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Micro Focus International

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FY2014 Annual Report · Micro Focus International
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Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Solid 
progress

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Strategic report

Corporate governance

Key highlights

Key highlights

Revenue ($m)
$433.1m

02  Executive Chairman’s statement
10  Operational and financial review
16  Key performance indicators
18  Principal risks and uncertainties
20  Corporate social responsibility

25  Executive Chairman’s introduction
26  Board of directors
28  Corporate governance report
32  Audit committee report
37  Nomination committee report
38  Directors’ Remuneration report
58  Directors’ report

Adjusted operating profit ($m)
$187.5m

Adjusted EBITDA ($m)
$192.0m

432.6

436.1

434.1

412.2

433.1

168.0

153.0

174.7

182.2

187.5

173.3

158.7

179.1

186.3

192.0

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12*

13*

14

Profit before tax ($m)
$147.8m

148.6

151.5

147.8

114.5

98.3

Cash generated from  
continuing operations ($m)
$206.8m

196.7

192.4

206.8

182.3

102.8

Adjusted earnings per share (c)
100.32c

100.32

87.81

72.77

57.26

54.85

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12

13

14

10

11

12*

13*

14

Diluted earnings per share (c)
82.35c

Total dividend per share (c)
44.0c

82.35

75.23

63.81

46.15

36.71

44.0

40.0

31.6

21.8

23.4

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12

13

14

*  Financial years 2012 and 2013 have been restated (see note 34).

 
63 

 Independent auditors’ report to the  
members of Micro Focus International plc

111   Independent auditors’ report to the  

members of Micro Focus International plc

67   Financial statements and notes

113  Financial statements and notes

120  Offices worldwide
122  Historical summary
123  Key dates and share management
124  Company information

Who we are

What we do

Micro Focus provides innovative software that allows 
companies to develop, test, deploy, assess and  
modernize business critical enterprise applications. 

We save global organizations money and improve their 
productivity by enabling them to bridge the old and the 
new, across distributed and mainframe environments:

–  Exploit advances in technology such as virtualization, 

cloud and mobile without the cost and risk of starting 
again with the application suite

–   Protect prior investments in their data and business  

logic whilst unlocking new opportunities and use cases

–   Optimize where they build, test and deploy business 

applications

–   Execute with a balance of speed, flexibility and risk,  

that is right for their business

Progress against  
our three year plan

FY12: Stabilization

FY13: Plant seeds for growth

FY14 and going forward: Deliver sustainable returns

 – Leading provider of software products that bridge the old and the  
new, preserving and protecting established customer investments  
in technology

 –  Focus on ‘sticky’ products – maintain, innovate and grow our core 
COBOL Development and Mainframe Solutions product portfolios

 – Develop product capabilities:

 – extend to capitalize on the mainframe development  

opportunity (COBOL, PL/I)

 – extend to participate in the cloud and mobile testing opportunity

 – Deliver effective product management, strengthen sales  

enablement across multiple channels, and improve sales productivity

 –  Maintain financial discipline and focus on shareholder returns

01

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Executive Chairman’s statement

Our Business Model – strong and established  
technology franchises
Micro Focus specializes in managing mature infrastructure software 
assets which have been installed and are delivering value to significant 
numbers of customers over long periods of time. Our product portfolio 
assets have some or all of the following attributes:

Current portfolio – underpinning the business model  
with clear execution and investment discipline 
The typical stages of a product life cycle are from new product 
introduction through to high growth to broad adoption and maturity,  
to decline and ultimately obsolescence. These are depicted in the 
following illustration. 

1.  Broad based – covering all industrial sectors

Product life cycle: Industry maturity stages

2.  Significant numbers of customers

3.  Significant maintenance streams

4.  Relatively high switching costs

5.  Significant market positions

In any IT system the customers’ business logic and data remain  
their competitive advantage. The key is unlocking this competitive 
advantage through exploitation of the latest technology innovation 
such as ‘cloud’, ‘big data’ or virtualization. Typically customers would 
be forced into costly, disruptive and risky application re-writes to make 
this possible but with Micro Focus, customers can take a different 
approach which we characterize as bridging the old and the new. 

By enabling our customers to link their investments in established 
technology with the latest innovation, Micro Focus helps customers 
gain incremental returns on investments they have already made and 
to preserve and protect their data and business logic. The most striking 
example of this is that an application written in Micro Focus COBOL  
37 years ago – before anyone had thought of Linux, Windows, 
virtualization, cloud or wireless communications – will work today  
in all of those environments. Micro Focus has made this a reality.  
By contrast if a COBOL application had been rewritten in another 
language, to execute in Java or .NET the customer would have to  
do additional incremental re-writes and incur significant costs every 
time there was a major technology change.

In essence, we help our customers bridge the old and the new 
enabling them to leverage additional value from their investments  
in critical business applications.

02

Introduction

Growth

Maturity

Decline

When considering the investment priorities, both organic and 
inorganic, we evaluate our options against a set of characteristics 
mapped to each stage of this adoption cycle enabling the 
categorization of our product portfolio into one of the four  
quadrants represented in the chart below. 

Portfolio management

Managing our business through a disciplined, structured 
approach to product and portfolio fundamentals of maturity 
and future growth or returns potential.

Portfolio composition

New Models
(subscription, cloud)

Growth Drivers
(build the future)

Niche
(optimize returns)

Core
(protect)

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance 
Market leadership through strong technology franchises;  
substantial and broad customer base:

 – Micro Focus serves more than 10,500 customers in more  

than 30 countries;

 – More than one million licenced users of Micro Focus COBOL;

 – Approximately nine in every ten Micro Focus COBOL 

customers renew maintenance every year; and 

 – Micro Focus has more than 30 years of COBOL expertise.

Our overall portfolio is managed and run in the following individual 
product portfolios:

1.  COBOL Development;

2.   Mainframe Solutions (during the year we acquired  

SoforTe GmbH);

3.   Borland (Test) (during the year we acquired AccuRev Inc.);

4.   CORBA (during the year we acquired the CORBA assets from 

PrismTech Group Limited); and

5.  Niche.

In addition to creating incremental value in our base by managing our 
current franchises, we see further opportunities arising from current 
global industry trends.

The proliferation of mobile devices (now some five billion in number)  
and the emergence of the ‘internet of things’ is driving significant 
growth in transaction volumes as users access systems when they 
want and from where they want. These transactions most often occur 
on the ‘old’ large COBOL and PL/I transaction systems that lie at the 
heart of the world’s major organizations. In turn, these transactions 
produce ever-increasing volumes of data. 

Our approach to each category is summarized below: 

 – Growth Drivers and Core: represent the great majority of  

our revenue and investment focus. We look to identify critical 
technologies that have delivered significant value for customers 
and where the costs and risks of replacement or re-write are high 
and the returns from such activities are questionable. We determine 
how to enable these technologies for the latest IT innovations 
whether new operating environments such as JAVA or .NET or  
new use cases such as the cloud or mobile. For example, Visual 
COBOL enables customers to take COBOL applications forward 
with confidence into the next phase of IT industry innovation, 
specifically cloud and mobile, whilst protecting their investments  
in business logic and data built up through prior investments. 
Similarly within Core, our investments in CORBA enable  
customers to connect critical business applications into the  
broader Service-Orientated Architecture and web services  
world ensuring their continued capability to drive business  
value and avoiding costly and disruptive application re-writes.

 – New Models: our focus is on identifying new innovation in the 
marketplace that is applicable to our core and growth driver 
propositions. This is the case where new innovation is needed  
to connect or leverage existing IT or application assets to deliver  
returns or open new opportunities. An example of this is Silk 
Performer Cloudburst; a cloud based implementation of our highly 
successful on premise Silk Performer product. This combination 
enables customers to execute a hybrid on premise/cloud solution 
ensuring day to day operations are handled effectively on premise 
but offering broadly unlimited additional capacity as and when 
needed to support business operational peaks, underpinned by  
the flexibility and ease of use of a common solution in both cases.

 – Niche: some technologies eventually approach end of life as  
the majority of customers replace them with new solutions.  
For the remaining customers they still represent significant value. 
Our approach is to continue to offer flexible commercial and 
support models to enable customer access to the intellectual 
property and capabilities of these technologies for extended 
periods, again ensuring protection of customer investment for  
as long as possible technically and commercially. 

Within this overall portfolio we have some products that are growing 
significantly (50% plus) and others that are stable or in decline. Our 
business model means the way we manage the portfolio is analogous 
to a ‘fund of funds’ with an objective to generate moderate growth 
over the medium term, delivering high levels of profitability and strong 
cash generation and cash conversion ratio with a balanced portfolio 
approach. We will continue to focus investment in growth and core 
products and will not dispose of declining products unless we can 
achieve greater than the discounted cash flow they would generate  
in our ownership.

03

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationExecutive Chairman’s statement 
continued

This drives complexity (in development and testing) and cost (in terms 
of load and volume), both of which provide opportunity to assist 
customers in addressing these challenges. At the same time, these 
‘old’ mature systems become ever bigger and more embedded.  
It has been estimated that of all new lines of code written each  
year some 20% are COBOL.

COBOL – Here to stay for the long-term:

 – 240 billion lines of COBOL code today, and growing steadily;

 – 95% of all ATM transactions use COBOL;

 – 200 times more COBOL transactions than Google and 

YouTube searches every day;

 – COBOL represents 77% of all 310 billion lines of code in use;

 – COBOL supports 90% of Fortune 500 companies’ business 

systems every day; and

 – COBOL powers around 85% of all daily business  

transactions processed.

04

Diluted earnings per share and dividend per share (in cents)

100

80

60

40

20

0

CAGR – FY2006 to FY2014
Diluted EPS – 33.5%
Dividend per share – 28.3%

82.35

75.23

63.81

46.15

44.0

40.0

36.71

31.92

31.6

26.97

21.37

16.0

13.0

10.0

8.17

6.0

21.8

23.4

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

FY11

FY12

FY13

FY14

Our core objective is to deliver consistent shareholder  
returns of 15% to 20% over the long-term
The underlying premise behind Micro Focus’ business strategy is  
that the Company should consistently and over the long-term deliver 
shareholder returns of at least between 15% and 20% per annum.  
To deliver this objective the Company has adopted an operational  
and financial strategy underpinned by consistent and effective 
management and reward systems. This strategy is capable of execution 
over the long-term and also of significant scaling should appropriate 
opportunities arise.

The Company was listed on the London Stock Exchange on 12 May 
2005 at a price of 130 pence and in the year ended 30 April 2006 
reported diluted EPS of 8.17 cents and declared total dividends for  
the year of 6 cents. In the year ended 30 April 2014 diluted EPS is 
82.35 cents and proposed full year dividend is 40.0 cents representing 
a compound annual growth rate of 33.5% and 28.3% respectively. 

Full year dividends on our shares have totalled 107.58 pence and  
since January 2012 we have made three Returns of Value totalling  
155 pence per share. On 30 April 2014 our share price had increased 
to 775 pence. A shareholder who invested at the time of IPO and had 
reinvested the Returns of Value would have grown their investment  
by 579.9% which is a compound annual return of 23.8%.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceOn 28 March 2011, on the back of two profit warnings and  
poor performance in the year ended 30 April 2011, the Company 
announced a share buy-back programme. The closing share price on 
25 March 2011, the day before the announcement, was 308.6 pence 
and the dividends received since IPO at that time were 43.56 pence.  
The annual rate of return for the shareholder from IPO to 25 March 
2011 was 18.5% per annum. The Company’s market capitalization  
on that date was £635.0m and by 30 April 2014 this had increased  
to £1,081.4m. The Company made cash returns to shareholders  
during this period of £424.3m, consisting of share buy-backs of 
£65.0m, ordinary dividends of £103.6m and Returns of Value of 
£255.7m. These cash returns represent 66.8% of the market 
capitalization of the Company on 25 March 2011 and the annual 
compound return for shareholders from that date to 30 April 2014  
is 38.1% per annum.

Our performance in the year
The year ended 30 April 2014 has been a year of improvement for 
Micro Focus where management’s guidance for revenue growth was 
marginally exceeded. The Group delivered total revenues of $433.1m 
(2013: $412.2m) which was an increase of 6.4% compared to constant 
currency (‘CCY’) revenue for the comparable period of $407.1m.  
At the beginning of the financial year we forecasted that overall 
revenue would increase by between 0% and 5% with growth 
weighted to the second half of the year. At the Interims in December 
2013 we announced three acquisitions, AccuRev Inc., SoforTe GmbH 
and the OpenFusion CORBA assets from PrismTech Group Limited,  
and as a consequence revised the overall revenue growth target 
upwards to 3% to 6%. We managed to exceed the top of this range 
with overall revenues growing by 6.4%. It was particularly pleasing  
to see growth in sales in the products in which we had invested, 
notably Visual COBOL where Licence revenues grew by 91% and  
the significant improvement in product and sales execution delivered 
strong performance in our CORBA portfolio.

Once the impact of the $6.1m of revenues generated from current  
year acquisitions are excluded, revenues grew by 4.9% to $427.0m  
on a CCY basis. Licence fees increased by 8.5% to $177.9m  
(2013: CCY $163.9m), Maintenance fees increased by 6.8% to 
$243.2m (2013: CCY $227.7m) and Consultancy revenues were down 
by 22.6% to $12.0m (2013: CCY $15.5m). When comparing revenues 
on a ‘like for like’ basis we also exclude both prior year as well  
as current year acquisitions. In the year ended 30 April 2014, we 
delivered like for like revenues of $402.0m which is a decline of 0.4% 
(2013: CCY $403.7m). On a like for like basis, Licence fees increased by 
2.3% to $167.6m (2013: CCY $163.8m), Maintenance fees decreased 
by 0.8% to $222.7m (2013: CCY $224.4m) and Consultancy revenues 
were down by 24.5% to $11.7m (2013: CCY $15.5m). In the second 
half of the year we saw a return to organic revenue growth with like 
for like revenues growing by 2.2% compared to the second half of last 
year. In the first half year, like for like revenues had declined by 3.1%.

Group delivered total revenues of $433.1m which 
was an increase of 6.4% at constant currency and 
a return to organic revenue growth in the second 
half of the year with revenues up by 2.2%

Revenues for our International region excluding the acquisitions  
in the year increased by 10.8% to $178.3m (2013: CCY $160.9m) 
benefiting from strong performances in the Nordic countries,  
Brazil and UK. On a like for like basis International grew by 7.4%  
(2013: decline of 2.8%). 

North America revenues for the full year excluding this year’s 
acquisitions increased by 1.5% to $194.1m (2013: CCY $191.3m).  
Like for like revenues declined by 5.2% from $188.8m to $178.9m.  
The decline in the first six months was 2.3% and the second six 
months was 7.8%. As explained below under Go to Market we  
have taken action to address this issue.

Our Asia Pacific and Japan region, excluding this year’s acquisitions 
delivered overall revenue decline of 0.5% to $54.6m (2013: CCY 
$54.9m). Asia Pacific and Japan declined by 6.8% (2013: increase  
of 1.4%) on a like for like basis. The decline was in large part 
accounted for by the absence of a single large deal to match that 
which occurred in the prior year offset by a stronger performance  
in Japan.

The year also saw significant investments in the business – our first 
Sales Academy, patent box, sales enablement through product 
playbooks and the delivery of more than 2,000 days of education,  
a Customer Relationship Management (‘CRM’) system upgrade and 
the restructuring of our salesforce to improve alignment and revitalize 
skills. We also completed three acquisitions to further strengthen  
our product portfolios and our customer propositions. SoforTe GmbH 
was a technology acquisition enabling us to complete our vision of 
supporting the full application life cycle from maintenance through  
to modernization for mainframe COBOL applications. AccuRev Inc. 
provides additional scale and new technology capabilities in our source 
code and change management solutions as well as a strong and loyal 
customer base where we can now offer our full testing suite of 
solutions, and OpenFusion builds on our strength and commitment  
to CORBA, giving customers even more confidence in the on-going 
relevancy of and investment in this key technology.

Management took the necessary steps to achieve appropriate  
margins and cash generation through a clear focus on sound  
business operations throughout the Group. All of our actions are 
consistent with the objective of returning the business to growth 
whilst maintaining all options to deliver shareholder value.  
Additional revenues allowed room for additional expenditure  
related to the acceleration of change and evaluation of earnings 
enhancing acquisitions.

05

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationExecutive Chairman’s statement
continued

Operating costs on a CCY basis before exceptional items, share  
based payments and amortization of purchased intangibles (‘Adjusted 
Operating Costs’) increased by 6.8% to $245.6m (2013: $229.9m).  
The increase of $15.7m includes $8.5m from the current year 
acquisitions and the remaining $7.2m is largely accounted for by  
the $6.7m year on year change in a charge for net amortization of 
development costs of approximately $nil (2013: net capitalization  
credit of $1.7m) and a foreign exchange loss of $4.4m (2013: gain 
$0.5m) from our existing business. During the period we have  
invested in excess of $12.9m in a combination of our Sales Academy, 
investigating acquisitions, implementing a new CRM front end, 
restructuring parts of the sales organization and filing patents.  
Even with these investments, Adjusted Operating Profit for the year 
ended 30 April 2014 on a CCY basis increased by 5.8% to $187.5m 
(2013: CCY $177.2m), Adjusted EBITDA increased by 5.9% to  
$192.0m (2013: CCY $181.3m) and Underlying Adjusted EBITDA 
increased by 9.7% to $196.4m (2013: CCY $179.1m) at a margin  
of 45.3% (2013: CCY 44.0%).

Cash generated from operating activities increased to $206.8m  
(2013: $192.4m) representing a cash conversion ratio of 107.7% (2013: 
103.4%) as a proportion of Adjusted EBITDA less exceptional items. 

The average employee headcount during the year ended 30 April 2014 
was 1,219 (2013: 1,206). At 30 April 2014 headcount was 1,227. 

We would like to thank our employees for their continued dedication, 
commitment and hard work in delivering the full year results. For the 
year ended 30 April 2014 bonuses will be paid to non-commissioned 
staff and executive management in line with the improvement in 
Underlying Adjusted EBITDA. Staff bonuses will be approximately 
120% of the level earned in the year ended 30 April 2013.

Our business by product portfolio
COBOL Development (‘CD’) – 53.5% of revenues
We have continued to invest in and strengthen our core product 
portfolio of CD which primarily targets the off mainframe distributed 
development market. The CD portfolio delivers products that enable 
programmers to develop and deploy applications written in COBOL 
across multiple platforms including Windows, UNIX and LINUX and to 
the Cloud. We have introduced further developments to Visual COBOL 
and have received a positive response from customers and the partner 
community. Visual COBOL V2.2 provides the fastest way for customers 
to move to Java Virtual Machine (‘JVM’), .NET or Cloud environments 
whilst protecting their existing investments and intellectual property. 
Revenues from Visual COBOL grew strongly in the year contributing  
in excess of $16.4m in Licence fees, up 91% from 2013. We have  
seen a significant number of customers commit to Visual COBOL to 
take advantage of the opportunities provided by operating COBOL 
applications in a modern language format in an industry standard 
Integrated Development Environment (‘IDE’). 

COBOL applications continue to be at the heart of the world’s  
business transactions and to power the majority of large organizations’ 
key business operations. Maintaining our leadership position in CD is  
at the core of our value proposition. By embedding our products in 
industry standard IDEs, specifically Visual Studio and Eclipse, we have 
addressed the perceived skill issues, and expect that COBOL will 
provide a stable base and strong cash flow for the Group over the 
coming decades.

We have seen a significant number of customers 
commit to Visual COBOL to take advantage of  
operating COBOL in a modern IDE

Mainframe Solutions (‘MS’) – 17.9% of revenues
Our MS product set addresses a customer’s need to get the most  
value out of their mainframe environment. Following the launch  
of our MS strategy in 2013 we have seen positive growth in 2014. 
Feedback from our customers and prospects has been very positive 
and emphasizes that the positioning is relevant to the current 
marketplace. Our product offering was further enhanced by the 
purchase of the technology of SoforTe GmbH which enabled us  
to speed up delivery of our product roadmap.

Enterprise Developer takes our core Visual COBOL technology and  
by delivering it in the Eclipse IDE makes the capabilities available to  
the mainframe COBOL user. During 2013 we launched a significant 
extension to this product line Enterprise Developer for zEnterprise 
which when combined with the technology provided through the 
acquisition of SoforTe GmbH enables us to complete our vision of 
supporting the full application life cycle from maintenance through  
to full modernization for mainframe COBOL applications. We  
estimate that the mainframe COBOL development market opportunity 
is approximately three times as large as that for off mainframe 
distributed COBOL development. In April 2014 we announced our  
first significant contract to provide our MS tool set on a subscription 
basis to a major systems integrator.

Borland (‘Test’) – 15.0% of revenues
The Borland product portfolio enables companies to optimize  
the end to end supply chain process of delivering software, from  
definition (requirements capture) through to quality (testing and 
change management). Our portfolio enables companies to better  
align their teams, and for that alignment to extend outside the 
company to suppliers and partners. We provide solutions for both 
practitioners who want to work together more effectively, and IT 
decision makers who need to manage change in their business that 
they often cannot control. These capabilities provide the foundation 
for accelerated delivery of software projects and are leveraged by 
companies seeking competitive advantage; improved customer 
satisfaction, and optimized operational efficiency.

06

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceWe have invested significantly in the product line to ensure relevance 
to key market growth areas, specifically: agile development, cloud 
based service delivery models, and the rapid adoption of mobile 
devices as a business technology platform. The product strategy 
reflects both these growth opportunities and a continued commitment 
to the success of our existing customers, informed through direct 
customer feedback and independent market research. As a result,  
our product portfolio is better positioned and stronger and our 
customer engagement more effective enabling the delivery of organic 
growth in 2014. We also completed the acquisition of AccuRev Inc.  
in December 2013, which extended the portfolio further and improved 
our execution capability enabling coverage of more of the market 
opportunity and offering a compelling value-add for existing 
customers of both companies. 

Borland‘s products (Silk, Caliber, StarTeam and AccuRev) have a  
large addressable market, clear product roadmaps and differentiated 
customer propositions in their own right, in addition to a compelling 
value proposition based on the increasingly tight integrations between 
the products. As an example of the individual product standard, Micro 
Focus was again placed in the leaders’ quadrant of the 2013 Gartner 
Magic Quadrant for Integrated Quality Suites. 

The challenge for our Borland portfolio is the balance between  
Licence and Maintenance income within overall revenues where 
Maintenance accounts for approximately 65% of total like for like 
revenues (2013: CCY 69%). We are fully aware of this dynamic and 
during 2014 have reduced the drag on total revenues by increasing 
Licence sales. This is set to improve further as we release additional 
new products to extend our market presence, and continually innovate 
to support the ever-changing needs of our existing customers and the 
growing available market beyond.

CORBA – 10.8% of revenues
Following the purchase of the CORBA assets from Progress Software  
in February 2013 we have further strengthened our position in this 
product portfolio by buying the CORBA assets from PrismTech Group 
Limited in November 2013. As a result we have seen significant revenue 
growth. We now own the three leading CORBA products: VisiBroker, 
Orbix and OpenFusion as well as the Orbacus mainframe product. 
These products provide excellent functionality and performance to 
companies with installed networks with a requirement for high speed, 
secure transfer of data between systems. 

Niche – 2.8% of revenues
Our Niche portfolio comprises mature products that are expected  
to see on-going revenue decline but that provide good margins and 
strong cash flow. 

Operational strategy to deliver our core objective
Operational excellence
Micro Focus has set out to be the most effective company at  
managing a portfolio of mature infrastructure software products.  
This shows through in our industry leading EBITDA margins and our 
strong cash conversion. We believe that our proven ability to execute 
not only delivers significant amounts of cash and consequently great 
flexibility, but also a competitive advantage in the acquisition of  
other similar assets.

The outputs of our portfolio focus and operational strategy are:

1.  Revenue growth;

2.  Operating leverage; and 

3.  Significant cash generation.

Our key areas of operational focus in order to deliver single digit 
revenue growth to achieve our core objective are Go to Market 
(including indirect channels), Product Development and Financial 
Discipline in M&A.

Go to Market – sales enablement, marketing and  
sales productivity 
During 2012 and 2013 we made good progress on our product 
strategy, direction and underlying roadmap, started adjusting our  
Go to Market structures including our channel strategy, marketing  
and lead generation execution capability. 

In 2014 we began to reskill our sales force through improved  
training and sales effectiveness tools, started to pilot activity based 
compensation in our field organization and launched our first Sales 
Academy. This major initiative involved hiring over 50 graduate sales 
trainees across our International and North America regions. Having 
completed training 22 of the graduates assumed direct sales roles for 
the second half of the year ended 30 April 2014 with a further 18 
assuming overlay roles. The 22 direct sales contributed $4.8m of 
Licence revenue with six being in the top 25 inside sales performers  
for the year. Our direct investment in the academy in the year ended  
30 April 2014 was $3.5m on which we have achieved a financial return 
within the year as well as enabling us to reduce the average age and 
average cost of our sales force. Following on from this we have already 
commenced an academy for the year ended 30 April 2015 recruiting  
30 graduates who will start on 30 June 2014. We are also introducing  
a development academy for the first time and are hiring 16 graduate 
level trainees in development. 

07

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Executive Chairman’s statement 
continued

We continue to believe that we have significant room for improvement 
in sales productivity and have begun to shift the balance between 
direct and inside sales in favour of the latter including the addition  
of more Enterprise Business Representatives to ensure we supply this 
increased inside sales engine with more qualified leads. The room for 
improvement is greatest in North America where poor sales execution 
has been a continuing theme for a number of years. As a result we 
decided to take more decisive action in the year ended 30 April 2014. 
This broad based action aimed at delivering a more permanent 
solution focused on replacing first line sales management and sales 
representatives who did not have the right attitude or approach to 
delivering sustainable results for the long-term. 

Our social media programmes continue to extend our reach  
to target audiences in new and innovative ways: 

 – LinkedIn activities year to date have delivered almost  
500,000 impressions and we add on average 300 new 
connections per month delivering $240,000 of ‘advertising 
equivalency’ per annum. We have recently passed the  
7,000 followers milestone;

 – Our Twitter activities have delivered over 16m year  
to date impressions with a greater than $800,000  
advertising equivalency;

We continue to believe that we have significant 
room for improvement in sales productivity

In the year ended 30 April 2014 our priority was to ensure that we 
invested in the organic development of the business. In the second  
half of the year we have seen a return to organic revenue growth  
with like for like revenues up by 2.2% compared to the second half  
of the year ended 30 April 2013. In the first half of the year ended  
30 April 2014 our like for like revenues were down 3.1% and so for  
the full year like for like revenues are down slightly from $403.7m  
to $402.0m, a decrease of 0.4%. 

We aim to increase sales productivity and predictability further  
by continuing to improve customer insight by generating closer 
interaction between Sales, Product Management and Marketing  
and Product Development. In order to drive greater interaction with 
our partners we created a Partner Relationship Management portal. 

Our marketing programmes continue to raise brand awareness,  
build understanding of our product propositions and increasingly 
target the right audiences to generate qualified leads for new  
business opportunities. For example, our investment in Eloqua 
Marketing Automation continues to drive our reach and  
engagement through Direct Marketing as evidenced by the  
following key performance metrics:

 – A run rate of 17,000 new contacts added per month to our 

marketing database;

 – A 55% increase in the number of engaged contacts year  

on year; and

 – Email open rates have stabilised at 12.1% globally – slightly  

above Industry benchmark standard.

 – The Micro Focus and new Borland Blogs are performing 

well with increased levels of traffic and lower bounce rates. 
For example, the new Borland blog is now delivering more 
than 1,000 hits a month;

 – A move to more technical content on YouTube has led  

to a decrease in overall visitors with an increase in traffic 
quality. Average viewing times have risen by an average  
of six percentage points in the past 12 calendar months; and

 – Our Community platform has grown from 11,000 visitors per 
month at the start of the year to 18,000 per month and is 
now an important channel for customers to access Support.

Product development
We continue to invest in product development and are excited by  
both the significant enhancements to existing products and the  
new products released in the past year. Micro Focus will maintain  
its leadership position in CD and strengthen other portfolios by 
continuing to innovate as demonstrated through products such as 
Visual COBOL, Enterprise Developer and Silk Performer. MS revenue 
growth will be achieved by delivering solutions addressing the 
mainframe COBOL opportunity. We will continue to improve the 
Borland business performance by focusing on clear development and 
communication of our strengths in supporting an increasingly dynamic 
and heterogeneous software development environment. We will work 
with our independent software vendors and customers to ensure that 
they can reap the benefits of these new significant developments. 

Financial discipline, mergers and acquisitions (‘M&A’)
Micro Focus has a strong financial discipline around the uses of  
cash. The Company has a base case model that estimates the returns  
to shareholders from organic execution and the return of excess cash.  
This gives a sound basis on which to evaluate M&A where any 
acquisition contemplated would need to generate a risk adjusted 
return greater than the base case. Successful execution of M&A has 
been instrumental in achieving a return of 23.8% since IPO compared 
to a base case target of 15% to 20%.

08

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceIndustry and market dynamics mean that there are significant  
numbers of potential assets that could fit with our business model. 
These are either (i) bolt-on transactions like those completed in the  
last two years, (ii) significant transactions or (iii) transformational deals. 
Each year the world of IT gets a year older (and we should remember 
that IT is still a relatively young industry) and whilst the vast majority of 
companies will focus on the ‘new and exciting’, we believe that there 
will be an increasing opportunity to help clients derive value from their 
existing and often highly complex IT investments.

Linkage of management incentive to shareholder returns
Micro Focus has deployed a simple model to link management 
incentives to the delivery of shareholder returns. The annual cash 
bonus applies to all members of staff (excluding those on sales 
incentives). If the Company’s Underlying Adjusted EBITDA is no  
greater than the prior year’s CCY comparative there is no bonus.  
The bonus for executive directors and executive committee members  
is maximized on achieving 10% growth over the prior year CCY 
Underlying Adjusted EBITDA with a straight line between the two 
points and for other staff there is no maximum. Staff neither benefit 
nor lose from elements outside of their control such as exchange rates 
with the board taking a view that these items balance out over the 
business cycle.

The stock plan starts to vest at RPI plus 3%, with maximum vesting  
at RPI plus 9%. With RPI of approximately 3% and dividends 
approximately 3% to 4% this means that full vesting needs is 
consistent with the overall objective of 15% to 20% returns.

Key performance indicators to check that we are on track are 
Underlying Adjusted EBITDA (absolute and growth), cash generation 
(absolute and growth) and earnings per share.

Delivering value to shareholders
The board has adopted a very clear plan of value creation.

Our priority is to improve the business in order to maximize the 
opportunity to generate modest growth. At the same time we have 
created flexibility to allow value creation to shareholders through  
cash distributions or acquisitions as appropriate. We will do nothing 
that will constrain our ability to achieve organic growth and we are 
currently investing significant amounts on activities designed to 
enhance growth.

In November 2013 we made a Return of Value to all shareholders 
amounting to $140.2m in cash (60 pence per share, equivalent to 
approximately 93.3 cents per share), by way of a D share scheme, 
which gave shareholders (other than certain overseas shareholders)  
a choice between receiving the cash in the form of income or  
capital. The Return of Value was accompanied by a 12 for 13 share 
consolidation to maintain broad comparability of the share price and 
return per share of the ordinary shares before and after the creation  
of the D shares.

 $206.8m 

Cash generated from operating activities increased 
to $206.8m (2013: $192.4m) representing a cash 
conversion ratio of 107.7% (2013: 103.4%) as a 
proportion of Adjusted EBITDA less exceptional items

In July 2013 we signed a new $420m Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’) 
provided by six banks which expires on 16 July 2017. Net debt to RCF 
EBITDA (being our Adjusted EBITDA before Amortization of Capitalized 
Development Costs) is limited to 3.0 times. At 30 April 2014 our net 
debt was $261.0m and based on the reported RCF EBITDA in the  
year to 30 April 2014 of $210.5m this represented a net debt to RCF 
EBITDA multiple of 1.3 times. When compared to our Adjusted EBITDA 
figure of $192.0m, the multiple is 1.4 times.

For the past two years the board has targeted a net debt to RCF 
EBITDA multiple of approximately 1.5 times. This is a modest level  
of gearing for a company with the cash generating qualities of  
Micro Focus. As the business has been stabilized and has on-going, 
long-term prospects for modest growth and continued cash 
generation, the board has decided that it would be comfortable  
with net debt levels of up to 2.5 times RCF EBITDA. We are confident 
that this level of debt would not reduce our ability to deliver growth, 
invest in products and/or make appropriate acquisitions.

In line with our dividend policy of two times cover we are announcing  
an increase of the proposed final dividend of 6.8% to 30.0 cents  
per share, (2013: 28.1 cents per share) and an increase in the  
proposed total dividend for the year of 10.0% to 44.0 cents per  
share (2013: 40.0 cents per share). The final dividend will be paid in 
Sterling equivalent to 17.7 pence per share, based on an exchange  
rate of £ = $1.697, being the rate applicable on 18 June 2014, the  
date on which the board resolved to propose the final dividend.  
The final dividend will be proposed to shareholders at the AGM  
on 25 September 2014 and, if approved, will be paid on 3 October 
2014 to shareholders on the register at 5 September 2014.

Outlook
We believe we have a strong operational and financial model that can 
continue to provide strong returns to shareholders. The model requires 
low single digit revenue growth in the medium-term and we are 
confident that this can be delivered.

Kevin Loosemore
Executive Chairman
18 June 2014 

09

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationOperational and financial review

In North America, for the full year on a like for like CCY basis, all three 
revenue lines have declined, Licence revenue by 4.1%, Maintenance 
revenue by 2.8% and Consultancy revenue by 51.3%. The primary 
reason for the decline is as a result of lower COBOL Licence revenues 
and a $3.9m reduction in Consultancy revenues, mostly connected  
with the MS business. Poor sales execution in North America has  
been a continuing theme for Micro Focus over the last five years.  
The decisive action referenced earlier and undertaken in the year 
ended 30 April 2014 is aimed at delivering a more permanent solution 
and higher, more predictable levels of performance. Specifically,  
we have invested in significant levels of training for both sales 
management and sales representatives which when combined with 
the Sales Academy initiative allowed us to identify those managers  
and sales representatives who were unable to deliver for the long-term 
in the right way. As a result we replaced more than 25% of the first 
lines sales managers and more than 33% of the sales representatives 
with people we believe can execute the right way and deliver for  
the long-term.

In Asia Pacific and Japan, like for like CCY revenues have declined for 
the full year with Licence fees declining by 13.5% (2013: decrease of 
1.4%), Maintenance revenues increasing by 0.8% (2013: 6.0%) and  
a very small reduction in Consultancy. The region benefited last year 
from a large Licence fee transaction that represented approximately  
1% of last year’s CCY Group revenue. The stronger performance in  
Japan this year has mostly offset the absence of a large transaction.

Revenue for the year by category at actual reported and CCY was  
as follows:

Year ended
30 April 
2014
Existing
$m

Year ended
30 April 
2014
Acquisitions 
$m

Year ended
30 April 
2014
As reported
$m

Year ended 
30 April
2013
As reported
(restated)
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2013
CCY 
(restated)
$m

Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Total revenue

175.5
239.7
11.8

427.0

2.4
3.5
0.2

6.1

177.9
243.2
12.0

433.1

167.0
229.5
15.7

412.2

163.9
227.7
15.5

407.1

The revenues from the Iona business for this year were $25.0m  
(2013: CCY $3.4m from 15 February 2013), being Licence revenues of 
$7.9m (2013: $0.1m), Maintenance revenues of $17.0m (2013: $3.3m) 
and Consultancy revenues of $0.1m (2013: $nil). Like for like revenues 
are $402.0m (2013: $403.7m) consisting of Licence revenues of 
$167.6m (2013: $163.8m), Maintenance revenues of $222.7m  
(2013: $224.4m) and Consultancy revenues of $11.7m (2013: $15.5m).

Revenue by product portfolio on a CCY basis is shown as follows:

Micro Focus’ primary reporting segments are its three geographic 
regions (i) North America, (ii) International (comprising Europe, Middle 
East, Latin America and Africa), and (iii) Asia Pacific and Japan. Product 
portfolios are sold into these regions via a combination of direct sales, 
partners and independent software vendors.

Micro Focus discloses profitability by its reporting segments. The 
regional presidents are measured on the profitability of their region. 
They have directly controllable costs and are then allocated central 
costs. Their incentives are weighted more towards growth in revenues. 
The segmental analysis is shown in note 2.

Revenue for the year by geographic region at actual reported and  
CCY is shown in the table below. 

Year ended
30 April 
2014
Existing
$m

Year ended
30 April 
2014
Acquisitions 
$m

Year ended
30 April 
2014
As reported
$m

Year ended 
30 April
2013
As reported
(restated)
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2013
CCY 
(restated)
$m

International
North America
Asia Pacific  
and Japan

Total revenue

178.3
194.1

54.6

427.0

0.3
5.8

–

6.1

178.6
199.9

157.8
191.8

160.9
191.3

54.6

62.6

54.9

433.1

412.2

407.1

Group revenues in this financial year grew to $433.1m which,  
on a CCY basis, is a growth rate of 6.4%. This growth rate marginally 
exceeds the guidance range of 3% to 6% and was weighted to  
the second half of the year where overall revenues grew by 10.4%  
to $225.6m and like for like revenues grew by 2.2%. Revenues 
excluding current year acquisitions grew to $427.0m, an increase of 
4.9%. This year the Iona business, an acquisition that was completed 
last year, delivered revenues of $25.0m (2013: CCY $3.4m from 
15 February 2013), so excluding these revenues, like for like revenues 
declined by 0.4% from $403.7m to $402.0m (2013: decline of 3.4%). 
On a like for like basis International grew by 7.4% (2013: decline of 
2.8%), North America saw a decrease of 5.2% (2013: decline of 
5.5%), and Asia Pacific and Japan declined by 6.8% (2013: increase  
of 1.4%). Once the revenues from the last two years’ acquisitions  
are taken into account International grew by 11.0%, North America 
revenue grew by 4.5% and Asia Pacific and Japan declined by 0.5%.

The International region has performed strongly this year at CCY  
with revenues growing by 11.0% and on a like for like basis growing  
by 7.4%. Licence revenues grew by 18.6%, Maintenance revenues 
grew by 5.4% and Consultancy revenues grew by 5.4% and on a like 
for like basis: Licence revenues grew by 15.3% predominantly from 
higher sales of Visual COBOL and our Enterprise suite of products, 
Maintenance revenues grew by 1.5% as a result of the Licence  
revenue growth, and Consultancy revenues grew by 2.7%, mostly  
as a result of higher MS business, offset by exiting a non-core 
Consultancy contract in Brazil. We saw growth in CD, MS, Borland  
and CORBA with a decline in Niche. 

10

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceRevenue by product portfolio

COBOL
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Mainframe Solutions
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Borland (Test)
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

CORBA
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Sub-total excluding Niche
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Revenue at CCY

Niche
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Total revenue
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Revenue at CCY

Year ended
30 April 2014
Existing
$m

Year ended
30 April 2014
Acquisitions
$m

Year ended
30 April 2014
As reported
$m

Year ended
30 April 2013
CCY
$m

Change before
 acquisitions
in FY14
%

Change 
like for like
%

Change as
 reported 
at CCY
%

107.7
122.9
0.9

231.5

28.9
42.3
6.1

77.3

17.3
39.0
3.9

60.2

19.1
25.9
0.7

45.7

173.0
230.1
11.6

414.7

2.5
9.6
0.2

12.3

175.5
239.7
11.8

427.0

–
–
–

–

–
–
0.2

0.2

2.1
2.7
–

4.8

0.3
0.8
–

1.1

2.4
3.5
0.2

6.1

–
–
–

–

2.4
3.5
0.2

6.1

107.7
122.9
0.9

231.5

109.1
118.6
1.4

229.1

28.9
42.3
6.3

77.5

19.4
41.7
3.9

65.0

19.4
26.7
0.7

46.8

175.4
233.6
11.8

420.8

2.5
9.6
0.2

12.3

177.9
243.2
12.0

433.1

26.4
40.9
8.2

75.5

15.3
40.9
2.5

58.7

10.6
14.2
0.3

25.1

161.4
214.6
12.4

388.4

2.5
13.1
3.1

18.7

163.9
227.7
15.5

407.1

-1.3
3.6
-35.7

1.0

9.5
3.4
-25.6

2.4

13.1
-4.6
56.0

2.6

80.2
82.4
133.3

82.1

7.2
7.2
-6.5

6.7

–
-26.7
-93.5

-34.2

7.1
5.3
-23.9

4.9

-1.3
3.6
-35.7

1.0

9.5
3.4
-25.6

2.4

13.1
-4.6
56.0

2.6

6.7
-18.3
100.0

-4.6

2.4
0.9
-7.3

1.2

–
-26.7
-93.5

-34.2

2.3
-0.8
-24.5

-0.4

-1.3
3.6
-35.7

1.0

9.5
3.4
-23.2

2.6

26.8
2.0
56.0

10.7

83.0
88.0
133.3

86.5

8.7
8.9
-4.8

8.3

–
-26.7
-93.5

-34.2

8.5
6.8
-22.6

6.4

11

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationRevenues in the second half of the year increased by 10.4% on the 
same period last year and like for like revenues increased by 2.2%, 
with Licence revenue growth of 5.7%, Maintenance revenue growth  
of 0.4% and a Consultancy revenue decline of 6.9%.

The overall performance on Maintenance revenues was encouraging 
with a decrease on a like for like basis of 0.8%. 

We are providing maintenance renewal rates by each product portfolio 
and for the year ended 30 April 2014 these rates were CD – 90% 
(2013: 91%), MS – 90% (2013: 90%), Borland (Test) – 83% (2013: 
88%), CORBA – 81% (2013: 73%) and Niche – 66% (2013: 77%).

Costs 
The costs for the year compared to last year at actual reported and 
CCY are shown below.

Year ended 
30 April 
2014 
Existing
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2014 
Acquisitions
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2014 
As reported
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2013 
As reported
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2013 
CCY
$m

Cost of  
goods sold
Selling and 
distribution
Research and 
development
Administrative 
expenses

Total costs

29.5

118.6

54.9

65.8

268.8

0.4

2.1

2.9

3.1

8.5

29.9

34.1

33.7

120.7

117.6

117.2

57.8

68.9

52.6

48.5

53.5

48.3

277.3

252.8

252.7

During the year we purchased the OpenFusion CORBA assets from  
PrismTech Group Limited and the legal entities of SoforTe GmbH  
and AccuRev Inc. Included within the acquisition costs are third  
party acquisition related costs of $1.4m which are shown within 
administrative expenses.

Operational and financial review 
continued

Three acquisitions completed in the year  
at a total cost of $35.2m

Excluding the Niche product portfolio and the acquisitions during the 
year ended 30 April 2014, our other four product portfolios grew from 
$388.4m to $414.7m, with the growth in revenues being mostly due 
to the incremental revenue of $21.6m for the Iona product group.  
On a like for like basis revenues from these four product portfolios  
grew by 1.2% in the year. 

In the second half of the year compared to the second half of last year 
CD had revenue growth of 4.6% (first half of the year compared to 
first half of last year was a 2.7% decline). CD continues to represent 
the core of Micro Focus revenues and consequently receives our 
continued focus. Innovation in the product set and re-engagement 
with the customer base, both on and off maintenance, have seen 
Licence revenue growth in the second half of the year and the 
stickiness of our product portfolio deliver overall revenue of $231.5m. 
For the full year there was an overall revenue growth of 1.0% 
compared with a decline of 2.7% at the half year. We continue  
to believe there is a strong demand for our COBOL products.

MS grew by 2.6% over last year on a CCY basis. This annual growth 
rate compares to a revenue decline in the first half of the financial year. 
This performance has been largely driven by the International region 
that is starting to reap the benefits of the work done on the solution  
in the last three years. On a like for like basis revenues grew by 2.4% 
on a CCY basis. MS had a strong second half with like for like revenues 
growing by 7.4%.

The Borland (Test) product portfolio now consists of the Caliber, 
StarTeam and Silk Product Brands that were included last year together 
with the AccuRev Inc. acquisition, completed on 31 December 2013. 
Overall revenues grew by 10.7%. However, once we exclude AccuRev 
Inc. revenues the growth rate drops to 2.6%. Growth in Licence and 
Consultancy revenue is offset by the decline in Maintenance revenues. 

Over the last two years in our CORBA product group we have 
augmented our VisiBroker product offering by adding the Iona  
assets from Progress Software and the OpenFusion assets from 
PrismTech Group Limited. We are now the leading provider of  
CORBA technology on a worldwide basis. The CORBA product 
portfolio saw revenue growth of 86.5% from $25.1m to $46.8m.  
The Iona acquisition contributed $21.6m and the OpenFusion  
CORBA assets contributed $1.1m of the growth and thus like for  
like revenues decreased by 4.6%. 

12

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceExcluding the costs related to acquisitions made during the year  
ended 30 April 2014 and on a CCY basis:

 – Cost of goods sold for the year decreased by 12.5% to $29.5m 

(2013: CCY $33.7m). The costs in this category predominantly relate 
to our consulting and helpline support operations. The majority of 
the cost reduction came from decreased consulting costs to deliver 
the Consultancy revenues that had reduced by $3.7m on a CCY basis.

 – Selling and distribution costs increased by 1.2% to $118.6m  

(2013: CCY $117.2m) as a result of the investment in our graduate 
sales scheme and higher sales incentive payments from higher 
Licence fee revenues offset by lower external marketing costs. 

 – Research and development expenses increased by 2.6% to  

$54.9m (2013: CCY $53.5m), equivalent to approximately 12.7%  
of revenue (2013: CCY 13.1%). The amount spent on research  
and development excluding the current year acquisitions prior  
to the impact of net capitalization of development costs was 
$54.9m (2013: CCY $55.2m) representing 31.3% of Licence  
fee revenue (2013: CCY 33.7%). At 30 April 2014 the net book  
value of capitalized development costs on the consolidated 
statement of financial position was $31.5m (2013: $31.5m). 

 – Administrative expenses were $65.8m (2013: CCY $48.3m). 

Excluding share based compensation of $12.8m (2013: $6.6m)  
and exchange loss of $4.4m (2013: gain of $0.5m) administrative 
expenses increased by 15.2% to $48.6m (2013: CCY $42.2m).  
The primary increases arose from costs on abortive acquisitions, 
resolution of the India revenue restatement issues, patent box 
applications and higher bonuses.

A general pay review for staff resulted in an average increase in  
salaries of 3.0% which will mainly take effect from 1 May 2014.

Currency impact
53.9% of our revenue is contracted in US dollars, 23.1% in Euros, 
8.6% in Yen and 14.4% in other currencies. In comparison, 30.8%  
of our costs are US dollar denominated, 30.0% in Sterling, 20.2%  
in Euros, 2.8% in Yen and 16.2% in other currencies. 

This weighting of revenue and costs means that if the US$:Euro or  
US$:Yen exchange rates move during the year, the revenue impact  
is far greater than the cost impact, whilst if US$:Sterling rate moves 
during the year the cost impact far exceeds the revenue impact. 
Consequently, reported US$ profit before tax can be impacted by 
significant movements in US$ to Euro, Yen and Sterling exchange rates. 
The impact of these movements can be seen by the changes to prior 
year reported numbers when they are stated at CCY. For the year 
ended 30 April 2013 CCY revenue is 1.2% lower at $407.1m and  
profit before tax before the exchange gain above of $0.5m is 2.7% 
lower than the reported numbers at $151.0m. The currency movement 
for Sterling, Euro and Yen against the dollar were 8.5%, 5.9% and 
4.6% respectively. 

Intercompany loan arrangements within the Group are denominated  
in the local currency of the overseas affiliate. Consequently, any 
movement in the respective local currency and US$ will have an  
impact on the converted US$ value of the loans. This foreign exchange 
movement is taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. The Group’s UK Corporation Tax liability is denominated in 
Sterling and any movement of the US$:Sterling rate will give rise to a 
foreign exchange gain or loss which is also taken to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income. The foreign exchange loss for  
the year is approximately $4.4m (2013: gain of $0.5m).

Adjusted EBITDA and Underlying Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA in the period was $192.0m (2013: CCY $181.3m)  
and Underlying Adjusted EBITDA was $196.4m (2013: CCY $179.1m)  
at a margin of 45.3% (2013: 44.0%). The Adjusted EBITDA for the 
three acquisitions made in this year was a loss of $2.5m including 
transaction costs of $1.4m.

Year ended 
30 April 
2014 
Existing
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2014 
Acquisitions
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2014 
As reported
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2013 
As reported
(restated)
$m

Year ended 
30 April 
2013 
CCY
(restated)
$m

Reported revenue

427.0

194.5

6.1

(2.5)

433.1

192.0

412.2

186.3

407.1

181.3

Adjusted EBITDA
Foreign exchange  
loss/(gain)
Net capitalization 
of development 
costs

Underlying  
Adjusted 
EBITDA

Underlying  
Adjusted  
EBITDA Margin

4.4

–

4.4

(0.5)

(0.5)

(0.1)

0.1

–

(1.7)

(1.7)

198.8

(2.4)

196.4

184.1

179.1

46.6% (39.3)% 45.3% 44.7% 44.0%

 $196.4m 

Underlying Adjusted EBITDA in the period was 
$196.4m (2013 CCY: $179.1m)

13

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationOperational and financial review 
continued

Operating profit 
Operating profit was $155.7m (2013: $159.4m). Adjusted operating 
profit was $187.5m (2013: $182.2m). 

Net finance costs
Net finance costs were $7.9m (2013: $7.9m), including the 
amortization of $2.4m of prepaid facility arrangement and facility  
fees incurred on the Group’s RCF (2013: $3.2m), RCF interest of  
$5.2m (2013: $3.9m) and other interest costs of $0.6m (2013: $1.2m) 
offset by $0.3m of interest received (2013: $0.4m). 

Taxation 
Tax for the period was $25.8m (2013: $29.8m) with the Group’s 
effective tax rate being 17.4% (2013: 19.7%). 

In the year the Group recognized additional deferred tax assets  
of $2.0m (2013: $2.1m) all of which were taken to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income. The impact of this recognition 
gives rise to a lower effective tax rate for the year. 

The Group’s medium-term effective tax rate is currently expected 
to be between 17% and 19%.

With effect from 1 April 2014, the UK Government has introduced 
Patent Box legislation that provides a reduced rate of tax on profits 
arising from qualifying IP rights. As previously highlighted, the Patent 
Box presents a potentially significant opportunity for the Group. We 
have incurred costs of $0.5m in the year ended 30 April 2014 further 
exploring the regime and applying for relevant patents and we expect 
to spend a further $0.3m in the next financial year. The Group has 
been granted patents that are expected to result in qualifying IP rights 
and is in the process of quantifying the expected benefit from the 
Patent Box legislation. It is expected that any benefit accruing in 
respect of the year ended 30 April 2014 will be recognized in the 
financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2015, once the  
level of benefit has been quantified. To the extent that a benefit is 
recognized in future periods, this would reduce the medium-term 
effective tax rate compared to the range stated above.

The Group’s medium-term effective tax rate is 
currently expected to be between 17% and 19%

As previously disclosed, the Group has benefited from a lower cash 
rate of tax during the last three years as a result of an on-going claim 
with HMRC in the UK, based on tax legislation, impacting its tax 
returns for the year ended 30 April 2009 and subsequent years.  
The Group is one of a number of companies that have submitted 
similar claims. HMRC has chosen a test case to establish the correct 
interpretation of the legislation and we await the outcome of this 
tribunal hearing. The Group has taken no benefit to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income during the periods affected and 
the potential tax liability is recognized on the Group’s consolidated 
statement of financial position, but has paid reduced cash tax 
payments in line with its claim. The cash tax benefit in the year was 
$4.9m (2013: $4.8m) and the total cash tax benefit to date is $25.9m 
based on the difference between the Group’s claimed tax liability and 
the tax liability in the consolidated statement of financial position.  
Due to the nature of the claim and the advice the Group has received, 
if HMRC were successful then it is unlikely that any penalties would be 
payable by the Group but there would be interest on any overdue tax.

When the tax position relating to the claim is agreed with HMRC  
then to the extent that the tax liability is lower than that provided  
in the consolidated statement of financial position, there would be  
a positive benefit to the tax charge in the consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income in the year of settlement. The current 
maximum benefit is $28.2m, which equates to 19.0 cents per share  
on a fully diluted basis.

Profit after tax 
Profit after tax increased by 0.2% to $122.1m (2013: $121.8m).

Goodwill
The largest item on the consolidated statement of financial position  
is goodwill at $308.2m (2013: $284.7m) and arose from acquisitions 
made by the Group in the period to 31 July 2009, the acquisition  
of the Iona CORBA assets from Progress Software in February 2013 
and from three acquisitions made in this financial year of AccuRev Inc. 
(December 2013), OpenFusion CORBA assets from PrismTech Group 
Limited (November 2013) and SoforTe GmbH (October 2013). The 
three acquisitions made in this year added $23.2m of the goodwill 
with a further $0.4m coming from the Iona asset purchase. The annual 
impairment review of goodwill is based on the value in use of the  
Cash Generating Units (our three Geographic Regions) to which the 
goodwill is allocated and, based on the assumptions used by the 
board, there is no impairment of goodwill in the year.

14

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance $202.8m 

Dividends and Return of Value during the year 
totalled $202.8m

Return of Value
During the year, the Group announced and completed a Return of 
Value to shareholders of 60 pence per ordinary share by way of a  
D share scheme, which gave shareholders (other than certain overseas 
shareholders) a choice between receiving cash in the form of income 
or capital. The Return of Value was approved by shareholders on  
26 September 2013. 

The Group entered into forward exchange contracts to hedge the  
US dollar amount of the liability and the Return of Value was paid to 
shareholders on 12 November 2013 at a total cost of $140.2m. The 
Return of Value was accompanied by a 12 for 13 share consolidation  
to maintain broad comparability of the share price and return per share 
of the ordinary shares before and after the creation of the D shares.

Total equity attributable to the parent 
The total equity attributable to the parent has reduced by $74.1m 
during the year from $57.8m to a deficit of $16.3m. $18.1m of this 
reduction is explained by the difference between the Return of Value 
of $140.2m and the profit after tax for the year of $122.1m. The 
remaining $56.0m of reduction comprises dividends of $62.6m and 
exchange rate movements of $4.4m offset by $7.0m of movement  
in relation to share options and other items of $4.0m. Details are 
provided in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Whilst the financial position of the Group is presented as being in net 
deficit, as a function of the Return of Value, liquidity risk and working 
capital is managed effectively as a result of strong operating cash flows 
and the revolving credit facility.

The board recognizes that by accessing the distributable reserves  
of $230.7m in the Company’s retained reserves to provide further 
significant distributions to shareholders, whether by share buy-backs, 
dividends or Returns of Value it is possible for the equity attributable  
to the parent in the consolidated statement of financial position to go 
into greater deficit. This would not impact the Company’s ability to 
make such distributions to shareholders but could impact the external 
perception of the financial position of the Group. The board will 
continue to consider the impact of such future distributions at the 
appropriate time. 

Cash flow 
The Group’s operating cash flow from continuing operations was 
$206.8m (2013: $192.4m). This represented a cash conversion ratio 
when compared to Adjusted EBITDA before exceptional items of 
107.7% (2013: 103.4%). 

At 30 April 2014, the Group’s net debt was $261.0m (2013: $177.7m) 
and during the year the Group increased net borrowings by $83.3m. 
The most significant cash outflows during the year were $144.7m in 
respect of the Return of Value, $35.2m on acquisitions and $62.6m  
of dividends. 

Dividend 
The board continues to adopt a progressive dividend policy reflecting 
the long-term earnings and cash flow potential of Micro Focus.  
Our dividend policy is a dividend cover of approximately two times  
on a pre-exceptional earnings basis. The proposed final dividend  
is 30.0 cents per share (2013: 28.1 cents per share) giving a total 
proposed dividend of 44.0 cents per share (2013: 40.0 cents per share) 
an increase of 10.0%. If approved by shareholders, the final dividend 
will be paid on 3 October 2014 to shareholders on the register on  
5 September 2014.

Dividends will be paid in Sterling equivalent to 17.7 pence per share, 
based on an exchange rate of £1 = $1.697, being the rate applicable  
on 18 June 2014, the date on which the board resolved to propose  
the dividend.

Group risk factors
As with all businesses, the Group is affected by certain risks, not 
wholly within our control, which could have a material impact on  
the Group’s long-term performance and cause actual results to  
differ materially from forecast and historic results.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group are set out  
on pages 18 and 19.

Mike Phillips
Chief Financial Officer
18 June 2014 

15

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationKey performance indicators

The Company uses several key performance indicators internally to monitor the performance of the business against our strategy. The movements 
year on year have been explained in the preceding pages. The KPIs that are used with a brief description on how they are calculated and the 
results for the year are as follows:

Shareholder returns

Description

Compound growth:
– Since IPO
– Over last five years
– Over last three years
– Over last year

Metrics

2014:
23.8%
22.1%
31.2%
19.7%

Financial performance

Performance

These ratios demonstrate the compound growth in shareholder returns assuming reinvestment  
of Return of Values, since the IPO in May 2005, over the last five years from 30 April 2009 to  
30 April 2014, over the last three years from 30 April 2011 to 30 April 2014 and over the last  
year from 30 April 2013 to 30 April 2014. We continue to believe that with low single digit 
revenue growth, our industry leading margins and strong cash conversion we are able to  
deliver shareholder returns of 15% to 20% per annum over the long-term.

Our financial performance KPIs helped us to monitor our progress towards our 2014 revenue and EBITDA growth targets. 

Description

Metrics

Performance

Revenue growth

Adjusted EBITDA 
margin

2014: 6.4%
2013: (2.7%)

2014: 44.3%
2013: 44.5%

Underlying Adjusted 
EBITDA margin

2014: 45.3%
2013: 44.0%

Cash conversion

2014: 107.7%
2013: 103.4%

Adjusted EPS

2014: 100.32c
2013: 87.81c

Revenue comprises total revenues including the contribution of acquisitions and is compared 
with the prior year at constant currency.

Adjusted EBITDA is the Adjusted Operating Profit prior to depreciation and amortization  
of purchased software. The Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided  
by revenue for the year on a constant currency basis.

Underlying Adjusted EBITDA removes the impact of net capitalization of development  
costs and foreign currency gains and losses from Adjusted EBITDA. The Underlying Adjusted 
EBITDA margin represents Underlying Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue for the year  
on a constant currency basis.

This ratio is calculated using the cash flows generated from operating activities divided  
by Adjusted EBITDA less exceptional items – the result indicates that the Group is  
generating cash from its on-going business which can be used to reinvest in the development 
of the business including financing acquisitions, funding liabilities and paying dividends  
to shareholders.

Adjusted EPS is calculated by taking profit after tax, prior to exceptional items, amortization  
of purchased intangibles and share based compensation charges, and tax attributable to 
these charges divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during 
the year. This measure indicates the ability of the Company to continue to adopt a progressive 
dividend policy.

Financial strength and capital discipline

Our financial strength and capital discipline KPIs are used to monitor our gearing and interest cover levels. At the beginning of the year we had  
a target of net debt to our RCF EBITDA being approximately less than 1.5 times by 30 April 2015. This target net debt to RCF EBITDA has now 
been increased to 2.5 times. We have achieved these objectives even after a Return of Value of $140.2m, $35.2m on acquisitions and ordinary 
dividends of $62.6m.

Description

Metrics

Performance

Net debt to RCF 
EBITDA

Interest cover

2014: 1.3 times
2013: 0.9 times

2014: 21 times
2013: 21 times

16

Net value of cash less borrowings expressed as a multiple of the RCF EBITDA.  

EBIT expressed as a multiple of finance costs. The Group RCF has a covenant at a minimum  
of four times.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceGrowth metrics

Our strategy for growing our revenue comes from both our existing business (Organic) and from our acquisitions. 

Description

Metrics

Performance

Organic revenue 
growth

Acquisitions revenue

2014: (0.4%)
2013: (3.2%)

2014: $31.1m
2013: $3.4m

Organic revenue comprises total revenues excluding the impact of acquisitions done  
in the last two years compared with the prior year at constant currency.

On 15 February 2013 we acquired the Iona assets. We expected at the time of the acquisition 
to achieve a minimum full year revenue of $14m and we achieved $25.0m. This year’s 
acquisitions contributed $6.1m which is line with management’s expectations. 

Growth in Visual 
COBOL Licence 
revenue

2014: $16.4m
2013: $8.6m

This is Licence revenues for the Visual COBOL products compared with the prior period  
at constant currency.

Growth in Enterprise 
Licence revenue

2014: $18.3m
2013: $12.4m

This is the total Licence revenues for the Enterprise suite of products within Mainframe 
Solutions compared with the prior period at constant currency.

Research and 
development as  
a percentage of 
Licence revenue

Customers

2014: 31.3%
2013: 33.7%

This ratio measures the amount spent on research and development prior to the impact  
of capitalization and amortization of development costs and current year acquisitions 
development costs divided into Licence revenue (excluding current year acquisitions) on  
a constant currency basis.

Satisfied customers are incredibly important, and measuring what percentage choose to maintain their support with us each year is an effective 
way of determining whether we meet their needs.

Description

Metrics

Performance

Renewal rates on 
maintenance contracts

CD
MS
Borland
CORBA
Niche

2014:
90%
90%
83%
81%
66%

2013:
91%
90%
88%
73%
77%

Customer retention is an important measure as it supports the Maintenance revenue streams 
going forward. Renewal rates are calculated as the value of Maintenance contracts which 
were renewed in the period divided by the value of contracts which were potentially 
renewable in the period.

17

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationPrincipal risks and uncertainties

The Group, in common with all businesses, could be affected by risks 
that could have a material effect on its short and longer-term financial 
performance. These risks could cause actual results to differ materially 
from forecasts or historic results. Where possible, the Group seeks to 
mitigate these risks through its system of internal controls but this can 
only provide reasonable assurance and not absolute assurance against 
material losses. 

With regard to the Group’s objectives, the board and executive 
management team have identified and prioritized the key risks and 
reviewed the controls in place for management to mitigate those risks. 

A full risk register has been developed for on-going evaluation and 
mitigation and the following are the key risks, potential impacts and 
mitigations that are relevant to the Group as a provider of software 
products and associated services. Please also refer to the section  
on internal controls within the corporate governance report on  
pages 28 to 31.

Principal risks have been identified in the following four categories – 
Products, Go to Market models, Competition and Employees.

Products

Risk
To remain successful the Group must ensure that its products 
continue to meet the requirements of customers. Investment in 
research and innovation in product development is essential to  
meet customer and partner requirements in order to maximize 
revenues and corporate performance. The Group has a large  
number of products, at differing stages of their life cycle. The  
extent of investment in each product set needs to be managed  
and prioritized considering the expected future prospects.

Potential impact
If products do not meet the requirements of customers they will  
seek alternative solutions, resulting in the loss of new revenue 
opportunities and the cancellation of existing contracts. Insufficient 
focus on key research and development projects may damage the 
long-term growth prospects of the Group. Poor cross-selling of  
Micro Focus products will reduce the prospects for additional  
revenue streams going forward.

Go to Market models

Mitigation
In the year ended 30 April 2013 we appointed a new General  
Manager responsible for Product Management, Product Development, 
Marketing and Customer Care, with the remit to improve the 
interaction between Product Management, Product Development, 
Sales and Marketing. The Group has developed a structured approach 
to managing its products, which will be further enhanced during the 
year ended 30 April 2015. 

During the year ended 30 April 2014 the Group has also strengthened 
its product portfolio through three acquisitions. Two of these 
acquisitions added additional products, strengthening the Group 
position in existing markets, the third, SoforTe GmbH, was acquired  
for its technology and development expertise, enabling more rapid 
development of the Group’s Enterprise Developer product in order  
to meet customer requirements.

Risk
For the Group to succeed in meeting revenue and growth targets  
it requires successful Go to Market models across the full product 
portfolio, with effective strategies and plans to exploit channel 
opportunities and focus the sales force on all types of customer 
categories. In addition, effective Go to Market models will be  
more successful if accompanied by compelling Micro Focus brand 
awareness programmes.

Potential impact
Poor execution of Go to Market plans may limit the success of  
the Group by targeting the wrong customers through the wrong 
channels and using the wrong product offerings.

Mitigation 
Revenue plans are supported by a range of measures to monitor and 
drive improvements in Go to Market operating models. In addition to 
quarterly business reviews with all geographies and monthly reviews 
with regional presidents, the President of Sales participates in weekly 
management team meetings to review sales performance and Go to 
Market priorities. 

Customer sales cycles are reviewed regularly and a bid review process 
is in place to monitor and maximize customer revenue opportunities.  
In addition to sales performance reviews, marketing and product 
development programmes are assessed regularly to optimize levels  
of qualified pipeline and ensure that marketing programmes are 
supported by appropriate product offerings. 

18

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceGo to Market models

A series of measures are in place to focus the direction of the sales 
force towards a broad range of customer categories. These measures 
include detailed bid management, tailored quota targets and robust 
pre-sales management. 

In the year ended 30 April 2013 we introduced an internal sales 
certification programme, to improve the level of expertise across  
our sales force. This programme was fully rolled out during the  
year ended 30 April 2014. 

In addition, brand awareness programmes are in place and reviewed 
on an on-going basis to draw on differentiated and consistent PR plans 
across key geographies. These are supported by targeted industry 
analyst relations to reach and raise Micro Focus brand awareness 
through key marketplace influencers. Brand building is also supported 
by a growing customer reference programme and online programmes 
such as effective search engine optimization, use of social media and 
improved corporate websites. 

In the year ended 30 April 2014 we launched the Micro Focus Sales 
Academy, a new initiative, through which we hired an additional  
56 graduate sales representatives to enhance our sales capability  
and train up new talent with the potential to progress within the  
sales organization. 52 of these graduates successfully completed  
a 13 week intensive training programme and have now been  
deployed into a variety of sales and pre-sales roles across the 
organization. These new recruits are already making a positive 
contribution to the sales organization and a further intake of 30 
graduates has been enrolled into a second Academy commencing  
30 June 2014.

Competition

Risk
Comprehensive information about the markets in which Micro Focus 
operates is required for the Group to assess competitive risks 
effectively and to perform successfully. 

Potential impact
Failure to understand the competitive landscape adequately and 
thereby identify where competitive threats exist may damage the 
successful sales of the Group’s products.

Employees

Mitigation
Group product plans contain analysis of competitive threats  
and subscriptions to industry analyst firms are leveraged to  
better understand market dynamics and competitor strategies.  
In addition, customer contact programmes are mined for  
competitive intelligence.

Risk
The retention and recruitment of highly skilled and motivated 
employees, at all levels of the Group, is critical to the success and 
future growth of the Group in all countries in which it currently 
operates. Employees require clear business objectives, and a well 
communicated vision and values, for the Group to achieve alignment 
and a common sense of corporate purpose among the workforce.

Potential impact
Failure to retain and develop skill sets, particularly in sales and 
research and development may hinder the Group’s sales and 
development plans. Weak organizational alignment and inadequate 
incentivization may lead to poor performance and instability.

training, career development and long-term financial incentives. 
Leadership training schemes are in place to support management 
development and succession plans. At the start of the year ended  
30 April 2012 a renewed vision and corporate objectives was shared 
throughout the organization and continues to be reinforced through 
regular employee communications plans and performance reviews.

The Micro Focus Sales Academy has been a key initiative during  
the year ended 30 April 2014 to attract new talent to the sales 
organization. As well as running a further Sales Academy, a 
Development Academy will be launched during the year ended  
30 April 2015, focused on addressing areas of potential medium  
to long-term skills shortages within the development organization.

Mitigation
The Group has policies in place to help ensure that it is able to attract 
and retain employees with the required skills. These policies include 

Succession plans have been developed and are in place for key 
leadership positions within the Company.

19

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationCorporate social responsibility

In October 2013, Micro Focus was awarded a Bronze Award by Nick 
Hurd MP, the Minister for Civil Society, to recognize the Company’s 
decision to foster a culture of philanthropy and committed giving  
in the workplace, by making Payroll Giving available to employees.  
The certificate acknowledges Micro Focus’ success in generating 
sustainable income sources for UK charities through Payroll Giving.

For a two year period up to 31 March 2014, Micro Focus held the 
‘Carbon Trust Standard’ certification, and as part of an on-going 
commitment to the Carbon Trust, the Company is currently renewing 
its certification.

The table right outlines the CSR progress that Micro Focus has made  
in the year ended 30 April 2014 across the four focus areas, with 
additional focus this year on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (‘GHG’) 
reporting requirements.

Micro Focus is fully committed to complying with relevant corporate 
social responsibility (‘CSR’) legislation across its global operations  
and strives to achieve standards over and above required levels.

CSR activities are monitored and planned in four key areas:  
the environment, charity and community support, the marketplace  
and suppliers and employees and ethics. The Corporate  
Responsibility Policy can be found on the Micro Focus website  
(www.microfocus.com/about/responsibility). 

Micro Focus products can help customers to 
reduce their IT carbon footprint and these benefits 
feature in conversations with existing customers, 
prospects, partners and suppliers. Employees 
regularly participate in CSR initiatives and internal 
communications regularly feature CSR topics. 

During the year ended 30 April 2014 the CSR committee met  
four times to agree priorities and progress activities, and the CSR 
programme was reviewed at two board meetings during the year. 
Karen Slatford, a non-executive director, is responsible at board  
level for CSR and also participates in CSR committee meetings.

Micro Focus continues to be a member of the FTSE4Good Index,  
the responsible investment index calculated by global index provider 
FTSE Group.

20

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceCSR progress in the year ended 30 April 2014 

Environment

 – Micro Focus products and services can help customers to reduce 
their carbon footprint and adopt carbon friendly IT strategies by 
enabling greater efficiency and longer life from existing technology 
and equipment. In addition to offering organizations alternative 
strategies to ‘rip and replace’ IT policies, Micro Focus continues  
to develop its own policies to record, monitor and achieve 
improvements in its own carbon footprint;

 – Further improvements across all locations either by moving to more 

modern and efficient office environments or by improving the assets 
already deployed. Part of Micro Focus’ decision making process  
when sourcing locations is to identify LEED ratings wherever possible. 
In recent years four premises moves have been from buildings with  
no LEED rating to sites with Silver, Gold and Platinum ratings;

 – Continued progress towards reducing environmental emissions, 
renewing the ‘Carbon Trust Standard’ certification for a second 
consecutive period:

•    Micro Focus in the UK already holds the Carbon Trust Standard  

for Energy; and

•    Establishing processes to enable submission for Certification of 
Waste and Water, where eligible to join the scheme. Currently, 
consumption of water levels is below the threshold for 
reporting, but consumption monitoring will be put in place  
as part of an environmental dashboard for internal reporting. 
The Carbon Trust externally verifies Micro Focus data within  
its certification assessment processes;

 – Fifth year of commitment to the Carbon Disclosure Project (‘CDP’), 
further promoting and managing emission reductions across our 
globally located facilities:

•   Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reported to CDP;
•   Scores have improved year on year since joining in 2009.  
In this reporting period Micro Focus will be reporting a  
7% absolute reduction in year on year consumption; and

•     In this year’s submission, Micro Focus’ response will be  
extended to include Forestry, Supply Chain and Water; 

 – Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme –  
Micro Focus falls below the minimum threshold for entry into  
the scheme so there is no requirement to submit data. Despite  
this, the Company is committed to continue disclosing its carbon 
data via CDP externally published reports;

 – On-going commitment to promote electronic product distribution, 
with approximately 95% of all electronic and approximately 5% 
physical distribution of products;

 – Continued programme of positive global procurement in sourcing, 
replacing and refurbishing facility energy systems in accordance  
with energy efficiency standards (EN656);

 –  Continued landlord performance monitoring in all locations  
where Micro Focus operations are sited in leasehold premises;

 –  Re-deployed and consolidated data-centre power optimization 

thereby improving efficiencies and reducing cost and consumption; 

 –  In the UK headquarters various environmental project investments 

have delivered further energy efficiencies such as a voltage 
optimizer, new lighting and the replacement of old boilers with 
modern, more energy efficient heating systems. Additional 
initiatives are being evaluated to further reduce emissions; and

 –  Having achieved an annual increase in office waste recycling 

capabilities by almost 20% in the prior year, the roll out of recycling 
has continued across the organization and processes are being 
adapted to monitor, measure and report these results in the future.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (‘GHG’) 
 –  This section includes Micro Focus’ mandatory reporting of GHG 
pursuant to the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and 
Directors Report) Regulations 2013 (the ‘Regulations’).

Reporting year
 – The GHG reporting year is the same as Micro Focus’ fiscal year 
being 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2014 to align with financial  
reporting and the relevant CDP reporting time frame.

Organization boundary and responsibility
 – In accordance with the definitional requirements of the 

‘Regulations’, in respect of emissions for which Micro Focus  
is responsible, emissions data is reported using an Operational  
Control approach to define the Organizational Boundary; and

 – All material emission sources which Micro Focus deems to have 
operational control over are in scope. These sources are defined  
as the purchase of electricity, heat, steam or cooling for the 
operation of facilities and the combustion of fuel for the operation 
of facilities. Processes are being established to track other sources  
of emissions such as commercial flights for business travel, which  
is not presently covered in this data.

21

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
  
  
  
 
Corporate social responsibility 
continued

Environment

CO2 (tonnes) produced – actual

 Linz (100.2 TCO2) – 15% 
 Rockville (53.1 TCO2) – 8%
 Singapore (45.0 TCO2) – 7%
 Sydney (19.9 TCO2) – 3%
 Newbury, The Lawn (316.1 TCO2) – 48%
 Newbury, River Park (73.0 TCO2) – 11%
 Belfast (53.3 TCO2) – 8%

Methodology
 –  The methodology used to calculate emissions is based on the  
most current set of regulations published by the Department  
for Environment and Rural Affairs (‘DEFRA’) dated June 2013. 
Wherever possible, the energy Companies’ most current ‘Energy 
Fuel Mix’ numbers have been utilized and DEFRA’s conversion 
factors have been inserted to calculate total GHG emissions; and

 –  Where the timing of the receipt of energy suppliers’ periodic 

invoices do not match the Micro Focus reporting period, the most 
recent figures available have been extrapolated to ensure a full  
set of data has been allocated to the entire reporting period. 

Scope of reporting emissions
 –  Micro Focus reports emissions data on all locations where  
available, irrespective of the size of the Micro Focus facility.  
For smaller locations where no such data is available from 
managed serviced offices, or where Micro Focus is part of a 
multi-tenant occupancy building, or where staffing levels are  
less than ten, the mean average per head is extrapolated out  
from all other locations. Locations where this approach has  
been taken are:

•   Newbury (UK), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Sydney (Australia), 
Singapore, Linz (Austria), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Rockville (US)  
and River Park (UK);

22

 –  The following locations are out of scope due to size or lack of 

availability of information:

  •    Ismaning (Germany), Haifa (Israel), Dublin (Ireland), Madrid 

(Spain), Sofia (Bulgaria), Atlanta (US), Santa Clara (US), Chicago 
(US), Austin (US), Tokyo (Japan), Melbourne (Australia), Troy (US),  
New Delhi (India), Mumbai (India), Hong Kong (China), Shanghai 
(China), Beijing (China), Seoul (Korea), Paris (France), Schiphol 
(Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), Oslo (Norway), Rome (Italy), 
Milan (Italy) and Sao Paulo (Brazil).  

Intensity ratio
 – To achieve a global picture of emissions, whilst recognizing that  
not all of our locations can be in scope, an intensity ratio of  
CO2 per tonne/per head has been used. As not all entities are 
revenue generating and not all can calculate emissions, this  
ratio should demonstrate a more comprehensive assessment.

CO2 (tonnes) by region

 Linz (100.2 TCO2) – 7% 
 Rockville (53.1 TCO2) – 4%
 Singapore (45.0 TCO2) – 3%
 Sydney (19.9 TCO2) – 2%
 Newbury, The Lawn (316.1 TCO2) – 23%
 Newbury, River Park (73.0 TCO2) – 5%
 Belfast (53.3 TCO2) – 4%
 ROW @ UK average (421.2 TCO2) – 30%
  US @ UK average – excluding Rockville 
(304.4 TCO2) – 22%

2015 targets
 – During the year ended 30 April 2014, Micro Focus has made  

three acquisitions and managed a significant level of organizational 
development. This has generated physical changes within the 
Group’s property portfolio, with many locations moving, 
restructuring, or increasing in size and this activity is continuing  
into the 2015 financial year. The expectation is for a year on year 
increase in overall emissions for the year ended 30 April 2015.  
A target of below 1% increase is expected in absolute terms, 
however, a year on year improvement in the intensity ratio is 
expected, given the environmental initiatives adopted worldwide. 
Given the level of organizational activity in the year ended  
30 April 2014, Micro Focus expected a 1% reduction in overall 
emissions. A year on year reduction in absolute consumption  
was achieved. In terms of an intensity ratio, improvement is also 
expected given the environmental initiatives adopted worldwide 
and Micro Focus is working towards a target of 1% reduction  
in the next reporting period.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance 
Charity and community support

Micro Focus supports its employees’ charity and community 
involvement in two ways. Firstly, on a funds-matching basis for 
selected charity initiatives. Secondly, by allocating a number of 
employee days per month by teams or individuals to directly benefit  
a chosen charity or community initiative. Employee engagement is 
actively encouraged, along agreed criteria and guidelines. A global 
charity was selected by the charity committee for the first half of the 
year, with the focus in the second six months turning to a number of 
local charities to achieve a balance between international and country 
level fundraising initiatives. 

 –  All initiatives follow core themes of education and local  

community support;

 –  Total level of funds raised and contributed was more than  
$75,000, $41,700 on local causes across seven countries,  
$22,400 on international causes and $12,600 on national causes  
in the UK, US and Philippines;

   • 

  • 

  Thames & Kennet Narrow Boat Trust, UK, is a boat project 
dedicated to providing young people with an inland waterways 
boating experience to build their confidence and skills; and
   Enabling an elementary school in the US to provide iPads for  
use by students in an underprivileged area; 

 –  Global charity fundraising in the first six months was focused  

on UNICEF raising a total of $9,000 and also an ad hoc initiative  
to support the International Red Cross Philippines Typhoon 
Emergency Fund with a corporate donation of $12,000 in  
addition to an extra $7,400 for a further seven charities nominated 
by staff to help the relief efforts for this natural disaster zone;

 –  In the second half of the year, a broad range of local charities  

and initiatives were supported around Micro Focus operations in 
seven countries, selected within the guidelines of education and 
community support;

 –  In June 2013, the Micro Focus board and management team 

 –  The local ‘project grants’ initiative was continued for the third  
year and in the last 12 months just under $35,000 supported  
12 charity or community organizations with wide geographic 
spread across Micro Focus operations worldwide. Projects included:

participated in a sponsored car wash at the Company’s Newbury 
headquarters, raising $2,000 for the UK charity Make A Wish  
which enables very ill children and their families to enjoy special  
and memorable experiences; and

•    ‘The Harbor’ in Detroit, US, which was an abandoned school  

that has been transformed into a recreational facility to provide 
children with a safe after school place, off the streets in Detroit  
in which to learn;

 –  On-going employee communications through a Charity page  
on the Company’s Intranet and regular front page articles.

Marketplace and suppliers

Micro Focus products and services can help organizations lower  
their energy impact and customers often benefit from a lower  
carbon footprint. 

Suppliers to the Group are sent Micro Focus’ Corporate Social 
Responsibility charter and are encouraged to follow carbon  
responsible practices. 

 – Micro Focus currently operates a Supplier Review Programme  
and part of that programme is to request the details of the 
supplier’s environmental credentials;

 – At initial engagement with all suppliers information is requested  

to improve understanding of their environmental position  
and policies;

 – During the year ended 30 April 2014, supplier environmental 

credentials have been tested further by working with  
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (‘CIPS’) 
Sustainability Scheme to put processes in place to formally  
review the environmental performance of the Micro Focus  
supply chain; and

 – With 12% of the supply chain currently covered by this scheme, 
Micro Focus has set a target of 50% by the end of the year, and 
work will continue with suppliers to increase scores in this area.

23

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Corporate social responsibility 
continued

Employees and ethics

During the year ended 30 April 2014, Micro Focus has continued  
to develop a culture that provides a rewarding and enjoyable  
working environment for employees who in turn are able to  
develop their careers in a professional and successful organization. 
The development of talent delivers an essential base from  
which the Group can achieve its objectives. During the year, 
recruitment and retention programmes have developed through 
comprehensive training and performance management initiatives 
across the organization. 

 – Key HR metrics at 30 April 2014: 

•   Total number of employees worldwide – 1,237  

(1,227 full time equivalent ‘FTE’);

•   Total workforce worldwide – 1,356 including  

temporary/contractors (1,340 FTE); 

•   Percentage of women – employees worldwide – 27.9%  

(2013: 27.9%); 

•    Percentage of women – senior management – 14.8%  

(2013: 17.1%); 

•    Percentage of women – governance body – 22.2%  

(two out of nine including Company Secretary) (2013: 28.6%);  

 –  Micro Focus continues to strive for a diverse range of candidates  
for new roles – 50% female intake achieved in ‘Sales Academy’ 
hiring of 56 new trainees;

 –  The Micro Focus Sales Academy was launched to hire and train 
graduate level recruits with identified potential for sales roles. 
Trainees enjoyed an intensive 13 week training programme and, 
after graduation, were deployed into sales teams worldwide;

 – A half year bonus was paid to 670 eligible employees. A full year 

bonus will be paid to 685 eligible employees; 

 – Comprehensive six monthly and full year performance 

management reviews of all non-sales employees. 92% of 
employee population completed a half year performance 
management plan (‘PMP’) and 98.5% completed the full  
year PMP;

 – Continued roll out of the international Share Save Scheme which  
is now available to 96% of all employees, where 35% of eligible 
employees in 23 countries worldwide chose to participate  
(up from 30% at 30 April 2013); 

 – Regular employee communications through intranet, video,  

email, and monthly ‘town hall’ meetings; 

 – Online ‘on-boarding’ tool launched in prior year is now being  

used for all new hires and is enhancing new employee integration, 
induction training and engagement;

 – New performance review system launched during the year ended 
30 April 2014; trialled in the first six months reviews and extended 
to the whole Company at year end;

 – Maintained excellent record in health and safety matters for all 
employees (no reportable incidents in the last 12 months); and

 – Continued commitment to Anti-Bribery and Data Protection 
training through regular communications and online courses  
during the period as well as continuous checks to ensure 
compliance with anti-bribery, data protection and market  
abuse and insider dealing laws.

 1,237 

Total number of employees worldwide – 
1,237 (1,227 full time equivalent ‘FTE’)

Directors’ approval statement

The strategic report, as set out on pages 2 to 24, has been  
reviewed and approved by our board of directors.

Kevin Loosemore
Executive Chairman

24

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance 
 
 
 
 
Executive Chairman’s introduction

The board of Micro Focus International plc is committed to delivering outstanding shareholder 
returns and believes this is underpinned by high standards of corporate governance and by a 
strong corporate governance framework. To support this framework, the board has established 
and embedded procedures and processes throughout the whole Group. 

During the financial year ended 30 April 2014, the board has considered future succession 
planning in relation to my role as Executive Chairman and has announced that there will be  
a transition back to the separate roles of a Chairman and a Chief Executive in 12 to 24 months. 
Following a review of the balance and skills of the board (as described in the nomination 
report) a new non-executive director and a Chief Operating Officer were appointed during  
the year. I believe that the board is well balanced, with a broad range of skills and a good 
understanding of the market in which we operate and the challenges which we face.  
During the next financial year, we will continue to review proactively the business decisions 
made and the governance framework in which we operate.

Kevin Loosemore
Executive Chairman
18 June 2014 

25

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationBoard of directors

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Kevin Loosemore, 55 
(Executive Chairman) ‡
Kevin was previously non-executive Chairman 
of Morse plc, a non-executive director of 
Nationwide Building Society and a non-
executive director of the Big Food Group plc. 
His most recent executive roles were as Chief 
Operating Officer of Cable & Wireless plc, 
President of Motorola Europe, Middle East 
and Africa and before that, he was Chief 
Executive of IBM UK Limited. Kevin was 
appointed non-executive Chairman of the 
Company in 2005 and Executive Chairman  
in April 2011. He has a degree in politics  
and economics from Oxford University.

2. Mike Phillips, 51
(Chief Financial Officer)
Mike joined Micro Focus on 7 September 
2010 and was previously Chief Executive 
Officer at Morse plc, following his initial role 
as Group Finance Director. Mike left Morse plc 
in July 2010 following the turnaround and 
successful corporate sale to 2e2 in June 2010. 
From 1998 to 2007, Mike was Group Finance 
Director at Microgen plc and played a lead 
role in the transformation of the company  
to an international software and services 
business with sustainable and profitable 
growth. Earlier roles include seven years 
corporate finance work at Smith &  
Williamson, as well as two years at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he led  
the UK technology team, reporting to the 
global Head of Corporate Finance for the 
Technology Sector. Mike began his career  
at Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co (now KPMG).

3. Stephen Murdoch, 47
(Chief Operating Officer)
As Chief Operating Officer, Stephen is 
responsible for the day to day execution of 
Micro Focus operations. Stephen has a 25  
year track record of success in the IT industry 
spanning hardware, software and services. He 
has held senior executive positions in general 
management, sales and strategy with IBM and 
Dell. Most recently, Stephen was the General 
Manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa 
for Dell’s Public Sector and Large Commercial 
Enterprise business unit. Stephen joined  
Micro Focus on 5 November 2012 as General 
Manager of Products and Marketing Strategy 
and became a director on 16 April 2014.

4. David Maloney, 58
(Senior independent non-executive 
director and Deputy Chairman) *†‡
David is also the senior independent non-
executive director of Cineworld Group plc, 
Enterprise Inns plc and Stock Spirits Group plc. 
In addition he is Chairman of the board of 
Trustees of Make-a-Wish Foundation (UK) 
Limited, Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited 
and Reed & Mackay, a business travel 
management company. David was previously 
a non-executive director of Carillion plc and 
Ludorum plc and Chairman of Hoseasons 
Holdings Ltd. His most recent executive role 
was as Chief Financial Officer of the global 
hotel group Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts. 
Prior to that he was Chief Financial Officer of 
Thomson Travel Group and Preussag Airlines 
and Group Finance Director of Avis Europe 
plc. David was appointed senior independent 
non-executive director in 2005 and Deputy 
Chairman in April 2011. David is a fellow of 
the Chartered Institute of Management 
Accountants and has a degree in economics 
from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

26

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance5.

6.

7.

8.

5. Karen Slatford, 57 
(Non-executive director) *†‡
Karen is Chair of Volex plc, The Foundry,  
a leading special effects software company, 
e-conomic international, a SaaS based 
accounting software provider, and also  
a non-executive director at Cambridge 
Broadband Networks Ltd and Intelliflo Ltd. 
Prior to her current board responsibilities, she 
has held various roles at board level since 
2001 at a range of technology companies, 
including PortWise AB, Via Networks, Inc., 
Compel Group plc, HAL Knowledge Systems 
and StepStone ASA. Karen began her career 
at ICL before spending 20 years at Hewlett-
Packard, where in 2000 she became Vice 
President and General Manager Worldwide 
Sales & Marketing for the Business Customer 
Organisation, responsible for sales of all 
Hewlett-Packard’s products, services and 
software to business customers globally. 
Karen holds a BA Honours degree in  
European Studies from Bath University  
and a Diploma in Marketing. 

8. Tom Virden, 56
(Non-executive director) *†
Tom is a non-executive director of Atari SA. 
(publicly traded on the French stock exchange) 
and technology start-up SweetBeam. He 
began his career at Apple Inc and held a range 
of leadership roles in market development and 
product marketing, including the leadership of 
the company’s introduction to Small Business 
and the Music industry. More recently, Tom 
was International Business Development 
Director at lastminute.com with responsibility 
for International Strategy for the company and 
launching subsidiaries and fully localized sites 
in France, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, 
Netherlands, Australia and Ireland. Prior to 
that, he was Vice President, Marketing at 
Digidesign, a California company that  
brought digital multitrack recording and 
editing to personal computers. Tom has also 
started and led a number of technology 
companies including Katz Media SARL,  
Virtual European Office (VEO), and most 
recently, Boatbookings.com, the world’s 
largest online yacht charter site, with 8,000 
yachts worldwide. Tom holds a Bachelor  
of Arts, Double Major in Psychology and 
Economics from Stanford University in the US.

*  Audit committee 
†  Remuneration committee 
‡  Nomination committee

6. Richard Atkins, 62
(Non-executive director) *†
Richard is currently a non-executive director  
of Aon UK Limited and Chairman of Acora 
Limited, Entanet International Limited,  
Sub 10 Systems Limited and Miles 33 Limited. 
He was previously a non-executive director  
at Compel plc, Morse plc, Global Crossing 
(UK) Telecommunications Ltd, Global Crossing 
(UK) Finance plc and Message Labs Ltd.  
He was previously non-executive Chairman  
of TripleArc plc, Easynet and 7city. He has  
spent the majority of his career within the IT 
industry, most recently at IBM Global Services, 
where he held a number of senior general 
management positions. In 1991 as Finance 
Director he led the MBO of Data Services Ltd 
from Thorn EMI plc before managing its 
acquisition by IBM in 1996. Richard qualified 
as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & 
Young. He was appointed as a non-executive 
director of Micro Focus on 16 April 2014.

7. Tom Skelton, 53 
(Non-executive director) *†‡
Tom is Chief Executive Officer of Foundation 
Radiology Group and a founding member of 
Confluence Medical Systems, a healthcare and 
technology consulting partnership. Previously, 
he served as Chief Executive Officer for Misys 
Healthcare Systems from January 2002 until 
March 2007 and as a director of Misys plc. 
Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer  
of Medic Computer Systems, a US-based 
software company focused on the healthcare 
information technology market. He earned  
his BSBA from Robert Morris University, 
Pittsburgh, PA.

27

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationCorporate governance report

David Maloney chairs the nomination committee and is therefore 
responsible for succession planning. Also, in his role as Deputy 
Chairman and senior independent director, David Maloney leads on 
governance issues, including the annual review of board effectiveness, 
and acts as an intermediary, if necessary, between non-executive 
directors and the Executive Chairman and between the Company and 
shareholders, providing a point of contact for those shareholders who 
wish to raise issues with the board, other than through the Executive 
Chairman. In addition, the non-executive directors have met without 
the Executive Chairman present to appraise the Executive Chairman’s 
performance. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chairman and 
senior independent director, David Maloney. The board also has a clear 
majority of independent directors, with five out of eight directors 
being fully independent. 

David Maloney will retire from the board at the AGM in September 
2014 having served for nine years and Karen Slatford will assume the 
role of senior independent director at the AGM and assume the duties 
fulfilled by David Maloney as Deputy Chairman to the point where the 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles are split. Richard Atkins has 
been appointed as a non-executive director during the year and will 
replace David Maloney as chairman of the audit committee following 
the sign-off of the 30 April 2014 Annual Report and Accounts on  
18 June 2014.

The principles set out in the Corporate Governance Code cover five 
areas: leadership, effectiveness, accountability, remuneration and 
relations with shareholders. With the exception of remuneration 
(which is dealt with separately in the remuneration report on pages  
38 to 57) the following section sets out how the board has applied 
these principles.

The board
The Group is controlled by the board, which is responsible for the 
Group’s system of corporate governance. The biographies of each 
director can be found on pages 26 and 27. As at 30 April 2014, the 
board comprised eight directors: 

Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch  Chief Operating Officer (appointed 16 April 2014)
David Maloney

Executive Chairman
Chief Financial Officer

Senior independent non-executive director and 
Deputy Chairman 
Non-executive director
Non-executive director
Non-executive director
Non-executive director (appointed 16 April 2014)

Tom Skelton
Karen Slatford
Tom Virden
Richard Atkins

The principal corporate governance guidance that applies to 
companies listed with the UK Listing Authority during the year 
reported on is contained in the Financial Reporting Council’s UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2012 (the ‘Corporate Governance Code’), 
which is available at www.frc.org.uk. 

Compliance statement
The directors are committed to ensuring that the Company works 
towards compliance with the main principles of the Corporate 
Governance Code and throughout the year reported on the Company 
has been in compliance except for the following:

A.2.1 – Chairman and Chief Executive – The Corporate Governance 
Code requires that the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive should 
not be exercised by the same individual. Kevin Loosemore (formerly 
non-executive Chairman) was appointed to the role of Executive 
Chairman on 14 April 2011. The nomination committee and the  
board considered that the combined role is in the interests of 
shareholders in order to utilise the proven leadership qualities and 
significant experience of Kevin Loosemore through a challenging 
period for the Company and to ensure the on-going commercial 
success of the Company. Furthermore, Kevin Loosemore has been  
with the Company since its flotation in 2005 and has therefore 
provided stability and continuity through his detailed understanding  
of the Group’s operations and the markets in which it operates.  
In order to mitigate any potential concerns over the combined role, 
David Maloney was also appointed as Deputy Chairman on 14 April 
2011 and continues to perform his role as senior independent 
non-executive director. On 15 April 2014 the Company announced 
that the board plans to separate the roles of Chairman and Chief 
Executive over the coming 12 to 24 months. This will include the 
evaluation of internal and external candidates for the role of Chief 
Executive whilst at all times aiming to ensure continued focus  
on performance.

Following Kevin Loosemore’s appointment as Executive Chairman  
and David Maloney’s appointment as Deputy Chairman, the terms of 
reference for each role were agreed by the board and can be viewed 
on http://investors.microfocus.com/corporate-governance. Kevin 
Loosemore leads the board and the Company in its relationships with 
all stakeholders and customers. He is responsible for all aspects of 
executive management including business strategy and its successful 
achievement. He is also responsible for chairing board and general 
meetings, facilitating the effective contribution of non-executive 
directors, ensuring effective communication with shareholders  
and upholding the highest standards of integrity and probity. 

28

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceThe role of the non-executive directors is to ensure that independent 
judgement is brought to board deliberations and decisions. 

The non-executive directors possess a wide range of skills and 
experience, relevant to the development of the Company, which 
complement those of the executive directors.

David Maloney, the senior independent non-executive director and 
Deputy Chairman, Tom Skelton, Karen Slatford, Tom Virden and 
Richard Atkins, each a non-executive director, are considered by  
the board to be independent.

In accordance with the Corporate Governance Code, all directors  
are subject to election by the shareholders at the first AGM of  
the Company after their appointment and to re-election by the 
shareholders on an annual basis at the AGM. Therefore all directors 
will retire at the forthcoming AGM. Non-executive directors are 
appointed for specific terms. Full terms of their appointment are to be 
found in the remuneration report. The letters of appointment for the 
non-executive directors are available for inspection by any person at 
the Company’s registered office during normal business hours and  
at the AGM (during, and for 15 minutes prior to, the meeting). 

For the year ended 30 April 2015, the board has scheduled meetings 
on a regular basis approximately every one to two months, with 
additional meetings when circumstances and business dictate. In 
months in which the board does not meet update calls are scheduled 
to review progress. All directors receive an agenda and board papers  
in advance of meetings to help them make an effective contribution at 
the meetings. The board makes full use of appropriate technology as  
a means of updating and informing all its members. Board papers are 
circulated electronically to a tablet device, allowing directors to access 
documentation more easily and securely. The executive directors 
ensure regular informal contact is maintained with non-executive 
directors who are invited to accompany the executive directors when 
visiting the Group’s offices. 

In the year under review, the board met formally on seven occasions. 
The board also met on a further five occasions to receive interim 
updates or consider matters arising between formal meetings.

While the board retains overall responsibility for, and control of the 
Company, day-to-day management of the business is conducted  
by the executive directors. Review of the Group’s principal business 
activities is the responsibility of the executive committee. The executive 
committee comprises the executive directors and other senior 
managers reporting to the executives.

As part of its leadership and control of the Company, the board has 
agreed a list of items that are specifically reserved for its consideration. 
These include business strategy, financing arrangements, material 
acquisitions and divestments, approval of the annual budget, major 
capital expenditure projects, risk management, treasury policies and 
establishing and monitoring internal controls. At each meeting, the 
board reviews progress of the Group towards its objectives and 
receives papers on key subjects in advance of each board meeting. 
These typically cover:

 – Strategy and budgets;

 – Business and financial performance;

 – Product plans and development;

 – Corporate activities;

 – Human resources; and

 – Investor relations.

The board has agreed procedures for directors to follow if they believe 
they require independent professional advice in the furtherance of 
their duties and these procedures allow the directors to take such 
advice at the Company’s expense. In addition, all directors have  
direct access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary.  
The Company Secretary is accountable to the board through the 
Executive Chairman to whom she reports. It is the responsibility of  
the Company Secretary to ensure that board procedures are followed 
and all rules and regulations are complied with. The Company 
Secretary’s responsibilities include facilitating the induction and 
professional development of directors and ensuring the smooth  
flow of information between board members, between the board  
and its committees and between non-executive directors and  
senior management. 

29

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationCorporate governance report
continued

Each new director receives a comprehensive, formal and tailored 
induction into the Company’s operations. The directors can request 
that appropriate training is available as required. New directors’ 
inductions include briefings on the Company’s business, strategy, 
constitution and decision making process, the roles and responsibilities 
of a director and the legislative framework. New directors also meet 
with the Group’s senior product and other managers and with 
shareholders at the AGM. 

In 2012 the board commissioned leading search company, Russell 
Reynolds, to conduct a detailed evaluation of the board and its 
committees as required by Corporate Governance Code provisions  
B6.1 and B6.2. Russell Reynolds has no other connection with the 
Company. Last year and during the year under review, the evaluation  
of the board was conducted internally and took the form of surveys 
completed by members of the board with respect to the performance 
of the board and each of its committees, as well as individual director 
surveys. The surveys included assessment of the effectiveness of the 
performance of the board and its committees and compliance with 
corporate governance principles. A summary of the results of the 
evaluation was discussed by each of the committees and by the board. 
The evaluation found the performance of each director to be effective, 
that each director had demonstrated commitment to the role and that 
the board had provided effective leadership and control. The evaluation 
established that the board had a good balance of skills and personalities 
and continued to operate in a culture of openness and mutual respect. 
The results of the evaluation are used to assist the board in developing 
its approach going forward and included recommendations to continue 
refining the succession planning and developing and retaining executive 
talent, which are being implemented. 

An external evaluation will be conducted in 2015.

Attendance at meetings
The number of board meetings and committee meetings attended by 
each director in the year ended 30 April 2014 was as follows: 

Board

Audit 
committee

Remuneration 
committee

Nomination 
committee

Held* Attended Held* Attended Held Attended Held Attended

1

7
7

Kevin 
Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen 
Murdoch1
David 
7
Maloney
Tom Skelton
7
Karen Slatford 7
Tom Virden
7
Richard 
Atkins1

1

7
7

1

7
7
6
7

1

–
–

–

4
4
4
4

1

–
–

–

4
4
4
4

1

–
–

–

5
5
5
5

–

–
–

–

5
5
5
5

–

5
–

–

5
5
–
–

–

5
–

–

5
5
–
–

–

*  During period of appointment.

1  Stephen Murdoch and Richard Atkins were appointed on 16 April 2014.

30

Directors are normally provided with the agenda and supporting 
papers for board and committee meetings in the week prior to the 
meeting. If unable to attend a meeting a director will provide feedback 
to the Executive Chairman, the chair of the committee or the Company 
Secretary and their comments are then communicated at the meeting. 

Conflicts of interest
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Company has put  
in place procedures to deal with conflicts of interests, which have 
operated effectively. The board is aware of the other commitments of 
its directors and is satisfied that these do not conflict with their duties 
as directors of the Company. Any changes to these commitments are 
reported to the board. 

Board committees
In accordance with best practice, the Company has established audit, 
nomination and remuneration committees, with written terms of 
reference for each that deal with their respective authorities and 
duties. The full terms of reference of all the committees are available 
from the Company Secretary or can be viewed on the Company’s 
website at http://investors.microfocus.com/corporate-governance.  
The Company is aware that the Executive Chairman is not regarded  
as independent for the purposes of the Corporate Governance Code.

Remuneration committee
Details of the remuneration committee are described in the 
remuneration report on pages 38 to 57.

Accountability and audit
The board is responsible for the preparation of the Annual Report and 
Accounts. The board considers the Annual Report and Accounts, taken 
as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy. 

This responsibility is administered primarily by the audit committee  
and details of how this was done are described in the audit committee 
report on pages 32 to 36.

Human resources
The Group endeavours to appoint employees with appropriate skills, 
knowledge and experience for the roles they undertake.

The Group has a range of policies which are aimed at retaining and 
providing incentives for key staff. Objectives are set for departments 
and employees that are derived from the Group’s business objectives 
and performance is formally measured against these objectives twice 
each year. The Group has a clear and well-understood organizational 
structure and each employee knows his or her line of accountability.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceManagement structure
A clearly defined organizational structure exists within which individual 
responsibilities are identified and can be monitored. The management 
of the Group as a whole is delegated to the Executive Chairman and 
the executive committee.

The executive committee meets regularly to agree strategy, monitor 
performance and consider key business issues. As part of its review,  
it considers the risks associated with the delivery of strategy and 
important governance issues within operating companies.

There are a number of Group administrative functions such as Group 
Finance, Treasury, Corporate Communications and Legal. These 
functions report to the board through the executive committee.

A number of Group-wide policies, issued and administered centrally, 
have been set to ensure compliance with key governance standards. 
These policies cover areas such as finance, contract approvals, data 
protection, share dealing and anti-bribery.

The conduct of Micro Focus’ individual businesses is delegated to  
local and regional executive management teams subject to a chart  
of approvals policy which is communicated to all employees in  
the Group. These teams are accountable for the conduct and 
performance of their businesses within the agreed business strategy. 

Announcements
All major announcements are approved by the executive directors  
and circulated to the board for approval prior to issue.

The Group also has internal and external checks to guard against 
unauthorized release of information.

Budgetary process
A comprehensive budgeting system allows managers to submit 
detailed budgets which are reviewed and amended by executive 
directors prior to submission to the board for approval.

Insurance
The Group keeps under review its portfolio of insurance policies  
with its insurance brokers to ensure that the policies are appropriate  
to the Group’s activities and exposure.

Shareholder relations
The Company values the views of shareholders and recognizes their 
interests in the Group’s strategy and performance.

The Company reports formally to shareholders four times a year, 
around June (preliminary announcement of annual results) and 
December (interim statement) and the Company also publishes interim 
management statements in or around August and February each year. 
The Annual Report is expected to be mailed to shareholders at least  
20 business days before the AGM. Separate announcements of all 
material events are made as necessary. Regular communications are 
maintained with institutional shareholders and presentations are given 
to shareholders when the half year and full year financial results are 
announced and at other times. In addition to the Executive Chairman 
and Chief Financial Officer, who have regular contact with investors, 
David Maloney (the Deputy Chairman and senior independent 
non-executive director) and the other non-executive directors are 
available to meet with shareholders as and when required in order  
to develop a balanced understanding of the issues and concerns 
particularly of major shareholders. The whole board is kept up to date 
at its regular meetings with the views of shareholders and analysts.  
External analysts’ reports are also circulated to directors.

The Company’s website (www.microfocus.com) provides an overview 
of the business including its strategy, products and objectives.

All Group announcements are available on the Company’s website  
and new announcements are published without delay. The terms of 
reference of each of the board’s three committees and other important 
corporate governance documents are available on the website and 
from the Company Secretary. Additionally, the Executive Chairman, 
Chief Financial Officer and Head of Investor Relations provide focal 
points for shareholders’ enquiries and dialogue throughout the year.

AGM
The Company’s AGM, which will be held on 25 September 2014 at 
9am (UK time), will provide an opportunity for the board to meet with 
all shareholders and the participation of shareholders is encouraged. 
At the meeting, in addition to the statutory business, the board will  
be available for questions from shareholders.

In accordance with the Corporate Governance Code 
recommendations, the Company will count all proxy votes and will 
indicate the level of proxies lodged, the number of proxy votes for  
and against each such resolution and the number of votes withheld.  
A resolution will be proposed for each substantive issue and the chairs 
of the audit, remuneration and nomination committees will attend  
to answer questions.

Information on share capital and other matters
The information about share capital required to be included in this 
statement can be found on page 59 of the directors’ report and in 
note 23 to the financial statements.

31

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationAudit committee report

Chairman’s introduction

Dear fellow shareholders,

I am pleased to report on the activities of the audit committee  
(the ‘committee’) during the year ended 30 April 2014, a year that  
has seen a number of regulatory changes which have reinforced  
the role of the committee, on behalf of the board, in ensuring that  
the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable.

In this report I have detailed how the committee has discharged its 
responsibilities in relation to the three areas highlighted in the recently 
revised Corporate Governance Code, being

 – Addressing significant financial statement reporting issues;

 – Assessing external audit effectiveness; and 

 – Appointing the external auditors and safeguards on  

non-audit services.

Composition of the committee
The committee was chaired during the year by myself with the other 
non-executive directors, Karen Slatford, Tom Skelton, Tom Virden  
and Richard Atkins (from his appointment on 16 April 2014) being 
members of the committee. By virtue of my former executive and 
current non-executive responsibilities (full details of which are set  
out on page 28) the board considers that I have recent and relevant 
financial experience and that all members of the committee are 
independent.

Following the annual cycle of work of the audit committee, the 
committee concluded that sound risk management and internal 
control systems had been maintained during the year. With respect  
to risk management, the committee was satisfied that there was  
a high level of assurance provided by the internal auditors, KPMG 
Audit PLC (‘KPMG’), the external audit review conducted by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (‘PwC’) at the half-year and full year  
and the information provided by the senior management. The 
committee was satisfied that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken  
as a whole, provides a fair, balanced and understandable assessment 
of the Company’s position at 30 April 2014 and the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy.

32

Committee responsibilities
The committee is responsible for reviewing the Group’s annual 
accounts and interim reports prior to submission to the full board  
for approval. The committee also monitors the Group’s accounting 
policies, internal financial control systems and financial reporting 
procedures. The committee provides a forum through which the 
Group’s external and internal auditors report to the board. The 
auditors are invited to attend meetings of the committee on a regular 
basis and have the opportunity to meet privately with committee 
members in the absence of executive management. The committee 
oversees the relationship with the external auditors, including the 
independence and objectivity of the auditors (taking into account UK 
professional and regulatory requirements and the relationship with the 
audit firm as a whole) and the consideration of audit fees and fees for 
non-audit work. The committee’s terms of reference include a process 
for employees of the Company to raise, in confidence, concerns about 
possible impropriety in matters of financial reporting or other matters.

The written terms of reference of the committee are reviewed annually 
and have been updated to reflect recent changes to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2012 requiring a determination as to whether the 
Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable. The committee is satisfied that the terms of reference 
enable it to fulfil its responsibilities. The terms of reference include, 
among other things, the following responsibilities:

 – To report to the board on its proceedings, identifying any matters  
in respect of which it considers that action or improvement is 
needed and making recommendations as to the steps to be taken;

 – To monitor the integrity of the financial statements of the Company 
and ensure that the interests of shareholders are properly protected 
in relation to financial reporting and internal control;

 – To keep under review the effectiveness of the Company’s internal 

controls and risk management systems;

 – To review the Company’s procedures for preventing and detecting 
fraud, the Company’s systems and controls for the prevention of 
bribery, the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s anti 
money laundering systems and the Company’s arrangements  
for its employees to raise concerns about possible wrongdoing  
in financial reporting or other matters;

 – To monitor and review the need for, and the effectiveness of, the 

Company’s internal audit function in the context of the Company’s 
overall risk management system; and

 – To oversee the relationship with the Company’s auditors, ensuring 
the independence and objectivity of the auditors, considering audit 
fees and fees for non-audit work and making recommendations to 
the board in relation to the appointment, reappointment and 
removal of the Company’s external auditor.

The audit committee’s terms of reference can be found on the 
Company’s website at www.microfocus.com.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceWhat the committee did during the year ended 30 April 2014
The committee met four times during the financial year, during  
which time, in addition to standing items on the agenda, we: 

 – Reviewed the committee’s composition and confirmed that there is 
sufficient expertise and resource for us to fulfil our responsibilities 
effectively; and

 – Reviewed the interim and year end results and preliminary 

 – Reviewed the committee’s terms of reference; and carried out an 

announcements;

annual review of the committee’s performance.

 – Received and considered, as part of the review of interim and 

annual financial statements, reports from the external auditor in 
respect of the auditors’ review of the interim results, the audit plan 
for the year and the results of the annual audit. These reports 
included the scope of the interim review and annual audit, the 
approach to be adopted by the auditors to address and conclude 
upon key estimates and other key audit areas, the basis on which 
the auditors assess materiality, the terms of engagement for the 
auditors and an on-going assessment of the impact of future 
accounting developments for the Group;

 – Considered the Annual Report and Accounts in the context of fair, 
balanced and understandable and reviewed the content of a paper 
prepared by management with regard to this principle in relation  
to the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts. This provided us with  
the supporting detail to ensure that we were in a position to  
report to the board that the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
when taken as a whole were fair, balanced and understandable  
on the basis that the description of the business agrees with our 
own understanding, the risks reflect the issues that concern us, 
appropriate weight has been given to the ‘good and bad’ news,  
the discussion of performance properly reflects the ‘story’ of the 
year and that there is a clear and well-articulated link between all 
areas of disclosure;

 – Reviewed a report from the internal auditors’ KPMG on the 

investigation into the misstatement of revenues in the Group’s 
Indian Sales Channel and recommended to the board how the 
restatement of revenues should be explained and concluded that 
the monies received should be returned to the appropriate parties;

 – Considered the effectiveness and independence of the external 

audit and recommended to the board the re-appointment of PwC 
as external auditors;

 – Received reports from management concerning various historical 

taxation issues;

 – Considered and agreed the annual internal audit plan and reviewed 
reports of the work done by internal audit in respect of those plans;

 – Considered the review of material business risks, including 

reviewing internal control processes used to identify and monitor 
principal risks and uncertainties;

 – Reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s whistleblowing policy;

In carrying this out, the committee considered the work and 
recommendations of the Group Finance Team, executive management 
and their own understanding of the business. In addition, the 
committee received reports from the external auditors setting out  
their view on the accounting treatments and judgments included in 
the financial statements. The external auditors’ reports are based on  
a full audit of the annual financial statements and a review of the 
interim financial statements.

The Chairman of the committee has regular contact outside the formal 
meetings with the partners responsible for external and internal audit 
and tax advice.

Significant issues considered in relation to the  
financial statements
During the year the committee in conjunction with management and 
the external auditors considered and concluded on what the significant 
issues were in relation to the financial statements and how these 
would be addressed.

Revenue recognition
The Group has a detailed policy on revenue recognition for each 
category of revenue: Licence, Maintenance and Consultancy. This 
includes the application of rules relating to the allocation of fair values 
between these categories in accordance with the policy and the timing 
of their recognition. As is the case with many technology companies 
the profile of sales is weighted to the end of the financial quarter. 
Other than in the case of subscription Licence, Maintenance and 
Consultancy revenue the impact on recognized revenue is also 
weighted to the end of each financial quarter. This can lead to the risk 
of misstatement of revenues from one period to the next. In addition, 
the key guidance measure that management provide to the market is 
constant currency revenue growth which at the beginning of the year 
was a range of 5% and at the Interims was narrowed to a 3% range. 
This equates to a range of $20m reducing to a range of $12m.

The committee received a paper from management on revenue 
recognition methodology and the appropriateness of allocation of  
fair values between Licence, Maintenance and Consulting as presented 
in the financial statements, which concluded that no change to the 
allocation of fair values was necessary. The committee also considered 
the controls that management has in place to ensure that the fair value 
allocation of revenue is appropriate. The external auditors reported 
that they target tested in detail all larger deals above a certain 
threshold and had not identified any exceptions. This testing covered 
28% of Licence revenue in the year. They had also tested a sample of 
transactions from the remaining population and tested the operation 
of certain key controls over fair value allocation and found these to be 
operating satisfactorily.

33

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationAudit committee report
continued

A close relationship between revenue recognition and cash collection 
is a good indicator of solid revenue recognition policies and the Group 
has a very satisfactory cash conversion ratio, low level of days sales 
outstanding and bad debt provision. At the half year the Company 
restated prior year revenues for a misstatement of revenues in its 
Indian Sales Channel. This was an unusual situation as most of the 
revenue recognized by the Company had been received in cash. The 
committee appointed the forensic department of KPMG to undertake 
a full investigation that provided comfort that this was an isolated 
incident. The report identified areas of risk that could exist in  
higher risk countries and following their report, management has 
implemented stronger controls in these countries in order to minimize 
the risk of any reoccurrence.

All monies have been repaid to the affected customers/partners of 
Micro Focus and this matter is now closed. Management reported  
to the committee that they were not aware of any other revenue 
reporting irregularities similar to those in India. Management proposed 
to the committee that, due to the material qualitative impact on the 
relative revenue performance, the financial statements for prior years 
be restated. The committee considered the proposal and concluded 
that a restatement was the correct action and also agreed on the 
relevant disclosures in the financial statements.

On the basis of the above the committee concluded that the Group’s 
revenue recognition was appropriate.

Tax provisions
As set out on page 14 the Group has had lower cash than the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income tax rate due to  
an on-going claim with HMRC. The Group also has a number of tax 
provisions and deferred tax assets that are subject to a degree of 
judgement in determining the value in the financial statements.

The committee ensures that the internal tax team has sufficient 
resources to address these areas and received detailed updates on the 
tax provisions included in the Annual and Interim Reports. The Group 
predominantly uses Deloitte as tax advisors to the Group and the  
lead partner attends committee meetings so that the committee has 
adequate opportunity to discuss and test the assumptions reflected  
in the financial statements.

On the basis of the above the committee concluded that the Group’s 
tax provisions are appropriate.

income is currently small as the capitalization of cost in the year is  
the same as amortization of previously capitalized costs. The net  
book value of development costs at the end of the year was $31.5m.

The committee considered the method of testing for potential 
impairment used by management and the reasonableness of  
the assumptions applied. The committee addressed this through 
consideration of a report from management covering these areas and 
detailing both the capitalization and amortization processes applied 
and the new expenditure that was capitalized. It also looked at the 
levels that were capitalized in relation to Licence revenue generated 
and capitalized costs as a percentage of the total research and 
development costs of the Group in the year and also in relation to prior 
years. Following a review during the year of the process by KPMG, 
management implemented some improvements. The external auditors 
looked at these improvements and observed that there had been an 
improvement since the KPMG review. The committee concluded that 
the assumptions made by management were reasonable and the 
carrying value of capitalized development costs was appropriate.

Assessment of effectiveness of external audit
The committee reviewed the performance of the external auditors 
taking into account the fulfilment of the agreed audit plan and 
amendments to it, input from management, responses to questions 
from the committee and audit findings reported to the committee.  
As part of this process the committee reviewed the feedback  
from the ‘Public Report on the Audit Quality Inspection of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’, issued by the FRC in May 2014. 

Based on this information the committee concluded that the external 
audit process was operating effectively and PwC continued to prove 
effective in their role as external auditor.

Independence and objectivity of the external auditors
The committee has developed a policy designed to ensure that the 
auditors’ objectivity and independence is not compromised by it 
undertaking inappropriate non-audit work. 

The current external auditors, PwC, have been auditors since  
Micro Focus became a UK listed company in 2005 at which time  
they were also the tax advisors to the Group. In 2008 Micro Focus 
appointed Deloitte as principal tax advisors for the Group and they 
remain in that position today. The external audit has not been formally 
tendered in the period since Micro Focus became a listed company.

Capitalization of development costs
The costs incurred on development projects relating to developing  
new computer software programmes and significant enhancement  
of existing computer software programmes are recognized as 
intangible assets when it is probable that the project will be a success, 
considering its commercial and technological feasibility, and costs can 
be measured reliably. The costs are written off to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income for a period of three years  
from the point that the product is generally available. This results  
in significant amount of costs being capitalized each year although  
the overall impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

The committee approves all significant non-audit work greater than 
£25,000 commissioned from the external auditors. During the year  
the fees paid to the auditor were $786,000 (2013: $825,000) for audit 
services and $560,000 (2013: $214,000) for non-audit services. The 
majority of the non-audit services provided by the auditors were in 
respect of the Return of Value ($64,000) and financial due diligence 
work on one acquisition and one aborted acquisition ($472,000). The 
committee concluded that it was in the interests of the Group to use 
the auditors for this work as they were considered to be best placed  
to provide these services. Auditor objectivity was safeguarded by the 
committee considering several factors: the standing and experience of 

34

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governancethe external audit partner; the nature and level of services provided by 
the external auditors; and confirmation from the external auditors that 
they have complied with relevant UK independence standards. 

External audit appointment
The committee reviews and makes recommendations with regard  
to the reappointment of the external auditors. In making these 
recommendations, the committee considers auditor effectiveness  
and independence, partner rotation and any other factors that may 
impact the external auditors’ reappointment. The external auditors are 
required to rotate the audit partner every five years. The most recent 
change in audit partner happened in the year ended 30 April 2013 
and, therefore, partner rotation is due in the year ended 30 April  
2018. The current external auditors, PwC, have been auditors  
since IPO. The committee is confident that the effectiveness and 
independence of the external auditors is not impaired in any way. 
There are no contractual restrictions on the choice of external auditors 
and therefore a resolution proposing the reappointment of PwC  
as external auditors will be put to the shareholders at the 2014  
Annual General Meeting. The committee will continue to assess the 
effectiveness and independence of the external auditors. In doing so, 
the committee will consider a formal tender process in accordance 
with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 and 
the European Commission Audit Reform proposals. The committee  
are monitoring the current proposals on tendering and once they  
are finalised will determine when the Group’s audit should be placed 
out to tender.

Internal audit
An outsourced internal audit function continues to be provided by 
KPMG. The Group’s Chief Financial Officer provides oversight and 
co-ordination of internal audit. In order to ensure independence, 
internal audit has a direct reporting line to the audit committee  
and its chairman.

The committee monitored and reviewed the scope and results of the 
internal auditors’ activities as well as its effectiveness during the year. 
The annual internal audit plan is approved by the committee at the 
beginning of the financial year, with any subsequent changes to the 
plan requiring committee approval. The nature and scope of internal 
audit’s work is reviewed and approved and the results of the audits  
are assessed alongside management’s responses. Issues with the audit 
reports which are graded as needing improvement are considered in 
detail by the committee along with the appropriateness of mitigation 
plans to resolve issues identified.

At each meeting, the committee received reports from KPMG,  
in order to ascertain progress in completing the internal audit plan  
and to review results of the audits.

Effective internal control and risk management
The board is ultimately responsible for establishing and monitoring 
internal control systems throughout the Group and reviewing their 
effectiveness. It carries out a review, at least annually, covering all 
material controls including financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management systems.

It recognizes that rigorous systems of internal control are critical to the 
Group’s achievement of its business objectives, that those systems are 
designed to manage rather than eliminate risk and that they can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

There is an on-going internal process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks faced by the Group in association with 
the work performed by the outsourced internal audit function. This 
process has been in place throughout the year and up to the date of 
approval of the report and accounts and it is regularly reviewed by  
the board and accords with the Turnbull Guidance.

As part of the process that the Group has in place to review the 
effectiveness of the internal control system, there are procedures 
designed to capture and evaluate failings and weaknesses, and in the 
case of those categorized by the board as ‘significant’, procedures exist 
to ensure that necessary action is taken to remedy any such failings. 
The review covers all material controls, including financial, operational 
and compliance controls.

The committee reports on a regular basis to the board on the Group’s 
internal financial control procedures and makes recommendations  
to the board in this area.

The external auditors provide a supplementary, independent and 
autonomous perspective on those areas of the internal control system 
which they assess in the course of their work. Their findings are 
regularly reported to both the committee and the board. 

The key elements of the control system are:

 – The Group operates a structured, objectives-driven approach to 

fulfil its core purpose and goals in respect of sustained profitability 
and growth;

 – Systems and procedures are in place for all major transaction types 

with appropriate authorization controls;

 – All contracts are reviewed. The level of review depends on the size 
and complexity of the contracts and associated risks. There are 
formal limits above which the review level is escalated;

 – Reconciliations are performed on a timely basis for all major 

accounts; and

 – Research and development and capital expenditure programmes 

are subject to formal review and monitoring procedures.

35

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationAudit committee report
continued

The board recognizes the need to understand and control the variety 
of risks to which the Group is exposed. During the year, in order to 
address this on behalf of the board, the committee oversaw the 
executive management’s risk management activities. The executive 
management took responsibility for regular evaluation of generic and 
specific risks within the business and the implementation of mitigation 
plans to address them.

Risks are assessed with reference to the achievement of the Group’s 
business objectives and according to current market and economic 
issues. The continuous monitoring of strategic and operational risks is 
the responsibility of the board and executive management respectively. 
The risk process has been in place for the year under review and is up 
to date at the time of this report.

The committee considers any significant control matters raised in 
reports from management and by the internal and external auditors. 
It then reports its findings to the board. Where weaknesses are 
identified, the committee requires appropriate action to be taken by 
management and may request internal audit to perform a specific 
review into these areas if required.

Financial reporting
In addition to the general internal controls and risk management 
processes described above, the Group also has specific internal controls 
and risk management systems to govern the financial reporting process:

 – There are Group policies covering what is reported monthly to  
the board and the executive committee. The Group’s financial 
reporting system has been guided by the requirement to ensure 
consistency and visibility of management information to enable the 
board and the executive team to review the Group’s worldwide 
operations effectively;

 – Cash flows are produced twice monthly by all operations. These are 
reviewed by the Group treasury function to ensure effective cash 
management by the Group;

 – Management representations covering compliance with Group 
policies and the accuracy of financial information are collected  
on a quarterly basis; 

 – All the major trading entities completed a self-assessment on the 

effectiveness of their internal control environment;

 – The consolidation process entails the combining and adjusting  

of financial information from the individual financial statements  
of Micro Focus International plc and its subsidiary undertakings  
to prepare consolidated financial statements that present  
financial information for the Group as a single economic  
entity. Note 1, Group accounting policies, sets out the basis  
of preparation and consolidation, including the elimination  
of inter-company transactions, balances and unrealized gains  
between Group companies;

36

 – Financial information from subsidiaries is always reviewed for 
accuracy by internal review and externally audited where  
required; and

 – The consolidated financial statements are completed in accordance 
with EU endorsed International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS 
Interpretations committee, and the Companies Act 2006 and 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting during the year under review that have 
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the 
Company’s control over financial reporting. As a result of the India 
issue, the Company has improved its controls over revenue in high  
risk countries.

The board, with advice from the committee, is satisfied that an 
effective system of internal control and risk management processes  
are in place which enable the Company to identify, evaluate and 
manage keys risks and which accord with the guidance of the  
Turnbull guidance on internal control updated by the FRC in 2005. 
These processes have been in place since the start of the financial  
year up to the date of approval of the accounts. Further details on  
the risks faced by the Group are set out on pages 18 and 19.

Whistleblowing
The Group has a whistleblowing policy which forms part of the 
Group’s Worldwide Code of Conduct and Business Ethics. This allows 
employees to raise issues of concern in relation to dishonesty or 
malpractice on an entirely confidential basis. The committee receives 
regular reports on any matters that may be raised within the Group.

Accountability
The board is responsible for the preparation of the annual report  
and accounts which taken as a whole are fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, business  
model and strategy. As set out in the Directors’ Report, the  
directors consider the Company’s business is a going concern.

David Maloney
Chairman of the Audit committee
18 June 2014 

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceNomination committee report

The committee’s terms of reference can be found on the Company’s 
website: www.microfocus.com.

During the year the committee was responsible for the search and 
selection process for a new non-executive director. This was led by  
the Deputy Chairman and the committee appointed Odgers Berndtson 
to assist. The committee discussed and agreed a detailed specification 
which was provided to Odgers Berndtson who do not have any other 
connection with the Company. This took account of the existing 
directors’ skill sets and experience as well as the overall diversity of  
the board. Odgers Berndtson were specifically asked to present a 
minimum of one third female candidates. Following an initial search 
and preliminary interviews by the chairs of both the nomination  
and remuneration committees, a shortlist was recommended to  
the committee and subsequently the board. All qualified female 
candidates approached to join the shortlist expressed a preference  
to seek positions in FTSE100 companies. The process culminated in  
the appointment of Richard Atkins as an independent non-executive 
director with effect from 16 April 2014. In addition the committee 
reviewed the board succession plan. 

The committee also recommended the appointment of Stephen 
Murdoch as Chief Operating Officer and as an executive director of 
the Company. In addition the committee discussed and revised the 
succession plans and individual plans for the executive committee  
and the top talent/critical employees within the Group. 

The nomination committee (the ‘committee’) is comprised of David 
Maloney (senior independent non-executive director and Deputy 
Chairman) who chairs the committee, Kevin Loosemore (Executive 
Chairman) and Tom Skelton (non-executive director). The committee 
met five times during the financial year. The committee will meet at 
least twice during the coming financial year.

The committee is responsible to the full board for proposing 
candidates to the board, having regard to the balance and structure  
of the board and takes into consideration the benefits of diversity  
in terms of both gender and ethnicity. The committee uses  
consultants to identify suitable candidates where a position is 
identified and diversity is included in the criteria set for selecting 
appropriate candidates. 

The board has considered diversity in broader terms than just gender 
and believes it is also important to reach the correct balance of skills, 
experience, independence and knowledge on the board. All board 
appointments will be made on merit based on the aim of achieving  
a correct balance. The board intends to move in the medium-term  
to a composition where in excess of 25% of members are female 
provided the above principle is not compromised. The Group has 
formal policies to promote equality of opportunity, across the whole 
organization. Currently, the board comprises seven men (87.5%) and 
one woman (12.5%) and the Company Secretary who is also a woman. 
As opportunities arise the board will seek to increase the presence  
of women on the board consistent with the above policy.

The terms of reference of the committee include, among other 
matters, the following responsibilities:

 – To review the structure, size and composition (including the skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity) required of the board and 
make recommendations to the board with regard to any changes;

 – To identify and nominate, for the approval of the board, candidates 

to fill board vacancies as and when they arise;

 – To give full consideration to succession planning for directors and 

other senior executives;

 – To keep under review the leadership needs of the Group, both 

executive and non-executive, with a view to ensuring the continued 
ability of the Group to compete effectively in the marketplace; and

 – To review annually the time required from non-executives, evaluating 

whether they are spending enough time to fulfil their duties.

37

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report 

Remuneration committee Chairman’s statement
On behalf of your board, I am pleased to present our Directors’ 
Remuneration report for the financial year ended 30 April 2014. In 
August 2013, the UK Government Department for Business Innovation 
& Skills (BIS) published regulations setting out what companies must 
disclose in the Directors’ Remuneration report with the aim of 
improving transparency and promoting best practice. This report  
is therefore divided into three sections:

 – This Remuneration committee (the ‘committee’)  

Chairman’s statement;

 – The Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which details Micro Focus’ 

remuneration policies and their link to Group strategy, as well as 
projected pay outcomes under various performance scenarios; and

 – The Annual Report on Remuneration, which focuses on the 

remuneration arrangements and outcomes for the year under 
review, and how the committee intends to implement the 
remuneration policy in the year ended 30 April 2015.

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy (set out on pages 40 to 47) will be 
put to shareholders for approval in a binding vote at the forthcoming 
AGM on 25 September 2014, and every three years thereafter. The 
Annual Report on Remuneration will be subject to an advisory vote at 
the forthcoming AGM. We hope that you find the report to be clear, 
transparent and consistent with the new reporting requirements. We 
continue to monitor best practice in this area and to consult with our 
shareholders and other stakeholders and we welcome feedback on 
any issue regarding this report or executive remuneration. 

Business context
The Company has a clear strategy that defines an operating and 
financial model to deliver superior shareholder return. This model is 
underpinned by a remuneration model that ensures rewards only 
accrue as value is delivered to shareholders.

In the year ended 30 April 2014 the Company has delivered another 
strong financial performance and returns for shareholders. Constant 
currency (CCY) revenue growth at 6.4% was marginally ahead of the 
guidance that had been given with a return to organic revenue growth  
in the second half of the year. Underlying Adjusted EBITDA increased 
to $196.4m at a margin of 45.3%. Our KPI of shareholder return in  
the year to 30 April 2014 was 19.7% which is towards the upper end 
of the range of our core objective to deliver 15% to 20% per annum.

Since March 2011, when our market capitalization was £635m,  
we have returned £424.3m in cash to shareholders through share 
buy-back, dividends and Returns of Value and our market 
capitalization has increased to £1,081.4m. During this period we have 
improved the operational efficiency of the business by increasing the 
Underlying Adjusted EBITDA margin from 35.5% to 45.3% and taking 
the absolute figure from $155.0m to $196.4m. Long-Term Incentive 
Plan (‘LTIP’) awards granted in the year ended 30 April 2011 based on 
three year cumulative earnings per share growth vested at 100% and 
those based on cumulative earnings per share growth and absolute 
shareholder return are expected to vest at 150%. On 14 April 2011  
the Company appointed Kevin Loosemore as Executive Chairman 
combining the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  
As announced on 15 April 2014, his recruitment Share Incentive  
vested at 198.67%.

As also announced on 15 April 2014, the board plans to conduct an 
orderly separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
over the coming 12 to 24 months. This will include the evaluation  
of internal and external candidates for the role of Chief Executive 
Officer whilst at all times aiming to ensure appropriate continuity and 
continued focus on performance. In the meantime, Kevin Loosemore 
will continue to be remunerated as the Executive Chairman, within the 
policy for executive directors as detailed on pages 40 to 47.

Remuneration decisions in the year ended 30 April 2014
The Company’s Remuneration Policy has remained fundamentally 
unchanged during the year. Our objective is that the policy should be 
stable, easy to understand and aligned with shareholder returns and 
the business strategy.

In the final quarter of 2014, the Group undertook a review of  
salaries for all employees against comparative companies in the 
technology sector and FTSE 250. In respect of the executive directors 
and senior managers, the committee reviewed their salaries against 
the same comparators. The committee awarded the Chief Financial 
Officer, Mike Phillips, a salary increase of 19% to bring him in line  
with his peers in the industry as he had fallen significantly behind  
this group. This increase took effect from 1 April 2014. The Chief 
Operating Officer, Stephen Murdoch, was appointed to the board  
on 16 April 2014 and his base salary was increased by 16% with  
effect from 1 May 2014 to reflect the new responsibilities of this  
role. No salary increase was awarded to the Executive Chairman,  
Kevin Loosemore, which means his base salary continued to be 
positioned below median when compared with the market.

38

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceThe Company announced on 15 April 2014 the vesting of the Share Incentive Award granted to Kevin Loosemore when he assumed the  
role of Executive Chairman on 14 April 2011. The committee determined that the award under the Share Incentive Award amounted to 
1,295,328 shares representing 198.67% of the base Share Incentive Award of 652,000. In accordance with the terms of the Share Incentive 
Award, 198.67% represents the same percentage as the return to any shareholder who had held shares throughout the period and reinvested 
Returns of Value. The calculation of the amount due has been verified by the Group’s remuneration advisers and auditors.

On 18 April 2011, Mike Phillips received an award of 146,504 nil-cost options at zero pence per share, equal to approximately 150% of salary. 
Vesting of the award was based on annualized EPS growth in excess of RPI over three years ended 30 April 2014 with 100% of the award 
vesting if the annualized EPS growth was RPI plus 9%, The resulting level of vesting will be reduced by 25% if the Absolute Shareholder  
Return (‘ASR’) is below 150 pence or increased by 50% if the ASR is 300 pence or above. Although the vesting date is not until 1 July 2014  
the committee has included this award in Mike Phillips single figure of remuneration for the year as it relates to the period under review.

Calendar of activities
The calendar is driven by the business planning activity of the Group prior to the start of the new financial year. The committee is fully informed 
of changes in business strategy, which may affect its decision making. The annual timetable for the committee is set out below:

Date

Purpose

Matters reviewed and/or approved

Q1 (May – July)

Annual Report and 
Payments

Directors’ Remuneration report;
Bonus payments and any vesting of awards under all plans for the previous year; and 
Grants of equity awards to executives, top talent and all employee share schemes.

Q2 (August – October)

AGM

Investor engagement; and
Review committee agenda for following year.

Q3 (November – January) Strategic Outlook and 

Policy Review

Q4 (February – April)

Year End Remuneration 
Approvals

Progress of half year business performance;
On-going appropriateness and effectiveness of remuneration and benefits policies/strategy 
and their linkages to the overall business strategy;
Review of external remuneration consultants;
Review of revised remuneration reporting regulations;
Corporate Governance developments; and
Business objectives for the following year.

Executive director, Company Secretary and executive committee remuneration reviews 
including benchmarking (where appropriate) of base salaries and benefits;
Group-wide pay and benefit reviews;
Share awards and their performance conditions for grants to executives, top talent and 
employee share plans;
Design and targets for annual performance-related bonus arrangements for executives  
and employees for forthcoming year; 
Review of performance and terms of reference of committee; and
Review of vesting of long-term incentive awards.

This Directors’ Remuneration report has been prepared on behalf of the board by the committee and complies with the provisions of  
the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8 of The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013. The report has been prepared in line with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code and the  
requirements of the UKLA Listing Rules.

The effective date of the policy is 25 September 2014 which is the date shareholder approval is being sought for the policy for the first time 
under the new reporting rules. The policy remains consistent with that operated during the year ended 30 April 2014 and approved at the  
AGM in September 2013 under the previous reporting framework, following extensive consultation with shareholders.

Karen Slatford
Chair of the Remuneration committee
18 June 2014

39

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

The Company’s policy on the remuneration of executive directors  
and their direct reports is established by the committee and approved 
by the board. The individual remuneration package of each executive 
director is determined by the committee. No executive director or 
employee participates in discussions relating to the setting of their  
own remuneration.

The objective of the Group’s remuneration policies is that all 
employees, including executive directors, should receive appropriate 
remuneration for their performance, responsibility, skills and 
experience. Remuneration packages are designed to enable the Group 
to attract and retain key employees by ensuring they are remunerated 
appropriately and competitively and that they are motivated to achieve 
the highest level of Group performance in line with the best interests 
of shareholders.

Policies on remuneration take account of the pay structure, 
employment conditions and relativities within the Group and also  
the industry sector. It also takes into consideration that individuals  
may have different levels of experience, capability, and market demand 
for their services. To determine the elements and level of remuneration 
appropriate to each executive director, the committee considers 
benchmark remuneration data for selected comparable technology 
companies as well as a broader group of companies of a similar size  
to the Company.

It is intended that a significant proportion of remuneration will 
continue to be performance-related. Conditions for performance-
related bonuses and long-term incentives, i.e. Underlying Adjusted 
EBITDA and EPS respectively, will represent challenging targets which 
are designed to increase shareholder value and are linked to the 
Company’s financial and operational strategy. The committee will 
review the performance conditions annually to ensure that they  
remain demanding and appropriate.

In line with the Association of British Insurers’ Guidelines on 
Responsible Investment Disclosure, the committee will ensure that  
the incentive structure for executive directors and senior management 
will not raise environmental, social or governance (‘ESG’) risks by 
inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviour. More generally, with 
regard to the overall remuneration structure, there is no restriction on 
the committee, which prevents it from taking into account corporate 
governance on ESG matters.

The Companies Act 2006 requires the auditors to report to the 
Company’s members on the ‘auditable part’ of the Directors’ 
Remuneration report and to state whether in their opinion that part  
of the report has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006. The report has therefore been divided into 
separate sections for audited and unaudited information.

40

Terms of reference
The committee is responsible for reviewing remuneration 
arrangements for members of the board and for providing general 
guidance on aspects of remuneration policy throughout the Group.  
Its terms of reference include the following:

 – To determine and agree with the board the framework or broad 
policy for the remuneration of the Company’s Chairman, Chief 
Executive and other executive directors, the Company Secretary and 
other members of the executive management team (as appointed 
from time to time);

 – To determine the total individual remuneration package of each 
executive director and other senior executives including bonuses, 
incentive payments, share options and any other share awards;

 – To determine the policy for, and scope of, pension arrangements  

for each executive director and other senior executives;

 – To approve the framework of salaries for senior managers, 

determine targets for any performance-related pay schemes 
operated by the Company and approve the total annual payments;

 – To review the design of all share incentive plans for approval by  

the board and shareholders;

 – To oversee any major changes in employee benefit structures 

throughout the Company or Group; and

 – To review the on-going appropriateness and relevance of the 

remuneration policy.

The terms of reference of the committee are available from  
the Company Secretary and are on the Company’s website  
www.microfocus.com under ‘Investor Relations’.

The table below sets out the remuneration policy that we intend  
to apply, subject to shareholder approval on, 25 September 2014  
(the date of the forthcoming AGM).

For these purposes ‘payments’ includes the committee satisfying 
awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over 
shares, the terms of the payment are ‘agreed’ at the time the  
award is granted.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceExecutive Directors’ Remuneration Policy table
Element of pay and  
alignment with strategy
Base salary

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Supports the recruitment and 
retention of executive directors  
of the calibre required to deliver 
the Group’s strategy.

Rewards executives for the 
performance of their role.

Set at a level that allows  
fully flexible operation of  
our variable pay plans.

Normally reviewed annually. Increases 
generally apply from the first quarter  
of the financial year.

When determining base salary levels, 
consideration is given to the following: 

 – Pay increases for other employees  

of the Group;

Ordinarily, salary increases 
will be in line with increases 
awarded to other 
employees of the Group. 
However, increases may be 
made above this level at the 
committee’s discretion to 
take account of individual 
circumstances such as:

None, although overall
performance of the 
individual is considered  
by the committee when 
setting and reviewing 
salaries annually.

 – The individual’s skills, experience and 

responsibilities;

 – Increase in scope  
and responsibility;

 – Pay at companies of a similar size, 

 – Increase to reflect the 

complexity and international scope, in 
particular those within the technology 
sector, the FTSE 250, US listed technology 
companies and privately owned Software 
companies; and 

 – Corporate and individual performance.

Benefits

Provides a competitive and 
cost-effective benefits package  
to executives to assist them to 
carry out their duties effectively.

The Group provides a range of benefits which 
may include a car benefit (or cash equivalent), 
private medical insurance, permanent health 
insurance and life assurance.

Additional benefits may also be provided  
in certain circumstances which may include  
(but are not limited to) relocation expenses, 
housing allowance, school fees and temporary 
increase in responsibilities. Other benefits may 
be offered if considered appropriate and 
reasonable by the committee.

Pension

Provides a competitive post-
retirement benefit, in a way  
that manages the overall  
cost to the Company.

Defined contribution plan (with Company 
contributions set as a percentage of  
base salary).

An individual may elect to receive some  
or all of their pension contribution as a  
cash allowance.

individual’s development 
and performance in  
role (e.g. for a new 
appointment where base 
salary may be increased 
over time rather than set 
directly at the level of 
the previous incumbent 
or market level); and 

 – Alignment with  
market level.

Set at a level which the  
committee considers:

None.

 – Appropriately positioned 
against comparable roles 
in companies of a similar 
size and complexity in 
the relevant market; and

 – Provides a sufficient  

level of benefit based  
on the role and 
individual circumstances, 
such as relocation.

20% of base salary.

None.

41

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Element of pay and  
alignment with strategy
Annual bonus

Rewards and incentivizes  
the achievement of annual 
financial and strategic targets.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Measures and targets are set annually and 
payout levels are determined by the committee  
after the year end based on performance 
against those targets.

For maximum performance:

 – 150% of salary for  

Executive Chairman; and

The committee may, in exceptional 
circumstances, amend the bonus payout 
should the formulaic outcome not, in the  
view of the committee, reflect overall business 
performance or individual contribution.  
Any such adjustments would be disclosed  
in the relevant year’s Annual Report on 
Remuneration and bonuses would not  
exceed the stated maximum.

The annual bonus is delivered in cash.

 – 100% of salary for other 

executive directors.

The maximum bonus will 
be achieved by growing  
the Underlying Adjusted 
EBITDA by 10% year on 
year excluding the impact 
of in year acquisitions  
and currency on a straight 
line basis. 

In the case of fraud; mis-statement of accounts; 
or misconduct; claw-back provisions are in 
place for a period of up to one year after a 
bonus payment has been made.

The measures and targets 
are set by the committee 
each year. The measures 
that applied for the 
financial year 2014, and 
that will apply for the 
financial year 2015, are 
described in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

Targets are set that drive 
improvement in the 
underlying performance of  
the business ensuring a link  
to shareholder return.

Currently measures  
are limited to growth in 
Underlying Adjusted EBITDA 
excluding the impact of  
in year acquisitions and 
currency. This may change  
if needed to support a 
change in business strategy.

The performance measures 
and respective weightings 
may vary year on year to 
reflect strategic priorities, 
subject to retaining at least 
50% on EPS. 

Details of the measure and 
performance targets used  
for specific LTIP grants are 
included in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

Threshold performance  
will result in 25% vesting.

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Contingent awards of performance shares 
structured as nil-cost options are made annually 
with vesting dependent upon the achievement 
of performance conditions over three years.

Maximum opportunity 
contained within the plan 
rules is 200% of salary.

The maximum face  
value of annual awards  
will be 200% of salary.  

The committee has discretion to decide 
whether and to what extent targets have  
been met, and if an exceptional event occurs 
that causes the committee to consider that  
the targets are no longer appropriate, the 
committee may adjust them, provided the new 
conditions are no tougher or easier than the 
original conditions at the time they were set.

The committee has the discretion to adjust the 
LTIP outcomes to ensure alignment of pay with 
performance to ensure the outcome is a true 
reflection of the performance of the Company. 
Any such adjustments would be disclosed in the 
relevant year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

There is no opportunity to re-test.

Motivates and rewards the 
achievement of long-term 
business goals.

Supports the creation of 
shareholder value through  
the delivery of strong market 
performance aligned with the 
long-term business strategy,  
both organic and inorganic.

Supports achievement of  
our strategy by targeting 
performance under our  
key financial performance 
indicators of revenue  
growth and EPS growth.

Aligns executive interest with 
those of long-term shareholders.

42

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceElement of pay and  
alignment with strategy
All-employee share plans

Provides an opportunity for 
directors to voluntarily invest  
in the Company.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Participation limits are  
those set by the local  
tax authorities from time  
to time.

Not applicable.

Executive directors are entitled to participate  
in a tax approved all-employee plan, The Micro 
Focus Sharesave Plan 2006, under the same 
terms as other employees. Under this plan they 
make monthly savings over a period of three 
years linked to the grant of an option over 
Micro Focus shares with an option price which 
can be at a discount of up to 20% of the 
market value of shares on grant. Options  
may be adjusted to reflect the impact of  
any variation of share capital.

Fees for non-executive directors are determined by the board after taking appropriate advice. The Company currently has an Executive Chairman 
whose role combines those of Chairman and Chief Executive. The section below details the Company’s policy on how the non-executive 
directors, including a non-executive Chairman, will be remunerated.

Element of pay and  
alignment with strategy
Non-executive director fees

Operation

Provides an appropriate  
reward to attract and retain  
high-calibre individuals.

The non-executive Chairman and non-executive directors are paid a basic fee. Additional fees are paid for 
chairmanship of board committees and for the roles of the senior independent director and Deputy Chairman:

 – Fees are currently paid in cash but the Company may choose to provide some of the fees in shares.

Fees are set at a level which:

 – Reflects the commitment and contribution that is expected from the non-executive Chairman and 

non-executive directors; and

 – Is appropriately positioned against comparable roles in companies of a similar size and complexity in  
the relevant market, especially companies of a similar size and international scope to Micro Focus, in 
particular those within the technology sector, the FTSE 250, US listed technology companies and 
privately owned Software companies. 

Fees are reviewed periodically. Increases will typically be in line with market levels of fee inflation.  
In exceptional circumstances (including, but not limited to, material misalignment with the market or  
a change in the complexity, responsibility or time commitment required to fulfil a non-executive director 
role) the board has discretion to make appropriate adjustments to fee levels to ensure they remain 
market competitive and fair to the director.

Aggregate fees paid to non-executive directors will remain within the limit stated in our articles of 
association, currently £1m. 

Actual fee levels are disclosed in the Directors’ Annual Report on Remuneration for the relevant financial year.

Non-executive directors do not participate in any incentive scheme.

The committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office, notwithstanding that they are not in  
line with the policy set out below, where the terms of the payment were agreed (i) before the policy came into effect or (ii) at a time when  
the relevant individual was not a director of the Company and, in the opinion of the committee, the payment was not in consideration for  
the individual becoming a director of the Company. 

43

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Selection of performance measures
The Company’s core objective is to continue to deliver shareholder 
returns of 15% to 20% per annum over the long-term. The  
committee continues to believe that a combination of Underlying 
Adjusted EBITDA, Revenue Growth, Cash flow, EPS and Total 
Shareholder Return remain the most appropriate measures of  
long-term performance of the Company. The performance measures  
used under the annual bonus are selected annually to help the Group 
achieve its core objective. The annual bonus plan is currently linked  
to growth in Underlying Adjusted EBITDA. Vesting of LTIP awards is 
currently linked to growth in EPS as the committee believes that this 
aligns with the Company’s focus on shareholder value, which together 
with the annual bonus metrics provide a strong line of sight for the 
executives and supports the long-term strategy.

Performance targets are set to be stretching and achievable,  
taking into account the Group’s strategic priorities and the economic 
environment in which the Group operates. 

Remuneration policy for other employees
The remuneration policy for other employees is based on broadly 
consistent principles to those for executive directors. Salary reviews  
take into account Group performance, local pay and market conditions 
and salary levels for similar roles in comparable companies. All 
non-commission employees participate in a bonus scheme which 
operates on the same metrics for all levels in the Company from  
entry level employees to executive directors.

What discretions are retained by the committee in operating 
its incentive plans?
The committee will operate the annual bonus and LTIP according to 
their respective rules (or relevant documents) and in accordance with 
the Listing Rules where relevant. The committee retains discretion, 
consistent with market practice, in a number of regards to the 
operation and administration of these plans. These include, but  
are not limited to, the following in relation to the LTIP:

 – The participants; the timing of grant of an award; the size of  
an award subject to maximum’s set out in the policy table;  
the determination of vesting;

 – Discretion required when dealing with a change of control or 

restructuring of the Group;

 – Determination of the treatment of leavers based on the rules of  

the plan and the appropriate treatment chosen;

 – Adjustments required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights issues, 

corporate restructuring events and special dividends); and

 – The annual review of performance measures and weighting,  

and targets for the LTIP from year to year.

In relation to the annual bonus plan, the committee retains  
discretion over:

Around 100 of our senior managers and other key employees  
also receive LTIP awards. Performance conditions are consistent for  
all participants, while award sizes vary by individual. All UK employees 
are eligible to participate in the all-employee share plans on the  
same terms.

 – The participants; the determination of the bonus payment; the 

timing of payment; dealing with a change of control;

 – Determination of the treatment of leavers based on the rules of  

the plan and the appropriate treatment chosen; and

All of our UK employees are able to participate in our Flexible  
Benefits programme. 

 – The annual review of performance measures and weighting,  
and targets for the annual bonus plan from year to year.

In relation to both the Company’s LTIP and annual bonus plan, the 
committee retains the ability to adjust the targets and/or set different 
measures if events occur (e.g. material acquisition and/or divestment of 
a Group business) which cause it to determine that the conditions are 
no longer appropriate and the amendment is required so that the 
conditions achieve their original purpose and are not materially less 
difficult to satisfy. Any use of the above discretions would, where 
relevant, be explained in the Annual Report on Remuneration and 
may, as appropriate, be the subject of consultation with the 
Company’s major shareholders.

The use of discretion in relation to the Company’s Sharesave and Share 
Incentive Plan will be as permitted under HMRC rules and the Listing 
Rules. Details of share awards granted to existing executive directors 
are set out on page 56 of the Annual Report on Remuneration.  
These remain eligible to vest based on their original award terms. 

44

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceIllustrations of the application of remuneration policy 
The value and composition of the executive directors’ remuneration 
packages for the year ended 30 April 2015 at ‘minimum’, ‘on-target’ 
and ‘maximum’ scenarios under the policy are set out in the charts 
below. The graphs show an estimate of the remuneration that could 
be achieved by the executive directors under the policy set out in the 
report. Each bar represents the minimum amount of remuneration 
payable, remuneration payable at target performance and 
remuneration payable at maximum performance under the policy. 

The ‘minimum’ scenario shows salary, pension, fixed compensation 
and benefits only. These are the elements of the executive directors’ 
remuneration packages that are not at risk.

The ‘on-target’ scenario shows fixed remuneration as above, plus a 
payout of 50% of the maximum annual bonus and 25% vesting for 
long-term incentives.

The ‘maximum’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus full payout 
of all incentives.

Kevin Loosemore

Note that the projected values exclude the impact of any share  
price movements.

2,343

£’000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

628

100%

1,241

20%

30%

50%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Mike Phillips

£’000

1,400

1,120

840

560

280

0

1,305

430

100%

824

16%

32%

52%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Stephen Murdoch

£’000

1,400

1,120

840

560

280

0

1,196

396

100%

756

16%

32%

52%

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

 Long-term incentives 

 Annual bonus 

 Salary, pension and benefits

42%

31%

27%

40%

27%

33%

40%

27%

33%

Recruitment of executive directors
The remuneration package for a new executive director would be  
set in accordance with the terms of the approved remuneration  
policy in force at the time of appointment and taking account of the 
experience and skills of the individual and prevailing market conditions. 
In determining the appropriate remuneration structure and levels, the 
committee will take into consideration all relevant factors to ensure 
that the arrangements are in the best interests of Micro Focus and  
its shareholders. The committee may also make an award in respect  
of a new appointment to ‘buy-out’ incentive arrangements forfeited 
on leaving a previous employer and may exercise the discretion 
available under the relevant Listing Rule to facilitate this, i.e. in the 
event that a structure that is different from those detailed in the policy 
would be required. For example, the committee may offer additional 
cash and/or share based elements as part of the buy-out when  
it considers these to be in the best interests of the Company and, 
therefore, of its shareholders. Any such buy-out payments would be 
based solely on remuneration lost when leaving the former employer, 
would be no higher in fair value terms, and would reflect the delivery 
mechanism (i.e. cash, shares, options), time horizons and performance 
requirements attaching to that remuneration. However, the committee 
has the discretion in unforeseen and exceptional circumstances to offer 
awards of variable remuneration in excess of the maximums stated in 
the policy table if judged necessary to procure the services of the most 
appropriate candidate. If it were to do so, any such arrangements 
would be put to shareholders at the following AGM.

Internal appointment of executive directors
In the case of an internal appointment, any variable pay element 
awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out 
according to its terms on grant. In addition, any other on-going 
remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment may  
continue, provided that they are disclosed in the following year’s 
Annual Report on Remuneration. For external and internal 
appointments, the committee may agree that the Company  
will meet certain relocation expenses, as appropriate and within  
the limits set by the committee.

45

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Appointment of interim executive directors
The committee also recognizes that there may be times when it is 
appropriate to appoint an interim executive director or in exceptional 
circumstance require that a non-executive director takes on an 
executive function on a short-term basis. Remuneration for interim 
executive directors will be determined within the existing remuneration 
policy. The committee retains the discretion to make appropriate 
one-off remuneration arrangements for non-executive directors, 
including a non-executive Chairman, outside of the standard policy  
at these times. Any such arrangements will be detailed in the  
relevant year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Executive directors appointed as a result of mergers  
and acquisitions
As merger and acquisition activity is part of the Company’s strategy, 
the committee recognizes that such activity may give rise to situations 
where there are exceptional circumstances in relation to executive 
directors and certain senior management. Should it be necessary  
to match compensation in an acquired company and/or adjust 
compensation of existing management to deliver significant 
shareholder benefits then the Company may offer awards of variable 
remuneration in excess of the maximum stated in the policy table.

Executive directors’ service agreements
The Company’s policy is that executive directors’ service agreements 
normally continue until the director’s agreed retirement date or such 
other date as the parties agree are terminable on no more than  
one year’s notice and provide no entitlement to the payment of  
a predetermined amount on termination of employment in any 
circumstances. In addition, in some limited cases, career counselling 
may be provided after the cessation of employment for a  
defined period.

The table below provides details of the main terms of the executive 
directors’ service contracts and termination payments not otherwise 
set out in this report.

Provision

Detailed terms

Base salary, pension and benefits;
Company car or cash allowance;
Private health insurance;
Life assurance;
25 days’ paid annual leave;
Participation in annual bonus plan, subject  
to plan rules; and 
Participation in LTIP, subject to plan rules.

No special contractual provisions apply in  
the event of a Change of Control. Details  
of the treatment of LTIP awards is provided  
on page 47.

A maximum of 12 months’ notice from the 
Company or the director.

Normal remuneration 
arrangements

Change of control

Notice period

46

Provision

Detailed terms

Termination payment Payment in lieu of notice equal to:

– A maximum of 12 months’ base salary; 
– Pension supplement; and
– Cash supplement in lieu of other benefits.

Restrictive covenants During employment and for a maximum of  

12 months after leaving.

Executive Director

Date of service contract

Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch

14 April 2011
7 September 2010
16 April 2014

If an executive director commits a material breach of their service 
contract, any crime, or act of gross misconduct or dishonesty, the 
Company is entitled to summarily terminate the service contract without 
notice or payment in lieu of notice or other compensation. Such a 
contract term cannot however, as a rule of law, affect the executive 
director’s statutory rights such as rights in respect of unfair dismissal. 

All of the executive directors’ service contracts were entered into 
before 27 June 2012 with the exception of Stephen Murdoch 
(appointed 16 April 2014), and have not been modified or renewed 
following their execution. As such, remuneration payments or 
payments for loss of office that are required to be made under  
them are not required to be consistent with the policy.

Loss of office payments
Except for Kevin Loosemore, there are no predetermined special 
provisions for directors with regard to compensation in the event of 
loss of office; compensation is based on what would be earned by way 
of salary, pension entitlement and other contractual benefits over the 
notice period. In the event that a contract is to be terminated, and a 
payment in lieu of notice made, payments to the executive director 
may be staged over the notice period, at the same interval as salary 
would have been paid. 

In respect of Kevin Loosemore, his loss of office compensation is equal 
to 150% of his basic pay to reflect the value of salary and benefits.

During that period the executive director must take all reasonable 
steps to obtain alternative employment and payments to the executive 
director by the Company will be reduced to reflect payments received 
in respect of that alternative employment.

There is no automatic entitlement to annual bonus. Where an 
executive director leaves by reason of death, disability, ill-heath or any 
other reason at the committee’s discretion they may receive a pro-rata 
bonus for the year of cessation, paid on the normal payment date 
(with committee discretion to accelerate), based on performance 
against predetermined targets and time served during the year. 

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceThe treatment of leavers under our long-term incentive plans is 
determined by the rules of the relevant plans. The committee will 
determine when and if awards vest and the period during which 
awards may be exercised.

Share options lapse if the participant leaves employment in  
case of termination for cause or resignation. In other cases, normally 
including death and ill health, injury or disability, redundancy and 
retirement, or any other reason at the committee’s discretion, awards 
would typically vest on the normal vesting date (with committee 
discretion to accelerate) and be pro-rated for time and performance. 
The committee has the discretion to allow the award to vest on 
cessation of employment (on a pro-rata basis or otherwise) if, in the 
committee’s view, the performance conditions are met at that point. 
The committee may vest the award on any other basis if it believes 
there are exceptional circumstances which warrant that. 

Change of control
The rules of the LTIP provide that, in the event of a change of control, 
awards/options would vest to the extent that the performance 
conditions (where applicable) are satisfied at the date of such event. 
Any such early vesting would generally be on a time pro-rata basis. The 
committee may vary the level of vesting, if it believes that exceptional 
circumstances warrant this, taking into account any other factors it 
believes to be relevant in deciding to what extent an award will vest.

The directors may exchange their awards over Company shares for 
awards in shares of the acquiring company if the terms of the offer 
allow this.

Awards held under all-employee plans would be expected to vest on a 
change of control and those which have to meet specific requirements 
to benefit from permitted tax benefits would vest in accordance with 
those requirements.

Policy in respect of external board appointments
We recognize that external non-executive directorships are beneficial 
for both the executive director concerned and the Company. With 
prior approval from the board, each serving executive director can 
undertake external non-executive directorships. At the discretion of 
the board, executive directors are permitted to retain fees received  
in respect of any such non-executive directorship.

Non-executive directors’ terms of appointment
The non-executive directors’ terms of appointment are recorded in 
letters of appointment. The required notice from the Company is  
three months in all cases. The non-executive directors are not entitled 
to any compensation for loss of office and stand for re-election at each 
AGM. Details of the letters of appointment of each non-executive 
director who has served as a director of the Company at any time 
during the financial year are set out below:

Non-executive director

Re-appointment date

Expiration date

David Maloney
Tom Skelton
Karen Slatford
Tom Virden
Richard Atkins

14 April 2014
23 October 2013
5 July 2013
5 January 2012
16 April 2014

25 September 2014
23 October 2014
5 July 2016
5 January 2015
16 April 2017

All appointments of non-executive directors are subject to election by 
the shareholders at the first AGM of the Company after appointment 
and, on an annual basis thereafter. Except for David Maloney who 
having served for nine years will not be standing for re-election at the 
forthcoming AGM, all the directors will be offering themselves for 
election or re-election at the AGM to be held on 25 September 2014. 

Shareholding guidelines
We believe executive directors and other senior managers should be 
encouraged to hold a substantial portion of their personal wealth in 
shares of the Company. Over a period of three years from appointment, 
executive directors are required to build a holding in the Group’s shares 
to a minimum value broadly equivalent to two times their respective 
base salary for the Executive Chairman; 1.5 times for other executive 
directors and one times for other senior management. Failure to meet 
the minimum shareholding requirement is taken into account when 
determining eligibility for LTIP awards.

Non-executive directors do not have a shareholding requirement. 

Consultation with employees
Although the committee does not consult directly with employees  
on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the committee does consider 
the general basic salary increase, the benchmarking of employee 
compensation and benefits, remuneration arrangements and 
employment conditions for the broader employee population  
when determining remuneration policy for the executive directors. 

Consideration of shareholder views
The committee also considers developments in institutional investors’ 
best practice expectations and the views expressed by shareholders 
when setting director’s remuneration. We remain committed to 
shareholder dialogue and take an active interest in voting outcomes. 
We consult extensively with our major shareholders when setting our 
remuneration policy. If any of these shareholders express concerns 
relating to our policy, we would endeavour to meet with them, as 
appropriate, to understand and respond to any issues they may have.

47

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Annual Report on Remuneration 

Agenda during the year ended 30 April 2014
The key activities of the committee were as follows:

The following section provides the details of how the remuneration 
policy was implemented during the year.

 – Approved of the directors remuneration report for the year  

ended 30 April 2014;

Remuneration committee membership during the year  
ended 30 April 2014
The committee comprises four independent non-executive directors 
which we see as fundamental in ensuring executive directors’ and 
senior executives’ remuneration is set by people who are independent 
and have no personal financial interest, other than as shareholders,  
in the matters discussed. The committee met five times during the  
year under review. Attendance by individual committee members  
at meetings is detailed below.

Committee member

Karen Slatford (Chair)
David Maloney
Tom Skelton
Tom Virden

Membership 
throughout 
the year

Number of 
meetings 
attended

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

5
5
5
5

The committee invited the views of each of the Executive Chairman, 
the Chief Financial Officer and the Group Human Resources  
Director during the year to advise on specific questions raised by  
the committee and on matters relating to the performance and 
remuneration of senior managers. They did not participate in 
discussions relating to their own remuneration. The Company 
Secretary attended each meeting as secretary to the committee. 

 – Reviewed salaries of the executive directors and their reportees;

 – Reviewed bonus payments and LTIP against targets;

 – Determined the pay out under the Executive Chairman’s 

appointment award;

 – Conducted annual review and ratification of remuneration 
packages for executive directors and senior executives, 
incorporating institutional investor feedback;

 – Considered current guidelines on executive compensation  

from advisory bodies’ and institutional investors; 

 – Reviewed Group wide pay and benefits;

 – Established targets for annual cash bonuses for the year  

ended 30 April 2015; and

 – Reviewed the performance and terms of reference of  

the committee.

External advisers
The committee has last reviewed their external advisers in 2012 and 
appointed Kepler Associates (‘Kepler’). Kepler attends committee 
meetings where appropriate and provides advice on remuneration  
for executives, analysis on all elements of the remuneration policy  
and regular market and best practice updates. Kepler reports  
directly to the committee chair and is a signatory to the Code of 
Conduct for Remuneration Consultants (which can be found at  
www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). Kepler provides no 
non-remuneration related services to the Company, and is therefore 
considered independent. The terms of Kepler’s engagement are 
available from the Company Secretary and they are paid on a time  
and materials fee for projects outside the scope of their retainer.  
The committee seeks advice on legal matters from a number of  
firms as appropriate. 

The committee continually assesses on-going advice provided by its 
advisers on remuneration matters.

The fee incurred with Kepler in the year under review amounted  
to £41,997.

48

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceSingle figure for total remuneration (audited)
The following table sets out the single figure for total remuneration for Directors for the financial year ended 30 April 2014 and 2013. 

Director

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

Base salary and fees
£’000

Benefits in kind
£’000

Bonus
£’000

LTIPs vested
£’000

Pension
£’000

Total

Executive directors
Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch

Total

Non-executive directors
David Maloney
Tom Skelton
Karen Slatford
Tom Virden 
Richard Atkins

Total non-executive directors

490
299
11

800

100
50
60
50
2

262

490
294
–

784

100
50
60
50
–

260

34
13
1

48

–
–
–
–
–

–

40
15
–

55

–
–
–
–
–

–

735
299
11

676 11,111
2,924
270
–
–

1,045

946 14,035

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

Total

1,062

1,044

48

55

1,045

946 14,035

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

98
37
1

98 12,468
3,572
21
24
–

1,304
600
–

136

119 16,064

1,904

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

100
50
60
50
2

262

100
50
60
50
–

260

136

119 16,326

2,164

Notes: 
1.  Mike Phillips’ base salary was increased to £350,000 on 1 April 2014.

2.  Taxable benefits for executive directors include car benefits, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, life assurance.

3.   LTIP awards vested during the year include an award for Mike Phillips that does not vest until 1 July 2014 but for which the committee believes the performance measures have 

been substantially completed during the year. Further details of the LTIP awards are included in the notes on pages 50 and 51.

4.   Stephen Murdoch was appointed to the board on 16 April 2014 and his remuneration represents the amount due for the period from appointment to the year end.  

His base salary was reviewed with effect from 1 May 2014.

5.   Kevin Loosemore receives a payment of 20% of base salary in lieu of a pension. The Company’s pension contribution for Mike Phillips and Stephen Murdoch is 12.5%  

of salary or a cash payment in lieu of a pension contribution of 10.98% of salary.

6.  Richard Atkins was appointed on 16 April 2014 and receives an annual fee of £50,000.

Base salary
Market positioning of base salary is approached on an individual basis, taking account of advice received from the committee’s independent 
advisors on the rates for salary for similar roles in selected groups of comparable companies and the individual performance and experience  
of each executive. The aim is for base salary to be set with reference to the market median, dependent on the committee’s view of individual 
and Group performance. The committee decided not to increase Kevin Loosemore’s salary which remains below median.

The table below shows the base salary committee approved the following annual salary increases during the year:

Executive director

Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch

*  Or from appointment to the board, in Stephen Murdoch’s case.

At 1 May 2014* At 1 May 2013

% change

£490,000
£350,000
£320,000

£490,000
£294,000
£275,000

0%
19%
16%

49

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Annual bonus for the year ended 30 April 2014 (audited)
For the year ended 30 April 2014, the maximum bonus opportunity was 150% of salary for Kevin Loosemore and 100% of salary for Mike 
Phillips and Stephen Murdoch. The executive directors are on the same bonus plan as all non-commissioned employees and their bonuses  
are capped at the percentages above. There is no bonus pay out if Underlying Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis and excluding  
the impact of in year acquisitions is the same as the reported level for the previous year and maximum bonuses are earned if the increase in this 
measure is 10% or more. Underlying Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis and excluding the impact of in year acquisitions grew by 
10.4% over the reported figure for the year ended 30 April 2013 prior to the restatement.

Executive director

Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch

Total staff bonuses were $9.7m (2013: $7.6m).

Maximum bonus

Bonus for 2014 % of maximum

£735,000
£298,667
£11,458

£735,000
£298,667
£11,458

100%
100%
100%

Vesting of long-term incentives for performance to the year ended 30 April 2014
Awards granted in year ended 30 April 2011
On 7 September 2010, Mike Phillips received a recruitment award of 269,801 market value options, equal to approximately 300% of salary. 
Vesting of the award was based on annualized EPS growth in excess of RPI for the three financial years ended 30 April 2013.

Annualized EPS growth of the Company in excess of RPI over the Performance Period

Vesting percentage of the shares subject to an award*

Less than 11% p.a.
Equal to 11% p.a.
Equal to 13% p.a.
Equal to or above 15% p.a.

*  Awards vest on a straight line basis between these points.

0%
25%
60%
100%

The Company’s annualized EPS growth over the performance period was 27.57%. RPI increased by 3.84% per annum over the period resulting  
in 100% of the award vesting as the growth was in excess of 18.84%. The exercise price was 316.9 pence, and the share price at vest was 
759.5 pence.

On 14 April 2011, Kevin Loosemore received an award of 326,000 nil-cost options at zero pence per share, equal to approximately 200%  
of salary and a further award of 326,000 nil-cost shares at zero pence per share, equal to approximately 200% of salary, provided that he 
continued to hold at least 163,000 shares over the three year vesting period. 

The combined Share Incentive Award over 652,000 shares vested on a straight-line basis in line with the return delivered to shareholders over a 
three year performance period to 14 April 2014. To ensure alignment with shareholders the percentage of shares vesting is the same percentage 
as the return to any shareholder who had held shares throughout the period and reinvested Returns of Value.

This was calculated by taking the increase in share price from a start point of 300 pence; adding regular dividends and dividing by 300, to give a 
multiplier percentage to be used against the 652,000 base figure.

50

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceThe committee determined that the award under the Share Incentive Award was 198.67% or 1,295,328 shares, based upon the average  
of the closing share price from 7 to 11 April 2014 (inclusive) of 832 pence. The closing mid-market price on the date of exercise was 793.75 
pence. The calculation of the amount due has been verified by the Group’s remuneration advisers and auditors.

In addition Kevin Loosemore’s Share Incentive Award entitled him to receive dividends paid in the period on the gross number of shares.  
This resulted in a gross payment of £829,269 which was settled through payroll.

This award should be considered in the following context – since assuming the position of Executive Chairman, the Company has performed  
as follows:

 – The share price has increased to 832 pence;

 – There have been Returns of Value of 155 pence per share; and

 – Regular dividends have been 64.02 pence per share.

As we have flagged in the last two Annual Reports, as a consequence of Kevin Loosemore’s divorce, 25% of any award resulting from his  
share grant on 14 April 2011 was deliverable to his ex-wife as soon as such award vested.

In order to satisfy this requirement Kevin Loosemore exercised his entire award and the committee decided to satisfy Kevin Loosemore’s  
award by granting him stock to the value of the award less applicable taxes and national insurance. As a result 686,524 shares were issued; 
514,893 to Kevin Loosemore which he has retained and 171,631 to his ex-wife. We believe that this was the most appropriate way to handle  
the requirement. 

On 18 April 2011, Mike Phillips received an award of 146,504 nil-cost options at zero pence per share, equal to approximately 150% of salary. 
Vesting of the award was based on annualized EPS growth in excess of RPI over the three years ended 30 April 2014 as set out in the table below.

Annualized EPS growth of the Company in excess of RPI over the performance period

Vesting percentage of the shares subject to an award

Less than 3% p.a.
Equal to 3% p.a.
Between 3% and 9% p.a.
Equal to or above 9% p.a.

0%
25%
Between 25% and 100% on a straight-line basis
100%

The resulting level of vesting will be reduced by 25% if the ASR is below 150 pence or increased by 50% if the ASR is 300 pence or above.  
ASR at vesting is to be calculated by the committee as the share price at vesting less the reference price of 291.8 pence plus dividends per share 
over the vesting period. The annualized EPS growth over the period exceeded 11.94% being RPI plus 9% and so 100% of the award vested. In 
order for the ASR to be less than 300 pence, the share price on the vesting date of 1 July 2014 would need to be 527.77 pence, and therefore 
the committee believe that the amount of the award that will vest is 150%, or 219,756 options. These options are valued at the average share 
price in the last quarter of this financial year being 787 pence and it is unlikely that the share price will fall below 527.77 pence in the next two 
weeks. Consequently, the committee has included the value of this increased award at 787 pence in the vested LTIPs for Mike Phillips in the year. 
The award will not vest until 1 July 2014 and any change in the value of the award will be reflected in next year’s remuneration report.

51

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Share interest awards made during the year (audited)
On 26 June 2013, Kevin Loosemore and Mike Phillips were granted awards of nil-cost options under the LTIP. Details are provided in the table 
below. The three year period over which performance will be measured will be 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2016. The awards are eligible to vest  
on the third anniversary of the date of grant (i.e. 26 June 2016), subject to EPS performance.

Executive director

Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips

Date of grant

Awards made
during the year

Middle market
closing price at
date of award

Face value at 
date of award

Face value at 
date of award 
(% of salary)

26 June 2013
26 June 2013

142,132
63,959

689.5p
689.5p

£980,000
£440,997

200%
150%

The table below sets out targets for the EPS measure and vesting of the awards:

Annualized EPS growth of the Company in excess of RPI over the performance period

Vesting percentage of the shares subject to an award

Less than 3% p.a.
Equal to 3% p.a.
Between 3% and 9% p.a.
Equal to or above 9% p.a.

0%
25%
Between 25% and 100% on a straight-line basis
100%

Percentage change in Executive Chairman remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in the Executive Chairman’s remuneration from the prior year compared to the average 
percentage change in remuneration for all staff who were on the corporate bonus scheme and were employed at the beginning and end of  
the financial year. We have selected our staff on the corporate bonus scheme (around 640 staff) for this comparison as it is considered to be  
the most relevant for structure of remuneration.

Salary
Taxable benefits
Annual performance bonus

Total

Executive Chairman £000

Other employees 

2014

490
34
735

2013

490
40
676

1,259

1,206

% change

% change

+0.0%
-15.0%
+8.7%

+4.4%

+1.9%
+2.5%
+21.5%

+4.2%

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the percentage change in total employee pay expenditure and shareholder distributions (i.e. dividends and share 
buy-backs) from the financial year ended 30 April 2013 to the financial year ended 30 April 2014.

Distribution to shareholders
– Dividends paid
– Return of Value
Employee remuneration

2014
$m

62.6 
144.7
173.1

2013
$m

57.2 
131.2
164.2

% change

+9.4% 
+10.3%
+5.4%

The directors are proposing a final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2014 of 30.0 cents (17.7 pence) per share (2013: 28.1 cents (17.9 pence)).

Payments for loss of office (audited) 
There were no payments for loss of office during the year.

Payments to past directors (audited)
There were no payments to past directors during the year.

52

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceOther directorships
Mike Phillips acted in the capacity of a non-executive director of Parity Group Plc until the 26 September 2013, for which he received a fee of 
£40,000 per annum. 

Review of past performance
The remuneration package is structure to help ensure alignment with shareholders. There is no direct correlation between share price movement 
and the change in value of pay package in any one year (as the remuneration package comprises several components). The chart and table 
below show how the Chief Executive Officer’s or Executive Chairman’s pay compares to total shareholder returns (TSR) over the last five years.

The graph below shows the value, by 30 April 2014, of £100 invested in Micro Focus International plc on 30 April 2009 compared with the value 
of £100 invested in the FTSE 250 and the FTSE All-Share Software and Computer Services Indices. The intervening points are at financial year 
ends. The FTSE 250 and the FTSE All-Share Software and Computer Services Indices have been chosen as they are considered the most relevant 
indices for comparison with the Company.

Historical TSR performance
Growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding over the five years to 30 April 2014.

 Micro Focus 

FTSE 250 Index

FTSE All-Share Software 
and Computer Services Index

£400

£350

£300

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

Source: Bloomberg

30 Apr 09

30 Apr 10

30 Apr 11

30 Apr 12

30 Apr 13

30 Apr 14

The table below details the Executive Chairman’s or, prior to his appointment on 14 April 2011, the Chief Executive Officer’s single total figure of 
remuneration over the same period:

Kevin Loosemore
Single total figure of remuneration
Annual bonus outcome (% of maximum)
LTIP vesting (% of maximum) 

Nigel Clifford
Single total figure of remuneration
Annual bonus outcome (% of maximum)
LTIP vesting (% of maximum)

Stephen Kelly
Single total figure of remuneration
Annual bonus outcome (% of maximum)
LTIP vesting (% of maximum)

Year ended 30 April

2012
£’000

1,291
 90% 
 Nil

2013
£’000

1,304 
92% 
Nil

2014
£’000

12,468
100% 
199%

2011
£’000

23
Nil
Nil

628
 Nil
Nil

2010
£’000

3,696
Nil
100%

53

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
 
Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Implementation of executive director remuneration policy for the year ended 30 April 2015
Base salary
The committee approved the following salaries for executive directors for the year ended 30 April 2015.

Executive director

Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch

% change

0%
19%
16%

£’000

490
350
320

A salary increase averaging 3% across the Group was awarded at the annual pay review, effective 1 May 2014. With regard to the Chief 
Financial Officer, Mike Phillips, the committee awarded a salary increase of 19% to bring him in line with his peers in the industry as he had 
fallen significantly behind his peer group (based on companies in the technology sector and the FTSE 250). Stephen Murdoch was appointed to 
the board as Chief Operating Officer on 16 April 2014 and his new salary takes effect from 1 May 2014. The increase reflects the change in his 
responsibilities on his promotion to Chief Operating Officer. No change was made to Kevin Loosemore’s base salary which remains below 
median relative to comparable companies.

Pension
Executive directors will continue to receive a pension contribution or payment in lieu of pension. The Executive Chairman receives a payment in 
lieu of pension of 20% of base salary whilst the other executive directors receive a contribution of up to 12.5% or a payment in lieu of pension 
of 10.98%.

Annual bonus
The annual bonus for the financial year ended 30 April 2015 will operate on the same basis as the year ended 30 April 2014. The committee  
has approved a maximum bonus opportunity of 150% of salary for the Executive Chairman and 100% for the other executive directors. 

The annual bonus will continue to be based on growth in Underlying Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis excluding the impact of in 
year acquisitions. There will be zero payment if there is no growth increasing on a straight-line basis to a maximum payment at 10% year on 
year growth. 

LTIP
The committee will make awards of 200% of salary to the Executive Chairman and 150% for the other executive directors.

There will be no change to the performance conditions to the LTIP which are as follows:

Average annual EPS growth of the Company in excess of RPI over the performance period

Vesting percentage of the shares subject to an award

Less than 3%
Equal to 3%
Between 3% and 9%
Equal to or above 9%

0%
25%
Between 25% and 100% on a straight-line basis
100%

Awards will vest three years from the grant date. Further details of the grant date and quantum of shares will be disclosed in the 2015 Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

54

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceImplementation of non-executive director remuneration for the year ended 30 April 2015
Following the annual benchmarking of non-executive director fees in March 2014, the board determined that there should be no changes in 
fees for the financial year ended 30 April 2015.

Non-executive director base fee
Additional fee for chairing a committee
Additional fee for the Deputy Chairman

£50,000 per annum
£10,000 per annum
£40,000 per annum

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests (audited) 
The table below shows the shareholding of each director against their respective shareholding requirement as at 30 April 2014:

Director

Kevin Loosemore1
Mike Phillips2
Stephen Murdoch

David Maloney
Tom Skelton
Karen Slatford
Tom Virden
Richard Atkins

Shares held 
(owned 
outright)

739,919
130,000
–

36,923
–
–
4,531
–

Nil-cost options held

Options

Vested but 
not exercised

Unvested 
and subject 
to performance

Vested but 
not exercised

Unvested 
and subject 
to performance

Shareholding 
requirement 
(% of salary)

Current 
shareholding 
(% of salary)

Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

334,289
296,934
136,121

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

200%
150%
150%

1,170%
288%
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Requirement 
met?

Yes
Yes
At beginning 
of three year 
build-up period
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Based on Micro Focus’ share price of 775 pence as at 30 April 2014.

Details of shares held outright that relate to options exercised during the year are included in the tables on page 56.

1.  49,067 shares are held by Kevin Loosemore’s wife, Joy Loosemore.

2.  114,448 shares are held by Mike Phillips’ wife, Josephine Phillips.

Between 1 May and 18 June 2014 there had been no changes to these interests.

55

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ Remuneration report
continued

Micro Focus International plc Incentive Plan 2005 (‘Plan’) 
The executive directors hold awards granted under the terms of the Plan. The movements in these awards during the financial year are  
shown below.

Kevin Loosemore1

Kevin Loosemore1

Mike Phillips2

Mike Phillips3

Mike Phillips1

Mike Phillips1

Number 
granted in 
financial year

Number 
exercised in 
financial year

Number 
lapsed in 
financial year

Exercise price

Dates of exercise

Number at 
1 May 2013

192,157

–

–

142,132

269,801

146,504

86,471

–

–

–

–

63,959

–

–

(269,801)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Number at 
30 April 2014

192,157

142,132

0.0p

0.0p

–

316.9p

146,504

86,471

63,959

96,237

39,884

0.0p

0.0p

0.0p

0.0p

0.0p

27 June 2015 to 
26 June 2022
26 June 2016 to 
25 June 2023
7 September 2013 to 
6 September 2020
1 July 2014 to 
17 April 2021
27 June 2015 to
 26 June 2022
26 June 2016 to 
25 June 2023
27 December 2015 to 
26 December 2022
26 June 2016 to 
25 June 2023

Stephen Murdoch1

96,237

–

Stephen Murdoch1

–

39,884

1 

2 

3 

 Performance condition requires that cumulative EPS growth over a three year vesting period is at least equal to RPI plus 3% per annum (at which point 25% of awards  
will vest) and for full vesting the cumulative EPS growth will be required to be RPI plus 9% per annum. Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. Performance 
against these objectives is determined by the committee based on the Company’s audited results. 

 Performance condition requires that cumulative EPS growth over a three year vesting period is at least equal to RPI plus 11% per annum (at which point 25% of awards 
will vest), 60% of shares will vest for cumulative EPS growth at RPI plus 13% per annum and for full vesting the cumulative EPS growth will be required to be RPI plus  
15% per annum. Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. Performance against these objectives is determined by the committee based on the Company’s 
audited results.

 Performance condition comprises a combination of EPS and share price targets which require that cumulative EPS growth over a three year vesting period is at least  
equal to RPI plus 3% per annum (at which point 25% of awards will vest) and for full vesting the cumulative EPS growth will be required to be RPI plus 9% per annum. 
Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. The resulting level of vesting will be reduced by 25% if the Absolute Shareholder Return (‘ASR’) at vesting (equal  
to the share price at vesting less the reference price of 291.8 pence plus dividend and cash distributions over the vesting period) is below 150 pence or increased by 50%  
if the ASR is 300 pence or above. Mike Phillips’ award of 146,504 nil cost options (contained within the total number of options of 296,934) vests on 1 July 2014 and the 
performance criteria has been substantially completed at 30 April 2014 and it is disclosed within his remuneration for the year.

LTIP – combined options
During the year to 30 April 2014, no grants were made to executive directors:

Kevin Loosemore1,2

652,000

643,328

 (1,295,328)

–

Number at 
1 May 2013

Increase at 
vesting due to 
performance

Number 
exercised in 
financial year

Number at 
30 April 2014

Exercise price

Dates of exercise

14 April 2014 to 
13 April 2016

0.0p

1 

 Performance condition provides for awards to vest by reference to the percentage increase in the Company’s total shareholder return (share price plus dividends and  
cash distributions but not assuming reinvestment of any dividends) over the performance period. The base share price at the time of the award was 300 pence. The  
level of vesting is the percentage increase and is not capped. A further condition exists in respect of 50% of the award (326,000 options), under which Kevin Loosemore  
is required to hold at least 163,000 shares over the vesting period). At the point of vesting the committee will adjust the vesting to reflect any significant changes  
(e.g. Return of Value) so that the performance conditions are no easier or harder to achieve than at the date of grant. Awards benefit from the value of dividends  
over the vesting period.

2 

 As a consequence of Kevin Loosemore’s divorce 25% of the award resulting from his share grant on 14 April 2011 was deliverable to his ex-wife Diane on the 14 April 2014. 

The share price on the date of the award was 320 pence.

56

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceSharesave
In relation to the Sharesave scheme, none of the directors have any outstanding options.

Share option schemes
Details of the Company’s share option schemes are given in note 28 of the financial statements.

The mid-market price of the shares at 30 April 2014 was 775 pence per share and during the financial year ended 30 April 2014 the price varied 
between 851.0 pence and 621.9 pence per share.

Statement of shareholding voting
The table below sets out the results of the vote on the Remuneration report at the 2013 AGM:

Votes For

Number

116,018,549

Percentage

98.06%

On behalf of the board

Votes Against

Number

2,300,147

Percentage

1.94%

Votes cast

119,612,472

Votes withheld

1,293,776

Karen Slatford
Chair of the Remuneration committee
18 June 2014

57

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ report

The directors of Micro Focus International plc (the ‘Company’) present 
their report and the audited consolidated financial statements of the 
Company for the year ended 30 April 2014.

Details of the interests of the directors and their families in the ordinary 
shares of the Company, as disclosed in the register of directors’ 
interests, are given in the remuneration report on pages 38 to 57. 

Strategic report
The Group is required by the Companies Act 2006 to present a fair 
review of the business during the year to 30 April 2014 and of the 
position of the Group at the end of the financial year along with  
a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the 
Group. In addition, the Group is also required to present the future 
developments of the Company. The information that fulfils these 
requirements can be found on pages 2 to 9 of the strategic report. 

Corporate governance
The Group is required to produce a corporate governance statement 
pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (‘FCA’s’) Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules. The information that fulfils this requirement can  
be found in this directors’ report and in the corporate governance 
section on pages 28 to 31 which are incorporated into this directors’ 
report by reference.

Dividends
The board continues to adopt a progressive dividend policy reflecting 
the long-term earnings and cash flow potential of Micro Focus whilst 
targeting a level of dividend cover for the year ended 30 April 2014 of 
approximately two times on a pre-exceptional post-tax earnings basis. 
The directors recommend payment of a final dividend in respect of  
the financial year ended 30 April 2014 of 30.0 cents per share, which, 
taken together with the interim dividend of 14.0 cents per share paid 
in January 2014, gives a total dividend in respect of 2014 of 44.0 cents 
per share which is two times covered on a pre-exceptional post-tax 
earnings basis. Subject to shareholder approval, the final dividend  
will be paid on 3 October 2014 to shareholders on the register on  
5 September 2014. Dividends will be paid in sterling based on an 
exchange rate of £1 = $1.697, equivalent to approximately 17.7 pence 
per share, being the rate applicable on 18 June 2014, the date on 
which the board resolved to propose the final dividend.

Interests in share capital
Directors and their interests
The directors of the Company who served during the year reported  
on and up to the date of signing this report are as follows:

Executive
Kevin Loosemore
Mike Phillips
Stephen Murdoch (Chief Operating Officer) (appointed 16 April 2014)

(Executive Chairman)
(Chief Financial Officer)

(Senior independent non-executive director  
and Deputy Chairman)

(Appointed 16 April 2014)

Non-executive
David Maloney

Tom Skelton
Karen Slatford
Tom Virden
Richard Atkins

58

None of the directors had a material interest in any contract of 
significance to which the Company or a subsidiary was a party during 
the financial year, as disclosed in note 32 Related party transactions.

The Company maintains insurance cover for all directors and officers  
of Group companies against liabilities which may be incurred by them 
while acting as directors and officers of Group companies.

During the financial year reported on and as at the date of this  
report qualifying third party indemnities are in force under which  
the Company has agreed to indemnify the directors to the extent 
permitted by law and by the Articles of Association of the Company 
against liabilities they may incur in the execution of their duties as 
directors of the Company. A copy of the Articles of Association is 
available for review at the registered office of the Company. 

Substantial shareholding
At 30 April 2014 the following percentage interests in the ordinary 
share capital of the Company, disclosable under the FCA’s Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules, have been notified to the Company:

Name of holder

Prudential Plc*
Standard Life Investments Limited
Artemis Investment Management LLP*
Old Mutual Plc
Norges Bank

Ordinary shares 
of 1313/24 
pence each

11,282,188
10,944,301
6,925,671
6,924,974
5,072,849

 Percentage of
 issued capital

8.09
7.84
4.96
4.96
3.64

* 

 These interests were notified to the Company prior to the share consolidations 
which took place in January 2012, October 2012 and October 2013 and have 
been adjusted accordingly.

The following changes in the interests disclosed to the Company have 
been notified between 30 April 2014 and 18 June 2014:

Name of holder

Prudential Plc
Artemis Investment Management LLP

Ordinary shares 
of 1313/24 
pence each

10,153,978
9,068,122

 Percentage of
 issued capital

7.27
6.50

Employment policy
Equal opportunities
The Group operates an equal opportunities policy. Full consideration  
is given to all job applicants, irrespective of gender, age, marital status, 
disability, sexuality, race, colour, religion, ethnic or national origin or 
any other conditions not relevant to the performance of the job, who 
can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and abilities.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceStatutory and other disclosures
Greenhouse gas emissions
All disclosures concerning the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions  
(as required to be disclosed under the Companies Act 2006  
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013)) are 
contained in the corporate social responsibility report on pages  
20 to 24. 

Financial instruments
The exposure of the Group to financial risks, including the use of 
financial instruments and policies for hedging and the exposure to 
price, credit, cash flow and liquidity risk, can be found in note 21  
to the financial statements.

Research and development
All expenditure on research is expensed as incurred. The Group 
capitalizes development expenditure from the point that all the 
relevant criteria are met. The capitalized cost is then amortized  
over the useful life of the software. During the year to 30 April 2014, 
$57.8m was charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income (2013: $52.6m) in respect of research and development 
expenditure. This charge is after net amortization of development 
expenditure of approximately $nil (2013: net capitalization credit  
of $1.7m) consisting of $18.4m (2013: $20.0m) of capitalized 
development expenditure offset by $18.5m (2013: $18.4m) of 
amortization of previously capitalized development expenditure. 

Political donations
The Group’s policy is to make no donations or contributions to political 
parties (2013: $nil). 

Share capital
The Company has a single class of share capital which is divided into 
ordinary shares of 1313/24 pence each. In November 2013 a Return  
of Value was made to all shareholders amounting to $140.2m in  
cash (60 pence per share), by way of a D share scheme, which gave 
shareholders (other than certain overseas shareholders) a choice 
between receiving the cash in the form of income or capital. The 
Return of Value was accompanied by a 12 for 13 share consolidation  
to maintain broad comparability of the share price and return per share 
of the ordinary shares before and after the creation of the D shares, 
further details of which can be found in note 24. Shares held in 
treasury were consolidated in the same way as all other shares.  
During the year 1,663,648 shares were transferred out of treasury  
to meet the Company’s obligations under its employee share plans.

All employees accept the commitment within this policy that the 
Group will not allow discrimination or harassment by employees or 
others acting on the Group’s behalf, in respect of sex, age, marital 
status, race, nationality, disability or religious or political beliefs.

Disabled employees
With regard to existing employees and those who may become 
disabled, the Group’s policy is to examine ways and means to provide 
continuing employment under its existing terms and conditions and  
to provide training and career development, including promotion, 
wherever appropriate. 

Employee involvement
The Group believes it is important that employees are aware of the 
Group’s business strategy and the objectives which are in place to 
assist them to focus on working towards these goals. Communications 
at the time of key announcements, including presentations by directors 
to all employees, together with briefings throughout the year, are part 
of the communication and consultation programme. The programme 
is designed to provide employees with awareness of the financial and 
economic factors affecting the Group’s performance. 

In addition, regular meetings are held with staff and managers, both 
to raise issues and to assist with the two-way flow of information.  
The Group also has an online process which enables employees to 
express views and suggest improvements.

Further education and training
Continuing education, training and development are important to 
ensure the future success of the Group. The Group supports individuals 
who wish to obtain relevant and appropriate further education 
qualifications and reimburses tuition fees up to a specified level. 
Training needs of all employees are also analyzed during the annual 
and half yearly appraisal process, at which time a training plan is 
agreed as part of each individual’s on-going development.

At appropriate times throughout the course of a year, the directors  
are briefed on recent changes to legislation, regulations and codes of 
practice which are relevant to their duties and the operations of the 
Group’s business. Where appropriate the directors are provided with 
copies of the underlying documentation and/or written summaries of 
the principal changes. 

The board has undertaken a formal and rigorous process for the 
evaluation of its own performance and that of its committees and 
individual directors. Further information with regard to the evaluation 
can be found in the corporate governance report on pages 28 to 31. 
The evaluation included an assessment of directors’ training and 
development requirements.

Share option schemes
The directors remain committed to the principle that selected 
employees should be able to participate in the Group’s progress 
through share based compensation schemes. Details of the Group’s 
share based compensation schemes are given in note 28.

59

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationDirectors’ report
continued

Rights and obligations attaching to shares
Voting – in a general meeting of the Company:

 – On a show of hands, every member present in person and every 
proxy duly appointed by a member shall have one vote; and

 – On a poll, every member who is present in person or by proxy shall 
have one vote for every share of which he or she is the holder.

No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting or class 
meeting in respect of shares held by him or her if any call or other sum 
then payable by him or her in respect of that share remains unpaid. 
Currently, all issued shares are fully paid.

Deadlines for voting rights
Full details of the deadlines for exercising voting rights in respect  
of the resolutions to be considered at the Annual General Meeting  
(the ‘AGM’) to be held on 25 September 2014 are set out in the  
Notice of Meeting which accompanies this report.

Dividends and distributions
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Company 
may, by ordinary resolution, declare a dividend to be paid to members 
but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the board. 
The board may pay interim dividends and any fixed rate dividend 
whenever the profits of the Company, in the opinion of the board, 
justifies its payment. All dividends shall be apportioned and paid 
pro-rata according to the amounts paid up on the shares.

Transfer of shares
Subject to the Articles, any member may transfer all or any of his or 
her certified shares in writing by an instrument of transfer in any usual 
form or in any other form which the board may approve. The board 
may, in its absolute discretion and without giving any reasons, decline 
to register any instrument of transfer of a certified share which is not a 
fully paid share provided that, where any such shares are admitted to 
the Official List maintained by the UK Listing Authority, such discretion 
may not be exercised in such a way as to prevent dealings in the shares 
of that class from taking place on an open and proper basis. The board 
may decline to recognize any instrument of transfer relating to shares 
in certificated form unless it is in respect of only one class of share and 
is lodged (duly stamped if required) at the Transfer Office accompanied 
by the relevant share certificate(s) and such other evidence as the 
board may reasonably require to show the right of the transfer or  
to make the transfer (and, if the instrument of transfer is executed  
by some other person on his behalf, the authority of that person so  
to do). In the case of a transfer of shares in certificated form by a 
recognized clearing house or a nominee of a recognized clearing house 
or of a recognized investment exchange the lodgement of share 

certificates will only be necessary if and to the extent that certificates 
have been issued in respect of the shares in question. The directors 
may also refuse to register an allotment or transfer of shares (whether 
fully-paid or not) in favour of more than four persons jointly. Subject  
to the Articles and the CREST Rules (as defined in the Uncertificated 
Securities Regulations, as amended), and apart from any class of 
wholly dematerialized security, the board may permit any class of 
shares in the Company to be held in uncertificated form and, subject 
to the Articles, title to uncertificated shares to be transferred by means 
of a relevant system.

Repurchase of shares
The Company obtained shareholder authority at the last AGM (held on 
26 September 2013) to buy back up to 14.99% of issued share capital. 
At that time this amounted to 22,395,015 ordinary shares, and the 
authority remains outstanding until the conclusion of the next AGM 
on 25 September 2014. The minimum price which must be paid for 
such shares is now 1313/24 pence and the maximum price which may  
be paid for each Ordinary Share is an amount equal to the higher  
of (i) 105% of the average of the middle market quotations for an 
Ordinary Share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily 
Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day 
on which the Company agrees to buy the shares concerned; and (ii) 
the higher of the price of the last independent trade of any Ordinary 
Share and the highest current bid for an Ordinary Share as stipulated 
by Article 5(1) of Commission Regulation (EC) 22 December 2003 
implementing the Market Abuse Directive as regards exemptions  
for buy-back programmes and stabilization of financial instruments 
(2273/2003). Following the Return of Value and associated share 
consolidation the limit on the number of shares to be purchased  
is 20,672,321.

Amendment to the Articles
Any amendments to the Articles may be made in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006 by way of special resolution.

Appointment and replacement of directors
Directors shall be no less than three and no more than eleven in 
number. Directors may be appointed by the Company by ordinary 
resolution or by the board. A director appointed by the board holds 
office only until the next AGM and is then eligible for election or 
re-election by the shareholders annually thereafter. 

The board may from time to time appoint one or more directors to 
hold employment or executive office for such period (subject to the 
Companies Act 2006) and on such terms as they may determine and 
may revoke or terminate any such employment.

60

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceThe Company may by ordinary resolution of which special notice  
has been given remove and the board by unanimous decision may 
remove any director before the expiration of his term of office and  
the Company may elect or the board may appoint another person  
in place of a director so removed from office.

The office of director shall be vacated if: (i) he or she in writing resigns 
or offers to resign and the directors accept such offer; (ii) an order is 
made by any court claiming that he or she is or may be suffering from 
a mental disorder; (iii) he or she is absent without permission of the 
board from meetings for six months and the board resolves that his or 
her office is vacated; (iv) he or she becomes bankrupt or compounds 
with his or her creditors generally; (v) he or she is prohibited by law 
from being a director; or (vi) he or she is removed from office pursuant 
to the Articles.

Powers of the directors in relation to share capital
The business of the Company will be managed by the board who  
may exercise all the powers of the Company, including the power  
to authorise the issue and/or market purchase of the Company’s  
shares subject to the provisions of the Company’s Memorandum of 
Association, the Articles, the Companies Act 2006 and any ordinary 
resolution of the Company. There were two occasions in the year 
under review when shareholders delegated powers to the Directors  
in relation to share capital:

 – At the AGM held on 26 September 2013 the directors were granted 
the powers to allot equity securities with a nominal value of up to 
£6,224,987 and to make market purchases of the Company’s 
shares as set out on page 60; and 

 – At a general meeting held on 26 September 2013 to facilitate 

the Return of Value the directors were granted the powers to allot 
equity securities with a nominal value of up to £6,239,276 and 
to make market purchases of the Company’s shares as set out on 
page 96.

Shares held in the Employee Benefit Trust
Where the trustee of the Micro Focus Employee Benefit Trust (the 
‘Trust’) holds shares in the Company and the beneficial interest in 
those shares has not been transferred to a beneficiary of the Trust, 
the trustee may not vote in relation to those shares at any meeting 
of shareholders of the Company.

Significant agreements
The following significant agreements contain provisions entitling the 
counterparties to exercise termination or other rights in the event of 
a change of control of the Company:

On 16 July 2013, the Company entered into a $420m credit facility 
provided through a syndicated loan consortium comprising Barclays 
Bank PLC, HSBC Bank plc, Lloyds Bank plc (previously known as Lloyds 
TSB Bank plc), The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Clydesdale Bank plc and 
Santander UK plc to assist with the funding of the Return of Value and 
for general corporate purposes.

The strategic report does not contain any information about persons 
with whom the Company has contractual or other arrangements 
which are essential to the business of the Company as, in the view 
of the directors, there are no such arrangements.

Branches
The Group continues to operate overseas branches in Chile, Denmark, 
Finland, Hong Kong, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the People’s 
Republic of China.

Annual General Meeting 
The notice convening the AGM of the Company together with  
the explanatory notes on the resolutions proposed at the AGM 
accompanies this report. The meeting will be held at The Lawn,  
22-30 Old Bath Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1QN on  
25 September 2014 at 9am (UK time). 

Independent auditors and disclosure of information 
to auditors
So far as they are aware, the directors at the date of this report 
confirm that there is no relevant audit information (that is, information 
needed by the Company’s auditors in connection with preparing their 
report) of which the Company’s auditors are unaware and that the 
directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as 
directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware  
of that information.

PwC have indicated their willingness to continue in office and a 
resolution that they be reappointed will be proposed at the AGM.

Going concern
The directors, having made enquiries, consider that the Company  
and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future, and therefore it is appropriate to 
maintain the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Post balance sheet events
There have been no material events from 30 April 2014 to the date  
of this report.

61

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationEach of the directors, whose names and functions are listed in the 
board of directors section within corporate governance on pages 26  
to 27 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 – The Group financial statements, which have been prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the 
Group; and

 – The 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.

By order of the board

Jane Smithard 
Company Secretary
18 June 2014

Micro Focus International plc
Registered office:
The Lawn
22-30 Old Bath Road
Newbury
Berkshire RG14 1QN
Registered in England
Company number: 5134647

Directors’ report
continued

Statement of directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report,  
the directors’ remuneration report and the financial statements  
in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

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

 – Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 – Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent; and

 – State whether IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and 

applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject  
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Group  
and parent company financial statements respectively.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions  
and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position 
of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements and the directors’ remuneration report comply 
with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible 
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence 
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

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

62

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceIndependent auditors’ report to the members  
of Micro Focus International plc

Report on the Group financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion the financial statements, defined below:

 – give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at  
30 April 2014 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows for the  
year then ended;

What an audit of financial statements involves 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards  
on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’). An audit involves 
obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by 
fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:

 – have been properly prepared in accordance with International 

 – whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the  

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the  
European Union; and

Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied  
and adequately disclosed;

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

 – the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made  

by the directors; and 

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the 
remainder of this report.

 – the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

What we have audited
The Group financial statements (the ‘financial statements’), which are 
prepared by Micro Focus International plc, comprise:

 – the Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 April 2014;

 – the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year 

then ended;

 – the Consolidated statement of changes in equity and statement  

of cash flows for the year then ended; and

 – the summary of significant accounting policies and notes to  
the consolidated financial statements, which include other 
explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation comprises applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union.

Certain disclosures required by the financial reporting framework  
have been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report and Accounts 
(the ‘Annual Report’), rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements 
and are identified as audited.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in 
the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited 
financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit.  
If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements  
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Overview of our audit approach
Materiality
We set certain thresholds for materiality. These helped us to determine 
the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate 
the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial 
statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality  
for the financial statements as a whole to be $7.6m. This represents 
approximately 5% of profit before tax. We had regard to profit  
before tax as we believe this is the most appropriate measure of  
the Group’s performance.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to  
them misstatements identified during our audit above $0.4m as well  
as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted 
reporting for qualitative reasons.

Overview of the scope of our audit
The financial statements are a consolidation of a significant number of 
reporting units, comprising the Group’s operating businesses across its 
three segments. There is also a centralized function through which the 
Group controls and processes revenue related transactions for the 
majority of the Group’s reporting units.

63

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationIndependent auditors’ report to the members  
of Micro Focus International plc
continued

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we assessed  
the audit significance of each of the reporting units by reference to  
both their financial significance and other indicators of audit risk such  
as the complexity of their operations and the degree of estimation  
and judgement in their financial results. Following this assessment  
we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at the 
reporting units by us, as the group engagement team, or by component 
auditors within PwC UK and other PwC network firms operating under 
our instruction. Where the work was performed by component auditors, 
we determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit 
work at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion 
on the financial statements as a whole. 

Our work on the centralized function covered reporting units that 
comprise 89% of the Group’s revenue. The remaining 11% of Group 
revenue resides in Japan and Brazil where we used other PwC network 
firms to perform targeted audit testing. We additionally used component 
auditors within PwC UK to perform audits of financial information of 
four reporting units and PwC network firms to perform specified audit 
procedures over a further four reporting units, together comprising 
80% of the Group’s cost base. 

Area of focus

Revenue recognition 

We focused on this area because 
ISAs (UK & Ireland) presume 
there is a risk of fraud in revenue 
recognition (due to the pressure 
management may feel to achieve 
the planned results). We also 
focused on this area due to the 
judgements that are needed 
regarding the determination of 
appropriate fair values of Licence, 
Maintenance and Consulting 
revenue components when sold 
together in more significant,  
and potentially more complex, 
sales transactions.

We also focused on whether 
revenue was recorded in the 
correct period and how processes 
may have been circumvented  
and manual adjustments made  
to revenue.

In addition we performed Group-level analytical procedures over the 
remaining reporting units. This, together with additional procedures 
performed at the Group level over the consolidation process, gave  
us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the financial statements 
as a whole. 

Areas of particular audit focus
In preparing the financial statements, the directors made a number of 
subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting 
estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future 
events that are inherently uncertain. We primarily focused our work  
in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available 
evidence, forming our own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures 
in the financial statements.

In our audit, we tested and examined information, using sampling  
and other auditing techniques, to the extent we considered necessary 
to provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtained 
audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive 
procedures or a combination of both. 

We considered the following areas to be those that required particular 
focus in the current year. This is not a complete list of all risks or areas 
of focus identified by our audit. We discussed these areas of focus with 
the audit committee. Their report on those matters that they 
considered to be significant issues in relation to the financial 
statements is set out on pages 33 and 34.

64

How the scope of our audit  
addressed the area of focus

Our testing focused on the larger and  
more complex revenue transactions and in 
aggregate these accounted for about 28%  
of total Licence revenue. We supplemented  
this testing by a further haphazard sample  
over the remaining population of Licence 
revenue. We also evaluated the design  
and operating effectiveness of certain key 
controls that management has in place  
over revenue recognition.

In respect of sales contracts tested, we  
checked that the fair value allocation of 
revenue between the Licence, Maintenance  
and Consulting components at deal inception 
was appropriate and in line with the terms of 
sales contracts and Group accounting policies. 
This included considering any unusual terms  
in sales contracts and the period during which 
maintenance is to be provided to the customer. 
Particular focus was given to sales made 
around the year end to check these were 
accounted for in the correct period.

We also analysed manual journal entries 
impacting revenue across all significant 
reporting units. Our work specifically focused on 
understanding the reasons for any adjustments 
and examining appropriate evidence.

Risk of management override of internal controls 

ISAs (UK & Ireland) require  
that we consider this to be a 
significant risk in all audits.

We considered areas where management  
may have exercised bias in judgements formed 
over accounting estimates. We identified the 
principal risks associated with this to be the 
possible manipulation of fair value accounting 
for the multiple components of revenue.  
Our response to this is noted above. We also 
assessed the overall control environment of  
the Group which included interviewing senior 
management and the Group’s internal  
audit function. 

We analysed manual journals posted across 
reporting units to identify and test higher risk 
journals. We also tested significant adjustments 
made to the financial statements at the  
Group level.

Capitalization of development expenditure

The Group capitalizes a material 
level of development expenditure 
on an annual basis. We focused 
on this area because the decision 
as to the amounts of development 
expenditure to be capitalized 
requires judgement.

We considered the key areas of judgement, 
including evaluating management’s assessment 
that the necessary criteria for capitalization under 
IFRSs were met at the point of commencement  
of capitalization. We also tested costs that were 
capitalized to supporting evidence to check that 
these were accurately recorded.

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceArea of focus

Taxation provisions

The Group has a material level  
of provisions in respect of 
taxation. These provisions require 
the directors to make estimates 
of amounts that will be required 
to settle the Group’s obligations 
in respect of uncertain tax 
positions. These estimates  
are inherently subjective and 
therefore give rise to greater 
audit risk.

How the scope of our audit  
addressed the area of focus

We obtained the latest correspondence 
between the Group and the relevant tax 
authorities, understood the judgements made 
by the directors, held meetings with senior 
management and reviewed correspondence 
from the Group’s external advisers and 
considered their views on these matters.  
We challenged the judgements made by the 
directors and evaluated the appropriateness  
of the provisions and disclosures made. 

Going concern 
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ 
statement, set out on page 61, in relation to going concern.  
We have nothing to report having performed our review.

As noted in the directors’ statement, the directors have concluded  
that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial statements  
using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern  
basis presumes that the Group has adequate resources to remain in 
operation, and that the directors intend it to do so, for at least one 
year from the date the financial statements were signed. As part of  
our audit we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going 
concern basis is appropriate.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 
by law have not been made. We have no exceptions to report arising 
from this responsibility. 

Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of  
the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s 
compliance with nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (‘the Code’). We have nothing to report having performed  
our review.

On page 30 of the Annual Report, as required by the Code Provision 
C.1.1, the directors state that they consider the Annual Report taken  
as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for members to assess the Group’s performance, 
business model and strategy. On pages 33 and 34, as required by 
C.3.8 of the Code, the audit committee has set out the significant 
issues that it considered in relation to the financial statements, and 
how they were addressed. Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required 
to report to you if, in our opinion:

 – the statement given by the directors is materially inconsistent with 
our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing 
our audit; or

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, 
these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.

 – the section of the Annual Report describing the work of the audit 
committee does not appropriately address matters communicated 
by us to the audit committee.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies  
Act 2006
In our opinion 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.

Other matters on which we are required to report  
by exception
Adequacy of information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in 
our opinion, we have not received all the information and explanations 
we require for our audit. We have no exceptions to report arising from 
this responsibility.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Other information in the Annual Report
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

 – materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial 

statements; or

 – apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of 
performing our audit; or

 – is otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

65

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationIndependent auditors’ report to the members  
of Micro Focus International plc
continued

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors 
As explained more fully in the Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
set out on page 62, the directors are responsible for the preparation  
of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view. 

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do 
not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or 
into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our 
prior consent in writing.

Other matter 
We have reported separately on the Company financial statements of 
Micro Focus International plc for the year ended 30 April 2014 and on 
the information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described 
as having been audited. 

Andrew Paynter (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
18 June 2014

66

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceConsolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 30 April 2014

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Selling and distribution costs
Research and development expense
Administrative expenses 

Operating profit 

Finance costs
Finance income

Profit before tax
Taxation

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Profit attributable to: 
Owners of the parent

Earnings per share expressed in cents per share
– basic 
– diluted 

Earnings per share expressed in pence per share
– basic 
– diluted 

Notes

1,2

2014 
$’000

433,058
(29,912)

403,146
(120,669)
(57,833)
(68,924)

Restated* 
2013 
$’000

412,167
(34,069)

378,098
(117,558)
(52,599)
(48,503)

1,4

155,720

159,438

5
5

3
6

8
8

8
8

(8,197)
318

147,841
(25,759)

(8,307)
413

151,544
(29,767)

122,082

121,777

2,176

2,176

(2,458)

(2,458)

124,258

119,319

124,258

119,319

cents

cents

84.75
82.35

77.83
75.23

pence

pence

52.92
51.43

49.43
47.78

* 

 The comparatives for April 2013 have been restated to reflect the impact of a misstatement of revenue caused by invalid orders within our sales channel network in India 
(note 34).

67

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationConsolidated statement of financial position 
as at 30 April 2014

Non-current assets
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Deferred income

Non-current liabilities
Deferred income
Long-term provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net (liabilities)/assets 

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Retained earnings
Foreign currency translation 
Other reserves

Total (deficit)/equity attributable to owners of the parent

Notes

2014 
$’000

Restated* 
2013 
$’000

9
10
11
22

12
 13
14

 15
 16
20
 17
 18

19
20
22

308,182
92,533
21,599
42,631

464,945

133
107,139
32,800

140,072

605,017

77,876
293,830
4,382
42,177
150,168

568,433

12,629
4,920
35,286

52,835

621,268

(16,251)

284,661
93,644
21,157
38,134

437,596

144
92,496
37,943

130,583

568,179

56,939
215,634
8,992
41,795
138,306

461,666

9,646
2,009
37,042

48,697

510,363

57,816

23
25

26

37,802
14,546
(140,324)
(5,173)
76,898

37,797
13,523
(63,053)
(7,349)
76,898

(16,251)

57,816

The consolidated financial statements on pages 67 to 110 were approved by the board of directors on 18 June 2014 and were signed on its  
behalf by:

Kevin Loosemore 
Executive Chairman 

Mike Phillips
Chief Financial Officer

Registered number: 513647

* 

 The comparatives for April 2013 have been restated to reflect the impact of a misstatement of revenue caused by invalid orders within our sales channel network in India 
and a reclassification between share premium and retained reserves (note 34).

68

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 30 April 2014

Balance as at 1 May 2012 –  
as previously reported
Prior year restatement

Balance as at 1 May 2012 – as restated
Currency translation differences
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners:
Dividends
Issue of share capital
Return of Value to shareholders
Issue and redemption of B shares
Sales of fractional shares
Expenses and foreign exchange relating  
to Return of Value
Movement in relation to share options
Corporation tax on share options
Deferred tax on share options

Balance as at 30 April 2013

Currency translation differences
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners:
Dividends
Issue of share capital
Return of Value to shareholders
Expenses and foreign exchange relating  
to Return of Value
Movement in relation to share options
Corporation tax on share options
Deferred tax on share options

Notes

34

7
23
24
23
23

24

6
6

7
23
24

24

6
6

Retained
 earnings 
(deficit)
 $’000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve (deficit)
 $’000

Share 
capital
$’000

37,787
–

37,787
–
–

–

–
10
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

Share 
premium
 account 
$’000

61,311
(2,560)

58,751
–
–

(6,480)
2,006

(4,474)
–
121,777

–

121,777

–
2,793
–
(47,079)
3

–
(945)
–
–

(57,160)
(2,073)
(131,171)
–
–

1,902
7,257
694
195

Other 
reserves1,2 
$’000

29,819
–

29,819
–
–

Total
$’000

117,546
(554)

116,992
(2,458)
121,777

–

119,319

–
–
–
47,079
–

–
–
–
–

(57,160)
730
(131,171)
–
3

1,902
6,312
694
195

(4,891)
–

(4,891)
(2,458)
–

(2,458)

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

37,797

13,523

(63,053)

(7,349)

76,898

57,816

–
–

–

–
5
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
122,082

122,082

2,176
–

2,176

–
1,023
–

(62,633)
(9,422)
(144,664)

–
–
–
–

3,934
7,017
2,883
3,532

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

2,176
122,082

124,258

(62,633)
(8,394)
(144,664)

3,934
7,017
2,883
3,532

Balance as at 30 April 2014

37,802

14,546

(140,324)

(5,173)

76,898

(16,251)

1 

2 

 On 17 May 2005, the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Micro Focus International Limited by way of a share for share exchange, pursuant to which the 
previous shareholders of Micro Focus International Limited were issued and allotted three ordinary shares in the capital of the Company for every one ordinary share they 
previously held in Micro Focus International Limited. This increase in share capital created a merger reserve deficit of $27.1m.

 In January 2012 a Return of Value was made to all shareholders amounting to $129.0m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $0.6m. As a result  
of this a capital redemption reserve was created following the redemption of the B shares. In November 2012 a further Return of Value was made to all shareholders 
amounting to $128.8m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $2.4m. A further $47,079,000 was added to the capital redemption reserve following 
the redemption of the B shares (see note 24).

69

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationConsolidated statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 30 April 2014 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations 
Interest paid
Tax paid

Net cash generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Interest received
Payments for the acquisition of business
Net cash acquired with acquisitions

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Return of value paid to shareholders
Foreign exchange gain on hedging contracts related to the Return of Value
Costs associated with the return of value
Proceeds from sale of fractional shares
Repayment of bank borrowings
Proceeds from bank borrowings 
Bank loan costs
Dividends paid to owners

Net cash used in financing activities
Effects of exchange rate changes

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 May 

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 April 

2014 
$’000

Restated*
2013
$’000

206,775
(5,752)
(26,049)

192,440
(5,076)
(22,072)

174,974

165,292

(19,055)
(2,908)
317
(35,195)
3,261

(53,580)

1,028
(144,664)
4,470
(536)
–
(134,000)
215,000
(5,248)
(62,633)

(126,583)
46

(5,143)
37,943

32,800

(20,327)
(3,312)
413
(15,000)
–

(38,226)

730
(131,171)
2,393
(491)
3
(142,307)
212,307
(1,210)
(57,160)

(116,906)
(2,627)

7,533
30,410

37,943

Notes

27

10
11

33
33

23
24
24
24

7

14

* 

 The comparatives for April 2013 have been restated to reflect the impact of a misstatement of revenue caused by invalid orders within our sales channel network in India 
(note 34).

70

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceSummary of significant accounting policies
for the year ended 30 April 2014

General information
Micro Focus International plc (‘the Company’) is a public limited 
company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its 
registered office is, The Lawn, 22-30 Old Bath Road, Newbury, RG14 
1QN, UK. Micro Focus International plc and its subsidiaries (together 
‘the Group’) provide innovative software to clients around the world 
enabling them to dramatically improve the business value of their 
enterprise applications. The Group has a presence in 31 countries 
worldwide and employs approximately 1,200 people. 

The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The Group consolidated financial statements were authorized for  
issue by the board of directors on 18 June 2014.

I Group accounting policies
A Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been 
prepared in accordance with EU endorsed International Financial 
Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’), interpretations issued by the IFRS 
Interpretations Committee and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to 
companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost 
convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and 
liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the 
Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of 
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates 
are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed 
below in II, ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’.

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group in the 
preparation of the consolidated financial statements are set out below. 
These policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented 
unless stated otherwise.

B Consolidation
The financial statements of the Group comprise the financial 
statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company, 
its subsidiaries, prepared at the consolidated statement of financial 
position date. 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 results of subsidiaries are consolidated 
from the date on which control passes to the Group. The results  
of disposed subsidiaries are consolidated up to the date on which 
control passes from the Group.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the 
acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments 
issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange,  
with costs directly attributable to the acquisition being expensed. 
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities 
assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their  
fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any 
non-controlling interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the 
fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired  
is recorded as goodwill.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 
transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Accounting 
policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

C Revenue recognition
The Group recognizes revenues from sales of software licences, 
including Intellectual Property and Patent rights, to end-users,  
resellers and Independent Software Vendors (ISV) upon firm evidence  
of an arrangement, delivery of the software and determination that 
collection of a fixed or determinable fee is reasonably assured. ISV 
revenue includes fees based on end usage of ISV applications that  
have our software embedded in their applications. When the fees for 
software upgrades and enhancements, maintenance, consulting and 
training are bundled with the licence fee, they are unbundled using  
the Group’s objective evidence of the fair value of the elements 
represented by the Group’s customary pricing for each element in 
separate transactions. If evidence of fair value exists for all undelivered 
elements and there is no such evidence of fair value established for 
delivered elements, revenue is first allocated to the elements where  
fair value has been established and the residual amount is allocated  
to the delivered elements. If evidence of fair value for any undelivered 
element of the arrangement does not exist, all revenue from the 
arrangement is deferred until such time that evidence of fair value 
exists or undelivered elements of the arrangement are delivered.

If the arrangement includes acceptance criteria, revenue is not 
recognized until the Group can objectively demonstrate that the 
acceptance criteria has been met, or the acceptance period lapses, 
whichever is earlier. The Group recognizes Licence revenue derived 
from sales to resellers upon delivery to resellers, provided that all other 
revenue recognition criteria are met, otherwise revenue is deferred  
and recognized upon delivery of the product to the end-user. Where 
the Group sells access to a licence for a specified period of time and 
collection of a fixed or determinable fee is reasonably assured,  
licence revenue is recognised upon delivery, unless future substantive 
upgrades or similar future performance obligations are committed to, 
in which case revenue is deferred and recognized rateably over the 
specified period. Maintenance revenue is derived from providing 
technical support and software updates to customers. Maintenance 
revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the 

71

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationSummary of significant accounting policies
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

contract, which in most cases is one year. Revenue from consulting and 
training services is recognized on a percentage of completion basis as 
the services are performed. The stage of completion is measured on 
the basis of services performed to date as a percentage of the total 
services to be performed. Amounts collected prior to satisfying the 
above revenue recognition criteria are included in deferred income.

Cost of sales includes costs related to the consulting business,  
helpline support and royalties payable to third parties.

D Segment reporting
In accordance with IFRS 8, ‘Operating Segments’, the Group  
has derived the information for its operating segments using  
the information used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (‘the 
Executive Committee’). Operating segments are consistent with those 
used in internal management reporting and the measure used by the 
Executive Committee is the adjusted operating profit for the Group  
as a whole as set out in note 4 and Adjusted EBITDA and Underlying 
Adjusted EBITDA as set out in note 4. The Group has operating 
segments relating to the three geographic regions. The Executive 
Committee has delegated responsibilities for directly managed costs  
to the Regional Presidents of the three geographic regions of the 
Group and then allocated centrally managed costs to those regions, 
consequently for the three operating segments the Group measures 
Adjusted Operating Profit.

E Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those significant items which are separately 
disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence to enable a full 
understanding of the Group’s financial performance.

Examples of transactions which may be considered of an exceptional 
nature include major restructuring programmes or cost of integrating 
acquired businesses.

F Employee benefit costs
a) Pension obligations
Group companies operate various pension schemes. All of the major 
schemes are defined contribution plans for which the Group pays 
contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance 
plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has 
no further payment obligations once the contributions have been  
paid. The contributions are recognized as an employee benefit  
expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as 
an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future 
payments is available.

b) Share based compensation
The Group operated various equity-settled, share based compensation 
plans during the year.

For shares or share options granted after 7 November 2002 and vested 
after 1 January 2005 the fair value of the employee services received in 
exchange for the grant of the shares or options is recognized as an 
expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is 
determined by reference to the fair value of the shares or options 
granted. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions 
about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. 
Market vesting conditions are taken into account when determining 
the fair value of the options at grant date. At each consolidated 
statement of financial position date, the Group revises its estimates  
of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable.  
It recognizes the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any,  
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, and a 
corresponding adjustment to equity over the remaining vesting period.

The shares are recognized when the options are exercised and the 
proceeds received allocated between ordinary shares and share 
premium account.

Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model.  
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on 
management’s best estimate for the effects of non-transferability, 
exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

The social security contributions payable in connection with the grant 
of the share options is considered an integral part of the grant itself, 
and the charge is treated as a cash-settled transaction.

G Foreign currency translation
a) Functional and presentation currency
The presentation currency of the Group is US dollars. Items included in 
the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured 
in the functional currency of each entity.

b) Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 
settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end 
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are recognized in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

72

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceAs permitted under IFRS 1, the Group has elected to deem the UK 
GAAP net book value at 1 May 2004 as the IFRS cost of goodwill at 
transition date.

b) Computer software
Computer software licences are capitalized on the basis of the costs 
incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific software. These 
costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated 
useful lives of three to five years.

c) Research and development
Research expenditure is recognized as an expense as incurred. Costs 
incurred on development projects relating to the developing of new 
computer software programmes and significant enhancement of 
existing computer software programmes are recognized as intangible 
assets when it is probable that the project will be a success, 
considering its commercial and technological feasibility, and costs can 
be measured reliably. Only direct costs are capitalized which are the 
software development employee costs. Development costs previously 
recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a 
subsequent period. Development costs are amortized from the 
commencement of the commercial production of the product on a 
straight-line basis over the period of its expected benefit, typically 
being three years.

d) Intangible assets – arising on business combinations
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at 
cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is charged to the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful life of each intangible asset. Intangible 
assets are amortized from the date they are available for use. The 
estimated useful lives will vary for each category of asset acquired and 
to date are as follows:

Purchased software

Development costs

Trade names

Technology

Customer relationships

Three to five years

Three years

Three years

Five to ten years

Two to ten years

Non-compete agreements

Three to five years

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

i)   Assets and liabilities for each consolidated statement of financial 
position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date  
of that consolidated statement of financial position;

ii)   Income and expenses for each consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income item are translated at average exchange 
rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the 
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates,  
in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of 
the transactions); and

iii)   All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate 

component of equity.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation  
of the net investment in foreign entities are taken to other 
comprehensive income.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the closing rate, with the exception for goodwill 
arising before 1 May 2004 which is treated as an asset of the 
Company and expressed in the Company’s functional currency.

d) Exchange rates
The most important foreign currencies for the Group are pounds 
sterling, the Euro and Japanese Yen. The exchange rates used are  
as follows:

2014

2013

£1 = $
€1 = $
100 Yen = $

Average 

Closing

Average

 Closing

1.60
1.35
0.81

1.68
1.38
0.97

1.57
1.29
0.84

1.55
1.31
0.98

H Intangible assets
a) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the 
fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the 
date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included 
in intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and 
carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses  
on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill 
relating to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating 
units for the purpose of impairment testing. Each of those cash-
generating units represents the Group’s investment in each area of 
operation by each primary reporting segment.

73

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationSummary of significant accounting policies
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

I Property, plant and equipment
All property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes 
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. 
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to  
the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other 
repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income during the financial year in which 
they are incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line 
method to write off the cost of each asset to its residual value over  
its estimated useful life as follows:

Land and buildings

Thirty years

Leasehold improvements

Three to ten years

Fixtures and fittings

Computer equipment

Five to seven years

One to five years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted 
if appropriate, at each consolidated statement of financial position 
date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its 
recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are 
determined by comparing the disposal proceeds with the carrying 
amount and are included in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

J Impairment of non-financial assets 
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization 
and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to 
amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which 
the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The 
recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to 
sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets 
are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately 
identifiable cash flows – cash-generating units. Any non-financial 
assets other than goodwill which have suffered an impairment are 
reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting 
date. Assets that are subject to amortization and depreciation are also 
reviewed for any possible impairment at each reporting date.

K Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  
The cost of finished goods comprises software for resale and 
packaging materials. Net realisable value is the estimated selling  
price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable  
selling expenses.

When work has been performed and the revenue is not yet 
recognized, the direct costs of third party contractors and staff will  
be treated as work in progress where the probability of invoicing and 
evidence of collectability can be demonstrated.

L Trade receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortized cost less provisions for impairment. A provision 
for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is 
objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The 
amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s  
carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, 
discounted at the effective interest rate. The amount of the provision  
is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

M Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at  
call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with  
original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.  
Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities  
in the consolidated statement of financial position.

N Borrowings
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs 
incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest bearing borrowings 
are stated at amortized cost with any difference between cost and 
redemption value being recognized in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income over the period of borrowing on an effective 
interest basis.

O Leases
Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and 
rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Payments 
made under operating leases, net of any incentives received from the 
lessor, are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

P Taxation
Current and deferred tax are recognized in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income, except when the tax relates to items 
charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the tax is also 
dealt with directly in equity.

74

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceDeferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial 
statements. However, if the deferred income tax arises from initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business 
combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither 
accounting nor taxable profit or loss, it is not accounted for. Deferred 
income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been 
enacted or substantially enacted by the consolidated statement of 
financial position date and are expected to apply when the related 
deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability 
is settled. Deferred income tax assets are recognized to the extent that 
it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which 
the temporary differences can be utilized.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on 
investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of 
the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable 
that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Current tax is recognized based on the amounts expected to be paid 
or recovered under the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted at the consolidated statement of financial 
position date.

Q Ordinary shares, share premium and dividend distribution
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares  
or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from  
the proceeds.

Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognized 
as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which 
the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders. Interim 
dividends are recognized when they are paid.

R Financial instruments and hedge accounting
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized in the Group’s consolidated 
statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party  
to the contractual provision of the instrument. Trade receivables are 
non-interest bearing and are stated at their fair value less the amount  
of any appropriate provision for irrecoverable amounts. Trade payables 
are non-interest bearing and are stated at their fair value.

In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not typically 
hold or issue derivative financial instruments for hedge accounting  
or trading purposes.

S Provisions
Provisions for onerous leases, restructuring costs and legal claims  
are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive 
obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow  
of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount 
has been reliably estimated. Restructuring provisions comprise lease 
termination penalties and employee termination payments. Provisions 
are not recognized for future operating losses.

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an 
outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the 
class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the 
likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the 
same class of obligations may be small.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures 
expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate 
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money 
and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision 
due to the passage of time is recognized as an interest expense.

T Adoption of new and revised International Financial 
Reporting Standards
The accounting policies adopted in these consolidated financial 
statements are consistent with those of the annual financial statements 
for the year ended 30 April 2013, with the exception of the following 
standards, amendments to or interpretations of published standards 
adopted during the year:

a)   The following standards, interpretations and amendments to 

existing standards are now effective and have been adopted by  
the Group:

 – Amendments to IFRS 7, ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’  

on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities for periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2013. This amendment includes 
new disclosures to aid comparison between those entities that 
prepare IFRS financial statements to those that prepare their 
financial statements according to US GAAP.

 – Amendment to IAS 12, ‘Income Taxes’ applies for periods  

beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

 – Amendment to IAS 19, ‘Employee Benefits’, for periods  

beginning on or after 1 January 2013. These amendments  
eliminate the corridor approach and calculate finance costs  
on a net funding basis.

 – Amendment to IAS 1, ‘Financial Statement Presentation’ applies  

for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

 – IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ applies for periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2013 and establishes principles  
for the presentation and preparation of consolidated financial 
statements when an entity controls one or more other entities.  
It defines the principle of control and establishes controls as the 
basis for consolidation.

75

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationSummary of significant accounting policies
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

 – IFRS 13, ‘Fair Value Measurement’ applies for periods beginning  
on or after 1 January 2013 and aims to improve consistency  
and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition of  
fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and  
disclosure requirements.

b)   The following standards, interpretations and amendments to 
existing standards are not yet effective, or have not yet been 
endorsed by the EU and have not been adopted early by the Group:

 – IFRS 9, ‘Financial Instruments’ for periods beginning on or after  

1 January 2018 and is the first standard issued as part of a process 
to replace IAS 39. It simplifies the mixed measurement model and 
establishes two primary measurement categories for financial 
assets, amortized cost and fair value.

 – Amendment to IAS 32, ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ applies 
to periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and clarifies some 
of the requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial 
liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 – Amendment to IAS 36, ‘Impairment of Assets’ applies to periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and relates to the disclosure 
of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if 
that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal.

 – Amendment to IAS 39, ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition  
and Measurement’ applies to periods beginning on or after  
1 January 2014 and provides relief from discontinuing hedge 
accounting when novation of a hedging instrument to a central 
counter party meets certain criteria. 

 – IFRS 11, ‘Joint Arrangements’ applies to periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2014 and provides for a more realistic reflection  
of joint arrangements by focusing on the rights and obligations  
of the arrangement, rather than its legal form.

 – IFRS 12, ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’ applies for periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and includes the disclosure 
requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, including 
joint arrangements, associates, special purchase vehicles and other 
vehicles off the consolidated statement of financial position.

 – IFRS 15, ‘Revenue From Contracts With Customers Issued’ applies 

for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017 and specifies how 
and when revenue is recognized as well as requiring such entities to 
provide users of the financial statements with more informative, 
relevant disclosures.

The directors anticipate that the future introduction of those 
standards, amendments and interpretations listed above will not  
have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

II Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Group has 
made its best estimates and judgements of certain amounts included 
in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality.  
The Group regularly reviews these estimates and updates them as 
required. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Unless 
otherwise indicated, the Group does not believe that it is likely  
that materially different amounts would be reported related to the 
accounting estimates and assumptions described below. The Group 
considers the following to be a description of the most significant 
estimates, which require the Group to make subjective and complex 
judgements, and matters that are inherently uncertain.

A Impairment of goodwill
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment 
in accordance with the Group accounting policy J. The recoverable 
amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on 
value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates. 
Details of the Group’s impairment review and sensitivities to changes  
in assumptions are disclosed in note 9.

B Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. 
Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide 
provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and 
calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain 
during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognizes liabilities 
for anticipated settlement of tax issues based on estimates of whether 
additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these 
matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded,  
such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax  
provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

The Group carries appropriate provision, based on best estimates,  
until tax computations are agreed with the taxation authorities.

C Acquisitions
When making acquisitions, the Group has to make judgements and 
best estimates about the fair value allocation of the purchase price. 
Where acquisitions are significant, appropriate advice is sought from 
professional advisors before making such allocations otherwise 
valuations are done by management using consistent methodology 
used on prior year acquisitions where appropriate professional  
advice was sought. The valuation of goodwill and other intangibles  
is tested annually or whenever there are changes in circumstances 
indicating that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These 
tests require the use of estimates. Note 9 gives details of the Group’s 
impairment reviews.

76

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceD Development expenditure
The Group invests in the development of future products in 
accordance with the Group accounting policy H(c). The assessment as 
to whether this expenditure will achieve a complete product for which 
the technical feasibility is assured is a matter of judgement, as is the 
forecasting of how the product will generate future economic benefit. 
Finally, the period of time over which the economic benefit associated 
with the expenditure occurred will arise is also a matter of judgement. 
These judgements are made by evaluating the development plan 
prepared by the research and development department and approved 
by management, regularly monitoring progress by using an established 
set of criteria for assessing technical feasibility and benchmarking to 
other products.

E Revenue recognition
The key area of judgement in respect of recognizing revenue is the 
timing of recognition, specifically in relation to recognition and deferral 
of revenue on support contracts where management assumptions and 
estimates are necessary.

III Financial risk factors
The Group’s multi-national operations expose it to a variety of financial 
risks that include the effects of changes in credit risk, foreign currency 
risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. Risk management is carried out 
by a central treasury department under policies approved by the board 
of directors. Group treasury identifies and evaluates financial risks 
alongside the Group’s operating units. The board provides written 
principles for risk management together with specific policies covering 
areas such as foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and 
liquidity risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative 
financial instruments as appropriate, and investment of excess funds. 

In accordance with the treasury policy, the Group does not typically 
hold or issue derivative financial instruments. 

A Credit risk
Financial instruments which potentially expose the Group to a 
concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash 
equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents are deposited 
with high-credit quality financial institutions. The Group provides  
credit to customers in the normal course of business. Collateral is  
not required for those receivables, but on-going credit evaluations of 
customers’ financial conditions are performed. The Group maintains  
a provision for impairment based upon the expected collectability of 
accounts receivable. The Group sells products and services to a wide 
range of customers around the world and therefore believes there is 
no material concentration of credit risk.

B Foreign currency risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign  
exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with 
respect to the UK Sterling, Yen and the Euro. Foreign exchange risk 
arises from future commercial transactions, recognized assets and 
liabilities and net investments in foreign operations. Foreign exchange 
risk arises when future commercial transactions, recognized assets  
and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s 
functional currency.

There were no hedging transactions in place at 30 April 2014.

The Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net 
assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risk.

C Interest rate risk
The Group’s income and operating cash flows are substantially 
independent of changes in market interest rates. 

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from short-term borrowings. 
Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow 
interest rate risk which is partially offset by cash held at variable rates. 
The Group does not use interest rate swaps to manage its cash flow 
interest rate risk at the present time due to low market rates. 

D Liquidity risk
Central treasury carries out cash flow forecasting for the Group to 
ensure that it has sufficient cash to meet operational requirements  
and to allow the repayment of the bank facility. 

Surplus cash in the operating units over and above what is required for 
working capital needs is transferred to Group treasury. These funds are 
used to repay bank borrowings or invested in interest bearing current 
accounts, time deposits or money market deposits of the appropriate 
maturity period determined by consolidated cash forecasts. 

Trade payables arise in the normal course of business and are  
all current.

Borrowings relate to our unsecured $420m bank facility (see note 16). 
The balance is considered current as it is a revolving credit facility 
renewable each month.

Onerous lease provisions are expected to mature between less than  
12 months and five years.  

77

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014

1 Segmental reporting
In accordance with IFRS 8, ‘Operating Segments’, the Group has derived the information for its operating segments using the information used 
by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (‘the Executive Committee’). Operating segments are consistent with those used in internal management 
reporting. The measure used by the Executive Committee is the Adjusted Operating Profit for the Group as a whole (note 4). The Group has 
operating segments relating to the three geographic regions. The Executive Committee has delegated responsibilities for directly managed  
costs to the Regional Presidents of the three geographic regions of the Group and then allocated centrally managed costs to those regions, 
consequently for the three operating segments the Group measures Adjusted Operating Profit (note 4).

Operating segments for the year ended 30 April 2014:

North 
America
$’000

International 
$’000

Asia Pacific 
and Japan
$’000

Note

Total
$’000

Segment revenue

Directly managed costs
Allocation of centrally managed costs

Total segment costs

Adjusted operating profit 

Share based compensation charges
Amortization of purchased intangibles

Operating profit

Total assets

Total liabilities

4

28
10

4

199,900

178,616

54,542

433,058

(35,905)
(65,833)

(59,758)
(51,325)

(14,666)
(18,091)

(110,329)
(135,249)

(101,738)

(111,083)

(32,757)

(245,578)

98,162

67,533

21,785

187,480

(12,837)
(18,923)

155,720

605,017

621,268

Operating segments for the year ended 30 April 2013 (restated):

North 
America
$’000

International 
$’000

Asia Pacific 
and Japan
$’000

Note

Total
$’000

Segment revenue

Directly managed costs
Allocation of centrally managed costs

Total segment costs

Adjusted operating profit 

Share based compensation charges
Amortization of purchased intangibles

Operating profit

Total assets

Total liabilities

78

4

28
10

4

191,818

157,816

62,533

412,167

(41,489)
(57,330)

(98,819)

92,999

(53,526)
(44,920)

(98,446)

59,370

(17,509)
(15,193)

(112,524)
(117,443)

(32,702)

(229,967)

29,831

182,200

(6,639)
(16,123)

159,438

568,179

510,363

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance1 Segmental reporting continued
Analysis by geography
The Group is domiciled in the UK. The result of its revenue from external customers in the UK is $25.1m (2013: $17.8m), the total in the USA is 
$185.1m (2013: $178.3m) and the total of revenue from external customers from other countries is $222.9m (2013: $216.1m). The breakdown  
of the major component of the total revenue from external customers from other countries is disclosed above.

The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets located in the UK is $156.2m (2013: $145.7m), the total 
in the USA is $246.1m (2013: $234.3m) and the total of such non-current assets located in other countries is $20.0m (2013: $7.7m). Segmental 
non-current assets are based on the location of the assets. They exclude trade and other receivables, derivative financial instruments and 
deferred tax.

2 Supplementary information
Set out below is an analysis of revenue recognized between the principal product categories for the year ended 30 April 2014:

Licence
Maintenance
Consulting

Total

CD
$’000

107,733
122,871
919

231,523

MS
$’000

Borland (Test)
$’000

28,882
42,311
6,255

77,448

19,396
41,695
3,905

64,996

CORBA
$’000

19,343
26,739
687

46,769

Niche
$’000

2,541
9,567
214

12,322

Total
$’000

177,895
243,183
11,980

433,058

Set out below is an analysis of revenue recognized between the principal product categories for the year ended 30 April 2013 (restated). 

Licence
Maintenance
Consulting

Total

CD
$’000

111,163
120,738
1,393

233,294

MS
$’000

Borland (Test)
$’000

26,649
40,063
8,202

74,914

15,523
41,016
2,920

59,459

CORBA
$’000

10,990
14,376
310

25,676

Niche
$’000

2,605
13,295
2,924

18,824

Total
$’000

166,930
229,488
15,749

412,167

79

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

3 Profit before tax
Profit before tax is stated after charging/(crediting) the following operating costs/(gains) classified by the nature of the costs/(gains):

Note

28

11
10

12

13

2014 
$’000

2013 
$’000

185,916

170,816

3,846
38,047

3,483
35,122

87

1,424
8,134
727
4,400

2014 
$’000

173
613

786

78

6
–

84

403

1,386
7,358
(860)
(543)

2013 
$’000

130
695

825

47

10
11

21

555

1,425

146

1,039

Staff costs
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
– owned assets
Amortization of intangibles
Inventories
– cost of inventories recognized as an expense (included in cost of sales)
Operating lease rentals payable
– plant and machinery
– other
Provision for receivables impairment
Foreign exchange losses and (gains)

Services provided by the Group’s auditors and network of firms
During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors as detailed below:

Audit of company
Audit of subsidiaries

Total audit

Audit related assurance services 

Tax compliance services
Tax advisory services 

Services relating to taxation

Other non-audit services

Total

80

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance3 Profit before tax continued
The Group’s auditors, PwC, provide non-audit services for the Group over and above the external audit, principally tax compliance, tax advice 
and due diligence work. The board of directors reviews the level of non-audit fees and is confident that the objectivity and independence of the 
auditors is not impaired in any way by reason of its non-audit work.

Other services in the year relate primarily to corporate advice on the Return of Value and acquisition due diligence costs. 

4 Reconciliation of operating profit to EBITDA

Operating profit
Share based compensation charges
Amortization of purchased intangibles

Adjusted operating profit
Depreciation
Amortization of software

Adjusted EBITDA
Amortization of development costs

RCF EBITDA

Operating profit
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

EBITDA
Amortization of capitalized development costs
Share based compensation charge

Adjusted EBITDA
Foreign exchange debit/(credit)
Net capitalization of development costs

Underlying Adjusted EBITDA

Notes

28
10

11
10

10
11

10
28

2014 
$’000

155,720
12,837
18,923

187,480
3,846
640

191,966
18,484

210,450

155,720
38,047
3,846

197,613
(18,484)
12,837

191,966
4,400
36

196,402

Restated
2013 
$’000

159,438
6,639
16,123

182,200
3,483
643

186,326
18,356

204,682

159,438
35,122
3,483

198,043
(18,356)
6,639

186,326
(543)
(1,662)

184,121

The directors use EBITDA and EBITDA before exceptional items, share based compensation charge and amortization of purchased intangibles 
(‘Adjusted EBITDA’) and Underlying Adjusted EBITDA as key performance measures of the business.

Under the terms of the Group’s Revolving Credit Facility (‘RCF’), the net debt to RCF EBITDA covenant is limited to 3.0 times for the duration  
of the facility. RCF EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA before amortization of development costs and for the year ended 30 April 2014  
RCF EBITDA amounted to $210.5m (2013: $204.7m). Where a special dividend or a share buy-back is to be made, the Company must certify  
to the facility agent that the projected ratio of net debt to RCF EBITDA on a 12 month look forward and 12 month look back basis will not 
exceed 2.5 times. The ratio of net debt to RCF EBITDA at 30 April 2014 was 1.3 times.

81

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

5 Finance income and finance costs

Finance costs
Finance costs on bank borrowings
Commitment fees
Amortization of facility costs
Other

Total

2014
$’000

5,187
884
1,541
585

8,197

Finance income
Finance income consists of interest receivable $318,000 (2013: $413,000) which relates to bank deposits and tax repayments.

6 Taxation

Current tax
Current year
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years

Deferred tax
Current year
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years
Impact of change in the UK tax rate

2014
$’000

34,432
(4,580)

29,852

784
(3,700)
(1,177)

(4,093)

2013
$’000

3,926
650
2,558
1,173

8,307

Restated 
2013
$’000

33,585
(2,643)

30,942

2,596
(3,331)
(440)

(1,175)

Total

25,759

29,767

A deferred tax credit of $3.5m (2013: $0.2m credit) and a corporation tax credit of $2.9m (2013: $0.7m credit) have been recognized in equity in 
the year in relation to share options. 

The tax for the year is lower (2013: lower) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 22.8% (2013: 23.9%). The differences are 
explained below:

Profit before taxation

Tax at UK corporation tax rate 22.8% (2013: 23.9%) applied to profit
Effects of:
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years – current tax
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years – deferred tax
Adjustment for foreign tax rates
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Tax loss utilization
Effect of change in tax rates
Research and development tax benefit
Other permanent differences

Total taxation

The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period, is provided in note 22.

82

2014
$’000

Restated 
2013
$’000

147,841

151,544

33,708

36,219

(4,580)
(3,700)
1,685
5,151
(429)
(1,177)
–
(4,899)

(2,643)
(3,331)
2,236
4,749
(267)
(440)
(1,344)
(5,412)

25,759

29,767

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance6 Taxation continued
The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK changed from 23% to 21% with effect from 1 April 2014 as this reduction was substantively 
enacted by the consolidated statement of financial position date it is reflected in the annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 April 
2014. Accordingly the Company’s profits for this accounting period are taxed at an effective rate of 22.8%. 

In addition to the change in Corporation tax rate disclosed above, the Government has enacted a further change to the UK Corporation tax 
system to reduce the main rate of corporation tax to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015. As this rate reduction has been substantively enacted 
at the consolidated statement of financial position date, the rate reduction is reflected in the financial statements. 

The UK Government have introduced a new research and development tax regime which recognizes the tax benefit on qualifying research and 
development activities as a credit against the relevant cost in the financial statements. The Group is intending to elect into the new regime with 
effect from 1 May 2013, as a result there is no adjustment within the reconciliation above in the current year in relation to the tax benefit on 
qualifying research and development expenditure.

As the Group capitalizes development expenditure in line with the accounting policy H(c), the proportion of the UK research and development 
tax credit relating to the capitalized expenditure has also been capitalized with the effect of reducing the current year additions to intangibles  
in note 10 by $1.5m. The research and development tax credit is subsequently amortized in line with the expenditure to which it relates.

The total research and development tax credit for the current period is $1.9m of which $0.4m has been recognized directly in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income and $1.5m has been capitalized. Of the $1.5m capitalized, $0.3m has been recognized in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income as amortization in the current period.

7 Dividends
Equity – ordinary

2013 final paid 28.1 cents (2012: 23.4 cents) per ordinary share
2014 interim paid 14.0 cents (2013: 11.9 cents) per ordinary share

Total

2014
$’000

43,072
19,561

62,633

2013
$’000

39,665
17,495

57,160

The directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 April 2014 of 30.0 cents per share which will utilize approximately 
$41.9m of total equity. The directors have concluded that the Company has sufficient reserves to pay the dividend. It has not been included as  
a liability in these financial statements as it has not yet been approved by shareholders.

83

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

8 Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic earnings per share has been based on the earnings attributable to owners of the parent and the weighted average 
number of shares for each year.

2014

Weighted
average
number
of shares
‘000

Earnings
$’000

Per share
amount
cents

Per share
amount
pence

Earnings
$’000

2013 (restated)

Weighted
average
number
of shares
‘000

Per share
amount
cents

Per share
amount
pence

122,082

144,057

84.75

52.92

121,777

156,456

77.83

49.43

4,193

5,408

122,082

148,250

82.35

51.43

121,777

161,864

75.23

47.78

144,057

84.75

52.92

144,057

148,250

100.32

82.35

62.65

51.43

122,082
31,760

(9,323)

144,519

122,082
31,760

(9,323)

121,777
22,762

(7,163)

137,376

121,777
22,762

(7,163)

156,456

77.83

49.43

156,456

161,864

87.81

75.23

55.77

47.78

Basic EPS
Earnings attributable to 
owners of the parent

Effect of dilutive securities
Options
Diluted EPS
Earnings attributable to 
owners of the parent

Supplementary EPS
Basic EPS
Adjusted items1
Tax relating to  
adjusted items

Basic EPS – adjusted

Diluted EPS
Adjusted items1
Tax relating to  
adjusted items

Diluted EPS – adjusted

144,519

148,250

97.48

60.88

137,376

161,864

84.87

53.90

1 

 Adjusted items comprise amortization of purchased intangibles $18,923,000 (2013: $16,123,000), share based compensation $12,837,000 (2013: $6,639,000) and 
exceptional items $nil (2013: $nil). Estimated tax relief on these items is as shown above.

Earnings per share expressed in pence has used the average exchange rate for the year of $1.60 to £ (2013: $1.57 to £1). 

9 Goodwill

Cost and net book amount
At 1 May 
Acquisitions

At 30 April 

A segment-level summary of the goodwill allocation is presented below:
North America
International
Asia Pacific and Japan

At 30 April 

Note

33

2014
$’000

284,661
23,521

308,182

202,066
102,677
3,439

308,182

Restated
2013
$’000

274,340
10,321

284,661

187,472
93,750
3,439

284,661

The comparatives have been restated following a review during the year resulting in goodwill being reclassified to the location where it is held. 

84

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance9 Goodwill continued
The additions to goodwill in the year relate to the acquisition of the AccuRev Inc., the OpenFusion CORBA assets from PrismTech Group Limited 
and SoforTe GmbH (note 33). In addition there was a hindsight adjustment made in the first 12 months after the completion of the acquisition 
of the Iona assets of $361,000 relating mostly to the fair value of the acquired deferred income.

Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated for impairment testing purposes to each individual cash generating unit 
(‘CGU’). The Group conducts annual impairment tests on the carrying value of goodwill, based on the net present value on the recoverable 
amount of the CGU to which goodwill has been allocated. It has been determined that the Group has three CGUs being the three geographical 
segments (North America, International and Asia Pacific and Japan). 

An impairment test is a comparison of the carrying value of the assets of the CGU with their recoverable amount, where the recoverable amount 
is less than the carrying value, an impairment results. The Group has carried out its annual impairment testing at 30 April each year.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined based on the value in use (‘VIU’) calculations. The determination of whether or not 
goodwill has been impaired requires an estimate to be made of the VIU of the CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated.

The VIU calculation includes estimates about the future financial performance of the CGUs. In all cases the approved budget for the following 
financial year forms the basis for the cash flow projections for a CGU. The cash flow projections in the three financial years following the budget 
year reflect management’s expectation of the medium and long-term operating performance of the CGU and growth prospects in the  
CGU’s market.

Key assumptions
The key assumptions in the VIU calculations are the discount rate applied, the long-term operating margin and the long-term growth rate of net 
operating cash flows. In determining the key assumptions, management has taken into consideration the current economic climate, the resulting 
impact on expected growth and discount rates, and the pressure this places on impairment calculations.

Discount rate applied
The discount rate applied to each CGU represents a pre-tax rate that reflects market assessment of the time value of money at the consolidated 
statement of financial position date and risks specific to the CGU. The discount rate applied to each CGU’s operations was:

North America
International
Asia Pacific and Japan 

2014

14.1%
11.4%
12.8%

2013

16.4%
13.3%
14.9%

Long-term operating margin
The long-term operating margin for each CGU is primarily based upon past performance adjusted as appropriate where management believes 
that past operating margins are not indicative of future operating margins. The long-term EBITDA margins applied to each CGU is 44.0%  
(2013: 42.5%).

Long-term growth rates of net operating cash flows
The long-term growth rates of net operating cash flows are assumed to be no greater than the long-term growth rate in the gross domestic 
product of the countries in which the CGU operates and were 2.0% (2013: 2.0%).

The long-term growth rate is applied consistently across all CGUs as:

 – The businesses within the CGUs have similar trading characteristics;

 – Future forecasts are considered to be similar across all CGUs; and

 – Business risks are considered to be the same across all CGUs.

85

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

9 Goodwill continued
Summary of results
During the year, all goodwill was tested for impairment, with no impairment charge resulting (2013: nil).

As the VIU calculation is most sensitive to a change in the long-term operating margin, the directors are of the opinion that it would take a 
systematic change to the market for long-term operating margins to fall to the level where an impairment would be required.

The directors consider that a reduction of 4.0% (2013: 4.0%) in the absolute value of long-term operating margins across all CGUs would be  
the limit of what could be considered to be reasonably possible on the basis that the Group’s cost base is flexible and could quickly respond to 
market changes. The Group is spread across a range of geographies and sectors and also offers customer cost saving solutions, which help to 
insulate it from more significant changes. If the long-term margins used in the VIU calculations for all CGUs were 4.0% (2013: 4.0%) lower in 
absolute terms than management’s estimates, the Group would not have any impairment charge. If the operating margins remain in perpetuity 
at the current year levels then there would also not be any impairment charge. 

The Group bases its estimate for the long-term pre-tax discount rate on its weighted average cost of capital (‘WACC’) using long-term market 
data and industry data to derive the appropriate inputs to the calculation. The directors have assessed that a 2.0% (2013: 2.0%) change in the 
absolute discount rate is the maximum change that could be considered as reasonably possible and this would represent a 23.2% (2013: 12.0%) 
reduction in the assumption. If the estimated pre-tax discount rates applied to the discounted cash flows of all CGUs were 2.0% (2013: 2.0%) 
higher in absolute terms than the management’s estimates, the Group would not have any impairment charge.

The Group considers that the long-term growth rates could change and that a 1.0% (2013: 1.0%) change is reasonably possible. If the absolute 
value of the long-term growth used in the VIU calculations for all CGUs were 1% lower than management’s estimates, the Group would not 
have recognized any goodwill impairment charge. 

The directors have considered combinations of a reduction in the long-term operating margins across all CGUs combined with a reasonably 
possible increase in the absolute discount rate and a reasonably possible decrease in the long-term growth rates and no impairment would occur 
in these scenarios.

The medium-term Adjusted EBITDA for each CGU is primarily based upon past performance adjusted as appropriate where management 
believes that past Adjusted EBITDA margins are not indicative of future Adjusted EBITDA margins. The medium-term Adjusted EBITDA margins 
applied to each CGU is 44.0% (2013: 42.5%). The medium-term growth rates of net operating cash flows are assumed to be 4.0% for each 
CGU (2013: 4.0%).

10 Other intangible assets 

Cost
At 1 May 2013
Additions
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2014

Accumulated amortization
At 1 May 2013
Charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2014

Net book amount at 30 April 2014

Net book amount at 30 April 2013

86

Purchased
software
$’000

Development
costs
$’000

Technology
$’000

Trade names
$’000

Customer
relationships
$’000

Non-compete
agreements
$’000

Purchased intangibles

7,586
607
(236)
64

8,021

6,833
640
(144)
210

7,539

482

753

116,213
18,448
–
–

134,661

84,709
18,484
–
–

103,193

31,468

31,504

69,302
6,761
–
–

76,063

38,489
9,720
–
–

48,209

27,854

30,813

1,175
–
–
–

1,175

1,175
–
–
–

1,175

–

–

63,232
11,358
–
–

74,590

32,773
9,088
–
–

41,861

32,729

30,459

1,303
–
–
–

1,303

1,188
115
–
–

1,303

–

115

Total
$’000

258,811
37,174
(236)
64

295,813

165,167
38,047
(144)
210

203,280

92,533

93,644

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance10 Other intangible assets continued

Cost
At 1 May 2012
Additions
Disposals
Exchange adjustments 

At 30 April 2013

Accumulated amortization
At 1 May 2012
Charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2013

Net book amount at 30 April 2013

Net book amount at 30 April 2012

Purchased
software
$’000

Development
costs
$’000

Technology
$’000

Trade names
$’000

Customer
relationships
$’000

Non-compete
agreements
$’000

Purchased intangibles

8,944
309
(1,225)
(442)

7,586

7,300
643
(1,192)
82

6,833

753

1,644

96,195
20,018
–
–

116,213

66,353
18,356
–
–

84,709

31,504

29,842

65,876
3,426
–
–

69,302

29,928
8,561
–
–

38,489

30,813

35,948

1,175
–
–
–

1,175

1,175
–
–
–

1,175

–

–

55,473
7,759
–
–

63,232

25,516
7,257
–
–

32,773

30,459

29,957

Total
$’000

228,966
31,512
(1,225)
(442)

258,811

131,155
35,122
(1,192)
82

1,303
–
–
–

1,303

883
305
–
–

1,188

165,167

115

420

93,644

97,811

Intangible assets, with the exception of purchased software and internally generated development costs, relate to identifiable assets  
purchased as part of the Group’s business combinations. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful 
economic life – see Group accounting policy H(d).

The additions to Technology and Customer Relationships in the year relate to the acquisitions of SoforTe GmbH, the OpenFusion CORBA assets 
from PrismTech Group Limited and AccuRev Inc. (note 33).

In the year ended 30 April 2013, the additions to Technology and Customer Relationships in the year relate to the acquisition of the Iona 
business (note 33).

At 30 April 2014, the unamortized lives of technology assets were in the range of three to seven years and for customer relationships in the 
range of two to eight years.

Amortization of $9.2m (2013: $7.6m) is included in selling and distribution costs, $28.2m (2013: $26.9m) is included in research and 
development expense and $0.6m (2013: $0.6m) is included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

87

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

11 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 May 2013 
Acquisitions (note 33)
Additions
Disposals
Reclassifications
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2014

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 May 2013
Acquisitions (note 33)
Charge for the year
Disposals
Reclassifications
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2014

Net book amount at 30 April 2014

Net book amount at 1 May 2013

Cost
At 1 May 2012 
Additions
Disposals
Reclassifications
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2013

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 May 2012
Charge for the year
Disposals
Reclassifications
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2013

Net book amount at 30 April 2013

Net book amount at 1 May 2012

Land and 
buildings
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Computer
equipment
$’000

Fixtures and
fittings
$’000

14,145
–
147
–
247
1,199

15,738

487
–
353
–
85
143

1,068

14,670

13,658

6,500
33
875
(1,693)
7
188

5,910

4,610
–
856
(1,600)
–
121

3,987

1,923

1,890

9,480
545
1,343
(381)
(63)
423

11,347

5,029
552
2,163
(379)
1
216

7,582

3,765

4,451

1,315
181
543
(448)
(191)
142

1,542

157
36
474
(388)
(86)
108

301

1,241

1,158

Land and 
buildings
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Computer
equipment
$’000

Fixtures and
fittings
$’000

14,832
–
–
–
(687)

14,145

231
271
–
–
(15)

487

13,658

14,601

6,648
409
(79)
(269)
(209)

6,500

4,147
866
(51)
(26)
(326)

4,610

1,890

2,501

7,526
2,749
(609)
90
(276)

9,480

3,616
1,877
(318)
99
(245)

5,029

4,451

3,910

1,705
154
(596)
179
(127)

1,315

415
469
(545)
(73)
(109)

157

1,158

1,290

Total
$’000

31,440
759
2,908
(2,522)
–
1,952

34,537

10,283
588
3,846
(2,367)
–
588

12,938

21,599

21,157

Total
$’000

30,711
3,312
(1,284)
–
(1,299)

31,440

8,409
3,483
(914)
–
(695)

10,283

21,157

22,302

No depreciation is included within selling and distribution costs (2013: $0.1m) and $3.8m (2013: $3.4m) is included within administrative 
expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The Group carried out a review of the fixed assets in the year and as a result 
made some reclassifications between categories.

88

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance12 Inventories

Work in progress
Finished goods

Total

The Group utilized $0.1m (2013: $0.4m) of inventories included in cost of sales during the year.

13 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables

Trade receivables net
Prepayments
Other receivables
Accrued income

Total

2014
$’000

91
42

133

2014
$’000

97,508
(2,000)

95,508
10,640
971
20

107,139

2013
$’000

95
49

144

2013
$’000

84,364
(2,137)

82,227
9,973
267
29

92,496

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the Group’s customer base being large and unrelated. In 
determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers the ageing of each debtor and any change in the circumstances of the 
individual receivable. Due to this, management believes there is no further credit risk provision required in excess of the normal provision for 
doubtful receivables. At 30 April 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount approximates the fair value of the instrument due to the short-term nature 
of the instrument.

At 30 April 2014, trade receivables of $16.3m (2013: $11.0m) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a large number of independent 
companies for whom there is no recent history of default. The amounts are regarded as recoverable. The average age of these receivables was 
22 days in excess of due date (2013: 28 days). 

As at 30 April 2014, trade receivables of $2.0m (2013: $2.1m) were either partially or fully impaired. The amount of the provision was $2.0m 
(2013: $2.1m). The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

Three to four months
Over four months

Total

2014
$’000

73
1,927

2,000

2013
$’000

72
2,065

2,137

89

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

13 Trade and other receivables continued
Movements in the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables were as follows:

At 1 May 
Provision for receivables impairment
Acquisition of the Iona business
Receivables written off as uncollectable
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 

2014
$’000 

2,137
727
–
(897)
33

2,000

2013
$’000

2,757
(860)
1,173
(890)
(43)

2,137

The creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables have been included in selling and distribution costs in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income. Amounts charged in the allowance account are generally written off when there is no expectation of 
recovering additional cash. The Group does not hold any collateral as security.

14 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term bank deposits

Total

2014
$’000

25,521
7,279

32,800

2013
$’000

33,828
4,115

37,943

At 30 April 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount approximates to the fair value. The Group’s credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is limited as 
the counterparties are well established banks with high credit ratings. The credit quality of cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

19,811
446
3,195
320
257
150
8,118
–
91
112
300

32,800

24,346
3,218
2,492
398
–
7,314
–
27
45
103
–

38,000

S&P/Moody’s/Fitch rating:
AA-
A+
A
A-
BBB+
BBB
BBB-
BB+
BB
BB-
B+

Total

90

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance15 Trade and other payables 

Trade payables
Tax and social security
Accruals

Total

At 30 April 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount approximates to the fair value. 

16 Borrowings

Bank loan – unsecured
Unamortized prepaid facility arrangement fees

2014
$’000

4,683
25,884
47,309

77,876

Restated
2013
$’000

5,715
8,449
42,775

56,939

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

297,000
(3,170)

216,000
(366)

293,830

215,634

At 30 April 2014, the Group had an unsecured $420m revolving credit facility in place, denominated in US dollars, which expires on  
16 July 2017. Interest on the facility was payable at US Dollar LIBOR plus 1.65% from 16 July 2013 for a period of approximately four months. 
The rate then payable is dependent upon the Group’s net debt to RCF EBITDA ratio on a periodic basis. The range payable is 1.65% to 2.90% 
over US Dollar LIBOR. 

The facility can be used on an on-going basis for the payment of distributions to shareholders, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Borrowings are stated after the deduction of unamortized prepaid facility costs. Facility arrangement costs are being amortized over three years. 

The fair value of current borrowings equals their carrying amount.

17 Current tax liabilities

Corporation tax

18 Deferred income – current

Deferred income

2014
$’000

42,177

Restated
2013
$’000

41,795

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

150,168

138,306

Revenue not recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under the Group’s accounting policy for revenue recognition is 
classified as deferred income in the consolidated statement of financial position to be recognized in future periods.

91

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

19 Deferred income – non-current

Deferred income

2014
$’000

12,629

2013
$’000

9,646

Revenue not recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under the Group’s accounting policy for revenue recognition  
is classified as deferred income in the consolidated statement of financial position to be recognized in future periods in excess of one year.

20 Provisions

Onerous leases and dilapidations
Restructuring
Other

Total

Current
Non-current

Total

At 1 May 2013
Additional provisions in the period
Utilization of provisions
Released
Unwinding of discount
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2014

At 1 May 2012
Additional provisions in the period
Utilization of provisions
Released
Unwinding of discount
Exchange adjustments

At 30 April 2013

2014
$’000

2,252
107
6,943

9,302

4,382
4,920

9,302

Other
$’000

7,899
2,819
(3,211)
(246)
–
(318)

6,943

Other
$’000

4,018
3,881
–
–
–
–

7,899

2013
$’000

2,589
513
7,899

11,001

8,992
2,009

11,001

Total
$’000

11,001
3,811
(4,789)
(486)
79
(314)

9,302

Total
$’000

10,515
4,064
(2,484)
(1,148)
111
(57)

11,001

Onerous
leases and
dilapidations
$’000

Restructuring
$’000

2,589
988
(1,342)
(50)
79
(12)

2,252

513
4
(236)
(190)
–
16

107

Onerous
leases and
dilapidations
$’000

Restructuring
$’000

4,128
183
(1,152)
(637)
115
(48)

2,589

2,369
–
(1,332)
(511)
(4)
(9)

513

The onerous lease and dilapidations provision relates to leased Group properties and this position is expected to be fully utilized within five years. 

92

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance20 Provisions continued
Restructuring provisions relates to the restructuring and property rationalization that was undertaken during the year ended 30 April 2011. 
Included within this is $0.1m for property costs incurred as part of the restructuring (2013: $0.4m) and in the year ended 30 April 2013 there 
was $0.1m for other miscellaneous costs associated with the restructuring. The provisions are expected to be fully utilized within 12 months. 

Other provisions include $0.1m of costs relating to a rationalization of non-trading subsidiaries (2013: $0.1m), $3.8m relating to potential 
liabilities acquired with the Iona acquisition (2013: $3.8m), $1.8m relating to contingent consideration for the purchase of the OpenFusion 
CORBA assets from PrismTech Group Limited acquired during the year and $1.3m relating to tax due for pension and bonus payments prior  
to July 2011 for our subsidiary in Brazil (2013: $4.0m).

21 Financial instruments
Credit risk
The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at 30 April 2014 was:

Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments
Cash and cash equivalents

Total

2014
$’000

96,499
32,800

2013
$’000

82,523
37,943

129,299

120,466

Risk management
The Group’s treasury function aims to reduce exposures to interest rate, foreign exchange and other financial risks, to ensure liquidity is available 
as and when required, and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. The Group does not typically engage in speculative trading in financial 
instruments. The treasury function’s policies and procedures are reviewed and monitored by the audit committee and are subject to internal 
audit review. 

Foreign exchange risk
The Group’s currency exposures comprise those that give rise to net currency gains and losses to be recognized in the consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income as well as gains and losses on consolidation which go to reserves. Such exposures reflect the monetary assets  
and liabilities of the Group that are not denominated in the operating or functional currency of the operating unit involved and the Group’s 
investment in net assets in currencies other than US$. Note 3 shows the impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income of 
foreign exchange loss in the year (2013: gain).

Sensitivity analysis
The Group’s principal exposures in relation to market risks are the changes in the exchange rates between the US dollar and the Euro and to 
changes in US LIBOR interest rates. The table below illustrates the sensitivities of the Group’s results to changes in these key variables as at the 
consolidated statement of financial position date. The analysis covers only financial assets and liabilities held at the consolidated statement of 
financial position date.

Euro/USD exchange rate +/- 5%
US LIBOR +/- 1%

2014

Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income
$’000

1,078
2,940

Equity
$’000

1,140
–

2013

Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income
$’000

875
2,160

Equity
$’000

1,025
–

93

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

21 Financial instruments continued
Capital risk management
The Group’s objective when managing its capital structures is to minimize the cost of capital while maintaining adequate capital to protect 
against volatility in earnings and net asset values. The strategy is designed to maximize shareholder return over the long-term. The relative 
proportion of debt to equity will be adjusted over the medium-term depending on the cost of debt compared to equity and the level of 
uncertainty facing the industry and the Group. The Group’s committed credit facilities contain two principal financial covenants. The Group  
has complied with these covenant requirements during the year ended 30 April 2014. Further details on the covenant requirements and  
Group performance against these can be found on page 9 of the strategic report. 

The capital structure of the Group at the consolidated statement of financial position date is as follows:

Bank and other borrowings – current (note 16)
Less cash and cash equivalents (note 14)
Total net debt
Total (deficit)/equity

Debt/equity %

Market risk
The table below sets out the contractual values of financial assets and liabilities.

2014
$’000

293,830
(32,800)
261,030
(16,251)

Restated
2013
$’000

215,634
(37,943)
177,691
57,816

(1,606.24%)

307.3%

Financial assets – loans and receivables
Current
Cash and cash equivalents (note 14)
Trade and other receivables (note 13)

At 30 April 

Financial liabilities – financial liabilities  
at amortized cost
Non-current
Provisions (note 20)
Current
Borrowings (note 16)
Trade and other payables – restated (note 15)
Provisions (note 20)

At 30 April 

Financial
2014
$’000

Non-financial
2014
$’000

Total 
2014
$’000

Financial
2013
$’000

Non-financial
2013
$’000

Total 
2013
$’000

32,800
95,508

128,308

–
11,631

11,631

32,800
107,139

139,939

37,943
82,227

120,170

–
10,269

10,269

37,943
92,496

130,439

Financial
2014
$’000

Non-financial
2014
$’000

Total 
2014
$’000

Financial
2013
$’000

Non-financial
2013
$’000

Total 
2013
$’000

1,070

3,850

4,920

825

1,184

2,009

297,000
4,683
1,182

303,935

–
73,193
3,200

80,243

297,000
77,876
4,382

384,178

216,000
5,715
1,764

224,304

–
51,224
7,228

59,636

216,000
56,939
8,992

283,940

94

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance22 Deferred tax
The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is as follows:

Group
Deferred tax assets:
– Deferred tax asset to be recovered after more than 12 months
– Deferred tax asset to be recovered within 12 months

Deferred tax liabilities:
– Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months
– Deferred tax liability to be recovered within 12 months

Net deferred tax asset

Net deferred tax asset
At 1 May 
Credited to consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Credited directly to equity
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 33)
Foreign exchange adjustment
Effect of change in tax rates – charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income

At 30 April 

Deferred tax assets
At 1 May 2012
Charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Credited directly to equity
Foreign exchange adjustment
Effect of change in tax rates – charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income

At 30 April 2013

At 1 May 2013
(Charged)/credited to consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Credited directly to equity
Acquisition of subsidiary (see note 33)
Foreign exchange adjustment
Effect of change in tax rates – charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income

At 30 April 2014

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

31,092
11,539

42,631

27,746
10,388

38,134

(28,771)
(6,515)

(35,286)

7,345

(30,456)
(6,586)

(37,042)

1,092

2014
$’000

1,092
2,916
3,532
(1,952)
580
1,177

7,345

Tax losses
$’000

Other
temporary
differences
$’000

29,645
(1,553)
–
–
–

28,092

28,092
(5,030)
–
2,090
54
–

25,206

10,137
(40)
195
(121)
(129)

10,042

10,042
4,173
3,532
(10)
527
(839)

17,425

2013
$’000

(157)
735
195
–
(121)
440

1,092

Total
$’000

39,782
(1,593)
195
(121)
(129)

38,134

38,134
(857)
3,532
2,080
581
(839)

42,631

Deferred tax assets are recognized for tax loss carry-forwards to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through the utilization 
of future taxable profits is probable. The Group did not recognize deferred income tax assets of $7.0m (2013: $9.0m) in respect of losses 
amounting to $19.9m (2013: $25.6m) that can be carried forward against future taxable income. The losses not recognized expire in the years 
from 2025 to 2028. 

95

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

22 Deferred tax continued
The deferred tax asset relating to other temporary differences of $17.4m (2013: $10.0m) includes temporary differences arising on fixed assets, 
share options, deferred income and other items. The amount of deferred tax asset relating to fixed assets is $0.7m (2013: $0.8m).

Deferred tax liabilities
At 1 May 2012
Charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Effect of change in tax rates – charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income

At 30 April 2013

At 1 May 2013
Charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Acquisition of subsidiary (see note 33)
Effect of change in tax rates – charged to consolidated statement of comprehensive income

At 30 April 2014

Other
temporary 
differences
$’000

39,939
(2,328)
(569)

37,042

37,042
(3,773)
4,033
(2,016)

35,286

No deferred tax liability was recognized in respect of unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries as the Group is in a position to control the 
timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The deferred 
tax liability of $35.3m includes $25.8m (2013: $25.2m) relating to temporary differences on acquired intangibles and $6.3m (2013: $7.0m) 
relating to temporary differences on capitalized research and development expenditure.

Following changes in UK tax legislation, deferred tax on UK assets and liabilities at 30 April 2014 is recognized at 20% (2013: 23%). The effect 
of the change in tax rates is disclosed separately.

23 Share capital
Ordinary shares at 1313/24 pence each (2013: 12½ pence each)

Issued and fully paid
At 1 May 
Shares issued to satisfy option awards
Treasury shares cancelled
Share reorganization

At 30 April 

2014

2013

Shares

$’000

Shares

$’000

165,095,660
24,675
–
(12,700,450)

37,797
5
–
–

181,552,160
53,069
(3)
(16,509,566)

152,419,885

37,802

165,095,660

37,787
10
–
–

37,797

Share issued during the year
During the year, no ordinary shares of 114/11 pence each (2013: 53,069) and 24,675 (2013: nil) ordinary shares of 12½ pence each were issued by 
the Company to settle exercised share options. The gross consideration received was $1.0m (2013: $0.7m). No ordinary 1313/24 pence shares were  
issued in the year.

At 30 April 2014 a total of 12,880,776 treasury shares were held (2013: 15,705,645).

Potential issues of shares
Certain employees hold options to subscribe for shares in the Company at prices ranging from nil pence to 582.7 pence under the share option 
schemes approved by shareholders in 2001, the Long-Term Incentive Plan 2005, Sharesave and ESPP. 

The number of shares subject to options at 30 April 2014 was 4,550,091 (2013: 5,854,881). Further information on these options is disclosed  
in note 28.

96

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance23 Share capital continued
‘B’ shares at 50 pence each

Issued and fully paid
At 1 May 
Issue of ‘B’ shares
Redemption of ‘B’ shares

At 30 April 

2014

2013

Shares

$’000

Shares

$’000

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
58,937,244
(58,937,244)

–

–
47,079
(47,079)

–

On 26 October 2012, 58,937,244 ‘B’ shares were issued at 50 pence each, resulting in a total of $47.1m being credited to the ‘B’ share capital 
account. On 12 November 2012, 58,937,244 ‘B’ shares were redeemed at 50 pence each and an amount of $47.1m was deducted from the ‘B’ 
share capital account.

‘C’ shares at 0.0000001 pence each

Issued and fully paid
At 1 May 
Issue of ‘C’ shares
Cancellation of ‘C’ shares

At 30 April 

2014

2013

Shares

$’000

Shares

$’000

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
105,147,405
(105,147,405)

–

–
–
–

–

On 26 October 2012, 105,147,405 ‘C’ shares were issued at 0.0000001 pence each, resulting in a total of $17 being credited to the ‘C’ share 
capital account. On 1 November 2012 a dividend of 50 pence per C share was declared and was payable on 12 November 2012. The ‘C’ shares 
were subsequently reclassified as Deferred Shares and repurchased by the Company for an aggregate consideration of 1 pence and then 
subsequently cancelled and an amount of $17 was deducted from the ‘C’ share capital account.

‘D’ shares at 0.0000001 pence each

Issued and fully paid
At 1 May 
Issue of ‘D’ shares
Cancellation of ‘D’ shares

At 30 April 

Shares

2014
$’000

–
150,009,998
(150,009,988)

–

–
–
–

–

On 25 October 2013, 150,009,998 ‘D’ shares were issued at 0.0000001 pence each, resulting in a total of $0.25 being credited to the ‘D’ share 
capital account. On 1 November 2013 a dividend of 60 pence per D share was declared and was paid on 12 November 2013. 

The ‘D’ shares were subsequently reclassified as deferred shares and repurchased by the Company for an aggregate consideration of 1 pence 
and then subsequently cancelled and an amount of $0.25 was deducted from the ‘D’ share capital account.

97

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

24 Return of Value to shareholders
During the year, the Group announced a Return of Value to shareholders of 60 pence per ordinary share by way of a D share scheme, which 
gave shareholders (other than certain overseas shareholders) a choice between receiving cash in the form of income or capital. The Return of 
Value was approved by shareholders on 26 September 2013. The Group entered into a forward exchange contract to protect the Company from 
any foreign exchange movement and so the resulting payment to shareholders of $144.7m was offset by a gain of $4.5m and costs of $0.6m  
on the foreign exchange forward contract such that the cost to the company of the Return of Value was $140.2m excluding transaction costs. 
The Return of Value was accompanied by a 12 for 13 share consolidation to maintain broad comparability of the share price and return per share 
of the ordinary shares before and after the creation of the D shares.

During the year ended 30 April 2013, the Group announced a Return of Value to shareholders of 50 pence per ordinary share amounting to 
$128.8m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $2.4m, by way of a ‘B and C’ share scheme, which gave shareholders (other 
than certain overseas shareholders) a choice between receiving cash in the form of income or capital. The Return of Value was approved by 
shareholders on 26 September 2012. The Return of Value was accompanied by a 10 for 11 share consolidation to maintain broad comparability 
of the share price and return per share of the ordinary shares before and after the creation of the B and C shares.

25 Share premium account

At 1 May – as previously reported
Prior year restatement (see note 34)

At 1 May – as restated
Movement in relation to share options exercised (see note 28)
Sales of fractional shares 
Issue of B shares (see note 24)

At 30 April 

26 Other reserves

Balance as at 1 May 2013 and 30 April 2014

2014
$’000

13,523
–

–
1,023
–
–

14,546

2013
$’000

61,311
(2,560)

58,751
1,848
3
(47,079)

13,523

Capital 
redemption2
$’000

Other reserves1 
(deficit)
$’000

Notes

Total
$’000

103,983

(27,085)

76,898

1 

2 

 On 17 May 2005, the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Micro Focus International Limited by way of a share for share exchange, pursuant to which the 
previous shareholders of Micro Focus International Limited were issued and allotted three ordinary shares in the capital of the Company for every one ordinary share they 
previously held in Micro Focus International Limited. This increase in share capital created a merger reserve deficit of $27.1m. 

 In January 2012 a Return of Value was made to all shareholders amounting to $129.0m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $0.6m. As a result  
of this a capital redemption reserve was created following the redemption of the B shares. In November 2012 a further Return of Value was made to all shareholders 
amounting to $128.8m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $2.4m. A further $47,079,000 was added to the capital redemption reserve following 
the redemption of the B shares (see note 24).

98

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance27 Cash generated from operations

Profit after tax
Adjustments for:
Net interest
Taxation
Depreciation
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Amortization of intangibles
Share based compensation charges
Exchange movements
Provisions
Changes in working capital:
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Payables and other non-current liabilities

Cash generated from operating activities

28 Employees and directors

Staff costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs (note 29)
Cost of employee share schemes (note 28)

Total

Average monthly number of people
(including executive directors) employed by the Group:
Sales and distribution
Research and development
General and administration

Total

Key management compensation
Short-term employee benefits
Share based payments

Total

Notes

2014
$’000

Restated
2013 
$’000

122,082

121,777

5
6
11

10
28

7,879
25,759
3,846
123
38,047
12,837
712
1,699

11
(13,175)
6,955

7,894
29,767
3,483
370
35,122
6,639
50
(780)

316
2,379
(14,577)

206,775

192,440

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

154,252
13,957
4,870
12,837

185,916

144,451
14,445
5,281
6,639

170,816

2014
number

2013
Number

672
321
226

666
316
224

1,219

1,206

2014
$’000

7,026
4,734

11,760

2013
$’000

5,751
3,012

8,763

The key management figures above include the executive management team and directors. There are no post employment benefits.  
Directors’ remuneration is shown overleaf.

99

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

28 Employees and directors continued
This is the share based payment charge arising under IFRS 2 ‘Share based Payment’.

Directors
Aggregate emoluments
Aggregate gains made on the exercise of share options
Company contributions to money purchase pension scheme

Total

2014
$’000

2,155
14,035
136

16,326

2013
$’000

2,045
–
119

2,164

For further information on the directors of the Company please refer to the Directors Remuneration report on pages 38 to 57.

Share based payments
The Group has various equity-settled share based compensation plans details of which are provided below.

Incentive Plan 2005
On 27 April 2005 the remuneration committee approved the rules of the Incentive Plan 2005 (‘LTIP’) which permits the granting of share options 
to executive directors and senior management. The total number of options they receive is determined by the performance criteria set by the 
remuneration committee over a three year performance period. Prior to 18 April 2011 performance conditions required that cumulative EPS 
growth over a three year vesting period is at least equal to RPI plus 11% (at which point 25% of awards will vest), 60% of shares will vest for 
cumulative EPS growth of RPI plus 13% and for full vesting the cumulative EPS growth will be required to be RPI plus 15% per annum. Straight-
line vesting will apply between these points. Awards granted on or after 18 April 2011 are subject to either Absolute Shareholder Returns (‘ASR’) 
over a three year period, cumulative EPS growth or a combination of both. Where the cumulative EPS growth over a three year period is at least 
equal to RPI plus 3% per annum 25% of awards will vest, with full vesting is achieved when the cumulative EPS growth is RPI plus 9% per 
annum. Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. Where the award is subject to ASR, the resulting level of vesting will be reduced  
by 25% if the ASR is below 150 pence or increased by 50% if ASR is 300 pence or more. Further details are provided in the remuneration 
committee report.

For 652,000 options granted during the year ended 30 April 2011 to Kevin Loosemore, the performance condition provides for awards to  
vest by reference to the percentage increase in the Company’s total shareholder return over the performance period. The level of vesting is  
the percentage increase and is not capped. As explained in the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 50 and 51 the total award  
on vesting was 1,295,328 shares.

Outstanding at 1 May
Increase for performance
Exercised
Forfeited
Granted

Outstanding at 30 April

Exercisable at 30 April

2014

2013

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

122p
–
145p
35p
7p

63p

245p

Options

5,218,900
643,328
(2,657,333)
(186,695)
920,139

3,938,339

915,004

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

176p 
–
260p
167p
6p

122p

269p

Options

5,365,663
–
(793,230)
(652,086)
1,298,553

5,218,900

806,700

The weighted average share price in the year for options on the date of exercise was 760 pence (2013: 629 pence).

100

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance28 Employees and directors continued
The amount charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of the scheme was $8.1m (2013: $4.6m). In addition to 
this $4.2m (2013: $1.6m) was charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of national insurance on share options.

Range of exercise prices

£0.10 or less
£0.11 – £1.00
£1.01 – £2.00
£2.01 – £3.00
£3.01 – £4.00
More than £4.00

Weighted
average
exercise
price
(pence)

4
12
116
247
362
402

63

2014

Number
of
shares
(‘000)

2,213
983
38
332
175
197

3,938

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

Weighted
average
exercise
price
(pence)

7.8
8.8
1.6
4.0
5.3
6.2

7.5

4
11
116
262
341
405

122

2013

Number
of
shares
(‘000)

2,590
686
39
817
634
453

5,219

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

8.3
9.1
2.2
5.8
7.0
7.2

7.7

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model was £7.40 (2013: £4.67). 
The significant inputs into the model were weighted average share price of £7.22 (2013: £5.47) at the grant date, exercise price shown above, 
expected volatility of 43.6% (2013: 47.9%), expected dividend yield of 4.10% (2013: 4.78%), an expected option life of three years and an annual 
risk-free interest rate of 2.20% (2013: 1.67%). The volatility measured at the standard deviation of continuously compounded share returns is 
based on statistical daily share prices over the last three years. 

Sharesave and Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2006
In August 2006, the Company introduced the Micro Focus Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2006 and the Micro Focus Sharesave Plan 2006, 
approved by members on 25 July 2006. The Group operates several plans throughout the world but the two main plans are the Sharesave Plan 
(‘Sharesave’) primarily for UK employees, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (‘ESPP’) for employees in the USA and Canada. The Sharesave 
and ESPP provide for an annual award of options at a discount to the market price and are open to all eligible Group employees. Further 
Sharesave and ESPP grants were made during the year to 30 April 2014.

Sharesave

Outstanding at 1 May
Exercised
Forfeited
Granted

Outstanding at 30 April

Exercisable at 30 April

2014

2013

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

300p
306p
321p
596p

364p

323p

Options

523,906
(69,967)
(44,443)
117,914

527,410

2,783

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

277p 
312p
298p
387p

300p

377p

Options

659,286
(131,554)
(203,671)
199,845

523,906

5,292

101

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

28 Employees and directors continued

Date of grant

17 February 2011
1 June 2011
1 September 2011
19 September 2011
14 February 2012
1 October 2012
1 April 2013
1 October 2013
21 November 2013
5 February 2014

Exercise price
per share
pence

323.2p
248.8p
218.4p
218.4p
337.2p
428.0p
481.6p
598.4p
649.6p
612.0p

Exercise period

1 April 2014 – 30 September 2014
1 June 2014 – 30 November 2014
1 October 2014 – 31 March 2015
1 October 2014 – 31 March 2015
1 April 2015 – 30 September 2015
1 October 2015 – 31 March 2016
1 April 2016 – 30 September 2016
1 October 2016 – 1 April 2017
1 January 2017 – 1 July 2017
1 May 2017 – 1 November 2017

Options

2,783
27,652
158,186
79,545
26,816
53,206
67,445
56,747
4,368
50,662

527,410

2014

2013

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

426p 
274p
335p
644p

528p

–

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

328p 
295p
344p
524p

426p

274p

Options

200,449
(37,443)
(109,296)
58,365

112,075

33,926

Exercise period

1 October 2014 – 31 March 2015
1 October 2014 – 31 December 2014
1 April 2015 – 30 June 2015
1 October 2015 – 31 December 2015

Options

112,075
(13,272)
(31,481)
17,020

84,342

–

Exercise price
per share
pence

401.5p
500.2p
582.7p
644.3p

Options

21,976
20,728
24,618
17,020

84,342

Date of grant

23 March 2012
1 October 2012
1 April 2013
1 October 2013

ESPP

At 1 May
Exercised
Forfeited
Granted

Outstanding at 30 April

Exercisable at 30 April

The amount charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of the Sharesave and ESPP schemes was $0.4m  
(2013: $0.2m).

The weighted average fair value of options granted in the Sharesave and ESPP schemes during the year determined using the Black-Scholes 
valuation model was £3.62 (2013: £1.79). The significant inputs into the model were weighted average share price of £7.67 (2013: £5.51) at  
the grant date, exercise price shown above, expected volatility of 43.60% (2013: 47.9%), expected dividend yield of 4.10% (2013: 4.78%), an 
expected option life of two or three years and an annual risk-free interest rate of 2.20% (2013: 1.67%). The volatility measured at the standard 
deviation of continuously compounded share returns is based on statistical daily share prices over the last three years.

102

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance29 Pension commitments
The Group has established a number of pension schemes around the world covering many of its employees. The principal funds are those in the 
US, the UK and Germany. These are funded schemes of the defined contribution type. Outside of these territories, the schemes are also of the 
defined contribution type, except for France and Japan which is a defined benefit scheme, but which has few members and therefore is not 
significant to the Group.

Pension costs for defined contributions schemes are as follows:

Defined contribution schemes

2014
$’000

4,870

2013
$’000

5,281

30 Operating lease commitments – minimum lease payments
At 30 April 2014 the Group has a number of lease agreements in respect of properties, vehicles, plant and equipment, for which the payments 
extend over a number of years.

Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases:
Within one year
Between one and five years
Beyond five years

Total

2014
$’000

2013
$’000

8,560
13,008
1,272

22,840

3,754
16,343
6,993

27,090

The Group leases various offices under non-cancellable operating lease agreements that are included in the table. The leases have various terms, 
escalation clauses and renewal rights.

31 Contingent liabilities
The Group had contingent liabilities of $69,026 at 30 April 2014 (2013: $96,242).

The Company and various of its subsidiaries are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of 
business. The directors do not anticipate that the outcome of these proceedings, actions and claims, either individually or in aggregate, will have 
a material adverse effect upon the Group’s financial position.

32 Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation. The remuneration of key management 
personnel of the Group (which is defined as members of the Executive Committee) including executive directors is set out in note 28.

33 Business combinations
Summary of acquisitions in the year ended 30 April 2014

SoforTe GmbH
OpenFusion CORBA assets from PrismTech Group Limited
AccuRev Inc.

Carrying 
value at
 acquisition
$’000

(133)
(992)
(563)

Fair value
$’000

3,576
2,622
7,629

(1,688)

13,827

Goodwill
$’000

3,002
5,562
14,596

23,160

Consideration
 – cash
$’000

Consideration
 – contingent
$’000

Consideration
 – total
$’000

6,578
6,392
22,225

35,195

–
1,792
–

1,792

6,578
8,184
22,225

36,987

Acquisition of Iona division of Progress Software Corporation
On 15 February 2013, the Group acquired from Progress Software Corporation, the CORBA related assets and liabilities of its Iona division  
for $15.6m, inclusive of $0.6m of acquisition related costs. The division had three product lines: Orbix, Orbacus and Artix. The acquisition costs 
of $0.6m have been expensed through administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The consideration of 
$15.0m was paid in full on completion.

A fair value review was carried out on the assets and liabilities of the acquired business, resulting in the identification of intangible assets.

103

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

33 Business combinations continued
Details of the net liabilities acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Provisions
Deferred income

Net (liabilities)/assets 
Goodwill (note 9)

Consideration

Consideration satisfied by:

Cash

Carrying value 
at acquisition 
$’000

–
3
3,782
(3,750)
(5,904)

(5,869)

Initial fair 
value
$’000

11,185
–
2,852
(3,750)
(5,608)

4,679
10,321

15,000

Hindsight 
period 
adjustments
$’000

–
–
248
–
(609)

(361)
361

–

Fair value
$’000

11,185
–
3,100
(3,750)
(6,217)

4,318 
10,682

15,000

15,000

The hindsight period adjustments above relate to amendments to trade receivables and deferred income. Trade receivables adjustments relate  
to bad debt provision changes and additional trade receivables identified. The deferred income adjustment relates to invoices recorded as 
pre-acquisition now identified as relating to future periods.

Acquisition of SoforTe GmbH
On 9 October 2013, the Group acquired SoforTe GmbH for $6.9m, inclusive of $0.3m of acquisition related costs. The acquisition costs of  
$0.3m were expensed through administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The consideration of $6.6m 
was paid in full on completion.

A fair value review was carried out on the assets and liabilities of the acquired business, resulting in the identification of intangible assets.

Details of the net liabilities acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liability

Net (liabilities)/assets 
Goodwill (note 9)

Consideration

Consideration satisfied by:

Cash

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition can be analyzed as follows:

Developed technology (note 10)

104

Carrying value 
at acquisition
$’000

Fair value
$’000

206
17
48
(404)
–

(133)

3,942
17
2
(10)
(375)

3,576 
3,002

6,578

6,578

Fair value
$’000

3,942

3,942

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance33 Business combinations continued
The value of the goodwill represents the value of the assembled workforce at the time of the acquisition with specific knowledge and technical 
skills. It also represents the prospective future economic benefits that are expected to accrue from enhancing the portfolio of products available 
to the Company’s existing customer base with those of the acquired business. This acquisition strengthens the Group’s capabilities in the MS 
marketplace and complements our existing Enterprise Developer products well.

The Group has used acquisition accounting for the purchase and the goodwill arising on consolidation of $3.0m has been capitalized. If certain 
revenue targets are achieved then a maximum of Euro 0.6m can be paid as contingent consideration to the previous shareholder of the SoforTe 
GmbH business. Any earnout bonuses have been expensed through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

From the date of acquisition to 30 April 2014, the acquisition has contributed $0.2m to revenue and $1.5m loss to Adjusted EBITDA.

The estimated results of the above acquisition if it had been made at the beginning of the accounting period to 30 April 2014 would have been 
as follows:

Continuing

Revenue
Loss for the period
Adjusted EBITDA

$m

0.4
(2.2)
(1.7)

The above figures are based on information provided to Micro Focus by SoforTe GmbH and the results since acquisition. 

On 1 March 2014 the entity was merged with Micro Focus GmbH. 

Acquisition of OpenFusion CORBA assets from PrismTech Group Limited
On 29 November 2013, the Group acquired from PrismTech Group Limited, the OpenFusion CORBA related assets for an initial consideration  
of £4.18m (equivalent to $6.4m) with up to £1.12m (equivalent to $1.8m) of contingent consideration. The initial consideration of £4.18m 
(equivalent to $6.4m) was satisfied in cash using Micro Focus’ existing banking facilities. The acquisition costs incurred of $0.3m were  
expensed through administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

A fair value review was carried out on the assets and liabilities of the acquired business, resulting in the identification of intangible assets.

Details of the net liabilities acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Intangible assets
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Deferred income

Net (liabilities)/assets 
Goodwill (note 9)

Consideration

Consideration satisfied by:
Cash
Contingent consideration

Carrying value 
at acquisition
$’000

Fair value
$’000

–
3
(151)
(844)

(992)

4,351
–
(108)
(1,621)

2,622 
5,562

8,184

6,392
1,792

8,184

105

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

33 Business combinations continued
The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition can be analyzed as follows:

Developed technology (note 10)
Customer relationships (note 10)

Fair value
$’000

479
3,872

4,351

The value of the goodwill represents the value of the assembled workforce at the time of the acquisition with specific knowledge and technical 
skills. It also represents the prospective future economic benefits that are expected to accrue from enhancing the portfolio of products available 
to the Company’s existing customer base with those of the acquired business. This acquisition strengthens the Group’s capabilities in the CORBA 
software marketplace and complements existing products well.

The Group has used acquisition accounting for the purchase and the goodwill arising on consolidation of $5.6m has been capitalized. If certain 
revenue targets are achieved then a maximum of £1.12m (equivalent of $1.8m) can be paid as contingent consideration to PrismTech Group 
Limited. Any retention bonuses have been expensed through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

From the date of acquisition to 30 April 2014, the acquisition contributed $1.1m to revenue and $0.3m profit to Adjusted EBITDA.

The estimated results of the above acquisition if it had been made at the beginning of the accounting period to 30 April 2014 would have been 
as follows:

Continuing

Revenue
Profit for the period
Adjusted EBITDA

$m

2.7
1.0
1.4

The above figures are based on information provided to Micro Focus by PrismTech Group Limited and the results since acquisition. 

Acquisition of AccuRev Inc. 
On 30 November 2013, the Group signed a merger agreement for the acquisition of the application life cycle solutions company AccuRev Inc.,  
a US company based in Concord, Massachusetts for an initial consideration of $21.5m, exclusive of $0.8m of acquisition related costs. This was 
settled on completion of the acquisition on 31 December 2013, using Micro Focus’ existing banking facilities. Further consideration of $0.7m 
was paid following acquisition. The acquisition costs of $0.8m have been expensed through administrative expenses in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

A fair value review was carried out on the assets and liabilities of the acquired business, resulting in the identification of intangible assets.

106

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance33 Business combinations continued
Details of the net liabilities acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Cash
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Deferred income
Deferred tax liability

Net (liabilities)/assets 
Goodwill (note 9)

Consideration

Consideration satisfied by:

Cash

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition can be analyzed as follows:

Developed technology (note 10)
Customer relationships (note 10)

Carrying value 
at acquisition
$’000

–
208
3,261
1,520
(530)
(5,022)
–

(563)

Fair value
$’000

9,826
154
3,261
1,441
(701)
(4,775)
(1,577)

7,629 
14,596

22,225

22,225

Fair value
$’000

2,340
7,486

9,826

The value of the goodwill represents the value of the assembled workforce at the time of the acquisition with specific knowledge and technical 
skills. It also represents the prospective future economic benefits that are expected to accrue from enhancing the portfolio of products available 
to the Company’s existing customer base with those of the acquired business. The combination of AccuRev Inc.’s strong product portfolio and 
employees’ skills with our existing Borland suite of products and people and skills will strengthen the Group’s capabilities in this software  
testing market. 

The Group has used acquisition accounting for the purchase and the goodwill arising on consolidation of $14.6m has been capitalized.  
Any retention bonuses have been expensed through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

From the date of acquisition to 30 April 2014, the acquisition contributed $4.9m to revenue and $1.1m loss to Adjusted EBITDA.

The estimated results of the above acquisition if it had been made at the beginning of the accounting period to 30 April 2014 would have  
been as follows:

Continuing

Revenue
Loss for the period
Adjusted EBITDA

The above figures are based on information provided to Micro Focus by AccuRev Inc. and the results since acquisition. 

$m

11.9
(2.7)
(2.3)

107

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

34 Restatement of comparative figures for the years ended 30 April 2012 and 30 April 2013
On 29 October 2013, Group management was made aware by our Country General Manager in India of a claim by a partner in India that in  
July 2012 the partner entered into a transaction with what the partner believed to be a genuine customer introduced to them by a Micro Focus 
sales representative for the sale of Micro Focus software. The partner’s invoice for the sale had been due to be settled in December 2012 but as 
at 29 October 2013 was still outstanding. Micro Focus had no record of the end user transaction nor of the involvement of the partner in the 
transaction and the Country General Manager was not contacted by the partner until October 2013.

Group management immediately appointed KPMG, the Group’s Internal Auditors, to conduct an investigation into all sales in India within  
the current and the preceding two financial years and suspended the Micro Focus sales representative whilst the investigation took place.  
The investigation revealed further transactions initiated by the sales representative for which Micro Focus had received payment either directly  
or indirectly from the partner network in India for which no end user contract existed. The total amount of revenue impacted by the actions  
of the sales representative was $3.1m and covered a period dating back to October 2011. $2.5m relates to periods prior to 30 April 2013 and 
$0.6m impacts the current period. Micro Focus had received cash payments for $2.5m of these transactions. The current period Adjusted 
EBITDA is adversely impacted by $1.5m being the $0.6m of revenue and $0.9m of costs. 

Considering the current year revenue guidance provided by Micro Focus to the market, the cumulative impact on the current period revenue  
of reversing the misstatement would have had a material qualitative impact on the relative revenue performance. Consequently, the directors 
have decided to restate the prior period reported and CCY revenues to reflect the period in which the original transactions took place. 

The impact on the reported revenues is as follows:

12 months to 
30 April 2013
$’000

6 months to 
30 April 2013
$’000

6 months to 
31 October 2012
$’000

12 months to 
30 April 2012
$’000

6 months to 
30 April 2012
$’000

6 months to 
31 October 2011
$’000

168,549
229,691
15,749

413,989

83,228
116,248
7,208

206,684

85,321
113,443
8,541

207,305

176,572
230,903
27,363

434,838

89,027
113,957
12,752

215,736

87,545
116,946
14,611

219,102

(1,619)
(203)

(1,822)

(1,037)
(118)

(1,155)

(582)
(85)

(667)

(674)
(72)

(746)

–
(71)

(71)

(674)
(1)

(675)

166,930
229,488
15,749

412,167

82,191
116,130
7,208

205,529

84,739
113,358
8,541

206,638

175,898
230,831
27,363

434,092

89,027
113,886
12,752

215,665

86,871
116,945
14,611

218,427

Total revenue – as reported

Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

Adjustment for India
Licence
Maintenance

Total adjustment

Total revenue – as restated
Licence
Maintenance
Consultancy

108

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance34 Restatement of comparative figures for the years ended 30 April 2012 and 30 April 2013 continued
The impact on the reported results for the Group, including tax, is as follows:

12 months to 
30 April 2013 
$’000

6 months to 
30 April 2013 
$’000

6 months to 
31 October 2012 
$’000

12 months to 
30 April 2012 
$’000

6 months to 
30 April 2012 
$’000

6 months to 
31 October 2011 
$’000

Profit after tax – reported

123,164

62,506

60,658

120,620

58,207

62,413

Revenue adjustment
Corporation tax adjustment

Total prior period adjustments

Profit after tax – restated

(1,822)
435

(1,387)

(1,155)
276

(879)

(667)
159

(508)

(746)
192

(554)

(71)
18

(53)

(675)
174

(501)

121,777

61,627

60,150

120,066

58,154

61,912

The impact on the earnings per share for the Group is as follows:

Basic
Diluted

Adjusted
Adjusted diluted

12 months to 
30 April 2013
as reported
cents

12 months to 
30 April 2013
adjustment
cents

12 months to 
30 April 2013
restated
cents

6 months to 
31 October 2012
as reported
cents

6 months to 
31 October 2012
adjustment
cents

6 months to 
31 October 2012
restated
cents

78.72
76.09

88.69
85.73

(0.89)
(0.86)

(0.88)
(0.86)

77.83
75.23

87.81
84.87

36.97
35.60

41.58
40.04

(0.31)
(0.29)

(0.31)
(0.30)

36.66
35.31

41.27
39.74

The impact on the consolidated statement of financial position for the Group is as follows:

Net assets – reported

Increase in trade and other payables
Reduction in current tax liability

Total prior period adjustments

Net assets – restated

As at 
30 April 2013
$’000

As at 
31 October 2012 
$’000

As at 
30 April 2012
$’000

As at 
31 October 2011
$’000

59,757

9,489

117,546

200,043

(2,568)
627

(1,941)

57,816

(1,413)
351

(1,062)

8,427

(746)
192

(554)

(675)
174

(501)

116,992

199,542

In addition to the above, the consolidated statement of cash flow has been restated for the year ended 30 April 2013 to reflect the exclusion of 
prepayment releases from bank loan costs incurred in the period. The effect is to reduce bank loan costs and increase the inflow from trade and 
other receivables (30 April 2013: $2,021,000).

The consolidated statement of changes in equity has been restated for the year ended 30 April 2013 to correct an error in the classification of 
equity reserves between the share premium account and retained earnings as previously reported of $2,560,000.

The restatement for the impact of the misstatement of revenue caused by invalid orders within our sales channel network in India of $2,006,000 
and the reclassification within equity reserves of $2,560,000 gives rise to a total restatement in equity reserves of $554,000.

109

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

35 Principal subsidiaries
Details of principal subsidiaries are provided below.

Company name

Micro Focus Group Limited
Micro Focus AS
Micro Focus (Canada) Limited
Micro Focus GmbH
Micro Focus Holdings Limited
Micro Focus India Private Limited
Micro Focus (IP) Limited
Micro Focus Israel Limited
Micro Focus IP Development Limited
Micro Focus KK
Micro Focus Limited
Micro Focus NV
Micro Focus NV
Micro Focus Pte Limited
Micro Focus Pty Limited
Micro Focus APM Solutions EOOD
Micro Focus SAS
Micro Focus SL
Micro Focus Srl
Micro Focus (US) Inc.
Micro Focus (US) Group Inc.
Micro Focus (US) Holdings
AccuRev Inc.
SoforTe GmbH
Borland BV
Borland Co. Limited
Borland Entwicklung GmbH
Borland France Sarl
Borland GmbH
Borland Latin America Ltda
Borland Software Corporation
Borland Srl
Borland (UK) Limited

Country of 
incorporation

UK
Norway
Canada
Germany
UK
India
UK
Israel
UK
Japan
UK
Belgium
Netherlands
Singapore
Australia
Bulgaria
France
Spain
Italy
USA
USA
UK
USA
Germany
Netherlands
Japan
Austria
France
Germany
Brazil
USA
Italy
UK

Principal activities

Holding company
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Holding company
Sale and support of software
Holding company
Development and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Holding company, development, sale and support of software
Holding company
Holding company
Sale and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software

These companies operate principally in the country in which they are incorporated.

110

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceIndependent auditors’ report to the members  
of Micro Focus International plc

Report on the Company financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion the financial statements, defined below:

 – give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as  

at 30 April 2014;

 – have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

 – have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of  

the Companies Act 2006.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the 
remainder of this report.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information  
in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the 
audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements  
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies  
Act 2006
In our opinion:

 – 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; and

What we have audited
The Company financial statements (the ‘financial statements’),  
which are prepared by Micro Focus International plc, comprise:

 – the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited  

has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies  
Act 2006.

 – the Company balance sheet as at 30 April 2014; and

 – the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of 
significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In applying the financial reporting framework, the directors have  
made a number of subjective judgements, for example on significant 
accounting estimates. In making such judgements, they have made 
assumptions and considered future events. 

Other matters on which we are required to report  
by exception
Adequacy of accounting records and information and 
explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

 – we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 
branches not visited by us; or

Certain disclosures required by the financial reporting framework have 
been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report and Accounts (‘the 
Annual Report’), rather than in the notes to the financial statements. 
These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are 
identified as audited.

 – the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 

Remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with  
the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 
by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from  
this responsibility. 

What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards  
on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’). An audit involves 
obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by 
fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 

 – whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the  

Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied  
and adequately disclosed; 

 – the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made  

by the directors; and 

 – the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

111

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationIndependent auditors’ report to the members  
of Micro Focus International plc
continued

Other information in the Annual Report
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

 – materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial 

statements; or

 – apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, our knowledge of the Company acquired in the course of 
performing our audit; or

 – is otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
set out on page 62, the directors are responsible for the preparation  
of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do 
not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or 
into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our 
prior consent in writing.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of 
Micro Focus International plc for the year ended 30 April 2014.

Andrew Paynter (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
18 June 2014

112

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceCompany balance sheet
as at 30 April 2014

Fixed assets
Investments

Current assets
Deferred tax assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss account
Other reserves

Total shareholders’ funds

Note

V

VI

VII

VIII
X
XI
XI

2014
$’000

65,923

65,923

1,160
347,545
517

349,222
28,160

321,062

386,985

37,802
14,546
230,654
103,983

386,985

2013
$’000

6,337

6,337

1,221
552,989
392

554,602
10,449

544,153

550,490

37,797
13,523
395,187
103,983

550,490

The Company financial statements on pages 113 to 119 were approved by the board of directors on 18 June 2014 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

Kevin Loosemore 
Executive Chairman 

Mike Phillips
Chief Financial Officer

Registered number: 5134647

113

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Notes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014

I Summary of significant accounting policies
The basis of preparation and the principal accounting policies adopted 
in the preparation of the financial information are set out below.

A Basis of preparation
The Company financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis under the historical cost convention and in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006 and all applicable UK accounting 
standards. The principal accounting policies have been applied 
consistently throughout the year.

F Employee benefit costs
a) Pension obligations
The Company operates a defined contribution plan for which it pays 
contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance 
plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Company 
has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been 
paid. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense 
when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset  
to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments 
is available.

B Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the Company is US Dollars. Foreign currency 
transactions are translated into the functional currency using the 
exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign 
exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such 
transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of 
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
recognized in the profit and loss account.

C Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are held at cost less any accumulated 
impairment losses.

D Called up share capital, share premium and dividend 
distribution
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly 
attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity 
as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognized as  
a liability in the Company’s financial statements in the period in which 
the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders. Interim 
dividends are recognized when declared.

E Taxation
Corporation tax is payable on taxable profits at amounts expected  
to be paid, or recovered, under the tax rates and laws that have  
been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognized to take account of timing differences 
between the treatment of transactions for financial reporting purposes 
and their treatment for tax purposes. A deferred tax asset is only 
recognized when it is regarded as more likely than not that there  
will be a suitable taxable profit from which the future reversal of  
the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to 
apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to 
reverse based on the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is 
measured on a non-discounted basis. 

b) Share based compensation
The Company operated various equity-settled, share based 
compensation plans during the year.

No expense is recognized in respect of share options granted before  
7 November 2002 and vested before 1 January 2005. For shares  
or share options granted after 7 November 2002 and vested after  
1 January 2005 the fair value of the employee services received in 
exchange for the grant of the shares or options is recognized as an 
expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period  
is determined by reference to the fair value of the shares or options 
granted. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions 
about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. 
At each balance sheet date, the Company revises its estimates of  
the number of options that are expected to become exercisable.  
It recognizes the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any,  
in the profit and loss account, and a corresponding adjustment to 
equity over the remaining vesting period.

The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to  
the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Group is treated as  
a capital contribution. The fair value of employee services received, 
measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognized  
over the vesting period as an increase to investment in subsidiary 
undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity in the parent  
entity accounts.

The social security contributions payable in connection with the grant 
of the share options is considered an integral part of the grant itself, 
and the charge is treated as a cash-settled transaction.

The shares are recognized when the options are exercised and the 
proceeds received allocated between called up share capital and  
share premium account.

G Financial instruments
The accounting policy of the Company for financial instruments  
is the same as that shown in the Group accounting policies. This  
policy is in accordance with FRS 26, ‘Financial Instruments Recognition 
and Measurement’.

114

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceII Profit and recognized gains and losses of attributable to the Company
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate profit and loss account is presented in respect of the Company. The 
Company has also taken advantage of legal dispensation contained in S408 of the Companies Act 2006 allowing it not to publish a separate 
statement of total recognized gains and losses.

The profit for the financial year before dividends for the Company was $42.2m (2013: loss of $9.1m).

Audit fees for the Company of $173,000 (2013: $130,000) are borne by another company in the Group.

III Employees and directors
Staff costs for the Company during the year.

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Cost of employee share schemes

Total

2014
$’000

3,498
616
67
3,383

7,564

2013
$’000

3,788
578
40
3,366

7,772

The average monthly number of employees of the Company, including remunerated directors, during the year was six (2013: six). For further 
information on the directors of the Company please refer to the remuneration report on pages 38 to 57.

Share based payments
The Company has various equity-settled share based compensation plans, details of which are provided below. The only employees of the 
Company are the directors and the interests of the executive directors in share options are as below.

Incentive Plan 2005
On 27 April 2005 the remuneration committee approved the rules of the Incentive Plan 2005 (‘LTIP’) which permits the granting of share  
options to executive directors and senior management. The total number of options they receive is determined by the performance criteria set 
by the remuneration committee over a three year performance period. Prior to 18 April 2011 performance conditions required that cumulative 
EPS growth over a three year vesting period is at least equal to RPI plus 11% (at which point 25% of awards will vest), 60% of shares will vest  
for cumulative EPS growth of RPI plus 13% and for full vesting the cumulative EPS growth will be required to be RPI plus 15% per annum. 
Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. Awards granted on or after 18 April 2011 are subject to either Absolute Shareholder 
Returns (‘ASR’) over a three year period, cumulative EPS growth or a combination of both. Where the cumulative EPS growth over a three  
year period is at least equal to RPI plus 3% per annum 25% of awards will vest, with full vesting is achieved when the cumulative EPS growth  
is RPI plus 9% per annum. Straight-line vesting will apply between these points. Where the award is subject to ASR the resulting level of vesting 
will be reduced by 25% if the ASR is below 150 pence or increased by 50% if ASR is 300 pence or more. Further details are provided in the 
remuneration committee report on pages 38 to 57. 

For 652,000 options granted during the year ended 30 April 2011 to Kevin Loosemore, the performance condition provides for awards to  
vest by reference to the percentage increase in the Company’s total shareholder return over the performance period. The level of vesting is  
the percentage increase and is not capped. As explained in the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 50 and 51 the total award  
on vesting was 1,295,328 shares.

115

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

III Employees and directors continued

At 1 May
Increase in performance
Exercised
Forfeited
Granted

Outstanding at 30 April

Exercisable at 30 April

2014

2013

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

Options

91p
–
84p
–
–

–

–

1,521,727

115p 

–
(213,333)
337,452

1,645,846

–

–
117p
–

91p

–

Options

1,645,846
643,328
(1,799,786)
–
206,091

695,479

–

The weighted average share price in the year for options on the date of exercise was 787 pence (2013: $nil).

The amount charged to the profit and loss account in respect of the scheme was $2.6m (2013: $2.0m). In addition to this $1.9m (2013: $1.3m) 
was charged to the profit and loss account in respect of national insurance on these options.

Range of exercise prices

£0.10 or less
£2.01 – £3.00
£3.01 – £4.00

Weighted
average
exercise
price
(pence)

8p
–
–

8p

2014

Number
of
shares
(‘000)

695
–
–

695

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

8.1
–
–

8.1

Weighted
average
exercise
price
(pence)

–
277p
317p

91p

2013

Number
of
shares
(‘000)

1,141
235
270

1,646

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

8.3
7.3
7.4

8.0

206,091 (2013: 337,452) options were granted in the year. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the prior year determined 
using the Black-Scholes valuation model was £6.08. The significant inputs into the model were weighted average share price of £6.88 at the 
grant date, exercise price shown above, volatility of 43.6%, dividend yield of 4.10%, an expected option life of three years and an annual 
risk-free interest rate of 2.20%. The volatility measured at the standard deviation of continuously compounded share returns is based on 
statistical daily share prices over the last three years.

IV Dividends
A final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 April 2013 of 28.1 cents per share was proposed and paid during the year ($43.1m in total).  
In addition, an interim dividend in respect of the year ended 30 April 2014 of 14.0 cents per share (2013: 11.9 cents per share) was proposed 
and paid $19.6m in total. The directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 April 2014 of 30.0 cents per share,  
which would reduce shareholders’ funds by approximately $41.9m. The proposed dividend is subject to approval at the forthcoming AGM.

V Fixed asset investments

Cost and net book value:
At 1 May 2013
Additions

At 30 April 2014

$’000

 6,337
59,586

65,923

The additions of $59.6m relate to capital contributions arising from share based payments of $5.4m (2013: $3.4m) as set out in note III and 
$54.2m relating to a share acquisition of Micro Focus Group Limited. 

At 30 April 2014, the Company held directly or indirectly 100% of the ordinary share capital of the following subsidiary undertakings which in 
the opinion of the directors principally affect the amount of profit or the amount of the assets of the Group. Only Micro Focus Group Limited  
is directly owned by the Company with all other subsidiaries being indirectly owned.

116

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceV Fixed asset investments continued

Company name

Micro Focus Group Limited
Micro Focus AS
Micro Focus (Canada) Limited
Micro Focus GmbH
Micro Focus Holdings Limited
Micro Focus India Private Limited
Micro Focus (IP) Limited
Micro Focus Israel Limited
Micro Focus IP Development Limited
Micro Focus KK
Micro Focus Limited
Micro Focus NV
Micro Focus NV
Micro Focus Pte Limited
Micro Focus Pty Limited
Micro Focus APM Solutions EOOD
Micro Focus SAS
Micro Focus SL
Micro Focus Srl
Micro Focus (US) Inc.
Micro Focus (US) Group Inc.
Micro Focus (US) Holdings
AccuRev Inc.
SoforTe GmbH
Borland BV
Borland Co. Limited
Borland Entwicklung GmbH
Borland France Sarl
Borland GmbH
Borland Latin America Ltda
Borland Software Corporation
Borland Srl
Borland (UK) Limited

Country of 
incorporation

UK
Norway
Canada
Germany
UK
India
UK
Israel
UK
Japan
UK
Belgium
Netherlands
Singapore
Australia
Bulgaria
France
Spain
Italy
USA
USA
UK
USA
Germany
Netherlands
Japan
Austria
France
Germany
Brazil
USA
Italy
UK

Principal activities

Holding company
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Holding company
Sale and support of software
Holding company
Development and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Holding company, development, sale and support of software
Holding company
Holding company
Sale and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Development, sale and support of software
Sale and support of software
Sale and support of software

These companies operate principally in the country in which they are incorporated. Our subsidiaries in Brazil, Bulgaria and SoforTe GmbH have  
a financial year end of 31 December. Our subsidiaries in India have an accounting year end of 31 March. These are due to historic reasons and 
were their year end on acquisition.

The directors believe that the carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets.

The directors consider that the above shows the principal subsidiaries but that to give full particulars of all subsidiary undertakings would  
lead to a statement of excessive length. A full list of subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates at 30 April 2014 will be annexed  
to the Company’s next annual return.

VI Debtors

Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments

Total

The amounts owed by Group undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 

2014
$’000

346,464
995
86

347,545

2013
$’000

552,871
14
104

552,989

117

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationNotes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2014 
continued

VII Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Taxation and social security
Accruals

Total

2014
$’000

10,992
9,132
8,036

28,160

2013
$’000

7,143
108
3,198

10,449

The amounts owed to Group undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.

VIII Called up share capital

Allotted and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 12½ pence each
Ordinary shares of 1313/24 pence each

2014

2013

Number

$’000

Number

$’000

–
152,419,885

–
37,802

165,095,660
–

37,797
–

Further information on share capital is provided in notes 23 and 24 of the Group accounts.

During the year, no ordinary shares of 114/11 pence each (2013: 53,069) and 10,190 (2013: nil) ordinary shares of 12½ pence each and 15,985 
(2013: nil) ordinary shares of 1313/24 pence each were issued by the Company to settle exercised share options. The gross consideration received 
was $1.0m (2013: $0.7m).

IX Share buy-back
During the year ended 30 April 2012 the Company repurchased 12,298,791 10 pence ordinary shares (2011: 8,223,092) under an authority 
obtained from shareholders at the AGM held in September 2010, Distributable reserves were reduced by $62.5m in the year ended 30 April 
2012 (2011: $42.0m) being the consideration paid for these shares.

The Group obtained shareholder authority at the AGM held on 26 September 2013 to buy back up to 14.99% of its issued share capital, which 
remains outstanding until the conclusion of the AGM on 25 September 2014. Following the Return of Value and associated share consolidation 
this authority related to a maximum of 20,672,321 ordinary shares of 1313/24 pence per share. The minimum price which was to be paid for such 
shares was the nominal value of the ordinary shares, 1313/24 pence per share, and the maximum price payable was the higher of (i) 105 per cent  
of the average of the middle market quotations for an Ordinary Share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five 
business days immediately preceding the day on which the Company agrees to buy the shares concerned; and (ii) the higher of the price of the 
last independent trade of any Ordinary Share and the highest current bid for an Ordinary Share as stipulated by Article 5(1) of Commission 
Regulation (EC) 22 December 2003 implementing the Market Abuse Directive as regards exemptions for buy-back programmes and stabilization 
of financial instruments (2273/2003).

No shares have been bought back under the terms of this resolution.

At 30 April 2014 a total of 12,880,776 treasury shares were held (2013: 15,705,645).

X Share premium account

At 1 May 
Movement in relation to shares issued
Issue of B shares
Movement in share options
Sale of fractional shares

At 30 April 

118

2014
$’000

13,523
1,023
–
–
–

14,546

2013
$’000

58,751
2,793
(47,079)
(945)
3

13,523

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance 
XI Reserves and reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Balance as at 1 May 2012

Loss for the year
Dividends (see note IV)
Issue of share capital
Return of Value to shareholders (see note XIV)
Issue and redemption of B shares
Sale of fractional shares
Expenses and foreign exchange relating to Return of Value
Movement in relation to share options 
– Value of subsidiary employee services
– Value of services provided (see note III)
Deferred tax on share options

Total changes in shareholders’ funds

Balance as at 30 April 2013

Profit for the year
Dividends (see note IV)
Issue of share capital
Return of Value to shareholders (see Note XIV)
Expenses and foreign exchange relating to Return of Value
Prior year corporation tax
Movement in relation to share options 
– Value of subsidiary employee services
– Value of services provided (see note III)
Deferred tax on share options

Total changes in shareholders’ funds

Balance as at 30 April 2014

Called up 
share capital
$’000

Share premium
 account
$’000

Profit and 
loss account
$’000

37,787

58,751

585,450

–
–
2,793
–
(47,079)
3
–

–
(945)
–

(9,132)
(57,160)
(2,073)
(131,171)
–
–
1,902

3,891
3,366
114

–
–
10
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

10

Other 
reserves1
$’000

56,904

–
–
–
–
47,079
–
–

–
–
–

Total
$’000

738,892

(9,132)
(57,160)
730
(131,171)
–
3
1,902

3,891
2,421
114

(45,228)

(190,263)

47,079

(188,402)

37,797

13,523

395,187

103,983

550,490

–
–
5
–
–
–

–
–
–

5

–
–
1,023
–
–
–

–
–
–

42,242
(62,633)
(9,422)
(144,664)
3,934
(786)

2,880
3,383
533

1,023

(164,533)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

42,242
(62,633)
(8,394)
(144,664)
3,934
(786)

2,880
3,383
533

(163,505)

37,802

14,546

230,654

103,983

386,985

1 

 In January 2012 a Return of Value was made to all shareholders amounting to $129.0m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $0.6m. As a result  
of this a capital redemption reserve was created following the redemption of the B shares (see note 24). In November 2012 a further return of value was made to all 
shareholders amounting to $128.8m in cash after including a foreign exchange contract gain of $2.4m. A further $47,079,000 was added to the capital redemption 
reserve following the redemption of the B shares.

As at 30 April 2014 the value of distributable reserves was $230,657,000 (2013: $228,436,000).

XII Contingent liabilities
The Company has guaranteed certain contracts in the normal course of business and bank borrowings of its subsidiaries.

XIII Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under FRS 8, ‘Related Party Disclosures’ from, disclosing transactions with other members 
of the Group headed by Micro Focus International plc. There are no related party transactions or other external related parties.

XIV Return of Value to shareholders
During the year, the Group announced a Return of Value to shareholders of 60 pence per ordinary share amounting to $140.2m in cash after 
including a foreign exchange contract gain of $4.5m, by way of a D share scheme, which gave shareholders (other than certain overseas 
shareholders) a choice between receiving cash in the form of income or capital. The Return of Value was approved by shareholders on  
26 September 2013. The Return of Value was accompanied by a 12 for 13 share consolidation to maintain broad comparability of the  
share price and return per share of the ordinary shares before and after the creation of the D shares.

119

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional informationOffices Worldwide

Europe & Middle East
Austria – Linz (B)
Donau Centre 4-10
Linz 4040
Austria
T:  43 70 33 66 94 0

Belgium – Brussels – virtual office
EU Parliament
4th Floor
37 Square de Meeus
1000 Brussels
Belgium
T:  32 (0)2 791 77 11

Bulgaria – Sofia
76A James Bourchier Blvd
Lozenetz
Sofia 1407
Bulgaria
T:  359 2 987 7880

Denmark – Copenhagen
Suite 119 & 126
Lautruphoej 1-3
Ballerup 2750
Copenhagen 
Denmark
T:  45 44 20 99 67

France – Paris 
Micro Focus Sas 
Tour Atlantique 22E La Defense 9
1 Place De La Pyramide
92911 La Defense Cedex France
T:  33 (0)1 55 70 30 13

Germany – Ismaning
Frauenhofer Strasse 7
Ismaning D-85737
Germany
T:  011 49 89 42094 0

Germany – Hanau
Donaustrasse 16
Hanau D-63452
Germany
T:  49 0 6181 189 4771

120

Ireland – Dublin
Suite B, Whitaker Court
Sir John Rogerson’s Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
T:  353 1 906 2300

Israel – Haifa Office
Matam Advanced Technology Centre
Building 5/1
Haifa 31905
Israel
T:  972 4 855 1755

Italy – Milan (SRL)
Micro Focus, Via Enrico Cialdini 16
Milano, 20161
Italy 
T:  39 02 366 349 00

Italy – Rome
c/o Pick Center
P.zza Marconi 15
Roma 00144
Italy
T:  39 06 32 80 36 63

The Netherlands – Schiphol
Micro Focus N.V. 
World Trade Center Schiphol
Tower A, unit 3.07
Schiphol Boulevard 127
1118 BG Schiphol
The Netherlands
T:  31 20 700 55 31

Northern Ireland – Belfast (B)
Micro Focus House
2 East Bridge St 
Belfast BT1 3NQ
Northern Ireland
T:  44 (0) 28 9026 0000

Norway – Oslo
C. J. Hambros Plass 2C
1st Floor, City Ibsen 
Oslo 0164
Norway
T:  47 22 91 07 20

Portugal – Lisbon – virtual office
Cenro Empresarial Torres de Lisbon
Rue Tomas de Fonseca, Torre G
Lisbon, 1600-209
Portugal
T:  351 21 723 0726

Spain – Barcelona – virtual office
World Trade Center 
Muelle de Barcelona
Edifcio Sur – 2a Planta 
Muelle de barcelona
Barcelona 08039
Spain
T:  34 93 545 11 54

Spain – Madrid
Paseo de la Castellana 42; 5º
Madrid 28046
T:  34 91 781 5004

Sweden – Stockholm – virtual office
Master Samuelsgatan 60
8th Floor, Stockholm, 11121
Sweden
T:  46 08 5051 6540

Switzerland – Zürich – virtual office
Lindenstrasse 26
CH 8008
Zürich
Switzerland
T:  00 800 58102130

UK – Newbury Office – Distribution
Units 1 – 4
River Park Industrial Est
Ampere Road
Newbury 
Berkshire RG14 2DQ
United Kingdom
T:  44 (0)1635 233 100 

UK – Newbury Office
The Lawn
22-30 Old Bath Road
Newbury
Berkshire RG14 1QN
United Kingdom
T:  44 (0)1635 565 200

North America
US – Austin (B)
8310 North Capital of Texas Highway  
Building 2 Suite 100
Austin TX 78731
USA
T:  1 512 340 2200

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceUS – Rockville Office – MD
One Irvington Centre
700 King Farm Boulevard 
Suite 400
Rockville MD 20850
USA
T:  1 301 838 5000

US – Troy – MI
50 W. Big Beaver Road
Suite 500
Troy MI 48084
USA 
T:  1 248 824 1661

US – Santa Clara – CA
Micro Focus
3979 Freedom Circle
Suite 330
Santa Clara
CA 95054
USA
T:  1 408 961 9661

US – Costa Mesa – CA
575 Anton Blvd
Suite 510
Costa Mesa 
CA 92626
USA
T:  1 714 455 4400

US – Concord – MA
300 Baker Avenue
Suite 205
Concord MA
01742 2131
USA
T:  1978 341 5300

Rest of the World
Australia – Melbourne
Suite 1410
530 Little Collins Street
Melbourne 
Victoria 3000
Australia
T:  61 3 9526 2933

Australia – Sydney
Micro Focus
Level 13
67 Albert Avenue
Chatswood 
New South Wales 2067
Australia
T:  61 2 9904 6111

Australia – Canberra – virtual office
Level 11
St George Centre
60 Marcus Clarke Street
Canberra
ACT 2601
Australia
T:  61 2 6243 5137

Brazil – Sao Paulo (B)
Rua Joaquim Floriano
466-12 Andar
Office Corporate
Sao Paulo CEP 04534-002
Brazil
T:  5511 2165 8000

China – Beijing
17/F Ping An International Financial Center 
Tower B, No 3
Xin Yuan South Road
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100027
China
T:  (8610) 5829 1753

China – Hong Kong
Level 17
29 Queen’s Road  
Central
Hong Kong 
China
T:  852 3978 2337

China – Shanghai
20/F Mirae Asset Tower
166 Lujiazui Ring Road
Pudong 
Shanghai 200120
China

Chile – Santiago – virtual office
Rosario Norte 407
Piso 6
Las Condes
Santiago
Chile
T:  44 (0) 1584 487 103

India – Bangalore
Suite 406 & 407
Golden Square Prime Serviced Offices
Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites
Opposite Madiwala Police Station
Hosur Main Road
Bangalore – 560068
India
T:  91 80 4911 6685

India – New Delhi
1st Floor
Southern Park
Saket, New Delhi 110017
India
T:  91 11 3019 4400

India – Mumbai
Suite # 909, Level 9 
Block G, Plot C-59
Bandra-Kurla Complex, Platina
Mumbai – 400051
India
T:  91 22 3953 0500

Japan – Tokyo
Sumitomo Fudosan  
Roppongi-dori Bldg. 9F
7-18-18 Roppongi
Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0032 
Japan
T:  81 3 5413 4800

Korea – Seoul
Micro Focus
41/F Gangnam Finance Centre
737, Yeoksam-dong 
Gangnam-gu
Seoul – 135-984
Korea
T:  (822) 2008 4500

Mexico – virtual office
Insurgentes Sur No. 1898 P. 12
Col. Florida
C.P. 01020
Mexico, D.F.
T:  52 55 9171 1278

Singapore – Singapore (B1)
3 Harbour Front Place  
#13-01/04
Harbour Front Tower 2
Singapore 099254
T:  65 6510 4200

South Africa – Cape Town – virtual office
1st floor Convention Towers
Cnr. Heerengracht and Walter Sisulu Street
Foreshore
Cape Town 8001
South Africa
T:  44 (0) 7584 487 103

121

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Historical summary

Revenue ($m)
$433.1m
436.1

432.6

434.1

Adjusted earnings per share (c)
100.32c

Profit before tax ($m)
$147.8m

412.2

433.1

100.32

87.81

148.6

151.5

147.8

72.77

57.26

54.85

114.5

98.3

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12*

13*

14

Adjusted operating profit ($m)
$187.5m

Cash generated from  
continuing operations ($m)
$206.8m

Adjusted EBITDA ($m)
$192.0m

168.0

153.0

174.7

182.2

187.5

196.7

192.4

206.8

182.3

173.3

158.7

179.1

186.3

192.0

102.8

10

11

12*

13*

14

10

11

12

13

14

10

11

12*

13*

14

Summarized Group consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 April

Revenue

Operating profit

Profit before tax

Earnings per share
Basic (cents)
Diluted (cents)

Summarized Group consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 April

Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total equity

*  Financial years 2012 and 2013 have been restated (see note 34).

122

2014
$’000

433,058

155,720

147,841

84.75
82.35

2014
$’000

464,945
140,072
(569,565)
(51,703)

2013*
$’000

412,167

159,438

151,544

77.83
75.23

2013
$’000

437,596
130,583
(461,666)
(48,697)

(16,251)

57,816

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governance 
Key dates for 2014

Annual General Meeting 

Dividend payments
Final payable – year ended 30 April 2014 
Interim payable – period ended 31 October 2014 

Results announcements
Interim results – period ended 31 October 2014 
Final results – year ended 30 April 2015 

Managing your shares

25 September 2014

3 October 2014
January 2015

4 December 2014
25 June 2015

Share dealing services
Shareview Dealing is a telephone and internet service provided by 
Equiniti and provides a simple and convenient way of buying and 
selling Micro Focus International plc shares.

Shareholder enquiries
Equiniti maintain the register of members of the Company. If you  
have any queries concerning your shareholding, or if any of your  
details change, please contact the Registrars:

Log on to www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or call 0845 603 7037 
between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, for more  
information about this service and for details of the rates and charges.

A weekly postal dealing service is also available and a form  
together with terms and conditions can be obtained by calling  
0871 384 2734*. Commission is 1% with a minimum of £10.

ShareGift
ShareGift is a charity share donation scheme for shareholders, 
administered by The Orr Mackintosh Foundation. It is especially  
for those who may wish to dispose of a small number of shares  
whose value makes it uneconomical to sell on a commission basis. 
Further information can be obtained at www.sharegift.org.uk or  
from Equiniti.

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA

Telephone: 0871 384 2734*
Fax: 0871 384 2100*

Textphone for shareholders with hearing difficulties 0871 384 2255*

Equiniti also offer a range of shareholder information on-line at  
www.shareview.co.uk.

*  Calls to this number cost 8p per minute plus network extras.

123

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014Consolidated financial statements  and notesCompany financial statements  and notesAdditional information 
Company information

Directors
Kevin Loosemore  
(Executive Chairman)

Mike Phillips 
(Chief Financial Officer)

Stephen Murdoch
(Chief Operating Officer)

David Maloney  
(Senior independent non-executive 
director and Deputy Chairman)

Tom Skelton  
(Non-executive director)

Karen Slatford  
(Non-executive director)

Tom Virden  
(Non-executive director)

Richard Atkins
(Non-executive director)

Company Secretary,  
Registered and Head Office
Jane Smithard
The Lawn
22-30 Old Bath Road
Newbury
Berkshire RG14 1QN
United Kingdom

www.microfocus.com
Registered in England number 5134647 

Legal advisers
Travers Smith LLP 
10 Snow Hill  
London EC1A ZAL 
United Kingdom

Lawrence Graham LLP
4 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AU
United Kingdom

Independent auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
9 Greyfriars Road
Reading
Berkshire RG1 1JG
United Kingdom

Registrars
Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA
United Kingdom
www.shareview.co.uk

Brokers
Numis Securities Limited
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7LT
United Kingdom

124

Micro Focus International plc Annual Report and Accounts 2014OverviewStrategic reportCorporate governanceConsolidated financial statements  
and notes

Company financial statements  
and notes

Additional information

Forward-looking statements 
Certain statements contained in this annual report, including those under the 
captions entitled Executive Chairman’s statement, operational and financial review, 
directors’ report, corporate governance and remuneration report constitute 
‘forward-looking statements’, including, without limitation, those regarding the 
Company’s financial condition, business strategy, plans and objectives. These 
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking 
terminology, including the terms ‘believes’, ‘estimates’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, 
‘intends’, ‘may’, ‘will’ or ‘should’ or, in each case, their negative or other variations 
or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements involve known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, 
performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially 
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied 
by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based 
on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business 
strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. 
Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: the level  
of expenditure committed to development and deployment applications by 
organizations; the level of deployment-related revenue expected by the Company; 
the degree to which organizations adopt web-enabled services; the rate at which 
large organizations migrate applications from the mainframe environment; the 
continued use and necessity of the mainframe for business critical applications; the 
degree of competition faced by Micro Focus; growth in the information technology 
services market; general economic and business conditions, particularly in the 
United States; changes in technology and competition; and the Company’s ability  
to attract and retain qualified personnel. These forward-looking statements are 
made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them at 
the time of their approval of this annual report. Except as required by the Financial 
Conduct Authority, or by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation  
to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result  
of new information, future events or otherwise.

Design and production: 
Carnegie Orr +44 (0)20 7610 6140 
www.carnegieorr.co.uk

The paper used in this Report is  
derived from sustainable sources

Micro Focus International plc

The Lawn  
22-30 Old Bath Road 
Newbury  
Berkshire RG14 1QN  
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 565200  
Fax: +44 (0) 1635 33966  
www.microfocus.com
Registered No. 5134647

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