewing (SOV) – the share 
of the total viewing audience during a 
defined period gained by a programme 
or channel. This measure includes 
viewing of BBC channels. Unless stated 
otherwise, SOV figures cited throughout 
this report are based on BARB data and 
are based on the universe of individuals

Video on Demand (VOD) – the ability 
to deliver video content to a customer’s 
television set, computer or device when 
the customer requests it 

YouView – a joint venture (with the BBC, 
Channel 4, Channel 5, BT, TalkTalk, and 
Arqiva) to operate and promote a 
hybrid television platform combining 
Freeview channels with catch up and 
on demand services

172

ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015

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ITV plc 
The London Television Centre 
Upper Ground 
London 
SE1 9LT

  www.itv.com 

Investors: 
www.itvplc.com  Stock code: ITV